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We just wrapped Christmas in July, but did you know that you can celebrate the holidays any day of the year at Walt Disney World Resort? Well, you can! Especially when it comes to holiday shopping! We have several stores around the resort where you and your familia can find ornaments, stockings, décor and even clothing, all themed to the holidays. My favorite is It’s a Wonderful Shop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here you can find art, collectibles and all sorts of gifts with a festive theme and a hint of Old Hollywood glamour. If you are at Magic Kingdom Park, you must visit the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe right in Liberty Square, where you can ‘shoppe’ for your favorite Disney ornament. And over at Epcot, you can find unique hand-made crystal ornaments at Die Weihnachts Ecke at the Germany pavilion. Literally “the Christmas corner,” this store is a great place to learn about the famous ‘pickle’ ornament and other German Christmas traditions. One of the most popular holiday stores is Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs Marketplace. I remember having an ornament engraved there to commemorate my son’s first Christmas. What is your favorite Disney Christmas store? View the full article

Cruising With Dad: How I Had the Time of My Life on a Disney Cruise View the full article

Walk into any store this time of year, and you are likely to hear the sounds of excited kids going through racks of school supplies trying to find that perfect backpack, notebook or eraser. Yes, back-to-school season is once again upon us! Every child should be able to start the first day of school feeling confident they have the tools they need to succeed. But for many, basic school supplies are considered a luxury. To help make sure children in our local homeport community near Port Canaveral get off to a good start, Disney Cruise Line teamed up with the Brevard School Foundation Supply Zone for Teachers to participate in the 15th annual “Back to School Giveaway Event.” This week-long campaign provided more than 2,000 deserving children with new back-to-school essentials. “This event wouldn’t be possible without our community partners,” said Elizabeth Schreiber, Program Manager at the Supply Zone for Teachers. “We need volunteers who can help us pack these backpacks, pack the lunches and man the tables on the day of the event. And, thanks to Disney Cruise Line, we are able to accomplish this.” Over the course of two days, crew members from the Disney Dream and cast members from our Port Canaveral team volunteered their time to sort thousands of school supplies and prepare student lunches leading up to the Supply Zone for Teacher’s main event. Cindy Todisco, Disney Cruise Line Embarkation Coordinator shared that she regularly participates in Disney VoluntEARS activities, but this particular event was very personal to her since she has school-aged grandchildren. “For me, this is a way to give back for everything that my children received in school,” said Cindy. As children and families filed into the school gym to collect their supplies this past Saturday, crew members from the Disney Fantasy were on hand to staff a library section – a special new addition to the event this year. The crew members shared their own love for reading by helping the children select books that they could take home. This is just one of many ways Disney Cruise Line cast and crew members support the Supply Zone for Teachers. Disney VoluntEARS regularly assist the organization with operational needs, ensuring both teachers and students in Brevard County are set up for success, not just during the back to school season, but all year long. View the full article

Have you ever wanted to go backstage to see just how the magic is brought to life here at Walt Disney World Resort? On the Walt Disney World Resort Backstage Magic Tour, you can do just that, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind VIP look at the inner workings on an amazing 7-hour journey through The Most Magical Place on Earth. Here are my four favorite experiences you’ll enjoy on the Backstage Magic tour: 1. Step back in time as you peek behind the curtains at The American Adventure, where you’ll learn how engineering and artistry come together to create this truly historic show. 2. Unravel the secrets behind creating the dazzling costumes for Disney Characters, as well as show and parade performers, at Walt Disney World Resort’s own Creative Costuming department. 3. From the smallest details to the most ornate sets, get an up-close look at the unparalleled talent and craftsmanship at work in the Walt Disney World Central Shops. 4. Last, but definitely not least, you can navigate the legendary underground tunnels or “utilidors” used by Cast Members located beneath Magic Kingdom Park. Backstage Magic isn’t the only tour that gives you an inside look at popular Walt Disney World locales. Later this year, you can embark on the Gardens of the World Tour during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, or even learn how wintery fun comes to life in the theme parks on both the Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy and Holiday D-Lights tours. Which of these behind-the-scenes tours are you most excited to experience? View the full article

Over the weekend, Global Tiger Day (July 29) was celebrated worldwide with much care and attention toward some of the most popular big cats. Disney joined in on the festivities as we are involved in efforts to save critically endangered Sumatran tigers to ensure the species will survive for generations to come. With fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is working with partners such as the Wildlife Conservation Society on its Reverse the Decline initiative, which aims to increase the wild population of Sumatran tigers by 25 percent in the next decade. To date, DCF has provided nearly $2.5 million to protect tigers and their habitats. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can see two majestic Sumatran tigers in our care, Sohni and Malosi, along the Maharajah Jungle Trek. The pair have been actively breeding, and we are delighted to announce that Sohni is pregnant. We are expecting the first Sumatran tiger cubs to be born sometime in August. Sohni and her mate Malosi were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The SSP ensures responsible breeding of critically endangered species, such as Sumatran tigers, so they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come. We look forward to sharing more news in the near future about this exciting milestone for the park, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team and the conservation efforts surrounding this species. In the meantime, visit DisneyAnimals.com to learn more about tigers and how you can help support them in the wild. Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also can take part in Connect to Protect, a new mobile adventure that invites guests to participate in conservation ‘missions’ with a digital scientist while exploring Pandora and helping protect the habits of at-risk animals here on Earth, including Sumatran tigers. View the full article

Sabrina Carpenter turned 18 this year, but the Disney Channel star thinks adulthood is just a technicality. “I’ve felt like I was an adult when I was 10 years old,” said the Pennsylvania native. “I think, for me, it’s just a matter of continuing to work hard and pursue my dreams. It shouldn’t matter... View the full article

Each year, senior event manager Al Nassar and his team help coordinate more than 1,500 events across the Disneyland Resort and off property, as well – including D23 Expo, Mickey’s Halloween Party, Candlelight Processional and many more. Beginning with coordinating event logistics and ending with event day, Al is working up to 12 months in advance, on 10 events at a time. Learn more about Al’s role in this episode of “Every Role a Starring Role.” View the full article

For cooks and chefs looking for jobs, Disney is offering new incentives. The company recently increased its signing bonus from $500 to $1,000 or $1,500 for new full-time and part-time employees in the culinary department, according to Disney. “We offer them periodically and adjust incentives based... View the full article

Main Street Electrical Parade is nearing the end of its limited-time run at Disneyland park! Don’t miss your chance to experience this beloved parade in the place it began – Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park – now through August 20. Since its first performance at Disneyland park 45 years ago, Main Street Electrical Parade has become the iconic Disney Parks nighttime parade, even traveling across the country to delight guests at Walt Disney World Resort. Take a look through the years of the parade in the video below! See Main Street Electrical Parade once more at Disneyland park, now through August 20! View the full article

This past Father’s Day, parenting blogger Charlie Capen put a Disney cruise to the test. Charlie, his wife and their two boys set out on a five-night voyage from Florida to the Bahamas. With all of the cool stuff to do onboard the Disney Dream – plus two full days at our private island paradise, Castaway Cay – Charlie shares that this vacation wasn’t just for his sons. It was for him and his wife, too. Check out what he had to say in this video… Stay tuned to see how Charlie’s Disney cruise gave him the opportunity to be a superhero to his kids and treat his wife like a queen. View the full article

Heads up, Tables in Wonderland Members! Remember a couple weeks ago when it was announced that Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members would receive an increased discount at select Disney World restaurants? Well, that good news now extends to you, too! Tables in Wonderland members are now eligible for the same increased discount. Flying Fish If you visit any of the locations listed below during the dinner meal timeframe BEFORE 6:30 pm or AFTER 8:30 pm, you will receive a 30% discount as opposed to the original 20% now through September 30, 2017! Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko Boardwalk Inn Flying Fish Contemporary Resort The Wave… of American Flavors Grand Floridian Resort Citricos Old Key West Resort Olivia’s Cafe Port Orleans Resort — Riverside Boatwright’s Dining Hall Saratoga Springs Resort The Turf Club Bar & Grill Wilderness Lodge Artist Point Yacht Club Resort Captain’s Grille And remember, as always, the Tables in Wonderland discount (unlike the Annual Passholder discount) is good towards alcoholic beverages as well. Enjoy! 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: Disney World Annual Passholders Increased Dining Discount Through Sept. 30th News: Changes to Tables in Wonderland Dining Discount Program in Walt Disney World Tables in Wonderland Events: La Nouba Discount and The Wave Discovery Beer Dinner View the full article

Theme-park goers often appreciate the details that go into making an attraction feel complete or real. What many fans might not pick up on is how many of those details are anchored in fine arts. “We see a lot about the business of theme parks and the decisions that go into getting them built,”... View the full article

Mobile Order has arrived at Epcot! Learn About: Electric Umbrella Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Mobile Order is the still relatively new process that allows guests – via the My Disney Experience app – to pre-order and pre-pay for meals at select Counter Service locations around Disney World. This enables guests to bypass the ordering queue at their selected restaurant and go straight to pick up their food upon arrival! (You can learn about how the entire process works from start to finish here) Animal Kingdom was the first park to utilize Mobile Order, and it is currently offered in four locations: Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, and Satu’li Canteen. Next up was Magic Kingdom, where Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Pinocchio Village Haus, and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant now all offer Mobile Order. One location so far in Disney Springs offers the service: D-Luxe Burger. Mobile Order Pickup Sign at D-Luxe Burger And as of today, Epcot is now represented, too, as Future World’s Electric Umbrella is the latest location added for Mobile Order. Select Restaurant List (Partial) on Mobile Order With the sheer amount of Counter Service options located in Epcot in both Future World and all over World Showcase, we’re definitely curious to see which restaurants are selected to utilize the service. And, of course, Hollywood Studios can’t be too far behind in joining the lineup. If you are curious to learn more about Mobile Order, or view a list of all participating locations, be sure to head over to our Mobile Order page! Have you tried Mobile Order yet? If so, what did you think? 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: Mobile Order On the Way to Five Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurants How-To and Step by Step: Mobile Order Process Debuts at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora Review: New Macaroni and Cheese Burger at Epcot’s Electric Umbrella View the full article

Slinky Dog Dash Track Completed in Toy Story Land | Disney's Hollywood Studios View the full article

The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been a long-time favorite attraction for many Disney Parks guests over the years, which is why our team wanted to honor this attraction and the memories it has given so many before it closes permanently on August 13. Upon arrival at the attraction, our 200 guests were surprised with the news that they weren’t going to “ride” through The Great Movie Ride – instead, they would be walking through the attraction and enjoying a themed dessert party in the “Oz” scene. Their “walk” through The Great Movie Ride enabled our guests to view Audio-Animatronics figures up-close, take photos and video in their favorite scenes, and most importantly, make unforgettable memories. They also got to meet some new characters who brought some of the attraction’s scenes to life that night, and enjoyed some Hollywood-themed photo ops at the end. For a full look inside the event, be sure to check out the video above. For more photos, take a peek at our photo gallery on the Disney Parks Blog Facebook page. View the full article

How many times have you wished you could step into the magic of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast“? At Enchanted Tales with Belle at Magic Kingdom Park, you can go on a journey with some of your favorite characters from the movie! Begin your adventure into the “tale as old as time” by wandering through Maurice’s Cottage before being transported to Beast’s Castle through a special portal. There you’ll be invited by Madame Wardrobe to surprise Belle by playing a part in reenacting how she met the Beast. Don’t be weary of participating – you’ll get a little help and direction from Lumiere! Whether you play the role of a knight, the Beast or an enchanted object, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture every moment as you help retell this heartwarming tale with Belle before she heads off to meet Beast for dinner. Don’t forget to bring home your photos from this magical encounter – with Memory Maker, you’ll get digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos and videos for one price! View the full article

Today we have an exciting milestone to share with you straight from the Toy Story Land construction site at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The final piece of track was recently installed on Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster that will debut as one of the land’s two new attractions when Toy Story Land opens in summer 2018. Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering just shared this photo, which was snapped just as the final piece of red track was lowered into place. In Toy Story Land, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore the world of Andy’s backyard. Fitting with the theme, Slinky Dog Dash will appear to be a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit – as well as some of his other favorite toys. Check out the video above to hear what our Imagineers have to say about this milestone. And don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information on what to expect from Toy Story Land in summer 2018. View the full article

Hey, fans of ABC’s daytime cooking show, The Chew! NOW’s the time to join the Wait List for the chance to receive FREE TICKETS to watch The Chew film the show LIVE at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! The Food and Wine Festival kicks off on August 31st, and The Chew joins the scene starting October 4th. Five shows will be filmed in total, with two shows on Wednesday, October 4th, two on Thursday, October 5th, and one on Friday, October 6th. How To Join the Wait List In order to join the Wait List, start by visiting the Home Calendar for 1iota, the Free Tickets hosting site. The link provided will send you to the following view: 1iota Home Page Screenshot Next, either scroll through the Calendar dates until you arrive at your preferred date of October 4, 5, or 6 OR use the Choose a Location button to select shows filming in Orlando, FL. Epcot Taping Schedule Screenshot Finally, just hit that Orange Join Waitlist Button to begin the registration process! Selected Showtime screenshot You can register for up to 4 tickets for your preferred show date and time. Start of the Registration Process screenshot GOOD LUCK!! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! This 250+ page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Are you going to join the Wait List for tickets to see The Chew filming live at Epcot? 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: Win a Trip to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival from The Chew! Plus — How to Get Tickets to the Live Taping! News! Tickets Released for Live Tapings of The Chew at Epcot News! “The CHEW” Taping Schedule and New Booth for Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Ready to create a little culinary MAGIC? Learn About: Amorette's Patisserie Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Because THAT’S the goal for participants in the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie, the Disney owned-and-operated bakery in Disney Springs. From the get-go (it has been open for just over a year), Amorette’s Patisserie has been known for offering a feast for the eye as well as the palate, creating miniature works of art in the form of pastries, cookies, and cakes. Guests visiting Amorette’s have also spied Character Dome Cakes among the treats. These signature creations feature the associated colors and costume features of beloved characters like Goofy, Donald, Minnie, and Pluto. But perhaps none are as recognizable as the Main Mouse himself: Mickey! In fact, registered participants in the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie get to learn how to decorate a Mickey Mouse Dome Cake of their very own in a hands-on, small group setting limited to twelve guests. And we’d like to share with you our experience at the class today! Amorette’s Patisserie The Cake Decorating Experience The 90-minute class started bright and early at 9:00 am in the Amorette’s Patisserie show kitchen. (The store itself doesn’t typically open until 11:00 am or 12:00 noon each day, so the class takes place prior to opening.) Amorette’s Patisserie Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included with the class price, and we were asked to place our drink request upon entering, choosing from coffee (hot or cold brew), hot tea, a latte or cappuccino, orange juice, milk, a mimosa, or a bellini. Here’s my gorgeous Mimosa! Mimosa Next, we all made our way to the tables and chairs, set up in a semi circle to observe the instructors at the table in the front. Class setup Instructors Upon each table were name cards, gloves, a cake spinner, and painting brushes, along with some of the edible components we’d later be placing on the cakes. Table setup These included Mickey’s ears, buttons, and tail (made of chocolate and fondant). Decorating pieces We also had a few bites of the Signature Petite Cake to enjoy with a bit of Italian buttercream for dipping. Signature Petite Cake Sample Sample Cake and Buttercream Icing Freshly warmed washcloths completed the setup. Table setup After settling in, our Pastry Chef instructors – Misha and Mady – introduced themselves, and began by sharing some interesting information with us regarding the process of creating cakes at Amorette’s. Mady and Misha Did you know that creating a dome cake at Amorette’s is a THREE DAY process? Each cake is baked separately to make the layers very precise and intentional. Icing is applied to cakes while they’re still frozen, so the pastry chefs need to work very quickly. While the decorating process itself is intense, personal anecdotes from Misha and Mady put us at ease when it came to the thought of trying the cake decorating process for ourselves (there may have even been a few cake-dropping tales shared !) Mady and Misha Having learned that even these talented pastry chefs make a mistake now and then, I was a little less nervous and more comfortable as we began the Step By Step cake decorating process with our own hands under Misha and Mady’s instruction! Step by Step Process Step One We each received our own dome cake to decorate as additional Cast Members joined in to assist those of us in the class as well. Dome Cake Step Two We received the bright Red Mirror Glaze for Mickey’s base (made from gelatin, chocolate, and condensed milk). Red Mirror Glaze Our instructors showed us how to pour it over the cake to cover completely. Covered Cake After this step, the cakes were removed to be refrigerated. Step Three We painted Mickey’s two signature buttons in yellow. Yellow Bowl and Brush Buttons in Progress Step Four We then used the black coloring to paint Mickey’s familiar ears. Mickey’s ear pre-color These are placed on sticks for easy insertion into the cake. Painting Mickey’s ear Mickey’s Complete Ear Step Five Time to paint Mickey’s tail, likewise! Mickey’s Tail Step Six Buttons, ears, and tail are set aside to dry slightly. Drying Decorative Pieces Step Seven Our cakes were brought back to us for another layer of mirror glaze (they received three layers in total). More Red Mirror Glaze Another layer of glaze on cake The cakes then needed some more refrigeration time, so while we waited we were treated to some Hot Chocolate Ganache! Hot Chocolate Ganache Step Eight Our cakes came out once more, and we then transferred them VERY CAREFULLY to their paper platters. Transfer of the Cake And may I say… “WHEW!” Safely Transferred Cake Step Nine We then rolled fondant along the base using the roll and the cake spinner. Rolled Fondant Applying Fondant Roll Fondant Roll Applied Step Ten Time to insert those ears and Mickey’s tail! Almost Mickey Step Eleven And using a very tiny amount of water, we attached the two yellow buttons as well. MICKEY CAKE!!! (I’d like to insert an optional step, and that’s… BASK IN THE GLORY!!!) Step Twelve We were then individually invited to the instructor’s table to write our names (or any name we wanted) onto the back of the cakes with yellow icing. Ready for the Finishing Touch If this makes you a wee bit nervous, the Pastry Chefs are happy to write yours for you . DFB MICKEY MASTERPIECE Step Thirteen All of our cakes were set in display cases to dry completely, and the Pastry Chefs welcomed any questions during this time. Cakes Set To Dry Step Fourteen Upon drying, our cakes were packaged, bagged up, and we were all on our way with our very own creation! Packaged Mickey Cake… ready for Safe Transport! So, you do indeed get to have your cake AND EAT IT, TOO, as the saying goes! By the way, if you have plans to hit up the parks or more of Disney Springs right after the class, no worries. Amorette’s will hold your cake creation for pickup until later in the day. Before we wrap, here are a few more details! Class Information The price of the Cake Decorating Experience is $129 (plus tax). The cost covers up to 2 guests decorating one cake (again, class size is limited to twelve). As a point of reference, full size dome character cakes sell for $55.00. Currently, the class is available for booking on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings via the Disney World website through August 25th. However, the experience was already extended once beyond its initial Spring run, so there is reason to hope it may be offered again in the future. While transportation from the Resorts to Disney Springs typically does not start until later in the morning, it can be provided at 8:00 am for class participants staying in a Disney Resort to ensure guests will be in time for the 9:00 am start. Again, interested guests can book the experience online via the Disney World website. Overall At the current price tag, the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie is definitely a splurge for a special occasion (our class included a couple on their honeymoon as well as a mother decorating a cake for her daughter’s birthday, which was awesome). That said, it is certainly a memorable and unique experience. The kind attention and helpfulness from all of the Cast Members was above and beyond – they definitely made an effort to make sure each of us had a great time. And thanks to the small class size, things never felt rushed. Finally, walking away with my very own Amorette’s creation that I personally decorated gave this experience something unlike anything else at Disney World. I felt pretty darn proud of my beautiful cake, if I do say so myself! For any hopeful culinary masters on the rise, the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie can be a unique, fun, and tasty mini adventure within your Disney World vacation! Would you like to participate in the Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s? 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: Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience in Disney Springs Now Available For Booking News: Amorette’s to Host Cake Decorating Classes in Disney Springs Review: Fall Petit Cake and Mickey Pumpkin Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs View the full article

Since it first launched in 2016, Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” movement has inspired young dreamers around the world to realize their full potential. You can meet your favorite princesses at our Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and discover how their unique qualities helped them achieve their dreams, like Ariel’s courage to explore new worlds or Cinderella’s determination to never give up. Through these great stories, “Dream Big, Princess” continues to inspire girls everywhere to dream, create and celebrate who they are by giving them the role models we all know and love. For every girl who dreams big, there’s a princess to show her it’s possible. A princess is someone who befriends the lonely, never gives up and explores new and exciting worlds. She sets an example for all girls to have the courage to make their dreams real, the strength to protect our planet and the wisdom to believe in themselves and what they can accomplish if they dare to dream big. Follow along during the second year of “Dream Big, Princess” on Instagram and Facebook. View the full article

If you’re exploring Animal Kingdom’s Pandora – The World of AVATAR with a group, you might be very interested to hear about the Satu’li Sampler Platter at Satu’li Canteen! Learn About: Satu'li Canteen Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Satu’li Canteen is the Counter Service restaurant in Disney World’s newest land, and it’s already made a name for itself as a spot for innovation. How? Well, it was the first restaurant to offer the new Mobile Order process, which allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their meal, then bypass the ordering queue and pick up their order right away upon arrival. (You can learn more about Mobile Order here.) And now, Satu’li Canteen is earning a headline for innovation once more thanks to the offering of the shareable Satu’li Sampler Platter! The Satu’li Sampler Platter brings to mind the Secret Nachos Rio Grande Challenge at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, custom made to serve a crowd! Unlike the Nachos, though, the Satu’li Sampler Platter is no secret. It comes right up on the Satu’li Canteen menu, as you can see on the screenshot from the My Disney Experience app Mobile Order section below. Mobile Order screenshot You can see in the notes (if you look reeaaaalllyyy close ) that the Platter is only available AFTER 5:00 pm until close. It comes with the guests’ choice of four proteins, a sampling of each base and sauce, and four non-specialty beverages. If you’re choosing to utilize Mobile Order, you’ll see your protein choices listed for easy selection. Beef, Chicken, Fish, and Tofu are the options, just like with a regular solo entrée order of the Satu’li Customizable Bowls. Mobile Order screenshot Again, a sampling of each base and sauce is included. Bases are Quinoa & Vegetable Salad, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, Mixed Whole Grain & Rice, and Romaine and Kale Salad. Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowl with Romaine and Kale Salad and Onion Chimichurri Sauces include the Charred Onion Chimichurri, Black Bean Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb Dressing. Finally, select your four beverages, and you’re all set! Mobile Order screenshot While you don’t have to utilize Mobile Order to partake of the Sampler (it’s listed on the regular Disney World online menu, too), we do love the ease of using the new process, especially when you’re feeding a hungry group! Sign directing to Regular and Mobile Order So, let’s talk price and value. As you’ve seen, the Satu’li Sampler Platter is $74.99. Prices for the individual Customizable Satu’li Bowls range from $11.49 to $12.99 based on choice of protein. Prices for drinks vary as well, but let’s just stick with a $3.29 Fountain Beverage each for this example. These items would add up to just around $62.33, give or take based on drink and protein choices. So what that extra cash (around $12.66…. ish ) buys you seems to be the chance to mix and match bases and sauces; sampling and trying a bit of everything among your group as you see fit. Personally, I’d save the dough, but maybe your group is willing to shell out a bit extra for the chance to sample the different proteins with the different bases and sauces. What do you think? Would you be able to convince your group to try the Satu’li Sampler Platter? I’d love to hear what you think! A huge thanks to Jean A. for the heads up on the Satu’li Sampler Platter! What you think of the latest shareable group offering? 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: Full Menu for Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora News: Mobile Ordering and Menu Items Coming to Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen How-To and Step by Step: Mobile Order Process Debuts at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora View the full article

Disney World pulled the plug on Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Epcot’s traveling-theater science lesson. I went to say my goodbyes to the Future World attraction, which closes for good Aug. 13. There was ample time there for reflection: The ride moves at a glacial pace, providing enough time to make... View the full article

There’s a new dish at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar. The Satu’li Sampler Platter serves four and gives Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests an opportunity to sample all the variations of the Satu’li Create-Your-Own Bowl (48 possible combos). Platter comes with all four bases (Quinoa & Vegetable Salad, Rice & Grains, Red & Sweet Potato Hash, Kale & Romaine Salad and Crunchy Slaw with Bursting Boba Pearls). Guests may choose up to four proteins; Wood Fired Chopped Chicken, Spicy Fried Tofu, Sustainable Fish and Sliced Chargrilled Roast Beef. Guests also receive three sauces (Black Bean, Green Onion Vinaigrette, and Creamy Herb) and fountain drinks. You might say, there’s something for every member of the family to love. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Harambe Fruit Market has added corn-on-the-cob to the menu. The corn is flame-grilled on-site, butter-dipped (Ok, butter-dipped – what’s not to love?) and with curry flavor. There’s JUST not enough Mac & Cheese in this world — PERIOD! Hence, Mac & Cheese is the newest Kid’s Meal option at PizzeRizzo. I like to say, more of a good thing is a great thing! And, now we have more dates to announce for the Frozen-Ever-After Dessert Party at Epcot. The party starts at eight, so don’t be late. Newly added dates are: August 7 August 19 August 23 August 26 September 7 September 14 September 20 October 12 Click here to make your reservation. Oh, do tell… who doesn’t LOVE a secret? In this case, I’m referring to the Secret Supper Menu at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge available now. Secret menu items will also be offered at World Premiere Food Court at All Star Movies Resort after August 13. Be sure to ask about them, but shhhh! Don’t tell anyone. View the full article

This week we are finishing up our Christmas in July series with Disney Cruise Line. There is nothing quite so magical as celebrating the holiday season on the high seas. During November and December, Disney Cruise Line offers special Very Merrytime Cruises aboard all fours ships, with sailings from Florida, Texas and New York. These festive sailings are a favorite of Disney Parks Moms Panel Disney Cruise Line Specialist Nancy W. She can’t say enough about the holiday décor during this special time of the year. “I love how Disney Cruise Line decks out their ships from stem to stern with uniquely themed wreaths, garland and Christmas trees in the youth clubs, lounges and dining venues,” remarked Nancy W. “You could spend hours just checking out all the holiday decor on your Very Merrytime Cruise! There are so many beautiful backdrops for your photos especially if you plan on using one for your holiday card! And if you decide on taking your holiday photo onboard, make sure to bring something festive for you family to wear!” Guests can get involved in the decorating as well. One special family gets the chance to light up the beautiful 24-foot Christmas tree in the atrium during Mickey’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. You may also smell one of Nancy W.’s favorite holiday décor items as soon as you get onboard. The life-sized gingerbread house is completely made from edible ingredients, but no snacking! An interesting fact from Nancy W., the gingerbread house is created by chefs onboard in late November. It is truly a site to see … and smell! Guests will get a chance to get a gingerbread making lesson of their own. “As a family, we work together to create a gingerbread masterpiece at the Gingerbread House Making activity hosted by one of the onboard chefs! The chef takes you step-by-step through the process allowing you to customize your creation with colorful candies and delicious frosting!” says Nancy W. But there is so much more than gorgeous decorations during this festive cruise. According to Nancy, your favorite Disney characters also get in the holiday spirit. “The Characters also get into the spirit of the season with several adorable holiday outfits! I always love an opportunity to get a Character photo in unique clothing,” exclaimed Nancy. “And I highly recommend finishing your holiday shopping at the gift shops onboard. There are some exclusive holiday-themed items that will make great presents for your Disney loving friends and family.” “My crew loves the special holiday events on the Very Merrytime Cruises especially seeing how low we can go during the Candy Cane Limbo and how long we can hula throughout the Holiday Hula Hoop during the Deck the Deck Tropical Party” said Nancy W. She recommends getting a front row seat to the Winter Wonderland Ball, a festive show that takes place in the atrium. Families can also catch the Dicken’s Carolers singing festive tunes around the ship, listen to the storytellers tell tales of Holiday traditions from around the world or hear a festive tale from Mrs. Claus. Plus, don’t miss your chance to take your picture with Santa Claus himself! If your sailing takes you to Disneys Castaway Cay, you will enjoy the magic of the season there as well. Snow flurries will fall and be sure keep an eye out for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman. Nancy and her family enjoy capturing a photo with this duo and love taking a ride on the island’s tram that is decorate to resemble a reindeer … complete with antlers and a tail! For more tips or to ask questions about planning your holiday Disney vacation, whether on land or sea, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Walt Disney World has officially launched the first phase of its Minnie Vans transportation system that will carry visitors from one point on Disney property to another. The new service is a collaboration with Lyft ride-share service. Monday was its first official day of operation. For now, Minnie... View the full article