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Summer is just around the corner, and I’m excited to embark on new adventures and spend some extra time out in nature. If you’ve had a chance to see one of the sneak peeks of Disney’s upcoming film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” you know the film inspires the explorer in all of us who yearns for great adventure, and I believe there is no better place for exploration and imaginative play than the outdoors. Nature provides endless possibilities for inventing, seeking and exploring. Whether you are on a beach, in your own backyard or at a local park, imagining the next great pirate adventure can take place anywhere you choose. To help you and your family discover your next adventure, our Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team developed an activity packet to celebrate the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” which will debut in theaters May 26. This activity packet provides exciting peeks into the film and is full of puzzles, crafts and games that inspires outdoor exploration and adventure. You can observe the stars above, face off with a fellow mate in battle and live to tell a new tale of adventure from the Devil’s Triangle. You may even discover a few ocean animals the Disney Conservation Fund is helping protect through our Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time initiative. You can download a free copy of “The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” Activity Packet, available online here. View the full article

It feels like yesterday I was on the inaugural Disney Fantasy cruise in amazement of all the stylish and unique spaces, and now, just five years later, I’m onboard checking out the incredible enhancements that added even more heart (and a droid!) to my favorite ship. Yesterday, the Disney Fantasy set sail on her first cruise after a sprinkling of pixie dust that brought new fun for kids, adults and families. Each new area is marked by meticulous detail and unmistakable Disney touches. You’ll have to see it all in person to truly appreciate the sophisticated design elements, but for now, enjoy your first look at some of the ways we added even more magic to one of the most magical ships at sea … Star Wars: Command Post Now kids can train with heroes of the Star Wars saga and help with missions against the First Order. Throughout their journey, they’ll meet members of the Resistance and learn to channel the Force. Sweet on You Themed after the iconic Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, this whimsical ice cream shop features hand-crafted gelato and ice-cream, specialty sundaes, homemade chocolates, truffles and lots and lots of candy. Tiffany & Co. This premier jewelry store is home to timeless collections of jewelry and luxury accessories, including the Tiffany T collection and other glamorous pieces featuring renowned Tiffany & Co. diamonds. I have already taken my photo with BB-8, and now I’m off to explore Marvel Super Hero Academy (thank goodness for Open House in the kids club). Next up, I’ll show you this new innovative space for children and how they can discover heroic qualities from mighty Super Heroes. View the full article

Every once in a while you’ve gotta go back to the classics. Learn About: Oasis Canteen Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney World Restaurants Let’s head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Oasis Canteen! You’ll find this unassuming little kiosk in the back of Studios, near the Indiana Jones attraction. Ice cream treats are the norm for this place. But at least once in the past, they took us by surprise when they offered a selection of savory options. That was mostly during a busy season when more eats were needed around the park, and since then ice cream and classic treats have returned. In fact, the menu has changed very little from long ago visits — except that the prices have gone up. There are also a couple of grown up floats to try here — both root beer and dreamsicle versions — that include Stoli Vanilla vodka. Oasis Canteen Menu — Click to Enlarge With all the changes taking place at DHS, who knows what will come next to Oasis? So let’s enjoy a favorite classic while we can! It’s funnel cake time. You can get your funnel cake sprinkled with powdered sugar, of course. Or opt for cinnamon sugar, which offers you flavors and textures similar to a giant churro. Or you could go for something a little more impressive, like the funnel cake with strawberry topping and soft serve vanilla ice cream. And that’s what we did. Funnel Cake with Vanilla Soft Serve, Strawberry Sauce, and Chocolate Drizzle Here, you get a huge, freshly-made funnel cake topped off with strawberry topping, vanilla soft serve, chocolate drizzle, and powdered sugar. (This one is almost the size of Disneyland Hungry Bear funnel cakes. That never happens at WDW.) Funnel Cake with Vanilla Soft Serve, Strawberry Sauce, and Chocolate Drizzle — A Closer Look There is plenty of strawberry topping, and the sauce has large, whole strawberry pieces mixed in as well. Funnel Cake with Vanilla Soft Serve, Strawberry Sauce, and Chocolate Drizzle — Up Close The funnel cake itself is freshly made, so it’s crunchy and tender and warm. Funnel Cake Detail This snack is seriously enormous and completely shareable between two to four people. And for the current price of $8.19 — or a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit! — are you serious? Definitely use your snack credit if you can. But just to recap, the funnel cakes are made fresh at Oasis Canteen, so they’re served warm. And when you add warm funnel cake + soft serve, it equals a dish that is super messy in a matter of minutes. Find a wall to sit on, or head to Min & Bill’s or Backlot Expres super quick, because this one doesn’t travel well. Still, that mix of hot and cold, crunchy and creamy — totally worth the mess as far as I’m concerned! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Limited time only… 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? And now, let’s hear from you guys! Is the Funnel Cake with Strawberry Topping and Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream at Oasis Canteen on your Disney snack bucket list? Share your thoughts with us 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: Snack Series: Oasis Canteen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: New Cookies n’ Cream Funnel Cake in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion Review: Sweet Chili-Glazed Chicken Nuggets at Oasis Canteen in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

There are so many ways our Disneyland Resort cast members make magic for our guests each day, and we love to show you some of these magic-makers here on the Disney Parks Blog. Let’s take a look back at some of our favorites from years past. Meet Bonnie, who has been immortalizing memories at the Silhouette Studio on Main Street, U.S.A., for more than 30 years! Learn how to bake a Sweet Memories Cake from Disneyland Resort Chef Jean-Marc Viallet. After working in the Candy Palace for more than 40 years, Disneyland park candy maker Rob McHargue truly knows his way around a kitchen. View the full article

Opening the Music Box of 'Beauty and the Beast' | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Walt Disney World will expand its mobile-ordering program for theme-park restaurants at a handful of locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer, the company announced. Disney’s first location that visitors can order food via smartphone is Satu’li Canteen, a counter-service restaurant that... View the full article

In today’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Toby and Olivia Flaversham from the 1986 film “The Great Mouse Detective” would do if they had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort. According to Ashley, Toby may want to check out a place that was designed just for four-legged friends – Best Friends Pet Care! “Best Friends Pet Care allows your pets to have their own vacation,” Ashley said. “I can imagine Olivia dropping off Toby while she helps Basil and Dr. Watson solve some mysteries!” View the full article

The news about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival continues to trickle in. We are keeping our ears to the ground to bring you all of the news as soon as we get it! While we await pieces of information like more details about the 35 booths celebrating 35 years of Epcot and when The Chew might be in town this year, we’re also keeping an eye on just which acts we can expect to see for Eat to the Beat. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series takes place nearly every night of the festival. Shows are scheduled three times each evening, so you’re guaranteed to be able to catch your favorite acts, even if you have special events or low cost demonstrations or seminars booked. We’re still awaiting the full line up — it could be announced any day now — but today, we’re sharing with you a few additional acts that we’ve learned about in recent days! As always, the information we share is subject to change. For the very latest information on this year’s festival, keep an eye on our main 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page. And for the very latest updates delivered directly to you, subscribe to the DFB Newsletter! Delta Rae — August 31-September 1 Starship featuring Mickey Thomas – September 9-10 Shane Hennessy — September 14-16 Rumor: 38 Special – September 28-29 Mark Wills — September 30-October 1 Rumor: Christopher Cross – October 4-5 Taylor Dane — October 12-13 Jeffrey Osbourne – October 14-15 Be sure to pop over to our Eat to the Beat page for the latest updates. We Hope Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performs Again at Eat to the Beat! And if getting a great seat for your favorite musical act is tops on your list, check out our information on Eat to the Beat Dining Packages. 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! Now, we’d really love to hear from you! Who are you most looking forward to catching at an Eat to the Beat concert in 2017? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! 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! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Preliminary Bands 38 Special Confirmed for Eat to the Beat Concert Series at Epcot Food and Wine Festival News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule! View the full article

Our all-star creative team is hard at work on the new production of “Beauty and the Beast” coming to the Disney Dream this November. In a previous post, I shared ways they are drawing inspiration from the live-action film, and today I want to expand upon the role of the music box. In the new film, Belle’s father, Maurice, is an artist who creates intricate music boxes. His musical masterpieces are unique with special meaning behind them, particularly one that is a re-creation of where Belle was born in Paris. This same music box propels Maurice to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” the new heartfelt song about holding onto memories by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice. In our stage musical, the theme of the music box will guide the audience through the story. A combination of high-definition projections, dynamic scenery and a little bit of Disney magic will open the music box to reveal the captivating details of Belle’s journey. To learn more about how our new interpretation of “Beauty and the Beast” will create this outstanding visual panorama, one that reaches beyond the stage, check out this behind-the-scenes video. There’s much more to share about this incredible new production before it debuts in the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Dream. Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we go behind the curtain of a tale as old as time. View the full article

Just like the neighborhood itself, the mailboxes of Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park each have their own distinctive character. There’s no mistaking Minnie Mouse’s mailbox! Of course, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s mailbox mirrors their home’s treehouse design. And it’s probably a miracle that Goofy’s mailbox is still standing, seeing how accident-prone its owner can be! View the full article

There are so many amazing snacks to enjoy within the parks of Walt Disney World! We can all rattle them off — school bread in Epcot, killer mac and cheese in Animal Kingdom, cupcakes everywhere — and so on, and so on. But what happens if you want to get some crazy good Disney treats — but you don’t have a park ticket? Maybe you’ve gotten to town late, and you don’t want to burn a park day. Or maybe you’re between renewal dates for your pass. Or maybe you’re just wondering about some great treats you haven’t tried yet. We’re here to help! Because some of our all-time, must-have, super-crave-worthy treats can be found outside of the parks. How amazing is that? And if you love the great suggestions we’re sharing here, be sure to check out the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition for even more great snacking tips! Join us as we check out this latest installment of our favorite Walt Disney World Treats You Can Enjoy — No Park Ticket Needed! Dole Whip (Outside of Magic Kingdom!) Who doesn’t love Dole Whip? That’s right. Nobody. So we start with the Quintessential Disney Treat — and tell you where to get it outside of Magic Kingdom (and the other parks at which it’s lately started to appear). Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip in Souvenir Tiki Bowl at Pineapple Lanai Of course, one of your options is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. You used to be able to score Dole Whip at Captain Cook’s. But these days, Pineapple Lanai is Dole Whip Central. You can enjoy Dole Whip here plain or swirled with vanilla soft serve. You can even get my favorite — Dole Whip Floats! Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip Float And don’t forget to pick up a Spikey Pineapple at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at the Poly. This is — you guessed it — a spiked Dole Whip drink! If you don’t want to mess with trucking all the way to the Poly to get your fix, head to Disney Springs, where you’ll find Dole Whip options at Marketplace Snacks — including a Pineapple Rum Float! Peanut Butter Pie at Contempo Cafe I was just there last week, and I’m sooooo happy to report that the Peanut Butter Pie at Contempo Cafe is totally still there! This has been a must-have, I-don’t-care-where-you-are-staying-go-get-it kinda snack since I first had it. And nothing has changed! Peanut Butter Pie What makes up this amazingness? It’s peanut butter cream cheese filling on a base of vanilla cream, and a vanilla sweet crust. Then, there’s chocolate ganache, and surrounded by more chocolate. There is literaly nothing that I don’t love about this dessert. I would tell you it makes me speechless. Except I just went on about it for 3 paragraphs. So. Yeah. Get it. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sundae at Ample Hills Creamery There was a lot of excitement about Ample Hills Creamery coming to Disney’s BoardWalk. And it turns out that it was well founded. While we love their fun, from scratch flavors, their flights, and their floats, my current favorite is the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sundae. Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sundae These babies are totally customizable. I went for warm Ooey Gooey Butter Cake topped with Baked/Unbaked and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake ice creams, caramel and hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherry. (Yep! I doubled the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake goodness.) I think you should, too. But note…this is SOOOOOO SWEET! Be prepared. You might just get a li’l bit sick. I’m just sayin’. #worthit Poutine at The Daily Poutine I think that poutine is just about the best thing ever. And while I absolutely love the original poutine of thick cut fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy, I also enjoy seeing creative takes on the Canadian classic. So I hightly recommend a stop at The Daily Poutine in Disney Springs to get your loaded fries fix. All the Poutines! Here, in addition to the classic brown gravy and cheese curds version, you’ll also find variations like French, which features mushroom cream sauce and Gruyere as well as a Latin version, offering fried yucca, black beans, pulled pork, and queso fresco. Look for fun seasonal favorites too. We’ve enjoyed a version topped with turkey and dressing around the holidays. And the breakfast version with tots and sausage gravy is a total winner! Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks I have the perfect idea for your dessert after you finish your poutine. Board a boat at Disney Springs and head to Port Orleans to enjoy beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks! We love the inventive take on New Orleans classics that this counter service spot serves up, but their beignets top our list of favorite treats. You can also add your choice of dipping sauces for an additional charge. Choose from caramel, raspberry or chicory coffee ganache. Or get all three, like we do. Beignets and Dipping Sauces! For an extra dose of decadence, order the beignet gelato sundae. Beignet Sundae ‘Ohana Bread Pudding at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort But it’s not just new stuff that you can find outside the parks. Be sure to make room for another classic, ‘Ohana Bread Pudding. Anyone who’s been reading the blog knows that this is my favorite dessert in Disney World…and has remained so for years and years. The rich bread pudding is topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it’s served with a warm pitcher of caramel-y Bananas Foster sauce on the side. And when you smother the bread pudding, I promise you’ll here angels singing if you listening closely. ‘Ohana Bread Pudding No plans to book your advance dining reservation at ‘Ohana? No worries. You can also order the dessert next door in Tambu Lounge. Hand Dipped Corn Dog at Fantasy Faire Food Truck For our last must-have treat, we’re going mobile — to the Disney Food Trucks, which you’ll usually find at Disney Springs. Head to West Side, and hit up the Fantasy Faire Food Truck for a hand dipped corn dog. This is the real deal, not the frozen kind you usually get when you order a corn dog. Hand-dipped Corn Dog from Fantasy Faire Food Truck Previously, you could only get this amazingness in Disneyland — IN THE PARK! So I’m thrilled that I can now satisfy this craving without even setting a foot in a park at Walt Disney World. It’s — should I say it? — magical. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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 sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, 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! Now, we wanna hear from YOU! What are your favorite Disney snacks that you can score without a park ticket?? 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: Tips from the DFB Guide: Must-Eat Snacks at Disney World Resort Hotels 5 Must Eat Disney Snacks You Can Get Without a Park Ticket! #OnTheList: Dole Whip at Disney World and Disneyland View the full article

Today, Adventures by Disney announced its newest destination – Iceland! In 2018, you can navigate the diverse landscapes of this country and explore the natural powers of majestic waterfalls, massive glaciers and stunning volcanos. This new 8-day, 7-night, action-packed vacation takes you from Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in the South to Akureyri and Lake Mývatn in the North. Prepare to be immersed in rich Icelandic culture and unparalleled natural beauty that join forces through this land of fire and ice. Visit the iconic Thingvellir National Park, breathtaking Goðafoss waterfall and massive Kerið crater. Prepare to unwind and relax at the soothing Blue Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths. Explore the high seas with a spectacular humpback whale-watching expedition. Even more thrilling, you’ll come face-to-face with magnificent glaciers on a scenic cruise, and even hike on the massive ice caps themselves. Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure through the glacial river of Skagafjörður and trot through the scenic countryside on an Icelandic horse. Hike along, and even behind, some of the region’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss and Goðafoss. Unique culinary stories are also a large part of this vacation, as you learn to make bread baked using geothermal heat. You can also discover the secret to Iceland’s traditional smoking process. Also in 2018, Adventures by Disney vacations to Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland have been reimagined, expanding upon the already rich authentic experiences and local storytelling of these destinations. In all, Adventures by Disney will offer trips to more than three dozen destinations in 2018. Bookings for all 2018 vacations open May 19, 2017! View the full article

Three additional Walt Disney World restaurants will be using the new food ordering service, Mobile Order, announced the Disney Parks Blog this morning. Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus, all in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will begin offering Mobile Order this summer — an exact start... View the full article

Move over, Captain Ron! There is a new pack of dogs helping reverse the decline of endangered species! With cotton-top tamarins increasingly threatened by the illegal pet trade, we came up with a fun way to get kids in Colombia more interested in choosing dogs, rather than monkeys, as pets. Keepers from Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently joined forces with the education staff of Proyecto Tití in Colombia to teach children how to train their dogs as part of the amiGUAU program. The term amiGUAU comes from the Spanish word for friend “amigo,” and the sound dogs make in Spanish “guau-guau.” Developing strong relationships between children and their dogs is key to reducing Colombian children’s desire to have cotton-top tamarins and other wild animals as pets. During the four-week program, fourth- and fifth-grade children from rural Colombia learned how to understand their dog’s behavior, teach their dog new behaviors and care for their domesticated animals. It’s important for children to understand that it’s their responsibility to help all animals. Some, like dogs and cats, need our help to find food, water and love, but wild animals like cotton-top tamarins just need our help protecting their forest homes so they can find their own food and families. Late last year, Proyecto Tití educators traveled from Colombia to Orlando to learn from the original Disney Conservation Dog, Captain Ron! They learned the basics of dog training from Captain Ron’s human companion, Pepe Peruyero, and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom keepers Carlos Torrez from the Trails Team and Alejandra Aramburo from Conservation Station. Alejandra and Carlos traveled to Colombia in March to help kick off the program. They each spent a week in rural Colombia refining the training skills of the Proyecto Tití staff and helping the children learn how to train their dogs. The Proyecto Tití team enjoyed learning how their training skills could be used on so many more animals than just dogs, as the keepers shared their stories about all the animals they train at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A trip to Colombia is not complete without a visit to see cotton-top tamarins in the wild. After a week-long training session, each keeper traveled to the long-term field site to meet cotton-top tamarins in person. They also met with the artisans of the eco-mochila project to see first-hand how the work of Proyecto Tití is impacting the lives of locals. Alejandra said, “For me, it was a unique, life-changing experience. One that gave me a different perspective on a lot of things and left me with hope and energy to share it with everyone.” We are excited to welcome the new dogs into our Disney Conservation Pack that are helping reverse the decline of threatened species and increase the time kids and families spend time in nature! View the full article

May 27th can’t get here fast enough! The opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar is just around the corner and we are very excited for you, our guests, to come and explore this new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out this new #DisneyFamilia video, all about Pandora – The World of Avatar. Videos are also available in Spanish and Portuguese! What are you looking forward to the most at Pandora – The World of Avatar? View the full article

As many of you know, a new food ordering service, Mobile Order, is debuting in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, we’re thrilled to let you know that Mobile Order will be available at the park’s Satu’li Canteen restaurant on opening day – May 27 – and then expanding to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus during the summer. And better yet, more Mobile Order fast casual and quick service locations across Walt Disney World Resort are on the way. Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app. It’s easy to do. After you’ve placed your order and pre-pay in the app, and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you’ll just tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick up sign. You should know that during the initial launch period of Mobile Order, the only form of payment accepted will be by credit card. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier. Here’s a look at Mobile Order in action: Stay tuned as we continue to share more about Mobile Order and additional new features and enhancements to the My Disney Experience app. View the full article

Of all the series that ABC recently canceled -- including "Dr. Ken," "The Catch," "The Real O'Neals" and "American Crime" -- there's one that was particularly contentious. That would be "Last Man Standing," the sitcom starring Tim Allen as a conservative "man's man" who hated President Barack Obama... View the full article

If you’ve been anywhere near the realm of Disney news over the past few days, you are aware that Pandora — The World of AVATAR is currently in pre-registered Passholder Preview mode in anticipation of the new land’s May 27th opening. Welcome to Pandora! Naturally, that means Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu (Pandora’s fast-casual restaurant and drink station, respectively) are in preview as well, and we have loved having the chance to visit both spots over the weekend. We loved it so much, in fact, that we couldn’t resist going back for another Preview. But one thing had changed for our second journey into Pandora: Mobile Order was suddenly made available for Satu’li Canteen! Mobile Order Screenshot Now, let’s say Satu’li Canteen is not on your list of places you plan to dine on your next Disney World vacation. Here’s why you should read on, anyway! Mobile Order — the process by which users are able to pre-order and pre-pay for their food and bypass the restaurant’s ordering queue — will be made available at several counter service locations around Disney World later this year. It’s simply making its debut at Satu’li Canteen, and we just so happened to be there when it dropped. Mobile Order Screenshot So, let’s check out the process! STEP 1: Open the My Disney Experience app .(Unlike Express Order, which had a trial run at Backlot Express a couple years ago, there is no need to download an additional app for Mobile Order. It’s all in My Disney Experience.) My Disney Experience app STEP 2: Drum up Satu’li Canteen (or your restaurant of choice, when further options are added) in the app either by using the search function or visiting the Dining section. There, you will see “Order Food” under the options. Mobile Order Screenshot Another way to navigate to your restaurant of choice is by visiting the “My Plans” section of the app and select “Order Food.” My Disney Experience Screenshot As more restaurants are added to the program, they should come up as choices under “Select a Restaurant.” Mobile Order Screenshot Don’t see “Order Food” anywhere in your app yet? Be sure to make the latest update to My Disney Experience! I literally had to update it right before ordering in order to get the mobile order to appear. STEP 3: Check out the menu options and start to build your order! Mobile Order Screenshot If you would like to learn more about a particular dish, there are two things you can do. One: read our full review of Satu’li Canteen . Second: select your item of interest, and read more about it. Mobile Order Screenshot If your entree has choices involved (for instance, Kids’ Meals such as the Cheese Quesadilla and Cheeseburger Steamed Pod allow the option to choose from among a few sides and drinks), those choices will come up here for your selection. Mobile Order Screenshot Also, be sure to review any options for customization, where applicable. For instance, in the case of the highly customizable Create-Your-Own Satu’li Bowls, you can choose your Base (we recommend the Red & Sweet Potato Hash) and Sauce. You can also choose to remove add-ins like the Boba Balls on top. Mobile Order Screenshot STEP 4: Select “Add” the item, if you wish, to add it to your order. STEP 5: Upon adding all your desired items, you can review your order, which offers you the chance to make adjustments by deleting or changing the number of any items. Mobile Order Screenshot STEP 6: Once you’re happy with your order, you can view your final total and select Purchase to pay for your order. Mobile Order Screenshot It’s important to note that Mobile Order does NOT accept Disney Dining Plan credits (or Disney Gift Cards) at this time. Though this will likely change in the future, only credit card payment is accepted at the publishing time of this post. And you’re done! For now. Until you want to eat, that is! A REALLY nice feature of Mobile Order is that you aren’t tied to a specific time to pick up your meal. On our visit, our menu order could be picked up through 8:00 pm. Mobile Order Screenshot STEP 7: When you arrive at the restaurant, simply open up your My Disney Experience app click the button that announces your arrival. STEP 8: Your order will enter into preparation once you hit the I’m Here Button upon your arrival at the restaurant. Mobile Order Screenshot STEP 9: Grab your food! You will receive a notification on where to pickup your order once the screen displays that it is ready. Mobile Order Screenshot STEP 10: ENJOY!! Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse at Satu’li Canteen Again, Disney has stated that Mobile Order will roll out at various Counter Service and fast-casual locations around Disney World later this year. For now, remember that Mobile Order will be available at Satu’li Canteen for all guests once Pandora officially opens on May 27th! Are you excited to try Mobile Order? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Full Menu for Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora News: Mobile Ordering and Menu Items Coming to Pandora’s Satu’li Canteen News: Menu Details for Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of AVATAR View the full article

We have an amazing treat for you today in our latest DFB Video as we share our very first look at Pandora — The World of Avatar! This brand new world is in soft opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we were lucky to get a sneak peek of everything this amazing place has to offer! Come with us as we explore the rides, the atmosphere, and of course the eats and drinks in our DFB Video Review! Check it out below! By the way, have you subscribed? If not, there’s never been a better time! Subscribe to the DFB YouTube Channel, and you’ll never miss all the fun, as we bring you an insider’s view and FIRST LOOKS! of all the new and exciting stuff happening in the Disney universe! But now, I really want to hear from you! Are you excited to visit Pandora — The World of Avatar? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you’re looking forward to experiencing in Pandora FIRST! 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! New Restaurants Revealed for Pandora — The World of Avatar, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom DFB Video: GET THIS at Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: Pandora — The World of AVATAR Opens May 27th in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of the opening of Disney Springs’ newest neighborhood, Town Center. It’s hard to believe, but the additions that have come as part of our largest-ever transformation bring us to a total of 120 retail stores, 54 food and beverage locations and nine entertainment experiences. While it would be impossible for me to pick a favorite – really, it would! – today, I’m putting the spotlight on one of the most unique: The Levi’s Store, complete with a Levi’s Tailor Shop, exclusive to a handful of Levi’s locations worldwide, offering custom embroidery, tailoring, hemming and repairs. Another noteworthy call-out? The Disney Springs Levi’s Store is the only one to offer an assortment of kids’ product. (Now that I’m just days away from becoming a first-time mother, this little detail is an important one!) I had the chance to connect with the Levi’s team and I was surprised to learn that the company invited the first pair of blue jeans in 1873. This timeless wardrobe staple has evolved over the years, starting out as working men’s overalls, then becoming a fashionable necessity for musicians, supermodels and everyone in between. As Levi’s historian, Tracey Panek, shared, “Levi’s are classics, worn by everyone from Steve Jobs to President Obama. They are ubiquitous—found on catwalks in Paris to sidewalks from Miami to Mumbai. Over 140 years since their invention, Levi’s jeans remain simple, timeless, authentic, democratic and remarkably relevant today.” If you love your Levi’s off the rack, like I do, you can find plenty of pairs at the Town Center shop. Want something a bit more custom? Levi’s tailors can provide guests with one-of-a-kind pieces and custom styles, with hemming services and chainstitch embroidery starting at $20 or $25, respectively. One of the most memorable recent pieces was developed for a father who wanted a special birthday gift for his young daughter. He brought in one of her original drawings and the artisans at the Tailor Shop were able to replicate the design into a Levi’s trucker jacket. How amazing is this, shown above as a work-in-progress?!? Though I can’t currently fit into my favorite 501s, I just may treat myself to a new pair when I get back to my pre-baby shape. Until then, I’d love to live vicariously though you…so if you have any photos of your amazing “tailor-made” Levi’s creations from the Town Center retailer, share them on Twitter on Instagram using hashtag #DisneySprings – I’d love to see! View the full article

Pandora is Disney's big draw this summer, but there are a lot of footnotes beyond giant blue people happening around Walt Disney World worth checking out if you're heading the Mouse's way. First up is the new nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, "Happily Ever After", which debuted May 12... View the full article

Pandora is Disney's big draw this summer, but there are a lot of footnotes beyond giant blue people happening around Walt Disney World worth checking out if you're heading the Mouse's way. First up is the new nighttime fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, "Happily Ever After" that debuted May 12 replacing... View the full article

Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village often flies under the radar when it comes to dining at Disney World, but it’s one of our favorite spots. We recently discovered that the menus at Kona Cafe have been updated for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some fan favorite items are no longer on the menu but others — like Tonga Toast — remain. Breakfast at Kona Cafe is a DFB favorite thanks in part to favorites including seasonal pancakes and Tonga Toast. But the updated breakfast menu no longer features the Big Kahuna, Steak and Eggs, or The Samoan. Pancakes with pineapple and macadamia nut butter Other items no long on the breakfast menu include Blueberry Pancakes and the Egg White Omelet. Tonga Toast and the Pancakes with Macadamia Nut Butter are safe. At lunch, diners will no longer find the Polynesian Plate Lunch on the menu. The Kona Surf and Turf Burger and the Big Island Tacos are also gone. Updated lunch menu at Kona Cafe Newer items include the Island Style Beef Burger, Lemon Grass-Scented Airline Chicken Breast, and Shrimp Salad with Yuzu Emulsion. The dinner menu appears to be the same as the lunch menu now, and lost lunch menu items include Kona Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, Pan Seared Duck Breast, and Grilled Curry Crusted Lamb Chops. Pan-Asian Noodles with Chicken remain on lunch and dinner menu Sushi remains a menu staple at both lunch and dinner. The dessert menu at Kona Cafe has also been updated. Gone is the Warm Apple Tart, Banana Chocolate Crème Brûlée, and Yuzu Citrus Tart. The Kona Kone remains along with Chocolate Fondue, and the Kilauea Torte. New dessert menu at Kona Cafe New desserts include Te’Fiti’s Island Mouuse, Warm Pear Tart, Mango Cheesecake, and Kona Mocha Verrine. Today’s Kona “Kone” Change, apparently, is inevitable, even at Kona Cafe. What do you think about the changes to the menu at Kona Cafe? Did any of your favorites get cut? 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: Review: Breakfast at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review: Breakfast at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review: Kona Cafe Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort View the full article

We’ve got some exciting news out of Hong Kong Disneyland today as the resort celebrated the grand opening of Disney Explorers Lodge, a new 750-room hotel that has to be seen to be believed. Bill Ernest, president and managing director of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, APAC, and Sam Lau, executive vice president and managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, joined leaders from the Hong Kong government for a spectacular grand opening celebration. As many of our Disney Parks Blog readers know, Disney Explorers Lodge celebrates the spirit of exploration. The story behind the resort hotel takes place in the grand era of exploration and tells of four explorers who built a lodge based on their adventures around the world, adding their own artifacts and specimens gathered during their lifetime of travels. The hotel is inspired by the explorers’ travels to an African savannah, a South American rainforest, a Polynesian island paradise and an area inspired by the natural beauty of Asia. Disney characters play an important part of the immersive story at Disney Explorers Lodge. Each of the four wings features an outdoor garden with a matching theme, named after an iconic Disney or Disney•Pixar character and featuring creative nods to the character – Oceania’s Little Squirt Garden (“Finding Nemo“); Asia’s Hathi Jr. Garden (“The Jungle Book“); Africa’s Rafiki Garden (“The Lion King“); and South America’s Kevin Garden (“Up“). The opening of Disney Explorers Lodge continues an historic period of growth at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and is the first new hotel since the Resort’s opening more than a decade ago. Earlier this year the all-new Iron Man Experience opened to guests and is already the most popular attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland. The resort has also announced exciting new expansion plans that will bring the best characters and stories from The Walt Disney Company, including Marvel and “Frozen,” to life in ways never before seen at a Disney park. Have you booked your trip to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort yet? Are you planning a stay at Disney Explorers Lodge? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

UPDATED: ABC on Tuesday announced five new series for fall, but the network could gain more attention at midseason when it adds “Dancing With the Stars Junior,” “American Idol” and a reboot of “Roseanne.” “American Idol,” once the most-watched series, ran for 15 seasons on Fox. ABC will offer its... View the full article