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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

Walt Disney World is pulling the plug on its pricey private cabanas in the Magic Kingdom. The cabanas introduced in November will no longer be available after Feb. 17. Disney originally rented out the upscale shaded structures near Space Mountain for almost $700. The price later dropped to $500.... View the full article

Walt Disney World is pulling the plug on its pricey private cabanas in the Magic Kingdom. The cabanas introduced in November will no longer be available after Feb. 17. Disney originally rented out the upscale shaded structures near Space Mountain for almost $700. The price later dropped to $500.... View the full article

We eat first with our eyes, and the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts takes that idea to new heights in Food Studios along World Showcase Promenade, where Epcot chefs are having fun with food every weekend (Friday through Monday) through Feb. 20. As you stroll around the lagoon, eight Food Studios with dozens of dishes and beverages showcase an artful approach to eating – from seared red snapper with braised ratatouille and lemon-thyme beurre blanc at “Cuisine Classique” to the playful Pop’t Art, a modern-designed sugar cookie with chocolate hazelnut filling at “Pop Eats.” These cookies are almost so pretty that you don’t want to eat them – but the sweet sugar glaze with the chocolate hazelnut is an irresistible combination. Pop’t Art Makes 6 SUGAR COOKIE 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup butter 1 egg white 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/8 teaspoon salt TOPPING 6 tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread GLAZE 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 3-4 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Food coloring FOR SUGAR COOKIE: Cream sugar and butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg white and beat for 1 minute. Slowly add sifted flour and salt and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms. Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat. Roll dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut into six, 3×5-inch rectangles. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes. FOR TOPPING: Spread 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread on each cookie, leaving a border of about 1/8 inch around the edges of each cookie. Set aside. FOR GLAZE: Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of the milk, and the vanilla extract in a pie plate until smooth. Add additional milk if the glaze is too thick. Set aside 2 tablespoons of glaze in a small bowl. Dip each cookie, chocolate-hazelnut side down, in the glaze to cover the chocolate. Set on a wire rack to dry. Mix remaining glaze with desired color or colors of food coloring. Use a fork to drizzle colored glaze on top of the cookies. View the full article

When searching for a vacation, Orlando has all the right places for whatever you like to do. There are resorts for theme park lovers, golf lovers, shopping and foodies. If you are looking for luxury, romantic getaways, family-friendly places to stay, a company convention space, or even the most... View the full article

Who’s ready for a whole new reason to head to Epcot this weekend? We’ve got one: the first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a showcase of visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world, officially kicks off today at the park. Epcot International Festival of the Arts will be held Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. The event will feature new art each week, showcasing celebrated work by Disney historical artists like Mary Blair and Herb Ryman. The event will also feature art being created live by artists like Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos. Guests can also enjoy the 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. Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend. Guests can expect to hear some phenomenal Broadway talent live, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, like ‪The Lion King‪, Newsies, and Aladdin. And we can’t forget the food. New Food Studios will also showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. There will also be hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, seminars and more. The festival is included with regular Epcot admission. View the full article

Ready to ring in the new year at Disney Parks? We’ve got the cards for you! Check out our two new Disney Gift Card designs featuring icons from Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. These cards are available online at DisneyGiftCard.com and at select locations throughout each respective park. Plus, if you buy these cards in the parks, they have a special sparkle treatment that enhances Sorcerer Mickey’s magic! Are you going to the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts? Be sure to pick up one of our special-edition wearable Disney Gift Cards, available at the Festival Center (located in the Odyssey Center) and select locations throughout Epcot. Load your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and use it to experience culinary marvels and artistic wonders at the festival. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that this special-edition Disney Gift Card can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide! View the full article

WHAT?!??! I know. That’s what you’re saying right now. Learn About: Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants “WHAT?! DISNEY HAS A DONUT SUNDAE AND I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT IT?!” How do I know you’re saying that? Because that’s exactly what I was saying when Tina (<– amazing DFB photographer who’s frigging awesome) spotted this at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom this week! But it’s OK. It’s brand new — not even on the menu yet — so we didn’t miss out on too much of the Donut Sundae lifespan. And we’re hoping that lifespan is a nice, long one! The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor can be found at the intersection of Main Street USA and Tomorrowland, just before you get to Cinderella Castle. And the sundae joins a few other must-have treats on the Ice Cream Parlor’s menu, including the house-made ice cream sandwich (preferably ordered with a drizzled sauce!), the “kids’ cone” (it’s totally OK to order this as a grown-up, too) with Mickey ears, and the Plaza Ice Cream Sundae. So…I’m really not envying you the decisions you’ll have to make when you get there! ;-D Plaza Ice Cream Parlor donut Sundae After spotting the sundae on a placard, we grabbed it! It comes with a warm glazed donut, warm apple compote, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, a cherry, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips. Donut Sundae close-up: warm apple compote We found out that the donut was not house-made (it’s basically a Krispy Kreme), but it’s warmed just before serving. And with the warm donut and warm compote contrasting with the cold vanilla ice cream, there’s a LOT of amazing going on in this sundae! Donut Sundae close-up: Donut!!!!! I’m doubting the apple compote is house-made, or even fresh (probably canned), but it still works well with the sundae. Though the combo of apple compote with peanut butter chips is a bit strange? Donut Sundae close up At the moment, vanilla ice cream is the default flavor. The Cast Member we spoke to said that once this is officially on the menu, guests should be able to request whatever flavor they’d like. Donut Sundae toppings At press time, this costs $5.99 and is not a Disney Dining Plan snack credit option. But at $5.99, you’re still getting a bargain as far as we’re concerned! Our thoughts? This was fantastic! Donut? Good! Ice Cream? Good! Apple Pie Filling? Good! Whipped Cream? Good! It’s a winner all around. We can’t WAIT until this gets cemented onto the menu! What do you think? Will you be heading to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor for your Donut Sundae the next time you’re on Main Street USA? Let us know in the 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: Review: New! All-American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Ice Cream Parlor MK Renovations: Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard & Main Street Ice Cream Parlor View the full article

'The Young Pope,' 'Twin Peaks' and more 'Star Wars': 2017 Movie and Television Preview Jan. 16, 2017, 1:30 a.m. Each winter gives way to spring, to hope eternal, to new movies and TV shows to watch while ignoring the fresh flowers and summer breezes and changing foliage of the unforgiving outdoors.... View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park of the classic Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress attraction. The attraction has been spinning guests through a 21-minute Audio-Animatronics journey through the history of progress since it opened at the park in 1975. The attraction was originally designed by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and currently highlights the achievements of the day in 1900, 1920, 1940 and beyond. Is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress a must-do for you? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

Disneyland’s Fastpass ticketing system, which lets visitors avoid the long lines for crowded attractions by booking a ride time, has been a free feature since it was created in 1999. But Disney announced Wednesday that it will let parkgoers use the Disneyland smartphone app to electronically book... View the full article

With kitchens that specialize in seafood flown in from around the globe, plus steaks and chops, the Paddlefish beverage team is crafting a drink menu that includes innovative cocktails, craft beers and both Old and New World wines. We caught up with General Manager Jimmy Kraus as they prepare for opening. The bow-to-stern transformation of the iconic riverboat will include a new third-floor deck for late-night tastes and sips. What’s distinctive about the beverage program? We dug deep to find rare and amazing wines and spirits as well as familiar classics. We chose everything with respect for pairing. Some of our wine varietals may be new to some folks. And on our cocktail list you’ll find concoctions that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney Springs. We hope to appeal to both the newbie and the connoisseur. Tell us more about the special cocktails. We’re going for diversity through great ingredients. We’ll have a margarita, but it will have a twist. Our sangria is a “man’s sangria” with bourbon, tempranillo [wine] and a French peach liqueur that takes it over the top. Is there a signature cocktail? The Lily Spritz, an homage to The Empress Lily, the original restaurant located where Paddlefish will be. It’s a simple cocktail with complexity and balance, made with cava, rosé, fresh strawberry and a splash of seltzer. Our guests at Fulton’s loved the connection that the historic riverboat makes. How many wines on the list? We’ll feature 175 wines, about 24 by the glass. From a wine-list aspect, we are highlighting small, family-owned estates – I love the stories from these winemakers. We have three certified sommeliers on staff, and are trusting our palates and experience to create a substantial, well-rounded wine program. And we would love the chance to let our guests try something unique. And how about craft beers? We’ll have six on draft, and we’re really focusing on local, as our guests are looking for that local experience. But we’ve got a small brewery out of Utah, one from North Carolina … we’re searching for cool beers that enhance our menu – everything from a light beer to a heavy porter. What’s your favorite space on the boat? We have three lounges: the main bar on the first floor; a small bar on the second floor that seats just seven guests and is more of a “hidden secret,” and the third-floor deck that will be open nightly with live entertainment. It’s my favorite, with a view of both the lake and the springs. We’ll serve small plates and beverages, with laid-back music. There will be a separate beverage menu there – I call this space “vacation in a glass.” Can you share a cocktail recipe? Here’s one that takes a classic drink and makes it our own: Prohibition Mai Tai Serves 1 2 ounces Scarlet Ibis Trinidad Rum .5 ounce orgeat syrup .5 ounce Giffard Banane du Bresil Juice of one-half lime Mint, cherry for garnish Fill a shaker glass with ice, add ingredients and shake well. Pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint and drop in cherry. View the full article

The return of the Main Street Electrical Parade to Disneyland park on January 20 also the marks the return of the parade’s original opening float. An illuminated Casey Jr. leads the iconic parade, pulling a giant drum that once again proclaims “Disneyland Presents … Main Street Electrical Parade” in bright lights. This quintessential Disney Parks parade lit up the night at Disneyland park from 1972-1996, returning in 2001 as Disney’s Electrical Parade when it began its run at Disney California Adventure park. At that time, the lead drum float was changed to reflect the parade’s new name. Now, with the Main Street Electrical Parade returning to Disneyland park for the first time since 1996, the float has been updated to reflect the parade’s original title. The Main Street Electrical Parade was performed more than 3,600 times for more than 75 million guests during its original run in Disneyland park, and has been seen at Disney Parks around the world. On Jan. 19, guests are invited to celebrate the parade’s return and to ride their favorite attractions over and over in a special, limited-capacity premiere event! Tickets are on sale now, so click here for more information. View the full article

The very first Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off TOMORROW, and we wanted to let Walt Disney World Passholders know of a unique opportunity to enhance their experience! ©Disney On each of the Festival’s event nights (running Fridays through Mondays until February 20th), the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will showcase Broadway talent performing Disney classics at the America Gardens Theatre. Walt Disney World Passholders are now able to register for Passholder Seatings at the 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm shows. Screenshot from WDW Passholder e-mail The complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and to begin the process, you’ll want to follow the Register Now link to your My Disney Experience account provided in the email from Disney currently being sent to Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. Screenshot from WDW Passholder E-mail So, be on the lookout in your email to act as soon as possible to register your spot, and enjoy the show! Seats are going fast!! Would you like to attend one of the Disney On Broadway Concerts? Please let us know which one 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! Passholder Exclusive Keepsake Glasses Returning for 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News: Dining Packages and Workshops at Epcot International Festival of the Arts Annual Passholder Exclusive Food and Wine Festival Pin View the full article

This year, the biggest Lunar New Year celebration yet at Disney California Adventure park will be held from Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 5. The festivities will include beautiful décor, delicious food, fun-filled activities, colorful live performances and more. Today, I have a first look at new commemorative merchandise created for this festive occasion. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, commemorates the moment when both the sun and the moon begin their journey for another year. Guests visiting during this celebration will find a t-shirt, a magnet, and a decorative trinket box. We will also have traditional red envelopes for gift-giving. Each of these items include a specially designed logo featuring Mickey Mouse. These items will only be found at the Disneyland Resort. On January 26, we will release a limited edition pin for Lunar New Year. The pin will have an edition size of 3,500, and will be carried in select merchandise locations at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. View the full article