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The Lunar New Year Celebration in Disney California Adventure Park will expand to 17 days in 2017! Running from Friday, January 20th through Sunday, February 5th, the Festival will offer live performances throughout the Paradise Garden area, extra activities and decorations, special merchandise, and Disney characters — Mickey and Minnie, Mulan and Mushu — all dressed up to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure It will also feature additional food offerings by way of three new Asian Marketplace Booths. These will serve items inspired by the cultures of China, Korea, and Vietnam — the countries which traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year. Finally, there will be a 6-minute pre-show to each evening’s presentation of the World of Color nighttime spectacular. Entitled “Hurry Home,” it will tell the story of a Little Lantern journeying home to join its family for the Lunar New Year celebration using water, animation, and other special effects. World of Color Here’s hoping you enjoy this expanded celebration of the Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure! Will you be participating in the Lunar New Year celebration? 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: Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!) News: Festival of Holidays To Bring New Eats to Disney California Adventure Special Snacks: Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Egg Roll View the full article

A wonderful holiday tradition has returned to select Disney World Resorts. It’s time to feast your eyes on the larger-than-life Gingerbread Displays. Let’s take a tour, it’s Gingerbread time!! Beach Club Every year, I look forward to seeing the Gingerbread Carousel found at the Beach Club Resort right next to Disney World’s Epcot. Stop by to see the new horses making their way around the Merry-Go-Round! Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club The horses this year were crafted in dark chocolate. They resemble Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. Check out the details! Each character’s signature is included; and even their hooves are designed to resemble their shoes. Meet Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse Mickey Details And Minnie. Minnie Mouse Adorable Minnie! Then there’s Donald. Donald And Goofy! Goofy Goofy Up Close Pastry Chef Deran Lanpher was there while I was taking pictures and said this year’s design is his favorite yet! Pastry Chef Deran Lanpher The Beach Club Marketplace has treats available again this year, including shingles with Beach Club and Olaf designs. Pick up treats at Beach Club Marketplace Gingerbread treats for sale Pick up a commemorative pin! Gingerbread Carousel Pin Beach Club pin Yacht Club The train display at the Yacht Club was not up on my visit. I was told it was due to technical problems. 2015 Yacht Club Train Display BoardWalk Inn Instead of the large display at the BoardWalk Inn like past years, they will have small stations set up where guests can sign up for classes on gingerbread house designing. Sounds fun!! Contemporary For the third year in a row, the Contemporary Resort display has received a “Frozen”-themed overlay, featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Sven placed in front of the Mary Blair-inspired gingerbread display. Hidden Olafs are in new spots on the display! Contemporary Gingerbread Display Close Up of Display Kristoff Sven and Olaf Anna and Elsa The lists of ingredients are posted near some of the displays. A lot of time and effort goes into making these gorgeous displays! Ingredients Display details Olaf’s dream sandcastle has returned! Sandcastle Sandcastle Detail Amazing detail on sandcastle Like last year, a “Frozen” blue hue and images of the film’s characters grace many of the snacks at the Contemporary’s display. Mickey Butter Cookie Shortbread Cookies and Krispy Treats Olaf Gingerbread Shingle Lollipops This little “build your own snowman” is a super cute gift or stocking stuffer for someone back home! Build Your Own Snowman There’s a large assortment of goodies. Nordic Cookie Sampler Linzer Cookie Gingerbread Boy The Ganachery Chocolate Bars Frozen S’more Merchandise Holiday Pin A couple of new snacks are available: Gingerbread Gelato (new to the Contemporary but is the same item we tried at the BoardWalk last year). Gingerbread Gelato Close Up Of The Gingerbread Gelato Contemporary Stollen Bread. Stollen Bread Gluten Free Gingerbread Boy – made by Erin McKenna’s. Gluten Free Gingerbread Boy Sven’s Reindeer Smash – snowflake made from pretzels with white chocolate and a Sven candy decoration. Sven’s Reindeer Smash And finally, we’re visiting the grandest stop of all… Grand Floridian As we leave the modern appeal of the Contemporary behind, it’s all tradition at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s Gingerbread House. Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House In its 18th year, the display will be open until January 1, 2017. Close Up of Display Gorgeous detail Ingredients Yep — in true Disney fashion, the attraction is also a store! Unlike the other displays, you really don’t get a chance to see the treats until you walk right up to the store window, which can get crowded at times. The Shop is open from 10AM – 10PM. Grand Floridian Gingerbread Store A glimpse inside Characters featured this year in the display are Bambi and Thumper, Anna, Elsa and Olaf, Rapunzel, Pascal and Flynn Rider, Simba and Nala, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Roo, Cinderella, and Aurora and Belle. Disney Princesses See how many Hidden Mickeys you can find! Hidden Mickey Hidden Mickeys There are so many options sold in the shop that not everything can be put out on display, so make sure to grab a menu to look over everything. They also show what items are snack credit eligible on the menus! The chocolate bars listed are from The Ganachery. Gingerbread Menu Gingerbread Ornament Gingerbread Ornament Gingerbread Men Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Mickey I selected a 1/2 Pound Gingerbread Bag priced at $16.00. They also have a bag with sugar-free options. With an assortment of gingerbread pieces, this is a great option for sharing if you want to try a little bit of everything. It was the Cast Member’s favorite option as well! 1/2 Pound Gingerbread Assortment The assortment includes a Gingerbread Star with frosting and Gingerbread domes with sugar and milk chocolate bottoms. Assortment Close Up Plus… Gingerbread bars covered with dark chocolate and nuts. Gingerbread bars covered with dark chocolate and nuts Dark and white chocolate squares featured gingerbread, fruit jelly, and sugar. The flavors I had were apricot and orange! Dark chocolate square White chocolate square This cute Red Velvet Cupcake cost $5.00 and is snack credit eligible. Prepared on-site, the Red velvet cake featured cream cheese icing, red and white chocolate shavings, and a cute sugar stocking topper. Seemed a little bit larger than other Disney cupcakes so I think this is a great deal! Red Velvet Cupcake The Red Velvet flavor was very prominent and really delicious. Delicious! Truffle Pops are $4.50 each and also snack credit eligible. Truffle Pops The Milk Chocolate version has a soft milk chocolate center. SO yummy, and very rich! Milk Chocolate Truffle Pop Rich center The White Chocolate Peppermint has an outer shell with white chocolate and peppermint flavored shavings. The center is milk chocolate. Also super delicious and SUPER minty! White Chocolate Peppermint Milk chocolate center They do have some of the items for sale in the Sandy Cove merchandise shop, so head there if the line at the display is too long. Sandy Cove store display Oval Chocolate Box with three truffles Oval Chocolate Box with three truffles White Chocolate Pop Peppermint Bark White Chocolate Covered Cookie Sandwiches Don’t forget to pick up your limited edition holiday pins! I love the Mater one! Holiday pins Aren’t they gorgeous?! The gingerbread displays at Disney World are always a memorable part of the holiday season. We hope you’ve enjoyed this 2016 tour, and we can’t wait to bring you more holiday fun soon! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2016 e-Book is now available! This 380+-page guide to all things Disney Holidays related — not just food! — offers you the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! And with 350 full-color photos, it will be like you’re right in the middle of the magic! Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code CANDYCANE at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Happy Holiday planning from all of us here at DFB! What’s your must-see gingerbread display? 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: Close-Up! The 2015 Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays 2014 Gingerbread House Displays at Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays In Disney World 2010, Part 1 View the full article

We’re continuing our countdown to Christmas today with another holiday graphic produced by Disney artist Simone Miranda and team. With 11 days left until Christmas, what better to feature than the 11 “countries” you can visit at World Showcase at Epcot? Click below to see previous ‘Countdown’ posts: – Holiday Countdown: Twelve Monorail Trains View the full article

'Wishes for Wildlife' - Rhino | Disney's Animals, Science & Environment View the full article

We continue to highlight children’s holiday “Wishes for Wildlife” in this new video. Each week during the holiday season, we will share another video of a child’s “Wish for Wildlife” on the Disney Parks Blog. We will also show you some of the more than 100 pieces of art they created to illustrate their wishes. We will post the children’s art on the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page – so be sure to check it often! View the full article

My favorite activity of the holiday season is decorating my home with lights, garland, tinsel, nutcrackers, wreaths and a very embarrassing number of Christmas trees, each with its own meticulous theme and perfectly placed ornaments. It takes me days to get my home completely transformed for the holidays, and I enjoy every minute of it. For a holiday décor enthusiast like myself, there’s no better place to enjoy festive sights than during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Every inch of the Disneyland Resort seems to be wrapped in yuletide treasure, bringing out the warm nostalgia and splendor of the season in spectacular, twinkling fashion. But enough of my tidings of comfort and joy – check out a few photos of my favorite holiday décor at Disneyland Resort, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service! View the full article

Disney Castle By the LEGO Group | Disney Parks View the full article

Some of the most impressive holiday sights and photo ops can be found at our many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Each resort is decorated in its own themed decor, from Christmas trees and garland, to wreaths and gingerbread creations. Here are five resorts that are impressing us this year! Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – This year, the resort’s lobby tree is decked out in a nautical/ocean theme, with ornaments in gold, and light and navy blue colors. Disney’s Polynesian Resort – This year features a large holiday tree decorated with green ornaments, tiny tikis and tropical flowers. Disney’s Beach Club Resort – This year’s gingerbread and chocolate display is a moving carousel that features four horses. Not only is it a charming and detailed carousel, but each horse is wearing a Mickey ear hat or a Goofy hat this year. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the most popular resorts to stop through this time of year, with a big draw being the larger-than-life gingerbread house that is a staple sight during the holiday season at the Grand. This year’s creation measures 16 feet tall, uses 1,050 pounds of honey and took more than 400 hours just to bake. Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Sporting one of the tallest trees on property, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to many amazing holiday decorations. In addition to this masterpiece of colorful light, be sure to check out the resort’s “Frozen”-inspired gingerbread creations – and buy yourself a cookie, too. View the full article

If you have visited Epcot to enjoy the Holidays Around the World, I hope that you stopped at the Feast of the Three Kings marketplace to enjoy the delicious food and drinks inspired by the Caribbean. The kiosk pays homage to the Día de los Reyes Magos, a holiday celebrated in the Caribbean, Latin America and Spain. Guests can visit to enjoy the food and learn about the history of the celebration. The Feast of the Three Kings features drinks like Coquito (with and without rum) and dishes like a roasted pork with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas, the very traditional Three Kings Bread and a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema. Here’s the recipe for the tamale so you can prepare it en casa (makes 12 tamales): Beef Filling 1 medium onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 cup beef broth 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons salt 2 pound beef chuck roast or brisket Tamales 12 dried corn husks 1 3/4 cup masa flour 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening 1/2 tablespoon salt 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1-2 cups warm beef stock Corn salsa 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1 medium tomato, diced 1/4 cup diced red onion 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 1/4 cup diced green pepper 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Cilantro lime rice 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup basmati rice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice Avocado crema 1 avocado, diced 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lime juice For beef filling: Place onions, peppers, diced tomatoes, and beef stock in the bottom of a slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix garlic, tomato paste, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to form a paste. Rub paste on all sides of the roast. Place in slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, until beef shreds easily with a fork. Shred the beef and stir with vegetables and liquid. Set aside to cool. For tamales: Place corn husks in a large bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for 2 hours. Drain and set aside. Place masa flour, lard, salt, and baking powder in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until lard is evenly distributed throughout the masa. Add warm beef broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture resembles smooth mashed potatoes. Place one corn husk, concave side up on a plate. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the masa flour mix in the center of the corn husk. Press with fingers to evenly layer, keeping dough about 1/2 inch from the sides and 2 inches from the top and bottom of the corn husk. Place one level tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of the dough. Bring the sides of the corn husk up to meet, pinching the dough to seal, then roll into a cylinder, folding the bottom and top towards the seam. Place tamale seam side down in a steamer basket. Repeat with remaining corn husks, making sure not to have more than 2 layers of tamales. Add a few inches of water to a large stock pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Place steamer basket inside of pot. Steam tamales for 90 minutes, checking occasionally to see if more water is needed, until tamales start to separate from the corn husk. Set aside. For corn salsa: Combine corn, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, green pepper, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. For cilantro lime rice: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt, return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Add additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if needed. For avocado crema: Place avocado, sour cream, cilantro, salt, and lime juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside. To serve: Evenly divide rice among 4-6 plates. Unwrap tamales and place on top of rice. Top with corn salsa and avocado crema. Cook’s Note: To prepare beef filling in the oven, place onions peppers, diced tomatoes, and beef stock in the bottom of a roasting pan. Wrap seasoned beef in parchment, then seal with foil and place on top of vegetables. Cook at 300°F for 3 hours, until meat shreds with a fork. Holidays Around the World takes place at Epcot until December 30. View the full article

I’m delighted to introduce you to four beautiful new animals, one male and three female lion-tailed macaque monkeys that you can see on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia. Lion-tailed macaques are known for their lion-like manes and tails. They have black silky fur and long gray hairs around their face, with a small tuft of fur at the end of their tail. In addition to using 17 different vocal patterns, macaques also communicate with body language, such as yawning with a grimace to indicate dominance or a threat, and smacking their lips to greet one another. Although they enjoy spending a lot of their time in trees, lion-tailed macaques also come down to the ground to play and forage for food. Also known as “wanderoo,” lion-tailed macaques are part of an important conservation story, as they rank among the rarest and most threatened primates in the world. They are native to the Western Ghats of South India’s mature evergreen forests, and some reports show that there may be fewer than 2,000 of these monkeys left in the wild. Overpopulation, habitat destruction, fragmentation and other human activities have forced these primates to live in small, isolated pockets of forest (separated by cultivation and open areas). Lion-tailed macaques are sometimes hunted for their meat and, occasionally, as a source of medicine. The Disney Conservation Fund has supported the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) efforts to protect lion-tailed macaques in the rainforests of southwestern India. The WCS team is using indigenous knowledge to map the distribution of macaque populations, researching threats to the species, and hosting rural education programs on macaque ecology and conservation. The next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, please join us on Maharajah Jungle Trek to learn more about these fascinating animals and discover the many ways we can work together in North America to support long-term conservation efforts for this important species. Learn more about some of the other animals you can visit at Walt Disney World Resort at DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article

After decades of repeated retirement and rebirth, the Main Street Electrical Parade is set to make another comeback at Disneyland. The 45-year-old nighttime parade returns to Disneyland on Jan. 20 after an extended run at Florida’s Magic Kingdom theme park. The beloved low-tech parade of lights,... View the full article

December 15 marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney’s passing, and to honor the man, we launched “Walt Week: Celebrating a Legacy of Imagination, Creativity, and Innovation.” To honor the occasion, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is honoring Walt with a series of features available to guests at D23.com/WalkWithWalt, in its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, and at Disney Parks around the world. On December 15, guests at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort are invited to join the celebration of Walt’s extraordinary life by sharing a message on Memory Boards that will be placed at each resort. The boards will be on display for all to see at D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, from July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Locations and Times for Memory Boards (subject to change): Disneyland Resort: The gallery inside the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m Walt Disney World Resort: Inside One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Disneyland Paris: Inside the Liberty Arcade on Main Street, U.S.A., at the entrance of “Statue of Liberty Tableau” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hong Kong Disneyland: Inside Art of Animation on Main Street, U.S.A., from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tokyo Disney Resort: Mark Twain Riverboat queue from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. We hope you will join us in celebrating Walt Disney’s remarkable life—and enduring legacy. View the full article

Today we’re kicking off a new daily series to help spread some holiday cheer in the days leading up to the holiday – our first-ever Christmas countdown. Disney artist Simone Miranda and her team have cooked up some cute graphics that each celebrate a different aspect of the holiday season at Disney Parks. Today we’re sharing our “12 days until Christmas” graphic, which celebrates something many Disney guests love – the Monorail. View the full article

Disney After Hours Returns to Magic Kingdom Park View the full article

For many parents, the thought of holiday shopping with their kids in tow sounds like a surefire way to put a damper on the spirit of the season. (Just ask my sister – with three little ones ages five and under, an afternoon of solo shopping sounds like her dream come true!) The reality is that it’s not always possible to get away for a few hours, especially during this busy time of year. My favorite solution? Do your shopping at Disney Springs, and build in time for the kids to have some fun, too! There are countless scenarios, but here’s what I’d suggest: SHOPPING: Start your day in Town Center, picking up presents for some of the fellow grown-ups on your list. Make sure to visit UNIQLO (where the fashions are on-trend and the looks are affordable) and let your son or daughter spin the famous UNIQLO prize wheel after you check out – kids love it! Next? Stop by nearby UNDER ARMOUR BRAND HOUSE where they’ve recently debuted a new virtual reality experience. For the perfect stocking stuffers, stock up on bath bombs from Basin in the Marketplace; while there, try out one of their latest scrubs for your own mini spa-like service. Then there’s World of Disney, with something to thrill Disney every fan in your life. TREATS: Looking for an incentive to encourage good behavior? Options abound! I’m currently craving the new Gingerbread cupcake from Sprinkles Cupcakes, but the peppermint milkshake from D-Luxe Burger or a holiday-inspired specialty apple from Candy Cauldron would also do the trick! If frozen treats are more your style, the seasonal flavors from Vivoli il Gelato are a sure bet. SANTA: Make sure your kids have their wish lists ready to share with Santa – he’s available daily from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. through Christmas Eve. With the convenient pager system (just check in at the podium when you arrive), your wait time in line is minimal. EATS: Fuel up with lunch or dinner. Kids go crazy for Rainforest Café or T-REX, both located in the Marketplace. Other favorites include The BOATHOUSE where kids’ meals come in tiny amphicars or Morimoto Asia where special chop sticks let kids practice their culinary etiquette. HOLIDAY FUN: During this time of year, your visit isn’t complete without a trek through the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail. (Tip: Find out which tree your kids love most, then let them choose an ornament to take home from Disney’s Days of Christmas, where literally thousands of ornaments are available for sale.) Every evening at 6:00 p.m. the nightly tree lighting ceremony kicks off the evening with a festive glow. Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt is not to be missed – it’s a scavenger hunt style adventure designed for families with kids of all ages. Cap off the night with a viewing of “Starbright Holidays | An Intel Collaboration” featuring 300 show drones choreographed in a stunning aerial ballet in the sky, at 7:00 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. FAMILIAR FAVORITES: For some kids (my oldest niece included!), it’s impossible to visit Disney Springs without a ride on the Marketplace Carousel and Marketplace Train (yes, she does both). She also insists on spending a few minutes at the LEGO Store. Take a few minutes to indulge your kids, and their memories of your “shopping day” at Disney Springs will be nothing but fond! What do your little ones love most about the holidays at Disney Springs? Share in the comments below; I’d love to know! View the full article

Disney Floral & Gifts is happy to introduce signature bouquets from our Disney Designers! Our Disney Design of the Month program features a different Disney Designer each month, creating spectacular pieces using the season’s choicest flowers and freshest color palettes. This month, we are pleased to feature Disney Designer Poyu and her December arrangement. This festive bouquet pays tribute to snow-capped tree tops often associated with the holiday season. The Mickey Mouse ornaments add a hint of magic as collectible keepsakes. Poyu has dedicated her life to floral design. With over 25 years with the Walt Disney Company, she has created countless magical designs and inspired her fellow cast members for decades. Poyu’s December design is only a sampling of the enchanting arrangements she has crafted. To learn more about Poyu and our other Disney Designers, visit disneyfloralandgifts.com where we will be sharing more stories and designs in the days to come! View the full article

The biggest Lunar New Year Celebration yet at Disney California Adventure park is coming soon! Expanding to 17 days this year – Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 5 – the festivities will feature delicious food, colorful live performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful decor, special limited-time merchandise, Disney characters in their Lunar New Year best and more. Each night, before “World of Color,” the Lunar New Year Celebration will culminate in a new six-minute pre-show called “Hurry Home,” presented in water, animation and special effects on Paradise Bay. This charming story of a Little Lantern on its journey home to join its Lantern family in celebrating Lunar New Year features animated appearances by Mulan and Mushu in “dream sequences” inspired by traditional Chinese paper cut-out style animation and a score highlighted by an original arrangement of the music created for the Grand Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). 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. Highlights of the celebration at Disney California Adventure park include Three new Asian marketplaces offering foods inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Mulan and Mushu, dressed in their best to celebrate Lunar New Year. Incredible entertainment throughout the Paradise Garden area, including a troupe of Chinese acrobats and a variety of authentic musicians and performers. Celebrate the tradition, sights, sounds and tastes of Lunar New Year with a touch of Disney magic, only at Disney California Adventure park from Jan. 20 through Feb. 5! View the full article

Update: This event has filled to capacity. Please keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future event opportunities. We’re wrapping up this year’s series of Disney Parks Blog meet-ups with one you won’t want to miss. On December, 15, 2016, you have the opportunity to see a special opening night showing of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at Disney Springs in Florida. The Disney Parks Blog hosted meet-up begins at 7 p.m. ET (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, December 15, 2016. At the event, you’ll see one of the first showings of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at this theater. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is an all-new epic adventure and the first of the Star Wars standalone films. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves. RSVP for the meet-up now by clicking here. Only one guest is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. Also, here are a few things you should know: We encourage guests to come in costume. Costumes must follow the policy (please ensure you use the provided costume policy that differs from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and follows AMC’s policy). All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is rated PG-13 and presented in RealD 3D. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in across from AMC Disney Springs 24 West Side for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. Here is the event costume policy: Face paint or masks of any kind may not be worn. Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest. Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests. All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests. Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. And here is other important information to know: Please arrive early. Seating is first come first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), its affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. View the full article

Who’s ready for some ICE CREAM???!! Here at DFB, we live in a perpetual state of ice cream readiness. And nothing beats a visit to one of our favorite spots — Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom. In fact, we’re heading there today in our latest DFB Video! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor While we enjoy all of the variety when it comes to ice cream in Walt Disney World, there are a few treats that we especially crave every time we’re at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. Who can resist a Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich drizzled with toppings!?! And their hand-scooped sundaes are classic. We just love bringing you along on our DFB food travels as we explore all the culinary magic that Disney has to offer! And if you think that sounds like a good time too, please be sure to subscribe to our new DFB YouTube Channel! Now, I wanna hear from you! What’s your favorite treat at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor? Leave a comment and let us know in comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Mickey Mouse Kid’s Cone at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Review: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor View the full article

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! | Walt Disney World View the full article

What do you get when you combine live music, a New Orleans-style street party and warm beignets? An unforgettable dining experience at the brand-new Tiana’s Place. This restaurant is just one of the enhanced dining options aboard the transformed Disney Wonder, and in the final video in this series, we’re giving you a mom’s take on how dinner is sure to be a highlight on your Disney cruise. Now that we’ve shown you what’s new for families, kids and adults aboard the Disney Wonder, let us know what you’re looking forward to experiencing most. If you missed the other posts in the series, take a look back: New Fun for Families Premieres on the Disney Wonder New Adventures Come to Life for Kids on the Disney Wonder Re-Imagined Spaces for Adults Debut on the Disney Wonder View the full article

Do you have a favorite holiday parade at Walt Disney World Resort? Maybe it was a parade from your childhood, or a processional that’s running now. Holiday parades may have changed over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: each parade brings special holiday magic. Let’s test your knowledge of past and current holiday parades! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-182024 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Walt Disney World Holiday Parades Through the Years 2016 marks which anniversary of this Magic Kingdom Park Christmas parade? 20 30 40 50 Which years did the Hollywood Holly-Day Parade run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? 2000 to 2006 2004 to 2007 2006 to 2008 2008 to 2012 All of these were names for the Magic Kingdom Park holiday parade except for: Mickey’s Christmas Cavalcade Mickey's Christmastime Parade Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade What was this holiday parade that ran from 2004 to 2013 at Disney's Animal Kingdom called? Jingle in the Jungle Parade Mickey’s Jammin Jingle Parade Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade Mickey’s Christmas Expeditions Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="182024" 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

If you enjoy spending late nights at Magic Kingdom, you’ll love this new opportunity at Walt Disney World! Disney has announced the return of Disney After Hours, a hard-ticketed event that gives guests special access to Walt Disney World’s flagship park once it closes to the general public in the evening. Magic Kingdom at Night Guests who opt for the special hard ticket event can enjoy access to the park for three hours. Days and times are as follows: Friday, January 20, 2017, 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM Friday, January 27, 2017, 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM Thursday, February 2, 2017, 8:00-11:00PM Thursday, February 9, 2017, 8:00-11:00PM Thursday, February 16, 2017, 8:00-11:00PM Thursday, March 2, 2017, 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM Thursday, March 9, 2017, 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM Guests who hold a Disney After Hours ticket can check in to the park beginning at 7:00PM. Gems in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Queue During the event, more than 25 of the park’s most popular attractions will be open. They include all of the big ones, plus lots more: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Disney Princess Greetings at Princess Fairytale Hall Haunted Mansion “it’s a small world” Jungle Cruise Peter Pan’s Flight Pirates of the Caribbean Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Space Mountain Splash Mountain But what are we most excited for at Disney Food Blog? The FOOD, of course! In addition to attractions and character meet and greets, guests can also take advantage of snacks that are included in the price of their tickets. These include “Ice Cream Novelties” (Helloooooo Mickey Bar!) and “Select Bottled Beverages”. Enjoying a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar on Main Street USA In addition, some of the park’s restaurants, like Main Street Bakery, will be open and will have items for purchase. Tickets are $119 for both children and adults (tax not included). Annual Passholders and DVC Members can purchase tickets for $89 per person. To get your tickets, call Disney Reservation Center at 407-827-7185. So — whaddya think? Will you be enjoying Disney After Hours in 2017? Leave a comment and let us know what you think about the special event! 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: 2017 Disney World Free Dining Offer for UK Residents; And Disney Dining Plan Changes for 2017 News! Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Offers Table Service Dining For a Limited Time News: 2017 Disney Dining Plan Changes and Updates View the full article

Are you welcoming 2017 at the Disneyland Resort? Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle Then you may want to know about a few dining locations offering special menus for the New Year’s Eve celebration! Disneyland Park Blue Bayou Sign Carnation Cafe will have a Surf and Turf special featuring sirloin and shrimp, mashed potatoes, and sautéed broccoli with sun-dried tomato butter and an herb beurre blanc sauce for $20.00. Blue Bayou Restaurant will serve a petite New York Strip Steak on a rosti potato cake with crab meat and asparagus, accompanied by cafe au lait sauce and Béarnaise for $44.00. Cafe Orleans will feature Braised Short Ribs served with garlic mashed potatoes and baby carrots along with roasted shallot-red wine sauce and fried onions for $23.00. Disneyland Hotels Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will offer two different options. From 5:30-6:30 pm, guests may enjoy Chef Andrew Sutton’s four-course Wine Country Feast of Winter Season Classics for $130.00. A New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance Party will begin at 8:15 pm. It will feature live music, a Champagne reception, and a five-course tasting menu for $250.00 (wine pairing can be added for $65.00). The dancing will continue until 1:00 am. Steakhouse 55 Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel will serve a three-course dinner on New Year’s Eve as well as New Year’s Day. The first course will be Kumamoto oysters followed by a center cut Filet Mignon with crab meat salad, asparagus and Béarnaise sauce for the main course. Manjari bittersweet chocolate terrine with fresh berries and white Godiva anglaise will be dessert. The meal is $65.00, and wine pairing will be available for $35.00. Disney’s PCH Grill at Paradise Pier Hotel will kick off the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet and Character Celebration from 5:00 – 10:00 pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner at PCH Grill, then head to the Pacific Ballroom for a party with Mickey and friends which will run through 12:30 am. Midnight will feature a toast and balloon drop. The cost is $75.00 for adults and $25.00 for children ages 3 to 9 (plus tax and gratuity). Disney California Adventure Also note that in several locations around Disney California Adventure, sparkling wine and sparkling apple cider will be options for sipping. To make reservations, visit Disneyland.com or call (714) 781-DINE. Are you ringing in the New Year in Disneyland? 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: Special Menus and Treats Coming to Disneyland for Valentine’s Weekend News! Valentine’s Day Menus and Treats at Disneyland News! Valentine’s Day Menus at Disneyland Resort View the full article

Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park always feels special, with décor that reflects the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and a menu of featuring California flavors. And just for the holidays, there’s a special menu with seasonal dishes at this Disneyland Resort signature restaurant, but you’ll still find favorites like the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits, Fire Cracker Duck Wings and the Wagyu Beef & Truffle Ravioli. On both the lunch and dinner menus, the new Chili Relleno “Open Face” with crispy duck confit, butternut squash and prickly pear vinaigrette is a flavorful starter. Also the Chilled “Del Pacifico” Shrimp on Hot Gorditas with avocado and mango-habanero vinaigrette. Or the Roasted Parsnip-Chestnut Soup. The guest-favorite king salmon is served with coconut red rice and a mint and golden bell pepper miso lime broth. And for dinner, there’s a Crispy Buttermilk Fried Quail with cranberry bean salad, kale-pecan pesto and a blood orange sauce. Leg of lamb and holiday prime rib round out the savory seasonal menu. But you may want to eat dessert first – or at least save room for Valrhona Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Crunch, Holiday Ginger Caramel Monkey Bread or a Vanilla Custard Tart with Cranberry Compote. Happy Holidays! For reservations, call 714-781-DINE or visit Disneyland.com/dining. View the full article