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Earlier this year, I shared news that our exchange partner, RCI, is waiving its traditional $95 transaction fee for new reservations in 2017. With the thousands of RCI exchange destinations across the globe ranging from the bright lights of New York City to the historic grandeur of Europe and beyond, members have even more reasons to expand their vacation horizons. Now comes word of a new RCI offer designed to help members expand, not only their horizons, but also the shelf life of their vacation points. The offer involves the increasingly popular option of depositing unused vacation points for future RCI use, a savvy practice that extends the life of those vacation points by an average of two years (as opposed to traditional “banking” for general use, which generally extends the life of vacation points by a single year). As part of membership Magic Ever After in 2017, RCI is adding an additional year to the shelf life of deposited vacation points, giving members an average of three years to use those points for a qualifying RCI exchange. Do note that taking advantage of this particular option requires a non-refundable $100 fee. Call Member Services to learn more about this RCI offer, and visit the World Collection section of disneyvacationclub.com (Plan Vacations tab, Points & Destinations) to learn more about available RCI resorts. View the full article

Disney Vacation Club Members, media and explorers from around the globe gathered yesterday to take part in a celebratory opening ceremony for the 14th Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This colorful event welcomed Walt Disney World Resort guests home to this rustically elegant new retreat, situated just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom Park. Watch highlights from the grand opening ceremony in this video. View the full article

“Star Wars” canon dictates that all episodic films in the Lucasfilm franchise must begin with four things. First the intro (“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”), then the “Star Wars” logo accompanied by John Williams’ bombastic score and finally the crawl. As if gliding through space... View the full article

Mission: SPACE at Epcot has been a must-do for guests since it opened in 2003, allowing space adventurers to become navigators, pilots, commanders or engineers on a thrilling trip to Mars. And as it was announced at the D23 Expo, in just a few weeks, guests will be able to enjoy new adventures at Mission: SPACE – an updated Orange Mission and a brand-new Green Mission. (Orange is the more intense training experience, while Green is less intense). The updated Orange Mission will make an even more visually stunning trip to Mars, while the all-new Green adventure will allow guests to blast off for an orbital adventure around planet Earth. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more insight into the changes and opening dates. View the full article

Last week, we told you that Disney MaxPass will launch tomorrow, July 19, at Disneyland Resort. Here’s a first look and a handy how-to guide for Disney MaxPass! Click here for more information on Disney MaxPass. View the full article

On July 19, guests will be able to get a taste of the most popular hot dogs from Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom Park. “The Triple Play” is a special offer for one day only, to celebrate National Hot Dog Day. Perfect for sharing, “The Triple Play” features 3 of Casey’s most popular all-beef hot dogs—Macaroni and Cheese, Buffalo Chicken and Chili-Cheese. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy National Hot Dog Day on the go, head to Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square to try one of the new Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs. An all-beef hot dog is dipped in house-made batter and fried to golden-brown perfection. If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned hot dog, not far from Sleepy Hollow, Liberty Square Market has a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog that’s sure to satisfy. How will you celebrate National Hot Dog Day? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

A few weeks ago, my fellow author Tom Smith shared a first look at retail MagicBands created for Pandora – The World of Avatar. These fun designs were a hit with guests visiting this exotic new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, I’m delighted to share a look at other new retail MagicBands guests will find this summer at Walt Disney World Resort. “We were thrilled by our guests’ response to the first retail MagicBands created for Pandora – The World of Avatar,” explained Erika Jarvis with the MagicBand team. “As a result, we have recently introduced two new designs including a teal MagicBand (pictured at top) that shows the Valley of Mo’ara at sunset. A second blue MagicBand has artwork by Dylan Cole, who is the Co-Production Designer for the upcoming ‘Avatar’ motion picture sequels. He really captured the bioluminescent world of Pandora at night. I love its decorative box with a cool textured matte finish as it makes this item stand out.” Both MagicBands have an edition size of 5,000 each, and are currently available in Windtraders on Pandora. Erika also shared with me other recently released MagicBands including an open edition blue one with adorable Disney Tsum Tsum artwork. An open edition teal MagicBand gives a nod to Disney’s “Hercules,” which was released in theaters 20 years ago this summer. “The thing I love the most about [retail MagicBands] is they are a fun way to add a splash of Disney to any outfit,” continued Erika when asked why she likes retail MagicBands. “With many designs available, guests can find their perfect match whether it be a favorite character, film, or Walt Disney World experience.” In late July, guests will find an open edition MagicBand with Donald Duck’s nephews – Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The nephews made their debut in the Donald Duck Sunday comic page on October 17, 1937, and first appeared on film in the “Donald’s Nephews” short released on April 15, 1938. Walt Disney’s “Bambi” celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer. In early August, guests will find an open edition yellow MagicBand commemorating the occasion. The classic animated feature debuted in theaters on August 13, 1942. With the innovation of MagicBand 2, guests can use these MagicBands and others to unlock the magic of a Disney vacation – from skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room, effortless theme-park entry, to FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association. Look for retail MagicBands in select locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Guests may also find select styles online or via the Shop Disney Parks app. View the full article

It’s the peak of summer here at Walt Disney World Resort and there’s nothing I love more than spending a Saturday cooling off at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Is this a must-do for you when you visit Walt Disney World Resort? Put your knowledge to the test below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-155418 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Blizzard Beach Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort How many lanes of racers are there at the Toboggan Racers slides? 6 8 10 How tall is Summit Plummet? 120 feet tall 150 feet tall 165 feet tall Whose home do you pass by on the Cross Country Creek? Olaf Goofy Ice Gator How long is the slide at Slush Gusher? 75 feet long 90 feet long 100 feet long You can find the Fahrenheit Drops, Frozen Pipe Springs and Cool Runners attractions in what area of Blizzard Beach Water Park? Thin Ice Training Course Tike's Peak Ski Patrol Training Camp Share your score: Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="155418" data-site-url="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. View the full article

It’s here! We are SO excited to share with you the DFB Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, 2017 Edition! We’ve been sending updated guides all week to our pre-order customers while Disney has been finalizing details for the festival. But all info is now finalized! With more than 250 pages of new information for 2017, we have everything organized to ensure that you have your absolute best Food and Wine Festival yet! And to celebrate our grand launch, we’re offering 20% off the cover price! Just use discount code CHEFS at the check-out to secure your savings! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book 2017 is a big year as the Epcot Food and Wine Festival runs 75 full days from August 31 through November 13! And The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know about this year’s events, from what’s NEW, to brand new details and a FULL Daily Schedule of Events. This book is uniquely organized to make sure you have the best Food and Wine Festival, ever! What’s In The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book? Full Booth Menus with over 100 full color food photos featuring what menu items you can expect at the World Showcase booths this year. A full Schedule of Events for every single day of the festival. Don’t mess with scrolling websites and making calendars – we’ve got everything organized so you know exactly what’s happening on each calendar day! It’s the most in-depth coverage of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival ANYWHERE. A full chapter on what’s NEW at the festival, including a full list of new menu items at the booths! Discount details and information Fully updated FAQ section Plans and strategies for Kids at the Festival​​​​​​​ And MORE! See Sample Pages from the Guide Here! As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with ​250+ pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as hundreds of photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. ​​​​​​​ This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan a rewarding Food & Wine Festival tour, or your money back! What are our customers saying about the Guide? Thank you always for having the best guide for this fabulous event! – Jean S. via email I don’t know how I’ve managed without these books before. – Suzanne S. via email Read more on our Testimonials Page! Bonus Items The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that surpass any other Food & Wine Festival coverage that’s out there. These include:​​​​​​​ A printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festival Themed World Showcase booth crawls, including “Fun Eats for the Kids”, the “Grown-Up Frozen Crawl”, and so many more! Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, and even one to celebrate the TV ShowThe Chew! Full food, wine, beer, winery, cocktail, and chef indexes, including dates and locations of where you can find your favorites Epcot Food and Wine Festival recipes Top tips on how to use MyMagic+ and the Disney Dining Plan at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival And more! Whether this is your first festival or your 22nd, you’ll appreciate knowing what you are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. And no matter what you want do — sample wine, explore the world’s beers, taste something you’ve never tried before, or find your next favorite dessert — The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the perfect resource for navigating the biggest Epcot Food and Wine Festival ever. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone, iPad, or other electronic device! Or on all of them! And we’re so excited to share it with you! So in celebration of the grand launch, we’re offering 20% off the purchase price. Order your copy now for only $11.96 (regularly $14.95)! To secure the discount, use code Chefs at the check-out. What are our customers saying about the guide? I’m reading the food and wine festival dfb guide! Great stuff! -Harrison D. via twitter This is our second purchase from you and it is money well spent! Thanks for what you do! -Mike L. via email Read more on our Testimonials Page! Want an Even Better Deal? We’ve got it! For an even bigger discount, head over to the DFB Store and check out our e-Book Bundles! Bundle for Savings! Food and Wine Bundle: Here’s your chance to enjoy even greater savings on two of our most popular guides! You already receive a significant discount on our 650-page 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition, and the DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival in this bundle. But to celebrate our grand launch, enjoy an additional $5 off with discount code FWBundle! This Food and Wine Bundle offers all of our insider tips and tricks for the Festival AND the rest of your Disney World visit! For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, head over to the DFB Store! With a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose, ever! As always, we thank you for your support of Disney Food Blog. We couldn’t do this without you! 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: Grand Launch and Discounts! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book Halfway Point Sale The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is HERE! View the full article

During our LIVE coverage of the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017, we shared several exciting updates from Epcot, including a peek at a new Space restaurant and two attractions coming to the park: a “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired attraction being added to Future World and a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction being planned for the France pavilion in World Showcase. Today, we have more on how we’re enhancing an existing experience at the park. Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald announced that we are creating a new film for the China pavilion at Epcot that’ll feature the splendor and majesty of that amazing country – and we’re doing it with some new technology. Taking a cue from Walt Disney, who pioneered many different storytelling and motion picture innovations, we’ve developed a next-generation digital camera system, much as we did for Soarin’. Our teams are going to be taking this immersive camera system on the road first to film a brand new seamless Circle-Vision show for the China pavilion. We’ll have much more to share on this new film in the future. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates from Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

Today we celebrated 62 years since the opening day of Disneyland with a special sing-along on Main Street, U.S.A. Disneyland Resort Ambassador Mikey Trujillo was joined by the Dapper Dans, the world-famous Disneyland Band and a cast of 62 Disney characters to lead our guests in a round of “Happy Birthday to You” in celebration of this happy place. Take a look! View the full article

Disney released a video showing a fly-through trip of its model for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the new "Star Wars"-themed lands opening at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2019. View the full article

Two years after Walt Disney World shuttered its racetrack, a new plan is coming together for a new Orlando Motorsports Park and driving experience in Osceola County. Miami racing instructor and businessman Andy Bardar is now seeking a noise variance for the attraction, which is planned on 217 vacant... View the full article

Two years after Walt Disney World shuttered its racetrack, a new plan is coming together for a new Orlando Motorsports Park and driving experience in Osceola County. Miami racing instructor and businessman Andrew Bardar is now seeking a noise variance for the attraction, which is planned on 217... View the full article

It’s been a whirlwind week as we learned so much about just what we can expect during the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We now have full Booths and Menus, all of the Special Events, and more! So today, we’re sharing with you a very first look at some of the fantastic dishes that you can expect this year as you Dine Around the World. It’s all part of our latest DFB Video! Flavors from Fire Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes It’s our favorite Disney Food Time of the Year, with so much great food and drink to look forward to enjoying. This year the festival booths expand to 35 in honor of Epcot’s 35 anniversary. Wait until you get a load of the Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue from the Flavors From Fire Booth, which debuts in 2017! And there are so many other fantastic eats (drinks too!) ready for us, come Festival Opening Day, August 31. Did you love this video? Then you have to take a few minutes to pop over to our DFB YouTube Channel channel, where there’s plenty more to enjoy! And have you subscribed yet? Click the button below, and you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! Now I can’t WAIT to hear what you think! What are you most looking forward to at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Sneak Peek and Recommendations for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! DFB Video: Best of the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Eats! New Video! The Best of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Now on the DFB YouTube Channel! View the full article

This fall and winter, guests at Disney California Adventure park will have the opportunity to celebrate family and the spirit of the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Starting with a new seasonal experience from Sept. 15 through Nov. 2, this immersive celebration will include special entertainment, featuring musicians and dancers, interactive activities — including a representation of Mexican folk art — and special décor and food inspired by this Mexican celebration of family. The celebration will feature the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated motion picture, “Coco,” with special themed experiences inspired by the film. Select elements of the celebration will move to “a bug’s land” beginning Sunday, Nov. 5, where they will be presented alongside a special sneak peek of the film, which will continue through the holiday season until Jan. 7, 2018. Join us and celebrate with your family at Disney California Adventure park! View the full article

Nothing gives me more joy that dropping from tall heights at fast speeds. It’s the reason I love Splash Mountain. Last week I convinced my daughter, Raven, to experience the thrill with me. She is now a newly transformed adrenaline addict like her mom. In celebration of this refreshing summer ride, artist Brittany Ungvarsky has recreated one of the hand drawn signs from inside the ride. Enjoy the wallpaper and the ride! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

The holiday season is a personal favorite of many of the moms, dads, and grandparents of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. There is so much extra magic in the air during the holidays at the Disney Parks so, over the next three weeks we are going to be celebrate Christmas in July here on Moms Panel Monday. We will look ahead to all the festive excitement happening during the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and even Disney Cruise Line. At Walt Disney World Resort, there are yuletide additions throughout the parks and resorts. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios a personal holiday favorite of Crystal B. is returning for its second year: Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! She recommends getting there early for an unobstructed view of Grumman’s Chinese Theater. “If you stand just slightly to the left side of the Center Stage area in front of the theater, you will be able to see the fireworks and the projection perfectly.” shares Crystal. Grabbing a bite to eat at Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Disney’s Hollywood & Vine before the show is a great way to get in the festive spirit as Minnie and friends don their holiday best to join you for a themed Character Dining experience. Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World at Epcot are must dos at Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays. Seats at Candlelight Processional are highly sought after, so Lindsey P. advises making reservations with the Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages to have a wonderful meal and reserved seating without the wait. Dinner packages are available for booking now, but be sure to check out the Celebrity Narrator lineup before you pick your date. Don’t miss out on the life-size gingerbread houses and festive décor around Walt Disney World Resort, like the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. Disney Springs is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping and take a family photo with Santa. But have you ever wanted a behind the scenes look at how Walt Disney World Resort creates all this Holiday Magic? The Enchanted Extras Collection gives you that chance! The 3-hour Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy tour lets you meet the “elves” of the Holiday Services team that bring your favorite holiday events, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, to life with over the top holiday décor. You will also get an inside look at the holiday traditions of the countries in Epcot World Showcase and top off the trip with a cider tasting. Want a longer option? The five-hour Disney’s Holiday D-lights tour start with a barbeque dinner and focuses on the festive delights at night. Korliss D. shares that you can even experience these holiday tours without a theme park ticket. It is such a special time of year at Walt Disney World Resort with all sorts of extra holiday magic, and you never know what new festive magic will be in store this year. Tune in next week as we look forward to the holidays at Disneyland Resort. For more tips or to ask questions about planning your holiday Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

“Fantasmic!” officially returns to Disneyland park tonight, continuing a 25-year tradition of this beloved nighttime spectacular! The treasured Disneyland park experience guests have loved for years – complete with its original fanfare and theme song – now features new mist screens that combines with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. Get a peek in the video below! Experience “Fantasmic!” again, now at Disneyland park! View the full article

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is growing with more frightful fun! This year, you can get into the spooky spirit at Disney California Adventure park, with all-new ghoulish delights at Cars Land and on Buena Vista Street. Cars Land will get all gussied up with four-wheeled frights as the citizens of Radiator Springs don their Halloween costumes and decorate their homes to celebrate Haul-O-Ween. From Fillmore’s Jack-Oil Lanterns and Flo’s Spider-Car to Witchy Miss Lizzie’s shop, everybody’s doing all they can to turn Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams! Guests will experience some of their favorite Cars Land attractions in new ways as Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters transforms into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. On Buena Vista Street, a spell will be cast with new Halloween decor all along this stylish thoroughfare inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oogie Boogie has risen from the shadows to take over Disney California Adventure park, and his oversized silhouette beckons guests through the main entrance as a swarm of bats encircle Carthay Circle Theatre. At Disneyland park, the famous Pumpkin Festival will greet guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A., on their way to the eerily magical Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy attractions. Also at Disneyland park, the popular Mickey’s Halloween Party returns! Tickets to the private Mickey’s Halloween Party, featuring special entertainment and trick-or-treating at locations throughout Disneyland park, go on sale July 17 for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card holders; and July 24 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Please click here for event dates and ticket prices. New this year for Mickey’s Halloween Party guests, Disney California Adventure park will be featured for the first time as part of the pre-party mix-in. Early arrivals will be able to visit both theme parks for three hours prior to the party launch in Disneyland park. Also new this year, admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party will include complimentary Disney PhotoPass. Mickey’s Halloween party features special entertainment, including Disney characters – Disney villains as well as Mickey Mouse and friends — and the Cadaver Dans ghostly quartet performing on the Rivers of America. An extra special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a Mickey’s Halloween Party tradition presented exclusively for party guests. Also exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” led by The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”). There is so much to see during this year’s expanded Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! What are you most excited to experience? Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Advanced purchase savings available only for select party nights and only until one day prior to applicable event date. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/ and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms found in https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the Mickey’s Halloween Party must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy/. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Oogie Boogie and Haunted Mansion Holiday are inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” View the full article

Magic All Around - Holiday Room Offer | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

A few weeks ago, I shared a sneak preview of two new Dooney & Bourke collections being released this month at Disney Parks. Today, I’m excited to share additional details about a release party being held on July 22 in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs. We will release two new collections, and guests can meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. that day. I spoke with Angelique Vu, Merchandise Product Developer for Accessories, about her favorite new design. “I love the Princess Tiana tote,” exclaimed Angelique. “This is the second release in our ‘Dream Big, Princess’ collection which followed the ‘Beauty and the Beast’-inspired collection from earlier this year. The new tote contains a beautiful engineered design meaning the Princess Tiana image will appear the same on all totes we release. Guests will also find a repeating pattern on the top and bottom of the tote, and a specially designed leather hangtag.” Artwork for the Princess Tiana handbags was created by Paola Gutierrez, Senior Graphic Designer with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group. In addition to the Tote, a Crossbody and Foldover Crossbody will also be available. Paola also designed three handbags – Shopper, Lettercarrier, and Wristlet – inspired by The Haunted Mansion attraction. These purple handbags include images of Madame Leota and other icons from this classic Disney attraction. The Madame Leota design will also appear on a limited release retail MagicBand. Presented in a specially designed box and containing the innovation of MagicBand 2, guests can use it to unlock the magic of a Disney vacation – from effortless theme-park entry, FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association, to skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room. These items, with the exception of the retail MagicBand, will be released at Disneyland Resort on July 22. Guests may also find Dooney & Bourke handbags in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks, on DisneyStore.com, or via the Shop Disney Parks app. View the full article

Today, we are excited to share details for the Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mix It! Make It! Celebrate It! Workshops that will take place during the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! See links to the individual Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminar, and Mix It! Make It! Celebrate It! Workshop Pages for all the details! With not a minute to lose as you make all of your plans (WHEW!!!), we now have details on the low-cost demos, seminars, and workshops that are one of the hallmarks of the Festival. I know you’re just as anxious as we are to see what’s new in 2017! (You can read our recent reviews of culinary demos here and here, a recent beverage seminar here, and a Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! workshop here!) Booking all of your favorites starts in just a few days — Thursday, July 20 for the general public, and Tuesday, July 18 for Annual Passholders, DVC Members, Golden Oak Residents, and Tables in Wonderland Members! Culinary demos and beverage seminars represent great value when it comes to Festival events. They’re also a great way to learn in a fun, festive setting. Click through to our Culinary and Beverage Seminars, Demonstrations, and Workshops page to see links to the Culinary and Beverage events. The cost for all seminars and demos is $17 this year, and the events feature a wide range of talent from the culinary world. (Annual Passholders, DVC members, Golden Oak Residents, and Tables in Wonderland Members are eligible for $2 discounts on seminars and demonstrations held Monday through Thursday.) Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands On Workshops will be $49. No discount is offered on the workshops at this time. Look for celebrity chefs as well as star talent from throughout the Walt Disney World company — and beyond. Representatives from wineries and other beverage companies also make learning about wine and spirits a hands-on experience with tastings and demonstrations. Shipyard Brewing Beer Flight During a Beverage Seminar There will be many familiar names in 2017, so check the details to find out when notable local chefs like Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon and James Petrakis of The Polite Pig as well as James Beard Award Winner Tony Mantuano take the stage! We’re excited to welcome back Maneet Chauhan and Keegan Gerhard as well! With demos and seminars taking place daily during the Festival, you’re bound to find options that tempt your palate! Maneet Chauhan is Back in 2017! As always, stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com, the DFB Newsletter, and our DFB Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page for all the details as soon as they happen! Booking and Discounts You can book all of the events on July 20, at 7:00AM ET by calling 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). You can also book Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. A Master Sommelier Discusses Pairings During a Culinary Demonstration Early Booking — Tables in Wonderland Members, Annual Passholders, DVC Members, and Golden Oak Residents can book ALL Special Events — including Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands On Workshops, on July 18, beginning at 9:00AM ET. Pre-sale reservations can be made by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Chase Disney Visa Cardholders are not eligible for early booking this year. Champagne Tasting at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Discounted pricing ($2 off per person per seminar) is available for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, DVC members, and Golden Oak Residents. The discount applies only to culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars taking place Monday-Thursday throughout the Festival. Don’t forget to check out our other 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Coverage; we have it ALL right here! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2017 edition today. Don’t miss a moment of the fun! 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! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all Special Events early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders will not have early access to booking. Which culinary demos and beverage seminars are you most looking forward to booking? Share with us in 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: 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details View the full article

Disney Cruise Line announced at the D23 Expo that its fleet would grow to seven ships by 2023. While the line had previously announced two new ships were coming, the news is a third is now on order with Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Also of note, the new order will move up the timetable... View the full article

They said a mouthful. The hefty announcement about new attractions and features coming to Walt Disney World was a talker over the weekend, and that leads us to this list of pros and cons as we look to the future. We’ll give the bad news first. • It’s curtains for the Great Movie Ride. The last... View the full article