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Happy Super Bowl Sunday! We hope you have a great party planned with lots of great food! If you’re in Disney World this weekend we have some tips on the best spots to view the big game! Nachos Rio Grande Challenge! The Epcot International Festival of the Arts started on January 13 and we have photos of every food item at the Food Studios! We also have the full menus for the Food Studios! After the Festival of the Arts comes the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens and the 2017 Disney California Adventure 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 The full menus were announced for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! Starring Rolls Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing today We checked out the new secret menu item at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn: the Nachos Rio Grande Challenge! A new character breakfast starring Rapunzel is coming to Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk! We have a first look and review of the reopened Planet Hollywood Observatory. Booking is now open for events and demos at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. We reviewed the Red Velvet Cake at the Magic Kingdom. Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine to be offered at lunch and dinner. We’re talking about the can’t-miss dining experiences coming to Disney Parks this year. Amorette’s Patisserie to host cake decorating classes! We review Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast Breakfast at Garden Grill. 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! DFB reader Katie Mason was visiting Norway recently (the real country, not the Epcot pavilion) and she had a chance to eat School Bread! She tweeted to us: I’m on holiday in Oslo, Norway, and am losing my mind because I’m eating school bread.” That’s SO awesome!!! Looks just like it does in Epcot! School Bread IN Norway! Last week we featured ‘Ohana Bread Pudding on our DFB YouTube Channel and reader Amber Stultz said she had the bread pudding on her last visit and still has dreams about it. We know the feeling! That caramel sauce! Oh my! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 with code SAVE2017! Now is the perfect time to order the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2017 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World. Just use code SAVE2017 at checkout! The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is chock full of tons of great features to ensure you have your best Disney trip, every time. These include: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! We put tons of time, effort, and research into ensuring that we share with you the most relevant, up to date Disney Food Information that’s available. We do this so that you can plan your own Disney visit with confidence, and have the trip of a lifetime, every time. We’d love to share our best tips with you! And remember, because the guide is an e-Book, it’s super easy to download it to all of your mobile devices and take it right into the parks with you! Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2017 Edition, and receive 20% off with code SAVE2017. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get the latest version of our most popular Guide! And don’t forget to check out our Money-Saving Bundles — More Stuff for Less Dough! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found this fun Star Wars Ugly Sweater Mug! WDW for Grownups shared their top 5 resort Quick Service restaurants. MetDaan Cakes shared this super cool video of a Cinderella Carriage Cake. Oh My Disney wants to know Which Disney Chef Are You?. PopSugar shared a recipe for Disneyland’s Snickerdoodle Cookies. 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: January 22, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 15, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 8, 2017 View the full article

It’s shaping up to be a big year at the Disneyland Resort with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland park and the popular Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park. And this week, we highlighted even more amazing experiences you’ll want to check out in 2017. Visit Erin’s original story and share what you’re most excited about at the Disneyland Resort in 2017. We also launched a new art series on the Disney Parks Blog called “Sketches from the Park.” Disney artist Will Gay kicked off the series with an early morning session at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where he sketched Hotel Burudika. Go check out Will’s story to learn more. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Book Your Spot on the New Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour at Magic Kingdom Park– On Friday, we introduced a brand new tour designed to provide you with maximum fun while enjoying the quintessential Magic Kingdom Park experiences and attractions–the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour! Another Look at ‘Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration’ at Disney California Adventure Park – One of the highlights of this year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park is “Hurry Home,” a delightful, six-minute pre-show presented just before each evening’s performance of “World of Color.” Get Your Groove On With Garden Rocks at the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – Once again the America Gardens Theatre will come alive with some of the best music from the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s as the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presents the “Garden Rocks” concert series. New Character Breakfast to Debut at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk – An all-new character dining experience will debut this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by adventurous royal couples from beloved Disney films! A delicious breakfast awaits you at Trattoria al Forno, as you get ready to set out for a day of endless magic at Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations Now Open for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Premium Events – When the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns March 10 through April 16, 2017, the festival will host hundreds of events, seminars and demonstrations. This week we shared the current schedule of the superstar chefs, wineries and breweries that will be partaking in the 2017 premium events. Welcome to Our World! What is Disney Youth Programs? – Did you know that The Happiest Place on Earth and the Most Magical Place on Earth are also popular field trip destinations for students? Disney Youth Programs engages young minds and celebrates their achievements using lessons and insights from The Walt Disney Company as the inspiration. View the full article

Say it ain’t so… Learn About: Starring Rolls Cafe Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney World Restaurants Actually, those are the same words that came to mind when Writer’s Stop — a unique little coffee and pastry shop that used to be open in Hollywood Studios — closed a few months ago to make way for construction of the future Toy Story and Star Wars lands. Only this time, these words apply to yet another beloved pastry stop in Hollywood Studios: Starring Rolls Cafe, located on the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards. While Starring Rolls IS open today from 9:00 am – 3:00PM, we were told when we were in the shop recently that starting February 5th, 2017, the location will be shuttered. Here are the details: Starring Rolls Cafe is, indeed, closed starting tomorrow, February 5th. The Cast Members — who will be moved to other locations — have not been informed as to whether or not the spot will reopen in the future. Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wow. While Writer’s Stop was known and loved primarily for one snack above all else, the Carrot Cake Cookie, but I don’t even know where to begin with Starring Rolls. How can I possibly narrow down from ALL the favorites that have come from Starring Rolls over the years? Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe First, this was one of the key spots you could ALWAYS count on for amazing cupcakes. We’re talking total home runs here, from the Butterfinger Cupcake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake, to the ol’ Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake and the (much missed) Marble Cupcake. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Starring Rolls, in my opinion, was one of the places that put Disney World squarely on the map when it comes to cupcakes. Not into cupcakes? Not a problem. You could always grab a Tiramisu, an Eclair, a Turnover, a White Chocolate Chip Brownie, a Fruit Tart, a “Banana Split,” a Napoleon… the list goes on and on. Napoleon at Starring Rolls Cafe Starring Rolls has also been a place to find savory sandwiches like the HUGE and gorgeous Pastrami, among others (until now, as the sandwiches have already been removed) and a few speciality coffee drinks. Pastrami Sandwich Speaking of coffee… several of those aforementioned snacks, many of which were previously unique to Starring Rolls, were suddenly also found at The Trolley Car Cafe — the Studios Starbucks location — when it opened in 2015. Though some items went by other names (i.e., the Butterfinger Cupcake was known as the “Chocolate Toffee Cupcake” in opening days, and is now called the “Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake”), these special snacks were so well known to us that it was impossible not to spot them all over the Trolley Car bakery cases. Trolley Car Cafe Bakery Case So, yes, several Starring Rolls snacks are still available in Hollywood Studios. In fact, here are a few pictures taken today, where you can spot a few of the favorites in the Trolley Car case. Trolley Car Cafe Bakery Case Trolley Car Cafe Bakery Case But much like the Carrot Cake Cookie, which you can still find at Sweet Spells now that Writer’s Stop has closed, I can’t help but think that even my perfect Butterfinger Cupcake (or, should I say, “Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake”) might taste a little less sweet going forward. “Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake” sign, AKA Butterfinger Cupcake We will miss you, Starring Rolls Cafe. What are your thoughts on this latest dining change in Hollywood Studios? 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: Snack Series: Napoleon at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Butterfinger Cupcake Revisited at Starring Rolls Cafe Review: New Menu Items at Starring Rolls Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Paddlefish, formerly Fulton’s Crab House, reopens Feb. 4 after several months of renovations. I got a chance to explore the revamped restaurant in Disney Springs beforehand for lots of pictures and a few bites off of their new menu. We’re still working with a three-story vessel, but really the... View the full article

Earlier this week, we launched the debut of a brand-new art series that showcases hand-drawn beauty of Disney theme parks. Disney Artist Will Gay kicked off the monthly series by sharing a lovely sketch and watercolor piece he did for practice during a recent early morning trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. See Will’s original blog post to learn more about his creative process. View the full article

We love watching the seasons change at Walt Disney World, and not just because pumpkins change into evergreen wreaths overnight (literally!). Learn About: Main Street Bakery Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants No, friends, we love all the seasonal treats that reappear along with the decorations! And the Main Street Bakery is a great place to grab something new (or a returning favorite). Despite several new breakfast locations opening on Main Street in the morning, we think the Main Street Bakery will retain its popularity. As the home of the Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks, the Main Street Bakery incorporates both fun, Disney-fabulous treats (we love the seasonal and character cupcakes!) and our favorite Starbucks items. This is true of all of the on-property Starbucks locations, so no matter where you find yourself, you’ll have a bunch of goodies to choose from. Main Street Bakery On our visit to the Main Street Bakery, we tried one of the returning seasonal items: the Cranberry Bliss Bar. This bar is one of the Starbucks offerings, so if you’re a fan of this one in the real world, you can now enjoy it in the Parks as well. The bar portion of the Cranberry Bliss Bar is a rich hybrid of a cookie and cake. We liked the texture, which comes not just from the bar itself but also from sporadic bits of dried cranberries and small chunks of white chocolate that are incorporated into it. Main Street Bakery Cranberry Bliss Bar The bar itself is pretty sweet, so it benefits from the contrast provided by those tart cranberries. Main Street Bakery Cranberry Bliss Bar Atop the bar is a thick layer of cream cheese frosting. We love a good slathering of cream cheese frosting (usually blanketing the top of a carrot cake of some kind), so you know we appreciated the use of it here. Main Street Bakery Cranberry Bliss Bar On top of the cream cheese frosting, you’ll get a scattering of the dried cranberries and some orange-flavored drizzle. We even spotted some orange zest sneaking its citrusy self onto the top as well. And the flavor combination really works here. The bar is quite sweet, so the tartness and the slight citrus flavor cut through the sugar and add a layer of complexity. Main Street Bakery Cranberry Bliss At $3.19 or a Dining Plan snack credit, the deceptively small Cranberry Bliss Bar seems a little overpriced upon first glance. But we found it to be so rich that it was really satisfying at that price point. We think this one would be an indulgent breakfast treat or a unique dessert at the end of your day. 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 the Starbucks locations a must for your park days? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Disney Halloween Cupcake and the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin at Main Street Bakery Re-Review: Peanut Butter Cupcake at Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery Review: Main Street Bakery Starbucks in Walt Disney World View the full article

There are only a few weeks left for the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts. I recently enjoyed the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes from around the world at the festival. If you are planning a visit this month, here are several of my favorite things to see along with a few product updates. My first stop was the Odyssey Festival Showplace to see works by Disney historical artists Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. The location also carries original Disney artwork that is available for purchase. I recommend trying the Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts offered at The Painter’s Palate. I also loved the Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate at Pop Eats! kiosk located toward Canada pavilion. You may recall reading about the fun scavenger hunt called Figment’s Brush with the Masters. Once guests complete the hunt, they can redeem it for one of four Figment magnets (shown above). Stop by Disney Traders near entrance to World Showcase to get started. Due to popular demand, guests may now find some of that Figment artwork available in the Art on Demand kiosk at the Art of Disney location near Spaceship Earth. Artwork by Herb Ryman featured on this year’s festival poster is also available on demand. Here are a handful of artists you may meet this month (please note all appearances are subject to change without notice): February 10-13 Walt Disney Imagineer and artist Jason Grandt will be at the Disney Artist tent near Mexico Pavilion. On Friday and Sunday, look for him from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, he will appear from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Master glass blower Reinhard Herzog will be near the Germany Pavilion each day of the festival. Artist Trevor Carlton will be performing on the Fountain View stage in Future World at 10:35 a.m. and 3:10 p.m. each day. Find him from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. each day in the Collectors Editions tent near Morocco Pavilion. February 17-20 The Disney Artist tent will host several artists throughout the weekend including Dave Avanzino, David Buckley, Joe Kaminski, Randy Noble, and Don “Ducky” Williams. Jerrod Maruyama will be at the WonderGround Gallery tent near Canada pavilion from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. each day. Noah returns to the festival to meet with guests at his tent near Showcase Plaza. View the full article

I’ve had some memorable moments in the theme parks with my friend Jessica Hartshorn, Entertainment Editor of Parents Magazine — both when we were single and as parents of toddlers. I recall chasing the kids around Magic Kingdom Park, waiting to meet their favorite characters (and dealing with a meltdown or two). Jessica was at Walt Disney World recently and shared some tips on how to navigate Disney with little ones. She’s been to the parks dozens of times with her family and she’s a real pro. Take a peek. View the full article

One of the simplest, and yet most meaningful, pleasures of Disney Vacation Club Membership is the feeling that comes from being welcomed in distinctive fashion. The words “welcome home” have long reinforced our neighborhood’s sense of community at Disney Vacation Club Resorts and events, greeting members not as visitors, but as family. So as much as we all enjoy triggering that welcoming green light with our MagicBands at Walt Disney World Resort entry points (a simple-pleasure moment that usually makes me think of Dr. Seeker saying “We’re in!” during the DINOSAUR attraction pre-show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom), it would seem fitting that members receive a more distinctive welcome. With that in mind, I’m pleased to share that members who have affiliated their My Disney Experience account with their Disney Vacation Club Membership will now see their MagicBands trigger a unique purple-to-green color sequence as they enter Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, Water Parks, DisneyQuest or the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It’s the kind of simple-but-meaningful detail I appreciate as both a Disney fan and Disney cast member, and it’s a colorful reminder to my fellow cast members to offer you a warm “welcome home.” (Add the fact that the purple hue makes me think of a certain imagination-sparking dragon, and you have my favorite new Disney detail since the ghosted reference to Emmet Otter’s late father in the PizzeRizzo Banquet Hall’s marquee at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.) All of us at Disney Vacation Club hope that, wherever your Walt Disney World Resort vacation takes you and your family, you always feel at home. This promotional material is a timeshare solicitation and is not an offer in any jurisdiction where the timeshare is not registered. See important timeshare disclosures. You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. These offers may only be available to Members at various times and may or may not be renewed or extended. Membership Extras, such as vacation options in the Disney and Concierge Collections, certain discounts, offers, and special events are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Disney and Concierge Collections options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. View the full article

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup for the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. View the full article

Yesterday we told you about all the great acts coming to Walt Disney World Resort as a part of the “Garden Rocks” concert series at the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Well, we have even more great Festival news to share. You can now book dining packages that include reserved seating for some of the concerts – acts like Jon Secada, Night Ranger and The Pointer Sisters. I’m So Excited! (Pause for laughter) Get It? The Pointer Sisters had a hit song called … Well, never mind. Anyway, the point is that you can pair some of your favorite Epcot restaurant meals with reserved seating for some of your favorite bands! Dining Packages are available on these dates: March 3-6, 10-13, 24-27, 31 April 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24 May 5-8, 19-22 Prices for Breakfast Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $23 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Lunch Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $15.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Dinner Packages start at $53 plus tax (for adults) and $17.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Garden Rocks concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8 p.m. each night. Concerts are included with regular park admission to Epcot. To book a dining package, Call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as these events fill up quickly. For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com. And keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. View the full article

The Member Lounge at Epcot will host an intimate gathering of Disney Vacation Club Members, special guests and one of Disney’s most beloved artists on one special evening of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Presented after the lounge has concluded its regular operating day, this exclusive dessert party with Disney artist Don “Ducky” Williams is scheduled to take place on Feb. 18 from 7:45-8:45 p.m. The one-time-only event is priced at $30 a person, tax included, (paid theme park admission also required) and includes an artful assortment of sweet treats (from Key Lime Tarts to a decadent “Festival of the Arts Inspired Triple Chocolate Mousse with Chocolate Crunch”), along with punch, coffee, tea and soft drinks (the latter being the hundreds of choices available through the lounge’s Coca-Cola Freestyle machines). The evening’s biggest treat, however, will be time spent with Ducky, whose famed character illustrations grace everything from the pages of theme park maps to the walls of theme park restaurants, not to mention limited-edition lithographs proudly displayed in the homes of many Disney Vacation Club Members. Ducky will share stories as he draws some of his favorite characters live, giving this small audience (the event can accommodate as many as 50 attendees) extraordinary access to this immeasurably talented artist. This event is open to Members and all guests sharing the Members’ Walt Disney World Resort accommodations. Members who aren’t staying at a Walt Disney World Resort also are welcome to attend with as many as five guests each. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot at what promises to be a memorable event. This promotional material is a timeshare solicitation and is not an offer in any jurisdiction where the timeshare is not registered. See important timeshare disclosures. You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. Some elements of Membership Magic are incidental benefits, which are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee, and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions and may only be available to Members at various times. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. Theme Park admission is not part of Membership. View the full article

It’s official! We have visited the newly-opened Planet Hollywood Observatory! Learn About: Planet Hollywood Observatory Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants We came. We saw. We conquered…And We Were Thoroughly Underwhelmed. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. A major overhaul to the inside, outside, and menu seemed like the perfect excuse to head on back to Planet Hollywood. So armed with a hearty appetite and a couple of friends, I set out for what was a big, faded blue orb, and is now Disney Springs’ newest “old, repurposed” building (Disney Springs is said to be based on a town in the 1920s that grew up around a natural spring — and many of the buildings have been repurposed into shopping and dining venues…so they all look vaguely industrial). We don’t want give away the last line in this saga, so let’s start from the beginning. (Hint. It wasn’t all bad.) By the way, this is going to be a LONG review, so settle in, my friends! Atmosphere Have you been to Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney? Then you know exactly where to find Planet Hollywood Observatory. It hasn’t moved. (Oh, and we’re calling it PHO from here on out, K?) Outside View We walked around the building while the light was still good, just so you could get a sense of how much things have — and haven’t — changed. As you can see, most of the neon, and all of the blue, are gone. Also gone is the sign at the top of the sign. Unfortunately, nothing has replaced it, so the whole thing looks a bit — okay, a LOT — unfinished. Planet Hollywood — Another View (And What’s With the Sign Stump???) Still, the silver overlay of the “Planet/Observatory” and the brick surround does suggest the new “old” story. If you’re not familiar, lemme explain. Planet Hollywood has acquired a backstory as a result of its attempt to fit into its newly antiquated surroundings in Disney Springs. It is now the former observatory of this quaint old town, but these days, it’s been repurposed as a restaurant. See how that works? Dome and Store Sign The new bricked area is handy for more than just transforming the building’s looks. Around the base of the globe, you’ll now find additions, like store carrying branded merchandise. Planet Hollywood Store Planet Hollywood Observatory Merchandise On the other side, Stargazers Bar occupies the open air area around the base of the restaurant and to the left. Stargazers holds an exclusive distinction. More about that in just a sec. Stargazers Bar Sign Above Stargazers, you can see the patio of the upstairs bar as well. There are lovely views that we’ll share a little later on. Stargazers Bar and Outside Seating From this angle, additional outdoor seating added with the renovation is visible. Outdoor Bar and Seating Back at Stargazers, there is seating available at high top tables. Space heaters keep the area toasty during chilly Florida nights. Outdoor Bar Seating One of the most striking changes to the structure is visible from the front. Previously, the steps into the globe-shaped building were covered in a red plastic awning. That’s all gone now, and this dignified brick entrance has taken its place. Entrance Step inside, and you find a more refined feel. We loved the ethereal glow of this light feature just inside the main entrance. Super Cool Lighting in the Entrance As you’ve probably guessed by now, you aren’t really here to see heavenly bodies. Not in the sense that you might think. Nope, the “stars” here remain the Hollywood kind. So it’s fitting that there’s a red carpet-worthy photo op as you enter. Pose for the paparazzi (well, just the one camera, actually) and your claim ticket will be delivered to your table. Planet Hollywood Photo Op Wall Steps up to the main floor, which is really the second floor, are surrounded by this cool bead curtain. (I totally wrote that for my friend, who was all “Ooooh! Look at the pretty beads!”) Steps to the Upper Seating Area (And Super Fun Employees) At the top of the steps, you’re in this sort of gallery-like area. Walk toward the light and visit the podium to the left. These folks will figure out where you’re going to be sitting. Top of the Steps Inside the main dining room — the globe, as it were — things are definitely way more subdued than they used to be. Spacey Towery Thing One side of the room is taken up with a large projected screen area that shows music videos (from movies), and also seems to be peering into space. Interspersed with popular music from different genres, we were also treated to lots of Disney favorites, like “Let It Go” and songs from Moana. We were told that once there’s a DJ in place, this screen area will offer unique entertainment. But on our visit, it was pretty much just a big screen saver. Projection Wall with Music Videos Playing Planet Hollywood has always been known for its display of movie memorabilia, and that still holds true. Display cases line the walls, and any trip here should include a quick tour to spy your favorites. Superman! Beetlejuice Props The Princess Bride, Y’all! Shawshank Redemption Togs Bold carpet with spacey sprockets and cogs and stuff grabs your attention as you head to your table. The warm colors are a nice counterpoint to all of the blue lighting. Spacey Carpet Detail Remember that upstairs bar that you saw earlier? Here it is! Outside Second Floor Bar Area And while the bar is nice and all, I think the views are my favorite aspect of it. Gazing on the springs never seems to get old. They really did do a fantastic job with theming. View This shot gives you an idea of the redo as well as the layout. Here, you can see that the second floor is the main seating area, but there’s also seating on the first floor. Lower Floor Seating We were actually seated on the second floor overlooking the first. This isn’t our table — we needed a LOT more space — but you get the idea of the set up. Balcony Seating And now it’s time to EAT!!! Eats Whew! We finally make it to the foooood! But not before a few menu photos just for good measure. The menu here is very big, so I didn’t take shots of every page. I did want to highlight a few interesting things, though. So, here’s a headscratcher: if you want a Local Florida Craft Beer, you’d better head to Stargazers Bar. According to the bartenders that we talked to, that’s the only place in Planet Hollywood that you can enjoy this selection. Stargazers Craft Beer Menu — Click to Enlarge We also wanted to share photos from the menu of a couple of the items we didn’t get to sample. We really wanted to try the Rocket Fuel, with its mixture of Stoli Citros Vodka, Cointreau, Chambord, Cranberry Juice, and Sprite finished with dry ice. But they were out of dry ice. Apparently during the “friends and family preview” of the restaurant the bartenders didn’t control their inventory and kept making free drinks with the dry ice…so there wasn’t any dry ice left for when the restaurant actually opened. So…here’s a picture of it from the menu. Rocket Fuel The Space Monkey is an intriguing combo of Cruzan Coconut Rum, Banana Liqueur, Pureed Coconut, and Chocolate sounded pretty great. AND — it’s served in a swell souvenir glass. Space Monkey Now, let’s get into the eats — with a first look at some of the menu items created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri! We tried a couple of burgers, but we couldn’t get them all. So I’m happy to share pics of a few additional ones, like The Original Ringer — Angus Beef, Crispy Rojo Onion Ring, Guy’s Signature Bourbon-Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, SMC, Cheddar, LTOP, and Donkey Sauce on Brioche. The Original Ringer What’s that? You don’t know what SMC, LTOP, and Donkey Sauce are? You need a lesson in “Guy-isms”. Here you go. Guy-isms. For Your Pleasure. The Straight Up With Cheese is Guy’s answer to a Cheeseburger, with Angus Beef, Cheddar, SMC, and Donkey Sauce. Straight-Up With Cheese Bird is the Word sounds pretty awesome as well, with Fried Chicken Breast, Ranch Dressing, Pickles, Cheddar, Slaw, and Hot Sauce. Bird is the Word Finally, there’s Championship Pulled Pork, with Pulled Pork, Bourbon-Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce, Onion Straws, and Donkey Sauce. Championship Pulled Pork Now that you’ve seen a little of what we didn’t get, let’s explore what we actually did try. After I moved on from the disappointment of no Rocket Fuel, I decided to try the Proxima B Mojito. The drink, with its combo of Bacardi Superior Rum, Lemon and Lime Juices, and Ginger Ale was garnished with Fresh Blueberries and Mint. It was decent, and we appreciated the zip that the Ginger Ale brought to the mix. But then we noticed the rim. Proxima B Mojito These jars, it seems, get a lot of use as vessels for Drinks, Milkshakes, and even Desserts. While we quickly identified the brown smudges on the rim of the glass as Chocolate, it was a pretty off-putting discovery that the glasses weren’t thoroughly washed prior to being used again. And this pic below was AFTER we’d wiped most of the chocolate off. This wasn’t just a speck here and there. We decided to skip the rest of the drink. Proxima B Mojito — Up Close We thought you might like to see one of PHO’s larger than life Planet Bowl drinks as well. Ultimately, we went with the Solar Eclipse, a mix of Jose Cuervo Especial Gold Tequila, Cointreau, Citrus Juices with a Grand Marnier Floater. Yep. It’s a giant Margarita. It was fine, and relatively strong. But nothing too special. If you like margaritas, and you enjoy sharing drinks with people, then go for it. Solar Eclipse Planet Bowl Your reward for ordering it is to take the 45-ounce souvenir glass home. Solar Eclipse Planet Bowl — Closer After a bit, the food started to arrive. To begin, we chose the Nachos Grande. Nachos Grande They’re a pretty standard version of the popular dish, with Corn Tortilla Chips covered in Chipotle Chicken, Plastic Cheese, Pureed Black Beans, Salsa Verde, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco, and Sour Cream. Nachos Grande — From the Top We especially liked the two different kinds of cheese here, and the Plastic Cheese had a nice kick to it. We found the Chicken to be bland, however. Still, if you want Nachos, these are acceptable. Nachos Grande — Up Close We also took the plunge and ordered the High Roller. This Ferris Wheel of Snacks serves four, according to the menu. (Sadly, the ferris wheel does not spin. We were disappointed, but I imagine that if it DID spin, it would be a serious hazard to the servers!) ;-D High Roller Sampler Corn Chips and Pita Chips accompanied the sampler, and served as dippers for the Five Cheese Dip. High Roller Sampler Dippers Speaking of, the Five Cheese Dip consisted of Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses with Spinach, Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Tomato. The dip turned in a solid performance, with good flavor and an easily dippable consistency. It was fairly light on veggies, but let’s be honest: you aren’t eating this to get your Daily Five. Approved! High Roller Sampler — Cheese Dip — Up Close Next came the Peri-Peri Shrimp. The breaded Shrimp are tossed in a spicy Chile Sauce. A VERY spicy Chile Sauce. This one wowed me. I would definitely have ordered a full app of these and been happy. While I gave these some of the highest marks of the night, my friends remarked that the shrimp were a little spicier than they expected. High Roller Sampler Peri Peri Shrimp — Up Close A plate of four Twice Cooked Buffalo Wings — baked, and then fried — came with the standard sides of Carrots, Celery, and Blue Cheese Dressing. These were very standard and carried a slightly sweet buffalo sauce. Meh. High Roller Sampler Wings — Wings Next up was our other favorite passenger on the wheel o’ food, the Texas Tostados. My friends favored this combo of Crispy Gyoza Skins (Wonton Wrappers) topped with BBQ Chicken, Sautéed Onions, Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheeses, Pico de Gallo and drizzled with Sour Cream and BBQ Sauce. One of my friends said that she could have happily made a meal out of the sweet and slightly spicy combo. High Roller Sampler — Tostados — Up Close Finally, we came to the wheel’s most famous dish — World Famous Chicken Crunch. Apparently, this is a bit of a signature dish for Planet Hollywood. Chicken Tenders are breaded with a Sweet Crumb Coating. Friends tell me that the secret ingredient here is breakfast cereal, like Captain Crunch. That’s not specially stated on the menu, but I can believe it. The creamy Creole Mustard Sauce came on the side for dipping. They were fine and good, but I personally prefer the standard Disney Chicken Tenders to these guys. Still, your kids might like ‘em. High Roller Sampler — Chicken Crunch — Up Close FYI — here’s how they come if you order them as an entree: Chicken Crunch if ordered as entree After a healthy go at the appetizers, it was time to kick into high gear with main dishes. We started with a few Guy Fieri Signature Sandwiches — two Big Bite Burgers and one Knuckle Sandwich. What does that even mean? Well, just wait and see. We couldn’t pass up the one we’d heard so much about, the Bacon Mac-n-Cheese. The sandwiches all come standard with a side of Triple Fries (we’ll take a closer look at those in just a minute.) Bacon Mac N Cheese Burger There’s a ton going on here, with a combo of Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Six Cheese Mac-n-Cheese, Cheddar, LTOP, Onion Straws, and Donkey Sauce. Bacon Mac N Cheese Burger — Up Close And do you like the branding on the top of the bun? It’s not easy to make out from the pic, but that’s a little skull burned into the top. Burger Brand Inside, we found a good combo of all of the expected ingredients. We didn’t get a lot of flavor from the Mac and Cheese, though. Mostly this tasted like a pretty good Cheeseburger. The patty was nicely thin and smashed, and it came cooked to our medium-rare specifications. Bacon Mac N Cheese Burger — Inside We also sampled the Prime Time American Kobe. Prime Time American Kobe Burger American-style Kobe Beef (google it — you’ll get a lot of different takes on what this means; bottom line: fattier, more flavorful beef), Smoked Gouda, Cheddar, Caramelized Onion Jam, LTOP, and Donkey Sauce. Prime Time American Kobe Burger — Closer The patty on this burger was noticeably thicker, and was also cooked perfectly. In terms of flavor and consistency, the American Kobe Burger won out. I think we preferred its slightly simpler list of toppings, too. This one scored high points with one of my friends. Prime Time American Kobe Burger — Inside But then, we come to one of our favorites of the night — the Pimento Grilled Cheese. Pimento Grilled Cheese The menu says it all when it boasts that this is a “Triple Stacked Grilled Cheese like you’ve never seen before.” Six Cheese Mac-n-Cheese, SMC, and Pimento Cheese are stacked between crunchy slices of Garlic-Buttered Sourdough. Pimento Grilled Cheese — Inside This, in the immortal words of Mr. Fieri, is, in fact, Flavortown. While many of the dishes we ordered were full of rich ingredients, they lacked any real staying power or flavor in my opinion. The Pimento Cheese Sammie was delicious and crunchy and gooey and I couldn’t stop eating it. (Well, I did. But it was really hard.) Pimento Grilled Cheese — Inside And oh, hey — it’s vegetarian. Which means it’s toooooootally healthy. Right? We also took note of a few other touches that brought in the Guy Fieri branding, like specialty sandwich pics and ornate paper with a skull motif reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos artwork. Guy Fieri Toothpick Pimento Grilled Cheese — Cool Plate Detail Plates also bear a whimsical-ish skull bearing a chef’s toque. More Cool Plate Detail So, about those Triple Fries. They came as standard sides with all three Sandwiches as well as the Ribs you’ll see in just a minute. Triple Fries The “triple” comes from the fact that there are three different shapes. These are clearly seasoned fries, right out of a freezer bag, but we liked the sweet and salty seasoning mix, and they had good crunch on the outside. Triple Fries — Up Close Next, we dug into a healthy helping of BBQ Ribs, which are served, adorably, on a tiny picnic table. We don’t really know why, but they were cute. BBQ Ribs The garden variety ribs have most likely been cooked low and slow in the oven, then grilled and basted with a sweet BBQ sauce. There were quite meaty, but I felt like they were overdone. While they’re perfectly fine, I don’t think they’re going to impress any of our hard-core BBQ fans out there. BBQ Ribs — Up Close With all this talk of Mac and Cheese, we had to give the actual dish a try. So next up was the Six Cheese Chicken Macaroni and Cheese. Six Cheese Chicken Macaroni and Cheese The huge portion came to the table in what looked like a serving dish. In it, we found Sliced Chicken Breast, Cavatappi Pasta, Six Cheese Sauce, and spoonfuls of Ricotta Cheese. The dish was lightly dusted with Seasoned Bread Crumbs. There were also apparently Mushrooms and Spinach in the mix. But once more, we found the veggies to be applied with a light touch. This was actually quite good and very decadent. I would have loved it as a side, but a whole entree is a bit much…even for me! The multiple cheeses were fantastic. The chicken was forgettable. Six Cheese Chicken Macaroni and Cheese — Up Close For another dose of pure decadence, we dove into the L.A. Lasagna. LA Lasagna This is one that made it back on the menu after the refurb. As if Lasagna weren’t rich enough, in all of its Bolognese and Bechamel-y glory, this one is also Deep Fried. It won out as the favorite of another friend, although we all agreed that the trip into the fryer rendered the pasta a bit more chewy than we liked. The sauces brought a ton of flavor to this dish. L.A. Lasagna — Up Close But wait! There’s more! Because no way could we pass up a real live view of the Supernova Shakes we’ve been hearing about for months. These crazy over the top Shakes seem to be a trending at the moment, as we told you previously, and were similar (but not as high quality as) to Shakes we encountered at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios. Supernova Shakes One of my first questions was, how in the world do you tackle a shake that’s meant to be eaten as well as drunk? The answer: with a straw-spoon combo, of course. Supernova Shake Straws Let’s take them one at a time. The Strawberry Supernova Shake comes topped with an entire slice of Cake and a Swirly Lollipop. Strawberry Supernova shake The Sprinkles are stuck to the glass by virtue of Icing. We took a little taste and there’s no doubt that the icing came straight from a can. Strawberry Supernova Shake — Closer My friend had high hopes for the cake, but we found it to be stale, dry, and utterly lacking in any kind of flavor besides SWEET. Womp, womp. The shake itself was a standard strawberry shake, though it had a very icy texture versus a creamy one. Strawberry Supernova Shake — Cake Detail Our impressions of the Chocolate Shake weren’t much better, although the Pirouline Cookie is kind of nice. Keepin’ it classy, Supernova Chocolate. supernova chocolate shake Again — a super icy texture. More like frozen chocolate milk than a creamy milkshake. Chocolate Supernova Milkshake — Up Close Finally, we come to the Cotton Candy Supernova Shake. Once again, there’s no discernible flavor here. Just a whooooooole lot of sweet. Cotton Candy supernova shake Of the three, I think the sprinkles were smushed onto this glass in the most artful manner. So. Style Points. Cotton Candy Supernova Milkshake — Up Close My friend couldn’t get past the fact that the Cotton Candy had obviously been “handled”, though. I tried to explain that it was necessary so it would all stick together. But she wasn’t impressed. Cotton Candy Supernova Milkshake — Detail Still, I get that these things are a childhood fantasy come true. And if you’re looking for dessert with some dessert topped with more dessert, and you aren’t too picky about things like “flavor” and “texture”, then hey — go for it. Slightly better were the three actual dessert options we tried. The Planet Meltdown gets show points. Planet Meltdown — Pre Melt A Chocolate Sphere is melted tableside by Hot Caramel Sauce. Planet Meltdown — Melt Commencing Wait for it… Planet Meltdown — Melt Complete There! Inside, you’ll find Double Chocolate Fudge Cake (a TINY slice of it), Fresh Strawberries, and Whipped Cream. Planet Meltdown — Inside While we’re not talking top-of-the-line chocolate here, this one brought a smile to our faces, and I think it’s a fitting sweet ending to a vacay meal. Next, we couldn’t pass up the Key Lime Pie Star Jar. This is your standard Key Lime Pie, but it’s layered, parfait style, in a — yep — jar. This was…epic. Honestly, I’m a huge key lime pie fan, and I was worried about this one seeing as how the rest of the meal had gone. But it was so creamy, so delicious. And they didn’t skimp on the graham cracker “crust” layers at all! This is probably the only thing I would actually go back to Planet Hollywood to order. But I would, indeed, go back to order this. Worth it! Key Lime Pie Star Jar On our server’s recommendation, we also tried the Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar. We expected to find layers of Brownie and Cheesecake. Instead, this seemed to be a parfait mix mostly of Whipped Cream and Chocolate Pudding. We did dig around and found a bit of brownie eventually, but not nearly as much as we expected to see in a dish headlined with the word “brownie”. This is a pass for us. Brownie Cheesecake Star Jar Any by the way — Restaurant People? Jars are not easy to eat out of. Just FYI. Overall So, here’s the deal. If you’re desperate to see the inside of the new Planet Hollywood Observatory, then book it. But seriously, there’s nothing here that makes me recommend it as a first choice dining destination. There are dishes that we enjoyed. I would definitely have the Peri Peri Shrimp again, and both of my friends gave good marks to the Tostados. The Kobe Beef Burger was a winner, and the Pimento Cheese and Mac and Cheese Sandwich (I know. I know. But — VACATION) was hard to put down. We also thought the L.A. Lasagna was pretty good, although extremely heavy. And the Key Lime Pie hit all the right notes. So yes — you can find things to eat here that are decent. But bottom line — we just weren’t impressed. Service was uneven. The dirty glass we encountered was off-putting. There were several items we tried to order that were missing ingredients, so we couldn’t get the dish. And I think my friend put it best when she said that the decor looked…dated. And even though the restaurant had JUST re-opened after a long refub…the “dated” comment made sense. And it made me sad that, after all of this time and effort, they didn’t make this transformation something awesome. I expect that Planet Hollywood Observatory will be busy based solely upon its prime location at the bottom of the Orange Garage escalators. But take my advice. Plan ahead, and keep walking. But now I’m super interested to hear what y’all think. Will you be visiting the old-but-new Planet Hollywood Observatory? Leave a comment with your thoughts! 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: More Planet Hollywood Observatory Menu Details (and PHOTOS!) Released News: Advance Dining Reservations Now Available for Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs News: Planet Hollywood Observatory Now Open in Disney Springs View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has put Elsa on center stage and the "Frozen" star is now sailing from Port Canaveral. Disney Wonder received a bevy of upgrades last fall, but has been showing them off to passengers sailing out of Galveston, Texas until now. The cruise line's second oldest ship has begun three months... View the full article

I am excited to share the kick-off a new monthly series with you all today on the Disney Parks Blog called “Sketches from the Park.” As a Disney cast member, my main role is creative advertising, but I am also a Disney artist with original work showcased in the Art of Disney galleries. As such, I love to constantly be learning new things with art. Recently, I have been going into the parks to do quick sketches on location. So, each month I will be sketching from the field, or Plein Air as it’s called in the art world, from a new inspiring location in our Disney Parks and then sharing my sketches and experiences here on the blog. Today, I enjoyed an early morning session at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where I sketched Hotel Burudika. There was a fantastic light as the sun started to rise above Everest in the distance, and I sat here, near Africa’s Mombasa Marketplace. I sketched this piece using pen and ink, and a little watercolor. It was such a peaceful morning as I started to hear the birds and animals in the distance — it was like the park was coming to life around me just as I started to add some color to my sketch. What a great way to start the day and get inspired! I hope you enjoy the art and keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for my next sketch from a new location next time in our “Sketches from the Park” series. View the full article

Enjoying Pura Vida (Pure Life) in Costa Rica | Adventures by Disney View the full article

Break out those Mona Lisa smiles. Walt Disney World visitors can turn themselves into masterpieces thanks to a feature at the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts. In three locations around the theme park’s World Showcase are big-as-life sets where people can stroll right into scenes created... View the full article

Today we’re introducing a brand new tour designed to provide you with maximum fun while enjoying the quintessential Magic Kingdom Park experiences and attractions–the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour! The four-hour tour is led by Disney VIP Tour Guides, who make navigating the park a breeze by providing you with the highest level of Disney’s world-renowned guest service while you enjoy many of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions carefree. During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, you’ll be able to experience up to 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Adventureland must-dos Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise to Fantasyland favorites such as Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and more attractions throughout the park. And what visit to Magic Kingdom Park would be complete without saying hello to the mouse that started it all? As part of your tour, you will also get to meet Mickey Mouse! Tell him ‘hi’ for me! This tour is especially great for kids of all ages since all of the attractions you will visit do not have any height restrictions. If you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the most Magical Place on Earth, or want to experience the classic Magic Kingdom attractions, this is the tour for you. The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour ($199 plus tax)* is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability. Call 407-560-4033 to book your tour or click here to learn more about this and other offerings from our Enchanting Extras Collection. *Magic Kingdom Park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour. View the full article

One of my favorite experiences during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts has been taking family and friends to see the extremely talented performers in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. The concerts showcase some of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars singing hit songs from Disney on Broadway musicals each festival weekend. Two of those stars, Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey, perform this weekend and we got to know these performing artists a bit better with this quick Q&A session in our #ArtfulEpcot series this week! Did you always dream of being on Broadway? What has been the best part of having that dream come true? Kerry: I dreamed of being on Broadway since I was 9 and saw “Annie.” I never forget how fortunate I am. I get paid to do what I love. I’ve been so lucky, last year I did my tenth Broadway show. You become a family with the cast, it’s really a great job! Kevin: I think I thought it would be really cool to be on Broadway, but it was not always my dream. I thought I was going to be a doctor, even through college. But, somehow I got sidetracked…and I’m so glad I did! Being a part of this business brings you in constant contact with some of the most incredible people in the world. Everyone is passionate and so good at what they do. I met my wife because we worked together (and I married her every night onstage), so it has worked out pretty well! You also get to travel around the world and even to Walt Disney World! Being on Broadway is a special gift and honor that I never take for granted. Which Disney song is your favorite to sing? Kerry: In this concert series it’s “A Whole New World.” In general, it’s “Part of Your World.” Ariel is my favorite Disney Princess. Kevin: I like singing “Out There” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I have to say that “Proud of your Boy” has been a joy to sing too. Alan Menken knows how to write incredible songs for both male and female characters. His songs soar! What has been it been like to perform classic Disney songs at Walt Disney World Resort? Kerry: It has been truly magical. I am a HUGE Disney fan. I go to Walt Disney World all the time. I’ve seen many shows at Epcot, and it’s been a dream to perform here. Kevin: It’s incredible to be able to share so many of Epcot guests’ favorite songs with them and introduce some new songs to them as well. Walt Disney World is such a magical place, and it’s so cool to be a part of that magic! What advice would you give to aspiring singers and/or Broadway performers? Kerry: I always say the people who can take rejection are the ones who can make it. You usually get rejected at least once a day, the key is to not take it personally. Kevin: I always say, if it’s what you love, keep at it! Train as hard as you can, always be prepared, say yes to as much as you can and be nice to everyone! If you do all those things, then you set yourself up for success. Then you walk through the doors that open and see where they lead. Be sure to catch Kerry and Kevin perform at the festival this weekend at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday at the America Gardens Theatre! View the full article

Tonight’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image was snapped in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. The pavilion, which opened its doors at the park in 1984, offers Moroccan cuisine and belly dancing entertainment at Restaurant Marrakesh and tapas and lake-front dining at Spice Road Table. This show was taken inside the pavilion’s bazaar, which is chock full of unique treasures, like fezzes, Moroccan hanging lanterns, belly dancer scarves and much more. View the full article

There’s plenty of buzz around the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a lively way to spend a weekend (Fridays through Mondays) around beautiful World Showcase Promenade and in Future World at Epcot. This festival is for all ages, and guests are getting a real kick out of the ingenious “immersive photo stops” featuring famous paintings that let you step in and play a part: scream along with Edvard Munch (in his famous “The Scream”), cross the Delaware River with Gen. George Washington (via a rendition of artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s painting), or join in artist Claude Monet’s “Garden Picnic.” Now that’s a clever souvenir! Returning this weekend to the America Gardens Theatre are Broadway superstars Kerry Butler (who played Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan” on Broadway) – lighting up the outdoor stage with songs from Disney’s “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Newsies” and “Tarzan.” If you want to try your hand at animation, head to the Animation Academy in Innoventions East for a free, fun and informative drawing class with a Disney artist. And if you prefer a shorter gig with a paintbrush, spend a little time at the giant color-by-number wall murals each weekend near Showcase Plaza – lots of guests join the fun to create this communal masterpiece as they begin their circle around World Showcase Promenade. For little ones, the Kidcot Fun Stops encourage artistry with short projects to take home. Or the whole family can join in the art-filled scavenger hunt, “Figment’s Brush with the Masters,” featuring that adorable purple dragon in famous works of art. Purchase a scavenger hunt map at Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler shops. A little more serious are the origami and anime drawing classes from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Garden Deck in the Japan Pavilion. There’s plenty more – check out the interactive workshops and seminars at Disneyworld.com/artfulepcot. And while you’re immersed in all the fun, make sure to save time to see the amazing live performance artists in Future World at the Fountain Stage, as well as the Living Statues, performing throughout the day. (Watch closely, you might get a little wave!) Check the Times Guide for performance times! View the full article

Oh my WORD there’s so much great Disney news this week! And today is no slouch! March 1st will herald the official arrival of SPRING to Disney World with the kickoff of the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, running through May 29th! And we’ve got some serious scoop for you!! Flower and Garden Festival Passport We have the FULL LIST of Booths and Menus for the event’s Outdoor Kitchens (including two BRAND NEW BOOTHS!), the Garden Rocks Concert Series Lineup (with Dining Packages available for the first time this year!), and more to tell you about! So, let’s waste no time… Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food Booths The Outdoor Kitchens (similar to the Food and Wine Festival’s Marketplace Booths, but with an emphasis on spring’s fresh-from-the-garden flavors) at the Flower and Garden Festival will number a record fifteen this year! Florida Fresh Booth Along with returning flavor-ites (okay, straight up — “flavorites” was a typo, but I kinda dig it!) like The Smokehouse, Florida Fresh, Fleur de Lys, and Pineapple Promenade are two newcomers: Northern Bloom, a tribute to Canada, and The Berry Basket, where it’s all in the name! Kir Imperial and Alsatian Tart from Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen Northern Bloom will feature all-new dishes like Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Applewood Smoked Bacon, a Naomi Bar Trifle, and Maple Shakes (one version made with Crown Royal!). The Berry Basket will offer up, among other items, a Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique, and Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet/Ice Cream. See FULL BOOTH MENUS at our Flower and Garden Festival Menu Page HERE! Garden Rocks Concert Series and Dining Packages The line-up has also been revealed for the Garden Rocks Concert Series for the 2017 International Epcot Flower & Garden Festival! And for the first time, Dining Packages are also available for booking with this Spring’s concert series. As with the Eat to the Beat Concert Series for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Dining Packages offer guests the opportunity to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at an Epcot restaurant and enjoy reserved seating for one of the evening performances. Of course, you’ll want to check out who is performing during your Flower & Garden Festival visit first! Here’s the schedule: March 3-4 – Jon Secada – “Just Another Day” March 5-6 – Dennis DeYoung – The Music of STYX – “Grand Illusion” March 10-13 – Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited” March 17-18 – Simple Plan – “Welcome to My Life” – NEW March 19-20 – Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah” March 24-27 – Night Ranger – “Sister Christian“ March 31-April 3 – Little River Band – “Reminiscing” April 7-10 – Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice – “Spinning Wheel” April 14-17 – Gin Blossoms – “Hey Jealousy” April 21-24 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO – “Evil Woman” April 28-29 – Exposé – “Point of No Return” – NEW April 30-May 1 – Berlin featuring Terri Nunn – “Take My Breath Away” – NEW May 5-8 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas – “We Built This City” May 12-15 – The Guess Who – “American Woman” May 19-22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone – “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” May 26-29 – The Spinners – “Working My Way Back To You” Showtimes are 5:30 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:00 pm in the America Gardens Theater. Dining Packages will be available for booking starting TOMORROW, February 3rd. We are still awaiting information on participating restaurants and prices for the Dining Package, and will update our 2017 Flower and Garden Festival Garden Rocks Concerts and Dining Package Page as soon as we have more information! In the meantime, refer to our Eat to the Beat Concert Series Page to get an idea of the restaurants that may participate! More Festival Fun Oh… along with ALL THE FOOD, there’s also some flowers and gardening involved in the Festival, too . One major highlight of the Festival is always the Disney-themed topiaries lining all areas of the park, numbering over 100 this year (look for a Three Caballeros topiary and a Belle topiary among the new additions)! Donald Duck Topiary Green Thumbs — and those aspiring — will enjoy special exhibits such as Geranium Grandeur and the Bonsai Collection in the Japan Pavilion, as well as garden-themed tours like Gardens of the World and demonstrations from visiting gardening experts in the Festival Center. Ahhh, Epcot in the Spring. And the kiddos — and kids at heart! — haven’t been forgotten with experiences including the Music Garden Melodies Playground, the Butterflies on the Go exhibit, and more. The Flower and Garden Festival is fast-approaching, my friends! So mark your calendars for March 1 – May 29th. Start your planning by visiting our 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Page for all the latest details on our favorite Spring event in Disney World! What are YOU most excited about for this year’s Flower and Garden Festival? 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! New Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Plus Garden Rocks Concert Line Up News: 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Introduces Two New Booths News! 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Food Menus! View the full article

What’s that? You’ve never heard of the Nachos Rio Grande Challenge at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? Learn About: Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Yeah, don’t feel bad. ‘Cause I’d never heard of it either until just a couple of weeks ago! ;-D But I was so excited when one of our readers asked about the “giant nachos” at Pecos Bill’s. And I was even more excited when I headed over to check them out! (Luckily, they just started these a couple of months ago, and they weren’t publicized anywhere…so I can sort of forgive myself that I didn’t know about them til now.) As is the case with other “challenges” around Disney World — like the Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches and Cream — this one is pricey…and meant to enjoy with a crowd! And I was so excited to find an awesome family to share them with me on my visit! There’s a lot of hoopla that accompanies ordering the Nachos Rio Grande, and I wanted you to see it firsthand! Check it out!! OK, the video shows EVERYTHING (so go watch it! And subscribe to our channel! ;-D), but here’s the gist! To get the Nachos Rio Grande, you need to arrive between 3 and 6PM at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Let a cast member know you’d like to order the secret Nachos, and the whole restaurant will start buzzing with excitement! I quickly found out that the Nachos serve 6-8 people — or MORE — and the order brings with it a whole “VIP experience” at Pecos Bill’s. Cast Members ready to get the party started for the Nachos Rio Grande! After you order (and pay the astronomical $90 price tag — yeah, you REALLY have to want some big nachos to pay that much), cast members will don their special cowboy hats and escort you back to a reserved table set with pioneer-style tin plates and checkered napkins. Reserved Table at Pecos Bill’s for those tackling the Nachos Rio Grande Challenge! Once seated, cast members will bring in pitchers of your chosen drinks (non-alcoholic of course), and then the fun begins! Very soon, the WHOLE RESTAURANT (yeah — that’s no joke — it’s pretty much every cast member in the place) walks from the kitchen to your table in a huge parade processional of ringing cowbells and cheers! It’s a serious spectacle, and so much fun! (The best part is — they seem to be having just as much fun as you are!) The huge Nachos are brought your VIP table in a mini covered wagon along with big tins of green and red salsa, and queso. Nachos Rio Grande set up As you can see, the nachos are HUGE! Thankfully, on my visit I had a team of volunteer eaters helping me out!! Nachos Rio Grande Once you’ve conquered the Nachos Rio Grande challenge, eaters are treated to a fun ceremony featuring the Pecos Bill Code of the West, an official certificate, and cowboy hats and sheriff badges for everyone in the party. The $90 price tag is high (if you’re feeding 8 people, it works out to about $11.25 per person), but the VIP treatment (cast members are available to get anything you need throughout the meal, so it’s kind of like a table-service experience in a counter-service restaurant) and fun experience is very unique and one of a kind. The nachos aren’t bad, either! ;-D Typical counter service fare, but still a good meal for the family. Want more great scoops, tips, and Disney dining info?? Subscribe to our DFB YouTube Channel today, and never miss a single DFB food and drink adventure! We’re not sure how long the Nachos Rio Grande Challenge will be available at Pecos Bill’s, and it’s definitely a SECRET menu item. But if you’ve got a crowd at the Magic Kingdom, it’s worth considering! 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: New Menu Coming to Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Disney World New Menu Item at WDW’s Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe News: Burgers (Well, One) Back on the Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe View the full article

One of the highlights of this year’s Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park is “Hurry Home,” a delightful, six-minute pre-show presented just before each evening’s performance of “World of Color.” “Hurry Home” follows the journey of a Little Lantern character, returning home for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. The short is accompanied by a stirring, musical score, created by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). Today, Creative Entertainment Producer Jennifer Magill shares some of her favorite moments from “Hurry Home.” You can still catch “Hurry Home” this weekend. The Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park continues through February 5. View the full article

Character meals — where you go to a restaurant and are entertained by Disney characters visiting your table and signing autographs — are pretty much a Disney right of passage for any disney fan. So we’re super jazzed about the news that a new character breakfast is coming this spring to Trattoria al Forno on Disney World’s BoardWalk! Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk This new character breakfast is a “bon voyage” celebration with Disney royal couples from films including Tangled and The Little Mermaid. That’s right…it looks like Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are finally getting a character breakfast!! Rapunzel and Flynn Rider will be part of the new character breakfast ©Disney As you enjoy breakfast you’ll be encouraged to “sure to share the tales of your own hopes and dreams” or maybe tell a tale about one of your great adventures. This new character meal is being touted as a “unique” offering by Disney, so we’re kind of excited to see what it’s all about! And the location is great. Trattoria al Forno is within walking distance of Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so it’s a great place to start your day! (Plus, they have this SUPER awesome waffle entree topped with sweet mascarpone cheese! Heaven!) Trattoria al Forno Waffles with Mascarpone Cheese The Trattoria al Forno character breakfast is slated to begin this spring. We’re still waiting for details on Advance Dining Reservations and menu offerings. Stay tuned! Are you excited about this new character breakfast? Let us know in the comments. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek and Review: Trattoria al Forno Breakfast at Disney’s BoardWalk News: Opening Day, Reservation Date, and Menu for Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk First Look! Trattoria al Forno to Replace Kouzzina by Cat Cora on Disney World’s BoardWalk View the full article