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There’s something scrumptious coming to Disney Parks and you can use it to purchase practically all things Disney! If you’ve ever had a Mickey Ice Cream Bar to cool off at Walt Disney World Resort or at Disneyland Resort, you can now get one that doesn’t melt in the summer sun. This new Disney Gift Card design is only available at the parks, but, just like all Disney Gift Cards, it can be redeemed at Disney Destinations nationwide for anything from theme park tickets to a sweet treat! Activate your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and use it to add fun and convenience to your Disney Parks vacation. Perhaps you want to give your little ones (or yourself!) a snack budget; a Disney Gift Card gives them the freedom to pay for the snack or souvenir they want, while giving them a “cool” keepsake of their trip! Disney Gift Cards are reloadable up to $1,000 and never expire, so feel free to use your remaining balance to shop at the Disney Store or on the Shop Disney Parks app when you return home, or save your Disney Gift Cards until your next Disney Parks vacation! View the full article

If you follow DFB on social media (I pretty much live on Instagram, and we’ve got a great group of Facebook and twitter friends, too!), you may already recognize this ab-so-lute-ly gorgeous vision I’m about to show you. Learn About: Boardwalk Bakery Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants And this time, the Raspberry Rose Cupcake is ready for its closeup with a full review! This seasonal beauty comes to us on behalf of the BoardWalk Bakery. You’ll typically find three cupcakes up for grabs inside what happens to be one of my favorite bakery cases in all of Disney World. Two of those cupcakes are the classics that tend to stick around (even though they’ve had makeovers of their own over the years): the Mickey Oreo Cupcake and the Strawberry Cupcake. That third cupcake, though, changes up with some frequency, so I’m always sure to check out the seasonal selection, and I’m sure you can tell why this one caught my eye immediately. Rose Cupcake It’s as pretty as a rose because… well, it’s a rose! But is has this advantage over the original: it’s a rose that’s also a cupcake. Straight up: this thing is all sortsa classy, with layer after layer of carefully piped pink — nearly fuchsia! — frosting creating the edible petals. The frosting is raspberry and vanilla, giving it a fruity flavor where the punch is mellowed out a bit by the vanilla. Rose Cupcake Then, because the only thing that is as classic as a rose is a pearl, there are edible pearls around the edge as well. Rose Cupcake Honestly, I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of this cupcake! Visually, its quite a departure from some of the more whimsical seasonal cupcakes at the Boardwalk, like the cute Ghost Cupcake that materializes occasionally for Halloween, or the Red (Velvet) White and Blue 4th of July Cupcake from a few years back that almost looked like it had glittery fireworks shooting out of it. When I finally did stop snapping the shots, I discovered that the cake itself is a moist vanilla. Rose Cupcake It’s also packed with raspberry filling, with juuuust the slightest hint of rose. Rose Cupcake Filling Or maybe not. I have to accept that it may simply have been a placebo effect and that raspberry can carry a little floral note sometimes. Overall, though, here’s the thing: I’m pretty much always a frosting fan first, so while the the frosting topping the cake is beautifully presented, I’m going to prefer a mountain of frosting for snacking purposes every time. And all truths told, the filling was just okay; maybe it resembled the frosting itself a little too much. I’d opt for something like a bright raspberry jam to provide a bit of contrast. I’m calling this one a case of style over substance. But it IS drop dead gorgeous, and if you aren’t quite as frosting obsessed as yours truly , the Rose Cupcake might be very well worth the Boardwalk stroll for you! What’s your cupcake vibe: style or substance? 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: Review: Strawberry Cheesecake Holiday Cupcake from Disney World’s BoardWalk Bakery Review: Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake at Disney World’s Boardwalk Bakery Review: Ghost Cupcake at Disney’s BoardWalk Bakery View the full article

Have you experienced Miss Adventure Falls at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park yet? I just tried it with my family this past weekend and I have to say that when it comes to family slides, this is definitely our new favorite! First of all, this water slide has an adorable storyline. According to the tale: World-famous oceanographer and member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A), Captain Mary made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the rest of the world. Typhoon Lagoon became the home to Captain Mary’s ship after a rogue typhoon swept it and some of her artifacts to shore, where the locals then repurposed the goods and statues to create this family raft adventure. It doesn’t take long for guests to get a sense that they’re heading in the right direction – the slide’s queue is detailed with shipwrecked items and even footprints from Mary’s pirate sidekick! Then there’s the slide itself. The four-person raft whisks you on a fun downhill, whitewater voyage, passing Mary’s treasure collection as you go. Want to learn more? Take a virtual “slide through” the new water attraction in the video above. View the full article

Heya Guys and Happy Monday! We’re back in Disneyland today for our latest DFB Video! So here’s the deal: you know we love Disney. But everything can’t be our favorite, right? I mean, something’s gotta give. Sometimes, ya gotta make the hard decisions. And that’s what we’re doing today! We’re ranking sit-down spots in Disneyland Park from our favorite to the ones we think you can pass up. From Cafe Orleans to River Belle Terrace, find out which spots make our to eat list on every trip, and which ones, well, don’t. Tune in to find all the details! And by the way, did you know you can subscribe to our DFB YouTube Channel? Just click on the button below to subscribe, and we’ll notify you directly whenever a new video goes up — usually two times a week. Now — let’s hear from all y’all. Tell us your picks for best and worst sit-down spots in Disneyland Park below in 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: New DFB Video: Best and Worst Character Meals in Walt Disney World New DFB Video: Top Disneyland Meals Under $20 New DFB Video: Cafe Orleans in Disneyland View the full article

Middle and High school bands as well as school choirs have always been a part of the history of Disney Parks. With Festival Disney wrapping up its 13th annual event, that tradition continues as the Disney Performing Arts program prepares to plays host to thousands of choirs, bands and orchestras at next year’s annual event. As part of that program, Festival Disney provides a magical, multi-weekend musical festival experience that offers instrumental and vocal ensembles the opportunity to perform and receive feedback from nationally-recognized collegiate music educators. If your child’s music group hasn’t experienced the magic of Festival Disney, now is the perfect time to start making plans for it. That’s because ensembles who are registered and have registration fees received by October 15, 2017, will receive an additional director’s Festival Disney Theme Park ticket package, per school. For more details about the festival and to register, visit FestivalDisney.com or call 866-752-0423. Your school could join the more than 6,000 other ensembles from across the nation and countries like the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Scotland, Canada, Brazil, and Japan, who have participated in Festival Disney during its 13-year history. Directors can choose competitive or non-competitive performance opportunities while still receiving educationally-meaningful adjudication. Past adjudicators include – Dr. Jerry Blackstone, University of Michigan, Dr. William Powell & Dr. Rosephanye Powell, Auburn University, Dr. Mitos Andaya, Temple University, Dr. Ken Dye, University of Notre Dame, Dr. Stephen Benham, Duquesne University, and Dr. Johnny Vinson, Auburn University. Each festival weekend ends with a high-energy awards ceremony where each group earns a Festival Disney award and each student takes home a Festival Disney medal. Competitive groups can earn Best in Class, as well as Festival Disney Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for their performance. The National Association for Music Education endorses Disney Performing Arts and its programs fulfill many of the standards set forth in the National Core Arts Standards. Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to experience a Music Festival with Character! View the full article

There is a great deal of excitement at Disney Parks across the globe, and the Disneyland Resort is no exception. From the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! to the return of the nighttime spectacular, “Fantasmic!,” Disneyland Resort is the place to be this summer. Recently Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Anabel, was able to attend the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure park. “It was a star-studded grand opening for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!,” she said. “Benicio del Toro, who plays Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector), officially opened the attraction by announcing to the ladies and gentlemen of Terra that the ‘Tivan collection was officially open.’ This was followed by a dynamic fireworks display!” In Anabel’s words, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! “is a super high-energy, loud and incredibly mind-blowing thrill ride!” She added that she “screamed her lungs out and laughed hysterically when it was over.” Along with the new attraction, guests are also invited to take to the dance floor with Star-Lord and Gamora in the epic “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” A friendly dance competition will be inspired by the classic songs heard blasting from Star-Lord’s boom box. Feeling your inner Super Hero? You can test your Super Hero skills during the Avengers Training Initiative. Young recruits wishing to train will gather with Black Widow and Hawkeye and learn techniques and skills from the pros. The recruits might even be called to face off against the evil HYDRA organization. “The recruits receive their special training from Super Heroes and are protected with the help of Captain America shields,” Anabel added. “The Avengers Training Initiative is a great attraction for young Super Heroes.” Super Heroes also need to fuel themselves with great food! This summer there will be tasty limited-time Summer of Heroes-themed food offerings which include The Most Dangerous Tacos in the Galaxy and a Multiverse Parfait. A few of Anabel’s favorites included cheesy sourdough Groot bread with jalapeno pepper shavings, special Super Hero-themed donuts, and an awesome “Angry Little Pudding Cup.” She describes the pudding cup as a chocolate lover’s dream. This summer at Disneyland park will feature the return of “Fantasmic!” at the Rivers of America, complete with magical, new effects music and Disney stories. Make sure you don’t miss this breathtaking journey into Mickey Mouse’s amazing dream world. Also, be sure not to miss the extended run of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland park. This beloved nighttime parade will run nightly through August 20, 2017. The parade began at Disneyland in 1972 and has continued to be a favorite among guests. The iconic parade features Disney characters and stories, along with half a million twinkling lights and the popular, synthesized music of “Baroque Hoedown.” For more Disneyland Resort tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney Parks vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Walt Disney World plans to honor a group of Central Florida’s World War II and Vietnam War veterans during a ceremony at Magic Kingdom theme park on Tuesday. The ceremony coincides with the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion of Normandy. It will be held at 5 p.m. during the park’s daily... View the full article

Tucked in The Seas with Nemo & Friends in Epcot’s Future World, Coral Reef Restaurant is a cool respite from the Florida sunshine, dimly lit with a spectacular backdrop of the largest inland saltwater environment ever built (it holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools). Every seat is a good one for watching more than 4,000 sea creatures that call The Seas home – sharks, sea turtles, rays and 85 species of tropical fish. And you might even see a scuba-diving Mickey Mouse. Chef Keith Schockling recently added new dishes to the menu, both savory and sweet. Coral Reef Restaurant fans, never fear, the lobster bisque, there since the restaurant opened, remains on the menu. For starters, there’s a charbroiled octopus with nori sushi rice, sesame slaw and a soy reduction; a lump crab cake with watercress-citrus salad and a classic remoulade; seafood salad with Gulf Shrimp and mahi mahi in a citrus marinade with a little kick from serrano peppers, a little sweetness from mango sorbet and crisp plantain chip, and a seasonal house salad – for summer it’s mixed greens, raspberry vinaigrette, fresh berries, feta cheese and sunflower brittle. New entrées include one from land and one from sea: the tuna bowl with spice-crusted tuna, rice noodles, charred bok choy, crisp shiitakes, pickled vegetables and broth (substitute tofu for tuna if you prefer); and a bone-in roasted pork chop with potatoes, creamy pimento cheese, braised greens and a honey-barbecue vinaigrette. There’s even a new sweet, a rich citrus bread pudding with whiskey sauce, candied pecans and salted caramel gelato. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE. View the full article

We’re starting off another week on the Disney Parks Blog with this lovely Disney Doodle. In it, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what “Rescuers” Bianca and Bernard were do if they had the chance to visit New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. One of the most impressive attractions in this land, reimagined just a few years ago, is Dumbo the Flying Elephant. According to Ashley, this would be first on Bianca and Bernard’s list to visit. “I love the Rescuers and how they take advantage of unique modes of transportation! I can easily imagine Bernard and Bianca enjoying a ride on Dumbo!” View the full article

Okay, it’s been a few weeks now. Have you seen it yet?!? Happily Ever After I’m talking about Happily Ever After, the new nighttime spectacular that wraps up a magical day at Magic Kingdom! And the park is celebrating its brand new show with an extra special snack. Light Up Cotton Candy It’s LIGHT UP COTTON CANDY, y’all!! And you can find it at select Popcorn and snack carts in the park (mostly around Main Street and the Hub). Now, it does make a pretty picture, but this thing is WAY better in action, so be sure to check out my video on Instagram. (And if you can’t get enough yummy DFB videos, then check out our YouTube Channel here!) Light Up Cotton Candy So, how does it do that? It’s MAGIC… with help from an illuminated wand tucked inside the pile of Cotton Candy that you get to keep! This is the best thing to happen to Cotton Candy since it showed up in Pineapple (DOLE WHIP!) at Disney California Adventure! Dole Whip Cotton Candy Yeah. You’re gonna wanna read all about that here. In either case, we don’t know how long these specialty cotton candies are sticking around. But crowds are still pouring into Magic Kingdom to check out the new show and it’s likely to stay that way through the summer. So we’re hopeful that if Light Up Cotton Candy is your heart’s desire (and, really, why wouldn’t it be?), then Light Up Cotton Candy you shall have! Would you love to snag some Light Up Cotton Candy? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News and Review: Pineapple Cotton Candy at Disneyland’s California Adventure Review: Cotton Candy Carnival Cocktail at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in Animal Kingdom Found! The Dole Whip Skull Mug in Magic Kingdom! View the full article

Summer is here at Disney Parks – and along with a special story featuring great experiences at our parks, we also looked ahead and shared new dining concepts expected to open later this year at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Pam shared an update that this fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs, with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. Also opening in 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes and The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime entertainment spot. Visit our original post for more details on these dining experiences and to see what’s coming in 2018. And as you know, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! officially opened for Disney California Adventure park guests with reviews that were out of this world! Check out some of the excitement and exhilaration as guests anxiously awaited their turn to help break out the Guardians of the Galaxy. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Wildlife Wednesday: Guests Are Helping Make Enrichment for Animals – Have you ever made or purchased a toy for your pet – perhaps a chew toy that hides a dog treat or a set of perches for your cat to climb? We do the same with the animals at the Walt Disney World Resort! Enrichment is a significantly important part of our day-to-day animal care, and it helps ensure that all of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are happy and healthy. Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: May 2013 – Four years ago this month, we were sharing some of the gems from our archives – showing some of our favorite Disney Parks classics through the years. Meet ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Super Heroes on Marvel Day at Sea with Disney Cruise Line – Anyone else been listening nonstop to Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtape after seeing “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?” I must say, it’s worthy of the name! Today we’re revealing that Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot will be joining the fun during this day-long celebration aboard the Disney Magic. Meeting this group of spacefaring misfits is just one of the many reasons I’m so excited about our Marvel Day at Sea cruises kicking off this fall. Seven Ways To Have Fun In Pandora – The World of Avatar (Aside From Attractions) – Pandora – The World of Avatar is now open to guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The land itself serves as an amazing attraction for guests to explore and interact with, and the area’s two experiences – the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage and the family friendly Na’vi River Journey – are already wowing guests. But did you know there are actually many other ways you can have fun throughout Pandora – The World of Avatar? Forty Years of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park – This weekend marked forty years since Disneyland park guests first cleared for launch aboard Space Mountain. This Disney Parks classic first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland park began soon after. To mark its fortieth anniversary, I’d like to share some of my favorite photos of Space Mountain – which also happens to be my favorite Disneyland park attraction! Quiz: How Well Do You Know Pirates of the Caribbean? – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” opened in theaters this past weekend, and to celebrate we’re devoting this week’s quiz to the attraction that inspired the film franchise – Pirates of the Caribbean. How well do you know the attraction at Walt Disney World Resort? Test your knowledge here. View the full article

'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' Meet-Up | Walt Disney World View the full article

Just in time for National Doughnut Day (which we suggest celebrating for 365 days, actually), Disney California Adventure’s Schmoozies introduced several delicious doughnuts — two of them themed for Disneyland’s Summer of Heroes! Schmoozies Donut Menu Naturally, our Disneyland correspondent Heather Sievers (hi, @DiningInDisney!) was on site to get the low-down on these new additions! And they are so cool. Gamma Sized Doughnut and Spider Bite First, you need to know that the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure is in full swing. It started with a bang with the opening of the re-imagined Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission BREAKOUT!, and it continues through September 10th. We love a Disney event because Disney events usually mean lots of themed grub. And this is no exception! The Gamma Sized Doughnut is one such awesomely themed treat. It’s colorful, which is nice, but what’s most impressive is the size of this thing. It lives up to its clever name. Like, it’s the size of your face. And folks — this is no ordinary doughnut. It is, Heather reports, a massive croissant doughnut — lovingly dubbed a Cronut. Gamma Sized Doughnut Bright green icing and purple sprinkles make the Gamma Sized Doughnut an eye-catching snack (don’t worry — the icing is standard vanilla despite its psychedelic color!). And the inside is a pretty neat too! There is a thick layer of Blackberry-Black Currant Jam stuffed into this baby! Blackberry and Black Currant Jam And just as it is with the best jelly doughnuts, this jam is nice and oozey! And the flavor is terrific! Sweet and a little unique thanks to the currant. Blackberry-Black Currant Jam The second Summer of Heroes-themed donut is the Spider Bite. And it’s another cronut, y’all! But this one has a little, uh, bite — for real! We love that it’s Spiderman red and blue. It’s not as big as the Gamma Sized, but it’s still a generous portion. Spider Bite Donut The real experience here is actually on the outside (there’s no filling, just that good ol’ fried dough flavor throughout the donut itself). Around the outer edge of the donut are Red Hots! You know red hots — those spicy cinnamon-flavored candies that, let’s be honest, people either love or hate. Well, they’re here in full force, bringing the bite to the Spider Bite doughnut! Spider Bite Our other Disneyland pal, Sabrina (aka EverthingDisney.55) also found a new addition to the donut offerings at Schmoozies. This one is the “Local Favorite“, and it’s pretty easy to see why. It features the beloved combination of maple and bacon. There’s maple bacon cream on the inside, maple frosting on the outside, and a smattering of bacon on top. Sabrina reports that the sweet/salty balance leans a little toward the former, but it’s still a tasty option. Local Favorite So there you have it! Three new and stellar doughnut options to munch on while you explore Hollywoodland and the Summer of Heroes at Disney California Adventure. (Oh, and note that there’s one more donut — the All-American with apple filling and streusel topping!) And we’ve got many, many more themed treats and snacks from this superhero celebration to show you next week! Stay tuned! What’s your Disney donut vibe? Cronut? Iced? Covered in bacon? Set in a sundae? Let us know in the comments about your favorite Disney donut treat! 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: Guardians of the Galaxy Eats and More at Disney California Adventure News and Review: Pineapple Cotton Candy at Disneyland’s California Adventure Donuts Have Arrived in Disneyland! View the full article

This week, some of the most fun photos we shared on the Disney Parks Blog were snapped at our latest meet-up, an early screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” Held in May, 400 readers showed up dressed in their pirate best, so much so that it was difficult to choose which photos to include in our blog post that recapped the event. We saw everything from Captain Jack Sparrow lookalikes to original handmade costumes. And of course, the Disney Parks Blog team dressed in full pirate regalia for the occasion. For a full recap of the event, visit this previous blog post. View the full article

Here’s one more thing to add to your list of Stuff I Never Knew I Needed: the Souvenir Dole Whip Skull Mug — filled to overflowing with a Dole Whip Float — at Aloha Isle! Souvenir Skull Mug with Dole Whip Float Check it out! All the cool, refreshing flavor of Dole Whip and pineapple juice in a see-through plastic skull. And it can all be yours for $9.49. Souvenir Skull Mug Sign at Aloha Isle But, wait… not so fast. There’s MORE to the story… Souvenir Skull Mug with Dole Whip Float Because there is one more place (so far) where you can get one for yourself in the Magic Kingdom: Tortuga Tavern. Tortuga Tavern Entrance And THIS is where things start to get tricky… Tortuga Tavern Treasured Treats menu The Souvenir Skull Mug at Tortuga Tavern — filled with the new Frozen Fruit Punch Slushy — LIGHTS UP!! Light Up Skull Mug The one we purchased at Aloha Isle, alas, does NOT. So, you’ve really got to consider your options: I mean, how can you pass up a Dole Whip Float? Then again, how can one argue with the Light Up action at Tortuga Tavern? Oh, and there’s one more thing to factor into your already difficult decision: Pirate Mickey emblazons the side of the one at Tortuga Tavern. Light Up Skull Mug Only you can weigh your own list of pros and cons . But heed this warning: should you choose the Light Up Skull Mug at Tortuga Tavern, remember that it’s a seasonally open spot, and not in operation every day (though with the summer crowds already on the rise, you’ll likely see it open much more often). Either way, we’ll be back at the Tavern soon, to tell you all about THIS: Tortuga Island Dessert Not sure what it is? Ummm…neither were we! So you’re gonna want to meet us right back here! Where would you most like to purchase a Souvenir Skull Mug? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Dining Classic: Dole Whip Float at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle Snacks Series: Dole Whip FYI: Dole Whip Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom…For Now View the full article

This summer is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Disney Parks history, with many new Walt Disney World offerings ready and waiting for guests to enjoy. Among the choices are new nighttime fireworks to watch, an entire land to explore and groundbreaking entertainment to enjoy. Here are six new must-see experiences now available at the Walt Disney World Resort. 1. Watch “Happily Ever After” Fireworks – This new nighttime fireworks spectacular is dazzling guests at Magic Kingdom. Performed nightly, the show draws on dozens of Disney characters and stories to tell a tale about the importance of chasing your dreams and overcoming adversity to find your happily ever after. Look for special moments in the show by Princess Tiana, Merida, Quasimodo, Joy & Sadness, Genie, and many others! (Read more about that show here). 2. Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar – This all-new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom transports guests to a world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring banshees. Guests can now experience riding on a mountain banshee on the thrilling Avatar Flight of Passage, or board reed boats for Na’vi River Journey, a family-friendly excursion down a rainforest river to see the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. 3. Enjoy “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – “The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters” showcases a selection of unforgettable soundtrack favorites from Disney•Pixar “Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story” and “Up,” performed by a live orchestra and includes appearances by beloved Disney•Pixar characters like Woody, Buzz and Jessie. This 40-minute concert is presented three times nightly at Theater of the Stars, following regular daily performances of “Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage.” 4. Explore Additions to Star Wars Launch Bay – Replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” welcome guests to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (And don’t forget, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular returned earlier in 2017 to the delight of guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In it, the music, magic and characters of Star Wars combine with special effects, fireworks and state-of-the-art projection to put you inside iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga). 5. Slide Through Miss Adventure Falls – This family-friendly raft adventure just debuted to at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park and whisks guests through the remains of a treasure hunter’s hideout. 6. Watch the “Disney Movie Magic” Projection Show – This new projection show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms the park’s iconic Chinese Theater with special lighting and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to put you right in the middle of a high-energy celebration of films from the Disney family of studios. There will be dozens of movies highlighted, from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” the Indiana Jones adventures and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” View the full article

Only at Disney Springs | Walt Disney World View the full article

The Marine gripped his six-shooter, pointed it at the horizon and took a deep breath. “Let’s do it,” he barked, kicking off a brief but furious gun battle with a horde of robot cowboys, their eyes glowing red. Derek Phelps, a leatherneck stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was not only... View the full article

The Marine gripped his six-shooter, pointed it at the horizon and took a deep breath. “Let’s do it,” he barked, kicking off a brief but furious gun battle with a horde of robot cowboys, their eyes glowing red. Derek Phelps, a leatherneck stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was not only... View the full article

The Marine gripped his six-shooter, pointed it at the horizon and took a deep breath. “Let’s do it,” he barked, kicking off a brief but furious gun battle with a horde of robot cowboys, their eyes glowing red. Derek Phelps, a leatherneck stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was not only... View the full article

No doubt about it. Learn About: Restaurantosaurus Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Animal Kingdom is THE place to be in Disney World right now! With all the excitement over the opening of Pandora — The World of AVATAR, crowds have increased all over the park. To help feed the hungry masses, a temporary breakfast option has returned — just for the early summer — to Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland, U.S.A. And if you are visiting Animal Kingdom now through June 10th, you are DEFINITELY going to want to know about the Dino-Sized Breakfast options, featuring Mickey Waffles complete with a Waffle Topping Bar! What?! I KNOW!! Restaurantosaurus Sign Okay, so you could also choose a Yogurt Parfait, Fresh Fruit Cup or Cereal. Dino-Sized Breakfast Menu But WHYYYYY… when you’ve got a HUGE bevy of toppings for your Mickey Waffles (served with BACON!!)?! Adult Waffle Portion Plate Waffle Topping Bar sign Let’s check out the full display, starting with the Warm Toppings like Hot Fudge and Caramel. Hot Fudge and Caramel Compotes include Cherry and Apple. Cherry Compote Apple Compote Of course, there’s Maple Syrup. But why stop there when you’ve got Bananas Foster Sauce — just like the kind we all love (and MISS, as it’s currently under refurbishment) at Roaring Fork?! Bananas Foster Sauce The sauces are, indeed, some pretty sweet selections. But you can also take your already topped waffle OVER the top with some finishing touches like strawberries or chocolate chips. Strawberries and Chocolate Chips Did I say “OR”? Because I totally meant “AND!” Whipped Butter is available as one of the more traditional choices. Whipped Butter I’d opt for the Whipped Cream, though. Whipped Cream The pecans would go great with the Bananas Foster Sauce. Pecans But, honestly, no matter what you choose, this last one is practically a requirement: MICKEY SPRINKLES!! Mickey Sprinkles Remember, this is a limited time offering through June 10th. (Although if crowds remain high, I guess you never do know.) So act fast! But first, let us know… Customizable Mickey Waffles … how would YOU top your Mickey Waffles? What’s your waffle topping strategy? 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: #OnTheList: Mickey Waffles News: New Breakfast Options Available at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Including Mickey Waffles! News! Large Mickey Waffles Now Being Served at Contempo Cafe View the full article

Just in time to celebrate National Doughnut Day, new gourmet doughnuts are now available at 8 a.m. each morning at The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel. Made in-house daily, quantities are limited on these confectionary creations, so be sure to arrive early! Check out the flavors below: Pineapple Coconut Delight – A green tea frosting-glazed doughnut with pineapple filling, topped with a drizzle of chocolate icing, shredded coconut flakes and a raspberry Royal Strawberry – A strawberry-glazed doughnut filled with Bavarian chocolate, topped with butter streusel, chocolate icing, vanilla bean Chantilly cream and strawberry Blueberry Candy – Blueberry-glazed doughnut filled with blueberry jam, topped with white icing, blueberries, vanilla bean Chantilly cream and crushed caramel almond View the full article

Last weekend, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! officially opened for Disney California Adventure park guests, and the reviews were out of this world! We were there to catch the excitement and exhilaration as guests anxiously awaited their turn to help break out the Guardians of the Galaxy. #HeroUp and join the mission now at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is a flurry of fun for guests of all ages! From water slides and the wave pool to The Frozen Games, there’s something for everyone in the family! There are several locations to grab a bite to eat at the water park, but our favorite is Lottawatta Lodge. Themed like an alpine chalet, there are tastes to please all palettes at Lottawatta Lodge—from burgers and sandwiches to flatbreads and salads. Keep reading for a few of our favorite tastes from the quick-service location! Carnivores will love the Blizzard Cheddar Burger topped with bacon, guacamole and barbecue sauce served with with coleslaw and French fries. The Shrimp Roll is another fan favorite, served with apple slices or house-made chips. Be sure to ask about the specialty flatbread too! For a lighter option, we love the Harvest Salad with Chicken, topped with diced apples, dried cherries, candied pecans, cheddar and a sweet raspberry-walnut dressing. Or try the Southwest Chicken Wrap or Grilled Chicken Sandwich – both served with apple slices or house-made chips. Don’t forget dessert! Try the famous Sand Pail Sundae, with chocolate and vanilla soft-serve ice cream, waffle pieces, sprinkles, cookie pieces, hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry served in a plastic sand pail – shovel and all! What’s your favorite place to grab a bite to eat at Disney’s Water Parks? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Each month I’ve be sketching from the field or plein air, as it’s called in the art world, from a new, inspiring location and then sharing my sketches and experiences here on the blog each time. Today, I continue my sketching series as I started off on this early morning with a watercolor sketch from the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora – The World of Avatar. Pandora is truly an amazing place to be inspired. I was overwhelmed by nature all around me on every path. I had a hard time stopping my explorations to break out my sketchbook and travel watercolor kit from my bag. There were endless numbers of strange and beautiful plants that caught my attention, but I was instantly focused on the giant floating mountains in the area and decided they would be my subject for this sketching session. As the light started to hit the giant mountains I started to notice sounds of fauna in the distance that seemed strange but yet somehow familiar at the same time. It was very peaceful that morning being surrounded by Pandora as I started to sketch. I could have stayed there all day sketching. I can’t wait to go back and do some more! Here is a quick study I did in my smaller sketchbook, of the mountains from the other side of the Valley. I hope you enjoy the art and keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for my next sketch from a new location next time in our “Sketches from the Park” series. And be sure to check out last month’s sketch I did from Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. See ya next time! View the full article