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While traveling to perform a concert in Tampa, Josh Dun of the band Twenty One Pilots, took a detour at Walt Disney World Resort for some Disney fun. He took a ride aboard Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland to really take in the view of Magic Kingdom Park. Don’t miss the rest of the Twenty One Pilots tour and get to a show before the tour wraps up in June! Thanks to our fearless photographer, Chloe Rice. View the full article

Exciting news today: Sales for Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, will begin next week. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will have the first chance to purchase real estate interests beginning on March 8, with general sales following on April 5. The resort, which is currently under construction, also has a scheduled opening date: July 17. Once open, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offers Disney Vacation Club Members and guests a new frontier for magical vacations where the comforts of home and the wonders of the wilderness are deeply rooted in the magic of Disney. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, Members and guests will discover rustically elegant accommodations, where cozy touches mix with modern designs to create a tranquil retreat. Offering one of the widest ranges of accommodations found at Walt Disney World Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will feature 184 modern, nature-inspired vacation homes, including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, and even three-bedroom Grand Villas, which sleep up to 12. Artist Rendering – Proposed The new resort will also include 26 all-new luxurious waterfront cabins. Sleeping up to eight and featuring two bedrooms, two baths and large dining and living room spaces, the cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and interior-exterior stone-hearth fireplace bring the beauty of the outdoors in, and offer plenty of room for families. After a long day of fun at the nearby theme parks, guests can return to their porch and relax in the built-in hot tub. Some even enjoy a view of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake! Additional developments at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include the recently opened Geyser Point Bar & Grill, an open-air lounge overlooking Bay Lake. The resort’s quick-service restaurant, Roaring Fork is also undergoing refurbishments and is scheduled to reopen later this year with a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating. Boulder Ridge Cove pool, a modern-day swimmin’ hole, will also open this summer. Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by the all-new Salon by the Springs for poolside manicures, pedicures and hair services scheduled to open this summer. I’ll be sharing even more exciting details about this beautiful resort right here on the Disney Parks Blog in the months to come. Until then, visit DisneyCopperCreek.com to explore this latest offering from Disney Vacation Club. This promotional material is a timeshare solicitation and is not an offer in any jurisdiction where the timeshare is not registered. View the full article

When artist Ashley Taylor imagined what Tiana and Lottie, gal pals from “The Princess and the Frog” would do first if they had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort, food was on her mind! Since Mardi Gras took place earlier this week, it’s only natural that these two New Orleans besties would head to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter to enjoy delicious beignets. Yum! And speaking of their beignets, Rachel Bshero shared a recipe earlier this week that takes you step-by-step through how you can make these delicious treats at home. View the full article

Your California Bucket List: Essential adventures and experiences in the Golden State March 2, 2017, 6 a.m. (Al Seib, Brian van der Brug, Rick Loomis, Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Here's our growing guide to essential California adventures, easy to edgy. We'll be adding to it daily all... View the full article

Here’s a look at three Walt Disney World souvenirs that recently made me go … Hmmmmmmm. It’s not that they’re bad buys or of poor quality. I actually found these three items to be tempting but, in the end, resistible. 1. Light-up Lumiere. At last, your own true-to-life-sized candlestick based... View the full article

“Kaboom!” That’s the word used by Joe Rohde, the Disney executive overseeing the transformation of the California Adventure ride formerly known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! “Kaboom!” He says it repeatedly — once mixing in the word “kablam!”... View the full article

“Kaboom!” That’s the word used by Joe Rohde, the Disney executive overseeing the transformation of the California Adventure ride formerly known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! “Kaboom!” He says it repeatedly — once mixing in the word “kablam!”... View the full article

It truly is one of the most beautiful times of the year at Epcot, now that the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has officially begun! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is Officially Underway! From now through May 29th, Epcot guests will enjoy over seventy Disney-themed topiaries all over the park, special exhibits and seminars for all the Green Thumbs (and those aspiring Green Thumbs!) out there, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series (complete with Dining Packages this year). Additionally, we’ll all enjoy a record number of FIFTEEN Outdoor Kitchens ! Much like the Marketplace Booths at the Food and Wine Festival, the Outdoor Kitchens are serving up small plates and beverages, but with a Spring focus on fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. The Berry Basket Outdoor Kitchen, One of Two New Booths in 2017! Our DFB Spring tradition is trying EACH AND EVERY dish, so let’s waste no time in sharing what we think are the items that you cannot miss at the 2017 Flower and Garden Festival! Don’t forget to visit our 2017 Flower and Garden Festival Menu Page to see the full booth menus and ALL FOOD PHOTOS of this year’s menu items! And, now… it’s time for… The BEST of the FEST Here are your MUST-EATS at the food booths this year: Fairy Cocktail, Urban Farm Eats Our first stop is Urban Farm Eats. We had the chance to try the Fairy Cocktail, a combination of Absinthe, Cucumber, and Lime, at the recent preview event, and we think that it captures the essence of sophistication and Spring perfectly. Urban Fairy Cocktail It’s the just-right sipper as you take in all of the cool exhibits that make up the Urban Farm Eats area! Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream, Bauernmarkt Bauernmarkt, the German-themed Farmer’s Market, offered a up a few new dishes, and one of our favorites was the savory Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream. Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream The shredded potato pancake held up nicely to the hearty toppings. Definitely a winner! Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries, Bauernmarkt Farmer’s Market But don’t skip dessert at Bauernmarkt. The Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries also wowed us. Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries There was plenty of rich, sweet Cheese Filling inside the flaky pastry, and the Berry Sauce complemented the flavors and textures nicely. Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream, Florida Fresh Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream at Florida Fresh was one of the new dishes we were most anxious to try this year! And it didn’t disappoint. Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream The tender Beef served atop a cake made of Black Beans and Rice offered familiar flavors in a whole new presentation. Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique, The Berry Basket The Lamb chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique from The Berry Basket was one of the most beautiful dishes we tried on Flower and Garden Opening Day! Lamb chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique And while the Lamb Chop itself — cooked perfectly on our visit, by the way — was a picture, the Quinoa Salad wowed us as well. And I’m totally making Berry Gastrique this weekend. Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet, The Berry Basket Another of our favorite dishes Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet. And it was just as amazing out on the Promenade! The warm, moist Cake was so so so so good. But what truly elevates the dish is the Pepperberry Sorbet. Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet The cold, creamy, icy texture + the warmth from the spice is heaven! We’ll be back for seconds. Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep, The Berry Basket It took two trips to The Berry Basket to score the Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep, but it was so completely WORTH IT. The drink was incredibly refreshing, bursting with berry, but the tea and mint flavors also came through. After a very warm day with lots of walking, this was the perfect, light treat. GET THIS. Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (Non-Alcoholic) And our recommendation? Skip the liquor here. I’m sure it’s good too. But I can’t see how it could possibly improve this delightful drink. Remember, you can see pictures of ALL THE FOOD — from each new dish to all the returning items — by visiting our Flower and Garden Festival Menu page! What are YOU most excited to try at the Flower and Garden Festival this year? 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: New DFB Video: Sneak Peek and Recommendations for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! Best of the Fest: What to Eat at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival First Look: 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival NEW Food Photos…and MORE! View the full article

As excitement builds for the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar in summer 2017, I’m delighted to announce a new limited edition pin collection is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park starting March 2. This item is the first of many new unique merchandise products coming as part of Pandora that will immerse Guests in their in-park experience like never before and connect them to this exotic new land. I caught up with Erin Herbst, merchandiser for Disney Pins, to learn more about this countdown collection. “With the addition of this new land to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we wanted a way to continue the excitement leading up to the grand opening,” explained Erin. “This countdown pin collection features the beautiful travel posters created by Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the exclusive provider of tours to Pandora. We thought guests would love collecting these posters as they prepare to journey to another world.” There will be one new pin released each month from March to May. The first pin in this collection (above left) will be released on March 2. The second countdown pin (center) will be released on April 6. The final individual limited edition pin (above right) will be released on May 4. Each individual pin will have an edition size of 1,250, and will be released at Discovery Trading Company in the park. Artist Dylan Cole designed the travel posters which inspired this pin collection. Attendees may recall getting a first look at the travel posters during the D23 Expo in 2015. Dylan provided design work on Disney’s “Maleficent,” and is currently Co-Production Designer for the upcoming “Avatar” motion picture sequels. Today, guests may see these posters near Tiffins restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The final two pins in this collection, called “Completer pins,” will only be found in the five-pin boxed set containing all five travel posters. The boxed set will have an edition size of 250, and will be released during the opening of this new land on May 27. There will be a purchase limit of two limited edition pins, per style, per guest, per release. These pins will not be available via Shop Disney Parks app or the Disney Parks online store. Stay tuned to DisneyParksBlog.com in the coming months for additional looks at new merchandise created especially for Pandora – The World of Avatar! View the full article

Guests can now add a touch of Disney magic to their manicures with new Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry, which are now available at locations across Walt Disney World Resort. There are more than 50 Disney character design to choose from, including Belle, Cinderella and Pocahontas, as well as designs inspired by films like “Frozen” and “The Lion King.” Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry can be added as an enhancement to any nail service at Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as at Walt Disney World salons for $2.50 per nail. View the full article

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort from March 10 through April 16, 2017. Each day, guests will enjoy culinary experiences created for the whole family, including a variety of food, beverage and lifestyle seminars, demonstrations and presentations found throughout Disney California Adventure park. I recently spoke with Linda Votaw, a 44-year cast member who is responsible for special event merchandise at the Disneyland Resort. “Designing merchandise for special events is one of the highlights of my role,” she said. “I enjoy visiting locations and seeing guests wearing items I’ve developed. When a guest takes home one of the commemorative products, I know she or he had a wonderful visit to Disneyland Resort.” Working with Disney Design Group artists, Linda and her team found magical inspiration for this year’s commemorative festival products available for purchase at this popular event. “Mickey Mouse is pictured as a chef to give a nod to the many culinary delights guests will find during the event,” said Linda. “We also incorporated a colorful wine glass to salute California’s rich history of wine.” Throughout the festival, guests will find a handful of stylish apparel items for women and men. “We looked at popular and trendy silhouettes when designing the apparel,” said Linda. “Guests will find different interpretations of the main Chef Mickey artwork used on the shirts. All of the apparel is connected with the use of wine-inspired colors that really make the artwork pop!” As a special treat, several items were made especially for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, including an event t-shirt and an oversized, limited-edition pin (edition size of 2,000). Passholders must present a valid Disneyland Resort Annual Passport and government-issued photo I.D. at time of purchase. Look for select products in locations throughout Disney California Adventure park, including the Studio Store and Stage 17/Festival Gifts; merchandise carts located next to Wine Country Trattoria; and Seaside Souvenirs. These locations will also carry the Annual Passholder exclusive items. View the full article

In this week’s video series with Latina Magazine and Growing Up Bilingual blogger, Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, we take a quick look at what she and her familia like to do at Epcot! Riding attractions like Test Track and Soarin’ Around the World, meeting characters in the park and eating around the world are absolute favorites for her and her family! They enjoyed delicious Fish & Chips at the UK pavilion and macaroons at France! And even met Princess Aurora! But their ultimate favorite thing to do is spending quality time as a familia. Let’s take a look at their visit to Epcot! View the full article

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

The beautiful Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Shanghai Disney Resort played host to the Chinese premiere of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” this past weekend, drawing fans from across the country for a glimpse at the tale as old as time and the stars who brought it back to the big screen. Located in the heart of Disneytown, this 1,200-seat theater is also home to the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway hit Disney’s THE LION KING, one of the longest-running Broadway shows in China. While in town for the premiere, the stars of the new hit film – including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as Lefou and director Bill Condon – couldn’t resist a glimpse at the fairytales just steps away in Shanghai Disneyland. If you haven’t already, stop in for a sneak peek of the new film at One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or in the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure park. This special 8-minute preview will be available through March 26 – and did we mention the collection of props and costumes on display used in the film’s production? A host of limited-time experiences have also arrived at Disneyland park, including the transformation of Village Haus Restaurant into Red Rose Taverne, special merchandise gracing the shelves of Royal Reception and appearances by Gaston himself. True as it can be, “Beauty and the Beast” will open in U.S. theaters in 3D on March 17. View the full article

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show “The View,” is coming to Walt Disney World Resort in March and we’re giving away tickets to Disney Parks Blog readers in the Orlando area to watch one of three live broadcasts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the first time, “The View” co-hosts – Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila, Sunny Hostin and Paula Faris – will be broadcasting from the Tree of Life inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The three live tapings will be March 6, March 7 and March 8. And each show will begin at 11 a.m. EST inside the park. Five sets of tickets are available for each live taping. Click here to request tickets while supplies last. First come, first serve. Enter your full name and email address and pick which taping you would like attend – March 6, March 7 or March 8. Confirmed attendees will be allowed to bring one guest and will also receive complimentary park tickets and parking on the date of the live taping. Tickets are available while supplies last. Limit 1 request per person. View the full article

The Berry Basket is one of two new Outdoor Kitchen for the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, kicking off March 1 and running through May 29 – joining 13 returning Outdoor Kitchens around World Showcase Promenade. We’re sharing this delectable recipe for the Warm Wild Berry Buckle that’s one of three new tastes at The Berry Basket (lamb chops and a fabulous salad with strawberries and blue cheese are the other two). The Disney chefs top the buckle with a pepper berry gelato, but a scoop of your favorite strawberry ice cream works just fine. And any combination of berries works too. Access to the festival, including all gardening programs, exhibits, concerts and special appearances, is included in regular Epcot admission. For more information, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit www.epcotinspring.com. Warm Wild Berry Buckle Makes 8 BERRY COMPOTE 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup frozen blackberries, thawed 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, thawed 1/2cup frozen blueberries, thawed 2 cup quartered fresh strawberries, divided 2 cups fresh blueberries OATMEAL STREUSEL 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup oatmeal 1/2 cup butter, melted CAKE 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract TOPPING Strawberry ice cream FOR BERRY COMPOTE: Combine lemon juice, orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add thawed blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and 1 cup of the fresh strawberries. Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and remaining 1 cup of strawberries. Set aside. FOR OATMEAL STREUSEL: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Mix all-purpose flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and oatmeal in a medium bowl. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients and mix until wet. Sprinkle on prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes and crumble. FOR CAKE: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray eight 8-ounce ramekins with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. Cream shortening and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure to scrape the sides of the mixer. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture, and half of the milk, mixing well. Add remaining flour and milk. Mix in vanilla. TO SERVE: Place 1/3 cup of cake batter in the bottom of each prepared ramekin. Top with 1/3 cup of berry compote. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cake is set. Cool for 5 minutes. Turn warm berry buckles onto a plate. Top with oatmeal streusel and strawberry ice cream. View the full article

There's more going on in Disney's new "Beauty and the Beast" adaptation than meets the eye in the trailers. In an interview with Attitude magazine, director Gary Condon spoke a little about the character of LeFou (Josh Gad) and his complicated feelings toward his best pal Gaston (Luke Evans). "LeFou... View the full article

Sometimes, nothing but a plate with This Guy on it will do. Yep. We’re talkin’ about a Mickey Waffle the size of your head. Jumbo Mickey Waffle Or do you prefer the Mini Version? So cute, I could just eat them up! (And I doooo!) Mickey Waffles! Regardless of whether your tastes run to the Jumbo or the Mini, say it with me: Mickey Waffles Are The Best Waffles. And that’s why you want to — YOU NEED TO — make them at home. Because as much as we’d all love to move into an apartment over Main Street USA and eat them for All the Breakfasts, that’s probably not possible. (Right?) Mickey Waffles On Main Street USA So that means we must take matters into our own hands. We must make Mickey Waffles. And the awesome thing is there’s no shortage of Mickey Waffle Irons out there. So really, is there an excuse NOT to make ‘em at home while wearing your favorite Mickey Jammies? But still, what’s missing is that quintessential Mickey Waffle Flavor. Well, guess what? We’ve got the goods! We can tell you EXACTLY How to Make Mickey Waffles — REAL Mickey Waffles! — right in the comfort of your own home. And it all starts with the right mix — the actual mix that Disney uses in all of its parks! — and we have the hook up! And the extra cool part is that you can enjoy the authentic Mickey Waffle Mix now for 20% off when you use promo code DFB20 at checkout! Chocolate Chip Mickey Waffles Want to know more? Head over to our How to Make Mickey Waffles at Home page, where we spill all the secrets! We’ll take you step by step through how to make them — and where you can find the right mix (the actual mix that Disney uses!!) to make your Mickey Waffle Dreams come true. Visit our How to Make Mickey Waffles at Home page today, and then leave a comment to let us know when you’ll be firing up the ol’ Mickey waffle iron to make your first batch! 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: Mickey Waffles Spotted: Mickey Waffles and Ice Cream Bars… for Your Dog! Chocolate Chip Mickey Waffles?! The Future is Here. View the full article

There will be a second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney World announced on Wednesday. The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given. This arts fest news was revealed... View the full article

There will be a second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney World announced Wednesday. The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given. This arts fest news was revealed... View the full article

It would probably be inappropriate to say that the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has been growing like a weed. But it would be pretty accurate. Walt Disney World’s springtime event will have a 90-day run this year, and some of its popular elements are undergoing expansions and improvements. ... View the full article

There’s a new place to grab some grub at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Learn About: Chuck Wagon Disney World Restaurants And it might be the single coolest thing we’ve seen at Disney World in quite some time… Welcome to the Chuck Wagon! This new food truck is serving up Counter Service-style eats on its Fresh Fixin’s menu to all the Happy Campers at Fort Wilderness from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturdays through Mondays, and from 5:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesdays through Fridays. This here’s also the spot where you can grab some classic camping snacks (S’mores!). Oh, and some of those Fort Wilderness Moonshine Cocktails, too! But to load up on some of these treats, you gotta know where to find ‘em first. So join us on our jaunt to visit the Chuck Wagon! Though you may be surprised to learn it’s not actually a wagon at all. So then, what is it? Atmosphere Custom-made to blend in perfectly with its campground surroundings, the Chuck Wagon Fresh Fixin’s Food Truck is designed to look exactly like an old school RV. Get a load of this! The Chuck Wagon Food Truck And when I say old school, I mean it, as evidenced by the original Walt Disney World logos you’ll spot on the outside! The Chuck Wagon Food Truck Original Walt Disney World logo Hi, Mickey! I LOVE the back-in-the-day camping chairs hung on the side. And if you look up, you’ll find all sorts of camping gear strapped on top, no matter the angle you’re looking at the RV! Back of the Food Truck I can’t even explain why, exactly, but these (mostly) retro bumper stickers just do my heart good. We’re nerdy, nostalgia-fiends here at DFB. What can I say. Bumper Stickers So many guests who stay at Fort Wilderness come back year after year, and I think the theming is a fun tip of the hat to them — as well as to the fact that Fort Wilderness was one of the few accommodations in Disney World that actually opened in 1971. Of course, RVs are made for travelin’ so the truck could always switch locations ;-D, but on our visit we found it at what will be its most regular home: right by the location of the Chip N Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long in the Meadows Trading Post area. Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long Area Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long Area It was parked in the same area where the little old-fashioned chuck wagon used to sit, which previously sold S’mores, hot dogs and such before and during the nightly campfire. Nearby Tables In our conversation with a Cast Member we learned that this will likely be the truck’s full-time regular location for the foreseeable future, as it has essentially replaced the little chuck wagon. So let’s see what the new Chuck Wagon with Fresh Fixin’s is serving up! Eats We’ve actually got three menus to check out at the Chuck Wagon! Let’s start with the Fresh Fixin’s Counter Service Entrée list, which features burgers and sandwiches, along with a couple of salads and vegetarian options. Counter Service Entrée Menu The Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly Tillamook Cheeseburger is the headliner (and we’ll get a closer look at those Ole Smoky Moonshine Cocktails on a separate menu). Just like the little chuckwagon before it (honored in the name of the Snack menu and by the small graphic on top of the menu), the food truck also serves snacks, with the ever-popular S’mores Kits and Marshmallows that are in especially high demand once the campfires are lit prior to the sing-a-long. Snack Menu A word of advice: eat your S’mores before Chip and Dale come out to dance and greet guests – those chipmunks love to sneak a S’more! S’mores Kit and Marshmallow Bag And note that you can get a Roasting Stick for 59 cents, if you need extra (the Marshmallows and Kits come with two) or if you forgot your own sticks while bringing your own S’more makings. Finally, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine is featured in the super fun Moonshine Cocktails – some of which may look familiar to you if you’ve paid a visit to Crockett’s Tavern in the Settlement. Moonshine Cocktail Menu Bottled sodas and beer are available as well. Beverages at the Chuck Wagon Next to the food truck is a small condiments selection in between napkin and utensil dispensers. Condiments and Utensil Dispensers So, it’s time we settle down and dig in, starting with the Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly Tillamook Cheeseburger with French Fries. Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly Tillamook Cheeseburger We’re starting with the favorite of the bunch. Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly Tillamook Cheeseburger There are some hefty toppings on this burger, with Tillamook Cheddar, chipotle barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato… Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly Tillamook Cheeseburger … and, of course, the star of the toppings: some delicious Pork Belly! Smoked Pork Belly and Chipotle BBQ Sauce Plus a beer-battered onion ring on top. Why not? Onion Ring This seriously savory burger had another highlight in addition to the Pork Belly (while the chipotle barbecue sauce also lent its unique smoky flavor to the mix). It was Onion Kaiser Roll, which was soft and tasty, but thick enough to hold everything together. The Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich is also served on some great bread with the Kimmelwick Roll. Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich By the way, you can also get French Fries with this sandwich, but I went with the other side choice of Cucumber Salad. Cucumber Salad The Smoked Beef Brisket is topped with coleslaw and horseradish cream…. and plenty of it! Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich Granted, you need to really like horseradish to enjoy it, but I thought it delivered some nice heat to the sandwich, making it a little more memorable than it may have been without it. The main vegetarian option on the menu is the Roasted Portobello and Vegetable Wrap. (The Pioneer Berry Salad is the other, though non-vegetarian guests may add chicken to the dish.) It comes automatically with the Cucumber Salad, though I’m sure you could sub fries. Roasted Portobello and Vegetable Wrap The tomato wrap is PACKED with Portobello Mushroom. Roasted Portobello and Vegetable Wrap and Cucumber Salad Cross-section of Roasted Portbello and Vegetable Wrap Seriously, if you love mushroom, you will love this – there was a ton tucked into our wrap. Also included are zucchini, sweet onion, and red bell pepper with a basil aioli. My one critique is that I found it to be a little soggy, honestly, but it did have a lot of flavor going for it thanks especially to the aioli. All things considered, I’d say I finished well-fueled for a few good rounds of singing along to “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” and “You Are My Sunshine” with just enough energy to spare for tearing up the dance floor with Chip and Dale! Overall Okay, all truths told, I think just about everything at Fort Wilderness is pretty much THE BEST THING EVER. But doing my best to put that huge bias aside, I still think the Chuck Wagon with Fresh Fixin’s is a welcome addition to the Campgrounds. Even though I loved the little chuck wagon that used to hang out near the campfire, the new Food Truck has greater capacity to provide more food options to the Meadows Trading Post area of the sprawling grounds. It gives campers nearer to the central area a new place to go for a meal without needing to go all the way to the main Settlement while staying true to the original chuck wagon’s role of providing S’mores and marshmallows for the evening Campfire Sing-a-Long… and with some new additions, to boot. Plus, the food is tasty and even though the menu is small, there has been some fun thought put into the options. Plus, Moonshine Cocktails . The Chuck Wagon accepts Quick Service Dining Credits on the Disney Dining Plan and snack credits on some items. Currently, it’s serving guests until 9:00 PM, but it’s anticipated that it will begin closing at 10:00 PM once Daylight Savings Time kicks in, giving all you Happy Campers one more hour to enjoy the new Chuck Wagon Fresh Fixin’s Food Truck! What do you think of the new Chuck Wagon? 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: Review: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Campground Guest Review: New Breakfast Offerings Come to Trail’s End at Fort Wilderness Thanksgiving Meals at Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe View the full article

Have you ever wanted to stroll through a quaint French town like Belle? Sip wine in some of the most noteworthy wine growing regions in the world? Dance along with a polka band during a rousing German Oktoberfest celebration? In 2018, Adventures by Disney will bring you all these experiences and more on our popular European river cruises! Adventures by Disney river cruising allows you to enjoy variety and flexibility. You can truly customize your all-inclusive trip by choosing from a wealth of activity options offered both in port and onboard. New activity options for summer 2018 include all-new “Beauty and the Beast” themed experiences on our Rhine river sailings. Be immersed in a tale as old as time during a special themed dinner, as well as other unique culinary experiences inspired by the film. Families will enjoy screenings of both the live-action and animated versions of the film onboard, and they can even choose to become part of this beloved story as they tour Riquewihr, an idyllic French village that will make guests feel as though they’ve stepped into Belle’s hometown from the movie. Are you more of a foodie? We’ve also doubled the number of our adult-exclusive food and wine themed sailings along the Rhine in 2018, offering two epicurean sailings during the fall. Here you can enjoy extraordinary food and beverage experiences both on and off the ship, including wine tasting, gourmet demonstrations and workshops, culinary walking tours in several ports, a French patisserie class, local beer and wine pairings, craft cocktail blending seminars and more. No matter which departure you choose, Adventures by Disney Rhine river cruises give you the opportunity to experience authentic, immersive experiences as you revel in the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. From riding a toboggan and hiking in the Black Forest, exploring the famous storybook Heidelberg Castle, or sampling wine in a medieval basement wine cave, these enchanting vacations pair unforgettable adventures in port with luxurious river cruise accommodations and amenities onboard. And we’ll also be returning to the Danube River in 2018, visiting iconic locations and hidden gems in four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. In addition to bringing back another season of summertime and themed holiday sailings, we’re also offering an all-new adult-exclusive Oktoberfest sailing in September 2018. This special itinerary will visit Germany during the iconic yearly Oktoberfest celebration, and will include festive themed parties and culinary treats both on and off the ship. On all of our Danube river cruises you can choose to revisit scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music” in Salzburg, explore Devin Castle in Bratislava, take a traditional Austrian folk dancing lesson in Melk, and so much more. Bookings for 2018 river cruise vacations open on March 2, 2017. Book early and save $500 per person on select 2018 river cruises* when you book by May 1, 2017 for sailing dates June 17 – Oct. 8, 2018 (Excludes suites and category E staterooms). *Early Booking Rate offer valid for select Adventures by Disney river cruise departures with travel start dates between June 17, 2018 and October 8, 2018, inclusive. Qualifying river cruise departures have an Early Booking Rate designation on the applicable Rates and Dates page on AdventuresbyDisney.com; provided that the Early Booking Rate designation may not reflect real time offer availability; accordingly, availability of Early Booking Rate is subject to confirmation at time of booking reservation with Adventures by Disney. Availability of the Early Booking Rate for select departures will be determined at the time standard trip deposit is paid. Any courtesy hold, without payment of the standard trip deposit, will not guarantee availability of the Early Booking Rate for selected departure date. Early Booking Rate offer terminates on May 1, 2017 or when the limited spaces on the applicable departure date have been booked, whichever is earlier. The Early Booking Rate offer is not valid for Adventures by Disney land packages, Adventures by Disney Long Weekend land packages and Disney Cruise Line related packages. The Early Booking Rate is $500 less than the rate applicable to the same departure date and river cruise after the termination of the Early Booking Rate offer. A limited number of staterooms of certain categories are available on each applicable departure date at the Early Booking Rate. Early Booking Rate offer excludes suites and category E staterooms. Early Booking Rate is valid on new bookings only. Spaces on the river cruises at the Early Booking Rate are subject to availability. Lead Guest of the booking party must travel on the river cruise booked. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Void where prohibited. Booking is subject to conditions and restrictions. Early Booking Rate cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. Not valid for group bookings. Offer is subject to change without notice. Bookings subject to Adventures by Disney’s standard terms and conditions. View the full article

Another great year for Epcot festivals has begun. As we get ready to celebrate the kickoff of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this week, we wanted to share some good news with you. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return to Epcot in early 2018! We had such a great time this year – celebrating the best in visual, culinary and performing arts with our guests – that we’re bringing it back next year. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all your Epcot festival updates, and we’ll see you at Epcot throughout the year. View the full article

Last year, the Disney Conservation Fund unveiled a philanthropic strategy to help protect the planet by collaborating with leading nonprofit organizations that help threatened wildlife and inspire a lifelong love for nature in young people. Research shows that children who are exposed to nature are healthier and happier, and it is widely believed that these outdoor experiences lead kids to care about the planet during their lifetime. If you are looking for ways you and your family can explore and connect with nature during your next vacation to a Walt Disney Park or Resort, we’ve got you covered! Take a peek below at some of the adventurous experiences available to you and your family. We also have some thrilling news for you today! While we love celebrating Earth Day on April 22, we will be partying for the planet all weekend this year! Join us at Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 21-23 for unique, inspiring and educational encounters throughout the park during Party for the Planet presented by Disneynature. We’ll be sharing more specific details about these engaging in-park offerings as we get closer to this exciting weekend. Until then, we invite you to take a look back at last year’s Party for the Planet presented by Disneynature! To learn more about animals at Walt Disney World Resort, visit DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article