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This is National Pollinator Week, a time to celebrate the animals that quietly and consistently contribute to our ecosystem. Without them, we would have far fewer of our favorite foods to enjoy, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, coffee and even chocolate. As pollinators visit flowers to drink nectar, pollen grains stick to their bodies and feet and are transferred to other flowers. When the flowers belong to the same species, the egg cells of the second flower are fertilized, and the flower can now make seeds and reproduce! That’s incredibly important, because nine out of 10 flowering plants on earth rely on pollinators to help them reproduce, and almost a third of all human food relies on the work of these tireless animals. Bees and butterflies typically take the spotlight as top pollinators. They are critically important pollinators as they travel from flower to flower, but they are not the only insect pollinators. Beetles and flies are important pollinators in some habitats. Hummingbirds are common pollinators in North and South America. These and other birds, such as lorikeets in the parrot family, have adaptations that help them feed from flowers. For example, the long beaks of some hummingbirds allow them to drink nectar from long, tubular flowers. While visiting these flowers, pollen is transferred to their heads, and then spread to other flowers. Fruit bats, such as the Malayan flying foxes you can see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, are one of the few pollinators of canopy trees in their ecosystems. These tall flowering trees would suffer devastating decreases in reproduction if bats didn’t help spread pollen as they search for nectar. Cotton-top tamarins may also be important pollinators. In Colombia, as they enjoy the nectar of the orange flame vine, tamarins may help spread the red pollen to other flowers. Many of our Guests saw pollinators in an up-close and personal way when they visited the recent Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Guests who stopped by the Pollinator Paradise Garden helped us collect data as citizen scientists by making observations about plant-pollinator interactions. Participants observed nearly 1,500 butterflies and just as many other visitors, including honey bees, bumble bees, lady bugs, hummingbirds and more. View the full article

Today is the first day of summer and to celebrate, we want you to help us pick the next Disney character to feature in an upcoming Disney Doodle. Here are your choices: Vote To Pick The Character For Our Next Disney Doodle You have until the end of the day today to cast your vote. Check back next week to see the finished product. View the full article

Thank goooooooodness for Disney food friends! Sabrina (@everythingdisney.55) stopped into the Disneyland Hotel’s The Coffee House for some truly funk-i-fied doughnuts. And she shared her find with us! The Coffee House is a cool spot — and not just because they serve up Dole Whip Floats!! But they don’t keep long hours here, so do check the times so you don’t miss out! Disneyland Hotel Coffee House Inside you’ll find the Floats, of course, but also a great little case of desserts and treats. Most of the options are pretty straightforward: bagels, muffins, coffee cake. The Coffee House But we weren’t after straightforward. In fact, Sabrina was after the bold and exciting: specialty donuts! Yes, pls. (In case you miss the sweets here, you can grab some Summer of Heroes doughnuts over in Hollywoodland! Or those crazy decorated donuts in Disneyland by the castle! Or the Matterhorn Macaroon Donut! OK, I’ll stop. But, like, donuts are all the rage in Disneyland at the moment!) And these are loaded with food personality! Just look at their delicious outfits! Umbrellas! Chocolate shards! Crumbles! Specialy Doughnuts at The Coffee House We know, we know: you must know more. Lucky for us all, Sabrina did the dirty work and tried all three! What a pal! The Pineapple Coconut Delight donut is a definite must for lovers of tropical flavor combos. It’s a standard yeast doughnut covered with Green Tea Frosting, Chocolate Drizzle, Coconut, a dollop of Cream, and Pineapple skewered by a cocktail umbrella! Pineapple Coconut Delight Donut There’s a lot going on outside, but we all know that beauty comes from within. That’s where you’ll find a tasty sweet/tart Pineapple Filling. Sabrina say this makes the doughnut! It’s not just a pineapple jelly — it’s got bits of pineapple in it, giving it some texture and explosive flavor. Pineapple Coconut Delight Doughnut If you prefer some strawberry with your doughnut, the Royal Strawberry is for you! Bright Strawberry-Red Frosting is covered with Chocolate Swirls, Sweet-Salty Cookie Crumble, a dollop of Chantilly Cream, a fresh Strawberry, and a shard of Dark Chocolate. Royal Strawberry Donut Yeah, it’s busy. But inside you’ll discover Bavarian Chocolate Filling — and it’s crazy good! The only complaint: there’s not enough filling! Doughnut fillers, c’mon. But what’s there is tasty. We just want more. Royal Strawberry Interior The third gourmet doughnut option at The Coffee House is the Blueberry Candy doughnut. The Blueberry Frosting has actual blueberries in it, which is so cool. The rest of the toppings include a White Chocolate Drizzle, some Candied Caramel Almonds, Chantilly Cream, Fresh Blueberries, and a Shard of White Chocolate. Blueberry Candy Doughnut The caramelized almonds were awesome — such a great texture on top of the soft donut. It’s plump with Blueberry Filling, so yum! We lurve that deep blue color. Blueberry Candy Doughnut Interior At $5.49, these are a bit pricey, but they’re delicious and fun, and #doughnuts. (Or is it #donuts?) But Sabrina found these beauties are selling out quickly, with limited availability on subsequent visits. So be forewarned: you might wanna rope drop The Coffee House. What’s your favorite resort treat? 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: News and Review: New Matterhorn Macaroon Donut at Disneyland! News: Funky New Donuts in Disney California Adventure for Summer of Heroes Donuts Have Arrived in Disneyland! View the full article

I’m so excited that the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for August 31-November 13, when we celebrate 75 incredible days of food, wine, and more! The festival begins earlier than ever before this year, so we’re busy preparing and planning to make the most of our time there. And I suggest you do the same! While taking in Low Cost Seminars and Demonstrations or splurging on a Special Event or two is super fun, my favorite festival pastime is still strolling along the World Showcase Promenade and taking in both new and familiar eats and drinks at the festival Marketplace Booths. 2015 France Marketplace Booth While we await news of just exactly what that means, and to see what if any new booths are announced, today we’re sharing the five booths you absolutely cannot miss at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year! Note — Disney has not released their list of booths, yet, so all of these are subject to change. But we’re pretty sure these will be five of the most popular this year! So, What’s New? There’s always something fun and new to look forward to each year. And this year will be no exception. Disney promises 35 booths to celebrate 35 years of Epcot awesomeness. So far, we’re getting a look at two newly returning booths that promise to offer some delicious and exotic fare. Spain Spain, last seen on the World Showcase Promenade in 2010, returns to the festival this year. Since Spain has a rich culture of beautifully prepared regional foods, we look forward to seeing this menu! So far, we’ve confirmed a new Spain menu item, Charcuterie in a Cone. What a cool way to have your snack and stroll with it too. I’m pretty sure this plus a glass of Spanish wine will be very nice on a festival evening. Charcuterie in a Cone from Spain ©Disney In addition, there’s a very real chance that we’ll see variations on dishes that have been featured here before. Look for possibilities such as Seared Albacore Tuna with Romesco Sauce, Snapper Escabeche, Spanish Almond Cake, or Crema Catalana, along with some interesting Spanish wines and beer. Almond Cake from the 2010 Spain Booth And maybe even a Cider from the Basque region? Because that would be totally awesome. India In 2017, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will also welcome back the India booth! We last saw this fan favorite in 2009. Exotic flavors and spices are the name of the game here. We are already anticipating two new dishes, Korma Chicken and Pistachio Cardamom Cake with Coconut Chocolate Mousse. Korma Chicken, India Booth ©Disney Pistachio Cardamom Cake with Coconut Chocolate Mousse at the India Booth © Disney Other menu items that may reappear include Mango Lassi, Sambals, and sweets that incorporate Rose Syrup, like Gulab Jamun. And I’m crossing my fingers that Vegetable Samosas will pop up somewhere. Vegetable Samosas with Mango Chutney Are So. Yum. Whatever they feature, we can’t wait to try everything! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! And if you pre-order the 2017 edition, you get the 2016 edition (with TONS of great info!) for FREE!!! 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 and we’ll immediately send you the 2016 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! 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! But What About the Classics? We have some suggestions there, toooo! (Of course we do.) Here are some of the booths that deliver delicious flavors consistently, year after year. Canada O, Canada! How we love you. And your Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. Seriously. No Epcot Food and Wine Festival would be complete without at least one helping of that soup. And last year, they threw in a Pretzel Bread Stick (!!!!) for good measure. No joke. People make advance dining reservations at Le Cellier Steakhouse just for that soup and those breadsticks. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with Pretzel Roll But wait! There’s more!! Because you must also try the festival’s long reigning best-selling dish (and one of my favorite things anywhere, ever), the “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce. Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce Wash it down with your choice of Canadian beers or even an Ice Wine. My last piece of advice for Canada? Save room for seconds. You’ll thank me. France Next up, we have another booth that’s been around since the very beginning: France. While you may think you can get away with skipping this one because you’ve been there before, I urge you not to. France always serves up tasty options. And normally, at least one of its dishes involves still-kinda-exotic Escargot. The dish has gone through a few iterations in the last few years. Most recently, it’s been a Croissant aux Escargots — a super flaky croissant folded with escargots, parsley, butter, and garlic. Croissant aux Escargots with Garlic and Parsley With a glass of white wine, a Kronenbourg Blanc, or a St Germain Sparkling Kir, there’s simply nothing better. Unless you wanna talk about that rich Boeuf Bourguignon, a Cabernet Sauvignon-braised short rib with mashed potatoes. We’re hoping this returns this year, but even if it doesn’t, rest assured there will be a delicious meat dish to enjoy. Boeuf Bourguignon Do save room for dessert, however. There’s usually some variety of Crème Brûlée here — last year it was Caramel and Chocolate — and they always do it right. What can I say? They are French. Crème Brûlée Caramel Chocolat — Caramel and Chocolate Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar OH — and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention France’s Grown Up Slushes. There’s usually a special one at the festival, and most recently, it’s been the La Passion, a mixture of Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, and cranberry and passion fruit juice. La Passion Martini Slush Finally, we didn’t see a pop at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival this year, but we hope they bring this wonderful grown up treat back this fall. The Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop made strawberry puree with French Caribbean Rhum Clément was incredibly good and refreshing. Frozen Daiquiri Ice Pop from France Booth Besides, it’s just plain pretty. Can’t wait to see what the France booth has for us this year! Hops and Barley At Hops & Barley, the focus is on American beer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the eats here, too. Last year, not one, but two Hops & Barley dishes made our Best of the Fest list. The Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese Served on Griddled Garlic Toast was incredible. PLEASE BRING THIS BACK, DISNEY! Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast Not on our list, but admittedly intriguing, was the New England Lobster Roll. While it’s not the biggest portion you’ll indulge in during your festival graze, it’s still pretty tasty. New England Lobster Roll But if it’s around for 2017, go for the Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing. I love carrot cake anyway, but this version is served warm with warm cream cheese icing and it is So. Good. (If you can’t wait to try it, make it at home with this handy recipe.) Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing You guys. It’s so good. Now, remember, all things are subject to change. But we’re pretty sure these will be five of the booths to watch this year at the Food and Wine Fest! Looking for all the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details? We’ve got ‘em!! 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 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2016 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 TBD. Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! 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 may be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos TBD. 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 can book select special events, demos, and seminars on TBD as well. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date. 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: 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tip: How Many Days Should I Budget For the Festival? 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: NEW Booths, Special Events, and More! 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Marketplace Booths and Menus View the full article

There's been a disturbance in the force and the young Han Solo film is suddenly without a director. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said Tuesday that the Star Wars spinoff is parting ways with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller due to different creative visions on the film. Kennedy... View the full article

This week kicks off the first summer season of Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruises. From making macaroons in France to discovering the regional wines in a medieval cellar, this trip is truly a foodie’s paradise. Check out this video, which showcases some of the local flavors you can experience on these sailings. It’s bound to leave you craving the culinary masterpieces of Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands! Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, as this is just the first in a series of videos highlighting the unforgettable experiences found on an Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise. View the full article

The Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World have reached an agreement to have the Disney logo appear on Magic players’ game jerseys. As part of the NBA’s pilot program testing ads on jerseys, the Disney name will appear on a rectangular patch on the front upper-left area of Magic jerseys beginning... View the full article

The Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World have reached an agreement to have the Disney logo appear on Magic players’ game jerseys. As part of the NBA’s pilot program testing ads on jerseys, the Disney name will appear on a rectangular patch on the front left of Magic jerseys beginning with the 2017-18... View the full article

We’re gonna go waaaay back today… all the way to 2013 . Learn About: Sleepy Hollow Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants That’s the year that Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs arrived — at long last — in Disney World, thanks to the Fantasy Fare Disney Food Truck. Of course, Disneylanders have a long history with Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs. The Little Red Wagon and Stage Door Cafe in Disneyland Park and Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure long ago elevated the standard theme park/carnival/state fair corn dog to a work of art. An extra-thick layer of corn batter surrounds the hot dog, while the hand-dipped treatment lends a heartier, tastier, more satisfying crunch to the deep-fried golden batter. Even with that description, it’s still hard to imagine how much this process improves upon your basic corn dog without trying one for yourself. Disneyland Hand-Dipped Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon And now, there is one more spot in Disney World where you can do exactly that. Better yet, it’s in a PARK this time! Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom is now serving Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs!! Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Our long-time pal, Laura G. (@buyul on Instagram), sent us some pics of the menu… Menu at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Though it’s listed at $8.49 with House-made Chips, Laura let us know that you can request your Dog without chips for the price of $5.99. Close-up of Hand-dipped Corn Dogs on the menu And, you know, while she was there… Hand-Dipped Corn Dog and Chips (and a Baked Potato!) from Sleepy Hollow So there ya go! Just in time for the summer crowds, one of Disneyland’s most coveted snacks is now available in TWO places in Disney World. And since hours — and even location — of the Disney Food Trucks do tend to vary, it’s nice to know that you’ve got a definite, non-mobile spot where you’re guaranteed to find it. Hand-dipped Corn Dog from Fantasy Fare And, really, can you beat Magic Kingdom as a spot to enjoy a quintessential Disney snack? I think not . So, stake your place in line at Sleepy Hollow early, folks… because with the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, the Fresh Fruit and Nutella Waffle Sandwich, Baked Potatoes, and NOW, the Hand-Dipped Corn Dog, you can be pretty darn sure there’s going to be one! 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? Will YOU be heading to Sleepy Hollow for a Hand-Dipped Corn Dog? 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: Review: Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs at Disneyland’s Little Red Wagon News: Baked Potato Now at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Review: Sausage and Cheddar-Stuffed Pretzel at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments View the full article

Disney Making Even More ‘Magic’ | Orlando Magic & Walt Disney World View the full article

Donald Duck and Goofy aren’t the only silly residents of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park. Let’s take a look around at some of the funny faces you’ll find in the neighborhood! What is your favorite funny face in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Over the years, the relationship between Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando Magic basketball team has been, well, magical. Now it’s about to get even more magical as we expand our relationship as the team’s uniform sponsor. As part of the NBA’s three-year trial period in which the league welcomes uniform sponsorship partners, Disney will have its logo on the Magic players’ jerseys for all games starting next season. Disney became one of the team’s Champion of the Community partners in 2010, and this expanded partnership is another way we are working with the Magic to solidify Central Florida’s presence as a global sports destination. And it’s just cool. Disney is also adding a special seating and hospitality area at the Amway Center for annual passholder upgrades during select Orlando Magic games. As part of our expanded partnership, Magic fans can purchase or renew their Walt Disney World Annual Passes at the Amway Center, including the Orlando Magic Team Shop. And doing it there comes with some perks. Throughout the multi-year agreement, fans who renew or purchase their annual pass at the Amway Center will receive one of the new Orlando Magic jerseys with the Disney logo. When you think about it, this agreement really is a slam-dunk. But don’t take my word for it. Check out this video of Mickey Mouse and Magic star Aaron Gordon playing ball. Now this is “Pure Magic.” View the full article

The Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World have reached an agreement to have the Disney logo appear on Magic players’ game jerseys. As part of the NBA’s pilot program testing ads on jerseys, the Disney name will appear in an approximately 2½-inch-by-2½-inch space on the front left of Magic jerseys... View the full article

The Orlando Magic and Walt Disney World have reached an agreement to have the Disney logo appear on Magic players’ game jerseys. As part of the NBA’s pilot program testing ads on jerseys, the Disney name will appear in a 2½-inch-by-2½-inch space on the front left of Magic jerseys beginning with... View the full article

Pastry Chef Stefan Riemer and Pastry Chef Olivier Saintemarie are among Dessert Professional Magazine’s “Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America.” Both chefs were invited to showcase their exquisite desserts at an event honoring winners on June 5 in New York City. Riemer, executive pastry chef on the Culinary Development team for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, was classically trained in Europe and joined the Disney Culinary team in 1999 after traveling the world as a certified master pastry chef. In his current role he develops and implements pastry menus and new pastry brands such as Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery at Disney Springs. He is the recipient of the prestigious Walt Disney Legacy Award, recognition for outstanding achievement, selected by leaders and peers. “I am so honored to be recognized, but a chef is nothing without a great team and the influence of the people surrounding him,” said Riemer. Saintemarie is executive pastry chef for Chefs de France restaurant in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Also classically trained in Europe after a year in the French Navy, he relocated from Paris to London, then joined Disney Cruise Line in 1999 where he was executive pastry chef. He moved to the French pavilion at Epcot in 2014 to open the new bakery and production kitchen, where he oversees bread and pastry production for Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, Les Chefs de France, Monsieur Paul and L’Artisan des Glaces. “Stefan and I met when we both joined the Disney company in 1999, and it was such an honor to be there together in New York receiving the award, in the company of such notable chefs,” said Saintemarie. This is the 24th year the Dessert Professional magazine has honored pastry chefs based on talent, creativity, contributions to the industry and dedication to creating high-quality confections. View the full article

Pandora – The World of Avatar just opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. How well do you know our newest land? Put your knowledge to the test below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187041 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Quiz: How Well Do You Know Pandora – The World of Avatar? Where in the universe is Pandora - The World of Avatar is located? The Milky Way galaxy The Orion Spur The Alpha-Centauri solar system Which Pandoran plant is nicknamed “the love flower”? Helicoradian Hexapede Panopyra Dapophet Which of the following is a bioluminescent plant found on Pandora - The World of Avatar? Dapophet Spiny Whip Vein Pod All of the above Who may you encounter in the bioluminescent rainforest on Na’vi River Journey? The Na’vi Shaman of Songs Banshees Marshall Lamm Members of Alpha Centauri Expeditions Which of the following is not a location within Pandora - The World of Avatar? The Floating Mountains The Kaspavan River The Valley of Mo’ara Dapophet Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="187041" 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

BIG NEWS TODAY! Booking is now open for 2018 Disney World vacation packages…but this year specialty beverages — including alcoholic drinks for guests 21-and-over and milkshakes and other options for guests of any age — are available with the 2018 Disney Dining Plans. You may already be well aware that booking a Disney World Vacation Package (also called the Magic Your Way package) means you’re eligible to add the Disney Dining Plan to your vacation. But with Disney Dining Plan pricing changes, alcohol being added to the plans, and more, we’ve got a lot to chat about today. But first, an overview… Just click any of the links below for full details for the 2018 Plans (and keep an eye on the pages for pricing updates, too!) 2018 Disney Dining Plans NOTE: Prices are currently being calculated so that we can share the latest increases with you and do our analysis on whether or not the Dining Plan is a good bet with the new beverage options included. Stay tuned to this post for details and additional information throughout the day! Quick Service Dining Plan Entitlements for the 2018 Quick Service Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay: Two Quick Service Meals (includes one entree and a beverage) NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) with their meal entitlement. Two Snacks One Refillable Resort Mug Brown Derby Lounge Margarita Flight Standard Dining Plan Entitlements for the 2018 Standard Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay: One Table Service Meal (includes one entree, one beverage, and one dessert OR one full buffet) One Quick Service Meal (includes one entree and one beverage) NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement. Two Snacks One Refillable Resort Mug Rose and Crown Cider and Black Deluxe Dining Plan Entitlements for the 2018 Deluxe Dining Plan include the following for each guest (ages 3 and over) per night of your package stay: Three Meals (redeemable interchangeably at Quick Service or Table Service locations) NEW FOR 2018: Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage with their Quick Service and Table Service meal (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement. Two Snacks One Refillable Resort Mug Be Our Guest Restaurant You can learn all about the Disney Dining Plan here. Changes to the Plan for 2018 Well, well, well… the rumors are true! In case you didn’t notice above ;-D, guests selecting a 2018 Disney Dining Plan may now order one specialty beverage per meal. Guests 21-and-over may order one specialty alcoholic beverage or specialty non-alcoholic beverage and guests of any age may order one specialty non-alcoholic beverage. This applies to meals at both Quick Service and Table Service locations. Specialty non-alcoholic beverages may include: Artisanal Milkshakes Fresh Smoothies Premium Hot Chocolate Soda, Coffee, or tea Red Velvet Peppermint Shake at Hollywood Studios Specialty alcoholic beverages may include: Beer or Cider Wine or Sangria Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails Raspy Old Fashioned at Raglan Road in Disney Springs As always, information is subject to change. We will keep our Disney Dining Plan Page updated accordingly. Don’t Miss Out — Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck at Disney! The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition E-book — and use code SAVE2017 for a 20% discount for a limited time! Use code SAVE2017 at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Are you planning a 2018 Disney World vacation? Please tell us all about it with a comment! Many thanks to Sue at Small World Vacations for the heads up! 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: Rumor: Will Alcoholic Beverages Be Included on the 2018 Disney Dining Plan? News: 2017 Disney Dining Plan Changes and Updates 2016 Disney Dining Plan Changes and Updates View the full article

Today, we’re in search of a few supporting actor dishes at ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn About: ABC Commissary Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney World Restaurants This spot is pretty easy to overlook if you’re just wandering through DHS. It’s located along a walkway that appears to house buildings for the studio backlot. In other words, it looks like a bunch of offices and a cafeteria. Except it’s not. But it kinda is, since it was themed after…a bunch of offices and a cafeteria. And besides, with not much of a backlot left these days, this area really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense anymore. While I’ve never been all that excited about the food here, you can find some solid choices for lunch and dinner. Also, it’s worth noting that, while lunch is your garden variety Disney counter service concept, dinner switches over to a fast casual service model. That means for the midday meal, you order your food and collect it at the kitchen counter. But for dinner, you order, take a pager, find a seat, and your meal finds you. It’s dinner that we’re taking a closer look at today, as we explore some of your options for sides and appetizers — and Disney Dining Plan snack credits! — when you dine at ABC Commissary for Dinner. Let’s take a look. Dinner Appetizers and Sides While the lunch menu at ABC Commissary offers fairly straight forward fast food (think burgers, sandwiches, nuggets, and salads), dinner is a slightly more refined experience — at least in terms of some of the menu offerings. Ordering stations at ABC Commissary There is some overlap. You’ll find the barbecued chicken and ribs combo platter on both the lunch and dinner menu as well as the Mediterranean salad. But dishes like the Chimichurri sirloin steak and the seared lemon pepper salmon are solely the domain of the evening meal. And it’s a few of the sides that are offered with these dishes that we want to explore. Menu — Click to Enlarge We also noticed on our most recent visit that the spot is offering a few appetizers. Appetizers — Click to Enlarge While I figured the hummus and pita would be standard, the cheddar jalapeño poppers appealed to me, so I went for them. We received five poppers in our order, and they were served with a side of pre-packaged buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping. Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers The light batter looks a little like what you might see on a chile relleno, with the pepper peeking through. Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers — Up Close Inside, we found plenty of cheddar cheese to tame the heat of the jalapeño. The ranch dressing helped, too. Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers — Inside I thought these were awesome. I would definitely grab them again as a snack, even if I weren’t planning to sit down for dinner. And — they’re Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit eligible! So snack away. We also decided to make a little meal of some of the sides that you can get at ABC Commissary! Why? For a few reasons, actually. I think it’s pretty cool that you can get a few better-for-you sides, and there are some interesting alternatives to fries. (Yes, we got fries, too. More in a moment about how they’re different fries.) But then, these sides are also available as a Disney Dining Plan snack credit. So if you’re looking for a bite between meals, or you have a hungry toddler to feed, it’s good to know that these options are out there. ABC Commissary Sides — Steak Fries, Green Beans, and Couscous We’ll take a look at each side, up close and personal-like. First up: couscous. The couscous here is the larger grain, Israeli or pearl couscous, rather than the tiny grained couscous that you see in North African fare and elsewhere. The portion was fairly large as a side; it was bigger than the side dishes you normally see at Disney counter service locations. You can also enjoy the dish as one of the default sides with the seared lemon pepper salmon and as part of the kids’ salmon entree. Cous Cous While it wasn’t over-the-moon spectacular, it wasn’t as boring as it might have been. How’s that for a ringing endorsement? But I still think the real value here is that you’ve got a side that’s not deep fried. It’s a nice, slightly healthier change of pace. Cous Cous — Up Close Next, we tried the sautéed green beans. If you’ve been here at DFB for a while, you might know that I have a thing for green beans – specifically, Cosmic Ray’s green beans, which are somehow magically delicious. These are not those. These are not as crisp or snappy as I like, but they still had decent flavor, owing to the fresh garlic, seasonings, and oil they were prepared with. Side of Sautéed Green Beans — Up Close Like the couscous, they are the default side for the salmon entree on the adult menu, and on pretty much all of the kids’ meals. They’re also available for a snack credit — so have some green beans instead of a funnel cake! C’mon. You know you wanna. Finally, we come to the most decadent side option, the steak fries. You’ll find these alongside three of the adult entrees and two of the kids’ options. Like our other sides, they’re available for a DDP snack credit as well. Side of Steak Fries I was excited to try these, because they’re noticeably thicker than the standard quick service fries. And the good news is that the texture was spot on. Unfortunately, they were super bland. Like, no salt was dispensed in the making of these fries. Side of Steak Fries — Up Close Now, that could 100% be due to the cast member working the fry station during my visit. Let’s hope so. Because thicker fries certainly have a place at the Disney counter service table. To wrap up, I know that you probably don’t think this post is quite as riveting as, say, the next gorgeous Disney cupcake, or some chocolate peanut butter wonderfulness. But knowing your options — and especially where you can score healthy snacks and sides — is a great tool to have in your toolbox, especially if you plan to try to eat a somewhat balanced diet in the ‘World. And you can never underestimate the potential horror of a hungry toddler! So hopefully these come in handy for the parents out there, too. 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, what do you think? We’ll you be swapping snack credits for green beans during your next visit or did they have you at jalapeño poppers? 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: News: ABC Commissary Offers New ‘Fast Casual’ Dining and Dinner Menu Review: Spicy Chicken and Cheddar Poppers at Epcot’s Refreshment Port Review: Lunch at ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

It’s no secret that my favorite snack from Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Pongu Lumpia, from Pongu Pongu. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Pongu Lumpia which has been adapted to be made at home. On Earth, lumpia is a spring roll of Chinese origin, commonly found as a popular street food snack in Indonesia and the Philippines. It is traditionally a mixture of savory vegetables and chopped meat filling rolled in a spring roll wrapper. However, the Disney Culinary Team developed the version sold at Pandora – The World of Avatar with a sweet spin – cream cheese and diced pineapple. Pongu Lumpia (Pineapple Cream Cheese Spring Rolls) Pongu Pongu, Pandora—The World of Avatar Disney’s Animal Kingdom Makes 10 Lumpia 10 spring roll wrappers 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature 2 cups diced fresh pineapple 1/2 cup sugar, divided Oil for frying 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 2. Carefully separate spring roll wrappers. Cover wrappers with moist paper towel to prevent drying. 3. Cut softened cream cheese into 10 equal pieces. 4. Place one spring roll wrapper on a cutting board. Place one piece of cream cheese in the center of the spring roll and spread evenly on wrapper, leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edges. Add 3 tablespoons of diced pineapple and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. 5. Roll one edge of the wrapper towards the center. Fold in both sides and continue rolling. Moisten the edge with water to seal the lumpia. 6. Repeat with remaining spring roll wrappers. 7. Place lumpia on prepared baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours or overnight. 8. Preheat 1 inch of oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Fry lumpia for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. 9. Roll in remaining sugar before serving. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission. View the full article

On Saturday, June 10, we celebrated the opening of the new Circle D Ranch. This 5.5-acre facility is the permanent home to the “Happiest Horses on Earth,” the horses of the Disneyland Resort. The ranch amenities include a state-of-the-art barn with comfortable stalls for each equine resident, a large exercise arena and turn-outs for the horses to “play” in. Disneyland Resort Ambassador Mikey Trujillo was the emcee for the opening festivities, which included a visit from Mickey Mouse and a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Disneyland Resort Senior Vice President Mary Niven. Check out the video below for a look at the celebration! View the full article

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re getting down to the serious business of Be Our Guest Restaurant! Located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest took Disney fans by storm when it opened five years ago. The restaurant, part of the New Fantasyland expansion, morphs from a counter service spot during breakfast and lunch to a table service dining spot for dinner. We’ve got all the tips, tricks, and secrets for dining here. And we even have an opinion on whether or not it’s worth the hype. Wanna know more? Then check out our video, Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant — Is It Worth It? And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you love our new series of DFB Videos, hit the button below, and never miss a single episode! And be sure to leave us a comment here or on the videos. We’re reading them and they help us to decide what to bring your way next! So check out the video and then holler back in comments and let us know if you agree with our Nosh or Not advice! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Be Our Guest Restaurant Video — Another Look INSIDE! Be Our Guest Restaurant Video Tour New Video! Review of Tomorrowland Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

“An Adventurer’s Life is Best!” Learn About: Dockside Margaritas Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants If you’re among the legions who deeply miss the Adventurer’s Club, you will soon have a way to get a taste of it back. Wdwnt.com reports that Dockside Margaritas — located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs — will soon be serving a few signature drinks from the Pleasure Island days… and we were able to confirm this news directly with Dockside Margaritas! Look for back-in-the-day drinks to include the Adventurer’s Club Kungaloosh and the non-alcoholic Emil’s Strawberry Colada. You can also look for other Pleasure Island club drinks to be featured on a rotating weekly basis, including the Bell Bottom, Techn-O, and Thriller from 8-Trax, Hoopla from Mannequins, and Punch Line from Comedy Warehouse, among others. (And if the Leisure Suit comes back, I’m moving in.) Leisure Suite Drink Recipe Even better, these specialty drinks may be featured with a $9 price tag as part of a #ThrowbackThursday promo (non-alcoholic options will be priced at $5) from June 29th through September 28th. Dockside Margaritas at Disney Springs Marketplace You may also see the drinks available on other days of the week… just not with the Thursdays-only $9 price tag. In fact, the Bartender we spoke with believes that the beverages maaaay appear at Dockside Margaritas as early as this weekend (though she could not confirm 100%). In any case, they’re on the way! So, raise a glass… and “KUNGALOOSH!” Which Pleasure Island drink would you most like to try at Dockside Margaritas? 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: Kungaloosh! New Restaurants Coming to Pleasure Island…I Mean, “Hyperion Wharf” News: World of Coca-Cola Coming to Disney Springs View the full article

Salut les coureurs! Just a couple of weeks ago we told you about all the new events coming to Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend. Today we’re thrilled to share even more exciting details with a first-look at this year’s race medals! First up we have the runDisney Kids Races medallion, featuring Mickey Mouse! Followed by the 5K medal, inspired by everyone’s favorite maître d’, Lumière from “Beauty and the Beast.” Flora, Fauna and Merryweather – the three fairy godmothers from “Sleeping Beauty” – can be seen flying around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park on the inaugural 10K medal. Set against a dazzling sapphire blue backdrop, the half marathon medal pays tribute to the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris and features everyone’s favorite pal, Mickey Mouse, running past Sleeping Beauty Castle, a popular landmark for runners at the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon. New to the race weekend this year is the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Challenge and runners who complete both the 10K and half marathon will receive a third medal, which features Cinderella’s Coach and the Fairy Godmother. Lastly, we have the Castle to Château Challenge medal. Runners who complete the half marathon at Disneyland Paris and a runDisney half marathon or marathon at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort in the same calendar year will be awarded this special piece of bling. Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend is sure to be a truly magical experience straight out of a fairy tale as Disneyland Paris continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Learn more about this race weekend and how you can participate at run.disneylandparis.com. View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Top Thrills at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Whether you are looking for big drops, fast speeds, or just plain fun, there are so many thrills to experience at Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Parks Moms Panelists share their top attractions for your thrill seekers: Plus, check out some brand-new thrills aboard Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Yael L. recommends this attraction for your tweens, “This is probably the best attraction for a tween. The thrill of the ride flying on the back of a banshee…you can actually feel it breathing. It’s exhilarating!” For more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article