Disney4me

Marvel Day at Sea | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

At Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs, every beautiful confection is truly a work of art. When a new cake design is introduced, it begins as a sketch. Then, the talented cake decorators bring that sketch to life – much like the enchanted objects in “Beauty and the Beast.” Watch below as Pastry Artist Jade creates a stunning Enchanted Rose Cake, inspired by the new live action film, “Beauty and the Beast.” The Enchanted Rose Cake is now available at Amorette’s Patisserie. Dome cakes can be preordered by calling (407) 934-3500 or by visiting the shop at least 72 hours in advance. View the full article

Riding a high on Wall Street, Walt Disney Co. will report fiscal first-quarter earnings Tuesday. Over the last three months, shares of Disney have soared nearly 19%, in part on the strength of its latest “Star Wars” blockbuster: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The impact of “Rogue One” across Disney’s... View the full article

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at Paddlefish, the latest restaurant to open in Disney Springs. Paddlefish — Sign I say “latest,” but Paddlefish is simultaneously one of Disney Springs’ oldest and newest stops. That’s because Paddlefish is just the latest tenant in a restaurant that’s been in this area for quite some time. If you’ve been following along, then you know Paddlefish was most recently known as Fulton’s Crab House. And before that, you may have known it as the Empress Lilly, originally opened in 1977 and named for Walt Disney’s beloved wife. With the revamping and major overhaul that Downtown Disney — now Disney Springs — has recently experienced, the old riverboat theming of Fulton’s wasn’t going to flow with the new vibe. And so, the restaurant’s owner, Levy Restaurants, signed to stay on in Disney Springs, and commenced to a stem to stern reimagining of the Old Girl. We had a chance to take a look around at the new space, which opened to the public February 4th. Join us on a tour. Atmosphere As with the rest of Disney Springs, Paddlefish somehow manages to channel past and future at the same time, all with an industrial vibe. Paddlefish — Outside View If you were familiar with Fulton’s, you’ll see the stark contrast between old and new right away. Gone is the old-timey riverboat look. In its place is a neutral palette of grey and white with touches of rich stained wood. Paddlefish — Outside View — Front Outdoor Bar Seating Also worth noting are the return of the iconic smoke stacks and paddle wheel — two decorative elements that were removed when the Empress Lilly became Fulton’s. From this view, you can also see the outdoor stairwell that allows you to access the rooftop bar directly. Paddlefish — Sternwheel and Steps to Different Levels The restaurant still boasts three different levels, but offers a newly added rooftop bar. Just a prediction: this is definitely going to be a Disney Springs hotspot in very short order. I can’t wait to show you around! Paddlefish — Outside — View From Water Side But I want you to get a feel for the flow of the space, so let’s start at the beginning. Come aboard Paddlefish, and you’re greeted by this whimsical — and shiny! — mural. Look closer, and you realize the fish you’re looking at is made entirely of Lobster Crackers. Lobster Cracker Mural at Entrance Our first stop was the bar on the first floor. While you’ll encounter several more bars in the restaurant, this one is unique because of the food offerings. First Floor Bar The area in the back of the room includes this exhibition kitchen, where staff were busy preparing Seafood Boils in the massive steam kettles. The area is sleek and shiny, and is completely separated from guests by a glass partition. Seafood Boil Station To one side, we viewed a bounty of Crab, Mussels, and Clams. Case Beside Seafood Boil Area A long corridor joins the front of the boat to the back dining area. The walls are adorned with black and white framed photos, displayed in a modern and artful manner. Corridor On the second floor, we explored the dining room in the front first. Sweeping views are the star of the show here. And that really is the case. Decor is bestowed with a light touch. It’s clear that Florida sunsets and views are the focal point. Second Floor Seating — Front Seating is comfortable, and there’s a mix of round and rectangular tables as well as booths along the back wall. Second Floor Seating and View — Front The blue pallette is warmed up with rich wood and copper accents. Booth Seating — Second Floor Lighting Seating The back of the second floor features another dining room as well as a bar. We found rich brown and neutral tones here. Seating — Second Floor — Back Second Floor Comfy Bar Seating The aesthetic seems more modern industrial than anything else, but the decor still achieves a warmth from touches of gold and indirect lighting. Decor Second Floor Lighting We are showing you lots of seating photos from the VIP event we attended the night before the restaurant opened to the public, but in likelihood, the tables have been reconfigured for regular service. We’re also wondering about tablecloths and napkins, something we didn’t see for the preview. Second Floor Seating But that view. And wait. It’s gonna get even better. View of Surrounding Area Whereas the corridors on the first floor are inside, the second floor walkways span the length of the structure outside. View From Outside — Second Floor Steps on the “waterside” of the vessel lead up to the spot you’ve all been waiting to see — the rooftop bar. Outside Walkway and Steps To Rooftop — Second Floor While there are tables both in the front and the back of the bar, there are also cozy tables for two set up along both sides. Side Rooftop Bar Seating For the event, we found highboys in the front portion of the deck. Again, it will be interesting to see what this area looks like during regular service. The tables with no chairs felt more like an event set up, rather than what I would expect to see in a bar. Rooftop Bar, Front — Highboy Tables The back, on the other hand, featured plenty of plush places to park, and the overhead lights inspired a fun, outdoor party atmosphere. Still, the space had an air of refinement. We felt like we were at a party aboard a yacht. Rooftop Bar — Back View from Rooftop — Side Live music made for a nice touch. And in retrospect, I have to point out something I loved: while the music was really enjoyable, it wasn’t overpowering. You could enjoy the music and conversation at the same time. Live Music The third floor also houses an indoor bar as well. You may not be able to tell from this photo, but the back wall to the bar features windows to the patio. The windows offer walk up bar access from the outside as well. Rooftop Bar — Inside While we were checking out the bar, we spied some super cute touches, like these Anchor Swizzle Sticks. Swizzle Sticks with Anchors The restaurant is also on (Disney Springs) trend with stylish coasters. Cute Coaster More Cute Coasters But seriously — the view! From this one spot, you can see nearly all of Disney Springs. Well…the town, anyway. We didn’t spy the Springs themselves. Still you’re right on the water, so it’s all good. Rooftop Bar — View — Marketplace, From the Back As darkness fell, it was fun to watch the boats on the lake, especially fun the Amphicars from nearby neighbor BOATHOUSE. (Which we didn’t get a picture of. But trust me. They were there. :-D) Rooftop Bar — View — Village Lake, From the Side And. More Sunset. Sunset Over Disney Springs Gorgeous venue — Check. Lovely views — Check. Now it’s time to take a tour of the menu. Eats Paddlefish’s menu boasts an impressive array of beverages. Once again, they’re keeping with trends. We found a fairly interesting selection of Craft Beer on tap, including Florida-brewed favorites. The wine list is impressive in size as well, boasting more than 175 wines available by the bottle. Beer Taps But there are also some lovely Cocktails, and we were excited to sample a few. Southern Sangria and Not Everyone’s Margarita To begin, we tried the Southern Sangria. You know, southerners don’t mess around when it comes to cocktails. They pour ‘em strong, and this Sangria is no exception. Southern Sangria The combo of Medley Bros. Bourbon, Peach Liqueur, and Tempranillo went down easy, but still packed a bit of a punch. Southern Sangria — Up Close But then, we also had the chance to sample Not Everyone’s Margarita. Not Everyone’s Margarita Nuestra Soledad Mezcal, El Destilador Blanco, Jalapeño, Creme de Mure, and House Sour delivered balances flavors, and we really enjoyed the smoky Mezcal against the warmth of the Jalapeño. The Black Salt was visually striking and offered a complex and earthy counterpoint to the drink. This was a winner for sure. Not Everyone’s Margarita — Up Close You might think this is a Mule. But, no. The Gold Rush does bear a resemblance to the trending drink, though. Here, Kinahan’s Irish Whiskey replaces the customary Vodka. The drink is finished with Fever Tree Ginger Beer and Fresh Lime and Mint. I loooooove Jameson and Ginger Ale, so this was definitely a winner for me. Gold Rush We also sampled the Prohibition Mai Tai. I love the idea of an old-fashioned cocktail, and this mix of Scarlet Ibis, Orgeat, Banana Liqueur, Fresh Lime, Scrappy Orleans, and Amarena Cherry was smooth and elegant. Prohibition Mai Tai We also kept seeing pitchers of this wonderfulness sail by. We stopped a server to snap a pic, and learned that it was Admiral’s Punch, a mix of Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum, Kirk and Sweeney Dominican Rum, and Fruit Juices. Admiral’s Punch Whew! Those were tasty — and strong. Fortunately, we were sampling food at the same time! Menu — Click to Enlarge Just a note about the food — everything we tried was scaled to tasting portions. These aren’t going to represent what you’ll get when you order — at least in terms of portion size. Still, we thought you might like to get a taste — see what I did there? — of what you can expect. We began by sampling a few of the Starters. First, we tried the Crab Cake. I love — LOVE! — a crab cake that’s comprised more of crab than filler, and this one didn’t disappoint. Crab Cake Next, we sampled paper cones filled with Crab Fries. The Hand-Cut Fries were crispy on the outside, and so perfectly cooked. We enjoyed the Blue Lump Crab that topped them. I look forward to seeing this item plated, with lots more Louie Sauce to drizzle over everything. It was fun to see this classic touch added to an updated menu item. Crab Fries For something totally new and original, we had to try the Lobster Corn Dog, served with a Sweet Chili Aioli. Good grief. I think I ate, like, four of these. Sweet lobster + Fried Cornbread Coating. Let that sink in for a moment. Lobster Corn Dog with Remoulade But this is a spot known for its raw bar and seafood options, right? So we had to stop by for a few raw Oysters, served on the half shell. Oysters There were two different varieties the evening we visited, each with distinctive characteristics and flavor profiles. Oysters I enjoyed mine with a topping of classic, vinegary Champagne Mignonette. Bottoms up! Oyster Topped with Champagne Mignonette As we wandered from room to room, we found lots of food stations set up and serving samples of menu items. We stopped for Scallops, served with Brown Butter, Cauliflower Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and Bacon. Best. Brussels Sprouts. Ever. Scallops Another standout during our tasting event was The Burger. House Made Pickles and Pimento Cheese, together with a wonderfully tender and seasoned patty, made for an incredible two-bite experience. While the samples were served as sliders, the menu boasts a full size version. Pimento Cheese Slider — Up Close In another area, we found samples of the Seafood Charcuterie listed on Paddlefish’s late night menu. Here’s an example of the Pastrami Cured Salmon, which looked wonderful. (We were too full by the time we found it to take another bite. ) Pastrami Cured Faroe Island Salmon Chefs were also dishing up samples of the restaurant’s Shrimp Boil, full of Clams, Shrimp, Corn, and Sausage in a flavorful broth. Shrimp Boil And of course, we had to sample Lobster Rolls, full of big chunks of Lobster Salad, lightly dressed in Mayo. Lobster Roll Finally, servers came around with tasting portions of Desserts, and we had the opportunity to try two of the three (sadly, the Doughnuts rumored to be available eluded us). Our first sweet was the Charred Carrot Cake. While I didn’t easily identify a Caramelized Carrot Puree apart from the pleasant and straightforward Carrot Cake, I can tell you this: Carrot Cake The Cream Cheese Mousse that topped the dessert is the stuff that Dreams Are Made Of. Carrot Cake — Up Close We also sampled the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart, topped with Candied Bacon. Have you ever had Bacon dipped in Whipped Cream? Just trust me on this one. Everything seemed great about this one, but it was a little tricky to eat with the tiny plastic spoons. I look forward to trying it with real silverware sometime soon. Still. Candied Bacon. So. YES. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart And with one more walk around that rooftop bar to take in the lovely 360° view, we were off to enjoy the rest of the evening. Overall I predict that Paddlefish will be a winner. I’m not sure what we expected here. Certainly, reviews of Fulton’s Crab House hadn’t been uniformly positive. But Chef Mark Boor seems thoroughly committed to reinventing the venue as not only a destination for Disney visitors, but “to turning Paddlefish into Central Florida’s best seafood house.” While we’re aware that we can’t judge the restaurant ultimately by an invitation-only event, it still seems to us that this elegant restaurant has real potential to be one of the strongest performers in the Disney Springs culinary line up. We look forward to watching. So now, I’m really interested to hear what all of you have to say. Will you be checking out the newly reinvented Paddlefish? Leave a comment and tell us what you’re looking forward to trying! 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: More Food Photos from Paddlefish, Opening Soon at Disney Springs News: Opening Date Announced for Paddlefish in Disney Springs! Sneak Peek: Menu Pictures from Paddlefish, Opening in Disney Springs This Fall View the full article

Super Bowl Hero James White Visits Magic Kingdom View the full article

Perched atop a parade float with Mickey Mouse, Super Bowl hero James White celebrated his team’s Super Bowl victory in classic Disney style – riding in a magical parade Monday afternoon at Walt Disney World Resort. Mere hours after delivering an extraordinary performance in Houston, where he scored three touchdowns to propel his team to a record-setting Super Bowl win, White reveled in the celebratory parade at Magic Kingdom Park, continuing a Super Bowl tradition that has endured for 30 years. On a sun-splashed day, White danced at times during the parade, waved to the throng of guests along Main Street U.S.A., and generally just had the time of his life. Before and after the parade, he spent some time enjoying the park, experiencing several signature attractions with his family, including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain. View the full article

For the 17th year in a row, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa has been awarded the coveted AAA Five Diamonds. There are 47 AAA Five Diamond restaurants in the United States, with only three in Florida – and Victoria & Albert’s is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Central Florida. We congratulate Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Perez and their team for earning the prestigious award for the gem of a restaurant. “The continued success of Victoria & Albert’s can be directly attributed to the consistent, creative and innovative leadership team of chefs and culinarians as well as the dedicated servers, seaters and reservationists that make up the backbone of the restaurant,” said Marylouise Fitzgibbon, general manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. AAA Five Diamond restaurants reflect the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, and Victoria & Albert’s wows guests every single night of the year with three dining experiences: the dining room, the elegant Queen Victoria’s Room and the Chef’s Table in the kitchen. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DVNA (939-3862). Visit Victoria-Alberts.com for more information. View the full article

Disney Springs tastes a little different than its earlier life as Downtown Disney. Diners can tuck in to a dry-aged porterhouse for two at steakhouse STK, treat themselves to the raw bar at The Boathouse, or indulge in champagne and macarons from artisanal bakery Amorette's Patisserie. Celebrity... View the full article

In its renovations over the past few years, Disney Springs has added new restaurants and revamped some older favorites. The shopping and entertainment district has plenty of options for a good meal, tasty treats or drinks, and a number of the restaurants feature celebrity chefs. We’ve got a full... View the full article

Disney has been running its thrill of victory ad campaign since 1987. Check out photos of those who've been lucky enough to say "I'm going to Disney World" over the years. View the full article

Some extra mischief is afoot at Disney Ambassador Hotel in Tokyo Disney Resort thanks to a few of our favorite furry friends. Starting today, guests visiting the art deco-inspired accommodations can opt for a few nights in the company of Chip ‘n’ Dale or Stitch. Decked out with colorful motifs and artwork, the new themed rooms offer the chance to step into the story of these beloved troublemakers. Everything from carpet to wallpaper to couch cushions hints at the local residents, with a few playful touches to delight guests young and young at heart. Disney Ambassador Hotel now has more than 150 Disney character-themed rooms, with Chip ‘n Dale and Stitch joining fan favorites like Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Which character would you most like to see during your next stay at a Disney hotel? Tell us in the comments below. View the full article

I’m delighted to share D-Living, the ultimate home décor store for Disney fans and kids of every age, in Town Center at Disney Springs is now telling a tale as old as time. This dynamic location recently experienced a magical transformation and now features a curated assortment of products inspired by Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Today, guests will discover a charming boutique inspired by the opulent castle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Look for home decor, furnishings and goods with a whimsically, modern flair. There is also an extensive collection of framed artwork and collectible figurines featuring characters from the animated feature. I enjoyed finding many details throughout the shop that give a nod to this classic tale. Displays include numerous stacks of books; a paper rose made from book pages; and an ornate Rococo-style bed. I also loved see the creative use of dinnerware to decorate wall sconces and chandeliers. Guests will find unique women’s apparel created especially for this location including three t-shirts and one zip fleece. D-Living is located adjacent to UNOde50 in Town Center at Disney Springs. Here are several additional images from this enchanting new location. View the full article

The Disney Parks Moms Panel Awards, our own prestigious accolades in honor of Hollywood’s awards season, continues this week with the help of the moms, dads and grandparents of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. They have been busy picking their favorite things to do, taste and see while visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Category: Favorite Restaurant With so many amazing restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort, this was a tough category. The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park, 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village were among the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorites, but ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort came out on top. This Polynesian-inspired restaurant offers some fun with Lilo and Stich for breakfast as well as all-you-care-to-enjoy Hawaiian specialties for dinner. The panelists always recommend booking your dining reservations in advance. If you can’t find a reservation at the restaurant of your choice, Ricardo S. recommends to keep checking using the My Disney Experience app as plans change and a reservation may open closer to your stay. Category: Favorite “Small” Magic Walt Disney World Resort is filled with insider stories, small touches and low key experiences in addition to the shows, attractions, dining and character meet & greet opportunities. These little known extras are what we call “small” magic. Disney Parks Moms Panelists love “small” magic! Some of their favorites include searching for Pascal near Rapunzel’s Tower or making a wish in the “Wish Book” at Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom Park. Watching the Electrical Water Pageant on the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and interacting with the “People of Hollywood” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as also top picks. Their absolute favorite thing to do, no matter which park or resort they are at, is hunting for Hidden Mickeys like this one pictured at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Be on the lookout for new hidden mickeys at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park when Miss Adventure Falls opens soon. Category: Favorite Attraction for Preschoolers This was a tough category because there is so much for busy preschoolers to explore from rides and attractions, to yummy snacks, splash time at resort pools and special meet & greets with their favorite Disney friends. But, the classic attraction “it’s a small world” took the top spot. The colorful characters and catchy toon make this attraction a favorite among little ones. Peter Pan’s Flight at Magic Kingdom Park, Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot, Disney Junior-Live on Stage! and Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios round out the top 5. Erin K recommends checking out the handy Preschool Parents’ Guide when planning the perfect Walt Disney World Resort vacation for your little one. Category: Favorite Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge topped the list for the Disney Parks Moms Panelists’ favorite resort. Also at the top of the list are Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. With so many choices of immersive themes and room types and sizes, choosing a favorite was tough! The Disney Parks Moms Panelists recommend you check out the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, and take advantage of them while you are here! Resort guests are eligible for complimentary transfers to and from the airport on Disney’s Magical Express, Extra Magic Hours at the parks, early access to dining and FastPass+ reservations, and so much more. Category: Favorite Seasonal Event The holidays and change of seasons bring so many exciting seasonal events to Walt Disney World Resort, like the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts running till February 20th or Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, kicking off on March 1st. But, it is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park that was selected as the Disney Parks Moms Panel’s favorite seasonal events. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was a close second with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional also amongst the top five. Check out these past Moms Panel Monday articles for some tips and tricks on making the most of these seasonal events: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The Disney Parks Moms Panel Awards continue next week with Disney Cruise Line favorites. In the meantime, 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

Hello and Happy Monday! We’ve been busy putting together another gotta-watch-it-now DFB Video to share with you. But today, we’re heading to California! Yep — It’s a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland, that is — to check out Disneyland Meals Under $20! And seriously — we totally get that there are TONS of foods you can get under $20. I mean, I could make a meal out of popcorn. BUT — these are our favorites! And they’re some of the best and most iconic meals in Disneyland. And even moreso because — I’m gonna say it again — less than 20 bucks! We’re talking breakfast at Carnation Cafe (Hi, Chef Oscar!!!), Plaza Inn Fried Chicken, and SO much more. And for less than a trip to most fast casual joints, how could you not? And oh, hey, have you subscribed? If not, be sure to right now! Subscribe to the DFB YouTube Page, and you’ll never miss your front row seat to delicious Disney adventures. Now let’s hear from you! Did we cover your favorite Under $20 Disneyland Meal? Leave a comment and let us know your picks! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Tajin Dole Whip Hack in Disneyland New Video! Unique Disneyland Snacks Part II New DFB Video: The Disney Dole Whip! View the full article

Re-Imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory Opens at Disney Springs View the full article

In the skies behind Lady Gaga at the beginning of her Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday were sights that might be familiar to Disney Springs visitors. Hundreds of drones hovered in the background, forming an American flag above Houston. They are the same model — the Intel Shooting Star — that... View the full article

Personal shoppers are often found in stores such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, seeking out the perfect Manolo Blahnik shoes or Armani suits for their wealthy clients. But now, with dozens of new retailers at Disney Springs, the entertainment complex is offering a personal shopper, too. Orlando... View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle spotlights Bianca from “The Rescuers,” who is spending time in the France Pavilion at Epcot picking out something special for herself just in time for Valentine’s Day. According to artist Ashley Taylor, the France Pavilion, which offers Plume Et Palette, an Art Nouveau-inspired shop that carries Givenchy scents and La Signature which offers Guerlain products – is a perfect match for Bianca. “The perfume shop in the France Pavilion is so posh and fabulous, Miss Bianca would probably spend all of her time there!” she said. For more Disney Doodles, visit the posts below: Disney Doodle: Snow White at the Germany Pavilion Disney Doodle: The Blue Fairy Passes Out Pins Disney Doodle: Simba & Mufasa Have Father-Son Time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney Doodle: Esmeralda Dances Through Epcot Disney Doodle: Elliot Brightens Up Disney’s Yacht Club Resort View the full article

What a lovely Monday morning it is at Magic Kingdom Park! We’re kicking off another week of content on the Disney Parks Blog by sharing a simply magical photo snapped by Disney Photographer Matt Stroshane. Here, you can see Cinderella Castle, just moments before the park opens for the day, the Castle’s golden trimming shining in the morning sun. Built in 1971, the Castle has served as the icon of Magic Kingdom Park. It towers 189-feet-tall and features a design that was inspired by European castles and palaces, including Fontainebleau and Versailles. Cinderella Castle has been the backdrop for many exciting family photos over the years and has served as an amazing setting for world-class entertainment – day and night. Most recently, it’s castle stage has become the center for “Let the Magic Begin,” the park’s morning welcome show that started just a few weeks ago. Read more about that show, here. View the full article

James White, who scored Super Bowl LI’s winning touchdown for the New England Patriots on Sunday night, will be honored with a parade at Walt Disney World on Monday afternoon. Step-off time for the festivities will be 2:25 p.m. Monday at Magic Kingdom, Disney says. White scored three touchdowns... View the full article

I’ve always loved the Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace. Who doesn’t? If you haven’t had one — it’s basically frozen orange juice swirled with vanilla soft serve. And it’s everything. Learn About: Sunshine Tree Terrace Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And even though there was a time where it was off the menu (we call those the “unmagical” days…and then there were the SUPER “unmagical” days when they SAID they brought it back, but it was just orange soft serve twisted with vanilla. NOT. THE. SAME.), it’s back again and has been for a while, thank goodness. But today we’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill Citrus Swirl. No sir. We’ve got a twist (see what I did there? of course you did.) that I think some of you will really like. ;-D Maybe not all of you. Maybe just a few of you. But if you’re as excited about this as I am, we’re clearly best friends and we need to hang out. Sunshine Tree Terrace Standard Citrus Swirl — frozen orange juice swirled with vanilla soft serve First — you’ve got to make your way to Sunshine Tree Terrace. It sits right at the entrance to Adventureland, so it’s pretty easy to find. OH, and if this looks like Aloha Isle to you, remember that the two traded places a while back. Sunshine Tree Terrace And then it’s time to order the goodness. But let me give you a little backstory on my weirdo tastebuds to set the stage. Well, like I said, I’ve always loved Citrus Swirls; but my favorite part of the treat was clearly the frozen orange juice. The super-tartness of that side of the swirl reminded me of frozen, concentrated orange juice. The kind you can buy in a can. I loved that stuff. Like…LOVED it. (And that’s all I’m going to say about that.) So whenever I’d get a standard Citrus Swirl, I’d always try to get a few spoonfuls of just the super-tart citrus half before I got to the vanilla. It was the best part! Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu And I’m seriously kicking myself for not figuring out this secret menu item sooner! Guest what, kids! You CAN get a swirl…that’s ALL citrus! No sappy-sweet vanilla soft serve to sully that crazy-tart frozen orange juice! I was thrilled to find out you could do this, but I still had the final hurdle to leap: finding a cast member who would do it for me. When I visited, the first Cast Member I approached totally shot me down. She said there was no way they could do it. And I was heartbroken. But lucky for me, another CM overheard my request and confirmed that THEY CAN! AND THEY DO! This guardian-angel cast member first warned me that if I ordered this, it would be SUPER tart. Upon my confirmation that I still, indeed, wanted it, he simply popped the handle off of the vanilla side of the machine and popped it onto the orange side. Then I was served what I can only think of as orange perfection. Sunshine Tree Terrace All Citrus Swirl Friends! Romans! Lovers of that frozen-orange-concentrate sweetness! It’s literally a childhood dream come true! Sunshine Tree Terrace All Citrus Swirl Frozen, concentrated orange juice in a nice swirly shape? Heaven! And, yes, it is tart….and very flavorful. But for me, it was yet another Disney food desire fulfilled. Sunshine Tree Terrace All Citrus Swirl So, I know this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for my buddies on this side of the crazy, this is for us! At $3.79 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, I vote yea! Is a Citrus Swirl on your Adventureland to-do list? Give us a citrusy shout in the comments! Source: Huge thanks goes out to Cast Member Tyler Slater, whom I follow on Instagram, for posting about this epic-ness on his feed!!!! 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: Citrus Swirl is Back in the Magic Kingdom Snack Series: Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace “Is This Place Ever Open?”: Sunshine Tree Terrace View the full article

Jack Sparrow is back. A new trailer for the fifth installment in the "Pirates if the Caribbean" franchise, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dean Men Tell No Tales," brought an atmosphere of adventure to this year's Super Bowl ads, set to the soundtrack of Johnny Cash's "Ain't No Grave." Full of blazing... View the full article

Super Bowl hero James White had an extraordinary performance to lead his team to a record-setting Super Bowl title Sunday night in Houston, so it shouldn’t be a surprise what he’s going to do next. He’s going to Disney World! Yep, White was the hero of the game, catching 14 passes for 110 yards and scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, in his team’s 34-28 win, completing the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. So naturally after the victory – the first overtime win ever in the Super Bowl – White announced that he is coming to Disney World to celebrate, continuing a Disney tradition that has endured for 30 years. And we’ll be ready for him when he arrives. We have a magical parade planned for Monday afternoon at Magic Kingdom to celebrate the championship win. White, the team’s star running back, will be joined in the parade by Mickey Mouse and his pals, who will be engulfed in a sea of confetti as they proceed down Main Street, U.S.A. Afterwards, White will enjoy some fun time in the park before we’ll whisk him away so he can keep the celebrations going back home. If you happen to be at the Magic Kingdom, come join us for some endless magic during this Super Bowl parade. Be sure to check back here at the Disney Parks Blog on Monday evening for pictures and video from the parade! . View the full article

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