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Topiaries and plantlife are the stars of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. But food and beverages play important supporting roles in the Disney World event. The 2017 edition of the fest will feature 15 “outdoor kitchens,” including two new marketplaces, Northern Bloom (think Canada)... View the full article

Topiaries and plantlife are the stars of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. But food and beverages play important supporting roles in the Disney World event. The 2017 edition of the fest will feature 15 “outdoor kitchens,” including two new marketplaces, Northern Bloom (think Canada)... View the full article

Hey Guys! We are back today with another fun — and timely! — DFB YouTube Video! So, we were all a little shocked and saddened — although not totally surprised — a few weeks back when we learned that Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios would be closing. Womp womp. Oh, Starring Rolls. This was totally a Word-on-the-Street kinda thing. Disney didn’t make any announcements, and there’s still been no word about whether the closure is temporary or forever. (We’re hearing temporary. But we’ll keep you posted.) And we looooovvvvvvvvvedddddddd Starring Rolls. This tiny hole-in-the-wall-esque coffee shop had some aMAzing pastries, cupcakes, and lunch fare. We weren’t alone when we went all Sad Face on closing day. But, we are all about making lemonade out of lemons, My Friends. So the good news is — many of the treats you could get at Starring Rolls are still available. Ya just gotta know where to look. Enter our DFB Video — Where to Find Your Favorite Starring Rolls Treats and Eats! Check it out so you can be in the know about where to find favorites like the Butterfinger Cupcake. (Spoiler alert: it has a new name.) It’s all part of our quest to keep you informed and up to date about everything and anything Disney Food Related! And if you want to be the first to know such super important things, you should totally subscribe to the DFB YouTube Channel! Check out the video, and then let us know what you think about alternative sweet stops for finding your Starring Rolls favorites 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: News: Starring Rolls Cafe in Hollywood Studios Closing February 5th Review: New Menu Items at Starring Rolls Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Snack Series: Banana Split at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Memories are what great Disneyland Resort vacations are made of for families of all ages. Whether it’s the thought of the first time you walked down Main Street, U.S.A., hand-in-hand or the first time you shared a spin in a tea cup on the Mad Tea Party. The smiles are vivid in your mind. You can still hear the sounds of laughter and shrieks of joy, and for a family with preschoolers, there is no better time than now to begin making memories with your child at Disneyland Resort! Our Disneyland panelists, Anabel M. and Linda M., can speak firsthand about the magic of seeing Disneyland Resort through the eyes of a young child, as they are both moms of preschool aged children. “Taking my little one to the Disneyland Resort is like reliving my first visit over and over again,” said Linda M. “At her age, the excitement and wonder are 100-percent pure, and I know we are building memories that will last a lifetime. She can already recall details of attractions with clarity and certain songs will trigger specific memories of past trips—like ‘Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah’ and her first ride down Splash Mountain. Another thing I love about taking my daughter at this age is that we get to experience the excitement together! I feel like a kid again when we chat about certain attractions that we love, and she gets just as excited as I do about our next adventure. A special bond is made when we can both love something equally with her at age three and me at age 33.” Anabel M., who confesses she carries a package of tissues with her on every visit, is often overcome with emotions as she watches her young boys interact with characters. “The memory that actually made me cry was the day when my oldest son and I were watching a parade and Pinocchio strutted over and shook his hand. My little one was ecstatic and told him, ‘Do you know I’m your buddy?’” Anabel explained, “I couldn’t help it, between smiles and laughs, I had tears rolling down my eyes. The innocence of my little boy and his bonding moment with Pinocchio was pure magic.” For Linda, a self-proclaimed introvert, she admits she often became awkward and shy when meeting characters as a child, but not her little girl! “My daughter will march right up to each and every character to give them a hug and ask them to sign her autograph book. She wasn’t even apprehensive when meeting Darth Vader! She may have gone as far as agreeing to join the dark side, but we are working on that,” laughs Linda. “She really enjoys looking back at her autographs at the end of the trip, and those books have become some of our treasured keepsakes.” However, sometimes it’s not an attraction or a character that brings a smile to a preschooler’s face. Anabel and her family always stop by the Main Street Magic Shop before leaving the Disneyland Resort to get a dose of Disney magic tricks to end the perfect night! Memories are precious, and recollections of your child at the Disneyland Resort will stay with you, and them, for a lifetime. However, Linda M. reminds parents of preschoolers to recognize the signs of tiredness, and when it’s time for a break, give those kiddos the downtime they need. “One of the great things about the Disneyland Resort is that everything is so close together. So when it’s time to head back to the hotel for a nap, it’s just a short walk away. Or if too much pent-up energy is the culprit, we head to Mickey’s Toontown and let our daughter run around Donald’s Boat, Goofy’s Playhouse and Chip ‘n Dale Treehouse to burn off some steam,” she said. And for you parents with a little one who loves to play dress up, Linda suggests carrying an “extra outfit.” “One of my other go-to tricks to turn a frown upside down is to carry a princess dress in the backpack. Sometimes something as simple as a costume change can completely transform my daughter’s attitude. After all, who wouldn’t want to prance and twirl around like a princess while walking through Sleeping Beauty Castle?” For more preschooler 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. View the full article

'Moana' Screenwriter Jared Bush Talks With Disney Parks Blog | Walt Disney World View the full article

You’ve met Anna and Elsa. You’ve memorized “Let It Go.” You’ve conquered the Frozen Ever After ride. Now you can get a whiff of “Frozen.” A perfume inspired by the Disney animated film goes on sale this week at Epcot. “It’s a scent for people that love the movie, first of all, the nature of the... View the full article

A Walt Disney World commercial that aired during Sunday’s broadcast of the Academy Awards teased to the upcoming opening of Pandora, the “Avatar”-themed land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The spot featured director James Cameron and dramatic banshee action. “When people visit Pandora,... View the full article

If you caught The Oscars® last night on ABC, you may have seen a spot showcasing Pandora -­ The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017. In it, AVATAR Creator/Director James Cameron gave a sneak peek at what guests can expect from this new land and one of its major attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage, which will allow guests to ride a Banshee over the world of Pandora. Check out the video below for more. In addition to Avatar Flight of Passage, this new land will be home to the family-friendly Na’vi River Journey, an experience that will send guests through a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. Guests will also be able to dine at Satu’li Canteen, grab a drink at Pongu Pongu, shop at Windtraders, and much more. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information. See the posts below for more on Pandora – The World of Avatar: Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Be New Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Authentic Details Bring to Life Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Images Released for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Take a Behind-The-Scenes Look at Pandora – The World of Avatar VisitPandora.com – Your Portal to 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

Polar Bears? Disney Springs? You might be wondering where the connection is, since most people think of Arctic climates (and not Central Florida, where February saw plenty of 80 degree days) when they envision these marine mammals. While it’s true that actual polar bears tend to live in colder weather, at Disney Springs, guests have the opportunity to meet one very special polar bear – The Coca-Cola Polar Bear! This meet and greet experience debuted in October and has delighted countless guests over the last few months. If you haven’t had a chance to hug this loveable icon, make plans to meet him during your next visit to The Coca-Cola Store, located in the new Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs. If you happen to fall in love with this cuddly cutie, there’s plenty of polar bear-themed merchandise to help you mark the memory. The experience takes place on the second level of the store and is complimentary. My favorite itinerary? A meet and greet session with the seven-foot polar bear (cute selfie included, of course!) followed by a mini-shopping spree and a round of Coke floats on the roof. National Polar Bear Day takes place on February 27th annually, but you can meet the Coca-Cola Polar bear 365 days a year from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. If you’ve posed with this popular polar bear, share your photos with us via Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #DisneySprings for your chance to be featured on our social media handles. View the full article

Your California Bucket List: Essential adventures and experiences in the Golden State Feb. 27, 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

It’s happened! Our very first visit to Red Rose Taverne is in the books!! “What’s Red Rose Taverne?” you ask? It’s a pop-up restaurant — Disney style! An homage to all things Beauty and the Beast — just in time for the feature film to hit theaters in less than a month. Red Rose Taverne Sign And instead of going to the trouble and expense of building Belle/Beast/Gaston their own place, those clever Imagineers decided to borrow Pinocchio’s digs for a bit. Yep — if you’re looking for Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland, head to the spot where Village Haus is in Fantasyland and you’ll find it! As you can guess, this is a temporary situation. So intrepid Dining in Disneyland expert Heather Sievers didn’t waste any time getting there to try — well, pretty much everything on the menu. Atmosphere See? It works. It’s not much of a stretch to think you’d find this medieval-esque building in a small, provincial town in France, mais oui? Clever types will note the sides of the Village Haus Sign peek out from beneath the Red Rose Taverne banner. And note that even though, Miss, this is France, Minute Maid is still the sponsor. Red Rose Taverne — Outside View And now, we get to play a fun little game that I like to call Who Is Paying Attention to the Deets? In this archway at the entrance, you usually find Pinocchio being escorted right into trouble by Gideon and Honest John. A red curtain conveniently transforms the space. Red Rose Taverne Entrance Inside, you’ll normally find Pinocchio perched above the ordering area. He’s been packed away for a little while and replaced with an Enchanted Red Rose under a glass dome. The Enchanted Rose at Red Rose Taverne Throughout the space, ample curtains and artwork cover over the original murals and pictures, and introduce the characters at hand. It’s interesting that you have a mash up of cartoon and motion picture characters. For instance, here’s Gaston in all of his splendid, animated glory… Gaston Decor …But over at Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard, you see everyone’s favorite housekeeper-turned-teapot as she’ll appear in the live action flick. Mrs. Potts Cupboard The cozy dining area was packed pillar to post on opening day. I’d say the word is out, wouldn’t you? Seating Area — With a Crowd But it’s the food we’ve come for. Let’s take a look. Eats I suppose it’s difficult to disguise a menu board frame, so they didn’t bother. Actually, with the steampunk feel to the graphics, you might think that Maurice had a hand in this corner of the decor. But let’s focus on the food! Menu Board — Click to Enlarge Featured selections include a combo of themed items and some entrees that are a little less so. If your whole party isn’t into BatB, no worries — you’ll find food that will please everyone. Menu — Featured Selections and Beverages — Click to Enlarge Menu Board — Featured Selections and Dessert — Click to Enlarge Chip’s Dishes — aka the Kids’ Menu — offers some less exotic fare for the under-nine crowd. Kids Menu — Chip’s Dishes — Click to Enlarge We decided to have… well, um, all of it. (Or nearly all of it, anyway.) We’ll break it down for ya. Everything! Let’s start with the Greens! The Chef’s Chopped Salad is the only salad on the menu. A combo of Lettuce and Cabbage, plus Bacon, Apple, Hard Boiled Eggs, Blue Cheese, and Garlic Croutons, it was tossed lightly with an Apple Vinaigrette. We really enjoyed this one. The produce was fresh, and the toppings were a great combination. We especially loved the julienned apples, with their tart-sweet crunch. The croutons were crunchy and fresh and the apple vinaigrette was very good as well. While we enjoyed the salad as-is, adding Chicken is an option if you’d like to up the protein value. Chef’s Chopped Salad Next, we tried two of the three Flatbreads. (We opted to skip the Pulled Pork Flatbread on this visit.) First, we dug into the Garden Mozzarella Flatbread. It’s really pretty and colorful and fresh-looking, right? With Fresh Mozzarella, whole Tomatoes, and fresh Basil, we expected a lot here. Unfortunately, it wasn’t amazing. We felt it lacked flavor, and the fact that it came out cold didn’t do it any favors. It’s fine, but I wouldn’t rush out to get this one again. There are much better options ahead. Garden Mozzarella Flatbread We also tried the Poutine Flatbread. And seriously — we were hoping to love this. But alas, we didn’t. Although it wasn’t really bad, the toppings on this were pretty sparse. There wasn’t much Slow-Cooked Beef, and we didn’t see any Cheese Curds at all. While there were a few Pommes Frites sprinkled around, the rest of the toppings were sort of jammed in the center of the bread. As with our other flatbread, this was served cold as well, clearly signaling a timing issue in the kitchen. Obviously, this was an opening day issue, so we’re willing to give it another chance after the kinks have been worked out. Poutine Flatbread On the other hand, the Slow-Cooked Beef Poutine, one of the two dishes we were most excited to try, was a homerun. It hit many traditional Poutine notes while also taking a few liberties, with its combo of Braised Beef and Gravy over Seasoned Waffle Fries with the requisite Cheese Curds. It’s topped with Pickled Onions for a piquant contrast. The flavors here were a hit and we would 100% get this again! That said, regular fries might be an awesome option, although the waffle fries do stand up well to the heavy toppings. And the pickled onions might not appeal to everyone. Grilled onions would be a really great switch. Slow-Cooked Beef Poutine We also tried ALL of the sandwiches. They come with your choice of Pommes Frites or Apple Slices — and the Frites taste just like the ones from Café Orleans! Now, if they’d just give you the dipping sauce as well. First, we’ll dig into the one that Heather was the most excited about — Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich. The sammie is loaded with Veggies. You’ll find a grilled Cauliflower “Steak”, Spicy Lime Aioli, Battered Green Beans, Lettuce, and Tomato. Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich Heather loved this sandwich. The hearty slice of cauliflower was filling, and the tempura green beans are somewhat similar to the Panko-Breaded Long Beans from Trader Sam’s — yay! Just a word of caution, though: the aioli tasted more like mustard than mayo to us. If you’re not a mustard lover, you may want to request the sauce on the side. Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich — Up Close Overall, though, this is a great addition to the park. It’s really nice to have another vegetarian option within Disneyland. Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich — Inside The Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière, on the other hand, wasn’t our favorite. To begin, there’s a whoooole lot goin’ on here. The Grilled Chicken Sammie comes topped with Apple Slaw, Onion-Bacon Jam, AND Fried Cherry Peppers. Any ONE of those things probably would have been plenty. It was spicy, it was sour, it was sweet…in a nutshell, it was a sandwich with an identity crisis. All of those toppings were also trying to mask a dirty little secret: the Chicken Breast was dry and overcooked. C’mon, Disney. Restaurant magic dictates you can make a succulent chicken breast. Let’s make it happen. And besides, we love Lumière TOO MUCH for his sandwich namesake not to be awesome. Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière Next up, we tried the Angus Cheeseburger. This is your average Disney burger. No problems to report, and no highlights to share. If you want a Disney burger, this is your guy. Classic Angus Cheeseburger But then, we come to what is easily the heartiest dish on the menu: Beast’s Burger. It’s an Angus Beef Patty topped with Slow-Cooked Beef, Gruyere, Caramelized Onions, Lettuce, Tomato, and Horseradish Aioli. Basically, it’s the love child of a Roast Beef Sandwich and a Burger. Beast’s Burger You guys. This is SO. MUCH. MEAT. The flavors are a fantastic combo, but you reeeally have to be a big meat lover to eat this one. Also, I’d totally ditch the raw veggie toppings here. They just seem weirdly out of place with all of this meaty, slow-cooked goodness. Beast’s Burger — Inside We were already full — but no way were we passing up the signature desserts at Red Rose. Lemon Rose Cake, Gaston’s Famour Brew, and Grey Stuff Gateau We didn’t show it to you on its own before, but we just had to try Gaston’s Famous Brew. The drink was a refreshing combo of Apple-Mango Punch topped with Passion Fruit Foam. While we’re not big foam fans, you need it here to approximate the frosty head of a beer — which this is definitely not. (DL, unlike Magic Kingdom, is still a dry park, except for Club 33.) But back to the drink — Heather loved it. It sounds like a less sweet alternative to WDW’s Le Fou’s Brew. Kudos to Disneyland for coming up with something different! (Especially since you can get Le Fou’s Brew in Disney California Adventure under the name of Red’s Apple Freeze in Cars Land.) We were also super happy to see a Mrs. Potts Krispie here as well. Gaston’s Famous Brew, Mrs. Potts Krispie, Grey Stuff Gateau But now, we come to what you’ve all been waiting for: the Grey Stuff Gateau! This cult classic finally makes its way West, and it was totally worth the wait! The version of the Grey Stuff is a little different here, though, than from the version you enjoy at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. Grey Stuff Gateau You’ll find White Chocolate Cookies and Cream Mousse, wrapped around Red Velvet Cake with a Raspberry Center, built on a scalloped Shortbread Cookie platform. While it was great, Heather would like the option for a solo bowl of The Grey Stuff. The Grey Stuff — Inside But we’ve saved the most beautiful option for last. Behold the Lemon Rose Cake. Seriously. I needed a moment just to stare that this. Officially, the description of this one says that it’s a Lemon Mousse Cake with Strawberry-Rose Filling. Lemon Rose Cake This one surprised us a little, actually. While the flavors of the lemon mousse definitely came through, the strawberry rose filling seemed more like Raspberry to us. Heather also saw little round berries that reminded her of Lingonberry. There was a fun surprise layer of Chocolate Crunch just above the Chocolate Cookie base. Lemon Rose Cake Anyhoo, whatever this dessert actually is, it was yum! If you’re scared of floral flavors, no need to fret. We didn’t notice the rose in the mix at all. Overall We visited Red Rose Taverne on opening day, and there were definitely a few missteps as a result. Food was taking much longer than we expected and the lines were LONG. We saw lots of people return food for issues of temperature or other problems, which probably didn’t help the kitchen’s efficiency. It’s a little strange, since this isn’t strictly a “new” restaurant. Still, it’s somewhat understandable, given a new menu and a large crowd for the opening. As for how long we can expect to enjoy the Red Rose Taverne, there is NO word on that. It’s totally at the discretion of the parks. Regardless, these dishes are pretty great overall, so we hope that they find a permanent home, even if Red Rose Taverne doesn’t stick around long-term. Overall, I’d recommend a visit to Red Rose Taverne. The food was good and even great in some spots, and hey — it’s cool to eat at a place that might not be there a month from now. So now, tell us what you think! Will you be dining at Red Rose Taverne in the near future? Leave a comment and tell us if the Grey Stuff Gateau is on your must try list! 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: Menu and Opening Date Revealed for Beauty and the Beast Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland! Limited Time! “Beauty and the Beast” Dining and Snacks — and The Grey Stuff! — Coming to Disneyland Review: Beauty and the Beast Belle Cupcake in Disney Parks View the full article

Disney Animation's "Zootopia" has won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film -- the studio's fifth straight win in the category. "Zootopia" topped an eclectic field that included Disney's "Moana," Studio Ghibli/Sony Pictures Classics' dialogue-free "The Red Turtle" and a pair for stop-motion... View the full article

Pandora - The World of Avatar With James Cameron View the full article

Sue Arcangeli of Harmony was not surprised to see who crossed the finish line first in the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. “I was so proud of her,’’ said Arcangeli, trying to suppress tears. “I knew she could do it. She was an inspiration for us all.’’ Kaitlyn Johnson of Westfield, N.J.,... View the full article

Happy weekend! We hope you’re having a great one. Can you believe it’s almost the end of February? You just gotta love a super short month! (Or maybe not…cause AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!) But you know what the beginning of March means? It means it is time for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries We can’t wait for the start of the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens! We got a sneak peek at some of the new eats and sips at this year’s Festival! And then we head out to the 2017 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. We have the full booth menus for the DCA Food and Wine Festival! And don’t forget, the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in August this year! Whew! We’re going to be a very busy bunch here at DFB! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Check out the full booth menus for the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! We reviewed the Ice Cream Float at The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom. Check out this first look at some of the new food and drinks at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Have you enjoyed breakfast at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor? The Bon Voyage character breakfast at Trattoria al Forno starts April 2. Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club is closing in May for a refurbishment. California Grill at the Contemporary is the setting for the new Celebration at the Top – Savor, Sip, and Sparkle. We have the details on the limited-engagement Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland. Caribbean Beach Resort’s restaurants closing this spring for refurbishment and construction project. The latest DFB YouTube videos are a review of the new Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Wilderness Lodge and our recommendations for what to eat and drink at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! 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. 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! A few weeks ago we told you about the new 24 oz. Seven Seas Lagoon cocktail at The Wave…of American Flavors in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. DFB reader Kim Wansley recently enjoyed the very blue cocktail before heading to the Magic Kingdom. Now that’s how you do it! This drink is SO much fun! We love dining at Garden Grill in Epcot’s The Land Pavilion for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! DFB fan Penny Stephens recently enjoyed dinner at Garden Grill and said it was “fab.” We agree! And, oooh! We like the new skillet layout!!! ::Makes note to book Garden Grill on next trip!:: That’s what we call a meal! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: Pre-Order the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Second Edition and SAVE! There’s still so much changing in the World of Disney Food that we’re already working on our 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, we’re offering you a chance to pre-order the new DFB Guide at a two-for-one deal and a reduced price. Yep, pre-order now and get BOTH: 1. 25% OFF your purchase! And… 2. You’ll receive the 2017 First Edition of the Guide immediately for FREE. Just use code WDW2017 at checkout! (We’ll send the 2017 Second Edition directly to your inbox as soon as it’s published in early March.) Why, 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 pre-order your copy today for 25% off the cover price and get the 2017 First Edition immediately for FREE!! Just use code WDW2017! The 2017 Second Edition will be emailed to you as soon as it’s published in early March. With a 100% money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found this must-have Mickey Mouse Chocolate Fountain! WDW for Grownups shared some of their favorite all-American eats and drinks at Disney World. Disney Parks Blog shared an historic Peach Cobbler Recipe from the Liberty Inn at Epcot. Oh My Disney shared this funny food-themed “would you rather” poll. Pop Sugar ponders whether Dole Whip is better at Disneyland or Disney World. 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: February 5, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-up: February 12, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 15, 2017 View the full article

As I mentioned earlier this month on the Disney Parks Blog, the doctor is officially in. Doc McStuffins that is. Youngsters can now see their favorite toy doctor just outside the vet clinic at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new character greeting location was just what the doctor ordered for my friend’s 3-year-old daughter who squealed with delight when we ventured to the park to see the star from Disney Junior’s hit animated series “Doc McStuffins.” And it’s pretty cool that Doc is still making daily visits to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning animated series “Doc McStuffins” follows the story of six-year-old Doc McStuffins who aspires to be a doctor like her mom and runs a clinic for stuffed animals and broken toys. Recently renewed for a fifth season, the series showcases the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling – fantasy and wish fulfillment – and models compassion and good health for kids age 2-7. The series airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. I think little ones are pretty psyched for this new meet and greet location. What do you think? View the full article

Your California Bucket List: Essential adventures and experiences in the Golden State Feb. 26, 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

Sue Arcangeli of Harmony was not surprised to see who crossed the finish line first in the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. “I was so proud of her,’’ said Sue Arcangeli, fighting back tears. “I knew she could do it. She was an inspiration for us all.’’ Kaitlyn Johnson of Westfield, N.J.,... View the full article

This week on the Disney Parks Blog we showcased just a few of the recent celebrities who visited Disney Parks in February. First, Anne Macklin shared a look at Nicole Kidman’s recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, who was happy to make her first visit to our parks since her last trip 20 years ago. Actor Geena Davis also visited Magic Kingdom Park this week, testing out the park’s most thrilling attractions with her two sons and posing for a photo with Minnie Mouse. Over at the Disneyland Resort, George Savvas shared a look at a recent park visit by actors Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery, both of “Downton Abbey.” The friends recently stopped by Disneyland Park and posed for a photo with Goofy. View the full article

Your California Bucket List: Essential adventures and experiences in the Golden State Feb. 25, 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

Disney popcorn is addictive. We love it flavored. We love it in pretty buckets. We love it smothered in hot caramel. Shall we keep counting the ways? How ’bout just one more: we love it in Refillable Popcorn Buckets. Like, LOVE it in refillable buckets. Because the only thing better than popcorn is more popcorn. So imagine our happy dance upon discovering a new flavored popcorn with the refill option in the Magic Kingdom: MAPLE! It’s available only at the Frontierland Popcorn Cart. Frontierland Popcorn Cart The menu here is pretty straightforward. You can grab a beverage, an ice cream treat, or, you know, POPCORN. Frontierland Popcorn Cart Menu Naturally, we had to try this. The smell alone was enough to draw us in: popcorn with unmistakable sweetness. Ideal combo. Frontierland Popcorn Cart Maple Popcorn Bucket Bucket: as fun as ever. Popcorn: yummy. Now, the maple flavoring is not super prominent. We could definitely stand to have a little more of that. But the sweetness was there — all cozy with those freshly popped kernels. Frontierland Popcorn Cart Maple Popcorn The real star here is the texture. It’s much more akin to kettle corn than to the buttered popcorn that’s ubiquitous at the Disney Parks. So if kettle corn is your jam, you want to pop on over and snatch this up. At $5.25 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, we think popcorn fans will like this hot option. Frontierland Popcorn Cart Maple Popcorn And super, super awesome: if you buy a refillable bucket in the Parks, you can refill it with this here Maple-y popcorn for just $1.50. We think that’s a pretty sweet deal. FYI: If you’re looking for non-packaged flavored popcorn elsewhere on Property, there’s only one other location at this time: the Future World Gourmet Popcorn Cart in Epcot. They pop Cheddar Cheese, Buffalo Bleu Cheese, and Sour Cream and Chive. So, listen, we think they could have gone a little heavier on the maple flavor. Really. But that kettle corn-like situation was a total win. Plus, it’s always a good thing to have more refillable popcorn bucket options. Here’s hoping they’ll shuck some more flavor options in the future! Don’t Miss Out on ALL the Magic Kingdom Snacks! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks is newly updated for your 2017-18 Walt Disney World Trip! With more than 2oo color photos of our favorite Magic Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats (even mini-meals!) for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back! After all, we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving! To thank you for your support of the blog, we’re offering the Guide for 25% off its purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now. To secure the discount, use code SNACKS17 at the check-out. Are you a Disney Parks popcorn person? Pop down to the comments to plead your popcorn case! 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: Updates to Refillable Popcorn Bucket Program in Disney World News! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Popcorn Bucket at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom News! Refillable Souvenir Popcorn Bucket Now Available at Disney World View the full article

In this edition of our Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule, we look back on some of the stories we shared with you three years ago this month! Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members Rally To Reunite Guest With Beloved Bear Jennifer brought us this touching story about a special teddy bear’s journey through Walt Disney World Resort and back to his family. 13 Magical Moments at Disney California Adventure Park From construction to Cars Land, we took a look back at some of the most memorable moments. The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park Explore the story of this opening-day attraction! The History of the Walt Disney World Monorail: Mark IV, 1971-1989 Part of our series on the history of the monorails at Disney Parks, Nate shared the story of the Mark IV monorail at the Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

There is no better way to start your morning at the Disneyland Resort than with a leisurely breakfast. One of our favorite breakfast spots is Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel. The Old Hollywood-inspired restaurant is just as charming in the morning as it is at night. If you haven’t had breakfast at Steakhouse 55 lately, a brand-new menu filled with indulgent breakfast items—and creative cocktails—makes it a must-try! If you love a savory breakfast, we love the new Pork Belly Chilaquiles, with two eggs, tortilla chips, salsa roja and a delicious charred avocado crèma; or try the Chicken and Waffles, served with Vermont maple syrup. If you simply can’t visit Steakhouse 55 without having steak, the 7-ounce New York Steak and eggs with pomme frites is for you! Sweet dishes include a new German Apple Pancake with Lingonberry jam and Stuffed Brioche French Toast with crème Anglaise, fresh macerated berries and Chantilly crème. Eggs Benedict lovers will be delighted to find three versions – classic with Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin; Serrano ham with steamed asparagus and blood orange-Hollandaise on a homemade cornmeal biscuit; and smoked salmon with hollandaise and caviar on an English muffin. Steakhouse 55 is also offering two takes on Steel-cut Oat Porridge – choose from sweet toppings (Muscovado sugar syrup, dried fruit, almonds and coconut) or savory (sautéed spinach, Cheddar cheese, a sunny-side up egg and scallions). If you’re looking for a more traditional breakfast, the American features two eggs any style, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, pork sausage or country ham, shredded potato cake and toast. The Continental Breakfast features an assortment of pastries and cereals and a three-egg omelet with your choice of fillings. New signature breakfast cocktails include the Steakhouse 55 Ultimate Bloody Mary, Morning Mule, Irish Coffee, Mango Bellini and a Blood Orange Mimosa. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as the cool lime or mixed berry refreshers, and assorted juices including orange, grapefruit, cranberry, apple and tomato. For those looking for a bit of caffeine, Joffrey’s Coffee, full-leaf tea, hot chocolate and espresso drinks are offered. Steakhouse 55 is open daily for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel. For reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dining or call 714-781-DINE. View the full article

It’s time! As we bid “So long!” to the Inaugural Epcot Festival of the Arts, we welcome one of our favorite events of Spring — the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! And I can’t think of a better way to explore the Festival than with a brand new DFB Video! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is Almost Here! The festival kicks off this Wednesday, March 1! So today, we’re sharing with you a preview of all the new can’t miss attractions — and dishes! Epcot has become Festival Central, so it’s a very good idea to have a plan before you go. Check out our video highlighting new topiaries, and see the dishes at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens that you must eat at this year’s event! Be the first to check out dishes from the festival’s two new booths — Northern Bloom and The Berry Basket. And by the way — have you subscribed? If not, this is the BEST time! Subscribe to the DFB YouTube Page, and you’ll be the first to know everything, as we bring you an insider’s view to all of the delicious Disney treats and eats! But now, I really want to hear from you! What are you looking forward to the most at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Tell us below 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! FULL BOOTH MENUS for 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, PLUS Garden Rocks Concert Series, and MORE Sneak Peek! Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail Coming to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival First Look: 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival NEW Food Photos…and MORE! View the full article

This week, we shared the first of a special “All in the Details” series on Pandora -­ The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And our first look featured the overall design philosophy of Pandora – The World of Avatar and how it fits into the theming of the rest of park. Pandora -­ The World of Avatar is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017. Check out our original story for more details. We also shared details about a new dining event at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort called Celebration at the Top. The experience, which is open for select Sunday evenings now through April 16, can be summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle. Check out Rachel’s original story to learn more about Celebration at the Top. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week: Disney Cruise Line Offers Families a Chance to See the World and Explore New Destinations in 2018 – We unveiled where our ships will be sailing in the summer of 2018. Disney Cruise Line will take a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, explorations continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. New Character Dining Experience, Bon Voyage Breakfast to Debut April 2 at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk – Guests who enjoy the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno will have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric. ‘Beauty and the Beast’-Inspired Red Rose Taverne Opens February 24 at Disneyland Park – Over the next few days, guests will see Village Haus Restaurant magically transforming into Red Rose Taverne, a lively tavern with décor inspired by the beloved film, in preparation for its official opening February 24. Tokyo Disney Resort Opening Second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on April 21 – More dreams are about to come true with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland on April 21. Complete Foodie Guide to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2017 – I’m excited to share the complete foodie guide for the festival, which is more than twice the size this year and full of California-inspired cuisine! 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Theme Revealed – To Infinity, and Beyond! The 2017 runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be celebrating a few of Pixar’s most beloved films – and we couldn’t be more excited! View the full article