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Thanks to the huge brouhaha that it caused, most of us know that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World is undergoing a massive renovation starting — well, now. Contruction is Underway at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort While the resort undergoes what is from all accounts going to be a gigantic, transformative makeover, dining options are obviously going to be impacted. In fact, Caribbean Beach Resort’s only bar, Banana Cabana, and its only sit-down restaurant, Shutters, are closing to make way for the overhaul. Shutters Entrance Last Week Obviously, people still need to eat, though. So we’ve been monitoring the situation closely. As part of that, we’ve visited the resort a couple of times over the last two weeks to bring you descriptions and photos of everything, as the transitional plans shape up. As of press time, Banana Cabana is still open, but will close in the near future. Banana Cabana is Still Opened as of Press Time The updated buffet area is now open for breakfast and dinner. We’ll take a closer peak at the set up there in just a moment. Let’s take a look at it all — what you can expect if you’re visiting or staying at Caribbean Beach Resort sometime in the foreseeable future. Martinique Island Market During our first visit last week, we were able to get a first look at the new Martinique Island Market. Martinique Island Market Sign Martinique Island Market Sign Yep. Your eyes do not deceive you. The Martinique Island Market is a repurposed hotel room. They’ve added a window in the door to make it look a little less…hotel room-y? Martinique Island Market Inside, the set up is similar to many grab and go areas in other resorts. Menu — Click to Enlarge A bookcase held an assortment of refillable mugs, Mickey krispies, fresh fruit, and assorted chips. Grab and Go and Refillable Mugs for Purchase A cooler was stocked with additional items, including fresh fruit, Uncrustables, desserts, wine, beer, and more. Cooler with Grab and Go Options There are some actual meals here. The day we visited, there were chicken Caesar wraps, Cobb salads, and pre-made sandwiches, all ready to go. Grab and Go Chicken Caesar Wrap Grab and Go Cobb Salad Grab and Go Sandwiches A separate cooler held additional bottled drinks, like water, juice, soda, and milk. Grab and Go Drinks There was also a microwave for warming purchases. We found a selection of Twinings tea, Nutri Grain bars, and Pop Tarts as well. Microwave for Warming Foods A coffee station dispenses java as well as hot water, and condiments are available for customizing your hot drink. Beverage Station A tiny pastry case shares counter space with the coffee station, and offers up assorted bakery items like muffins, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Bakery Items Updates About Refillable Mugs Stations, a Bar, and More You might be wondering where the refillable mug station is, since it wasn’t in the makeshift Martinique Market. We were, too. According to cast members that we talked to, refillable mug stations will be by the small rooms where ice is dispensed. They were scheduled to be available possibly as early as Friday, May 5, but we have not seen them yet. Construction and New Dining Set Up Because a bar is pretty much a requirement for a vacation for lots of us, we also asked if there would be a bar opened to replace Banana Cabana. We were told that there will be a bar constructed in the Old Port Royale parking area. Think “pop up” bar, like you often see around Disney during special events or extra busy times. Sign Showing Access to Banana Cabana — For Now For now, though, guests can still access Banana Cabana through the pool gates. New Caribbean Beach Resort Dining Area and Construction Area Photos We were back again this week so that we could share with you the very latest updates to the area. Old Port Royale Centertown and its restaurant, Shutters, is now, well, shuttered. Construction Sign Construction Even the circle leading up to the building is closed. Construction The new food area is set up by the Fuentes Del Morro Pool, which is the main pool for the resort with the fort and play area. It’s located directly behind Old Port Royale Centertown. Fuentes Del Morro Pool Area The makeshift dining area is comprised of a tent that houses a buffet as well as a Disney Food Truck for guests seeking a la carte options. Enter this covered area, and you’ll find ordering areas and cashiers on the right hand side. There, you can either pay for the buffet, or if you prefer, you can go to the left and place your food truck order. Covered Ordering Area We snagged a copy of the buffet menus, complete with pricing, for you to see. Buffet Menu — Click to Enlarge The Superstar Catering Food Truck (usually parked in Disney Springs) was on duty the day we visited. No word yet on whether the food truck options will change or expand. Food Truck in New Food Area Food truck options include some hot grilled items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note that food truck breakfast options are available 7:00-11:30AM, and lunch and dinner are available 11:30AM-9:00PM. Food Truck Menu — Click to Enlarge Randomly, there’s also a coffee station outside the tent as well. Coffee Station Once you pay for the buffet, you’ll be given a wristband, which gives you access to the actual buffet line. Ordering Area Both seating and the buffet itself are located inside the air-conditioned tent, and we were happy to see culinary staff preparing some food right there on the line. Buffet Inside the Tent Items on the buffet are labeled directly on the glass so that you know what you’re getting. There was a selection of cut fruit, and containers of butter and cream cheese were available for toast and bagels. Fruit, Butter, and Cream Cheese We found standard Disney breakfast buffet items the day we visited, including these guys! Mickey Waffles and Toppings Freshly made Mickey waffles always bring smiles to our faces. Mickey Waffles on the Breakfast Buffet Toppings for the waffles included blueberry and strawberry compote as well as warm syrup. Blueberry and Strawberry Toppings Savory hot items included potato casserole, link sausage, and scrambled eggs. Buffet Items There were also island crepes and individual veggie fritattas. Buffet Items Of course, guests could also take advantage of all the bacon and ham they could eat. Buffet Items Buffet Items A separate section held breads and pastries, and included bagels, muffins, and danish. Pastries A beverage station was located to one side of the tent. Drink Station If you’ve visited Caribbean Beach Resort before, then the lanterns, tables, and chairs in the dining area will probably look familiar to you. Seating in Temporary Food Area It’s important to note that you can use this seating area whether you’re dining from the buffet, or you’re purchasing your meal from the food truck. Seating Well, that’s all we have so far! We know that these closures and changes impact quite a large number of you, so we’ll continue to monitor the situation and update you with news and photos as the story continues to develop! But for now, what do you think of the dining and drinking changes happening at Caribbean Beach Resort during this massive construction period? 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: Caribbean Beach Resort Restaurants Closing this Spring for Refurbishment News! Dining Updates and MORE Coming to Disney’s Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts Review: New Caribbean Burger at Caribbean Beach Resort View the full article

With just a few weeks left until Pandora – The World of Avatar opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom we have more information about the menu at the lounge on Pandora, Pongu Pongu. Pongu Pongu Concept Art ©Disney The full menu for the “eclectic” lounge has been released on the Walt Disney website! Let’s check it out! Screenshot from Disney World website. The top of the menu features the non-alcoholic beverages including Pongu Pongu’s signature beverage, the Night Blossom, a mix of limeade combined with apple and desert pear flavors finished off with passion fruit boba balls. ©Disney Note that on its own the Night Blossom is just $4.99 but when ordered in the Souvenir Mug with Glowing Unadelta Seed the beverage is $18.25! We sure hope that glowing seed actually grows a bioluminescent tree for that price. Next on the menu are the alcoholic beverages including the Mo’ara Margarita (Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with Strawberry and Blood Orange flavors topped with Strawberry Boba Balls), which is also priced at $18.25 when ordered in a souvenir mug. Other drinks include Mo’ara High Country Ale in 16 ounce and 22 ounce sizes, and Hawkes’ Grog Ale also available in two sizes. If you’d like your draft beer in a souvenir mug it’ll cost $18.50. And finally, there is one food item on the menu – the Pongu Lumpia, a spring roll filled with pineapple cream cheese. This sweet snack is Disney’s take on a popular street food in the Philippines and Indonesia (and apparently, Pandora). Television Shot of Lumpia on ABC’s The Chew Now that we have the full menu for Pongu Pongu and the menu for Satu’li Canteen it’s time to start planning what you’re going to eat and drink on your visit to Pandora! Don’t forget to check out our latest DFB Video: “Eat This, Not That!” In Disney World’s Pandora for our DFB community’s recommendations! What are you looking forward to eating and drinking on Pandora? 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: Sneak Peek: Specialty Drinks at Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu in Disney World’s Pandora News: Menu Details for Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of AVATAR Sneak Peek: Menu Item From Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora View the full article

The Walt Disney Co.’s theme parks reported another quarter of solid growth Tuesday, with attendance and revenues up. Domestic theme parks’ attendance rose 4 percent in Disney’s second quarter, despite the Easter holiday falling into the current quarter. Disney benefited from a week of the winter... View the full article

Last week, Disney VoluntEARS joined the American Heart Association along with students & teachers at Juliette Low Elementary School to build the second AHA teaching garden in Anaheim funded by the Disneyland Resort. Designed as an outdoor classroom for hands-on learning about healthy living and the importance of nutritious foods, students will tend to and, later, harvest the growing plants – some of which will be used in school lunches at the cafeteria. Students got involved by assembling planters, filling them with soil and planting vegetable seedlings. Disney VoluntEARS hosted activity stations for students of all ages to learn about the benefits of composting, plus paint garden stakes, rocks and trash cans to beautify the garden. “We learned about plants and bugs in class, so it’s cool that we will be able to see it in real life now,” said Suraya Harris, sixth grader at Juliette Low Elementary School. “Nowadays, there is a lot of unhealthy food and people don’t grow fresh food. Having a garden at our school is going to give us the opportunity to learn how our food grows and help us learn how to eat better and live healthier.” View the full article

Central Florida Community Arts’ annual spring concert will be at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday and Friday, May 11-12. With the title “When You Wish Upon a Star,” it should come as no surprise that the 400 singers, dancers and instrumentalists will present a revue of Disney songs. The tunes are taken... View the full article

When you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll embark on an awe-inspiring adventure into the wonders of nature. It’s easy to celebrate all living things during your visit – even in your photos! With many Magic Shot offerings, Disney PhotoPass Service encourages you to let out your wild side. Check out the special shots currently available from Disney PhotoPass Service at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and don’t forget that with Memory Maker, you’ll get digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos and videos for one price! You can receive the following Magic Shots all around the park. Just ask any PhotoPass photographer, aside from those at Character Experience locations, to set up the photo. Defend the Pride Lands with Kion from Disney Junior’s “The Lion Guard” when you visit any PhotoPass photographer in Africa. Trust in me – while exploring the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a roving PhotoPass photographer can (carefully) coax Kaa into your photos. Select roving photographers around the park can also take this shot. It may be tough to be a bug, but it’s easy to get this Magic Shot in Africa. Released April 21, Disneynature “Born in China” takes moviegoers on a stunning journey into the wilds of China. Disney PhotoPass Service is excited to celebrate this film with a special Magic Shot that you’ll find when you venture into Asia. Ready to visit a world beyond belief? Once expeditions to Pandora – The World of Avatar begin on May 27, 2017, be on the lookout for special shots from Disney PhotoPass Service! Memory Maker is subject to the Memory Maker Terms and Conditions. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. If Memory Maker purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days from the date Memory Maker is purchased will not be included and must be purchased separately. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at Walt Disney World. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

This Friday, May 12, “Happily Ever After” presented by Pandora Jewelry will take its place in Disney theme park history by becoming the third nighttime fireworks spectacular to ever blast off at Magic Kingdom Park. And we want you to tune in to see the show’s grand debut performance! We’ll host a #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the show’s debut right here for all of you to watch this Friday, starting at 8:55 p.m. ET. Be sure to join a few minutes early, as we’ll kick off the broadcast with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Happily Ever After.” A fresh blog post will appear at the top of the blog on that day/time for viewing. To follow along on Twitter, use the hashtags #DisneyParksLIVE and #HappilyEverAfter. See the posts below for more on ‘Happily Ever After’: Creators Ready ‘Happily Ever After’ for May 12 Debut at Magic Kingdom Park Singers Jordan Fisher & Angie Keilhauer Share Their ‘Dream’ Recording The ‘Happily Ever After’ Theme Song Inside the ‘Happily Ever After’ Score Recording Session ‘Happily Ever After’ To Feature The Most Advanced Projection Mapping Tech Yet Behind the Scenes: Animators Give a Sneak Peek at ‘Happily Ever After’ Take A Behind-the-Scenes Look At The Making Of ‘Happily Ever After’ First Listen: Sneak a Peek at Our ‘Happily Ever After’ Theme Song View the full article

Finding Artistic Inspiration for Pandora – The World of Avatar View the full article

Hello Disney Parks Blog readers! As the blog’s newest author, I’m excited to give you the inside scoop on all things Disney Cruise Line. I’m also a huge fan of both Star Wars and Marvel, so stay tuned for posts from me about ways you can have intergalactic experiences or heroic adventures aboard a Disney ship. In just a couple weeks, we’ll be debuting new spaces on the Disney Fantasy, including two immersive areas for kids – Star Wars: Command Post and Marvel Super Hero Academy. More to come on that, but for now, I want to share with you my tips for how to have the perfect weeklong vacation on the Disney Fantasy. Choose the right itinerary for your family. With 7-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Florida all throughout the year, your options for a weeklong vacation on the Disney Fantasy are endless. The only tough decision you’ll need to make is whether to go on an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. I love both, so that choice is entirely up to you! When the ship’s in port, venture ashore. I borrowed that line from Arny, who is always sharing details about fun Port Adventures designed with families in mind. Immerse yourselves in Mayan culture in Cozumel, snorkel with stingrays in Grand Cayman and sail around the beautiful Virgin Islands from St. Thomas. Whatever you choose, make the most of your family’s time in these tropical destinations. Take time to recharge during your days at sea. There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking up the sun by the pool or getting pampered in our ocean-view spa. Your days at port will be packed with adventure, and enjoying downtime while the ship is cruising through the deep blue will give you the energy you need for your next day of excitement. Don’t miss the fun each night in the Walt Disney Theatre. Our shows and entertainment are the perfect opportunity for quality family time that everyone will enjoy. From Broadway-caliber musicals to magicians, comedians and 3D new-release films, you and the kids will consider this time together a highlight of the cruise. Give everyone time for themselves each day. The opportunities for family time on a Disney cruise are plenty, and so are the chances for “me time.” When your kids beg you to stay longer in the youth club so they can sling webs with Spider-Man or play Jedi mind tricks on Stormtroopers, don’t feel guilty about indulging in brunch at Palo or a Champagne tasting at Ooh La La. Those of you who have cruised on the Disney Fantasy, what tips do you have to add? View the full article

We’re just a few days away from the debut of “Happily Ever After,” the major new fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park. Over the past few months, we’ve shared several behind-the-scenes looks at the making of this amazing new show, which encourages guests to dream their biggest dream and never give up. How prepared are you for the show to debut on May 12? Test your knowledge below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-186806 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } ‘Happily Ever After’ at Magic Kingdom Park Who sings the duet during ''Happily Ever After''? Angie Keilhauer & Jordan Fisher Auli'i Cravalho & Dwayne Johnson Emma Watson & Josh Gad With the help of favorite Disney characters, what journey will ''Happily Ever After'' take guests on? Pursue their dreams Overcome obstacles Find their ''happily ever afters'' All of the above Which Disney character will be featured in new hand-drawn animation sequences during ''Happily Ever After''? Winnie the Pooh Aladdin Alice How big is the orchestra used to create the music for ''Happily Ever After''? 50 75 90 Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="186806" 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

Today we’re sharing what has to be my favorite behind-the-scenes look yet at the construction of Pandora – The World of Avatar. In it, members of the project team take us along as they search the globe for inspiration for the new land’s look and feel. In the video above, Imagineers give us a look at their research trips to Bali and Jakarta, where they traveled to study carving and weaving methods from local artisans. The artistic methods they learned there were later used as inspiration for artwork you’ll soon find throughout the land, such as 20-foot-tall woven totems that appear throughout the land to represent different clans of the Na’vi. International landscapes were also studied to find inspiration for the floating mountains, thick forests, rivers, waterfalls and streams. Pandora – The World of Avatar opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27. For more behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of this amazing land and its attractions, check out the list of related posts below. All in the Details: Imagineers Partner With AVATAR Filmmakers To Create Pandora – The World of Avatar All in the Details: Creating Pandora – The World of Avatar As A Real Place All in the Details: ‘Placemaking’ Pandora – The World of Avatar All in the Details: How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Forget ticket sales. The metric of the moment is social media heat, and apparently #Disneyland has more than anywhere else on the planet. More than the No. 2 spot, the Eiffel Tower. And almost triple that of its far bigger sibling, Disney World. According to TravelBird, an online travel specialist,... View the full article

Forget ticket sales. The metric of the moment is social media heat, and apparently #Disneyland has more than anywhere else on the planet. More than the No. 2 spot, the Eiffel Tower. And almost triple that of its far bigger sibling, Disney World. According to TravelBird, an online travel specialist,... View the full article

Walt Disney Co. is expected to post strong results for its fiscal second quarter Tuesday, boosted in part by the performance of its film studio. Analysts expect Disney to deliver earnings per share of $1.45, an increase of 6.6% from the same quarter a year earlier, according to Zacks Investment... View the full article

Star Wars AND Churro Fans, listen up! Look what Dining in Disneyland reporter extraordinaire Heather Sievers has found in Disneyland!! CHURRO LIGHTSABERS!!!! Yep! We’re talking Sith and Jedi Lightsaber…Churros! For realz. Red and Blue Churro Sign We spied them at the Churro Cart in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, and they’ll be there throughout the month of May. Churro Cart in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland But we also spotted them in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May the Fourth. While we hear they’ll be back, they aren’t there as of press time, unfortunately. But..a new hope! For churros! (What?!) So those are the deets! Let’s get to the pics. These are your standard issue Disney churros. What sets them apart are the super cool sanding sugars in red and blue. And there’s a little something extra in there. You’ll see in a sec. Blue and Red Sugar The warm churros are tossed into the sugar of your choice — red if you’re feeling Sith-like, or blue if you lean toward the Jedi side of things. Note that these aren’t flavored at all — they’re just sugar-sweet. Coating the Churros To balance things out, we decided to try one of each. Coating the Churro in Blue Sugar In short order, we were ready to battle, Jedi against the Dark Side. Which will you pick? Going Into Battle. With Churros But up close, you can see something totally awesome. Check out the tiny sparkles and stars in the sugar! Blue and Red Churros — and STARZZZ! Almost too pretty to eat! Blue Churro — Up Close Red Churro — Up Close We can’t wait to see what else Disney has up its sleeve to mark the 40th anniversary. But seriously…they’re off to a pretty awesome start, in our opinion. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think! Will you be enjoying Lightsaber Churros the next time you’re at Disneyland? (And hopefully soon at Disney World?) Leave a comment and let us know which color you’ll pick! 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: Disneyland Snack Hack: Churros with Dipping Sauces News: Gold-Dusted Churros and MORE Coming to Disneyland This Week! #OnTheList: Churros at Disneyland View the full article

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 opened last weekend and the cutest member of the Guardians has to be Baby Groot! We just love the little guy, so we were super excited when we spotted a couple of Baby Groot items at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today! Hooray for Hollywood Studios! How cute is this Baby Groot Sipper? You’ll find the cup at the popcorn carts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He can be yours – filled with your favorite fountain beverage – for just $12.75. Baby Groot Sipper Don’t ya want to take him home? We do! So cute! If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by The Trolley Cafe Cafe and pick up one of the new Baby Groot Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes! Find this cute cupcake at The Trolley Car Cafe The Cookies and Cream Cupcake is topped with an adorable (and edible) Baby Groot candy “planted” in a chocolate cup with green “grass” frosting! And, the cupcake is one snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan! We’re not sure how long the Baby Groot Cupcakes and Baby Groot Sipper will be around, so get yours while you can! Is the Baby Groot Cupcake or Sipper on your must-have list? 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: “Lady and the Tramp” and “Cinderella” Cupcakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios News! New Cupcakes Debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios News: Starring Rolls Cafe in Hollywood Studios Closing February 5th View the full article

The Magic Kingdom fireworks may include lumps in throats and tears in eyes along with pyrotechnics this week. “Wishes,” the long-running, end-of-night show, comes to a close Thursday evening at Walt Disney World. It’s not a dream come true for some fans, especially those in the millennial generation,... View the full article

The Magic Kingdom fireworks may include lumps in throats and tears in eyes along with pyrotechnics this week. “Wishes,” the long-running, end-of-night show, comes to a close at Walt Disney World on Thursday evening. It’s not a dream come true for some fans, especially those in the millennial generation,... View the full article

One of the most important days of the year will be celebrated this Sunday, that’s right…it’s Mother’s Day. A day to say thanks Mom for all you do. One great way to say thanks is by treating Mom to a day at the Walt Disney World Resort, but what in the world would that day look like for her? We were torn too, so we turned to Todd D., a dad and member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, to help save the day. “A vacation for Mom usually means she is the one focused on everyone’s mental, physical and emotional well being…everyone but herself,” said Todd. “However, to truly celebrate Mom properly on her day, we have to use some of that Endless Magic and remind her Walt Disney World Resort is the place where Mom’s dreams come true, as well.” And so begins Todd’s perfect Mother’s Day… Let’s weave a tale that follows the hero’s journey. Mom is our daily hero, after all right? To illustrate this perfect day, I’ll use my son, daughter and myself as examples, but I highly suggest each Guests do their own leg work to recall their own treasured memories with Mom. In our family, our hero (a.k.a. Mommy) rises with breakfast in bed delivered by room service and an introduction to the sort of Magic that awaits her on her special day. She is whisked away for a morning spa package at the closest Senses Spa & Salon, while we complete last minute details. Side note, if Mom is not one who enjoys a good spa treatment; consider starting the day with the Family Magic Tour at Magic Kingdom Park. Next? Four theme parks in one day and the first stop is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A quick check in with the Express Transportation Option is in order, and the first treasured memory is set to begin. For us, my daughter would inform Mommy that her fondest memory of their shared time at Walt Disney World Resort was spent at Affection Section, when she and Mommy groomed, fed and played with the animals, made silly poses with Rafiki in Conservation Station, and watched as a veterinarian had just finished surgery on a goat. The two relive that moment and then head over to try a new experience, participating in the Caring for Giants tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The tour is a wonderful combination of our daughter’s love of animals and Mommy’s bucket list item to pet/feed an elephant. Animal Kingdom is complete and they are off to meet my son and me at Epcot. At Epcot its lunch at Mommy’s favorite dining location in Walt Disney World, San Angel Inn Restaurante in the Mexico Pavilion. During lunch, Mommy is presented with her Mother’s Day gift: a personalized Epcot Passport that includes the phrase “I Love You, Mommy!” in all of the different languages represented on each country’s page of the passport. For little did Mommy know that as she and daughter cared for elephants, the men were strolling through World Showcase obtaining this treasured and highly original Mother’s Day gift. At this point there will be tears splashing into Mommy’s favorite meal, with her favorite people, in her favorite restaurant. But there is no time to stop now, after a few attractions we hop on the Express bus for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here it will be time for Mommy’s favorite son to relive his treasured experience with her at Disney Junior – Live on Stage! After the show the two will share a new experience together, Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams. The moment is captured through Disney’s Photo Pass Service and then it’s to meet up with daddy and daughter. This train is headed to Magic Kingdom Park. At Magic Kingdom, we do three things (one for each family member) that remind Mom how much we treasure her. The first stop is Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial where our son and daughter try to become one of the volunteers to train to become a pirate. After pirate training it’s a quick Dole Whip for Mom, thank you dad, and then straight to Splash Mountain. This time Mom’s little princess has agreed to ride along for a new family experience. Last but not least, the family takes a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant, one of the first and favorite attractions we rode together as a family on our first trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Whew, by now, our kids are getting tired so a trip on the monorail takes them to Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. A quick kiss goodbye to the kids, and Mommy and Daddy are headed back to the Magic Kingdom. With the help of FastPass+, Mommy and Daddy ride their favorite five attractions: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. These five are the attractions we, mommy and daddy, always try to get to when we tour the Magic Kingdom without the kids and this is my treasured memory! After four Theme Parks visited, treasured memories recalled and new experiences created, the piece de resistance! Mommy and Daddy leave the Magic Kingdom for Disney’s Contemporary Resort and head up to the 15th floor for Advanced Dining Reservations at California Grill. We reminisces about wonderful times, new memories made and toast to a wonderful mother, wife and woman as the fireworks burst over the Magic Kingdom, capping off the Most Magical Mother’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort. And if not the California Grill, there is always the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! For more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. A big thank you to Todd D. for sharing his perfect Walt Disney World Resort Mother’s Day adventure. View the full article

True love's formula, per classic Disney princess custom: First, a storybook romance. Next, a lavish castle wedding. Then, a lifetime of "happily ever after." According to the Walt Disney Co., mere mortals can achieve this fairy tale. That is, with their help, and for the right price. Disney's Fairy... View the full article

True love's formula, per classic Disney princess custom: First, a storybook romance. Next, a lavish castle wedding. Then, a lifetime of "happily ever after." According to the Walt Disney Co., mere mortals can achieve this fairy tale. That is, with their help, and for the right price. Disney's Fairy... View the full article

"Once Upon a Time" star Jennifer Morrison will exit the series at the conclusion of the current season, Variety has confirmed. Morrison has been with the show since its launch, playing the role of Emma Swan in 134 episodes in total. Her exit comes as the ABC series is said to be a lock for another... View the full article

Beginning May 12, 2017, guests will be able to enjoy the debut of “Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular that’ll combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and more at Magic Kingdom Park. And to celebrate opening night, we’re offering an exciting opportunity to join us and be one of 100 winners to experience “Happily Ever After” at Walt Disney World Resort. You can enter today from 11:00 a.m. ET until 3:00 p.m. ET for a chance to win two (2) tickets to the Magic Kingdom Park where you can experience the “Happily Ever After” opening night event. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. ET (check-in begins at 4 p.m.) on May 12 at Magic Kingdom Park. Winners will have a confirmed place at this event. During the event, winners and their guests can see the “Happily Ever After” show – with fireworks, pyrotechnics and original animation, plus its heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others. You can enter for a chance to win by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. Also, here are a few things you should know: All entrants must be 18 years or older and legal residents of, and physically located within, the state of Florida. However, guests of the winners do not need to be 18 or older (as long as the guest is the child or ward of the winner). Limit one guest per winner registrant. Winners will be sent a notice, via email. It will be necessary for each winner and guest to check in at Transportation & Ticket Center beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the event. They can enjoy Magic Kingdom Park prior to the nighttime show. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Winning prizes are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Show performance is subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 11:00am ET on 5/8/17, and ends 3:00pm ET of same day. Open only to legal residents of Florida who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person. For full details including eligibility requirements, odds of winning and prize limitations, see Official Rules. Prize does not include accommodations or transportation between winner’s home and the event taking place on May 12, 2017. Void where prohibited. Hope to see you on opening night. View the full article

I have the opposite of a “green” thumb. Plants see me and immediately wither. The amazing Disney Horticulture team could teach me a thing or two! Their gorgeous topiaries and flower displays at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival put my little bed of greens to shame. To help many untalented growers like me, our garden fairy, Brittany Ungvarsky, worked her magic to create this DIY featuring forever flowers. Visit the festival to get inspiration and design permanent posies of your own! Download the template you’ll need here and the step-by-step directions here. View the full article

Geyser Point Bar & Grill | Disney Vacation Club View the full article