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I’m excited to announce several new handbags by Dooney & Bourke will be released this month in select locations at Disney Parks and via the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. These Disney-inspired handbags were created especially for Disney Parks. These bags join the first-ever, holiday-themed bags being released on November 11 (see this Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video for a preview). The Disney Villains collection is currently available in select locations at Disney Parks. The three bag collection includes a Tote, a Letter Carrier, and a Wristlet. On Friday, November 18, we will be holding a special release party at Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs Marketplace. At this event, we will release two handbag collections. The Retro Sticker Collage collection includes three silhouettes – a Wristlet, a Large Letter Carrier, and a Tote. The Walt Disney World Toile collection will have a Large Letter Carrier, a Tote, and a Hobo Satchel. During this special event, guests will have an opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke from 10:30am-12:00pm. The Retro Sticker Collage collection will also be released on November 18 at Disneyland Resort. There are two additional collections that will be released on the Shop Disney Parks app in November. The first collection – Princess Keys – will launch on November 14, while the Disney Cat-themed collection will be introduced on the app starting November 28. In addition to Shop Disney Parks app, guests may find select styles on the Disney Parks online store. Which collection is your favorite? View the full article

It’s been waaaaay too long since I’ve stopped by one of my very favorite pool bars in all of Walt Disney World… Learn About: Banana Cabana Pool Bar Disney World Restaurants But now I’m back at long last. Welcome to the Banana Cabana Pool Bar at Disney World’s Caribbean Beach Resort! Banana Cabana may not be new and flashy like some of the more recent watering holes to arrive in Disney World like AbracadaBar or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. And the still relatively new Oasis Pool Bar is delivering some brag-worthy eats to guests at Polynesian Village Resort. But Banana Cabana has long held a place in my heart because of its tropical vacation vibe and terrific bartenders. Banana Cabana is a mini-getaway in and of itself, even within the Vacation Kingdom. So join me in kickin’ back with a few drinks by the pool at Banana Cabana! Main Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort Like most pool bars at Disney, Banana Cabana is made to blend in with its surroundings, situated by the pool and right along Barefoot Bay. The bar itself is fairly simple, allowing the Fuentes del Morro Pool to take center stage. Banana Cabana Bar Seating The tables located just steps away from the bar are covered with the same huge, colorful umbrellas that you might be able to snag by the pool if you’re lucky! Tables and Chairs at Banana Cabana These surroundings just beg for a tropical drink… or FIVE! Assortment of Drinks at Banana Cabana And it doesn’t get much beachier than a Sunken Treasure. Sunken Treasure Well-themed to the Fuentes del Morro Pool (which is better known as the “Pirate Pool”), the Sunken Treasure (yep — it’s back!) is Malibu Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, tropical juices and Sprite with a float of Blue Curaçao. It’s VERY sweet, and a lot of fun with its bright green hue! Staying with the tropical vibe, the Banana Cabana is — despite the name — not unique to the Caribbean Beach pool bar. You’ll find it at pool bars all around property. Banana Cabana It’s made of Cruzan Mango Rum, Coruba Coconut Rum, Bols Crème de Banana, and orange and pineapple juices with a splash of grenadine. The orange juice specifically helps to bring a bit of tart to temper the overall sweetness of this drink. One of my very favorite pool bar drinks anywhere around Disney World is actually a non-alcoholic beverage. I happily recommend the Lava Smoothie to Disney pool guests of all ages! Lava Smoothie A Lava Smoothie is a frozen blend of raspberry puree and pina colada mix (so, basically a Pina CoLava without the rum). Honestly, the Lava Smoothie is so yummy and refreshing on its own that I really don’t miss the alcohol. Now, despite what you’ve seen so far, if tropical drinks aren’t your thing, you won’t be left high and dry. Lynchburg Limeade, for example, is Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with fresh lime juice, sweet-and-sour, and just a bit of peach flavor. Lynchburg Limeade I really like how the lime gives this one a bit of a sour edge, while the Jack Daniel’s lends a more pronounced alcohol taste than the fruitier beverages. Finally, I wanted to sample the white sangria on the menu. This one didn’t come with too much in the way of fruit — just a few orange wedges — but it was refreshing and simple. Which might be just what you need for a day by the pool or an evening after a long day at the parks. White Sangria In all seriousness, though, it’s worth taking time at your Resort to check out the pool bar while you’re relaxing by the water. The laid-back feel of the pools pretty much always extends to the bars, and you can often enjoy a fun conversation with your bartender at the same time you take in a cold, tasty drink. Of course, if you just want to carry your beverage back to your beach chair and sip away until it’s time to hop back in the pool or drift off on a long summer’s day nap, that’s all more than fine, too… Can I go back NOW… pretty please ? What’s your favorite pool bar — or pool bar drink — in Disney World? 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: Pool Bars: Banana Cabana Friday Happy Hour: Lava Flow at the Barefoot Pool Bar at Polynesian Village Resort Photo Tour: Reopened Barefoot Pool Bar and Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort View the full article

Happy November! Wow October just flew by, didn’t it? And now we’re heading straight into the holiday season at the Disney Parks! Grab some of that leftover Halloween candy and check out the latest Disney food news! Mickey Krispy with Werther’s Caramel There are only a couple more weeks to visit the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Make sure you check out our Best of the Fest so you know what you absolutely must eat at this year’s Festival! You can still order our DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival for 30% off the cover price! Just use discount code Countdown at check-out to secure your savings! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We launched the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 e-book! Check out the new caramel treats at Epcot’s Karamell-Küche! We posted two new YouTube videos: our recommendations for the best one-credit restaurants and a Dole Whip video! We have the menus for Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays booths! Check out the latest news from Disney World! Have you tried the Frosting Shots from Sprinkles in Disney Springs? Baked Potatoes are now available at Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom. PizzeRizzo is opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18! More food booths are coming to Epcot’s Holidays Around the World! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We recently had a delicious meal at Yak and Yeti Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We love the Mango Pie for dessert and DFB fan Cindy Smith loves it too! We love the Mango Pie at Yak and Yeti Restaurant! While Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland is home to pizza and pasta, you might also find some out-of-this-galaxy desserts like this Chewbacca Cheesecake that our friend Eric Chu recently shared with us! One of the funniest desserts we’ve seen in a while! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 with code CANDYCANE! We’re celebrating the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2106! We’ve been busy updating all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 380 pages, 350 full-color photos, and an informative FAQ section. Save 20% off the cover price! Just use code CANDYCANE at checkout! The guide includes: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting! A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2016″ events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, and Epcot’s Holidays Around the World. A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants. NEW! Holiday cooking tips and recipes straight from Walt Disney World chefs Updated chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations. Updated chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season. A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season. Scavenger Hunts for every theme park Disney Cruise Line Chapter A Preview of the 2017 Holidays in Disney World Expanded Epcot Holidays Around the World section Expanded Disney Springs holiday offerings Expanded Disney’s Hollywood Studios holiday offerings New! Religious services chapter New! Hotel discounts chapter Expanded “tips” chapter Updated What’s New section Updated and Expanded Holiday Dining sections Updated holiday activities/events chapters New and updated crawls and touring strategies Updated Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event and dining information And more! Both veterans and those new to the Walt Disney World holidays will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample treats, enjoy a show, savor a holiday meal, or find the best activity for your family, The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 will help you discover the right strategy for you. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! Once again, celebrate the grand launch with us by getting 20% off the purchase price for the e-Book TODAY! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found Darth Vader Pancake Maker – perfect for a Dark Side breakfast! Walt Disney World for Grownups shared their favorite snacks in Epcot’s World Showcase! Mom Endeavors shared a fun recipe for Star Wars Rice Krispie Treats. Oh My Disney shared a not-so-easy Disney and Disney/Pixar food quiz! Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for Apple Butter from Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch! Disney Family shared a super-cool templates so you too can create “latte art” inspired by Moana! Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 23, 2014 Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 9, 2014 Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 22, 2015 View the full article

This week, we announced that we’re kicking off the holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort with a special live stream of our first “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting. Inside #DisneyParksLIVE will feature a special look at “A Frozen Holiday Wish” as it happens beginning at 6:25 p.m. EST on Monday, November 7. Just visit the front page to find the stream tomorrow and be sure to follow along on Twitter, using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Complete Guide to Festive Eats at New Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park – Here is your complete guide to the treats you will find at each marketplace during the new Festival of Holidays is coming to Disney California Adventure park. Commemorative Merchandise for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2016 at Magic Kingdom Park – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is returning to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on select nights starting November 7, 2016. Here’s a brief look at the commemorative merchandise created for this year’s event. Festival of Holidays Brings Delightful Entertainment Experiences to Disney California Adventure Park Beginning November 10 – With the debut of Festival of Holidays on November 10, you’re invited to come celebrate heartwarming holiday festivities inspired by cultural traditions from around the world. Five Festive Things to Discover at Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Holiday Season – Holidays are just about to begin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and you won’t want to miss any of the special food, merchandise and entertainment that are here just for the season! Disney Parks Blog Unboxed – Celebrating the Holidays at Disney Parks – During a recent visit to Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs Marketplace, I was surprised by a special holiday delivery from the Disney Delivery Guy. It’s Already Time to Book New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort – From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations in Epcot World Showcase and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of options to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

Anna and Rafael Solorzano of Orlando were married in March, months before the big day arrived. The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908. "It was so hard to watch Game 7,'' Anna Solorzano said. "It was not enjoyable. I had a glass of wine in front of me. I did not take a single sip... View the full article

Baseball World Champion Players Parade | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

We’re just minutes away from our Inside #DisneyParksLIVE stream of today’s baseball champions celebratory parade at Magic Kingdom Park. Three players from the team – Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez – will appear to celebrate the Cubs’ historic win over the Cleveland Indians in a game that ended their team’s 108-year baseball title quest. The live stream will begin at 4:40 p.m. EST in the box above (you may need to refresh the page at that time), as well as on Facebook. You can also follow their journey on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. In the meantime, tell us in the comments section below what city you’re watching from – we’d love to share it with the guys! View the full article

Have you been following along on the travels of the Big Cheese during his #HappyBirthdayMickey world tour? Mickey Mouse launched his birthday trip around the world in October. He’s already visited stops in Los Angeles, Kyoto, Paris, Rome and Shanghai. Over the next few weeks, Mickey will continue to make surprise appearances in iconic locations around the globe to celebrate with his birthday with his fans. His travels will continue through the big day on November 18. On that day, select locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, and Disney Stores around the United States, will distribute commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons. Disneyland park in Anaheim will host a special pre-parade birthday celebration for Mickey, and at Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, characters and performers will dance in a special birthday-themed edition of the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party. Also on November 18, Mickey will release new video highlighting his trip around the world, which will also feature the new song, “What We Got.” Where will Mickey celebrate next? Follow the official Mickey Mouse Facebook Page or the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey on Twitter to find out! View the full article

‘Dr. Strange’ Meet-Up at Disney Springs | Walt Disney World View the full article

It’s true… you can grab a drink at a Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk in Epcot (and all around Disney World, as a matter of fact) any time of year. Joffrey’s Coffee in Disney World But did you know that select Joffrey’s Kiosks are serving Specialty Beverages specifically for the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Yep! So we’re going to do some Showcase (and Future World!) sippin’ today to check out each of the four Festival beverages from Joffrey’s… and even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, I think you’ll want to stay tuned! You will see exactly why as we start our tour in Future World. Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset You can find the Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset at the Future World East Joffrey’s Cart (it’s not far at all from the Festival Center). Future World East Joffrey’s Cart Just keep an eye out for the propped-up sign, noting the name of the beverage and the price (each of the specialty drinks is $8.49). Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade Sunset sign The Sunset is actually poured in layers: frozen lemonade on the bottom, frozen strawberry in the middle, and one shot of Grey Goose Vodka poured over the top. Due to the heat (at least in these early weeks of the Festival), the beverage doesn’t keep its “layered” look for much longer than a few seconds, but it’s still pretty! Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade Sunset And it’s because of the heat that what stands out the most with the Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset is how refreshing it is. The flavors are pretty simple — it’s basically an adult frozen strawberry lemonade (which maintains its flavor even when the drinks starts watering down), with the Grey Goose flavor a bit more prominent during the first couple of sips because it isn’t actually mixed in with the slush. Frozen Strawberry-Lemonade Sunset Next, let’s head into World Showcase for a twist on a Joffrey’s favorite that we already know and love… Spiked Chai Latte Pay a visit to the Joffrey’s Kiosk in the American Adventure Pavilion if you’re interested in trying a Spiked Chai Latte! American Adventure Joffrey’s Kiosk You’ve got a couple of choices to make, though, before you start sipping. The Spiked Chai Latte can be ordered hot, iced or frozen, and with your choice of either Bailey’s Irish Cream (which was an option at the 2016 Flower & Garden Festival) or Grey Goose Vodka mixed in. Spiked Chai Latte sign I’m always a fan of the Frozen Chai at the Royal Anandapur Tea Company (which is a Joffrey’s kiosk in pretty great disguise) in Animal Kingdom, so I chose the frozen option with the Grey Goose as my mix-in. No matter which combo or style you choose, the chai is a classic mix of black tea, spices, and vanilla — creamy, autumnal, and delicious. Spiked Chai Latte The Grey Goose is what I recommend if you want the alcohol flavor to be more pronounced — it actually tasted pretty strong to me. But if you prefer the alcohol flavor to be a little more hidden, then go with the Bailey’s. It blends in a bit better in with the chai and also amps up the creaminess of the drink and makes it a tad heavier. Spiked Chai Latte It’s off to Disney Traders for our next round! Tiki Torch The Disney Traders Joffrey’s Cart (it’s right off of the World Showcase entrance coming from Future World) is home to the Tiki Torch. Disney Traders Joffrey’s Kiosk The Tiki Torch is a frozen Passion Fruit Slush with Grey Goose Vodka mixed in. Tiki Torch sign The Passion Fruit has a sweet and tart flavor profile that, like the Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset, doesn’t get watered down even when the drink starts to lose its iciness. Tiki Torch It’s one of those drinks that doesn’t taste like an alcoholic beverage, which some people may prefer on the hotter days of the festival. Tiki Torch But my preference lies with the one I’ve saved for last… Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee On your way from the United Kingdom Pavilion towards Canada, you’ll happen upon this Joffrey’s Cart outside of World Showplace (that’s the location you see peeking up behind the walls in the picture below which opens up for certain Special Events like the Party for the Senses and the Rockin’ Burger Block Party). World Showplace Joffrey’s Kiosk This is where you’ll find the Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee which is a chilled medium roast coffee topped off with Kahlua, Grey Goose Vodka, and half-and-half. You can ask for this one with or without whipped cream (but, really, it’s already made with half-and-half, so why not just go the whole nine?). Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee sign You can also sweeten it up with sugar if you wish (the Baristas don’t put any in it), but I thought the Kahlua already lent plenty of its own sweetness. Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee You’ve probably already realized that it’s the only one of the specialty beverages that comes with two kinds of alcohol, and I could really taste the difference. The Kahlua-Tini was definitely the strongest out of the four. But what is also impressive is that the coffee maintained its own strong roasted flavor, so it held its own even with the Grey Goose and Kahlua — THIS is the one for the coffee drinkers out there. Whipped Cream topping the Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee The Kahlua-tini wins for my favorite of the bunch. YUM! That said, all four beverages tasted great, and there is something more to consider: each of the Joffrey’s Specialties is a full 16 ounces, and the vast majority of full-size alcoholic beverages in Disney World are going to run you around 10 bucks at least. At $8.49 a pop, the Joffrey’s specialty drinks are a pretty good deal compared with other alcoholic beverages you’ll find around Disney World. And with a couple of them, you’re able to get a little caffeine fix as well . With the various customizations among the four options, it seems there’s something for just about everyone — for guests 21 and over, that is! — among the Joffrey’s Specialty Beverages for the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Which of the Joffrey’s Specialty Beverages would you most like to try? 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 World Joffrey’s Kiosks Serving Coffee for a Dollar on September 29th for National Coffee Day Review: Cupid’s Kiss Latte at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks in Disney World Joffrey’s Master of the Roast Exhibit at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

Several Cubs baseball players will be in Orlando Saturday to celebrate their World Series win. World Series MVP Ben Zobrist along with teammates Addison Russell and Javier Baez will take part in the champions' parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom after their epic win Wednesday — which broke... View the full article

The runDisney Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend returns to Disneyland Resort from November 10-13, 2016. Today, I have a first look at some of the commemorative merchandise guests will find during this power-packed weekend. Look for an array of character and phrase themed performance T-shirts, tanks, jackets, hoodies and more. Guests will also find hats, Bondi Bands, Sweaty Bands, and themed drinkware created especially for the event weekend. Other items (not pictured) will include medal replica pins, car magnets, and an ear hat for the Kids Races. If you want to celebrate crossing the finish line, we will carry several “I Did It” shirts for the various races including the Captain America 5K, the Doctor Strange 10K, and the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. The Infinity Gauntlet Challenge, which involves running the 13.1-mile half marathon, plus the 6.2–mile 10K, returns for this year’s event. We will have long- and short-sleeved apparel for both women and men along with pins, car magnets and hats. Finally, we will release three handbags by Dooney & Bourke during the weekend decorated with many familiar faces you may see during the race. To find these items, please visit the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel Exhibit Hall during the following dates and times: Thursday, November 10: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, November 11: Noon – 8 p.m. Saturday, November 12: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It’s time to assemble your list of must have items. See you at the finish line! View the full article

The baseball championship frenzy that is gripping the nation is now about to sweep across Walt Disney World Resort in a big way. MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez from the world champion Chicago Cubs are coming to the Resort on Saturday afternoon to take their world title celebration to another level. They are being honored by Walt Disney World Resort with a parade down Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park to salute their iconic title run. Join us as we live stream the event right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Our Inside #DisneyParksLIVE stream begins at 4:40 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 5 and can be seen at the top of this site as well as on Facebook. You can also follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. The Chicago Cubs’ victory over the Cleveland Indians in a dramatic Game 7 nail-biter that went 10 innings ended a 108-year baseball title quest – the longest championship drought in sports history! The players will be joined in the magical parade by Mickey Mouse and throngs of cheering fans. Afterwards, the players are expected to enjoy some special time in the parks with their families and friends, creating even more memories that will last them a lifetime. This parade continues a tradition at Disney Parks of honoring extraordinary sports champions from professional football, basketball, hockey, baseball and beyond. For those who remember, we honored players from the Boston Red Sox’s championship team with a parade at Walt Disney World Resort in 2004. If you missed that parade, don’t miss this one Saturday afternoon. Make it your championship moment! View the full article

Four Seasons Resort Orlando Chef Fabrizio Schenardi always connected with James Beard’s quote, “I don't like gourmet cooking or 'this' cooking or 'that' cooking. I like good cooking.” Schenardi will be bringing his own ‘good cooking,’ along with that of Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber, to a major... View the full article

Walt Disney World will begin experimenting on Sunday with using iPhones to track some of its custodial workers and direct them to do specific tasks. Unite Here Local 362, which represents the resort's janitors, is fighting the move. It has raised issues about the custodians' loss of seniority in... View the full article

November has arrived, and you all know what that means… We can officially start the countdown to the holidays! If you’re cruising with us this month or next, you won’t have to endure the wait for magical merriment much longer. Our Very Merrytime Cruises kick off this week, starting tomorrow on the Disney Magic. There’s no better way to get into the spirit than on a Disney ship decked out with holiday cheer. From a very special tree-lighting celebration and a fun-filled tropical party on deck, to Dickens-inspired carolers and Disney pals dressed to the nines in their holiday best, every holiday voyage is one you won’t soon forget. We’re already planning the fun for next year, too, so be sure to check out which cruises will have an extra sprinkle of holiday joy on our website. What’s your favorite part of a Very Merrytime Cruise? View the full article

Walt Disney World will begin experimenting on Sunday with using iPhones to track some of its custodial workers and direct them to do specific tasks. Unite Here Local 362, which represents the resort's janitors, is fighting the move. It has raised issues about the custodians' loss of seniority in... View the full article

For today’s DFB Video, we are sharing with you one of our all time favorite snacks — Dole Whip! We love Dole Whip for so many reasons — it’s tart-sweet tanginess…the refreshing way it says, “Hey! You’re on vacay!”…and the fact that you can get it on BOTH coasts! Yup, we’ve enjoyed our fair share of umbrella-bedecked Dole Whip Floats from Disneyland’s Tiki Juice Bar as well as the unembellished (yet just as delicious) version at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom. Still, new kid on the block Spikey Pineapple at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is scoring big points! See all of the above — and so much more pineapple goodness!! — when you tune into our DFB Video celebrating this favorite treat! And oh, hey, by the way — have you subscribed yet? If not, mark that one off your to-do list today by hitting that big “subscribe” button below! That way, you need never miss one of our DFB adventures again! But since we’re talking all things Dole Whip, I really want to know: Where’s your favorite spot to score Dole Whip, and what’s your favorite? Leave a comment and share 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: #OnTheList: Dole Whip at Disney World and Disneyland Reader Question: Is Dole Whip Vegan and Gluten Free? News! Pineapple Lanai Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Dole Whip!!) View the full article

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received federal permission to fly drones over its theme parks. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a waiver this week allowing Disney to use drones through November 2020. Disney asked for permission last year to fly the drones at Disneyland and Disney World... View the full article

In August, in a nondescript warehouse in North Hollywood, two lions of Disney animation were debating an intricate shot in their new movie, “Moana.” With the studio’s quaint, hat-shaped Burbank building under construction, “Moana” directors Ron Clements and John Musker had relocated to this industrial... View the full article

Behind the Scenes at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival View the full article

Three new narrators join us this year for one of the most beloved and heart-warming holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., and long-time member of the Disney family Ming-Na Wen (voice of Mulan, currently starring in ABC-TV’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”) take to the stage for Candlelight Processional. The annual event is a part of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration, which features a celebrity narrator sharing the story of Christmas, joined by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. Here’s the line-up of performers for 2016: Steven Curtis Chapman 11/25-27 Neil Patrick Harris 11/28-12/1 Whoopi Goldberg 12/2 -12/3 Edward James Olmos 12/4-12/6* TBD 12/7-12/9 Robby Benson 12/10 -12/12 Meredith Vieira 12/13-12/15 Jim Caviezel 12/16-12/18 Joe Morton 12/19-12/21 Ming-Na Wen 12/22-12/27 New! Cal Ripken jr.. 12/28-12/30 New! The story, the music, the twinkling trees and decor fills you with the spirit of this wonderful season. And you can catch the performances at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre. As Charles Stovall shared a few months ago, you can pair this processional with a dining package – breakfast, lunch and dinner options at select Epcot and Epcot Resort restaurants. Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $27 plus tax per person for adults and $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $47 plus tax per person for adults and $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. And don’t forget, as Pam Brandon shared, you’ll also be able to enjoy holiday feasts from our new Holidays Around the World marketplaces. Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). *Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Theme park admission is required. There is no 5 p.m. show on 12/4. View the full article

From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations in Epcot World Showcase and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of options to rings in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner. The talented California Grill chefs create a dine-around style gala, with cooking stations throughout the restaurant. And we hear that the Disney characters will make appearances – along with Baby New Year. Wine and cocktails are included. And of course a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks! 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $650. (Dinner jacket required for men.) Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. Enjoy a luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant with gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Dinner is 10 courses, including eight savory courses and two desserts including eclectic wines from around the world. Seatings between 6-7:45 p.m. $600. New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace. The spacious World ShowPlace Events pavilion opens for an all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza. Great photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney characters) and Disney tunes make this a real family affair. Soups, salads, hearty dishes and desserts – and the kids get their own station with favorites like mac ‘n cheese, meatballs, chicken fritters and more. Seatings available from 3-9 p.m., $72.90, $44.38 ages 3 to 11. Later in the evening, head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017. Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner. The elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot will offer six seatings on New Year’s Eve: 11:45a.m., noon, 2:15p.m., 2:45p.m., 5:45p.m. and 6:15p.m. A four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine reflects the traditions of Chef Paul Bocuse, one of the most famous chefs in France (for whom the restaurant is named). Cost is $110.81. A special late-night dinner with two seatings at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. offers and enhanced French menu, including Paul Bocuse’s famous Soupe aux Truffles V.G.E. Cost is $305.03. La Hacienda de San Angel New Year’s Dinner. This special evening at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot World Showcase starts at 9:30p.m. and ends at 1a.m., and includes a five-course prix fixe dinner, live music with the mariachi band and a fabulous view of the Epcot IllumiNations holiday show. Start the evening with a welcome margarita, then try the tequila pairing with the appetizers. Wine is served with the main course (surf n’ turf) and a dessert liqueur with the sweet ending. Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between from 5 and 5:45p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The menus both feature favorites such as Narcoossee’s lobster bisque, seared Wagyu beef and pan-seared halibut. First seating $150 for adults, $70 children ages 3-9. Second seating $255 for adults, $95 for children ages 3-9. View the full article

Are you excited to experience the ultimate, most epic bedtime story ever told? Get ready, because the new nighttime projection show “Once Upon a Time,” debuts tonight at Magic Kingdom Park. In this new show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with young Chip, taking us all on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” and other favorite Disney films. The show, which was inspired by one at Tokyo Disneyland Park, uses projection mapping technology to transform Cinderella Castle with moving color and imagery. For vacation-planning information on when and how you can experience “Once Upon A Time” on your next visit, check out the My Disney Experience app. View the full article

In the climax of “Toruk,” the new Cirque du Soleil show inspired by the 2009 James Cameron blockbuster “Avatar,” a Na’vi adolescent with blue skin and a thrashing tail learns to conquer his failures as a warrior to become the first of his clan to tame a flying toruk — a giant winged predator — and... View the full article