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The 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is just DAYS away and we can’t wait to visit all the Marketplace Booths this year! We’ve already made our list of all the things we have to eat! Two of our favorite booths are returning to the Festival this year – Brazil and Greece. These booths are always fan favorites and we think that will ring true again this year. While the Griddled Greek Cheese isn’t returning for 2016 you can still make it at home with our recipe! Brazil Marketplace Booth The Brazil marketplace is one of my favorites, both for its design and it’s awesome food! Brazil returned to the Festival in 2013 and we’re so excited to see it back this year! We loved the layered meat pie with yucca mash in 2015. Brazil Marketplace 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Brazil Booth Menu Food: Pão de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread Crispy pork belly with black beans and tomato Escondidinho de Carne: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca Beverages: Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine, Serra Gaúcha Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça The Excondidinho de Carne: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca is always one of our must-have items in Brazil! Escondidinho de Carne Little Hidden One Layered Meat Pie The Pao de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread – was a hit last year and we are excited to see it back on the menu again for this year. Brazilian Cheese Bread The Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans and Tomato is super yummy. Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans and Tomato Don’t forget the beverages! Brazil is serving up Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer, Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine, and a Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer While beer is always good on a hot Festival day, we can’t pass up the Frozen Caipirinha and you shouldn’t either! Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça But maybe you prefer a glass of bubbly Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine? Carnaval Moscato Ready to Plan for Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Another favorite each year is the Greece Marketplace Booth! You should prepare for long lines at this booth. Greece Marketplace Booth This year check out the new Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos.” 2015 Greece Booth 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Greece Booth Menu Food: Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki — NEW! Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce featuring Oikos® Greek Yogurt Spanakopita Oikos Greek Yogurt Vanilla Cake Soaked in Ouzo with Yogurt Whipped Cream and Pistachios — NEW! Beverages: Domaine Skouras Moscofilero Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Alpha Estate Axia Syrah Xinomavro The Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos” feature Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki! Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce Featuring Oikos® Greek Yogurt. Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce The Spanakopita is always a favorite from Greece! Spanakopita Cross-Section And new for dessert this year is Oikos Greek Yogurt Vanilla Cake Soaked in Ouzo with Yogurt Whipped Cream and Pistachios! Oikos Greek Yogurt Vanilla Cake Soaked in Ouzo with Yogurt Whipped Cream and Pistachios We can’t wait to check out the Brazil and Greece Marketplace Booths this year! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! Here’s what we know so far… 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 21. Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents will be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 19th at 9AM. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders can book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 19th as well. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date. What are you looking forward to trying at the Brazil and Greece Marketplace Booths? 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: 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto Rico 2015 Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Dominican Republic and Brazil Booths 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Belgium and Brazil View the full article

The Sum of All Thrills and StormStruck, two exhibits within the Innoventions area of Epcot, closed for good on Tuesday, a Walt Disney World spokeswoman confirmed. Their exit leaves Innoventions East with Colortopia as its one remaining occupant. The exhibits of Innoventions West closed this spring,... View the full article

The Sum of All Fears and StormStruck, two exhibits within the Innoventions area of Epcot, closed for good on Tuesday, a Walt Disney World spokeswoman confirmed. Their exit leaves Innoventions East with Colortopia as its one remaining occupant. The exhibits of Innoventions West closed this spring,... View the full article

As we get further into the Halloween/Fall season, our guests are gearing up for events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park and runDisney events like the Super Hero Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort. And we at the Disney Parks Blog have heard from some of you that would like clarity on the new costume guidelines for all of our ghosts, goblins, princesses and pirates that come to events. So we decided to create this fun little “how to” video showcasing the best choices when it comes to designing the perfect costume for events at Disney Parks. You can find a full list of costume guidelines here. And, as a reminder, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party requires a separate ticket (a party-specific ticket) that can be purchased here and is available for the following dates. September – 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30 October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 For any runDisney events, you can find out information at rundisney.com. And stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information on your favorite events. View the full article

What’s seven feet tall, cute and cuddly and coming soon to Disney Springs? If you guessed the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear, congratulations, you got it! Later this week, a new interactive meet and greet experience will debut at the Coca-Cola Store, located in Town Center, the newest Disney Springs neighborhood. Though the team is still putting finishing touches on the offering, I was able to get a sneak peek – and a photo! When I talked with Coca-Cola Store General Manger, Pete Lucic, he shared “guests should get ready to feel the chill of the artic when they visit the Coca-Cola Polar Bear in his home on the second level of the Coca-Cola Store; there, he’s ready to share plenty of bear hugs, high fives and fun photo moments!” If you completely fall in love with this adorable newcomer (like I did!), there’s plenty of Polar Bear themed-merchandise to take home with you. I couldn’t resist trying on the Polar Bear visor and giving an extra hug to the soft and squishy plush, a miniature version of my new friend. As a native of Atlanta, GA, Coca-Cola has always been near and dear to my heart. Now, I’m just steps away from a Coke float on the open-air rooftop lounge followed by a meet-up with Coca Cola’s most beloved character; with this winning combination, I can’t help but ‘Taste the Feeling.’ Will you add a meet and greet with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear to your next Disney Springs visit? View the full article

Last week we shared a DIY tutorial on how you can make a perfectly scurvy pirate look with just a few pieces of makeup. Today, Cosmetologist Elizabeth Marcano gives us step-by-step directions on how to create a glamorous pirate look. According to Elizabeth, a special hairstyle can also add to the authenticity of the look. In this tutorial she ends by demonstrating how to do a perfect mermaid braid. Want more Halloween DIY tips and tricks? Check out our previous Halloween DIY tutorials below. Pirates of the Caribbean-Inspired Make-Up for Boys 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

The most wonderful time of the year returns to the Happiest Place on Earth with Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, November 10 through January 8! The festive season will bring jolly new experiences plus returning festive favorites. At Disney California Adventure park is the all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light,” celebrating the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays. “World of Color – Season of Light” will take guests through a sparkling winter fantasy, combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films to create an experience filled with magic. Also new for 2016, the Festival of Holidays invites guests to celebrate the season like never before at Disney California Adventure park. The entire family will delight in diverse cultural holiday celebrations, including the popular Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, and the global sounds of special guest musical groups will ring throughout the festival. Guests will enjoy delicious, internationally inspired food and beverage at 14 themed festival marketplaces, and the young and young-at-heart will celebrate with some of their favorite Disney Characters. Princess Elena of Avalor will make her Disneyland Resort debut during Festival of Holidays, and after Holidays at the Disneyland Resort conclude January 8, she will remain at Disney California Adventure park to continue visiting with guests. Over at Disneyland park, the holiday season brings the return of fan favorites including the popular Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, featuring magical snowfall moments that conclude with “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks. Also returning for Holidays at the Disneyland Resort this year will be “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Looking for Santa Claus? He and his sleigh full of mischievous elves will visit Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for this holiday season, where guests will join the festive fun with a series of holiday-themed activities along the trail. And when Santa visits Disneyland park, guests will be able to find him in a special location in Critter Country. We’ll have more details to share about these exciting experiences as we get closer to the start of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort on November 10, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog! View the full article

So, here’s a question… Learn About: Tony’s Town Square Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants What happens to the Main Street Electrical Parade Lunch Package when the Main Street Electrical Parade ends its Disney World run on October 9th? Well, here’s an answer! Guests WILL still be able to book a prix fixe lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom with reserved spots for a parade. But instead of the Main Street Electrical Parade, the package will change to the Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package. That’s right — beginning October 10, 2016, Package guests will enjoy their choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert (along with a beverage) at Tony’s and receive a voucher for a reserved spot around the Town Square flag pole for the daytime (3:00 pm) Festival of Fantasy Parade. Festival of Fantasy Parade’s Big Gun! The cost is $45 for adults and $17 for children (or one Table Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan). Festival of Fantasy Tangled Float As of the time of this writing, Advance Dining Reservations for the Festival of Fantasy Dining Package are available by calling 407-WDW-DINE, and will presumably be available online as well in the near future. Are you interested in the Festival of Fantasy Dining Package? 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: Main Street Electrical Parade Lunch Package Coming to Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom Tony’s Town Square & the “Boo to You” Parade Review: Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom View the full article

We’re poppin’ in with a couple of updates for you regarding this summer’s Refillable Popcorn Bucket program in Disney World! Adventureland Popcorn Cart in Magic Kingdom In case you missed the original buzz, Refillable Popcorn Buckets hit the scene in late June. Guests could purchase a souvenir Popcorn Bucket at select Popcorn Carts around Disney World for $10.00 and have it refilled at any Popcorn Cart on property (no matter where the original Bucket was purchased) for $1.50 for the remainder of the day. Magic Kingdom refillable Popcorn Bucket The program was originally scheduled to run through September 1st. However, September 1st has come and gone… and the Refillable Popcorn Buckets are still up for grabs! At Magic Kingdom, they’ve even received a spooky little makeover in honor of the arrival of Halloween. Magic Kingdom Souvenir Popcorn Bucket September 2016 Magic Kingdom Souvenir Popcorn Bucket September 2016 (Yep, I know we’re not even halfway done with September, but Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is already in full swing at Magic Kingdom on select evenings through October 31st!) But wait… there’s more!! As stated earlier, on previous menus the Refillable Popcorn Buckets were noted as being “Valid for day of purchase,” as on the sign you see below. Popcorn Cart Menu with Refillable Bucket However, one of our DFB Team Member’s JUST found THIS sign at Mahindi, the Popcorn Stand in Animal Kingdom’s Africa: Mahindi Popcorn Menu See the difference? It now reads “Valid for Length of Stay.” (!!!) Though we don’t know the new anticipated end date for the program, according to orlandoparksnews.com it has been extended through October 31st… at this point. Remember, though, this is Disney. They can change their mind whenever they want ;), so we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Buckets available for longer. Here’s hoping! Did you grab a Refillable Popcorn Bucket this summer? 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! Refillable Souvenir Popcorn Bucket Now Available at Disney World News! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Popcorn Bucket at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom News: Light-Up Lotus Popcorn Bucket Coming to Animal Kingdom and Updated Anniversary Buckets in Disneyland View the full article

Cast members Ken Facey and Brandon Peters have been selected as the new Walt Disney World ambassadors, honored positions in which they will represent their co-workers and the company at events. The two were informed of their appointment by Disney World president George A. Kalogridis and the selection... View the full article

In honor of the upcoming 45th anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park on October 1st, we’re sharing fun quizzes each week leading up to the anniversary that are themed to some of the park’s iconic attractions. Have fun testing your knowledge about Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-159801 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom Park How many wood-carved ornate horses can you choose from on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel? 75 85 90 How many shimmering lights light up Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at night? 1,900 2,300 2,600 How many hand-painted vignettes telling the story of 'Cinderella' can be found on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel? 12 15 18 What was the original name of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel when it was built in 1917? Liberty Carrousel Cinderella Carrousel Lady Tremaine Carrousel What is the diameter of the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel? nearly 40 feet nearly 60 feet nearly 80 feet Share your score: Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="159801" data-site-url="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://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

National Grandparents Day was celebrated this past Sunday, but we will continue the celebration throughout the week by giving out tips and recommendations on how to most enjoy your multigenerational family vacation at Walt Disney World. I know that choosing your resort is a huge part of you vacation planning, specially with a large family with children and grandchildren. That is why I have put together my top five Disney World resorts that offer everything a multigenerational family vacation needs. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Family Suites – Immerse yourself in the magic of spacious accommodations with room for the entire family to spread out, inspired by some of your favorite animated movies such as “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo“. Endless Water Fun – Take the plunge in the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar movie “Finding Nemo”, the pool features state-of-the-art underwater speakers, a first for Disney Resort hotels. And while the young ones play, adults can relax poolside at the Drop Off Pool Bar. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Fully immersive theme – Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this oasis of tropical palms, lush vegetation and so much more. Discover the signature tropical atmosphere that’s made this Resort a favorite Disney destination since 1971. Accessible transportation – The Resort is an easy ride to Magic Kingdom Park, and just one transfer away from Epcot! During a full day of intense park-hopping, a nap is just a monorail ride away. Grandparents (and parents) can rest, recharge and get ready to dive back in the action! Supervised Children’s Activity Center – At Lilo’s Playhouse, kids 3 to 12 years of age can enjoy activities inspired by classic tales like “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Pinocchio,” all while grandparent’s and parents explore a few grown-up adventures of their own. Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch at ‘Ohana – Lilo and Stitch, along with other friends, invite grandparents and their ʻohana to an American breakfast influenced by Polynesian flavors. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa A theme grown-ups will love – Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs, this Victorian-style Resort hotel is nestled between rolling golf course greens and the shimmering Village Lake. Golfers can take pride in teaching how to master the sport on this world-class course that has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour and USGA events. Spacious rooms for the entire family – Remember those childhood tree houses? The 3-bedroom Treehouse Villas, elevated 10 feet from the ground and surrounded by the lush forest along the Sassagoula River, will bring back memories and become the charming setting for your grandchildren. Accessible transportation – The Treehouse Villas water taxi also ferries you to the newly reimagined Disney Springs, brimming with restaurants, a movie theater, a bowling alley and more! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House & Kidani Village Experience your own African safari adventure – At this Resort, you can delight in over 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. Identify each species with a Wildlife Field Guide (available from the Lobby Concierge), and learn more about African animals and ecosystems in fun programs led by Animal Specialists. Supervised Children’s Activity Center – At Simba’s Cubhouse, kids 3 to 12 years of age can play games, have dinner and snacks, make crafts, watch Disney movies and make new friends—while grandparents enjoy an evening to themselves. Wonderful waterslide – Splash about at Samawati Springs Pool, which offers two whirlpool spas, an exciting waterslide and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water playground. Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts A storm and a shipwreck? – Discover a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons and more at Stormalong Bay—a 3-acre water wonderland. Climb the mast and zip down one of the highest hotel waterslides at Walt Disney World Resort. Catch currents on an inner tube in the lazy river and unwind in one of three whirlpool spas. A Gateway to the World – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts are walking distance to Epcot. After an exciting day at the park, enjoy a short stroll around the boardwalk before calling it a night. In need for some more action? These Resorts are just a convenient boat ride away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Supervised Children’s Activity Center – At the Sandcastle Club, kids 3 to 12 years of age can make crafts, play games, have dinner and snacks, watch Disney movies and make new friends – while grown-ups relax dockside. Beach Bash Breakfast – Join Minnie Mouse and some of her friends to start the day at Cape May Café. Create unforgettable memories, get autographs and take charming family photos. There are multiple amazing resorts to celebrate grandparents. Which one is your favorite Disney Resort? View the full article

The Inaugural Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend is only a few weeks away. This exciting runDisney event will take place from September 23-25, 2016. Today, I have a look at some of the commemorative products that guests will find during the upcoming magical weekend. Guests attending this Inaugural event will find a variety of shirts for women and men. Several of the shirts were made with performance fabrics and contain details like mesh cutouts. We will also offer “I Did It!” shirts and limited edition pins celebrating the 5K and Half Marathon races. Other items in the event assortment will include limited edition replica medal pins, a mug, a hat, a key chain and a headband. Finally, the Disneyland Paris team paired up with renowned French designer Barbara Rihl to design a unique handbag that celebrates the weekend. The leather shoulder purse is sprinkled with running-themed details. Barbara’s arty universe blends perfectly with dreamlike Sleeping Beauty Castle and Disneyland Hotel. The purse also includes a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, and a nod to Minnie Mouse’s legendary red polka dot print. Quantities for this item are limited and will be available while supplies last. The purse will have a retail price of €150. Look for these items from September 22-24, 2016 at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo held in the Disney Events Arena located at Disney Village. View the full article

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can be overwhelming for those not prepared. To get you ready and to highlight some of the new items and experiences (as well as fan favorites) here is the festival from A to Z. Alcohol: It's not all about the food. From craft beers to wines to cocktails... View the full article

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can be overwhelming for those not prepared. To get you ready and to highlight some of the new items and experiences (as well as fan favorites) here is the festival from A to Z. Alcohol: It's not all about the food. From craft beers to wines to cocktails... View the full article

Last year, Walt Disney World introduced an Annual Passholder exclusive gift for guests attending the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And this year, the offer is back again. While APs could head home from the Festival with a Port Wine Glass last year, in 2016, they can add an etched glass tumbler to their collection. Special thanks to reader Alex for the heads up about these! Passholder Exclusive Food and Wine Festival Tumbler © Disney How does this magic come to pass? Here’s the low-down: To obtain your Passholder Keepsake Tumbler, visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival three times, and use either your Annual Passholder Card or your MagicBand to validate your visits. How to Get Your Passholder Exclusive Food and Wine Tumbler. Thanks to Alex for this pic! On your third visit, head to Innoventions East. Present your Photo ID and either your MagicBand or your Passholder Card, and the tumbler is yours! The promotion runs September 14-November 14. There is a limit of one tumbler per passholder. I’m hoping that the use of MagicBands will curtail those crazy long lines we saw last year! So make plans right now to visit the Festival at least three times, and you’ll automatically receive a pretty awesome souvenir. Ready to Plan for Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Will you be visiting the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival three times this year to get your commemorative glass tumbler? 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: Annual Passholder Exclusive Food and Wine Festival Pin 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Exclusive Pins UPDATED: News! Updates to Early Booking for Some Events at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

For proof that runDisney races are for everyone, look no further than Ellen Lem, a nearly 90-year-old woman from Anaheim, Calif., who participated last week in her first-ever 5K race at the 11th Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. Lem is one of the oldest runners in runDisney history and crossed the finish line arm-in-arm with her daughters in a time of 1:13:05. Her participation in a runDisney race is just the beginning of what makes her an inspiration to us all. Lem, who turns 90 this November, grew up in Asia during World War II. She and her family fled their native Burma and lived as refugees in China. There, she served as a volunteer translator for the American Red Cross and would meet her eventual husband, an American soldier. After years of communicating via letters – and briefly losing touch when she moved to Hong Kong – Lem would eventually reunite with her prince, get married and move to the United States. She even went on to become a Disneyland Resort cast member in the 1970s. For the past 40 years, Lem and her family have called Southern California home. While she has outlived her husband and friends, she is motivated to stay healthy and active so she can experience the joy of her grandchildren completing college. Lem walks 10 laps a day around Juarez Park near her home with her two adult daughters, Caroline and Bella – past runDisney participants. When she started outpacing her daughters, they signed her up for the 5K. After her turbulent early life in Asia, Lem viewed the upcoming race not as a challenge, but as something she can finally be in control of and do for herself. View the full article

With the inaugural Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend quickly approaching, runDisney is starting to pack our bags! We wanted to share with those travelers heading abroad a few helpful tips we’ve come across to be prepared for our first international race weekend. It will also be helpful to have an itinerary or plan of what you want to do while visiting Disneyland Paris. Many guests use the Disneyland Paris website as a resource for finding dining, attractions, events and other activities! Here’s a peek into our suitcase. Our “Top 10” essentials include: Passport & Passport Case Umbrella Small backpack for exploring the city of Paris and Disneyland Paris Toiletry Bag Cell Phone Make sure your phone has an international plan if you are going to use it and download your favorite translation app to help you get around the city with ease. Electronics Don’t forget your converter! Camera and accessories (batteries, memory card, etc.) Race Day Shoes Race Outfit Extra outfits for exploring Extra bag for souvenirs Have you started packing for Disneyland Paris – Val d’Europe Half Marathon Weekend? Share your essentials with us using the hashtag #DisneylandHalfParis. Make sure to follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram as we document our travels abroad! View the full article

Deeply rooted in Disney’s commitment to supporting youth and the community, Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers recognizes exemplary and influential Orange County, Calif., high school students who take action to improve their communities, homes and schools. Whether tutoring other students, cleaning up local parks or fundraising for a cure, Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers make the world a better place – and we want to hear how! Last year, students from more than 50 Orange County high schools were recognized as Dreamers & Doers for their efforts to strengthen their communities and inspire others to make a difference. Students were honored in various ways, including as “Shining Stars” and “Luminaries,” with Disneyland Resort vacation packages and park tickets, grants for their schools, and grants to donate to local nonprofit organizations in their name. If you or someone you know is making a difference by conserving nature, thinking creatively, living healthfully or strengthening their community, apply now by submitting a completed application to your high school’s main office by October 31. Each Orange County high school can nominate up to two Dreamers & Doers! View the full article

When you’re at a local theme park, it doesn’t matter that the Florida weather is slowly transitioning to fall (i.e. from blistering hot to merely sweltering). You’re still power walking your way to Skull Island: Reign of Kong - or Mako - or the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. I might be biased as the... View the full article

#DisneyGrandMoments – A Wild Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

What to expect from the 'black-ish' visit to Walt Disney World? ABC has shared photos from the third-season premiere, which airs at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 21. The episode is called "VIP." Star Anthony Anderson's character, Dre, longs to give his family "the magical, first-class vacation experience he... View the full article

This week’s morning photo was snapped in the “Cape Cod” section of the lovely American Waterfront port in Tokyo DisneySea. In addition to offering a scenic New England fishing village, the larger American Waterfront area is also home to Toy Story Mania!, Tower of Terror, Turtle Talk and more, as well as restaurants New York Deli and Cape Cod Cook-Off. Tokyo DisneySea officially marked its 15th anniversary earlier this month. The park has been celebrating their 15th year since April with a special “Year of Wishes” celebration that includes two new shows: “Crystal Wishes Journey” and “Out of Shadowland,” not to mention special Disney character greeting opportunities, and “Sky High Wishes” fireworks. The anniversary celebration will continue through March 2017. View the full article

Halloween festivities are in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicking off this past weekend, but did you know that the Halloween festivities don’t just take place here on land. You can celebrate Halloween at sea too! Each year, Disney Cruise Line gets in on the Halloween fun with Halloween on the High Seas Cruises. This spellbinding event lasts all season long on select sailings September through October, and our Disney Parks Moms Panelists have the inside scoop for you on all the spooktacular surprises at sea. The panelists share with Angela from GA that this event is so much more than just a Halloween Party! Thrills and chills await you at every turn, thanks to not-so-scary parties, eerie entertainment and bewitching décor. Jeffrey from KY asks if he can get in on the decorating fun too? Mykel from PA gets tips on where to catch favorite characters in their Halloween costumes, but don’t worry Christina from IN, Halloween isn’t just for kids aboard the Disney Cruise Line Ships. And no Halloween activity is complete without a costume! The Disney Parks Moms Panelists share with Donna from GA the details on what to do about costumes for Halloween activities and Pirate Night aboard her upcoming Disney cruise. If you have any questions about an upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. Think you would make a great Disney Parks Mom’s Panelist? Search for our 2017 Mom’s Panelists starts at noon on September 7. Learn more about how to apply at MomsPanelSearch.com. View the full article

In this week’s Disney Doodle, a series in which we showcase a piece of art designed to show what a Disney character (or characters) may do if they had the opportunity to visit a park on their own. This week, designer Ashley Taylor has chosen Mulan and her sidekick Mushu. “I love how theatrical Mushu’s introduction is when he first meets Mulan,” Ashley said. “So I thought he would be the perfect character to give an entertaining campfire story at Fort Wilderness.” In the film, Mushu first reveals himself to Mulan after she says with despair that it will “take a miracle” for her to successfully pass herself off as a male soldier in army. She turns around to an enormous shadow of a dragon that appears flanked by raging flames. When she asks who he is, he responds: “I am the guardian of lost souls. I am the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Mushu!” – before he reveals that he’s really a much tinier dragon. View the full article