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Something for Everyone at Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins | Disney Vacation Club View the full article

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. Vintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Magic Kingdom Park Parades Nate shared this fun look back at Magic Kingdom Park parades of the past, including one of my favorites, Remember the Magic parade! The Carolwood-Pacific Railroad, Inspiration for the Disneyland Railroad We took a look back at the Carolwood-Pacific Railroad, Walt Disney’s own, personal ⅛-scale model railroad, which would go on to inspire the Disneyland Railroad. Fantasyland Theatre Through the Years at Disneyland Park As we prepared to celebrate the opening of “Mickey and the Magical Map,” we revisited some of the shows that have called Fantasyland Theatre home throughout the years at Disneyland park. This Week in Disney History: ‘The New Fantasyland’ Opens at Disneyland Park, 1983 We celebrated the anniversary of “The New Fantasyland” at Disneyland park with this look back at the opening day in 1983. View the full article

This week in the #DisneyFamilia trip video series we are featuring Andrea Minski from Mujer Balance and host of the home improvement show “SOS: Salva Mi Casa” that airs on Telemundo. The mother of two, and a Disney fanatic, shares with us her favorite tips to enjoy your vacación at Walt Disney World Resort. Download the My Disney Experience app. This will help you plan ahead! Bring comfy shoes for all in the family. Also, bring a stroller or rent one at the parks for the little ones! Be sure to visit all four parks! Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom all have different and great options for all in the familia. Visit Disney Springs! The only place where you can eat, shop and even dance! It’s fun for all in the family! Have fun! Let’s take a look at Andrea’s visit to Walt Disney World Resort! View the full article

When you’re traveling through time in Tomorrowland in Disneyland, you’re sure to work up an appetite — and thanks to Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port, you’ll always be able to snag a fortifying snack or meal. (There’s a fun little backstory to the Pizza Port here!) Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port sign Atmosphere Seating at Pizza Port is indoors or… Pizza Port Decor …outdoors. There are outdoor tables that are actually outside, Outdoor seating and there are tables that are under cover, but still FEEL like they’re outside. They’re situated along the route to HyperSpace Mountain. Indoor Seating I love the fun Tomorrowland attraction posters on the walls in the inside dining room! Tomorrowland Attraction Posters Seating is comfortable and plentiful. Eats Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port offers pizza parlor basics like pizza, salads, and pasta at three stations. Take a stroll past all three so you can check out all of the menus before your order. Pizza Port Salad Station You can also grab a sweet treat (like a BB-8 Crispy Treat!), chips, or, for fiber-seeking astronauts, some fresh fruit. Pizza Port Grab and Go Grub Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port Fresh Fruit And while the food at Redd Rockett’s isn’t something you’ll wanna write home about, it’s decent counter service fare. And we love the space-y names the dishes have. Bonus points for creativity. At the salad station, you’ll find classic Pizza Port salads like the Celestial Caesar Salad, which is as basic as can be imagined. Redd Rockett’s Celestial Caesar Salad And for those who prefer something a little more off the beaten trajectory, there’s the Starfield of Greens entree salad. This one comes loaded with walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and raisins. So it’ll hit a few more flavor notes for more adventurous eaters. Starfield of Greens Salad In case you prefer your pizza in salad form, there’s the Planetary Pizza Salad, which covers the pizza basics with mozzarella cheese, olives, sliced meats, and a pepper. Planetary Pizza Salad You can also grab a basic side salad if that’s more your style. Don’t forget to grab some dressing! Side Salad The pizza options are pretty standard here. Pizza is thicker-crust, but not doughy. The taste and flavor is decent, especially for Disney pizza, but it’s not a “destination slice.” You can get a slice of Lunar Cheese Pizza, with its craters of melted cheese. Lunar Cheese from Pizza Port If you are in the mood for pepperoni, you’ll order the Mega Pepperoni Pizza, which has Jupiter-sized slices of the spicy meat. Mega Pepperoni Pizza For something a little healthier, you can get the Venus Vegetarian, which has a great combination of veggies, like sliced zucchini, black olives, artichoke hearts, and red onion. Venus Vegetarian Pizza If you want to throw caution to the Milky Way wind, order the Supernova Pizza, which is a pizza special that varies from day to day. This one was covered in streams of Buffalo Sauce and Buffalo chicken. This was my favorite of the day. Supernova Pizza Also, remember that we truly think the best eats at Pizza Port are the pastas. Especially that Countdown Chicken Fusilli! It’s so good we’d make a special trip for it. Count Down Chicken Fusili For any of these dishes you can grab a packet of Parmesan Cheese or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes. Pizza Port Add Ons And because no meal is complete without dessert, Redd Rockett’s offers a couple of unique options. The first are Brownie Bites. These cubes of chocolatey brownie are coated in a galaxy of sugar. Brownie Bites at Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port Inside is that chocolate brownie. These were actually really good! You can find them here and at Refreshment Corner. I was impressed, and these will make a fun little carry-around snack during the day. Brownie Bites But if you want something a bit more imaginative, there’s the Space Junk. It combines brownie bites, several candies, pretzels, cookie crumbles, and chocolate sauce. Space Junk It’s not the best dessert you’ll ever eat (we thought it was a little dry and had maybe been sitting around for a while…), but it wins points for creativity. And because it’s called Space Junk. (But really; get the regular brownie bites instead. Or just go get a better dessert overall at Jolly Holiday.) Overall Overall, if you’re traveling through space (or taking a break between spins on Hyperspace Mountain) and you’re hankering for some pizza, Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port will fulfill your needs. But, honestly, we wouldn’t zoom across the park for it. We do hear that they’re cooking up some changes to the menu, though; so stay tuned! Nosh or Not? Pizza Port May Be Right For You If: You have a pizza-devotee in your group and they won’t eat anything else You’ve got pizza-loving kids You love the Countdown Chicken Fusilli (who doesn’t?!) Skip Pizza Port If: You don’t mind not having pizza. There are many, MANY more appetizing options for counter-service in the park. What are your thoughts about Pizza Port? Let us know in the 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: The Story of Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland Dining in Disneyland: Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port Review: Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland View the full article

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’s Animal Kingdom guests are learning more about designing enrichment for animals on their way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Enrichment encourages animals to do what comes naturally and use their behavioral and physical adaptations. For example, the red river hogs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and the rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris love to wallow in mud pools. For our small mammal and bird friends at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, natural behaviors include digging, foraging, shredding and climbing. The Science Operations Team is inviting our Guests at the Wildlife Express station to create their own enrichment items from recycled and repurposed materials that will be given to a variety of small mammals and birds. Using recycled plastic cards, paper and cardboard tubes, you might create a puzzle square that keepers can hide seeds in, a colorful hanging decoration for birds and mammals to shred or a small paper-stuffed tube for animals like rabbits to enjoy. View the full article

Four Seasons Resort Orlando has welcomed a new chef — and a new menu at its 17th floor Spanish-influenced steakhouse, Capa. Gabriel Massip joined Capa about 7 months ago after reopening downtown New York City restaurant Acme. Born in France, Massip spent years working at restaurants in France and... View the full article

Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins | Disney Vacation Club View the full article

New out-of-this-world menu items have premiered at at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including new burgers featuring a signature blend of beef. The Drive-In BBQ Burger has house-made barbecue sauce, bacon, cheddar, crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws on a brioche bun. Vegetarians will love the new Falafel Burger with a crispy chickpea falafel patty, arugula, tomato, Tatziki sauce and red pepper aioli on a brioche bun. Hear ye, hear ye! A new pasta dish is on the menu at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot! You’ll feel like royalty enjoying the Fylt Pasta; wha four-cheese stuffed pasta with white wine-cream sauce, roasted vegetables, chive oil and balsamic glaze. After a year-long hiatus, Surf and Turf has returned to the menu at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The dish pairs a six-ounce lobster tail with a six-ounce sirloin served with Yukon gold rustic mashed potatoes and roasted spring vegetables. New specialty candy-inspired beverages are now available at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! Relax with the Gummy Oasis, which features gummy bears lounging in a delicious frozen pool of frozen cotton candy lemonade. The Watermelon Crush features Nerds® candy mixed into frozen watermelon and cherry lemonade. These drinks are also available in alcoholic versions for adults. A new Specialty Hot Dog will debut June 4 at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom Park! The Buffalo Chicken Dog features an all-beef hot dog loaded with shredded buffalo chicken, garlic-ranch dressing and celery. Pizza lovers, rejoice – Frusta has landed at Cool Ship in Magic Kingdom Park. Pizza Frusta is a folded pizza-like snack that is easy to eat on-the-go! Choose from tomato and cheese or pepperoni and sausage. Have you tried the new open-faced BLT Sandwiches at The Smiling Crocodile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Each sandwich is one snack entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. Choose from turkey, salmon or pimento-cheese on toasted ciabatta with lettuce, tomato, and thick-cut smoked, house-roasted bacon. View the full article

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, opens on July 17. Offering five accommodation options, including Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas, 3-Bedroom Grand Villas and even unique waterfront Cascade Cabins, this Resort will be a great place to call your “home base” during a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. The breadth of accommodations isn’t the only thing that makes this rustically elegant resort unique. Learn more about what Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will offer guests when it opens this summer in this video featuring Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club. Be sure to round up your loved ones (up to 12 if you’re booking a Grand Villa) and come experience this beautiful new resort later this year! View the full article

Kaltxi from Satu’li Canteen! Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants (That’s “Hello” in the Na’vi language!) We’re back at the fast-casual restaurant in Animal Kingdom’s brand new land, Pandora — The World of AVATAR (despite the seriously crazy lines that still plague the land since its opening)! Officially open at long last, guests are able to visit the moon of Pandora, as the story goes, thanks to ACE: Alpha Centauri Expeditions. Now that humans and the Na’vi coexist in peace, we are all welcome to explore the gorgeous landscape, and experience two new attractions with the Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage. And the Satu’li Canteen is available to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all the interplanetary travelers on expeditions of their own! We’ve already explored the options on the Lunch and Dinner menu, and now we’re back for a bit (or a lot!) of Breakfast. Satu’li Canteen outdoor menu Satu’li Canteen So, let’s see what Satu’li Canteen has to offer for the most important meal of the day! Atmosphere We took a full tour of Satu’li Canteen during our previous visit, and you can see it in motion through the video below. Or watch all of our Pandora videos on our Pandora Playlist! Even so, let’s take another quick look around since it’s such a new — and cool — space! Satu’li Canteen atmosphere The story here is that Alpha Centauri Expeditions has taken what was once the mess hall of the RDA (Resource Development Administration) and, once peace in the land of Pandora had been established, turned it into a dining establishment for visiting travelers. Satu’li Canteen Indoor Dining Area Satu’li Canteen Indoor Dining Area Satu’li Canteen Indoor Dining Area In addition to offering food, Satu’li Canteen is also a museum of sorts, featuring Na’vi cultural items and artwork which surround and hang high above guests as they dine. Na’vi Artwork Na’vi Artwork Na’vi Artwork If you are enjoying Pandora in the cooler morning hours or just a pretty day, outdoor seating is also available. Outdoor Seating Outdoor Seating Outdoor Seating While the culture of the Na’vi are honored in the seating areas, the industrial nature of the former RDA (Resource Development Administration) can still be seen in the ordering queues. Ordering Queues But don’t forget: Satu’li Canteen is the first counter service restaurant to offer Mobile Order, which allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their meal, thereby bypassing the ordering queue. Sign directing to Regular and Mobile Order Be sure to read our step-by-step Mobile Order How-To, as this brand new ordering option will roll out via the My Disney Experience app to several additional Counter Service locations all over Disney World in the coming months. We were so impressed by the streamlined process that we decided to use it again for breakfast. Mobile Order Screenshot We also chose to use it because, in this opening week of a brand new land, lines entering Pandora (and inside the land itself) looked a little somethin’ like THIS. Pandora’s Opening Week Lines Pandora’s Opening Week Crowds in front of Satu’li Canteen Soooo, yeah. Mobile Order, it is! Mobile Order Pick-up on the Left And here’s what we picked up with it… Eats For Lunch and Dinner, options at Satu’li Canteen focus on better-for-you fare with an emphasis on proteins, grains, and produce. While Breakfast has its own unique offerings, you’ll find that focus echoed in items like the Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-fired Beef, Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage, and the Tropical Pandoran Forest Fruits with fresh yogurt-muesli and vanilla maple syrup. Breakfast Menu Twists on tradition include the Cinnamon French Toast and the Scrambled Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed “Pods.” And finally, the Steel Cut Oats can only be ordered by guests 21-and-over (as designated by the tiny asterisk on the menu). That’s because — in addition to caramelized brown sugar, Marcona almonds, and Gogi berries —the final topper is whiskey-soaked raisins. Speaking of adults-only, a Bloody Mary featuring Absolut Peppar Vodka is also up for grabs. Breakfast Menu Of course, the kiddos haven’t been forgotten! Pint-sized versions of the Breakfast Pods and the Cinnamon French Toast are offered alongside popular cereals. Kids’ Breakfast Menu and Drinks We started our first feast of the day with the Cinnamon French Toast. Cinnamon French Toast Topping the toast is a dusting of powdered sugar and a blueberry cheesecake dollop. Cinnamon French Toast This is all placed atop a passion fruit anglaise and served with sausage. Cinnamon French Toast Sausage on the side The French Toast has a nice, light and spongy texture (though those who prefer their French Toast on the crispy side probably won’t enjoy it as much). Cinnamon French Toast Personally, I really liked the berry topping! Even though it didn’t come close to the “blueberry cheesecake dollop” that I envisioned (it’s more of a compote and only slightly creamy), the berry boost delivered some terrific flavor to an otherwise staple dish. Closeup on Blueberry Cheesecake Dollop My one complaint is that I thought the portion was a tad small, even as one of the lesser cost items on the menu, coming in at $7.99. But for a sweet option, this is a nice one. FYI — this does not come with butter or syrup, but syrup is available at the condiment counter. We asked about butter and couldn’t find any, anywhere. Portion size, though, was not remotely a concern with the Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-fired Herb-crusted Beef and Chimichurri (also called “Steak and Eggs”). A helping of arugula finishes off the plate. Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-fired Herb-crusted Beef and Chimichurri It features that same tender, rare beef and flavorful Chimichurri sauce as the Create Your Own Satu’li Bowl served at lunch and dinner. Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-fired Herb-crusted Beef and Chimichurri Wood-fired Herb-crusted Beef I thought that would be my favorite part, but what actually stood out the most was the Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata. Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata I can be picky about texture with a frittata, but this one was on point, and the baked in veggies tasted great. Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata cross-section This is the choice if you’re hoping to tackle a LOT of the park right after breakfast, as it is incredibly filling to boot. Remember the Cheeseburger and Vegetable Curry Steamed “Pods” from our lunch and dinner review? (To refresh your memory: the Cheeseburger Pods are a hit; the Vegetable Curry… not so much unless you LURVE curry.) The breakfast version is the Scrambled Egg, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed “Pods.” Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed Pods with Pickled Vegetables These are served with pickled vegetables. Pickled Vegetables The pods are, of course, simply steamed bao buns, filled with the scrambled and diced ingredients mentioned above, along with just a bit of cheese. Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed Pods Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed Pod cross-section They weren’t bad, but I do think they could’ve used more of that cheese to help this dish along. Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Spinach Steamed Pod Filling And while I still really liked how the bao was prepared, I also thought these weren’t stuffed quite full enough. If you’d really like to try the bao buns, I would stick with lunch or dinner. I saved my personal favorite — hands down — for last: the Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage. Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage The chorizo sausage tops the hash along with a natural jus — which was sort of like a pork broth. Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage Packed with flavor and hearty, this is a great savory option. I loved the roasted peppers and potatoes in combination with the plentiful pork. Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder Potato Hash That natural jus helps to create a dish that’s not at all dry, either. And I always appreciate that bit of kick from the chorizo! Chorizo Sausage I would love to see the Hash available on its own as a side with any of the other dishes so more people could enjoy it. It’s a real winner! Overall Satu’li Canteen isn’t just a great counter service breakfast offering for Pandora; it’s a great breakfast offering even considering your other options in Disney World for those who are looking to step outside the regular Bounty Platter and Mickey Waffles (not that we don’t LOVE our Mickey Waffles — you know we do!). Unique and — better yet — well-prepared dishes in a cool setting are a terrific way to start the day. And if you’re facing any lines that even come close to this throughout the summer… Pandora’s Opening Week Lines … you’re gonna need some serious sustenance! Signing off once more from Pandora! (But not for long…. there’s still more where this came from, so stay tuned!) Nosh or Not? Breakfast at Satu’li Canteen Could Be Right For You If: You’re hitting Pandora early and aren’t planning a big lunch You’re up for experimenting a bit with your standard breakfast dishes Breakfast at Satu’li Canteen Might Be a Pass For You If: Your family is a Mickey-Waffles-Or-Nothing kind of breakfast crew You’re not a big breakfast eater You have super picky eaters or not-so-adventurous eaters in your group. Even the kids’ meals are out of the ordinary, featuring the blueberry cheesecake sauce and passion fruit anglaise, and the goat cheese and spinach steamed pods. Note, however, that you can get the sauces taken off of anything you order, and there is regular cereal available. Would you like to start your day at Satu’li Canteen? 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: Breakfast Items at Satu’li Canteen in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: Full Menu for Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora News: Mobile Ordering and Menu Items Coming to Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World This Summer! View the full article

Our chefs at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Hawai‘i are always creating delicious island-inspired dishes. Always a menu favorite, poke, which means “cut piece” or “small piece” in Hawaiian, is the perfect seafood starter to share. To bring a bit of the Hawaiian Islands into your kitchen, check out the fun video and full recipe below for Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse! Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse Serves 6 as an appetizer TUNA POKE 1 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons yuzu juice Juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, plus additional for garnish 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon wasabi powder 1/8 teaspoon sugar 2 pounds fresh sushi-grade tuna, cubed Freshly ground black pepper to taste AVOCADO MOUSSE 2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeded 2 tablespoons heavy cream Lime juice Salt, to taste White pepper, to taste Garnish Rice chips FOR TUNA POKE: 1. Whisk together soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, yuzu juice, lime juice, garlic, sesame seeds, vinegar, wasabi powder, and sugar in a large bowl. 2. Add tuna to mixture and toss to coat. Season with pepper, to taste. Refrigerate 5 to 10 minutes. FOR AVOCADO MOUSSE: 1. Chop avocados into large pieces and place in a blender. Add heavy cream and blend until smooth. 2. Season with lime juice, salt, and white pepper, to taste. TO SERVE: 1. Place avocado mousse in a piping bag. Pipe 3 parallel lines of avocado mousse in the center of each plate. 2. Divide tuna poke evenly among six 2.5-inch square molds. Place on top of the avocado mousse. 3. Serve with rice chips. Cook’s Note: Poke (pronounced POH-kay) means “cut piece” or “small piece” in Hawaiian. Be sure to use sushi-grade tuna because the fish is raw. Yuzu is a sour Japanese citrus fruit, and you can purchase in some supermarkets and in Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find it, substitute 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Enjoy! View the full article

Are you a classic movie buff? Have you ever dreamed of living la dolce vita in Italy? This summer, Adventures by Disney is offering a special departure of its Italy vacation, visiting Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Venice, that highlights many of your favorite classic films shot in this remarkable country. Built in conjunction with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this unique adult-exclusive 8-day, 7-night trip will run Aug. 11-18, 2017. Join fellow movie lovers for a unique and unforgettable journey through one of the most cinematic locations on earth. Here you’ll explore Italy in unique ways, such as enjoying an exclusive after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel, and of the Sistine Chapel, and savoring pasta during a private cooking workshop in the Chianti wine-growing region. Exclusive to this TCM departure are several activities, including a private tour of Cinecittà studios, where you’ll stroll through several Ancient Rome movie sets featured in famous films like Ben-Hur, Roman Holiday and The Godfather: Part III, to name a few. You’ll also delight in a private screening at the Palazzina Fellini. In Florence, visit the Ferragamo Museum and explore the Italian designer’s 90-year history. You’ll soon discover why this fashion icon is still a favorite among Hollywood royalty! Check out everything this trip has to offer by visiting http://tcmdestinations.com/. View the full article

Disney Springs is home to quite a few great restaurants including Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen and Morimoto Asia. And by the end of 2018 it’ll be home to five new dining concepts! AAAH! In addition to the previously announced Wine Bar George and The Edison, three additional restaurants are slated to open in 2017-2018. Disney Springs Jaleo Two new restaurants will be opening in 2018, including Jaleo, a Spanish restaurant from Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Jaleo will “feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota, and wood-grilled Iberico pork.” The Disney Springs location will be the first Florida location for Jaleo, which has five locations in the United States and Mexico City. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Also in 2018, a new concept from Wolfgang Puck will open in the Town Center at Disney Springs. The Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will “modernize the traditional bar and grill concept” in a location designed by Tony Chi. The menu will highlight many of Puck’s signature dishes along with handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. Chef Wolfgang Puck Wine Bar George Wine Bar George from Master Sommelier George Miliotes is opening in late 2017 – and an official groundbreaking was held in late 2016. The 6,000 square foot restaurant will feature wood ceilings and concrete floors, along with warm lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. ©Disney The Edison The Edison is also slated to open in late 2017. This “industrial gothic” restaurant and bar was announced way back in 2015 (and was supposed to open in 2016), so we’re all eagerly awaiting the grand opening! Concept Art for The Edison at Disney Springs ©Disney The Edison is a collaboration between Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, and according to Disney, the theme of the upcoming Disney Springs location will revolve around an electric company in the 1920s and will reflect the original Los Angeles location’s dedication “to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance.” Portobello Earlier this spring we told you that Portobello closed its doors and would reopen later this year as a new Italian restaurant concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano, who also was the master chef of Portobello. The as-yet-unnamed Italian restaurant’s menu will feature “dishes inspired by Chef Tony’s adventures across the many regions of Italy.” Artist rendering of new restaurant in Disney Springs ©Disney Just when you thought Disney Springs was done adding new places to eat and drink we now have five new spots to look forward to! Which of these new restaurants are you most excited about? 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: Wine & Canvas Class Coming to Wolfgang Puck Café in Disney Springs Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria News! Disney Chef Scott Hunnel Named James Beard Award Semi-Finalist; Wolfgang Puck To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award View the full article

As we mark a time of remembrance this weekend, we are also enjoying fun celebrations with family and friends as summer gets underway! And if you’re like me, that means one thing — vacation is JUST around the corner! Because of that, I wanted to remind you of our huge sale on everything in the DFB Store! But hurry! These savings are only for a limited time. Save 40% Off On Everything in the DFB Store! And yes — we mean EVERYTHING — with code 40SALE for a limited time! Our sale includes all of the DFB Guides that you’ve come to know, love, and trust to bring you the very best, most up to date, and most relevant coverage of Disney Food available anywhere! Here’s a quick rundown of what we have to offer: 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-Book, Second Edition Our original DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining covers it all! Every park, every resort, and every single restaurant, as we share with you up to date reviews and photos of all the food you can enjoy across Walt Disney World. But that’s not all. We have tons and tons of tips, tricks, and insider info to save you time, money, and hassle as you plan your next Walt Disney World visit. The DFB Family of Snack Guides Do you live for snacks in the four Walt Disney World Parks? Then dive deep with our DFB Snack Guides! In the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, we share details about every single snack you can enjoy. Plus we have cool bonus features like fun crawls, and hundreds of color photos to guide you in your choices! And today, any or all of our Snack Guides can be yours for 40% off with code 40Sale! Bundle For the BEST Deal! But without a doubt, Bundling is the BEST deal of all! We bundle our DFB Guides together for savings off of the cover prices of more than 30%. So when you purchase any of our Bundles today, you’ll receive them for an additional 40% off — a total steal! Whatever you’re looking for — just Snack Guides, the DFB Guide + Snacks, or Everything — we have just the right bundle for you. And Keep In Mind… When you pre-order our 2017 DFB Guide to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival or our 2017 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, you’ll get our 2016 versions for FREE as immediate downloads (and we’ll send you the 2017 versions the moment they’re published!) That’s like getting two books for the price of one — with 40% off on top of that! This offer is good when you purchase any bundle that includes the books as well. But hurry! This sale expires soon. So don’t miss your chance to save time and money planning your next Disney World trip with our complete line of DFB Guide e-books! Just enter promo code 40Sale at check out and save 40% off of your entire order. With your satisfaction guaranteed (yep — love it, or you get your money back!) on all of our DFB Guides, you have nothing to lose! As always, we thank you for your support of the Disney Food Blog! Happy Memorial Day! 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: Save 40% on EVERYTHING in the DFB Store with Our Memorial Day Sale! Mardi Gras Sale! Save BIG on the ENTIRE DFB Store! SAVE 30% Off Everything in the DFB Store With Our Labor Day Sale! View the full article

Hey, Disney movie buffs! There are some exciting things happening on the silver screen right now, and we have some fun merch to celebrate all of your favorites! Lightning McQueen is Back!! Whether you’ve blasted off to other galaxies with the Guardians, or you’re looking forward to another high-speed adventure with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the Cars gang, it’s gonna be an awesome summer. And we have some great gift ideas for that superfan in your life (even if that superfan is, um, you). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Looking for something to recreate the magic of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2? We have you covered! Dancing Baby Groot I think we can all agree: Baby Groot is the cutest character that Vin Diesel has played or will ever play. So celebrate this period in his redevelopment with the super adorable Dancing Baby Groot. At almost 12 inches tall, he’s nearly the same size as his movie counterpart! Dancing Baby Groot Dancing Baby Groot gets gets down to a clip from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack, but he also recognizes external music and will groove to just about anything, given the chance. Aaaaand — his eyes light up when he dances! Be sure to grab batteries too, though — you’ll need three AAs to power him. The Milano vs. The Abilisk Playset by LEGO Get ready for epic space battling with The Milano vs. The Abilisk Playset by LEGO. The set includes 460 pieces to create the Milano spaceship, the Abilisk monster, and four mini-figures: Star-Lord, Gamora, Nebula and Drax. Plus, there’s a Baby Groot figure! The Milano vs. The Abilisk Playset by LEGO Appropriate for ages 7-14…and beyond. Star-Lord Action Figure Looking to send Star-Lord, aka Peter Quill, on custom adventures? Then you’ll need this Star-Lord Action Figure. This super bendy guy is six inches tall, and comes with two blasters. Star-Lord Action Figure Where will you send him into battle first? Rocket Raccoon PJs He’s not the most upstanding member of the Guardians, but you really can’t help but love him. Yep. We’re talkin’ about Rocket. You may not be able to morph into a wise-cracking racoon, but you can channel him in your very own Rocket Raccoon PJs — right down to his screen-printed fuzzy tail. Rocket Raccoon PJs Perfect for sleepy time adventures. Or save the set for Halloween, and your kiddo can be Rocket to his dad’s Groot. #Win. Star-Lord Element Blasters Play Set If you need to get some frustration out, Star-Lord style, then the Star-Lord Element Blasters Play Set is just the toy for you. The darts fire up to 13 feet! Lights and sounds make you feel like you’ve joined in the action. Star-Lord Element Blasters Play Set The play set is perfect for kiddos over the age of six, and requires four AA batteries. (And, oh, don’t shoot your eye out, Kid.) Cars 3 Do you love the Cars gang? Their latest adventures open in theatres June 16. Now’s the time to take advantage of new must have collectibles and other great items before they zoom off the shelves! Doc Hudson Motor Oil Mug Doc Hudson will live on in Cars 3 in the form of flashbacks. And what better way to celebrate the memory of our favorite wise vintage car than with this Doc Hudson Motor Oil Mug? Doc Hudson Motor Oil Mug I love that his zippy likeness is right on the label. Lightning McQueen RC Vehicle Be one with the car and channel your Lightning McQueen sillz with this cooler than cool Lightning McQueen RC Vehicle! We love that the controller is actually a blazing red steering wheel with number 95 right in the middle. Lightning McQueen RC Vehicle Stock up on AAA batteries for this one, which is good for speedfreaks age 3 and over. Cars 3 PJ Set Send them off to sweet dreams of Lightning McQueen and Jackson Storm in this rockin’ Cars 3 PJs Set. Cars 3 PJs He’ll be the hit of his sleepover with these super cute and comfy cotton separates! Cars Bike by Huffy Your kiddo may be a little young to drive around a race track, but now he or she can still burn rubber like a boss with this Cars Bike by Huffy! Cars 3 Huffy Bicycle The 32-inch high bike comes outfitted with training wheels for the beginner, and a sweet spare tire case is perfect for holding special gear! Cars 3 Die Cast Set Whether you’re a Cars fan who is 3 or 43, you can’t deny that this Cars 3 Die Cast Set is totally KA-CHOW! Cars 3 Die Cast Set The set, which includes Lightning McQueen, Sterling, Rookie Racers (both orange and blue), and Cruz Ramirez, are created 1:43 Scale. Suuuuuper cute. And that’s a wrap! Which movie are you most excited to see this summer — Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 or Cars 3? 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: Guardians of the Galaxy Eats and More at Disney California Adventure Spotted: Baby Groot Cupcakes and Sipper Cup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cars Land First Look: Food Photos and Reviews From Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel View the full article

Walt Disney World has unveiled two restaurants that will be joining the Disney Springs lineup in 2018, including one that’s a new concept from famed chef Wolfgang Puck. According to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog, Puck will open the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill in the Town Center area of... View the full article

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. What’s more, I’m thrilled to unveil an adult-exclusive Marvel Day at Sea experience inspired by the Guardian’s interstellar adventures. After a full day of family events, what should you do next? Something good, something bad? Bit of both? Well, we’re giving adults time to kick back in Fathoms nightclub, now a Ravager hideout. While you mingle with the interstellar outlaws, an electrifying alien dance performance gets the fun started, amping up the energy before a few of your favorite Guardians join the party. As the night continues, you may even get to see the dance-loving Star-Lord get his groove on. As Drax says, “There are two types of beings in the universe: those who dance and those who do not.” Which type are you? Any idea what tunes will be on the playlist throughout the night? You guessed it! Like I said, Star-Lord has awesome taste in music! Throughout the summer, I’ll be giving you more details about our Marvel Day at Sea voyages, including the Super Heroes and Villains you’ll meet, plus the activities that will transport you in the Marvel Universe. This epic event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we reveal more of the fun in store for your family. View the full article

Three new dining concepts are expected to open by year’s end at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, with two more on tap for 2018. 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. The new restaurant replaces Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy. Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Look for some fun wine education, including special events and visits from winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers. And The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime, is expected to open by year’s end. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more. Looking ahead to 2018: Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, will open on the West Side, bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, with an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Think paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. And a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine. View the full article

The debut of Pandora – The World of Avatar over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has gotten the lion’s share of attention lately at Walt Disney World, but there are a couple of new happenings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well. Enhancements at DHS are a good thing these days as the park is in a bit... View the full article

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress property, one of the most iconic resorts in Orlando, has changed hands for $205.5 million, according to county records. The property has been owned by an affiliate of Chicago-based Hyatt Equities. The buyer is the publicly-traded, Orlando-based real estate investment... View the full article

“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 below. .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-187901 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom Park What area of Magic Kingdom Park can Pirates of the Caribbean be found in? Adventureland Frontierland Fantasyland When did Pirates of the Caribbean open at Magic Kingdom Park? 1971 1973 1975 Who is at the helm of the ship in The Fort scene of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction? Jack Sparrow Davy Jones Hector Barbossa How many Audio-Animatronics figures will you find inside Pirates of the Caribbean? 85 100 125 How many gallons of water are used in Pirates of the Caribbean? 155 gallons 180 gallons 200 gallons Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="187901" 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

In recent months, I have shared details about many of the innovative and creative merchandise products that will immerse guests and connect them like never before to Pandora – The World of Avatar. Today, I’m happy to announce a new way guests can create a truly unique memento at ACE Avatar Maker inside Windtraders. I caught up with Cody Hampton, merchandise product developer, who shared how this experience is connected to this exciting new land. “We were inspired by the breathtaking Avatar Flight of Passage attraction when designing ACE Avatar Maker,” explained Cody. “During the attraction, guests are connected with an avatar for first-person flight on a banshee over the moon’s incredible landscape. We thought guests would love to see what they actually look like as a human/Na’vi hybrid. Using a digital process, guests can now create and personalize their own 10-inch avatar action figure.” At ACE Avatar Maker, the natural feel of Windtraders gives way as guests step into a futuristic transformation booth. Guests are greeted by an Alpha Centauri Expedition Scan Technician who uses a state-of-the-art, facial capture scanner to enter data into the Hybrid Digitizing System. After an image is captured, guests select their avatar’s body style from four different choices. Both youth and adult sizes are offered. They also choose eye color, facial striping pattern, and hairstyle. Throughout the experience, the technician shares interesting details about the Na’vi. For example, Na’vi naturally have yellow eyes; or the Na’vi gene for dark hair is so strong that it is always dominant in the creation of an avatar. Once the customization process is completed, guests receive an ACE identification tag. This keepsake card is used about 30 minutes later at the ACE Avatar Maker Fabricator inside Windtraders where guests receive their completed action figures. Cody told me the packaging was inspired by the Amnio tank that is seen in the Avatar Flight of Passage queue. We also offer four accessory sets that can be used with the poseable action figures. Reservations are required for this experience, and can be made on a first-come, first-serve basis inside Windtraders. View the full article

Wine Bar George has been a long time coming. Rumors started swirling in late 2015 around a new wine bar headed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes coming to Disney Springs. The rumor was officially confirmed at the Party for the Senses (an Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Event) last fall. ©Disney Slated for a late 2017 opening, groundbreaking took place in December of 2016, and the walls surrounding the construction site (located just across the way from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and next to Raglan Road’s Hole in the Wall Bar) were covered with a display of the concept art for the space’s exterior. Wine Bar George Rendering And Disney is giving us a glimpse at the interior of Wine Bar George, with a new release of concept art specifically showing the center bar that will be found on the first floor. ©Disney George Miliotes shares that Wine Bar George will have a “comfortable-yet-lively environment that’s reminiscent of a renovated winery.” The 6,000 square foot restaurant will be complete with wood ceilings and concrete floors, along with warm lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere. The resulting vibe? “Guests will experience a feel reminiscent of the ‘Old World’ as if they are on the bottom floor of a gravity-flow winery surrounded by their best friends.” Wine Bar George will showcase wines from growing regions in the U.S. and beyond (some already well-established, and some up-and-coming), with more than 100 selections available by the bottle and by the glass. Wine on tap will be available from the bar, and guests may choose to pair their beverages with a shareable plate. Options will include cheese and charcuterie to complement the wines, with an emphasis on local and seasonal selections. A flight of world-class Pinot Noir will also be available. George Miliotes ran the beverage program at the Contemporary Resort’s California Grill from 1995-2002. White Wine and the View from California Grill As one of just 236 Wine Sommeliers in the world certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, he promises an experience that will be welcoming to those who know their wine as well as novices, offering choices from a wide range of prices and varietals. Visiting winemakers and special events will allow wine drinkers of all kinds to expand their knowledge. Finally, Miliotes expresses that “Good wine and good food go together. At Wine Bar George guests can enjoy the trifecta: exceptional food, renowned wines and as much wine knowledge as they wish.” And we say, Cheers to that! Are you excited to welcome Wine Bar George to Disney Springs? 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: Confirmed: Wine Bar George by George Miliotes Coming to Disney Springs in Fall 2017 News: Groundbreaking Held for Wine Bar George in Disney Springs Morimoto Asia and Wine Bar George Partner for ‘Wok and Wines’ Pairing Dinner in Disney Springs View the full article

There is always a lot to do during the Summer at Disney Parks, but this year the moms, dads, and grandparents of the Disney Parks Moms Panel are especially excited about all the new sights and sounds around the Walt Disney World Resort. Here are just a few reasons why they are eager to visit this Summer: Don’t forget…the Disney Parks Moms Panelists always recommend packing sunscreen and a water bottle to help keep you cool and protected in the Florida Summer sun. For more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Summer Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article