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

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

WHOA!!! Do I ever owe DFB Reader Lauren F. a HUGE thank you! Learn About: Aloha Isle Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants She informed us of some VERY good news… she JUST got a Pineapple and Vanilla Dole Whip SWIRL from Aloha Isle!!! You may recall when Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace switched locations in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland well over two years ago. But the locations weren’t the only thing that changed at the time: there was a change to the Aloha Isle menu, too. The option to swirl your Pineapple Dole Whip with Orange (or order Orange on its own) was removed from the menu. In fact, the only flavor on the menu at all was simply Pineapple. And even though Pineapple Dole Whip — often referred to as Pineapple Soft Serve — has been popping up in various locations around Disney World (like the latest beverages at All Star Resort bars, for instance), the only place you have been able to swirl flavors since the location change was the Polynesian’s Pineapple Lanai. Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai We happily confirmed Lauren’s findings with a visit to the Disney World’s website where Vanilla does, indeed, appear on the Aloha Isle menu! Disney World website screenshot Yes, the Vanilla is listed as its own item, but Lauren informed us she was able to swirl flavors . Hooray!! Now, if I am being 100% honest, my personal preference lies with the old Pineapple and Orange combo that used to exist here, and I would love to see it come back. Still, if you’ve never tried it since it’s been harder to find, the Vanilla really is a wonderful complement to the Pineapple, mellowing out all that acid a bit and offering a bit more flavor variety. So, I’m very much PRO this option, too! Thank you again, Lauren, for sharing the terrific news with us! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE17 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? So… are you ready to swirl your Dole Whip once more at Aloha Isle? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Dining Classic: Dole Whip Float at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle Rumor: Saying Goodbye to Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle? DFB Reader Snack Hack: Vanilla Dole Whip Float View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new “Star Wars” experience, steeped in “hyper reality,” will be opening at Disney Springs later this year. The new Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire was announced by Lucasfilm, ILMxLAB — which is the Immersive Entertainment division of Lucasfilm — and the VOID on Thursday. “Through the power of... View the full article

Disney Springs’ regular food and shopping additions have fans ignoring the real allure of the entertainment district: It’s prime pub-crawl territory. Think of the selection: moonshine from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, sake from Morimoto Asia, a pint from Raglan Road Irish Pub and mojitos at Bongos... View the full article

UPDATED: When “American Idol” starts its auditions on Aug. 17 in Orlando, the backdrop will be Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, ABC announced Thursday. “Idol” winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will accompany the “Idol” bus when it pulls into Disney Springs. Those winners... View the full article

When “American Idol” starts its auditions on Aug. 17 in Orlando, the backdrop will be Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, ABC announced Thursday. “Idol” winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will accompany the “Idol” bus when it pulls into Disney Springs. Those winners will... View the full article

The groundbreaking series, “American Idol,” will debut on its new home at ABC in 2018. And, there’s more exciting news! For the first time, the ‘Idol’ bus will kick off open auditions at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you think you could be the next “American Idol”, head over to Disney Springs on August 17 to audition with “American Idol” Producers. (Celebrity Judges will not be on site.) Early arrival is encouraged. And, for you early birds, parking will be available as early as 4 a.m. – but not before. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. with auditions starting at 8 a.m. Early arrival is encouraged, as registration will close at 12:00 p.m or sooner due to capacity. No overnight camping please. The auditions will take place outdoors, so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay in top shape for your audition. Parking will be available at the surface parking lot on the West Side of Disney Springs, near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-Registration is encouraged. To Pre-Register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com. Those auditioning can bring one guest to accompany them and the guest must be over 5 years old. If you can’t make it for the Bus Tour audition, visit the “American Idol” website to audition online. Join the conversation @AmericanIdol (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and use #TheNextIdol. The search is on for the next American Idol. Could it be you? View the full article

The summer fun continues and, along with it, the summer foods are still a favorite at Disney Parks. Guests are all about the watermelon cotton candy at Disney California Adventure park. You can find it at carts throughout the park. It’s seasonal, so be sure to get yours soon. You might say the watermelon cotton candy is, well, one in a melon. ☺ And, speaking of which — we’re keeping it light at Walt Disney World Resort with this guest favorite Delicious Disney recipe for Watermelon Rind Salad. This dish can be found at Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Q: Why do watermelons have fancy weddings? A: Because they cantaloupe. Ok, ok … I’m out! ☺ Watermelon Rind Salad Makes 6 cups INGREDIENTS 4 pounds watermelon 1 cup thinly sliced ginger 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup rice vinegar 1 cup grenadine 1 cup water DIRECTIONS: 1. Slice red fruit away from watermelon rind and skin. Scrub skin and scrape the white part of rind with a serrated spoon to remove most of red fruit. 2. Slice rind and skin into paper-thin strips with a mandoline. Set aside. 3. Stir together ginger, sugar, vinegar, grenadine, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10 minutes to let ginger infuse liquid. Remove from heat and slightly cool. 4. Stir in watermelon rind and marinate at least 1 hour. Refrigerate in an airtight container. To serve, drain the rind and remove ginger slices. View the full article

It’s August – and that means we’re now just weeks away from unveiling a record number of amazing food and wine Marketplaces (35) to celebrate 35 years of Epcot at the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever and we have an early peek at what’s to come with Epcot chef Gregg Hannon. As many of you know, the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is expanding for a longer-than-ever 75-day run (Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017). The event will be part of the park’s 35th anniversary day on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 and feature several new experiences. Here are a few favorites: New Acts for 2017 “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series will amp things up this year. There will be 11 new artists, including Jazz Legend Kenny G, and pop superstars like 10,000 Maniacs and Squeeze. Blog author Charles Stovall has the complete list here. New Marketplaces are coming to the Festival – and India and Spain marketplaces will return for an encore. Our global marketplaces will extend into Future World to offer brand-new taste sensations. Take a look at Pam Brandon’s story here. ABC’s “The Chew” is returning to tape five festival shows that will air Oct. 9-13. With Spaceship Earth as the backdrop, the Emmy Award-winning show hosts will again delight a live audience with on-stage cooking and stories of their Disney adventures plus segments from across Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s our earlier story with more details. Popular TV chefs and culinary icons will entertain at Festival Center demonstrations. Those same stars of the kitchen will create new dishes for premium events such as Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes. You can book premium events right now from the blog. “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops are also returning with fresh opportunities for guests to interact with visiting chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Check out our main page for details. As we get closer to opening day on August 31 – we’ll be sharing more details so keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for the latest. View the full article

Oh. My. Goodness! I have something that I have been absolutely ITCHING to share! And it’s something YOU can totally enjoy whether or not you are in Disneyland or Disney World. Because this amazing artwork by Donna Yan will help you celebrate many of YOUR favorite iconic Disney foods from your own home! Donna Yan’s prints are, in her words, “Cute Food Art Inspired by My Travels.” And while those travels primarily take her to Disneyland, Hawaii, and Japan, Disney World frequenters will find plenty to adore here, too. For instance, these too-cute-for-words Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars can be appreciated on both coasts! Donna Yan Artwork Same with the Dole Whip print . Donna Yan Artwork And the Mickey Krispy Treat and Hot Cocoa. Donna Yan Artwork And just STOP with the Mickey and Minnie Caramel Apples!!! Donna Yan Artwork Some pieces are specific to Disneyland, so Mickey-shaped Beignet and Mint Julep devotees may especially appreciate this one. Donna Yan Artwork Ditto the Bengal Barbecue Beef Skewer with Zulu Sauce and Scallion . It’s only the CUTEST SCALLION I’ve ever seen! Donna Yan Artwork Neverland Tea and Mickey’s Fun Wheel is a tribute to the Secret Drink Menu at Cove Bar. (And look… he’s PROPOSING!) Donna Yan Artwork It is really, really hard to pick a favorite, but let me just say that the Chowder Bread Bowl is DRESSED UP IN A HAUNTED MANSION CAST MEMBER COSTUME!!! (As is his accompanying beverage!) Donna Yan Artwork Weren’t we JUST TALKING about the famous Disneyland Pickles?!? Donna Yan Artwork And when am I not talking about the Matterhorn Macaroon? Donna Yan Artwork Let’s get back to some dual-coast treats, like the Mickey Pretzel, who comes complete with his own PLASTIC CHEESE SAUCE!!!! Donna Yan Artwork A Turkey Leg and Corn on the Cob go together like Chip and Dale over in Disneyland! Donna Yan Artwork I have no words for the First Order Burger and Fries print! Donna Yan Artwork Okay, there are SO many more prints than what I can show you here, but I can’t resist just a couple more. I’m going with the Fried Chicken at Plaza Inn… Donna Yan Artwork …. And Mickey’s Ice Cream Sandwiches, enjoying their own lollipops, cotton candy, Dole Whip, and Mickey Pretzel! (They clearly do Disney like I do Disney.) Donna Yan Artwork Like I said… there are SO many more. You can check out the full selection of prints — including other collections — here. And if you’d like to invite some of these food friends to come home with you, it’s easy! Click on your favorite image (good luck narrowing it down ), and select Full Details to see an enlarged image, or Purchase to find sizes with pricing. Donna Yan Artwork Screenshot Upon selecting your preferred size, you can also choose to Frame It, so you’re all set when your Cute Food Friends arrive with a ready-to-hang frame, with customizable matting should you choose. (Selecting Frame It will lead you to pricing options.) Customized Frame The best part? These sweeties really aren’t too pricey, so you can get as many as you want!! So… which one would YOU pick ? Is YOUR favorite Disney food featured in Donna Yan’s artwork? 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: New Merch: Iconic Disney Food T-Shirts Guest Review: Cross-Country Disney Day — Iconic Treats from Six Disney Parks in One Day Spotted: Super Fun T-Shirts Celebrating Disney Snacks View the full article

Summertime may be running out for most of us, but at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, summer is extended to December! If you’re wishing for a Hawaiian vacation, Aulani Resort might be just what you’re looking for. With so much included in your stay, like seven acres of water fun, world-class Disney entertainment, a supervised kids’ club for children ages 3-12 and so much more, you’ll never want to leave! Aulani Mahalo Season is the perfect time to book your visit to Aulani Resort! Book now and save up to 30 percent on stays of five or more consecutive nights and up to 25 percent on four consecutive-night stays. This special offer is available on select nights between August 20 and December 21, 2017 (excluding November 20–23, 2017). Available for booking now through October 24, 2017. Click here to book your Hawaiian vacation today and relish the splendor of an extended summer! Savings based on the non-discounted rate for the same room. The number of rooms allocated for this offer may be limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation. Excludes suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional charges may apply if more than two (2) adults per room. View the full article

A sweet way to end the day in Magic Kingdom Park just got sweeter, with new desserts and a second location for viewing the Magic Kingdom Park “Happily Ever After” fireworks spectacular. Based on your preference, you can choose from two viewing areas: Plaza Garden Viewing (if you want to better see the castle projections) and Tomorrowland Terrace (where there’s reserved seating). And those new desserts! Here’s a peek at the 10, all but two are new: A Villains Chocolate Cupcake inspired by Ursula with purple buttercream and chocolate crispy pearls. Pineapple Delight is a Dole Whip-inspired treat, light and fresh with whipped pineapple panna cotta with pineapple compote and a fresh pineapple spear. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – dark chocolate, of course, are back. Chocolate Marshmallow Tart salutes Frontierland with a reimagined s’more: a graham cracker tart with chocolate custard topped with marshmallow meringue and a chocolate bar. Macarons, a sweet nod to Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland in flavors such as pistachio, raspberry, lemon, chocolate, coffee and vanilla. The bold Cheesecake Brownie Bite is in honor of the heroes in “Happily Ever After,” with a brownie topped with chocolate chip cheesecake and whipped cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate and more chocolate chips. This one is a repeat and guest favorite. Strawberry Tart inspiration comes from Main Street, U.S.A., an all-American dessert with a vanilla tart shell filled with lemon curd and raspberry sauce. Add a little strawberry mousse, strawberry crisp pearls and a little whipped cream with a fresh berry. The “Happily Ever After” Cupcake is the signature dessert – red velvet cake with yellow buttercream icing. Perfect for Instagramming with a “Happily Ever After” chocolate garnish. Chocolate Almond Cake features raspberry sauce in the center and a fresh raspberry on top. And Mickey is the muse for the Oreo Mickey Treat, whipped Oreo panna cotta topped with two chocolate ears and sprinkled with chocolate pearls on top of an Oreo. For reservations, go to www.DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE. Cost is $59 for Plaza Garden viewing ($35 ages 3 to 9); Tomorrowland Terrace is $79, $47 ages 3 to 9. Both include tax but not gratuity. Separate Magic Kingdom Park admission is required. The fireworks experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice. View the full article

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We’ve sure been doing some talking about Epcot lately, what with the 2017 International Food and Wine Festival starting in less than a month (!!!) and some sneaky peeks happening over the past few weeks. Learn About: La Cava del Tequila Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants But lest we get lost in a sea of future Marketplace Booths, there is plenty happening in the here and now, too. And one of the places it’s ALWAYS happening is La Cava del Tequila inside the Mexico Pavilion of World Showcase. This cave full of liquor features one of my absolute favorites with the Avocado Margarita, which remains near the top of my Drinking Around the World list. It’s creamy, surprisingly refreshing, and fully satisfying on a hot day. But if you’re looking to stray outside the list of tried and true favorites, with over 70 types of tequila you can easily find something new-to-you! So let’s head on down to La Cava, inside the Mexico pyramid. And remember, you can queue up to grab your drinks To-Go; or you can wait for a table to open up at this cozy little spot. Entrance into La Cava del Tequila But if you do choose to sit a spell, you can’t beat the atmosphere. Low lighting, lots of stone and brick work, beautiful murals showcasing the tequila-making process, and carved chairs help this place feel right at home in the beautiful Pavilion while still having a vibe unique to anywhere else in Disney World. It’s a great little getaway. Seating in La Cava On my most recent visit, I veered outside my norm to try a few new drinks (though I couldn’t resist one of my favorite standby snacks in all of Epcot, which you’ll see soon). Listed right under the Avocado Margarita, you’ll also see a couple of Specialty Drinks on the menu. La Cava del Tequila Menu The Gin Agua Fresca is a beautiful drink. It’s comprised of Gin Gracias a Dios, Agua de Jamaica, Pamplemousse Liquor, Pomegranate Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, and Agave. The glass should be rimmed with Hibiscus Salt (I think they accidentally rimmed this one with tajin on our visit…which gave the drink a too-smokey flavor for me). Gin Agua Fresca The pomegranate liquor lends the drink its jewel-toned color, while the combination of strong liquors, pamplemousse, and fresh lime juice add some zing. Again, this was a little smokey for my tastes due to the tajin, but a hibiscus rim should be less so. Regardless, this is worth getting. It’s fun and unique. The Mexican Mule is a unique combination of flavors that adheres to the spirit of a classic Moscow Mule. Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, and Mole Bitters are mixed with Ancho Reyes Liqueur and Mezcal Zignum Reposado standing in for the traditional vodka. Mexican Mule The strength of the tequila definitely comes through here, but you still experience the spicy ginger beer as with a typical Mule. I also dove into a couple of new drinks not highlighted on the Specialty Drinks menu. La Cava del Tequila The Negroni is a sophisticated drink traditionally comprised of Gin, Vermouth, and Campari. But here at La Cava, their version combines Mezcal Zignum Reposado, Aperol, and Cynar (an artichoke liquor). Negroni It’s got a strong finish and a slightly bitter and smoky taste, making it a bit more adventurous than some of the other options. But it’s a twist on a classic, and if you’re a negroni fan you’ve gotta try it. I enjoyed it more than other negronis I’ve tried. The current Paloma is a reboot of the previous version, so I was interested to try the newest incarnation. It’s traditionally a combination of Tequila (naturally!) and Grapefruit. But of course La Cava steps it up, including Mezcal Ilegal Blanco, Combier Pamplemousse liquor, Fresh Lime, and Agave Nectar. Plus the Tajin half-rim! Updated Paloma This one is fruity and tart and we all absolutely loved it. It’s essentially a margarita, so if you’re a marg fan, this one’s for you. And, of course, here’s that snack I mentioned earlier. Among all the new drinks I tried, I just can’t grab a seat and not top the table with a bowl of my favorite Chips and Queso in the World! Queso and Chips While La Cava is clearly — and understandably — known for tequila, it’s not a visit for me without the warm, gooey, jalapeno-spiced cheesy heaven in a bowl. La Cava del Tequila will always be among our must-visit watering holes in Walt Disney World. And even though we’re jonesing to try Choza de Margarita (the Mexico Pavilion’s soon-to-open — we hope! — outdoor margarita bar), you’ll always find us stepping up and getting cozy inside La Cava. Do you have a favorite La Cava beverage? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Review: New Arrivals at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Review: Maelstrom and Tamarind Margaritas at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion View the full article