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I love spending New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at our parks. It turns out some of today’s top Hispanic celebrities love doing that too! Jaime Camil, who voices Julio on Disney’s “Elena of Avalor” and stars in “Jane the Virgin,” had some fun times with Goofy at Magic Kingdom Park. Also at Magic Kingdom Park, actor David Chocarro and his family met Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall! I think he was even trying to compete with Flynn Ryder and his smolder! Meanwhile, actress Adamari López celebrated her daughter’s first visit to the parks with a special visit from Minnie Mouse. And last but not least, over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, actress and host Angélica Vale, her mom, Angélica María, with the rest of family had lots of fun with Moana. What’s your favorite theme park at Disney to visit during the el Año Nuevo? View the full article

Animal keepers lined the street last Sunday morning cheering as the first runner in the Walt Disney World Marathon entered Disney’s Animal Kingdom. As the temperature rose, animals, wearing their own race bibs, joined the keepers to encourage runners to “Look Alive” and “Keep Hoofin’ It.” The keepers and animals are a part of the team at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and guests can visit them every day in the park. You can immerse yourself in the science and technology of animal care, interact with animals and meet our talented Cast of animal keepers, veterinarians, nutritionists and scientists all at Rafki’s Planet Watch. There are many reasons to visit, but here are my top 10! Up-close animal encounters: At Conservation Station, be on the lookout for keepers with animals! Get up close and learn more about a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from our animal care experts. Wilderness Explorer badges galore: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is home to six of the 31 possible badges you can earn to become a Senior Wilderness Explorer, including the Veterinary and Conservation badges. Learn about the science behind our animal care: Visit the Science Center inside Conservation Station, and you might observe a box turtle or a rare breed of chicken being trained to recognize different shades of color. This helps us learn more about how the animals think and view the world. You can also see how the research team monitors animal well-being using behavior and hormones. This helps us provide the best and most specialized care for our animals. Exceptional animal care: Throughout the day, our veterinary cast perform check-ups, exams and procedures in the veterinary window. You may see a native Florida bird, painted dog, Komodo dragon or even a lion. Menu magic: Talk to an animal nutritionist and learn how team members create diets with more than 9,000 pounds of food, feeding more than 1,500 animals daily. Interesting fact: our animals enjoy the same quality produce our restaurants receive. Bonding opportunities: Grab a brush and spend time petting and grooming barnyard friends like goats, sheep and pigs at Affection Section. You might even see Tiana, an alpaca. World-saving efforts: At Conservation Corner, you can learn more about the actions the Disney Conservation Fund is taking to save animals and habitats around the world, and even see items like the telescope Jane Goodall used to observe chimps in the wild. Showstoppers: Learn about Walt Disney’s commitment to animals and nature in the “It All Started with a Mouse” show and see some of the animal species that inspired Disney classics like “Bambi.” Surprises: Keep an eye out on the pathway between the Wildlife Express Train and Conservation Station to see monkeys including Geoffreys’s marmosets and emperor tamarins. You can also see golden lion tamarins and cotton-top tamarins, both of which are a part of Disney’s “Reverse the Decline” efforts. Disney friends: Wise Rafiki from “The Lion King” can be found at Conservation Station for photos and autographs. The next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, board the Wildlife Express Train in Africa and discover the magic of Rafiki’s Planet Watch! View the full article

New Disney Tsum Tsum inspired by the Splash Mountain attraction at Disney Parks will drop into locations today. This series contains seven, 3-inch stackable plush with characters inspired by classic Frontierland attraction. I recently visited Magic Kingdom Park to take a photo of six of the plush from this new series. I found the seventh plush in this set, Mr. Blue Bird, “satisfactually” attached to my shoulder at Disney Theme Park Merchandise headquarters. I’m also delighted to share a first look at a new Disney Tsum Tsum pin set coming to Disney Parks in late February 2017. This six-pin set was inspired by the Adventureland Tsum Tsum set released in October 2016. It looks like I have another pin to add to my growing Orange Bird collection. The Splash Mountain-themed Tsum Tsum will be released at the following locations on January 10: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i Kalepa’s Store Disneyland Resort Downtown Disney District – World of Disney Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure park – Tee, Hats & Tattoos Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland park – Gag Factory Walt Disney World Resort Disney Springs Marketplace – Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney Disney’s EarPort at Orlando International Airport Magic Kingdom Park – Curtain Call Collectibles Epcot – ImageWorks Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Beverly Sunset Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures This new collection will be released via the Shop Disney Parks mobile app and the Disney Parks online store. View the full article

We have more exciting news for you today about upcoming Fall events in Walt Disney World! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has announced the dates, menus, and seminars for their 8th Annual Food and Wine Classic. Circle Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, 2017, on your calendars! The Food and Wine Classic also coincides with the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And once again, the Food and Wine Classic will include both Seminars and The Causeway. Want to know what else you can expect at the 2017 Food and Wine Classic? Here’s a run down! The Causeway The central attraction of the Classic is the more than 40 tasting stations featuring dishes from the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges as well as more than 30 wineries on the Causeway. Check out the Menus page for an idea of what you can expect! The Causeway Carnival Corner and Chinatown In addition to the Causeway Tasting Booths, the Food and Wine Classic offers two special food areas, Carnival Corner and Chinatown. In Carnival Corner, guests can indulge in dressed up fair food! We’ve delighted in Hand Dipped Corn Dogs, Kettle Corn, and Funnel Cakes in years past. We can’t wait to see if these fun favorites return this year! Funnel Cakes from Carnival Corner Last year, Chinatown joined the line up, and the food was incredible. Crispy Duck I’ll be lining up for seconds of their Crispy Duck and Shanghai Dumplings in 2017! The Beer Garden The Beer Garden, first introduced in 2014, makes its way back again this year. Look for lots and LOTS of craft beer and cider, both local and national. Terrace Beer Garden Entrance In additon, the area offers guests tasty dishes, like Soft Pretzels, Jager Schnitzel, and Nürnberger Sausages. Jager Schnitzel The Beer Garden is offered as an add-on to your Causeway Ticket for an additional cost. Seminars Seminars offer an immersive educational opportunity as participants delve deeper into the crafting of beverages, food and beverage pairing, and cooking demos. From Base to Bubbles Seminar This year, there will be 11 seminars offered — including two brand new options, “Riesling: So Sweet and So Dry” and the “Grand Tasting Experience.” Check out our Seminars page for details and pricing. Sunday Bubbles Brunch Also returning in 2017 will be the Sunday Bubbles Brunch. The event, which will once more take place at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, will be held on Sunday, October 29. Il Mulino We’ll share an updated menu for the event soon! Tickets and More Tickets for one night of the Causeway only are $108.26 per person. One night of the Causeway plus Beer Garden is $131.79 per person. A La Carte ticket booklets containing 25 tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $50. These tickets are perfect for those with a lighter appetite or for underage guests. Offerings range from two to six tickets per item. To book Seminar tickets or purchase Causeway Tickets, visit the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic website. To book a package, including hotel stay and tickets to Food and Wine Classic offerings, contact the Swan and Dolphin at 888-828-8850. And don’t forget to join the FREE Disney Food Blog newsletter for all the latest news ASAP on the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Will you be attending the 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic? Leave a comment and tell us what you’re looking forward to 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: News! Dates, Menus Announced for the 2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars News! Dates for the 2015 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Announced View the full article

Earlier today, the first-ever Marvel-themed attraction at a Disney park – Iron Man Experience – Presented by AIA – opened to the cheers of guests at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. As we shared earlier here, the new Iron Man Experience attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland takes you on an epic adventure of a lifetime where you join Iron Man in a battle against the evil forces of Hydra across the city of Hong Kong. Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Bob Chapek joined members of the Hong Kong government to unveil the attraction that brings the Iron Man character to life inside the park. “We are always pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation so that our guests can step into the magical worlds of their favorite stories and meet their most beloved characters,” said Chapek. “We’re thrilled to be adding the high-tech, action-packed universe of Marvel to Hong Kong Disneyland, and we’ll continue building on it as we move into the next phase of expansion.” Anchoring a unique storyline, the eminent innovator and pioneer, Tony Stark has selected Tomorrowland in Hong Kong Disneyland to host Stark Expo, where he will show off his latest high-tech creations in various exhibition halls – the Hall of Legacy, the Hall of Protection, the Hall of Energy and the Hall of Mobility. Guests will be among the first to explore Tony Stark’s latest innovations up close and fly in a gravity-defying Iron Wing flight vehicle in Iron Man Experience. He has also made Hong Kong the Asia headquarters of Stark Industries hereafter. Guests will make their way to the Hong Kong Stark Tower powered by the arc reactor and whizz alongside Iron Man through streets that resemble those in West Kowloon and downtown, and fly over iconic Hong Kong landmarks like Tsing Ma Bridge, Victoria Harbour and the city’s pristine mountain ranges. The attraction also features the Iron Man Tech Showcase, which gives guests a personal encounter with Iron Man himself, and the Become Iron Man interactive game. Guests can also choose from a variety of Iron Man-themed food and beverage experiences and merchandise offerings. The opening of Iron Man Experience continues a period of growth at Hong Kong Disneyland with more on the way in the months ahead. A third resort hotel, Disney Explorers Lodge, will open later in the first half of the year. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more updates from Hong Kong Disneyland. View the full article

The Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side race event returns to the Disneyland Resort from January 12-15, 2017. During this weekend event, there’s a run for Jedi Knights and Padawans of every age and skill level including the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side, Star Wars 10K and Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kid Races. Today, I have a sneak preview of new commemorative products that will be offered at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo. Guests will find a variety of short and long-sleeve apparel items celebrating the Half Marathon Weekend. Additional apparel was created for the Star Wars 5K, Star Wars 10K and the Star Wars Rebel Challenge. We will again offer the popular car magnets and a variety of collectible Disney pins. This year, the medal replica pins include smaller versions of the full-sized medal lanyards. Other items will include race hats as well as drinkware such as an oversized mug and metal water bottle. Finally, we will release a new commemorative shoe ornament inspired by this race weekend. This ornament is part of a series of ornaments that will be released at the various runDisney events throughout 2017. Look for these items and much more at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo in the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall during the following dates and times: January 12 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. January 13 – Noon – 8 p.m. January 14 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. May the Force Be With You! View the full article

The suspense has been as epic as “Star Wars,” but after months of intense speculation, George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art on Tuesday chose Los Angeles as its home over San Francisco. The filmmaker’s personal collection of fine and popular art, including ephemera related to his “Star Wars” franchise, will... View the full article

Last summer, Chef Art Smith opened Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine in Disney Springs — and it quickly became one of our new favorite dining spots at Walt Disney World. The menu is full of Southern comfort foods including Church Lady Deviled Eggs, some of the best Fried Chicken we’ve ever tasted, and just-like-mom-used-to-make Macaroni and Cheese. The dessert menu showcases several Southern specialties but two of the items absolutely stand out! When you’re there, you MUST try the Shine Cake and the Hummingbird Cake! Hummingbird Cake — Up Close Today we have the recipe for the amazing Hummingbird Cake, a southern specialty combining a moist pineapple and banana cake with luxuriously thick cream cheese frosting! This cake is one of Chef Art’s classics – he made it for Maya Angelou’s 75th birthday – and now you can serve it up at your next family gathering (or, you know, make some and keep it all for yourself!). Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine Cake Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped ripe bananas 1 cup drained crushed pineapple 1 cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped pecans (optional) Frosting Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter at room temperature 1 pound confectioners’ sugar (about 4 1/2 cups, sifted) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Make sure you position racks in the center and bottom third of the oven. 2. Lightly butter two 9-inch round cake pans, sprinkle evenly with flour and tap out the excess. You can also line the bottom of each cake pan with rounds of parchment paper, then flour the pans and tap out the excess. 3. Sift the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, stir or whisk the bananas, pineapple, oil, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Do not use an electric mixer. Pour into the dry mixture and fold together with a large spatula just until smooth. Do not beat. Fold in the pecans. Spread evenly into the pans. 4. Bake 30-35 minutes until the center of cakes spring back when pressed. Transfer the cakes to wire racks and cool for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the racks (remove the parchment paper now if you used it). Turn cakes right side up and cool completely. To make the icing: Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until combined. On low speed gradually mix in the sugar, then the vanilla to make a smooth icing. To frost the cake: Place 1 cake layer upside down on a serving platter. Spread with about 2/3 cup of the icing. Top with the second layer right side up. Spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake. The cake can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and stored, uncovered in the refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving. Serves 12 Will you be whipping up Chef Art Smith’s Hummingbird Cake? Let us know in the comments. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Sake & Shine Event with Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Art Smith Coming to Disney Springs Dec. 3 First Look! Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen in Disney Springs Review: Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen at Disney Springs View the full article

Yesterday, The View announced the exciting news that as part of their 20th season celebration, the co-hosts of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila, Sunny Hostin and Paula Faris, are coming to Walt Disney World Resort in March to broadcast episodes from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A lot of fun happened behind the scenes to create this magical moment. Watch the video below to see the fun the hosts had with some very exciting special guests to make this announcement happen. View the full article

Beginning this week, guests arriving at Magic Kingdom Park in time for the park’s opening are in for a real treat. A new morning welcome show called “Let the Magic Begin” just debuted at the park and will get the fun started each day right at the Castle Forecourt Stage. The show features herald trumpeters, Majesty Makers and a bunch of surprises that are, well, full of ‘character!’ Check out the video above for a look inside the show and hear why Show Director Forrest Bahruth thinks “Let the Magic Begin” is a great way for guests to start a day at the park. View the full article

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! Take in the romance of the Pacific Northwest at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. A special Sweetheart Dinner Menu will be available on February 14, and features five courses for $75, add a wine pairing for $25. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko – The Cooking Place is offering a special Valentine’s Day dessert. Before (or after) dinner be sure to take a moment to watch the animals on the savanna at the Arusha Rock Savanna overlook or cozy up around the fire pit. Your partner will think you’re a star when you surprise them with dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Take in the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood in the intimate atmosphere while sharing a mini dessert trio. Romance is in the air at Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, where you can enjoy exotic tastes over a candlelit dinner. At Disney’s BoardWalk, the newly reimagined Flying Fish is sure to dazzle your date. Extra points if you stop for a post-dinner cocktail at AbracadaBar before taking a romantic stroll along the water. What is your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

For my friends at Chapel Hats, January 15th is one of the very best days of the year. For everyone else, it might be just another Sunday, but it doesn’t have to be – we can all celebrate National Hat Day, and I can’t think of a better place to do it than at Chapel Hats at Disney Springs. I’ve featured the location in the past (I’m hoping for another royal baby soon so I can celebrate in my fascinator!), but for this update, I connected directly with store manager Marsha Emerson to get some firsthand insights into what makes Chapel Hats so special. With a modern twist on a traditional haberdashery, the location carries over 2,000 hats with something for everyone – classic fedoras, popular Ivy styles, casual baseball caps, and even a few handmade leather steam punk hats are among the unique finds you might discover. Prices range from $8 to $450, so there’s an accessory for any budget. When I asked Marsha who should wear hats, her answer was a resounding “absolutely everyone!” According to her, “when someone says they are not a ‘hat person’ it just means they haven’t found the right style…and that’s what we do here!” Marsha fancies the elegance of a fascinator, but invites guests to come in, try on some hats, and find their own favorite. Chapel Hats opens daily at 10 a.m. at Disney Springs Town Center. Have you visited the shop? If so, share your best photos using #DisneySprings for your chance to be featured on the Disney Springs Instagram account – I’d love to see your looks! View the full article

2017 marks a very special year for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. We are very excited to introduce our 10th class of new panelists. This diverse group of twelve parents join the panel this year to help you plan the details of your Disney vacation with personalized answers to your planning questions. The 12 new panelists were selected from a record number applicants last fall, by sharing their extensive Disney Parks knowledge through storytelling, videos and interviews. Please welcome: Anabel, Beth, Donyell, Emille, Jan, Jennifer, Linda, Lindsey, Lindsey, Thiana, Todd, and Trish. Their many years of vacationing at Disney Parks, sailing the high seas with Disney Cruise Line or crossing the finish line of a runDisney race gives them the experiences necessary to answer your very detailed and personalized questions about planning a Disney vacation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel website. These park savvy parents can answer your questions in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Over the past decade, more than 150 moms, dads, and grandparents have served on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. This year’s Panel promises to deliver an impressive roster of trusted Disney advisors from all walks of life and experiences. These new panelists, along with almost 2-dozen returning panelists for 2017, are eager to offer personalized recommendations, helpful tips, heartfelt advice and unique insights rooted in real experience from real Disney Guests, just like you. To meet the panelists or ask a question about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Get your ticket for a night out on the farm - with some of Disney’s top chefs. The 4th annual Field to Feast Dinner will be held from 5-8 p.m. on March 25 at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood. It’s presented by Edible Orlando magazine with Walt Disney World Resort as a major sponsor. Locally sourced... View the full article

Handpicked Disney Specialists to Bring Personal Knowledge and Insights to the Ultimate Digital Trip Planning Resource LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2017) – Today, Disney Parks officially announced 12 new members to the 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panel. Selected from thousands of applicants, the 12 will join 19 returning panelists to be part of the tenth annual Panel of dedicated and diverse Disney-loving parents who help guests plan and get the most out of their next Disney vacation. Over the past decade, more than 150 moms, dads, and grandparents have served on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. This year’s Panel promises to deliver an impressive roster of trusted Disney advisors from all walks of life and experiences. With parents of twins and those with special needs children to single working moms, bilingual mavens and members of the LGBT community, the 2017 Panel is inclusive of every type of parent or guardian looking to plan a magical Disney getaway. Originating in 2008 as a simple question-and-answer forum with only 12 members focused on the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney Parks Moms Panel has evolved into a global multilingual resource used by millions and backed by a passionate and varied group of frequent Disney travelers eager to share their expertise with likeminded families. Today, these everyday moms and dads possess exemplary knowledge of not only the Walt Disney World Resort, but also other memorable Disney vacation escapes and offerings, including the Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line, runDisney, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. As a planning tool, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is available in four languages; English, Spanish, French and Portuguese; and compatible with laptop computers and handheld touch screen devices alike. The award-winning digital resource is teeming with information to satisfy any Disney trip-planning need, offering personalized answers to more than 300,000 guest questions over the years. Whether a family is looking to surprise their daughter with a one-of-a-kind birthday celebration, find the best restaurants to accommodate a peanut-allergy child, or learn how to make traveling with a preschooler hassle-free, a friendly and knowledgeable parent is there to offer sound, personalized recommendations rooted in real experience. “The success of the Disney Parks Moms Panel is wholly measured by the satisfaction of our guests and their families, which is what makes the annual selection process so important for us,” said Leanne O’Regan, Director of Content Relations for Disney Parks. “We are so grateful to the thousands of inspiring Disney advocates who apply each year, including our dynamic new group for 2017. With their continued support, we can deliver on our promise to help visitors around the world tailor unforgettable Disney vacations for years to come.” In September 2016, thousands of parents around the world vied for a spot on the Disney Parks Moms Panel and the chance to share their Disney travel experiences with others. Following the selection process, an impressive group of 12 dedicated and thoughtful moms and dads – composed of a litigation lawyer, high school English teacher, engineer, registered nurse, and more – were chosen to usher in the tenth year of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. The 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panelists joins 19 other Disney-savvy travelers ready to help families plan and create magical vacation memories. The new 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panel members are as follows: Trish A.; Halifax, N.S., Canada (Disney Vacation Club) Jennifer C.; Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Walt Disney World Resort; Fluent in French) Emille C.; Orlando, Fla. (Walt Disney World Resort; Fluent in Spanish) Todd D.; Pickering, Ont., Canada (Walt Disney World Resort) Jan K.; Maplewood, N.J. (Walt Disney World Resort) Anabel M.; North Hills, Calif. (Disneyland Resort; Fluent in Spanish) Linda M.; Denver, Colo. (Disneyland Resort) Lindsey M.; Houston, TX (runDisney) Lindsey P.; Kennesaw, Ga. (Walt Disney World Resort) Donyell L. R.; Wilmington, N.C. (Walt Disney World Resort) Thiana S.; Novo Hamburgo, Brazil (Walt Disney World Resort; Fluent in Portuguese) Beth S.; Vernon Hills, Ill. (Disney Cruise Line) To learn more about the Disney Parks Moms Panel and meet the panelists, please visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com. For those interested in applying for next year’s Panel, application details will be posted on the website in the fall of 2017. View the full article

Brrr! Winter is here, and there’s plenty of Frozen fun to be had at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Luckily for us, that doesn’t mean very chilly, it means plenty of ways to ‘chill’ with your favorite Frozen friends like Olaf, Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. Take our quiz to see if you know all about Frozen at Disney Parks and tell us how you did in the comments! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-183040 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } QUIZ: Frozen Fun at Disney Parks How many musical numbers are performed in the new “Frozen-Live at the Hyperion” stage show at Disney California Adventure park? 2 4 6 8 What is the shop called at Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District filled with Frozen-themed goodies and Frozen-style makeovers for children? Trinkets from Arendelle Anna & Elsa’s Boutique Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post Snow Queen Souvenirs What song does Elsa sing during this scene in the Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot? “For the First Time in Forever” “In Summer” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” “Let It Go” Which Walt Disney World Resort theme park can you meet Olaf in? Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney’s Animal Kingdom Epcot Magic Kingdom Park The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area at Epcot is modeled after a traditional cabin in which Norwegian city? Trondheim Oslo Alesund Bergen Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="183040" 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

From the return of the classic World Famous Chicken Crunch to Guy Fieri’s take on a veggie burger, the new Planet Hollywood Observatory set to open in early 2017 at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort offers even more options for guests. Let’s start with indulgent, like the L.A. Lasagna, a fried take on the classic comfort food with Bolognese sauce, roasted garlic cream and tomato basil sauce. Or one of Fieri’s new Big Bite Burgers or Knuckle Sandwiches – the Bacon Mac-N-Cheese with his signature Donkey Sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun. You can have Lobster Feast Fra Diavolo with kicky spaghetti piled high in a whole lobster shell. A 10-ounce bone-in New York Strip Steak for two (add a whole steamed lobster if you please). And if you can’t decide, go for the High Roller Platter, a generous serving of guest favorites: Chicken Crunch, Texas Tostados, Buffalo Wings, Cheesy Spinach Dip and Peri-Peri Shrimp – perfect for the whole table to share. Healthful options include salads like Citrus Kale with julienned broccoli, slivered brussels sprouts and cabbage, feta, grapefruit, oranges, cranberries and sunflower seeds with citrus-agave dressing. The Spinach & Berries salad features candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette. The beverage menu focuses on Florida craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients. And those souvenir serving glasses are back, including the Halley’s Comet cocktail served in a 45-ounce Planet-bowl. Oh, those delectable milkshakes return (try the new Chocolate Comet or Strawberry Borealis), and the dessert menu alone is worth the trip – you can do a blind tasting of 12 flavors of house-made ice creams and sorbets, or finish with the Planet Melt Down, a chocolate hardshell dome that’s melted tableside with hot chocolate sauce to reveal double chocolate fudge cake, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It’s out of this world. View the full article

It’s been a while since we enjoyed a dinner in one of the many, many restaurants located around World Showcase. So today, we’re stopping in to Tokyo Dining! Learn About: Tokyo Dining Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Tokyo Dining is one of two table service restaurants that you’ll find in the beautiful Japan Pavilion, which happens to be a pretty great place to hang out. Mitsukoshi Department Store offers an endless of supply of intriguing merchandise, and the shop in the back is a wonderful spot to discover a new favorite snack. I don’t care if you can now score Pocky at Target — I still can’t resist grabbing some when I’m here! I could go on. The Sake Bars (yep, there are two…this one and this one), counter service at Katsura Grill and Kabuki Cafe, Kakigori…there is SO much good food here! But it’s been a while since we’ve taken in a meal at the table service spots. And while I love me some Teppan Edo (read our latest review here), things don’t change much at that Habachi Grill spot. So we decided to check back in with another favorite, Tokyo Dining. Let’s head in. Or rather, up. Atmosphere I say “up” because you’ll actually find both Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining on the second floor of Mitsukoshi Department Store. Whether you’re checking in for an advance dining reservation or you’re checking availability for walk up spots, start at this booth located just to the right of the steps leading up to the restaurants. Guest Check In for Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining Entrance — Up the Steps As I mentioned, Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo are both located here. Teppan Edo occupies the back of the second floor, while Tokyo Dining is located to your right at the top of the stairs — in the front of the building. Outside Sign The second floor is also home to this wide outdoor walkway, which offers lovely views of World Showcase and the rest of the Japan Pavilion (and the IllumiNations fireworks at night!). View From Outside Second Story Once you step inside, you’ll find a comfortable waiting area that’s punctuated with sleek, minimalist lines. Shared Waiting Area Within Tokyo Dining, there are two main dining rooms. The first features an on-stage Sushi Bar, where you can watch chefs create edible masterpieces. Seating While watching “the show” is interesting, I far prefer the other dining room toward the front of the restaurant. This dining room features panoramic views of World Showcase and plenty of natural light during the day. Seating It’s also interesting to note that the chairs in this dining room are much more comfortable. In fact, the difference in chairs almost leads me to believe that this area was originally meant to be considered the restaurant, while the other area has more of a bar (albeit sushi bar) feel. Our Table Place Setting You’ll also find cool recessed lighting and interesting ceiling detail in this part of the restaurant. Ceiling Detail and Recessed Lighting We’ve enjoyed lots of different dishes here, ranging from Sushi to Steak. But what would it be today? Well, let’s start with a few cocktails while we take a look around the menu. Cocktails Don’t worry — we’ll tell you all about these in just a sec. Curious? Let’s check it out. Eats When we sat down, we were offered towlettes to wash our hands. I love this touch, and heaven knows, it comes in handy when you’ve just spent the day in an amusement park with a gajillion people. Moist Towels The first order of business was to choose a few drinks. Not an easy task with a Beverage Menu the size of a small phone book. (Okay. Only a teensy bit of an exaggeration.) Wait. Do y’all know what a phone book is these days? Am I showing my age? But seriously — there are some pretty interesting things here. I’ll totally be revisiting the Shochu Squeeze or Beer Shandy Squeeze when the weather warms back to Surface-of-the-Sun Hot in Orlando. By the way, if you aren’t familiar with Shochu — and I wasn’t — it’s a distilled beverage that’s typically less strong than distilled liquors, but stronger than wine. It usually clocks in between 25-35% alcohol. Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Tokyo Dining is also a great place to explore different styles of Sake. Choose from Flights, individual Glasses, Bottles, or Carafes. Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge There are also some truly fantastic sounding Cocktails as well. Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Beer and other Spirits are available, with Kirin and Sapporo offerings on tap. Wine, including one Plum Wine option and a Japanese White Wine, are also on offer. Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Ultimately, we decided to go for cocktails. Our first choice was the Violet Silk Martini. Violet Silk Martini The drink is served straight up (natch), and is a mix of Vodka, Purple Pear Juice, and Lime Juice. I found the cocktail to be very smooth and easy to drink. It was a nice balance of flavors, and although it was fruit forward, it wasn’t cloying or overly sweet. Plus, it was suuuuuper pretty. Violet Silk Martini — Up Close Next, we decided to sample the Iced Blood Orange. Iced Blood Orange The mix of Gin, Blood Orange Extract, and Sparkling Water is super refreshing. I loved the bubbly finish. Owing to the gin, it’s not quite as smooth as the martini, but the flavors worked really well together. I really liked this one. Iced Blood Orange — Up Close Finally, we tried the Matcha Green Tea Frappe. Matcha Green Tea Frappe This creamy blend of Rum, Sake, Condensed Milk, and Green Tea Syrup tasted a little like a grown up milkshake. But make no mistake — there’s a little punch from the rum and sake. While I liked the flavors, the texture was a little strange to me, and it began to separate almost immediately. I personally think this one would serve better as a dessert, owing to the sweetness. It’s also pretty filling as well. Matcha Green Tea Frappe — Up Close While we enjoyed our cocktails, we continued to look over the extensive Menu. If you’re a first time visitor, take a little time with the menu, because there’s lots to explore. Menu — Click to Enlarge You could truly make a meal of Appetizers, Soups, and Sushi. Menu — Click to Enlarge Of course, you’ll also find a variety of entrees, including Tempura selections. Menu — Click to Enlarge Rice and Noodle Dishes are also available. Menu — Click to Enlarge We really wanted to give you an idea of all of the offerings, so we chose something from nearly every section. We decided to start with the Spicy Tempura Calamari. Spicy Tempura Calamari The Calamari is actually served in a stick shape, rather than the rings that we’re used to. I haven’t actually ever tried it this way, and I thought it was amazing. The batter was nice and light and you could still really taste the squid, which was super fresh-tasting. Spicy Tempura Calamari — Up Close Spicy Tempura Calamari — Inside It’s served with a side of Spicy Miso Sauce. The creamy sauce had just the right amount of kick to it. Spicy Tempura Calamari — Sauce But no way were we skipping the Sushi! We decided to start with Fire Cracker Roll. The Tempura Shrimp Rolls were filled with Fried Shrimp, Avocado, and Lemon, and were topped off with Wakame Salad, Jalapeno Slices, and Eel Sauce. Firecracker Roll As you can guess from the name, this is one of the spicier sushi selections. The tempura shrimp rolls themselves weren’t spicy; the heat came from the toppings and sauces that finished the plate. Firecracker Roll — Up Close We shared the roll, but you can also enjoy it as an entree. It was delicious and fresh, and I loved the extra crunch from the tempura shrimp against the creaminess of the avocado. Firecracker Roll — Up Close Next, we tried the Fresh Sashimi Sampler. The platter includes large, fresh slices of Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail and Seabream. The plate also included decorative slices of Fruit and a piece of Wasabi. Fresh Sashimi Sampler Fresh Sashimi Sampler — Yellow Tail Fresh Sashimi Sampler — Salmon Fresh Sashimi Sampler — Tuna Fresh Sashimi Sampler — Seabream The Fish was absolutely delicious and each had its own distinctive flavor. Like the roll, the portion was generous enough to serve as an entree, but it’s also a great sharing option. We also tried a couple of the entrees. First up — the Filet Mignon. Filet Mignon The steak was topped with a sweet and fruity Plum Wine Reduction. The flavor combo of the reduction and steak was my favorite part of the dish. Filet Mignon — Up Close The large piece of grilled Beef Tenderloin was served with broiled, Cheese-topped Tomato and Onion. Both were delicious. Filet Mignon — Sides — Up Close While the steak was good, the beef was slightly overcooked for me. Actually, this is the second time that I’ve had my steak overcooked here, so be ready for that. (Odd, since right next door at Teppan Edo, the filet is one of my favorite steaks in Disney World!) Still, the meat was super tender with great flavor. Filet Mignon — Cross Section My friend decided to go with the Kurobuta Tomahawk Tonkatsu. Hubba hubba!! Kurobuta Tomahawk Tonkatsu The large piece of Berkshire Pork was lightly breaded with Panko Bread Crumbs. The plate also included Cherry Tomatoes, Shredded Lettuce and Carrots, Grilled Pineapple and a Tonkatsu Red Wine Reduction. Kurobuta Tomahawk Tonkatsu — Up Close So often, pork can be dry and overdone, but this was cooked perfectly, and the flavor of the meat came through, even with the crunchy breading. Kurobuta Tomahawk Tonkatsu — Inside The slices of Grilled Pineapple added some sweetness as well. Kurobuta Tomahawk Tonkatsu — Garnishes But the Tonkatsu Sauce! It was sweet and salty and complemented the meat perfectly. Tonkatsu Sauce You might think that’s all we enjoyed. But nope! I don’t know about you, but I love Udon, so we decided to try the Vegetable Nabeyaki Udon. It was served in a large black pot with Udon Noodles, large Tofu Pieces, and Vegetables, which included Mushrooms, Celery, Onions, and Arugula in a Bonto-Dashi Broth. Vegetable Naveyaki Udon This. This, my friends, was amazing, and my absolute favorite entree of the evening. I’m not a fan of tofu, but this had so much flavor and the bowl had so many ingredients that I couldn’t stop raving. So simple. But so good. Vegetable Naveyaki Udon — Up Close A sweet ending seemed appropriate, so we took a look at the Dessert Menu. FYI — you do NOT come here for dessert. If you’re a dessert fan, there are much better places to go. The sweets here are small and light in flavor. But, that said, we still checked it out… . Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge The sweets had undergone a little update since our last visit, when I was pleasantly surprised by the Chocolate Ginger Cake. This go-round, it was the Ginger Mousse Cake for me. Slices of Vanilla Sponge Cake sandwich a Ginger Mousse center. Milk Chocolate Icing tops the whole thing. The cake is served with a rosette of Whipped Cream and a Strawberry. Ginger Mousse Cake The flavors were good, and it wasn’t too sweet. Overall, it was a decent finish to the meal. But, again. Don’t come here for dessert. ;-D Overall I still really enjoy Tokyo Dining. There’s just something fun about this restaurant. Like other dining spots in World Showcase, I always feel transported when I dine here. Flavors are exotic, and the menu isn’t quite like anything else you get in Walt Disney World. This is definitely one of my favorite spots for variety, but especially for Sushi and Udon. It’s also just a lovely spot, and a great place from which to view IllumiNations. Granted, your chances of having guests in front of you on the outside walkway are pretty high. Still, even with people, it’s a beautiful view. If you haven’t had the chance, I’d definitely suggest that you check out Tokyo Dining on your next trip Around the World. But now, let’s hear from you! Is Tokyo Dining a favorite Disney dining destination for you? Leave a comment and let us know! 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: Tokyo Dining in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Review: Tokyo Dining in Epcot’s Japan Review: Tokyo Sunset at Japan’s Outdoor Sake Bar in Epcot View the full article

Planning for your upcoming Disney vacation? Researching and planning using DisneyParksMomsPanel.com just got easier! Now you can “save” your favorite questions and answers to reference whenever you need them. All you have to do is log in when you visit the Disney Parks Moms Panel Site and look for the star icon under each answer. Click the star to save your favorite answers to reference throughout your planning process or even while you are having fun on your Disney vacation. Do you have planning questions like “how long does it take to get from the Caribbean Beach Resort to the Magic Kingdom?” Or do you need to know, “is there anywhere to meet Stitch?” Ask away and, once they’ve been answered, you can save them to capture all the responses to your personalized questions. You can save questions you’ve asked as well as great answers to questions other Guests have asked the panelists. Save as many as you would like! Whether you are planning a Disney Cruise, a run-cation, or a trip to Disneyland Resort you can now save helpful answers, ask personalized questions, view planning videos and even get multiple opinions with “Moms Views” questions. To start saving great answers or ask questions about your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Can you hear the Golden Rooster crowing? Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and Shanghai Disney Resort is already celebrating with guests around the world thanks to a bounty of limited-time entertainment, decorations, merchandise and festive menus to indulge in holiday favorites. Guests can venture past a gleaming Golden Rooster icon into the Gardens of Imagination for a drum ceremony and dragon dance, then take a stroll to admire the beautifully adorned Year of the Rooster mosaic at Garden of the Twelve Friends. All around the resort, specially designed photo locations provide the perfect opportunity for endless snapshots. The holiday spirit continues over an exquisite feast at Lumiere’s Kitchen, as well as a delectable variety of dining options across the resort. Those looking to buy gifts for loved ones will also find an abundance of unique merchandise, including coveted Lunar New Year Lucky Bags filled with goodies. Guests can end the night with a special New Year blessing projected onto Enchanted Storybook Castle, a truly magical way to cap off the wonderful holiday season. Best wishes to everyone in the New Year! View the full article

Attention Southern California residents! Get your New Year started with extra happiness at the Disneyland Resort with a special ticket offer! The Southern California Resident ticket offer* provides flexible options for three days of magic and adventure at special prices. For a limited time, guests may select from these purchase options: 3-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $149 – less than $50 per day 3-day Park Hopper ticket for $189 The Southern California Resident tickets include one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public. This amazing offer comes just in time to enjoy amazing experiences at the Disneyland Resort! At Disneyland park, we have the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade on January 20 as well as Star Wars Season of the Force in Tomorrowland. At Disney California Adventure park, guests can join the party with the Lunar New Year Celebration, Jan. 20 through Feb. 5, and the popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, March 10 through April 16. Experience all of these attractions and entertainment, along with other beloved experiences at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, with the 3-day Southern California Resident tickets, available for a limited time. Southern California residents must purchase tickets from Jan. 9 through May 22, 2017. Tickets expire after May 25, 2017, and blockout dates apply. Proof of residency is required for purchase and Theme Park admission. For restrictions, visit http://Disneyland.com/SoCal. Purchase your 3-day Southern California Resident tickets now at Disneyland.com/SoCal and print them at home! * 3-Day Promotional Ticket: Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission to either Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure® park each day of validity, but not to both parks on the same day. 3-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket is valid for admission three (3) days to both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® park on the same day. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets expire May 25, 2017. Blockout days of 4/9/17-4/23/17 apply. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Tickets not valid before 1/9/17. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice. **Magic Morning: Magic Morning admission allows admission to selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission. To enhance the Magic Morning experiences, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Magic Morning admission is based on availability and capacity. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to restrictions and cancellation. View the full article

We’re back today with another DFB YouTube Video! Today, we’re coming at you with a fun way to play with your food (er, drink) at Disney World — the DFB Guide Mocktail Crawl! We get it. Sometimes, you’re the designated driver. Or maybe you just want to have fun without imbibing. Well, we have terrific news! Disney has tons of great non-alcoholic drinks that are as tasty as they are festive. So you can indulge in something special even if you aren’t drinking! We love the idea of the hot mocktail trend so much, that we came up with a Mocktail Crawl for you to enjoy. You’ll find it, and many other fun crawls, in our 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World – available now! We are having just as much fun watching the new DFB YouTube Video Series as we are having putting them together! Subscribe to our DFB YouTube Channel today, and never miss a single DFB food and drink adventure! Now, I’d love to hear from all of our readers! What’s your favorite Disney mocktail? Leave a comment and share it with us! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video Review: Dawa Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New DFB Video: Tips from the DFB Guide — Three Great Ways to Save on Food at Disney Tips from the DFB Guide: Indulge in a Walt Disney World Mocktail Crawl! View the full article

Yeah yeah yeah!!!! So jazzed that this is coming back, bigger and better! It was GREAT news for Disneylanders when the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival returned from a hiatus last Spring. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival And it’s time to mark your calendars for March 10 – April 16, 2017. And this year’s Festival will be running DAILY! White Cheddar Ale and Bacon Soup Boudin Boule from 2016 By the Bay Booth California cuisine will be featured at the Festival Marketplaces (Disney promises that the booths will be expanded from last year’s eight), and certain restaurants will feature Festival-specific offerings. The Vineyard Booth 2016 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Once again, Culinary Seminars and Demonstrations will be part of the event, along with ticketed events including Premium Dining experiences and Demonstrations by Celebrity Chefs like Guy Fieri, Jamie Deen, Robert Irvine, Duff Goldman, Emily Ellyn, and Keegan Gerhard. These experiences will be available for booking beginning February 1st (more information and schedule still to come). Keegan Gerhard Are you happy to hear the news? I know I am! Sunny California, here I come! See you there ! Are you hoping to attend the 2017 DCA Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns in April 2016 Review: Festival of Holidays Food Booths in Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort News: Festival of Holidays To Bring New Eats to Disney California Adventure View the full article

“The View” is coming to Central Florida. The ABC talk show will broadcast from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for five shows March 6-10. The hosts will visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks during the stay. Like Disney World, ABC is a property of the Walt Disney Co. “The View” airs at 11 a.m. weekdays... View the full article

“The View” is coming to Central Florida. The ABC talk show will broadcast from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for five shows March 6-10. The hosts will visit all four Walt Disney World theme parks during the stay. Like Disney World, ABC is a property of the Walt Disney Co. “The View” airs at 11 a.m. weekdays... View the full article