Disney4me

Celebrate the return of the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade to Disneyland park with an assortment of commemorative products. This encore performance of the parade will run nightly until June 18 – that’s 45 years after it first lit up Main Street, U.S.A., in 1972. Here’s a look at what products guests will find during this special, limited-time celebration. Adults and kids can relive favorite moments with graphic apparel that includes iconic images from the parade. We will also introduce an animated glow headband with images of Mickey Mouse in the light-up ears. There will be two pins celebrating the parade – a limited release logo pin, and a limited edition pin created especially for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders. The latter pin will have an edition size of 2,000 (a valid Disneyland Resort Annual Passport must be presented purchase). Finally, guests should look for a hand-painted Ink & Paint cel titled, “Mickey’s Dragon.” This new piece is limited to an edition size of 350 and will be available in a variety of formats including unframed, framed, framed with pin, and framed with postcard and pin. The specially designed limited edition pin (edition size 300) is only available with framed formats, while supplies last. You can see artwork for the pin in the upper left corner of the image shown above. Select items will be released in Emporium and Disney Showcase on Main Street, U.S.A., inside Disneyland park on Jan. 19 during the special, after-hours premiere ticketed event. The Ink & Paint cel will be released at Disneyana shop also on Jan. 19. If you are unable to visit Disneyland Resort, we will have a limited number of cels available for purchase online here, while supplies last. Applicable tax and shipping fees apply; discounts are available on the framing only. On Jan. 20, additional locations, such as World of Disney in Downtown Disney District, will carry select Main Street Electrical Parade products. Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for additional details about new artwork from Jerrod Maruyama releasing this spring at WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney District. You can get a sneak preview of the artwork in a recent Disney Parks Blog Unboxed article here. View the full article

As Disneyland Paris gears up for its 25th anniversary celebration this March, Star Wars fans everywhere can enjoy a glimpse of limited-time magic during the Season of the Force celebration now open at Walt Disney Studios Park. Guests can witness the First Order March led by Captain Phasma herself and spot a number of iconic characters from the saga during the epic daytime show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. But step aside or risk coming face-to-face with Stormtrooper Patrols roaming the grounds throughout the day. Young Padawans, ages 7 to 12, can hone their knowledge of the Force under skillful instruction from Jedi Masters, then walk side-by-side with heroes from the saga during Jedi Training Academy. Under the cover of night, the Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into a spectacle of light and sound with projections, special effects and more during Star Wars: A Galactic Celebration, including glimpses from the new film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Be sure to catch all of your favorite characters during this immersive Star Wars celebration at Disneyland Paris until March 26. And may the Force be with you! View the full article

With 2017 Pro Bowl Week at Walt Disney World Resort happening next week, Mickey Mouse and Goofy are trying everything they can to make the Pro Bowl team. This week we spotted them at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex working out with some of the NFL players who regularly train there with renowned trainer Tom Shaw. From what we saw, it looked like they were having fun, but they’re going to need a lot more work in order to make the team. Check out this short clip on their workout with Shaw and his NFL guys at the ESPN sports complex, which will be the primary hub for all Pro Bowl Week activities starting Jan. 25. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for more updates. And be sure to vote on the blog for Mickey or Goofy to be added to one of the Pro Bowl teams. You never know. They just might make it! Vote for Mickey or Goofy for the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando Also, to stay on top of all of the official Pro Bowl happenings, fans can follow along at www.ProBowl.com and buy tickets at www.NFL.com/probowlonsale. View the full article

Look toward the friendly skies of Disney Springs and you just might spy something new in the air: the familiar Characters in Flight balloon outfitted with a fresh design that complements the recently transformed property. The balloon is updated every four years or so, giving the team the opportunity for a new look. I had the chance to connect with Matthieu Gobbi, General Manager for Aerophile (the group responsible for operating the balloon), who shed some light on the update, sharing “the new balloon envelope was inspired by the springs and the element of water – it’s very coherent, as the balloon floats in the air, then lands on the water of Lake Buena Vista.” Indeed, the color palette, with soothing blues and a scrolling pattern that makes me think of gentle ripples in the water, fits seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of Disney Springs. Though the balloon exterior may have gotten a makeover, the experience of taking a flight up to 400 feet in the air remains unchanged. (Having taken a few flights myself, I know how exhilarating it is – and how incredible the views are … if you haven’t done it yet, I’d highly recommend it!) Ready to fly? Adult pricing is $20 per person and children (ages 3-8) are $15 each. Tip: visit before 10:00 a.m. and tickets are only $10 per person, regardless of age. The location opens daily at 8:30 a.m., weather permitting, and wait times are typically shorter earlier in the day. If you’ve had the chance to experience a flight, please tell me in the comments below – I’d love to know what you enjoyed most! View the full article

Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger's compensation dipped in 2016. Iger made $43.9 million last year. In 2015 he made $44.9 million. Disney said Iger's pay declined because company growth was not as strong as in fiscal 2015. Iger's compensation includes a base salary of $2.5 million... View the full article

Did you know that tomorrow, January 18, is Winnie the Pooh Day? We’re celebrating this willy, nilly, silly old bear a day early with a special quiz just about him. Tell us what your score was in the comments. Good luck! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183242 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } How Much Do You Know About Winnie the Pooh? What was the name of the author who brought Winnie the Pooh to life? P.L. Travers E. H. Shepard A.A. Milne Lewis Carroll Who wrote the “Winnie the Pooh” song? The Sherman Brothers Walt Disney Joel Hirschhorn Carol Connors What year was “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” film released? 1957 1967 1977 1987 The Winnie the Pooh-themed attractions at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have the same name. What is it? A Blustery Day in the Hundred Acre Wood The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Honey Pot Spin Pooh’s Honey Hunt At which Walt Disney World Resort dining location can you feast with Winnie the Pooh and his pals? Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom Park Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="183242" data-site-url="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. View the full article

Runners raced at light speed through Disneyland Resort at the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side this past weekend. The Force was one with participants in the Star Wars 5K, Star Wars 10K and Star Wars Half Marathon. Those brave enough even endured the Star Wars Rebel Challenge conquering the 10K and Half Marathon in one weekend! Fans wore various Star Wars costumes as they raced through Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, such as Luke Skywalker, X-wing pilots, Rey, and BB-8. This will be a weekend to remember. Check out some of our favorite looks here: Will you join the Dark Side with us in April at Walt Disney World Resort? Spots are still available to run during the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. We would love to see your outfits! Share your Star Wars-inspired looks with us using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf! Follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. To learn more about runDisney events, please visit http://rundisney.mydisneyresorts.com. View the full article

Disney Springs | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Disney Cruise Line guests can enjoy the return of the popular Star Wars Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy. Each special sailing features a full day of dark side and light side fun, including official appearances of Star Wars characters, Jedi training for kids, a deck party and fireworks, and unique food and beverage offerings. Today I have a look at the commemorative merchandise guests may find during these special 15 sailings from early January through mid-April 2017 from Port Canaveral. This year, the limited time Disney Fantasy sailings are expanding to both eastern and western Caribbean 7-night itineraries. We have created Ports of Call shirts along with limited edition logo pins for the respective itineraries. We will also release a new Star Wars Day at Sea nametag which guests can personalize by having their names written in Aurebesh, one of the alphabets used in the Star Wars galaxy. You may recall seeing similarly designed nametags released at Disney Parks in December. Other apparel items will include both short and long-sleeve shirts for adults and kids. Guests will also find logo products such as a tote bag, mug, TERVIS tumbler, ornament, car magnet, and lanyard. Finally, we will have a variety of collectible Disney pins. Guests will find a limited release logo pin along with three limited edition pins, each with an edition size of 2,500. There will be four additional Star Wars character pins presented as miniature replica portholes. Each pin will have an edition size of 2,500. The pins will be sold individually or as a limited edition boxed set that contains a hinged completer pin (edition size 500). View the full article

I’m a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and luckily delicious new quick-service breakfast offerings will be making their debut at Magic Kingdom Park in the coming weeks. Batter up! Casey’s Corner will be serving muffins, bagels and a croissant donut. Those searching for a more savory, brunch-like option will enjoy corn dog nuggets and the hash brown dog. Also on Main Street U.S.A., Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will serve Mickey waffles, Kelloggs cereal and donuts. For a sweet twist on breakfast, try the donut sundae, a donut topped with your favorite flavor of hand-scooped Edy’s ice cream, hot fudge, apple, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and of course, a cherry. Sleepy Hollow has been one of my favorite breakfast stops for as long as I can remember. I love getting a hot, freshly-made waffle topped with strawberries and whipped cream and taking a moment to enjoy it in the seating area that overlooks Cinderella Castle. However, the new egg, ham and tomato waffle sandwich which will arrive later this month may become my new go-to. The fruit and chocolate-hazelnut waffle sandwich is also available, in case you prefer a sweet breakfast to a savory one. Where is your favorite place to grab breakfast in Magic Kingdom Park? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

OK, where my Disney World veterans at?!? This one is for you guys — my compadres who have known and loved Disney for decades…and who know exactly what I’m talking about when I mention…“BEVERLY.” Club Cool Flavors – click for larger version You either love it…or you REALLY, REALLY HATE IT! That’s the dealio when it comes to Beverly, a carbonated drink popular in Italy (or so they say) made by the Coca-Cola company. Having their friends and family try the super-bitter Beverly at Epcot’s Club Cool has been a sneaky trick that long-time Disney World fans have played for years. But now? Poor Beverly is getting her own! The Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar in Disney Springs is quickly earning a reputation for interesting adult beverages. And a recent addition to the menu features none other than the much-maligned Beverly. This, my friends, is Beverly’s Revenge. Beverly’s Revenge If you’re thinking “What a great name for an alcoholic drink!”, we agree. And we have to think perhaps Beverly is seeking said revenge by partnering the bitter soda with heavy doses of both Hendrick’s Gin and Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur. Beverly’s Revenge The combination is a bit of an odd color, but the addition of bright mint and a fun straw make this drink festive. And while we love the idea of the Blood Orange Liqueur…it didn’t really help. We weren’t able to taste it at all! Rather, Beverly’s Revenge tastes strongly of gin and black licorice. Beverly’s Revenge Like other cocktails we’ve tried at the Coca-Cola Store, this one was strong and heavily poured. Clearly there was an abundance of gin, which, if it’s a liquor you like, may be an attractive quality. For us, it was a little off-putting. Bottom line? We felt about this the way we feel about Beverly in general: “No thanks.” But we know that some of you love it! So, my dear, brave friends, have at it!! Beverly’s Revenge Menu Beverly’s Revenge comes in at $13.00, which is a pretty standard price for drink menus around the World. And, FYI, alcohol/cocktails are now being served at the Coca-Cola Store starting at 1:00 p.m. Which side of the Beverly debate are you on? Tell us 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: The Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar in Disney Springs New DFB Video: A Tour of the Coca-Cola Rooftop Bar at Disney Springs News: Coca-Cola Store Orlando Opens July 2nd at Disney Springs View the full article

Hey! We’re coming to you from the DFB YouTube Channel today with a visit to one of the Happiest of Happiest Places on Earth — Beaches and Cream! And if you’re hungry, and you love ice cream, then you know that there’s one thing you’ve gotta try on your Disney Bucket List: the Kitchen Sink Sundae! There are three different varieties to choose from if a Kitchen Sink Sundae is your objective. The Classic offers endless variety of toppings and ice cream flavors, while the Neapolitan version offers all of the toppings, but restricts the ice cream flavors to Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry. But wait! There’s more! Because the Chocolate Lover’s Kitchen Sink is a chocolate dream come true. Find out all the details in our DFB Kitchen Sink Video! By the way, have you subscribed? If not, there’s never been a better time! Subscribe to the DFB YouTube Page, and you’ll never miss all the fun, as we bring you an insider’s view to all of the delicious Disney treats and eats! But now, I really want to hear from you! Have you ever experienced the Kitchen Sink Sundae? Tell us about it in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: The Beaches and Cream “Kitchen Sink Kit” #OnTheList: The Kitchen Sink Sundae — and Chocolate Lovers’ Kitchen Sink! — at Beaches and Cream A Kitchen Sink Sundae With No Calories! Really! View the full article

Spring has definitely sprung at Walt Disney World Resort with the newest spring event, Epcot International Festival of the Arts, in full swing. This new festival celebrates artists of all types including food, arts and entertainment, but it isn’t the only new spring adventure that awaits. The Disney Parks Moms Panelists have some helpful tips for you when deciding which spring activities to experience this season. Another fan favorite festival, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, kicks off on March 1st, and Jodie H. recommends a family friendly scavenger hunt to locate all the special topiaries shaped like your favorite Disney friends. Also, check out the Garden Rocks Concert Series and, if you are a foodie like Jackie P., she recommends setting yourself a budget when trying the fresh flavors of spring at the Outdoor Kitchens. Spring is also the perfect time to check out Disney Water Parks. Anne B. explains all the kid-friendly offerings at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park including Ski Patrol Training Camp and Tike’s Peak. Plus, don’t miss out on Miss Adventure Falls, a family raft ride, coming soon to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. It is the longest ride in the history of Disney Water Parks! The Disney Parks Moms Panelists also suggest checking out the new Disney After Hours and Star Wars Guided Tour experiences or spending some time at Disney Springs for food, entertainment and shopping to add to your spring fling. For more tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Spring Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel and follow #DisneyEarlySpring for updates on Spring happenings at Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle focuses on Alice from the 1951 film “Alice In Wonderland” questions what Alice would do, should she have time to visit one of our Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. In the film, the occupants of a lovely Wonderland flower garden mistake Alice for a flower herself. They also foreshadow that a flower similar to Alice, although red and with thorns on her head, has been this way, hinting that the villainous Red Queen may be ahead. According to artist Ashley Taylor, it makes sense that Alice would want the scoop from some of the loveliest flowers on Walt Disney World property, those at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. “The outside of the Polynesian Resort is so beautiful! I’ve always loved the tropical flowers that surround it,” she said. “It’s easy to imagine Alice spending time talking to those flowers.” View the full article

Planet Hollywood Observatory intends to make its long-awaited debut next week. While it doesn't have an exact opening date, an employee at the restaurant said it is taking reservations for as early as Jan. 22. The restaurant has been closed for nearly a year for a complete revamp, transforming... View the full article

We’ve just wrapped up our first visit to the inaugural Festival of the Arts in Epcot! And we can promise you one thing — It will NOT be our last. This celebration of the Arts — with a focus on the disciplines of Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts — will take place Fridays through Mondays from now until February 20th. This brand new festival offers guests opportunities to SEE works of art on display at exhibits and galleries featuring works by Disney artists, HEAR live music performed by local high schools and universities as well as Broadway talent, and TASTE dishes and drinks at the Festival’s Food Studios! We spent opening day at the Festival and we were bowled over by the experience. While DFB was there primarily to explore the food, we also enjoyed the many other examples of artistic talent, ranging from spontaneous displays of sidewalk chalk art, to an incredible musical performance by Disney on Broadway actors and singers Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland. Ashley Brown Performing During Epcot Festival of the Arts Walking Chalk Gallery at Epcot Festival of the Arts But what about the food? So glad you asked! We spent the day sampling our way through the festival’s food offerings at Food Studios as well as other spots around World Showcase. We must tell you, though — this was some of the best food, and some of the most beautiful dishes, that we have ever seen come out of Disney kitchens. Truly, some of what we tasted on the Promenades rivals what we’ve seen at Disney signature dining spots in terms of presentation and flavor. Everything we tried was good. So. Much. Yum. BUT — we have to share one little detail with you: if you visit the Booths, you WILL wait for your food. This is by design. The dishes are multi-dimensional, and guests are meant to take in the smells and sights of what goes into creating these edible masterpieces. Also — as was the case with the Holidays Around the World booths — these portions were, for the most part, HUGE. Many of the plates could easily have served as meals. Applying the Finishing Touch at The Artist’s Table Food Studio Remember to visit our Festival of the Arts Page for pictures of every food item, PLUS prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit info! But now let’s get to our BEST OF THE FEST picks from the Inaugural Epcot Festival of the Arts! Best of the Fest! Here’s what you CAN. NOT. MISS. at Festival of the Arts in Epcot! Braised Beef Short Rib at Cuisine Classique Cuisine Classique celebrates the art of braising. Here, we were blown away by the Braised Beef with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic. Braised Beef Short Rib The Beef Short Rib was fork tender. No, scratch that. The Beef Short Rib was plastic fork tender. And yet, it maintained a ideal texture and flavor. But the dish also won our rave reviews for the silky, full flavored Parsnip Puree. It was so rich and a wonderful substitution for potato, the starch that you would sort of expect here. We couldn’t stop eating this one. Port Wine Poached Pear at Cuisine Classique I’m a sucker for Poached Pears. So I was pretty psyched to try the Port Wine Poached Pear with Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs at Cuisine Classique. Poached Pear with Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs The tiny Seckel Pear was bursting with flavor from the Port Wine and Warm Spices. And yet, the texture was perfect — soft without being mushy. The Vanilla Panna Cotta was rich and creamy with no discernible sweetness on its own. By itself, I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but it was the perfect foil to the pear. I want to stare at this, and then eat it, again and again. Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie at Decadent Delights Some of our choices may seem a little less gourmet. That’s because if ever food at an Epcot Festival should win on the criteria of style alone, it’s this one. And the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie at Decadent Delights takes one of our top spots. Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie Right. So, basically, it’s a big ol’ Chocolate Chip Cookie. But it’s yummy and pretty, and we think the kids are gonna love it for those two reasons alone. You can also find this winner at The Artist’s Table. Cobb Salad at E=AT² Looking for a Salad? Then head to E=AT² and try the Cobb Salad with Smoked Duck Breast, Avocado Mousse, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Blue Cheese. This booth features deconstructed dishes, which is why this looks less salad-y than you’d expect. Cobb Salad at E=AT² Now, who eats Cobb Salad for the lettuce?? Right. You’re like me, and you eat it for the Bacon, the Egg, the Avocado, and the Blue Cheese. That’s all you get here, without any of those pesky greens to get in the way. #WIN. Wild Mushroom Risotto at Masterpiece Kitchen Masterpiece Kitchen utilizes “masterpiece ingredients” in delicious ways. One of our favorite dishes here is the Wild Mushroom Risotto with Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction. Wild Mushroom Risotto The creamy Risotto — perfect by the way, with no crunchy bits of underdone rice — was full flavored with a good balance of seasoning. This was another item that we finished completely, despite the fact that we were far from hungry thanks to all the great dishes. (And yes. That’s a raindrop. See just how much we love you guys?) Charcuterie Palette at Masterpiece Kitchen But the star of The Masterpiece Kitchen, without question, is the Charcuterie Palette. The combo of Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast, and Cheese blew us away in terms of presentation and ingredients. Charcuterie Palette With Artisan Sausages and Smoked Duck Breast, plus large servings of Pate and Cheeses, this was absolutely ample enough to share. Only, I really didn’t want to, especially when it came to the large serving of Blue Cheese dripping with Honey and a bit of Honeycomb. Our only complaint? As is usually the case with Disney Charcuterie and Cheese Plates, we needed more toast. Classic Sidecar with Chocolate Twist at Masterpiece Kitchen We’re not finished at Masterpiece Kitchen quite yet! The spot was also home to our first beverage recommendation — the Classic Sidecar with Chocolate Twist. We are all about reboots of classic beverages around here, and this combo of Brandy and Orange Liqueur took our breath away, but went down easy. Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist Normally the cocktail is garnished with an orange twist, but the White Chocolate Curl was an appropriately whimsical touch. Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts at Painter’s Palate They had us with the words Croissant Doughnuts. But this savory version takes the dish in an entirely new direction. Here, the Croissant Doughnuts act as sandwich bread for savory fillings: Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs and Everything Bagel Seasoning; Whipped Herb Cream Cheese with Sea Salt; and Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds. Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts I think these could seriously catch on. They’re like bagels, only a gajillion times better. Miniature Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel Epcot takes Art as Food the extra step in a series of actual paintings. But the the medium here is as delicious as it is beautiful: Chocolate. Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel There are several of these miniature masterpieces to choose from, including the Mary Blair version above. We also spied Mickey Mouse and Figment. A confession: this is one recommendation that we’re making without tasting. Mickey and Pluto Chocolate Painting For the first time ever, we truly found something too pretty to eat. Find the mini masterpieces at E=AT² (Figment is available at this stop), Painter’s Palate (where we found the Mary Blair painting), and Masterpiece Kitchen (home of the Mickey painting). Almond Frangipane Cake Layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate at Pop Eats You wouldn’t think a layer cake would rate a mention. But when your cake looks more like a Piet Mondrian painting than a dessert, you’ve got something special on your hands. The Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate from Pop Eats made a big, bold impression on us in terms of both taste and serving size. Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate While you can’t go wrong with the Almond-Raspberry-Chocolate combo, the sheer size of this one made it a great value. I’m super hoping for a Disney video on this one so we can all make it at home. Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine at Pop Eats Often, we don’t spend a lot of time sharing basic photos of wine or beer. Because, after all, wine and beer mostly looks like, well, wine and beer. Unless you’re talking about Cloudem. Look, I’ve googled this stuff, and I still can’t get a handle on what it actually is, other than it’s a sparking wine from Spain. And it’s mesmerizing. Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine See that little swirl at the bottom or the glass? This drink actually has silver shimmers in it. And we couldn’t stop standing there, staring at it. So if you saw two girls oohing and ahhing over a glass of this stuff, it was probably us. We defy you not to do the same. Oh, the taste? It’s fine. Sweet and bubbly, like, say, a Chenin Blanc or a Moscato, with slightly more body. Not my favorite drink in terms of taste. But seriously. It was worth the price just to look at it. (And I still got to drink it with my cake. So there’s that, too.) Popping Bubbles Cocktail at Pop Eats Pop Eats definitely had the corner on grown up fun food and drink. Another beverage we can recommend is the Popping Bubbles Cocktail. To prepare this one, the Cast Member scooped the Popping Bubbles — similar to what we’ve enjoyed in Popping Bubbles Tea — into the square-shaped tulip flute. She then filled the glass with a dry Sparkling Wine. Popping Bubbles Cocktail While the CM didn’t know for sure the flavor of the bubbles, they tasted like Strawberry to us. We were offered a straw, but decided to just wing it. This was so much fun that it was easily our favorite drink of the day. Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight at The Artist’s Table You know that we’re super big fans of the Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Well, what would you say if I told you that you can get that same treat — times three — during the Festival of the Arts? We’re talking about the Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight at The Artist’s Table. Callebaut Belgian Sipping Chocolate Flight Rich. Thick. Decadent. Basically, take three chocolate bars — White, Milk, and Dark — and melt them down. Then drink them. And you’ll have the gist. The cups don’t seem that large, but trust me — you’re going to want to share these. So bring a friend. But whatever you do, don’t miss them. Flank Steak Guarache at El Arista Hambriento When the Festival debuted, it actually only included seven official booths. But the Mexico Pavilion apparently wanted to get in on the action as well, and so El Arista Hambriento — The Hungry Artist — was born. And we’re so glad, because it is home to one of the best dishes of the Festival, the Flank Steak Guarache. Huarache: Flank Steak Guarache The huge serving of Flank Steak sits atop a base of Fried Masa, and is served with Black Beans, Salsa de Chile de Arbol, Frisee Lettuce, Queso Fresco, Red Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, and Chipotle Mayo. There was so much flavor here! And the Arbol Chile Salsa gives the dish a good amount of heat. We could go on and on! But hopefully, you’ve enjoyed some detail about a few of our favorite dishes from the first ever Epcot Festival of the Arts! Remember to visit our Festival of the Arts Page for pictures of every food item, PLUS prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit info! But now, we’d really love to hear from you! Which items would you most like to try at Epcot’s Festival of the Arts? 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: Sneak Peek: FULL MENUS Now Available for Epcot Festival of the Arts! News! ALL FOOD PHOTOS from the Epcot Festival of the Arts Booths Now Available!! First Look: Food Photos From the Epcot International Festival of the Arts View the full article

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts has arrived, making its debut at Walt Disney World. The event will be held on weekends – meaning Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday – through Feb. 20. The format borrows heavily from other Epcot fests such as Food & Wine and Flower & Garden, but has some... View the full article

This week, we kicked off the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts that features visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world for six colorful weekends. Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be held Fridays through Mondays from now until Feb. 20, 2017. The event features new art each week and New Food Studios that’ll showcase culinary creations. There will also be performing arts thanks to Disney Theatrical Productions, which will bring an exciting showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Check out our opening day story for more details. And Disney Parks Blog readers were among the first to learn that a new Hollywood-inspired special event, Star Wars: Galactic Nights, will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on April 14. In our original story, we shared a list of experiences planned for Star Wars: Galactic Nights as well as ticket information for the event. Star Wars: Galactic Nights will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. First Look at Commemorative Merchandise for Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Being a fan of all things related to Epcot, I can’t wait to attend the Epcot International Festival of the Arts this month. This all-new event is a trifecta of global masterpieces: combining visual, culinary and performing arts for six colorful weekends from January 13 – February 20. I have a first look at commemorative merchandise guests will find during this ultimate cultural celebration. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns March 10 through April 16 with Additional Festival Marketplaces and More – The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival has been a huge hit with Disneyland Resort, so I’m excited to tell you that this popular culinary celebration is back daily March 10 through April 16! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dinner at a Walt Disney World Resort Restaurant – What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than surprising your sweetie with an intimate dinner in a Walt Disney World Resort restaurant? Just in case you haven’t made reservations yet, I’ve got a list of a few romantic restaurants that still have availability for February 14 – but hurry, reservations are going fast! Additional Disney FASTPASS Locations and New Disney MaxPass Coming to Disneyland Resort – I’m excited to announce further expansion of Disney FASTPASS coming to two of our most popular attractions — Toy Story Mania in Disney California Adventure park and Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland park! Get ready to #RockTheDots for Minnie Mouse on National Polka Dot Day, January 22 – Calling all fashionistas! Sunday, January 22, 2017 is National Polka Dot Day, the perfect excuse to celebrate Minnie’s impact on fashion and popular culture. Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will honor the signature style of global icon, Minnie Mouse, and you’re invited to join the polka-dotted, mouse-eared fun. Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in Early 2018 on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings – Star Wars Day at Sea will return in early 2018! The epic day at sea will be part of 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings to the Caribbean from January through April. View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re staying warm this weekend! We have so much exciting food news to share this week. Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie The first-ever 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 is the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens, and don’t forget, the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in August this year! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is returning on March 10! We reviewed Tokyo Dining in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. Dates and details were announced for the 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. We shared the recipe for Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake. This week’s #OnTheList was the Jungle Juice Slush from Mahindi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Passholder seating is available at the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at the Festival of the Arts. A new Donut Sundae was spotted at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the Magic Kingdom. Check out our new YouTube video: The Disney World Mocktail Crawl! 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! My friend Jenn says after “two years of near misses” she finally found her way to the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich from L’Artisans des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion. We hope it was worth the wait! We love the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches! DFB reader Wallace Brown sent us the funniest tweet we’ve seen in a long time after we asked readers if they enjoyed the Dawa Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Wallace says the bear prefers the African Bloody Mary with Bacon and added #bearswhoenjoyresponsibly! Excellent. Best photo ever! ;-) 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 must-have Mickey Mouse Sushi Rice Press! WDW for Grownups shared their Top 10 Must-Eat-Here restaurants for 2017. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for the Palo Bloody Mary. PatriciaSheppard.com shared her tips on nursing at Disney World. Disney Family shared a recipe for Homemade Mickey Pie Pops. 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 1, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 8, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 3, 2016 View the full article

This week we shared a bevy of photos from Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. At each event, runners showed off their Disney spirit with costumes and other specially made outfits. Some even appeared in couple or group costumes! Check out the images above. For more, don’t forget to visit Aubrey Hang’s original post. View the full article

It’s Friday, and that can mean only ONE thing: Happy Hour! And for today’s installment of our DFB YouTube Video Series, we’re coming to you from Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure! Welcome back to Cove Bar! Earlier this week, we started you off with a Mocktail Crawl around Walt Disney World. But today, we’re checking out some of the drinks featured on the Cove Bar’s Secret Menu…which are TOTALLY NOT MOCKTAILS. Just FYI. Whaaaaaaa?!? Yup. There’s a whole world of drinks out there to discover at Cove Bar, and you have to be in the know to get them! So check out our video to learn all about special beverages like the Fun Wheel and Neverland Tea! It’s just one of our MANY DFB YouTube Videos! Not a subscriber yet? Don’t delay! Click the button below to subscribe to our DFB YouTube Channel, and you’ll be notified every time we share a new adventure with you! But now, I really want to hear from all of you out there! What’s Secret Menu Drink are you most looking forward to trying at Cove Bar? Leave a comment and tell us which tempts you the most! 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: #OnTheList: The Secret Drink Menu and MORE at Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure News: Expansion In the Works for Disney California Adventure’s Cove Bar Dining in Disneyland Review: The New Cove Bar Expansion in Disney California Adventure View the full article

There is so much to SEE, HEAR, and TASTE at the brand new Festival of the Arts in Epcot! This celebration of the Arts — with a focus on the disciplines of Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts — is currently up and running on Fridays through Mondays from now until February 20th. So that gives you six weekends to SEE works of art on display at exhibits and galleries featuring works by Disney artists, HEAR live music performed by local high schools and universities as well as Broadway talent, and TASTE dishes and drinks at the Festival’s Food Studios! Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel In truth, that just scratches the surface, so you can read more about the happenings for the Visual and Performing Arts aspects (along with a few more offerings for the the Culinary Arts) at our Festival of the Arts Page. But if, like us, you’re a little more interested in the Festival’s eight Food Studios (similar to Marketplace Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival), we’ve got great news! We’ve been eating around the Festival all day today, and… You can visit our Festival of the Arts Page for pictures of every food item, PLUS prices and menus! Woo-hoo!! OK, there’s so much to share, and we’ll be back very soon with our BEST OF THE FEST post. But for now, head on over to the booth pages and peruse the goodies. We LOVED this festival and can’t wait to share our favorites with you! Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie So be sure to head on over and check out the pics! They’re so pretty! ;-D Are you excited to hear more about the Inaugural Epcot Festival of the Arts? Stay tuned, and let us know what you want to hear about most 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: News: Epcot Festival of the Arts (with food, of course!) Coming in January and February 2017 First Look: Food Photos From the Epcot International Festival of the Arts News: Dining Packages and Workshops at Epcot International Festival of the Arts View the full article

Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger's compensation dipped in 2016. Iger made $43.9 million last year. In 2015 he made $44.9 million. Disney reported the numbers Friday in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disney said Iger's pay declined because company growth... View the full article

Walt Disney World chefs are showing off their own craft at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The festival will take over the theme park with performing, visual and culinary arts Fridays through Mondays until Feb. 20. At a media event Jan. 13, Epcot’s executive chef Mike Deardorff... View the full article

Disney Parks Blog readers know that one of the perks of being a Disney cast member is participating in unique experiences. Recently, the Diversity Resource Group PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Diversities in Everyone) hosted a panel discussion with Dustin Lance Black, the creator and executive producer of the ABC Television miniseries “When We Rise,” which chronicles the real-life struggles, setbacks and triumphs of the men and women who pioneered the LGBT U.S. civil rights movement. Participants also got a sneak peek of the premiere of the miniseries. “I thought, if ever there was an opportunity to bring the stories of my LGBT family to my other family, I only wanted to do it on that network we trusted – ABC, part of the Disney family,” Lance said. “To be able to bring the story of my LGBT family to the ultimate destination for families is a dream come true for me. In the end, we have this common language of family, no matter the color of your skin or the God you pray to or who you love.” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is known for actively fostering a community that sincerely welcomes, values and appreciates everyone. “The Disneyland Resort has a long history of supporting the LGBT community and equal rights for everyone,” said Patrick Reynolds, PRIDE co-chair. “We were so excited to partner with ABC to be able to have this conversation with Lance and the cast at the Resort.” Diversity Resource Groups are an influential part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Groups are often consulted on participation in the local community and resort offerings. Members of COMPASS, for example, which builds Asian and Pacific Islander cultural awareness, provided developmental input to the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article