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We have more news today regarding the Epcot Candlelight Processional as part of your Holidays Around the World celebration. The Candlelight Processional is a HUGELY popular holiday event in Disney World, featuring the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, and the reading is accompanied by a choir and a full orchestra performing Christmas carols. Neil Patrick Harris Narrating the Candlelight Processional The list of narrators has been updated and is nearly complete, with all dates appearing in full with the exception of December 7th, 8th, and 9th. This year, guests can see the performance from November 25 to December 30. Here is the updated list (which, as always, is subject to change)! Stephen Curtis Chapman: November 25 to 27, 2016 Neil Patrick Harris: November 28 to December 1, 2016 Whoopi Goldberg: December 2 and 3, 2016 Edward James Olmos: December 4 to 6, 2016 Robby Benson: December 10 to 12, 2016 Meredith Vieira: December 13 to 15, 2016 Jim Caviezel: December 16 to 18, 2016 Joe Morton: December 19 to 21, 2016 Ming-Na Wen: December 22 to 24, 2016 Jodi Benson: December 25 to 27, 2016 Cal Ripken, Jr.: December 28 to 30, 2016 The Processional takes place three times each evening throughout the holiday season at the America Gardens Theater in Epcot’s World Showcase. Remember, booking for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages is also open. You can make your Advance Dining Reservation by booking online at disneyworld.com, or by phone by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Candlelight Processional Dining Package Because of the show’s popularity, seats go quickly! The Candlelight Processional Dining Package is the ONLY way we know of to get a guaranteed seat. Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages include a meal at one of Epcot’s participating restaurants: click here to see which restaurants are included on the 2016 Candlelight Processional list! Booking a package entitles each person in the party to a ticket for guaranteed seating (though not necessarily covered seating) at the evening’s performance of the Candlelight Processional. Packages are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seatings. Breakfast starts at $27.00 for adults ($14.00 per child); lunch packages start at $39.99 for adults ($14.00 per child); and dinner packages start at $51.00 for adults ($17.50 per child). The number of restaurants offering a breakfast option has expanded from years past. AND, for the first time, you’ll find restaurants outside of the park included on the list. While Garden Grill Restaurant and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will both offer a breakfast experience in the park (as well as lunch and dinner), two Epcot Resort Area restaurants have also been added to the options. For 2016, you can also book your Candlelight Processional package at Trattoria Al Forno or Captain’s Grille, and receive your pass for reserved seating. Check out our Candlelight Processional Dining Package page for a full list of restaurants and prices! Holiday Disney Trip Planning? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2016 to Jump Start Your Fun! We want to help you get started on making those important Holiday plans today with a great deal on one of our most popular e-books! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2016 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. We’ll guide you through all the special events, activities, and dining so that you can get the biggest bang for your buck! And if you pre-order the 2016 Guide now, we will send you an instant download of the 2015 Guide so that you can start your planning right away! Then, you will automatically receive the 2016 Guide as soon as it’s published the Fall! As a special thank you to our readers for pre-ordering the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2016, we are also offering a discount. Enter discount code PreHoliday at check out, and receive 20% off the list price of $14.95! That’s both the 2015 Guide and the 2016 Guide for $11.95! Two for the price of one! Will you be booking your Candlelight Processional Package today? Leave a comment and tell us when you plan to go! 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! 2016 Disney World Candlelight Processional NARRATORS Announced and Booking Available! News! 2015 Candlelight Processional NARRATORS and Booking Available! News: 2014 Disney World Candlelight Processional Narrators View the full article

Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana | Nature & Wildlife Tour Guide | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

Who’s looking forward to this year’s Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT™? With a tasty new menu of race offerings for this year’s event weekend, we’re getting creative with our style inspiration! To celebrate the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine 10K we cooked up some looks highlighting the host of the event, Chef Remy and his pal Alfredo Linguini! For our Remy-inspired look, we went with traditional grey pieces from Champion with pink accents. Remy adores food and its quality, and surely he would be pleased with the ingredients chosen to represent him! The pink shoes from New Balance are perfect for carrying this look across the finish line! Alfredo Linguini cares greatly for Remy, which makes them a great pair. Although he may be clutzy, this inspired look is not! The white activity tracker is from our presenting sponsor, Misfit Activity + Sleep Tracker. What exactly is Misfit? Check out the runDisney blog where we had the opportunity to chat with our friends at Misfit to learn how it can help you 24 hours a day! The Wine & Dine 10K is not the only new part of the weekend’s expanded menu. Runners who participate in the Disney Wine & Dine 10K and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon presented by MISFIT™ will earn the inaugural Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge medal, which we recently revealed on the Disney Parks Blog. New events mean new creative styles on course! We’ll share some of our favorite looks following the event. What will you be wearing for this event? Tell us on our social media channels using the hashtag #WineDineHalf. Follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. View the full article

Those of you who have wondered if the Rock can carry a tune now have your answer. Disney has released a new clip for its upcoming “Moana,” and it’s the first to feature Dwayne Johnson singing. In the animated film Johnson voices the demigod Maui, who joins Moana on her journey to a fabled island... View the full article

Who’s up for some chocolate?!?? If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that a choco-craving is bound to strike while you’re in Walt Disney World. And when that happens to me, my favorite way to answer the call is to find a Brownie. Warm Peanut Butter Brownie at Sunshine Seasons And the great news? Disney World has some ah-MA-zing brownies. Come with us as we check out some of our very favorites during our latest DFB Video, The Best Brownies in Walt Disney World. And if you’re anything like me, watching this yum video will have you trekking to the kitchen to whip up a batch of your own. Or just book your next Disney trip. Are you loving our DFB YouTube Channel? Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a single episode! So check out our favorite brownies, and then let us know — what’s your pick for the very best? Leave a comment and tell us all about it! 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 Video! Review of Tomorrowland Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom New Video! The Best of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Now on the DFB YouTube Channel! The Best Brownies in Walt Disney World View the full article

Halloween is only one week away – have you planned out the perfect look for your jack-o-lantern yet? Disney Parks Blog authors Simone Miranda and Mike Britton (and their team) just shared three awesome Disney inspired pumpkin-carving templates. Each varies in level of difficulty, from an easy Skeleton Mickey, to a moderate Princess Anna, to a complex Dr. Facilier. For templates on each of these designs, click here. And for step-by-step instructions, click here. For more Halloween DIY activities and tutorials, check out our previous Halloween DIY tutorials below. Disney Mermaid-Inspired Makeup Tutorial ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’-Inspired Glamorous Pirate Make-Up Tutorial ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’-Inspired Makeup Tutorial Tower of Terror Bellhop Makeup Tutorial “Glamorous” Haunted Mansion Makeup Tutorial Haunted Mansion Maid Makeup Tutorial Make a “Witch Minnie” Candy Apple Create Your Own Haunted Mansion Butler Costume Pumpkin Carving Tips View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panelists are full of great advice for planning your next Walt Disney World Resort Vacation. Check out their top five quick tips to make the most of your next visit: 1. Download the My Disney Experience App. 2. Arrive to the parks early. 3. Book your FastPass+ experiences as soon as you can. 4. Determine your top priorities. 5. Live in the Moment. For more videos, quick tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Almost 25 years after starting its wedding division, Walt Disney World is adding more over-the-top experiences, from animated cakes to ceremonies in the shadow of Cinderella Castle. This year, Disney has added options for Magic Kingdom weddings both while the theme park is open and after closing... View the full article

When it comes to Disney Halloween treats, it looks like Elliot from “Pete’s Dragon” has the right idea. In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor envisions what this lovable dragon would do if he had the chance to visit Magic Kingdom Park. Snacking on our seasonal sweets looks like is at the top of his list! According to Ashley, the idea for this “doodle” was inspired by a particular scene from the 1977 film. “I love the scene in ‘Pete’s Dragon’ where Elliott and Peter share apples with each other! I thought Elliot would be the perfect character to enjoy all of the seasonal apples and treats from the Main Street Confectionery!” View the full article

A 67-year-old man recently died after riding Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, according to state records. The death last month was recorded in a list of serious ride-related injuries and illnesses the major theme parks report to the state on a quarterly basis. The big attractions are not... View the full article

OK, I usually really enjoy my meals at Yak and Yeti Restaurant. But this time? I had a blast! No joke; everything was so, so good. Can’t wait to tell you about it! Learn About: Yak and Yeti Restaurant Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants The colorful and beautifully themed restaurant, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is a super hidden gem. This one just doesn’t seem to on the radar of many guests, and that’s a shame. Every time I’ve visited the exotic spot, I’ve had great food and service in beautiful surroundings. But you know the DFB philosophy. We never rely on a place to stay the same, so we’re always revisiting even the best spots to confirm the quality is still there. Since it had been a while since my last check-in, I decided it was time to pay a visit once more to Arjun and the good people of Anandapur for some of their warm hospitality. Atmosphere If you’re on a pilgrimage en route from Africa to Mount Everest to conquer the mountain and the dreaded Yeti, you’ll surely see Yak and Yeti Restaurant. While its flat facade tends to blend in, the vibrant purple/periwinkle paint ensures that you’ll notice it. Yak and Yeti Restaurant And just in case you’re wondering who the heck Arjun is, he owns this house-turned-restaurant. At least according to Disney’s backstory. Once a wealthy merchant, Arjun has fallen on hard times, and now opens his home to travelers in hopes of making ends meet. The restaurant is filled with treasures that Arjun has gathered along his journeys. Yak and Yeti Backstory Owing to the beautiful, eclectic decor here, the story totally works. Let’s have a look around so you can see a little of what I mean. In the lobby, you’ll find the luggage of travelers. Are they arriving or checking out? Guests Have Just Arrived One thing that I always suggest: when you are in Animal Kingdom, don’t just rush through any part of the Park. This place is a masterpiece, and Imagineers paid incredible attention to detail. Soak everything in and ask questions. Decor Decor You’ll find a cozy bar located just to the right of the lobby area. Substantial chairs are a little tough to maneuver, but they’re super comfy. This is a GREAT place to hang out and have a drink, even if you aren’t enjoying a full meal (though the full menu is available here). On the day I visited, there was a rain storm starting up and all of the bar chairs were full. The bar is first come, first served. Bar Seating is comfortable and is located throughout rooms on both the first and second floor of the “home”. Chairs, tables, and even light fixtures don’t match, thus providing further authenticity to the shabby chic decor. Seating A staircase to the second floor reveals more beautiful lighting and an open gallery that allows views down into the first floor. Seating and Decor View Looking Down From Second Floor Truly, treasures abound here. I always feel as though I’m dining in a museum. This one is fierce! So many things at Yak & Yeti to explore! Embellished room numbers above the doorways indicate the home’s prior use as an inn for weary travelers. Room Numbers Above the Doors While the whole restaurant is comfortable and interesting, my favorite seating spots are these tables by the windows on the second floor. They offer terrific views, and the light is always nice (especially when you’re taking pics of all of your food. ) Table at Window Now that we’ve had a look around, let’s check out what Yak and Yeti has to offer the hungry traveler. Eats To begin your meal, Yak and Yeti offers an extensive selection of Beverages. From Beer to interesting Non-Alcoholic concoctions, they have something for every taste. And through it all, they’re committed to staying on theme. Non-Alcoholic Beverages — Click to Enlarge While you won’t find a whole lot in the way of Wine, check out the interesting Sake selection! Wine and Sake Menu — Click to Enlarge The Beer selection is interesting, with Asian choices from Japan, China, and India in addition to Safari Amber Ale, a Disney exclusive that you’ll find in many places around property. Local Craft Beer selections round things out, in addition to a few other popular options. Beer Menu — Click to Enlarge But Specialty Drinks are the sweet spot here. I always love checking out what new options they’re offering in addition to classics that I just can’t pass up. Specialty Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge While we were still looking over the menu, we decided to indulge in a few drinks. I couldn’t resist ordering an Animal Kingdom classic — the Yak Attack. (I’d never actually ordered it at the restaurant — only at the grab and go downstairs!) This frozen combo of Mango Daiquiri, Don Q Cristal Rum, and Berry Flavors goes down suuuuuper easy — and packs a wallop. It’s seriously delicious and refreshing. (You can also score a Yak Attack at Anandapur Local Food Cafes, the Yak and Yeti counter service spot.) Yak Attack But we also decided to give the new-to-us Pink Himalayan a try. This curious mix combines Tanqueray Gin and Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice with Passion Fruit and Lemongrass Flavors for a sophisticated cocktail. It’s normally served with a Salt Rim, but I decided to skip that part. Pink Himalayan And of course, our drinks came with the trademark paper straws, since plastic straws that go astray may harm the animals in the park. (If you didn’t know, you’ll only find paper straws throughout Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge.) But I was intrigued to note that the brand had changed since my last visit. Paper Straw While we sipped on our drinks, we looked over the menu, and found many of our favorites, in addition to some new options. Appetizers, Specialties, and Wok Menu — Click to Enlarge More Menu Items — Click to Enlarge As an appetizer, I chose the Firecracker Shrimp on the recommendation of my server. The Crispy Shrimp are tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy Sauce, and they’re served on a bed of Slaw. And OH MY GRACIOUS these were heavenly. No kidding, I nearly ate the entire plate myself…and I really wanted to do so. Here’s a tip: I ended up requesting a little dish of extra green onions because the added flavor was so perfect with the shrimp! For realz. Get these. Firecracker Shrimp After we enjoyed our starters and drinks, it was time to move onto entrees. My friend opted for the Chicken Tikka Masala. Chicken Tikka Masala Boneless chunks of Chicken are marinated in Yogurt, Spices, and Herbs, and are then grilled. They’re finished in a creamy, spicy Masala Sauce. This was divine. I was in heaven — kind of reminded me of the feeling I get when I order the jambalaya at Boatwright’s. I just want to be alone with this dish so I can inhale it without offending my companions. So much goodness in one place. Chicken Tikka Masala — Up Close The dish is served with both Garlic Naan and steamed Jasmine Rice on the side. But I won’t judge if you just dump the rice in the bowl. Garlic Naan and Jasmine Rice We had recently reviewed Kobe Beef Burger options at Yak and Yeti’s counter service location, so I decided to try the Kobe Beef Burger to contrast the two. The 10-ounce burger is “American Kobe Beef”, and comes topped with your choice of Shiitake Mushroom-Scallion Compote or Asian Slaw. I went for the Mushrooms — again at my server’s recommendation. (He was awesome.) It’s also served with Sesame Soy Mayonnaise on the side, and comes with a generous portion of French Fries as well. Kobe Beef Burger This was delicious. Everyone always touts the burger at Yak and Yeti, and I think it’s great. But it’s not the best I’ve had at Disney World, so temper your expectations on this one. It was also a teensy bit overdone for my taste (I’m a fan of medium rare burgers). While all the flavors meshed well, I was just needing a little something more from this one. Kobe Beef Burger — Cross Section The fries, however…hubba hubba!! I couldn’t keep my hands off of these! Thanks goodness I stopped myself from eating the whole basket, but they had some sort of magic sauce or something. They were super skinny, seasoned fries with lots of flavor. So good. French Fries — Up Close And as a side dish, I asked if I could have a bowl of steamed snap peas. My wonderful server obliged. This another tiny weak spot; they were pretty overdone. Steamed snap peas While the portions of our entrees were certainly generous, we couldn’t pass up some after-dinner tea and sweets. We wasted no time ordering several of the offerings. Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge I was so excited to see my tea arrive to my table in this beautiful tea pot. Here’s my amazing, patient, super kind server. He was so great throughout the meal! Tea Service Doesn’t this all look gorgeous?! Tea and Desserts — Yum! I can never resist ordering my favorite Yak and Yeti dessert here — the Fried Wontons. I hadn’t had them in years, and they’re just as worth the calories and price as always. So unique, you won’t find these anywhere else. Fried Wontons This sweet take on classic Asian Dumplings is a combination of Sweetened Cream Cheese and Fresh Pineapple, Vanilla Ice Cream, and a Honey-Vanilla Drizzle. Fried Wontons (You can’t really tell, but that’s the sweetened cream cheese inside!) Fried Wonton — Up Close We also decided to give the Pineapple Upside Down Cake a try as well. The traditional fruit-topped dessert is served warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Caramel Sauce. This one was gorgeous, and really yummy! But I’d still recommend the Won-Tons. Pineapple Upside Down Cake And though I’d had the Chocolate Pudding Cake before, I didn’t remember having it. Which should have meant something to me. Ha ha! Thick layers of Chocolate Mousse alternate with thinner layers of Chocolate Cake, and it’s all topped with Raspberry and Chocolate Sauces. This is your standard UBER CHOCOLATE dessert, so if that’s your thing, go for it. I liked it, but not enough to pass up my Won-Tons or even the Pineapple Upside Down Cake on the next visit. This is for super chocolate lovers only. Chocolate Pudding Cake We skipped the Mango Pie this time out, but it has legions of fans. So if it sounds good to you, definitely go for it! What an amazing variety! Completely satisfied, we decided to take a loong walk through the Maharajah Jungle Trek to work off some of those calories. And, luckily, the rain passed while I was eating lunch! Yay! Overall Once again, I’ve had a fantastic visit to Yak and Yeti. For those in the know, you might be tempted to bypass Y&Y because it’s not a “real” Disney restaurant. It’s actually owned by Landry’s, a restaurant group that also owns Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex. But please, don’t let that stop you. After all, Epcot and Disney Springs are also full of restaurants that are owned or operated by third party groups, and they’re some of our favorites. (Oh, and speaking of Landry’s, if you’re a Landry’s Select Member, you can get priority seating at Yak and Yeti even if you don’t have a reservation. Great perk on busy days!) Anyway — the point is, Yak and Yeti is beautiful, and has consistently turned in good food and service during all of our visits. Whether we’re just stopping in for drinks and small plates, or we’re having a full meal, I’ve never had a poor experience at Yak and Yeti. If you haven’t taken a chance on it yet, I recommend that you write it into your plans on your very next trip. Yak and Yeti Restaurant is a win for me, but now I’d love to hear from you: Will you be stopping by Yak and Yeti the next time you’re in Walt Disney World? 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: Review: Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Review: New Kobe Beef Entrees at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Review: Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Happy Sunday! This month is just flying by! We’re happy you stopped by and we hope you’re having a wonderful fall weekend. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Disney food news. We’re past the halfway point of 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! And, 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 recently enjoyed dinner at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom – check out our review! We posted two new YouTube videos: Disneyland Snacks and a review of the AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. We have a review and preview of the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is serving up some delicious seasonal sweets and drinks! We have more details about the quick service breakfast at Sanaa at Kidani Village. Is there a new margarita bar or kiosk coming to Epcot’s Mexico pavilion? Check out what’s new at Walt Disney World this week! Ice cream flights are now available at Ample Hills Creamery at Disney’s BoardWalk. 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 love the cupcakes at the Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort! DFB reader Lindsey Werts recently had a chance to savor the Pumpkin Cupcake and it looks delicious! The perfect fall cupcake! In the northern half of the country it is totally sweatshirt weather right now, and we are loving this Le Cellier Steakhouse sweatshirt that DFB friend Nicholas Tedesco found! It’s warm and cozy and seems like the best way to profess our love for all things LeCellier! Le Cellier will keep you warm! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 with code SAVE2017! We’re celebrating the grand launch of the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2017 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World. To celebrate releasing this guide a full four months earlier than usual (because SO MUCH IS HAPPENING IN DISNEY WORLD RIGHT NOW!!), and to say thank you to all of our loyal DFB readers, we’re offering you a discount code before prices go up in the new year. Just use code SAVE2017 at checkout! The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is chock full of tons of great features to ensure you have your best Disney trip, every time. These include: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! We put tons of time, effort, and research into ensuring that we share with you the most relevant, up to date Disney Food Information that’s available. We do this so that you can plan your own Disney visit with confidence, and have the trip of a lifetime, every time. We’d love to share our best tips with you! And remember, because the guide is an e-Book, it’s super easy to download it to all of your mobile devices and take it right into the parks with you! Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2017 Edition, and receive 20% off with code SAVE2017. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get the latest version of our most popular Guide! And don’t forget to check out our Money-Saving Bundles — More Stuff for Less Dough! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found this Disney Pixar Slow Cooker and it is perfect for chili! Cake Wrecks shared some stunning “cakes with character”! Walt Disney World for Grownups shared their favorite one-credit table service restaurants. Oh My Disney shared a fun quiz: Who said it – Chef Gusteau or Julia Child? Disney Parks Blog shared tips for hosting the perfect mad tea party. 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: October 9, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: October 16, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 25, 2016 View the full article

Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana | Animal Programs | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

This week, we shared the news that Mickey Mouse is celebrating his upcoming birthday with a trip around the world where he’ll make surprise appearances in iconic, real-world locations. During the celebration, you’ll be able to follow Mickey’s adventures right here on the Disney Parks Blog as well as on other social channels, including: Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook page, Mickey Mouse Instagram account, or by using the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey. On Mickey’s birthday (November 18) select locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as Disney Stores around the United States, will distribute commemorative “Happy Birthday, Mickey!” buttons. Check out Jennifer’s original story for more details. And Disney Parks Blog readers were also among the first to learn about a new Disney Cruise Line celebration of the adventures of legendary Super Heroes and Super Villains from the Marvel Universe called Marvel Day at Sea. Seven special voyages on the Disney Magic will depart from New York City in the fall of 2017. You can find highlights and dates for Marvel Day at Sea in our original story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Every Dollar Counts for Annual CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Resort, Benefitting Children’s Hospital of Orange County – It’s time again for the largest and most unique pediatric 5K walk in the nation – CHOC “Walk in the Park,” presented by Disneyland Resort. On October 30, participants will walk approximately three miles through Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, raising funds one step at a time for CHOC Children’s programs and services in greatest need — from mental health services to an expanded neonatal intensive care unit. First Look at Stargazer Lounge at Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs – The theme of the re-imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory will still feature stars from the big screen but much of the new focus will be on stars in the sky, as the restaurant completes its transformation into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory. #WonderFALLDisney Halloween Costume Ideas from Disney Parks – With Halloween only a few weeks away, I’ve gathered a few #WonderFALLDisney ideas for costumes using products you can find at Disney Parks. VIDEO: Disneyland Resort Tea Master Pilar Hamil Gives Afternoon Tea Tips Perfect For a Mad Tea Party – In celebration of the “Alice Through the Looking Glass” home entertainment release today, we’re sharing an exclusive look at one of the film’s special features with Disney Parks Blog readers! From how to steep the perfect cup of tea to etiquette, Pilar Hamil, Disneyland Resort Tea Master and the creator of Classic Afternoon Tea at the Disneyland Hotel, shares her favorite tips so you can enjoy the perfect afternoon tea in the video below. Parks & Resorts Receive Top Honors in 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards – We’re excited to share that Disney Parks & Resorts have once again been named among the top destinations around the world to stay and play in the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards celebrate the best of the best in travel according to travelers just like you. Show Your Family The World on an Adventures by Disney River Cruise – For me, learning means going beyond the classroom and getting hands-on experience. When traveling I truly learn through doing, experiencing the culture, traditions and customs of a region firsthand. Adventures by Disney makes showing your family the world effortless, making it the perfect option for those looking to learn through travel. View the full article

We’re gearing up for one of our favorite weekends of the year — the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! The Causeway The event is in its seventh consecutive year, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. In 2016, the Food and Wine Classic will include 50 food and wine stations, 10 seminars, fun themed areas, and opportunities to meet some of the award-winning chefs who bring their artistry to life in the resort’s 17 restaurants! Last year, we enjoyed the opportunity to sip and stroll the Swan and Dolphin’s elegant Causeway. Today, we’ll share photos and impressions of our experience. And stay tuned next week, when we bring you photos and details about the Food and Wine Classic’s seminars and themed areas — The Beer Garden, Carnival Corner, and new for 2016 — Chinatown! Atmosphere Never been to the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic? Then you’re in for a treat. Once you make your way through the resort’s lobby, head toward the area between the hotels to find the action. Or, if you happen to be in Epcot or in one of the Epcot Resorts, you’ll encounter the causeway immediately when you head over toward the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. Lobby Sign Checking In and Getting Tickets The Causeway Tasting takes place entirely outdoors, so watch the weather and plan ahead. Once you get to the causeway area, look for the Check-In Table. If you’ve pre-purchased your tickets, this is where you’ll pick up your wristband, which is good for unlimited trips to all of the booths on the Causeway. If you prefer, you also have the option of purchasing a booklet of a la carte tickets to use at the booths. You’ll receive a plate and a wine glass for tasting. While the food items are pre-plated, the plate comes in handy as sort of a miniature tray. Check-In Desk As you taste, you can choose to stroll and enjoy, or you can find seating at one of the many tables. Seating on the Causeway There are also High Boy Tables scattered throughout the area, where you can park long enough to eat. High Boy Table for Grazing If you’re looking for a souvenir from the event, be sure to check out the Wine Store. Wine Store You can purchase bottles of the wines featured throughout the event, but there’s also some branded merch as well. Gift Shop and Memorabilia As night falls, the Causeway truly comes alive. Cool projections on the buildings add visual interest, and there are live musical acts to entertain you. Live Music It’s a super fun experience, just strolling the wide walkways on an Autumn Florida night. But I know you’re interested to see what we ate! So let’s check out the Booths. Eats (and Drinks) In 2015, there were 40 different Beverage Stations. Talk about choices! While beverage stations are scattered among the food stations, I’m grouping them all together just to keep all the stuff, well…together. Wine lovers can explore and compare different U.S. regions within California, Oregon, and Washington. Wine Booths There were also selections from Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Italy, and New Zealand. Wine! If you prefer brews, check out the Beer, Please! Booths. There were two in 2015, and each offered a nice variety of Craft Beer selections. Beer, Please! Station Florida Breweries Cigar City from Tampa and Crooked Can in Winter Garden were also represented, and we enjoyed a taste of everything they had to offer. Selections from the Beer Please! Station Crooked Can Beer In addition to wine and beer, the Classic also offers other beverage options. In previous years, we sampled cocktails made with craft moonshine. In 2015, St. Augustine Distillery offered cocktails made with locally distilled liquors. St. Augustine Distillery Booth And they offer Mixers, too! St. Augustine Distillery Florida Mule Mixer We sampled the Florida Mule and the New World Gin and Tonic. Both classic cocktails were delicious! Florida Mule and New World Gin and Tonic Tyku Sake also has had a presence at the Classic for the past several years. Last year, we sampled two infused Nigori Sakes — Cucumber and Coconut. We really enjoyed the fresh twist on one of our favorites. Japan Sake Booth But of course, there are plenty of Tasting Stations as well. Each of the Swan and Dolphin restaurants are represented, but there are some special “guest stars” too. Chef Todd English is a regular at the Classic, and takes a lot of time each evening to mix and mingle with guests. See? (FYI — those ladies? Not us.) Chef Todd English and Fans But he’s there to cook a little too. In addition to the bluezoo Booth (more about it in a sec), you’ll find a Todd English Booth as well. Todd English Booth Todd English Booth Preparation Last year, the offering was a rich Crab and Smoked Mozzarella Fritter. It was a perfect two-bite treat. Crab and Smoked Mozzarella Fritter Chef Robert Ciborowski, the Resort’s executive chef, also brings something special to the event at his booth, Cib’s Handcrafted Barbecue. Cib’s Handcrafted Barbecue We enjoyed the tender Southern Fried Chicken served with Creamy Polenta, Pickled Turnips, and BBQ “Gravy”. Southern Fried Chicken bluezoo was located a stone’s throw away from the Todd English Booth and offered a different dish. bluezoo Station The popular Shrimp Cocktail Steamrollers are a fun twist on a classic appetizer. Shrimp Cocktail Steamroller The Shula’s Steakhouse Booth is always one of the most popular. Shula’s Booth We look forward to enjoying the Salt Roasted Prime New York Strip Loin, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sauce Bordelaise again this year. Carved Prime NY Strip and Garlic Mashed Potatoes Picabu, located at the Dolphin, is a buffet/cafeteria style restaurant, open to guests 24 hours a day (and is my go-to source for Chicken Wings in the middle of the night…which happens all too often). Picabu Booth They’ve delighted Classic guests for the last few years with an assortment of freshly prepared Tacos. We tried both the Braised Pork and the Organic Veggie versions. They also offer an assortment of toppings and hot sauces so that you can prepare your tacos just the way you like them. Picabu Tacos — Braised Pork, Organic Veggie Kimono’s always offers a terrific Sushi selection at their booth. Kimono’s Booth On the night we visited, it was an elegant and spicy Jalapeño Roll, with Spicy Tuna, Yellowtail, and Jalapeño Peppers. Jalapeño Roll Il Mulino New York Trattoria is a favorite stop of ours for authentic Italian food, and we always enjoy seeing what they bring to the Classic. Il Mulino New York Trattoria Booth The Confit Osso Bucco Croquette with Romesco Sauce, Marcona Almond, and Shishito Piperade was one of my favorite bites of the evening. Confit Osso Bucco Croquette Garden Grove is great for casual dining and character meals, and I absolutely love the Fish and Chips they’ve served the last couple of years! Garden Grove Booth The night we visited, we were treated to a different fish dish, however. The Blackened Salmon with Red Beets and Green Apple was fresh and light — a great better-for-you option. Blackened Salmon We love the fusion flavors you can experience at the Fresh Booth. FYI — Fresh is an awesome breakfast and lunch option in the World. Fresh Booth Thai Chicken Salad with Organic Greens, Green Papaya, and Tamarind-Ginger Dressing lived up to the booth’s name! Thai Chicken Salad Cabana Bar and Beach Club features a tempting array of poolside fare and craft cocktails, so we always love to see what they come up with. Cabana Booth They didn’t disappoint with a chilled King Crab, Savoy Cabbage, Shellfish Consomme, and Pistachio Mousse. King Crab with Savoy Cabbage, Seafood Consomme, and Pistachio Mousse We were also excited to see what sweet endings award winning Executive Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard had in store for us at the Dessert Station. Dessert Station The Sugar Sculpture on display at the station was a showstopper, as usual! Sugar Sculpture The miniature pastries at the station are always a treat. We enjoyed both the Baba au Rhum and the Raspberry Chocolate Fondant Cake. Mini Baba au Rhum Raspberry Chocolate Fondant Cake But the S’mores Sundae action station was also fun and delicious. S’mores Sundae And with that, we were ready to call it a night. The Causeaway and the Dolphin at Night And seriously — what a gorgeous night it was. Overall We’ve been to every Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic so far, and it never ceases to be a fantastic event. The sheer variety of food, the incredible array of wines, and the beautiful setting combine to make for a memorable evening. And we can’t wait to share with you all that 2016 holds in store for us as well! We’ll be back next week to share more photos and details about the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic special areas, like The Beer Garden and Carnival Corner. We’ll also have a sneak peek of a brand new area! Wanna Go?! If you’re interested in ordering tickets for this year, get all the details at http://swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com/! But in the meantime, we want to hear from you. Are you excited to attend the 2016 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic? 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: Review and Preview: The Causeway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Review and Preview: The Causeway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Review: The Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic View the full article

It’s widely noted that Halloween originated with the Celts in Ireland, who believed this was a time when the souls of the dead roamed the streets and villages at night. Many of the celebration’s practices were based on superstition, and ancient communities gathered together to light huge bonfires meant to ward off evil spirits and bad fortune for the coming year. So the Raglan Road mixologists couldn’t resist the chance to brew a new ghostly cocktail to celebrate the 2,000-year-old harvest festival, Samhain, (pronounced “so-anne”), which signified the end of summer and the beginning of harvest. The cleverly named potion, Druids Samhain, will be served October 24-31 in a shroud of fog (and with a surprise garnish), a perfect aperitif or with one of Master Chef Kevin Dundon’s popular desserts. Many modern-day Halloween traditions, like dressing in costumes and carving pumpkins, originated with the Celtic Samhain festival. Irish villagers disguised themselves using animal skins, and families would carve scary faces into turnips and leave them at the doorstep to ward off malevolent spirits. If you can’t join the celebration at Disney Springs, here’s the recipe – and it’s one spirit you won’t want to shoo away! Druids Samhain Potion 2 oz. Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey 1.25 oz. Amaretto 2 oz. apple juice 2 oz. cranberry Juice 1 oz. maraschino cherry juice Add all ingredients to shaker, fill with ice. Shake, then strain into rocks glass. Serve over food-grade dry ice and swizzle stick (available online). Garnish imaginatively. View the full article

Donald Glover is officially your new Lando Calrissian. Lucasfilm has announced that Glover will play the younger version of “Star Wars’” Cloud City administrator turned Rebel Alliance general in the upcoming standalone Han Solo film. Glover will join Alden Ehrenreich, who was confirmed to play... View the full article

Spooky fun was the talk of the Disney Parks Blog back in October 2011. Let’s take a look back at some of the stories we brought you five years ago this month. Celebrating Ten Years of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park Cast members from teams like Operations, Engineering, Creative Development and Food and Beverage told us how they all work together to bring the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house to life. What’s My Line? Can You Place These Disneyland Resort Attraction Quotes? We did a special spooky edition of our “What’s My Line? ” series in honor of Halloween. Vintage Walt Disney World: A Haunted Mansion is Built at Magic Kingdom Park Nate gave us a look at The Haunted Mansion while it was still under construction on February 24, 1971. View the full article

Caitlin Busscher and Nathaniel Palma stride with purpose across Magic Kingdom. They smile and wave to co-workers, calling many by name. There are hugs. They smile more and enthusiastically greet visitors, noting buttons indicating first-timers to the theme park. They laugh and move forward. There... View the full article

Woohoo — it’s Friday! Who’s ready for a little Happy Hour Fun? I have just the thing for you. Check out the latest DFB Video that we’ve posted to our new YouTube Channel, featuring a review of the mystical, magical AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. AbracadaBar The BoardWalk has needed a few grown up spots for the longest time. Don’t get me wrong. We love enjoying a classic cocktail like The Shadow at the BoardWalk’s Belle Vue Lounge as much as you do! But hey, it’s always fun to try new things. And AbracadaBar is one seriously cool place, so be sure to tune in to our video to see all the details! And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our NEW DFB YouTube Channel, so you’ll always be the first to see our new videos! So what do you think? Will AbracadaBar be on your list of places to visit during your next Disney trip? 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: Sneak Peek: Take a Look Inside the Upcoming AbracadaBar on Disney’s Boardwalk New Video! The Best of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Now on the DFB YouTube Channel! Sneak Peek! Signage Arrives on Disney World’s Boardwalk for the Upcoming AbracadaBar View the full article

This week we’re concluding our Halloween DIY Make-Up series with an amazing and intricate “Day of the Dead”-inspired look. Day of the Dead (or “Dia de los Muertos”) is a three-day celebration held throughout Mexico in which families celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. The skull images that are associated with the celebration were originally inspired by Latin American artist José Guadalupe Posada, who often featured skulls or skeleton characters in his work. Today skull-shaped treats and masks are often popular parts of the celebration. If you’d like to create your own “Day of the Dead” skull look, check out the step-by-step makeup tutorial above. The key is a lot of black, white and bold colors for detail. To view or share a Spanish-language version of this tutorial, click here. Want more Halloween DIY tips and tricks? Check out our previous Halloween DIY tutorials below. ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’-Inspired Glamorous Pirate Make-Up Tutorial ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’-Inspired Makeup Tutorial Tower of Terror Bellhop Makeup Tutorial “Glamorous” Haunted Mansion Makeup Tutorial Haunted Mansion Maid Makeup Tutorial Make a “Witch Minnie” Candy Apple Create Your Own Haunted Mansion Butler Costume View the full article

Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was voted the No. 2 restaurant in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards. No. 2 out of 10, the Walt Disney World Resort restaurant remains the only Florida restaurant on the illustrious list. Victoria & Albert’s also is a AAA Five-Diamond Award winner, under the helm of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, maître d hotel Israel Perez and Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek. In 2016 the award-winning dining room added a Chef’s Degustation Menu, a series of 10 small courses, along with the seven-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. The smaller Queen Victoria Room offers a 10-course menu paired with exclusive wines from the restaurant’s impressive cellar, and there is a Chef’s Table for up to eight guests in the kitchen. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, according to the website, with more than 250 million reviews and opinions covering accommodations, restaurants and attractions. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period. The Victoria & Albert’s team is in fine company. The top 10 fine-dining restaurants: Alinea, Chicago Victoria & Albert’s, Orlando Per Se, New York City Halls Chophouse, Charleston, S.C. Bouley, New York City Charleston Grill, Charleston, S.C. Daniel, New York City Restaurant Gary Danko, San Francisco The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif. Mama’s Fish House, Paia, Hawaii Congrats to the entire Victoria & Albert’s team! The restaurant is open daily for dinner. For reservations, 407-939-3862. View the full article

How do you celebrate your birthday when you’re the “Big Cheese” at Disney? The original M-O-U-S-E? With a trip around the world, of course. Mickey Mouse, who will mark his birthday on November 18, has just embarked on a trip around the world. Over the next few weeks, he will make surprise appearances in iconic locations to celebrate his birthday with his fans. You’ll be able to follow Mickey’s adventures on various social channels, including: Disney Parks Blog, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Facebook page, Mickey Mouse Instagram account, or using the hashtag #HappyBirthdayMickey. Then on November 18, select locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as 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, fans can enjoy a new video highlighting Mickey’s travels around the world, which will also feature the new song, “What We Got.” View the full article

Yes, yes, I can be crabby. But now I know how to be spider crabby, courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando. I was invited there to experience the costuming and makeup process for the costumed characters involved in SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular. The theme park has been using sea life, naturally, as its... View the full article

Many Happy Returns | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article