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Imagine being able to delight in the sparkle of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular from an intimate and private observation deck. Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, can be perfectly summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle. Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available. Just before the night spectacular begins, guests will be lead to their private observation deck, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom park and the fireworks. After taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds, guests can return to the private room for petit four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts. Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for Thursday evenings from February 26 to March 26. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included. View the full article

CELEBRATION, Fla. – During 2017 Alaska sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the beauty of Alaska in a way only Disney can provide with exclusive, one-of-a-kind Port Adventures. Port Adventures are designed for Disney Cruise Line guests to make the most of their time ashore. Disney Cruise Line partners work with local tour operators to highlight each port of call, and create hassle-free, interactive adventures for families to enjoy. For the 2017 Alaska season, all ports of call include tours that feature distinctly Disney touches, beloved characters and rich storytelling to help bring local culture and customs to life. Signature Collection tours range from deluxe experiences in intimate, upscale settings to customized tours that are enhanced with experiences exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Skagway A historic pathway that winds through the snow-capped mountains bordering Alaska is the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail. At the camp, nestled beside a waterfall, guests are delightfully entertained by a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls as they tell classic stories of the gold rush era and local tall tales through hilarious puppetry and live music. After the show, a fun scavenger hunt through the camp sets the stage for a gold-panning expedition joined by classic Disney characters, with everyone guaranteed to find the precious metal in every pan. Guests find their fortune, and gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows, and enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast featuring freshly grilled Alaskan salmon. On the White Pass and Yukon Route, guests take a vintage railroad car 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass while weaving through cliff-hanging turns to witness rushing waterfalls and towering mountains. Guests retrace the original route of the Klondike Gold Rush where they envision the path of the early prospectors seeking their fortune. During the return trip, children ride in their own car with Disney Cruise Line youth counselors, and take part in sing-alongs, games and stories of the gold rush age. Adults relax and toast a glass of champagne or cider, and receive a unique ornament welcoming them into the White Pass Summit Club. For families looking to bring out their competitive side, the Klondike Family Challenge is full of immersive activities paired with fun challenges, like panning for gold and playing with Iditarod sled dogs. A tour of the Klondike Gold Fields brewery follows, where guests sample fresh brews and design their own root beer labels. Disney Cruise Line families leave their mark by etching their name into a wooden plank to leave at the site’s gold panning shed. Juneau Only Disney Cruise Line guests get to live the life of an Iditarod champion during the Glacier Dog Musher for a Day Port Adventure. On this excursion, guests are transported by helicopter over the massive Juneau Icefield to one of the region’s most breathtaking glaciers. Atop the glacier, they are greeted by the crew and sled dogs of the Iditarod, and then follow their new furry friends to the camp for a behind-the-scenes tour of the kennel, cookhouse and veterinary clinic. After a backstage look of the camp, guests prepare their new canine companions for an unforgettable day of mushing. Once the dogs are fed, harnessed and cleared for the trail, mushers take guests on an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime adventure across the pristine snow-capped glacier. Untouched Alaskan wilderness awaits at Taku Glacier Lodge, a remote outpost directly across from the picturesque Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. Guests enjoy a meal of wild Alaska king salmon, and hear stories of the lodge’s rich history and lively characters, such as Mary Joyce, a legendary adventurer who made a 1,000-mile dogsled journey from Juneau to Fairbanks in the 1930s. Teens gear up for the ultimate adventure during the Teen Exclusive Ultimate Canopy & Zip Line Expedition. Accompanied by their favorite Disney Cruise Line youth counselors, teens embark on an adrenaline-pumping, high-flying adventure overlooking Juneau’s magnificent landscape that includes 10 zip lines, two towering sky bridges over lofty tree platforms and a thrilling repel to the ground. Ketchikan In Ketchikan, Disney Cruise Line guests discover the rich culture and heritage of Annette Island, home to the only native reservation in Alaska. A signature Port Adventure gives guests a rare glimpse into a working village of the Tsimshian people. During this exclusive experience, guests learn about the lives and language of the culture through song and dance, create their very own drums, and learn a few words of the native language, Smalgyax. On the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan, guests look on as professional fishermen haul in the catch of the day in 700-pound king crab pots. An on-deck aquarium becomes the crabs’ temporary home, providing an up-close look and a chance to hold the crabs and snap a photo. After a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, including a photo in the captain’s chair, Disney Cruise Line guests have an exclusive opportunity to dine with the crew and listen to telling stories about life on the Bering Sea over freshly caught King crab and Dungeness crab. Several Ketchikan excursions include a visit to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a rollicking competition created especially for families that features some of the world’s top timber sport athletes going head-to-head for bragging rights and the title “Bull of the Woods.” Offering a historical look at the timber industry that helped shape Alaska, the one-hour show includes events such as chopping, sawing, log rolling, death-defying speed climbing and more, plus opportunities for a few Disney Cruise Line children to participate alongside the burly competitors in select events. After clapping and cheering for their teams, families can meet the lumberjacks for autographs and photos at the end of each rowdy show. Beginning May 22, the Disney Wonder will depart from Vancouver for 14 seven-night cruises to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. ### View the full article

It’s still a race with hard-core runners, but there might just be a bit more glitter involved as the Disney Princess Half Marathon is set for Sunday. In its ninth year, the Princess Half Marathon comes on the heels of Walt Disney World’s signature running event, the Disney Marathon, in January. ... View the full article

Pandora -­ The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in summer 2017, will transport guests to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains, bioluminescent plants and all kinds of immersive adventure. Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering just shared the first in a series of videos with us in which Portfolio Creative Executive Joe Rohde (who played a major part in the original development for Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the 1990s) explains the overall design philosophy of Pandora – The World of Avatar and how that fits into the theming of the rest of the park. According to Joe, the themes in both the film AVATAR and the values the designers of Disney’s Animal Kingdom had in mind when planning the park are the same: Emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature; Exploring the idea that guests can be transformed through adventure; And inspiring guests to understand and respect the nature that exists in our world. Check out the video to learn more about what to expect when Pandora – The World of Avatar comes to life in just a few months. View the full article

Last week, Erin Glover shared exciting details about the limited-time experiences inspired by “Beauty and the Beast” coming to 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. Today, I’m excited to share the menu—trust me it’s delicious! Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes! Beast’s Burger – A 1/3 pound Angus beef patty, slow-cooked beef, Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and horseradish aioli on a toasted roll. Classic Angus Cheeseburger – A 1/3 pound Angus beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato and signature sauce on a toasted roll. Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich – A grilled cauliflower steak, spicy lime aioli, tempura-battered green beans, lettuce and tomato on a toasted roll. Slow-Cooked Beef Poutine – Slow-cooked beef and gravy over seasoned waffle-cut fries, pickled onions and cheese curds. Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière – Grilled chicken breast, apple slaw, onion-bacon jam and fried cherry peppers on a toasted roll. Chef’s Chopped Salad – Cabbage, Romaine and iceberg lettuce, smoked bacon, apple, hard-cooked eggs, blue cheese crumbles, garlic croutons and apple vinaigrette. Poutine Flatbread – Topped with slow-cooked beef, pomme frites, roasted garlic aioli, cheese curds, gravy and herb oil. Garden Mozzarella Flatbread – Topped with marinated tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce. Pulled Pork Flatbread – Topped with pulled pork, roasted corn, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, pickled onions and cilantro. Grey Stuff Gateau – A white chocolate mousse and red velvet cake with a sweet raspberry center. Lemon Rose Cake – A lemon mousse cake with strawberry-rose filling. Gaston’s Famous Brew – Apple-mango punch topped with passion fruit foam. Red Rose Taverne is a limited-time offering, so be sure to be our guest soon! View the full article

Countries that begin with the letter I headline Disney Cruise Line's plans for summer 2018 offerings. When Disney Magic makes it annual foray across the pond, it will visit new ports of call in Ireland and Italy. And just for good measure, Magic will make a stop in Iceland again. First up is Italy.... View the full article

Countries that begin with the letter I headline Disney Cruise Line's plans for summer 2018 offerings. When Disney Magic makes it annual foray across the pond, it will visit new ports of call in Ireland and Italy. And just for good measure, Magic will make stop in Iceland again. In addition, the... View the full article

A new special event has joined the fireworks viewing lineup: the Celebration at the Top — Savor, Sip, and Sparkle experience offers guests the chance to enjoy small bites and beverages along with Fireworks viewing at the Contemporary Resort’s California Grill. California Grill Sign On select Sunday evenings now into this spring, the private Sonoma and Napa Rooms of the California Grill is where Celebration at the Top guests will sip beverages from the complimentary bar (including California wines and premium liquors) and dine on sushi, canapés, and small plates for one hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks begin. Sushi at California Grill Next, guests will be lead to a private observation deck reserved for Celebration at the Top participants to see the show! View of Fireworks from California Grill The experience will wrap up back inside with an selection of petit fours, cordials, and coffee. The price for this special event is $99 per guest, plus gratuity and tax. Interested guests can make Advance Dining Reservations through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Please note: while official information about this event says it’s running through March 26th, bookable dates are currently are appearing on the event’s webpage through April 16th at the time of this publishing. Enjoy the view… from the Top! Would you like to attend the Celebration at the Top? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill Best Disney World Restaurants for Fireworks Viewing: Part I California Grill: Spots Still Available for Independence Day Dinner July 4th! View the full article

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! Runners channel their beloved Pixar characters in almost every runDisney event, and we’ve noticed! The themes for our event weekend August 31 – September 3, 2017, will be: Adventure is out there at this year’s Kids Races featuring “Up!” Mr. & Mrs. Incredible are ready for the run. The Disneyland 5K theme is “The Incredibles.” Mike and Sulley host 6.2 miles of scares at the Disneyland 10K featuring “Monsters University.” Race to infinity and beyond with the pals of “Toy Story” at the Disneyland Half. Disneyland Double Dare: Celebrating Pixar Animation Studios Will you join us for this year’s race? Spaces are still available for select races here. For updates and medal releases, follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. Share your excitement using the hashtag #DisneylandHalf. To learn more about runDisney events, please visit us here! View the full article

Visit Slovakia on an Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise View the full article

Nicole Kidman has a very busy week. She is, after all, an Oscar nominee for “Lion,” and the awards will be presented Sunday. But she stopped Monday at the Magic Kingdom while vacationing with her family at Walt Disney World. She struck a delighted pose with Mickey Mouse. The Oscars will air at... View the full article

Walt Disney World will add BB-8 to its lineup of “Star Wars” characters that visitors will be able to meet this spring. The round, rolling droid was first seen in the 2015 film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” It will be available to guests in a dedicated area of Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s... View the full article

Ahoy, Disney Cruise Line fans! Today, 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. Here’s a closer look at the adventures in store… First-time visits to Fashionable Milan, Italy We will visit Milan, Italy – a global capital of fashion and design – for the first time, as part of special sailings from Barcelona and Rome. The Disney Magic will stop at Genoa, Italy, which is the gateway to Milan and the picturesque locale of Portofino. The beautiful metropolis of Milan is perfect for shopping and home to top-name designer stores, boutiques, open-air markets and art galleries. New sailings from Rome and Barcelona In June 2018, we will sail between Barcelona and Rome, giving you the chance to experience the rich culture and inspiring history of these two cities as bookend experiences in a single cruise. In Rome, you can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, the market streets of Las Ramblas, the artistic architecture of Gaudi and the famed Sagrada Família church. First-time visit to Cork, Ireland We will take you to Cork, Ireland on our first-ever seven-night British Isles cruise. Cork is home to a vibrant culinary scene and a plethora of pubs, shops and cafes. You can connect with Ireland’s ancient past and visit historic sites like Blarney Castle. Don’t miss your chance to gain the gift of gab and kiss the famed Blarney Stone! Additional ports visited on this sailing include Dublin, Ireland; Greenock, Scotland; and Liverpool, England. Throughout the summer, the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe continues with engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, British Isles and the Mediterranean. Return to Alaska If breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife are what you are seeking, the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder is returning to Alaska for the 2018 summer season. A variety of itineraries departing from Vancouver, Canada, include stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord. More Opportunities to Visit Castaway Cay When we say “double dip,” we’re not just talking about complimentary ice cream on the pool deck. In 2018, we are giving you a series of cruises that include two stops at our private island paradise in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay! In June and July, the Disney Dream will sail four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, each with two stops at Castaway Cay, so you can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of the sparkling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees! Bon voyage! Bookings open to the public on Feb. 23, 2017 and more details on 2018 itineraries can be found here. View the full article

New ports and new itineraries in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean take center stage CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2017) – In summer 2018, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to destinations in Italy and Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Bookings open to the public on Feb. 23, 2017. More details on 2018 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2018 page of disneycruise.com. New sailings from Rome and Barcelona For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the rich culture of Barcelona and inspiring history of Rome as bookend experiences in a single cruise. In Rome, guests can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, the market streets of Las Ramblas, the artistic architecture of Gaudi and the famed Sagrada Família church. On June 16, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome). Ports of call include Marseilles and Villefranche, France; and Genoa (Milan), Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Naples, Italy. On June 23, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night itinerary from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona. Ports visited on this cruise are Naples, Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Genoa (Milan), Italy; and Cannes and Marseilles, France. First-time visits to Milan, Italy Disney Cruise Line will call on Genoa, Italy for the first time in 2018, as part of three special sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). The historic port town of Genoa, located on the Italian Riviera, is a gateway to the beautiful metropolis of Milan and the picturesque locale of Portofino. Milan is a global capital of fashion and design, featuring top-name designer stores, boutiques, open-air markets and art galleries. A 10-night Mediterranean itinerary sailing from Barcelona on July 7, 2018, calls on Genoa, as well as other popular ports in Italy, France and Spain. First-time visit to Cork, Ireland and first seven-night British Isles The Disney Magic will call on Cork, Ireland for the first time as part of Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever seven-night British Isles cruise, departing on Sept. 2, 2018. Additional ports visited on this sailing include Dublin, Ireland; Greenock, Scotland; and Liverpool, England. Cork is home to a vibrant culinary scene and a plethora of pubs, shops and cafes. It invites visitors to connect with Ireland’s ancient past, with historic sites like Blarney Castle, where visitors can kiss the famed Blarney Stone. Throughout the summer, the Disney Magic’s tour of Europe continues with engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, British Isles and the Mediterranean. Return to Alaska In 2018, the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord. Southern Caribbean special sailing The Disney Fantasy will embark on a special 11-night southern Caribbean itinerary departing June 30, 2018, visiting tropical destinations, renowned for beautiful sun-kissed beaches, including Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and the Disney private island, Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disney’s exclusive private island Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is consistently a top-rated destination. In 2018, the Disney Dream will sail a series of cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay so guests can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of the pristine island paradise. On June 6, 20, and July 4, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. On June 1, 10, 15, 24, 29, and July 8, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. View the full article

Actress, producer, and writer Geena Davis, takes her family on a surprise winter vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Geena, the mother of two tween boys, spent a majority of her time on the big thrill ride attractions including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park. A big change of pace from the Disney classics like “it’s a small world” when they were little. Geena was able to sneak in a little one on one time with Minnie Mouse, though! Special thank you to Chloe Rice for the great photos. View the full article

Did you know that yesterday was “Love Your Pet Day”? The holiday is celebrated each year on February 20th, though for many of us, it’s an everyday occurrence. Although pets aren’t permitted at Disney Springs, there are plenty of ways to spoil your favorite canine companion during your next visit to the property … just pick up a little something from one of the spots listed below to show them just how much you care. (And yes, most of the offerings here are for dogs, though I do know a cat-lover who has picked up a few accessories and made them work for her feline friends!) Sprinkles Cupcakes: Their cupcakes for humans are among my favorite baked goods on the planet, so I have a hunch that the doggie version is just as delightful for Fido. At only $3 each, these sugar-free cupcakes topped with a yogurt “frosting” are a smart way to treat your pup. Orlando Harley Davidson: Is your furry friend “bad to the bone”? If so, accessories from Orlando-Harley Davidson may be your ticket to ride. With leashes, accessories (the black leather cap tops my list!) and toys, you’ll find something fierce. Happy Hound: I’ve visited this Marketplace location before, but new leashes featuring Disney characters – everything from classic Mickey to the latest Anna and Elsa designs – caught my eye this time around. I also love the magnets and ornaments that let you show the world which breed you adore most. Disney’s Pin Traders: Need a new tag for your dog? The easy-to-use engraving machine lets you personalize a Disney-inspired design in minutes. It’s a sought-after souvenir that won’t take up too much space in your suitcase. World of Disney: The “Disney Tails” collection has been a fan-favorite for years now. I can’t imagine a more fitting chew toy than one shaped like a Mickey Mouse Premium Ice Cream Bar … can you? The bow tie collection is another winner, especially if you’re four-legged friend is the fashion forward type. Did you acknowledge “Love Your Pet Day” this year? If so, let me know how you celebrated in the comments below. If not, it’s never too late! View the full article

The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is a Magic Kingdom landmark. Learn About: Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Located at the end of Main Street, USA, right before the turn-off into Tomorrowland, this place is an ice cream lover’s dream. We love it so much, we recently created a Video Review so even when we’re miles away, we can still imagine we’re dipping into a hand-scooped sundae or enjoying an ice cream cookie sandwich. But there’s more than just ice cream on the menu these days. Now that the Magic Kingdom opening show has been moved into the park itself, there’s plenty of time for milling about and noshing on breakfast before the rides officially open. So the Ice Cream Parlor has graciously stepped in to add some morning fare to its standard list of eats. The additions include a long-awaited treat in the Magic Kingdom; and a sweet and tasty “event” that’s really more dessert than breakfast. But we never judge! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Variety is the name of the game at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. There are several permanent flavors from which to choose as well as an occasional specialty flavor that rotates in and out of the line-up. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Menu And those with allergies or food preferences can find sugar-free and dairy-free varieties here as well. There’s something for everyone! But lets get back to the big news: this is one the Magic Kindgom’s newest breakfast locations! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Breakfast Menu Even better: the full menu is also available all day. So now the only problem is convincing yourself that ice cream is a breakfast food. (Um….done.) Donut Sundae We took a look at the Donut Sundae before it made its way onto the official menu, and, unsurprisingly, it was a huge hit. We are so happy to see it solidly on the menu now! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Donut Sundae The Donut Sundae features apple pie filling, hot fudge, whipped cream, a giant scoop of ice cream, a glazed donut, and peanut butter and chocolate chips. I’m not sure how Disney passes this off as breakfast, but I don’t really care. This thing is epic, and completely unique in the world of Disney food. So dive in, y’all!! Donut Sundae Close-Up: Donut This would be an incredibly decadent way to start a Disney day, but when in Disney, anything goes! Glazed Donut The Glazed Donut that forms the foundation of the sundae is now available on its own on the breakfast menu. This is essentially a krispy kreme glazed donut, so it’s more airy and spongey than cake-like. And while it’s not house-made (I’m preeeeeeety sure they actually do have these delivered by Krispy Kreme), it’s still relatively fresh. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Glazed Donut Close-Up For $1.99 or a Dining Plan snack credit, it is a great start to the day for a donut fan. Mickey Waffle Platter A new addition to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor breakfast menu is the Mickey Waffle Platter. That’s right, folks. We’ve finally got Mickey waffles at a counter-service spot in the Magic Kingdom! Mickey Waffles with Strawberries and Bacon Rejoice! The Mickey Waffle Platter comes with three Mickey waffles topped with powdered sugar and a terrific strawberry sauce. We had ours with a side of bacon. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Waffles At $8.49, this is the quintessential Disney World breakfast, and we can finally eat it whilst in the shade of Cinderella Castle. Dreams do come true! Cereal If Donut Sundaes and giant plates of Mickey Waffles aren’t your thing, you can also pick up Assorted Cereal options at the parlor. A little box will set you back $3.69. BUT, if you want some SUPER EXPENSIVE CEREAL, for $13.69, you get your cereal poured into the souvenir Mickey Kitchen Sink pants that are used for the Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae. (But, really, if it were us, we’d probably just go for the Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae — and not just because we love ice cream. The sundae is $14.99, and for that extra money, you get a lot more bang for the buck in those Mickey pants.) Overall We are so excited to see new breakfast options in the Magic Kingdom, especially when they are as creative as a Donut Sundae and as wonderful as Mickey waffles. 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. Will our ice cream lovers give Plaza Ice Cream Parlor a try for breakfast? Chime in 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 and Review: DONUT SUNDAE (!!!) at the Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Review: Ice Cream Float from Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Ice Cream Parlor View the full article

We’re getting excited for the The Oscars® on ABC this Sunday, and that made us wonder what would happen if we asked the ultimate Disneyland Resort insiders — our very own cast members — to choose their favorite attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining and even snacks. Almost 1,400 of our cast members did just that recently by voting in our first-ever Disneyland Resort Cast Choice Awards, selecting a diverse array of experiences from time-honored favorites to buzzworthy best-kept secrets. Now, the envelope, please…here are the winners: Favorite Attractions Disneyland Park: Haunted Mansion Whether it’s when grim, grinning ghosts are out to socialize, or when Jack Skellington adds his own style of holiday cheer, this New Orleans Square classic is cast members’ spirited year-round favorite. Disney California Adventure Park: Soarin’ Around the World Now cleared for takeoff beyond the Golden State, this Grizzly Peak favorite flew to the top of cast voters’ itinerary. Said Guest Relations Host Marvin Herrera, “I get goosebumps every time I experience this fantastic attraction!” Favorite Merchandise Locations Disneyland Park: Emporium Doesn’t matter if it’s first thing in the morning or last thing at night, this Main Street, U.S.A., mainstay is cast members’ preferred stop for must-have souvenirs from throughout the park. Disney California Adventure Park: Elias & Co. Buena Vista Street’s art deco-inspired department store makes cast members feel like they’re shopping in another era. Said Andy Roxas from Disneyland Hotel Room Service, “Every time I enter that merchandise location, I feel like I traveled back in time.” Hotels of the Disneyland Resort & Downtown Disney District: World of Disney From its sprawling size to its whimsical décor and smile-inducing soundtrack, this Downtown Disney District superstore, with the largest selection of Disney merchandise anywhere on the West Coast, seems to have just about everything for everyone. Favorite Dining Locations Disneyland Park: Blue Bayou Restaurant Cast members love the immersive atmosphere of this New Orleans Square restaurant, where Cajun and Creole favorites are served at an antebellum mansion under the shooting stars. Disney California Adventure Park: Carthay Circle Restaurant The seasonal menu offerings and tantalizing appetizers draw rave reviews from cast members at this replica of a classic movie palace whose luxurious interior celebrates Disney’s big screen history. Hotels of the Disneyland Resort & Downtown Disney District: Steakhouse 55 This tucked-away, upscale Disneyland Hotel highlight dazzles cast members with its premium steaks and delectable desserts. Said Pacific Wharf Food and Beverage Manager Daniel Cordova, “The air is electric. It feels as if legends are always sitting at the next table.” Insider tip: breakfast here is fantastic, too. Favorite Snack Churros Simply put, cast members <3 churros as much as you do. Said Resort Transportation and Parking Hostess Kristine Castellanos, “There are many churros all over the world, but nothing like the taste of the Disneyland churro.” Favorite Disney Character Experiences Theme Parks: Star Wars Launch Bay Ever felt pure, unadulterated joy? It’s in a giant Wookiee hug. Cast members love heading to Tomorrowland for face time with their favorite Sith lords, bounty hunters and rebels. Hotels of the Disneyland Resort & Downtown Disney District: Goofy’s Kitchen A-hyuck! Not only is this Disneyland Hotel buffet a cast favorite for rubbing elbows with classic Disney characters — it also ranked among their favorite resort dining experiences. (Chef Goofy’s peanut butter and jelly pizza is a must-try culinary classic.) Favorite Entertainment Experience “Fantasmic!” Cast members can’t wait to head back into the world of Mickey Mouse’s imagination. This Rivers of America nighttime spectacular will return infused with new magic this summer. Said Daniela Juarez from Disneyland Hotel Housekeeping, “It reminds me of why I started working here in the first place. Also gets me right in the feels every time.” View the full article

The Disney Parks Moms Panel Awards, our own prestigious accolades in honor of Hollywood’s awards season, wrap up this week with a trip to where it all began, Disneyland Resort. The moms, dads and grandparents of the Disney Parks Moms Panel select their favorites at the Happiest Place on Earth. Category: Disney Character Experiences Spending time with your favorite Disney friends is a must-do when visiting Disneyland park, and the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorite place to do just that is Royal Hall at Fantasy Faire. Guests can greet their favorite Disney Princess at Royal Hall then head next door to Royal Theatre, where some of their favorite Disney stories come to life in a lively retelling. The Disney Parks Moms Panelists also love to visit Tinker Bell & her fairy friends in Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park and Mickey Mouse, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and more on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park. Linda M. loves to remind guests to use the Disneyland App to find other times and locations to meet Disney friends. And make sure to keep your eyes open, because you never know when and where you might see one of your favorite Disney characters. Category: Favorite Attraction for Preschoolers A panel favorite on both coasts, Disney Parks Moms Panelists love “it’s a small world” for their little ones. This colorful attraction with its catchy tunes is a Disney classic, but at Disneyland park there is even more fun to be had! With more than 20 of your favorite Disney characters hidden throughout the attraction, you and your little one will have tons of fun pointing them out. At Disneyland park, Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train and Storybook Land Canal Boats are also panel favorites for little ones. For more preschooler recommendations from our Disneyland Resort Specialists, including their Disney California Adventure park picks, check out this past Moms Panel Monday post. Category: Nighttime Spectacular It is not hard to see why “World of Color” is the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorite nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Resort. This stunning water show at Disney California Adventure park is a breathtaking display of water, projections and light. It’s a must-see during your trip to Disneyland Resort and a delightful way to end your evening, says Kiki Y. Main Street Electrical Parade was also among the top favorites, and Linda M reminds you to get there early to get the best spot. Don’t miss your chance to see Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland park before it fades away on June 18, 2017. Category: Favorite Restaurant This is a tough category, but the Blue Bayou Restaurant was the clear favorite of the Disney Parks Moms Panelists. Featuring Creole and Cajun cuisine, the unique theming and peek inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction add to the ambiance of this New Orleans Square restaurant. The Disney Parks Moms Panelists recommend Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for a nice date night and love to dine with their favorite friends at the Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Emily V. suggests making reservations as soon as you can for more popular table-service restaurants, but says for most casual dining options, advanced reservations aren’t as necessary. Category: Favorite Disney California Adventure Park Attraction Disney California Adventure park is full of exciting thrills, and Radiator Springs Racers is the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorite. On this attraction, you can kick it into high gear and race along the roads of Radiator Springs. The Disneyland Specialists on the Disney Parks Moms Panel suggest riding during the day and again at night for a whole new experience under the neon lights of Radiator Springs. California Screamin’, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Grizzly River Run and Soarin’ Around the World round out the top five favorite attractions at Disney California Adventure park, but there is so much more to explore. Category: Favorite Disneyland Park Attraction Hyperspace Mountain is the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorite attraction at Disneyland park, joined by Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones Adventure as the top five favorite attractions at Disneyland park. Hyperspace Mountain is rockets you out of hyperspace to dodge blaster crossfire as you join a swarm of Rebel X-wing starfighters and Imperial TIE fighters. This Star Wars-inspired adventure isn’t the only exciting overlay that gives this classic attraction a new reason to visit. Disney Parks Moms Panelists recommend you check out all the Halloween and Holidays festivities happening at your favorite attractions. When asked what the Disney Parks Moms Panelists enjoy the most about a visit to Disneyland Resort, they all agree it is the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Walt Disney and experience the magic where it all began. Let us know your favorites from this week’s categories in the comments below. You can also visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation. For more awards season excitement be sure to tune into The Oscars® Live Oscar Sunday, February 26 7e|4p on ABC. View the full article

Disney fans wondering how the former “Tower of Terror” ride will be transformed won’t have to wait much longer. The newly reformulated “Guardians of the Galaxy–Mission: BREAKOUT!” ride will open May 27 at the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim. Themed to the comics-inspired film “Guardians... View the full article

Do you love the spirit of award show season? Are The Oscars® on ABC a “must watch” for you every year? Get ready to experience some of The Oscars® excitement at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! From now until the big night on February 26th, guests are able to take their picture with the iconic Oscar® statuette at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream located inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, during regular park hours. Take a moment to be like your favorite stars as you walk the red carpet and accept your award. Just make sure you finish your speech before the “wrap-up” music starts! Guests can follow all of the latest Oscars® news on Twitter at twitter.com/TheAcademy. Guests are encouraged to share their Disney’s Hollywood Studios “My Oscar® Moment” using #Oscars @WaltDisneyWorld. Jimmy Kimmel hosts The Oscars® LIVE Oscar Sunday, February 26 at 7e|4p on ABC. View the full article

More dreams are about to come true with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland on April 21. This will be the first in-park opportunity for the popular makeovers, which have been available at the nearby Tokyo Disneyland Hotel since 2008. The boutique opening will include a premium dress exclusive to this location, as well as a special photo studio setting for newly crowned princesses to pose with their royal subjects. The dress itself is inspired by Cinderella, with silhouettes of hearts and glass slippers, and comes with accessories to complete the look. Photo packages will be offered to capture professional-quality images against a variety of backdrops to match the personality of each princess. Reservations will be available online up to one month before park visit for children ages three to 11. Stay tuned for more Tokyo Disney Resort news on the Disney Parks Blog! View the full article

Epcot festival fans won’t have too long to wait for the next event — the Epcot International Flower and Garden festival starts on March 1 and lasts until May 29. This annual celebration of spring shows off more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries as well as gardens, wildlife habitats and more. As... View the full article

Pandora - The World of Avatar | Disney's Animal Kingdom View the full article

Looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy at Disney Parks? Pin collecting and trading is a great adventure and something I highly recommend from personal experience. One of the best locations to get started at Walt Disney World Resort is Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs Marketplace. During a recent visit, the Disney Delivery Guy surprised me with a box filled with new trading treasures. Here is another look at several monthly pin collections you may find in 2017. The “Essence of Evil” (3,000 edition size each) and “Doorways to Disney” (4,000 edition size each) collections will be a shared collection between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Each “Piece of Disney History” collection pin will have an edition size of 1,500 and will only be released at Walt Disney World Resort. The Jungle Cruise 45th Anniversary collection will be released in Florida on May 11, 2017. The “Pin Trading Tales” (2,000 edition size each) and the Charming Characters (3,000 edition size each) will only be found at Disneyland Resort. In mid-March, we are releasing a specially designed pin collection to commemorate 50th Anniversary of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland park. There will be a limited edition pin for Annual Passholders (3,000 edition size) and several individual limited edition pins (each will have an edition size of 2,500). The individual limited edition pins will be offered in a boxed set containing one completer pin (edition size is 500). Finally, I’m delighted to share open edition Disney Emoji pin sets that are coming to Disney Parks in late summer. You can see these fun characters in the “As Told By Disney Emoji” video series which retells favorite Disney stories using emojis. The character designs are also found in the Disney Emoji Blitz game. This fast-paced mobile game is connected to a custom keyboard where you can unlock more than 600 Disney and Pixar emojis and text your friends using them. Which pins are you looking to collect this year? Please share in the comments below. View the full article