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Wow… we’re gearing up for a LOT of new experiences coming to Walt Disney World in the coming weeks. Next month, the new “Happily Ever After” nighttime spectacular will make its debut in Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom will unveil an entire new LAND with Pandora — The World of AVATAR! “Happily Ever After” Concept Art ©Disney But, as always, there is plenty taking place in the here and now in Disney World, too. So, let’s take a look around the parks and resorts to find out What’s New! Animal Kingdom Check out the half-adorable, half-creepy new Panda Caramel Apple in Zuri’s Sweets Shop! (That thing really needs pupils.) Panda Caramel Apple I’m thinking this cutie is inspired by the new Disneynature film, Born in China. Also at Zuri’s, the Bulk Snacks lining the wall previously featured items like dried fruits and nuts. Those options have been replaced by the kinds of candies you’ll find in other confectioneries around Disney World. Sayonara, good-for-you stuffs. Zuri’s Bulk Options That said, there are a few Gummi items unique to Zuri’s like Flowers, Frogs, Butterflies, Turtles, Starfish, and Gooey-Filled Gummi Insects. Gooey-Filled Gummi Insects Pick up a Lotus Glow Cube in honor of Rivers of Light at the Feeding Ground Popcorn Stand, Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks, and various snack and ice cream carts around Asia. Lotus Glow Cube on Pink Lotus Beverage Here you see it topping the Pink Lotus from Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks. Imagine how fun this would look at night watching the show! Lotus Glow Cube on Pink Lotus Beverage Okay, maybe this will give you a better idea… Lotus Glow Cube In most spots, the glow cube is an additional $4 with your beverage of choice. Mr Kamal’s is now serving Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries with Tzatziki Salad and Sriracha Ketchup (in place of the former Samosa). Mr. Kamal’s Menu Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries Oh, and… PANDORA IS COMING!!! Bridge to Pandora — The World of AVATAR IT’S. SO. CLOSE. NOW. This bridge will allow entrance to the new Land which officially opens on May 27th!! Hollywood Studios If you’re in Hollywood Studios for Morning Extra Magic Hours as a Disney Resort guest, or starting your day at the park on a particularly heavy crowd day, you can now stop by Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner for breakfast. Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner A Breakfast Burrito is the featured item, offered along with items like Cinnamon Rolls, Bagels, and your morning cup o’ joe. A little later in the day, adult guests can also order one of the new cocktails on the menu. Min and Bill’s Menu These include the Patron Platinum Margarita, Frozen Lemonade with your choice of Bacardi Superior Rum or Dragon Berry Rum, the Kahlua and Cream Milkshake (made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream), or the one we tried: the Blue Long Island Iced Tea. Blue Long Island Iced Tea Look for a review of this — and the current lunch and dinner menu at Min & Bill’s — here soon! Eats at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner More boozy options are available at the Oasis Canteen. Oasis Canteen A Barq’s Root Beer Float with Stoli Vanilla Vodka and a Dreamsicle Float made with Orange Juice and Stoli Vanilla Vodka are now being served. Oasis Canteen Menu The still relatively new Fast-Casual dinner service at ABC Commissary is currently offering a couple of appetizers in addition to the regular entree list. ABC Commissary Sign Look for Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers and Mediterranean Hummus as options to start your meal. Appetizers at ABC Commissary Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers You may already be familiar with Goofy’s Candy Co. Bagged Candy, which has been a park staple for years. Well, now Goofy has a little competition from a certain adorable astromech droid… BB-8 Orange Sour Balls … a Wookie… Chewie Blue Raspberry Gummies … and Kylo Ren. Cinna-Ren Cinnamon Candy And before I forget to say it, since it’s coming up soon… May the 4th Be With You!! Epcot We’re anxiously awaiting the opening of Choza de Margarita in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion! Construction of Choza de Margarita That’s the new name for the upcoming tequileria that was previously announced as Choza Tequila. Construction of Choza de Margarita Construction of Choza de Margarita Click here to learn about updates to Epcot’s World Showcase Wine Walk, which now includes this acrylic wine glass. Acrylic Wine Glass The glass is refillable and can also be purchased for $5 even for those not participating in the Wine Walk. Acrylic Wine Glass At Kabuki Cafe in Japan, new Sake Mist flavors include Coconut Pineapple and Blackberry. Kabuki Cafe Menu Fortunately, the Blood Orange Sake Mist is still on the list. Blood Orange Sake Mist Also fortunately, the Chocolate Cherry isn’t . The Temari Sushi Combo and Futomaki Big Roll are new on the menu as well. Le Cellier is now offering a Porterhouse Steak for 2 on the menu. Le Cellier Menu It’s $119, or 4 Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan (a regular solo meal at Le Cellier is typically 2 credits for this Signature Restaurant). And right nearby at the Refreshment Port, the Stow Away Mary is available on a trial basis. Refreshment Port Be sure you read the garnish ingredients for this Bloody Mary carefully. Stow Away Mary sign I kind of love whoever came up with Chicken Breast Nuggets as a garnish . Magic Kingdom Happy Baseball Season, everyone!! Casey’s Corner is always the perfect place to celebrate the return of America’s National Pastime. Casey’s Corner It’s also where you’ll find the Featured Hot Dog of the Month: the Pizza Dog is topped with caramelized onions, sausage, cheese, pizza sauce, and basil. ©Disney Okay. It may not be the deeply missed old school Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll… Mickey Cinnamon Roll … but at least the new Cinnamon Roll at Main Street Bakery is MICKEY-SHAPED!!! And, as I mentioned earlier… we’re all getting a new evening spectacular at Magic Kingdom with “Happily Ever After,” which debuts on May 12th. Farewell “Wishes” T-shirt But in the meantime, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say, “Thank you, Jiminy.” Farewell “Wishes” Traveler Cups For ALL the wonderful, magical memories. Disney Springs Town Center Let’s give a warm welcome to the newest resident of Disney Springs. The Polite Pig has officially — and ever so politely — moved into the Town Center! The Polite Pig This modern barbecue joint features wood-smoked and grilled Southern fare, along with a unique beverage program with all drinks served on tap AND a Bourbon Bar with over 50 selections. The Southern Pig Old-Fashioned Find out our thoughts from our very first visit on the Pig’s opening day here! It’s not a trip to Disney Springs these days without checking out the current Dome Cakes at Amorette’s Patisserie. Amorette’s Patisserie Here is the lovely little Petit Spring Time Cake, which includes Champagne Mousse… among other ingredients . Petit Spring Time Cake But, still… Champagne Mousse! Petit Spring Time Cake Sign We are loving the Duo options at D-Luxe Burger which include two burgers, two drinks and fries to share. D-Luxe Burger So grab a buddy and get to gettin’! Classic Duos Menu West Side New signage has sprung up at the Candy Cauldron. Candy Cauldron Candy Cauldron Recent additions to the menu at The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Cafe include the Black Bean Soup, the Baby Beet Salad, and the Wolfgang Puck Chopped Salad to the Soups, Salads, and Starters. Wolfgang Puck Cafe You’ll also find Tagliatelle Primavera and Roasted Rack of Lamb under the Entrees. And the Pinkberry Martini, Coco Chanel, and White Chocolate Martini are the currently featured Cocktails. Menu for The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck Cafe The World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck can most often be found in Exposition Park. Exposition Park Though in its earliest days, this particular Food Truck featured popular bites from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, these days you never quite know what you’ll find on its rotating menu. World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck Current offerings include a Chicken Cemita Sandwich, a Chilean Steak Sandwich, a Meatball Pomodoro Sandwich and a Pork Belly Ham and Cheese Sandwich. The Landing Let’s take a look at The Edison construction, where the signs have been changed to read “Opening Late 2017” (as opposed to the originally anticipated Spring opening). The Edison Construction The Edison Construction The Edison Construction At Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, the Meatball Sliders have been replaced with Snakebite Sliders and Mac’s Pork Belly Sliders. The Shrimp Marrakesh is also new. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar And you can now choose from different sauces with your Wu Han’s Hot Wings. Select one from Obi Wan Orange, Himalayan Zing, or Lao Che’s Revenge. Hangar Bar Menu Seasonal gelato flavors at Vivoli il Gelato include Rum Raisin, Amaretto, and Passion Fruit. Vivoli il Gelato Vivoli il Gelato Seasonal Menu Check out the new Chocolate Caramel Sundae and Waffle Bowl Sundaes (you can read all about the Nutella Brownie Sundae here). Vivoli Sundaes Menu And finally, the new Fresco Float features San Pellegrino Limonata poured over lemon and strawberry sorbet and topped with whipped cream and a strawberry. Fresco Float sign Portobello Country Italian Trattoria is closing for refurbishment starting April 24th. Portobello Restaurant Look for this Italian kitchen to reopen in the fall! (Word on the street is that Family Style service will be part of the offerings.) Marketplace DANG!!! Marketplace Snacks has totally stepped up their Dole Whip game! Marketplace Snacks in Downtown Disney First off: you can now get your Dole Whip in Float form as well as in a cup. Second: you can now SWIRL your Dole Whip with vanilla, making this the only Dole Whip location outside of Pineapple Lanai with the option to swirl. Marketplace Snacks Menu And THIRD: you can now purchase a Pineapple Rum Float. The new regional dishes at T-Rex are Pacific Rim-themed. T-Rex Restaurant Pineapple Chicken & Kalua Pork Rolls, Korean Spicy Stir-Fry Chicken and the Southeast Asian Trio make up the list. Pacific Rim Selections Meanwhile, the current regional selections at Rainforest Cafe are Caribbean-themed, with the Jamaican Rundown, Coastal Redfish and Cuban Mojo Steak & Shrimp. Caribbean Selections at Rainforest Cafe The Seasonal Salads at Earl of Sandwich are Avocado, Apple, Berry & Quinoa as well as Beet, Citrus, and Quinoa. Earl of Sandwich in Disney Springs Seasonal Salads And the Savory Crepes have returned to AristoCrepes. Crepe and AristoCrepes Kiosk Also, guests 21-and-over can now add a float of rum or vodka to their choice of beverage, one option of which is the new Frozen Lava Colada. AristoCrepes Menu Resorts BoardWalk Inn You can start your day with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric at the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast! Rapunzel Flynn Rider Prince Eric Ariel This new Character Meal made its debut at Trattoria al Forno in early April. Pastry assortment at the Bon Voyage Breakfast King Triton’s Shipwreck al Forno Tower of Pancakes Read our review of this new experience here! Polynesian Village Resort Be sure to check the refrigerated cases in Captain Cook’s to find the Moana Coconut Cupcake. Moana Coconut Cupcake Fort Wilderness We’ve got a few updates from Fort Wilderness (in addition to the arrival of the Chuck Wagon Food Truck). Welcome to Fort Wilderness! Trail’s End is no longer serving an a la carte Lunch. The buffet Breakfast is still available from 7:30 am – 12:00 noon, and the buffet Dinner is served from from 4:30 – 9:30 pm. Trail’s End Brunch is served on select days from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm. And here’s a peek at the current menu for P&J’s Southern Takeout. P&J’s Southern Takeout Menu Along with a few New Offerings on the list. New Offerings at P&J’s Southern Takeout All Star Music The Contemporary isn’t the only Disney World Resort serving mammoth, made-for-two cocktails. Singing Spirits Bar This trend is starting to be seen all over Disney World, and the latest place we spotted it was the Singing Spirits Pool Bar. Made-to-Share Drinks Menu If you order a Rock Star or a Guitar Solo, it comes to you in THIS… HUGE Wine “Glass” … with two holes for straws to share! Cup Cover Aaaaaand that’s a wrap for this month’s What’s New! We’re signing off with a few sentiments we spotted at Mickey’s Pantry in Disney Springs… Sign in Mickey’s Pantry Sign in Mickey’s Pantry Sign in Mickey’s Pantry Sign in Mickey’s Pantry We’re with YOU, Pooh Bear!! Remember… Eat and Be Happy! Have you spotted something new in your own trip around the World? 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: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: February 28, 2017 What’s New Around Walt Disney World — January 23, 2017 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 View the full article

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Happy weekend! We hope you’re enjoying a couple days of rest and relaxation! Now it’s time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Disney food news… . Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons The 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens is in full bloom through the end of May, and we have all the menus and food photos for you! Don’t forget, the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in August this year! Whew!! And if you want even MORE food news, we also have news on the updated menus for the 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We checked out grab-and-go menu at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen! DFB was YouTube’s ‘Creator on the Rise’ this week! 38 Special is confirmed for this year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series! Several permits have been filed for Marketplace Booths at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival! The World Showcase Wine Walk now features a refillable wine glass! Goofy’s Powdered Candy is back at Walt Disney World! We talked about possible dates and details for the 2017 Free Dining offer that should be coming soon! Check out the sneak peek of specialty drinks from Pandora – The World of Avatar. We reviewed the Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons. Check out this guest review of the San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. We review breakfast at Rancho del Zocala at Disneyland. New DFB YouTube video has all the details on How to Get Free Dining and Magic Kingdom table service restaurants you have to try! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video! Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re expecting the Free Dining Offer to come out, so we did a video all about the details! Check it out below — and subscribe here! Deal of the Week: Save on The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Second Edition! This week we launched the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition! To celebrate this milestone — the first time we’ve shared a second edition — and to say thank you to all of our loyal DFB readers – you can order the Second Edition for 20% OFF your purchase with code SAVE2017! Why a Second Edition, You Ask? Because it’s crazy, but true — EVERYTHING continues to change so rapidly at Walt Disney World these days. So many new restaurants, kiosks, bars and lounges, menu items, and more have come online. We are constantly go go go just trying to cover it all for our Disney World food lovers out there! So we decided it was time to produce the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2017 Second Edition now. We update everything with every new edition, so you can be sure that you’ve got the most recent details about dining in Walt Disney World at your fingertips. You can order your copy today for 20% off the cover price – just use code SAVE2017! With a 100% money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure is a fantastic spot for dinner, and my good friend Eric Chu recently dined there as part of the World of Color dining package. He declared the Braised Short Ribs as “bomb-diggity.” “Bomb-diggity” Braised Short Ribs Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is one of those hidden gem locations at Disney World. And if you end up dining there you won’t be disappointed. DFB friend Amy Rhodes shared a few photos with us from her recent visit declaring the pork chops and okra “so good!” This all looks delicious! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix spotted this fun ‘Finding Nemo’-themed coffee mug. WDW for Grownups shared their Top 5 Snacks in Epcot’s World Showcase. Oh My Disney shared a cute quiz about Disney Parks food and what it reveals about your personality. Disney Family shared a recipe for a super cute Minnie Mouse Grilled Cheese. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-up: April 2, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 9, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 16, 2017 View the full article

Our exclusive “All in the Details” series exploring Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom continued this week with a detailed look at the land’s interactive plants and the different animals throughout the land. Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details on this new world. We also shared a first look at The Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure park. The building is home to the soon-to-be-unveiled Tivan Collection, where guests will view the rare items in Taneleer Tivan’s extensive holdings, including his newest acquisitions: the Guardians of the Galaxy. Check out Erin’s original story for more details and images. And you can explore The Collector’s Fortress yourself when Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure park. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Frozen Summer Games Coming to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Starting May 26 – We’re very excited to share that the “Frozen” Summer Games will be returning to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park starting May 26, with even more snowy, summery fun! New Star Tours Adventure Revealed at Star Wars Celebration – During Star Wars Celebration in Orlando last week, Star Wars fans got their first look at the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Fans attending a special panel discussion entitled Star Wars and Disney Parks: A Galaxy in the Making also learned that a new destination will be coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year featuring some of the iconic actions and locations showcased in the trailer! Classic Space Mountain Returns to Disneyland Park This Summer – Get ready to initiate power transfer in 3…2…1… when the classic Space Mountain returns to Disneyland park June 1! Tune in on May 7th for a Look at the Magic Behind Happily Ever After with the New Special – ‘Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings’ – You are cordially invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at how a dream wedding becomes a reality. Tune in on Sunday, May 7th at 8/7c on Freeform to see the premiere of the brand new television special – “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings.” Super Heroes Arrive at Disney California Adventure Park During Summer of Heroes – It’s almost time to Hero Up! All-new epic adventures are headed to Disney California Adventure park when Summer of Heroes kicks off May 27, including the grand opening of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Inside the ‘Happily Ever After’ Score Recording Session – The new fireworks spectacular “Happily Ever After” is now less than a month away from debuting at Magic Kingdom Park and today we have a new behind-the-scenes look to share with you – a peek inside the recording session for the show’s score. View the full article

Sydney Devore of Lakeland and Samuel Souza Do Nascimento of Brazil triumphed in the second annual Star Wars Half Marathon -- The Dark Side at Disney World on Sunday, April 23, 2017. View the full article

In the time since Sydney Devore thought her running career was over, she taught English in South Korea, backpacked across southeast Asia and got engaged in Sweden. In the time since the Lakeland resident resumed running competitively, she set a personal best last month and shattered it Sunday morning... View the full article

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Hey, Everyone! It’s that time of year — time for Disney to announce their FREE Disney Dining Plan offers in the U.S.! So in today’s DFB YouTube Video, we’re sharing with you our Top Tips for How to Get the Disney Dining Plan for FREE! In this video, we tell you all about the Free Dining Offer, what NOT TO MISS in the small print, and exactly how to maximize your chances of getting the offer when you book. Find out all the details in our How to Get the Free Disney Dining Video. And while you’re at it — sign up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter, because we’ll have the information first, and we’ll pass it along to you immediately! By the way, have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? Subscribe now and you’ll never miss our most important and timely tips, just when you need them! But now, I really want to hear from you! Are you trying to score the FREE Disney Dining Plan? Tell us about it in 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: New DFB Video: Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for First Timers New DFB Video: Our Top 10 Disney Dining Tips! New DFB Video: The Disney World Mocktail Crawl! View the full article

Each April, we join together to celebrate this great planet and remind ourselves why it’s so important to take time to enjoy nature and do our part to protect it. As Earth Day approaches, we are excited to announce our 2016-2017 grants, helping us reach a milestone of more than $65 million in support to projects spanning 115 countries since the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) was established in 1995. Here are just a few highlights from our 2016-2017 grant recipients, who together received grants totaling more than $7 million to support their efforts to protect wildlife and provide experiences that will help inspire a lifelong love for nature in young people. As part of the Increase the Time initiative, Disney is helping empower young people to create community-based solutions to big challenges facing other people, animals and the environment in 12 countries through Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program; providing 16 communities with resources to improve local parks with National Recreation and Park Association’s Meet Me at the Park initiative; and encouraging kids and families to create backyard garden habitats for wildlife through the National Wildlife Federation’s Butterfly Heroes program. Additionally, as part of Disney’s Reverse the Decline efforts, we are contributing funding and expertise to protect 10 at-risk animals and providing more than 100 strategic conservation grants to support the worldwide protection of wildlife and ecosystems important to our company. This year, Disney’s support will help Panthera conduct outreach to monasteries and herders to empower local people to support the conservation of snow leopards in China, help San Diego Zoo Global protect vaquita porpoises – the most endangered marine mammal in the world – in Mexico and support the World Parrot Trust’s work to identify and protect critical habitat for Tasman parakeets in Australia. To learn more about our 2016-2017 DCF grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation. With these grants, the DCF has now awarded more than $65 million to reverse the decline of wildlife and increase the time kids spend in nature. Since 1995, this support has: Helped to conserve more than 400 species around the world. Funded protection of 143,400 square miles of habitat – an area greater than 2,400 Walt Disney World Resorts. Helped provide tens of millions of kids with nature experiences. The majority of funding is provided by Disney and supplemented by guest contributions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas and The Land at Epcot, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club Resorts and select Walt Disney World resorts. View the full article

In honor of Earth Day, go Behind the Waves of Disney Cruise Line with Disney Channel star Jenna Ortega from the hit TV series “Stuck in the Middle.” In this final installment, Jenna discovers the many “bright” ideas Disney Cruise Line practices to conserve energy, from the design of our ships to the propulsion system that keeps the fleet on the move. At Disney Cruise Line, we’re dedicated to minimizing our impact on the environment year around and are always looking for innovative ways to increase fuel efficiency, reduce waste and promote conservation worldwide. You can learn more about Disney Cruise Line environmental efforts and check out the entire Behind the Waves video series starring Jenna Ortega here. View the full article

BB-8 Greets Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Walt Disney World View the full article

If you have fond memories of strolling through your favorite Disney World Park as a youngster (or as a not-so-youngster!), clutching a plastic tube full of flavored sweet and/or sour sugar, you might be a Goofy’s Powdered Candy fan. Goofy’s Powdered Candy While powdered candy is by no means new to Disney World (we first chatted about this sugary indulgence years ago), the current incarnation of the treat is somewhat updated. You see, around a year ago, Goofy’s Powdered Candy suddenly vanished from merchandise spots where it had been a staple for ages: place like the Main Street Confectionery, Epcot’s Mouse Gear, and the like. And then — just as suddenly — it came back on the scene to several of its previous locations (though not all… yet). Goofy’s Powdered Candy even showed up in places it hadn’t been seen before, like Zuri’s Sweets Shop in Animal Kingdom. BOOM! Powder Candy Station in Zuri’s Sweets Shop The set-up is the same: round, free-standing dispenser. Tube options of various lengths on the bottom (more on those later). Flavored sugar options circling above. Only a few things have changed: there are some updated graphics to help note the flavors, AND there are even some new tastes to try. In fact, there are as many as fourteen flavors (and so many combinations thereof!), so you might need to make multiple stops! Or, for all you parents out there who aren’t quite as delighted by the news of the return of powder candy, here’s some advance notice that you might need to steer the eyes of your little one away from the colorful, glittery beacons of sugar ;). Let’s go down the list. First up, you’ll notice that Blue Bubblegum and Birthday Cake are both designated as two of the “Sweet” options. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors The other flavor family is “Sour,” with options including Green Apple and Lemonade. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors For those who want to stray slightly off the beaten path, there’s Sour Peach and Sweet Rootbeer. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors Ideas for mixing and matching abound as you make your way around the stand; for instance, Sweet Strawberry and Sweet Tropical Fruit would likely taste great together. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors Sour Watermelon is intriguing, and Sour Wild Cherry is likely to be popular. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors Sour Blue Raspberry and Sweet Cotton Candy join the mix. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors And jewel-like shades of Sour Fruit Punch and Sour Grape are as fun to look at as they might be to eat. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Flavors Goofy’s Powdered Candy is a self-serve situation, so you select a tube of your choice and fill it with whatever flavors suit your fancy. On this visit, we went with a 6″ tube and filled it with three flavors: Sour Fruit Punch (that’s the blue one), Sweet Birthday Cake, and Sweet Rootbeer. Goofy’s Powdered Candy The tubes are easy to fill once you’ve completed the far more difficult task of choosing your flavors. Goofy’s Powdered Candy 6″ Tube The powdered candy texture is just right (read: the granules are very fine for ease of dissolving, so bear in mind that it can get on every inch of your clothing if you aren’t careful!). Goofy’s Powdered Candy Just as you’d expect, the powders are sweet and sugary — or just sour enough to cause you to pucker, where noted in the flavor names! But we were stoked to find that they also carried their designated flavors pretty well! Essentially, it’s like one big ‘ol customizable Pixy Stick (or Pixy Stix, to be proper, if you’re pluralizing by filling a few tubes ). Goofy’s Powdered Candy The powders do become somewhat mixed together once it’s time to tip the tube. All this means is that you’ll want to select flavors that are friendly with each other and will mix together well. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Otherwise, just tip it back and wait for the sugar rush to take over! As far as pricing goes, there are four options, delineated by tube length. Goofy’s Powdered Candy Prices You’ll note that the first three tube length options are all Disney Dining Plan snack credit options, so the 18 inch tube will best maximize your snack credit value at three times the powder of the smallest size. Divvying up a big tube among the fam can make two (or three or four) snacks out of one credit. No matter the math, though, the return of Goofy’s Powdered Candy brought a smile to my face. How about you? 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… Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2017 Second Edition, PLUS The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom 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. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review hundreds of Disney World snacks (!!), including classic favorites and some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for 25% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Did you love Goofy’s Powdered Candy back in the day? Let us know if you’re happy it’s back! 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: Cookies and Cream Cupcake at Candy Counters in Disney World and Disneyland What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 20, 2016 Review: Christmas Treats at Goofy’s Candy Company in Disney Springs View the full article

In the last #DisneyKids post we shared some funny thoughts from kids after they viewed the Festival of the Lion King show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Today, we will take you to the Butterflies on the Go exhibit at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Watch these youngsters’ adorable reactions to the magnificent garden where more than a thousand butterflies, representing 10 species, flutter about. The exhibit is a captivating way to connect kids to nature as they explore the wondrous journey of the butterfly. The festival continues through May 29 with loads of fun for kids like the Music Garden Melodies Playground, whimsical gardens, a scavenger hunt and kid-friendly topiaries. Listen to what these kids had to say about the butterflies. Check out more videos in our #DisneyKids series: #DisneyKids: Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot #DisneyKids: Friendly Competition at Toy Story Mania! #DisneyKids: Frozen Ever After in the Epcot Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort #DisneyKids: ‘Festival of The Lion King’ View the full article

Watch this amazing split-screen look at a day in Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland park, simultaneously! What does “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park look like from 1,800 feet in the air? Find out in this video! The miniature garden railroad at the Germany Pavilion is always a must-see for me at Epcot. In this video, you can imagine riding those tiny rails yourself! View the full article

Sketches From The Park: Disney Artist Will Gay Paints Cinderella Castle View the full article

We’re in high gear here, closely monitoring all the news so that we can bring you the latest, most up to date info about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! The festival will begin August 31 this year, and runs through November 13! That’s 75 days to eat, drink, and rock. Wait, what? Yep — Rock! Because the Eat to the Beat Concert Series keeps getting better and better! If you’re a newbie to the festival, we’ll bring you up to speed. Eat to the Beat features musical acts from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s each year, and concerts take place most evenings of the Festival — not just during the weekends. The concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three opportunities every night to see your favorite acts — at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM. We already told you about some of the bands that we expect to see playing in the America Gardens Theatre during this year’s series. And recently, we learned that fan favorite 38 Special will be returning in 2017 once again as well! The Southern rock band will perform September 28 and 29, so mark your calendars if they are one of your favorites. © 38 Special Be sure to check out our Eat to the Beat page for all of the acts you can expect to see during the 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Series as well as the very latest information on Eat to the Beat Dining Packages. And to stay up to date on all of the latest 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival news, subscribe to the DFB Newsletter! 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! Who are you looking forward to seeing during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series? Let us know 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: News! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Preliminary Bands Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Series Announced! News! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Preliminary Dates View the full article

Last night, guests at Walt Disney Grand Theatre were treated to a special charity performance of THE LION KING, the first-ever Mandarin production of the popular Broadway musical, kicking off our “Celebrate Earth” series at Shanghai Disney Resort. The star-studded event raised funds to support wildlife protection in China while honoring a beloved story about the circle of life. This marks the first Earth Month for our newest Disney resort after its opening, and we’ve teamed up with the China Wildlife Conservation Association and WildAid, an environmental non-profit, to bring you plenty of fun ways to celebrate and support this great big beautiful world of ours. Our new Join the Herd wildlife conservation campaign focuses on the protection of elephants and other endangered wild animals, and it all starts with a stunning photography exhibition at Walt Disney Grand Theatre. You can step into the natural habitat of animals that inspired THE LION KING’s lovable characters and even make an ivory free pledge on a special wall installed at the theatre. A “Celebrate Earth” fair will be set up at Disneytown and Shanghai Disneyland, including a host of environmentally-friendly themed games for kids. Everyone is invited to come out and learn how small changes make a big impact on the world around us. Don’t forget to take a stroll around Wishing Star Park during your visit and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer. Shanghai Disney Resort continues our longstanding commitment to engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has been working to protect wildlife, including efforts to reverse the decline of elephants, with more than $2.3 million in support to elephant projects in 25 countries across Asia and Africa. Take a look at our recent Wildlife Wednesday entry for more information on how our resorts around the world are championing Earth Month and how you can help. View the full article

It’s time for breakfast in Disneyland — Rancho del Zocalo style! This beautiful restaurant — and I mean seriously, it’s gorgeous — is situated in Frontierland, where all things rough and rowdy reign supreme. But step into this colorful corner, and you’re surrounded by cheerful warmth and bright colors. And let’s not forget the food! Rancho del Zocalo Rancho del Zocalo has taken on added significance though in the last year. The spot is now home to a significantly traditional breakfast favorite — the Mickey Pancake. This entree is the stuff of Disney cult legends, and there was a collective gasp when we found out it would be moving from its longtime home at River Belle Terrace to Rancho del Zocalo. After all, River Belle Terrace was one of my favorite places in the entire world to get breakfast — in no small part because it was something Walt Disney himself did as well. But change is the only thing you can count on in life (especially at Disney). So here we are, embracing the new. Care to join us? Atmosphere Little bit of trivia for you — want to know why this restaurant is named Rancho del Zocalo, which translates to “Ranch of the Square?” Archway Over Entrance The area in front of Frontierland was once named El Zocalo, or The Town Square. Therefore, the name of the restaurant pays homage to a little Disneyland history. Nice. Rancho del Zocalo painted mural And indeed, the whole space feels like you’re wandered into a charming and well-to-do hacienda. Walkway Leading into the Restaurant Fountains provide tranquil sounds of running water, and are just pretty. I especially love the iron scrollwork in the arch above this one as well as the pair of love birds playing in the water at the top. Rancho del Zocalo Fountain Most of the seating for the restaurant is outdoors, but don’t let that worry you. There’s plenty of shade for those sunny California days, and space heaters keep the patio warm when the mercury dips down. Outdoor Seating Area Bougainvillea grows in abundance all around the terrace. Really, it’s like some kind of wonderful oasis. Rancho del Zocalo Decor Other decorative touches on the patio include these gorgeous hanging lanterns, which are even prettier at night. Hanging Lanterns Now that we’ve looked around, let’s get to the main reason for visiting — breakfast. Eats Rancho del Zocalo began serving breakfast around a year ago, and it seems to have settled into the role nicely. Here, you’ll find a combo of the traditional breakfast options that you previously could enjoy at River Belle Terrace, and some Rancho specialties. Sadly, they still aren’t offering the Cinnamon Roll French Toast that I loved at RBT. But other favorites remain! We’ll look at a few in a moment. Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge We were also able to snag a shot of the Allergy Friendly Menu, which comes in handy if you’re trying to plan meals for someone with food sensitivities. Allergy Menu — Click to Enlarge Service here is cafeteria style. Start by picking up a tray and utensils, and then off you go to choose your breakfast items. Your Starting Point: Trays and Silverware Line at Rancho del Zocalo Pancakes proved to be a popular selection the day we visited. A Cast Member Makes Our Breakfast A Grab and Go area is stocked with bottled drinks, refillable souvenir mugs, and ready-to-eat items as well as the Rancho desserts. Grab and Go Drinks and Sides There are also self-serve fountain drinks if you prefer. Self-Serve Beverage Area We made our selections and headed out to the terrace to enjoy them. We decided to start with the traditional dishes that made the jump from Belle River Terrace. First up — the Mickey Pancake! This guy has been around for as long as anyone can remember, and I love that he stands defiantly against any attempt to “gourmet it up.” Ha! He’s so cute, even though he’s basic. A Classic Relocated — Mickey Pancake We also had to have some Biscuits and Gravy. The plate — a real plate, a hallmark of most Disneyland counter service dining — was completely filled up. Friends, this is a breakfast that will stick with you All. Day. Long. The eggs are…eggs. But the Biscuits and Gravy are something special! Thick, rich, and super flavorful. And the sausage is delicious and has plenty of flavor without being spicy. Biscuits and Gravy But in the interest of staying true to its Mexican themeing, Rancho del Zocalo also serves menu items inspired by cuisine that you’ll find south of the border. We decided to try all of these as well. Let’s start with the Chorizo and Egg Burrito, which was served with sides of Beans and Rice. Burrito The Burrito is stuffed full of Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo, Beans, and Salsa Verde. This was probably the favorite of the Mexican breakfast dishes! Burrito — Inside Traditional Tamales, also served with a side of Beans and Rice, proved to be tempting as well. Tamales Pretty authentic and delicious! Tamales — Inside The Chilaquiles was also a substantial serving of food. I love this dish, which reminds me of a yummy Mexican-themed casserole. In this version, Corn Tortillas are layered with Scrambled Eggs, Refried Beans, and Salsa Verde. The plate is garnished with Queso Fresco, Onions, Sour Cream, and Cilantro. Chilaquiles Finally, we had to try the Fajita Beef Breakfast Platter. It was a work of art, with neatly arranged rows of Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Veggies and Beef, Rice, Refried Beans, and a Flour Tortilla. This was pretty standard, but offers a good, hearty option. Fajitas Fully fueled for the day, it was time to head out for some fun, Disneyland-style. Overall Rancho del Zocalo had been a favorite of mine for a long time when it came to lunch and dinner. And now I’m very happy to add breakfast to the list as well. If good food and a lovely group of cast members weren’t enough to woo you through the wrought iron archway, consider how beautiful this place is on top of all that. Really, with filling, delicious dishes that live up to the themeing, plus everything else, I really must insist that you give Rancho del Zocalo a try if you haven’t already. So now, let me know what you think. Is Rancho del Zocalo one of your favorite stops in Disneyland? Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite meal here is! 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: Changes Coming to Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace and Rancho del Zocalo REVIEW: Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland’s Frontierland Dining in Disneyland: Cinnamon Crisps from Rancho Del Zocalo View the full article

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

Once a month, Disney Parks Blog author Will Gay heads to a Disney Park to sketch from the field (or Plein Air as it’s called in the art world). He shares his amazing hand-drawn creations in our “Sketches From The Park” series on the first Friday of every month. Today we have a special edition to share with you. We recently headed out with Will as he took on one of his most daring artistic challenges yet: to create a watercolor painting of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park in less than 90 minutes! Check out the video below to see how the beauty of our parks inspires his fun, creative projects. To see more of Will’s creations for our “Sketches in the Park” series, check out the list of related posts below. Hotel Burudika & Mombasa Marketplace, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Stave Church, Norway Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Skyline, Epcot View the full article

I will be the first to admit, my European soccer I.Q. could use a little boost. But there may be some help for me yet. Today, we shared that Walt Disney World Resort is teaming with one of the biggest names in European soccer to launch a youth soccer training institute at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Institute FC presented by LaLiga and Walt Disney World Resort will provide a holistic approach to soccer with proven, year-round training, education and development for youth soccer athletes both on and off the field. It will also offer training for aspiring coaches and officials. Open enrollment begins June 1-4, and The Institute FC will begin training and development later that month – just as many kids are getting out of school for the summer. It’s a rare opportunity for aspiring youth soccer players to learn the Spanish style of soccer from world-class coaches, players and officials associated with LaLiga, the Spanish professional soccer league that’s one of the most popular in the world. In addition, The Institute FC will bring multiple events and exhibitions to the complex each year, including a tournament, on-site events with current and former LaLiga players, summer camps with current and former players and coaches, visits from LaLiga legends and ambassadors, and more events. For more information about The Institute FC, visit www.TheInstituteFC.com. View the full article