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Just wanted to give a quick update on Disney’s Night of Joy – this year at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Earlier, my colleague John Phelan from Disney Creative Entertainment gave some updates on this year’s entertainment. We also have added artist Q&A sessions to the Fan Fest in Jostens’ Center at The Complex. Guests of Saturday night can catch up with some of the groups performing on Friday night including: MercyMe – 7:05 p.m. newsboys – 9:15 p.m. Francesca Battistelli / Matthew West – 10 p.m. We also have larger-than-life, interactive chess boards brought to the event by the enchanting new film from Disney, in association with ESPN Films, “Queen of Katwe.” Fans can learn more about the film based on a remarkable true story while playing life-size chess and see the film in theaters starting September 23. For those not as familiar with the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, our own Mark Daniels from Inside Disney Parks has a little tour of what to expect from this year’s Night of Joy. Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort is enhancing its offerings, with the concerts being held for the first time ever at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This year’s artists represent one of the best lineups in all of Contemporary Christian Music with 18 top performers and groups. Friday, September 9 – MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, Zealand Worship, OBB Saturday, September 10 – Newsboys, for KING & COUNTRY, Young & Free, Switchfoot, RED, Thousand Foot Krutch, Timmons, VERIDIA, Derek Minor This year, Night of Joy guests will have more options than ever with two nights of Contemporary Christian music, ample seating at indoor and outdoor venues, amazing performances on multiple stages, including Champion Stadium, and opportunities for fellowship and fun. We also have ticket options that allow you to maximize your park time doing rides and then maximize your concerts and time together at night – plus you pick your park! Here are the details: A single-night, concert only ticket for Friday, September 9 – $39 plus tax (in advance); $45 the day of the show (if available). A single-night concert and one-day Disney theme park ticket (valid for one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks) for Saturday, September 10 – $99 plus tax (in advance); $114 plus tax the day of the show (if available).* A two-night concert ticket (which includes both nights’ concerts and one-day Disney theme park ticket (valid for one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks) – $119 plus tax (in advance).* Walt Disney World Resort guests attending Night of Joy may enjoy transportation to ESPN Complex from all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Throughout the event and upon its conclusion, we will continue to offer transportation from ESPN Complex to all Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. Guests attending Disney Night of Joy but staying off property are encouraged to use their personal transportation to travel to and from ESPN Complex. Additional group discounts and premium seating options also are available. For more information, check out nightofjoy.com and stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. * The one-day Disney theme park ticket is only valid for Saturday, Sept 10. View the full article

The colorful Cha Cha Bingo Girls and Bubble Girls entertain throngs of visitors watching the Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy parade. They strut. They twirl. They kick. But are they dancers? That's the debate right now between Walt Disney World and the union that represents the resort's performers.... View the full article

The colorful Cha Cha Bingo Girls and Bubble Girls entertain throngs of visitors watching the Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy parade. They strut. They twirl. They kick. But are they dancers? That's the debate right now between Walt Disney World and the union that represents the resort's performers.... View the full article

It's the final boarding call for classic films at sea. The sixth TCM Classic Cruise this fall on the Disney Fantasy will be the final classic film cruise, even though all previous cruises have sold out. "As TCM continues to grow and evolve, we will look to explore new business opportunities in... View the full article

What do Minnie Mouse and the Storm Troopers have in common? If you think it’s their popularity with our guests at Walt Disney World Resort, you are correct! Even visiting celebrities want to snap photos with them during their vacations. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, actress and host Giselle Blondet was so excited to meet the Storm Troopers at Star Wars Launch Bay, that she even picked her attire to match them. She definitely got into the spirit of everything Star Wars during her recent visit. And Latin Grammy Award winner Gaby Moreno, who performs the theme song for Disney Channel’s new series “Elena of Avalor,” couldn’t pass on the opportunity to pose with Minnie Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park. Who are your favorite characters to take photos with? Mine are Mickey, Stitch and Olaf! View the full article

We just wrapped up an exciting weekend celebrating some of our favorite Disney Duos at the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna! Runners came out in full force, donning their favorite duo- and group-inspired looks, and we could “bearly” contain our excitement. The race weekend consists of the Disneyland 5K, Disneyland 10K and Disneyland Half Marathon. For an added challenge, runners who participated in the Disneyland 10K and the Disneyland Half Marathon received the coveted Dumbo Double Dare medal. While we we’re sad to say goodbye to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we are excited to share some of our favorite moments from throughout the weekend. Bears, bears everywhere! The Disneyland 5K celebrated the very cute bears of Disney. Liver Lips and Big Al were the official hosts, with other bears like Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear and Duffy the Disney Bear also on course. Aladdin and his best buddy Genie were on hand during the Disneyland 10K to cheer runners through the course. How cute is this group? Mickey Mouse and his dog Pluto hosted the Happiest Race on Earth – the Disneyland Half Marathon! This event really celebrated classic Disney Duos. Here are a few of my favorites! Thank you to everyone who joined us! Did you run as a duo? Share with us on our social channels using the hashtag #DisneylandHalf! Follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. View the full article

When Magic Kingdom Park opened at the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971, one of my favorite attractions – The Haunted Mansion – also opened its doors. Located in the Liberty Square area of the park, guests could embark on a spooky tour through the final resting place of “999 Happy Haunts.” Guided by a Ghost Host, guests head through a spooky library with marble busts with watching eyes, visit a music room with a mysteriously invisible piano player, are guided through Madame Leota’s seance room, enter the ballroom for a “swinging wake” and more. The attraction astounded guests on opening day – much as it continues to do today. Only a few additions have been made over the years: the mansion’s graveyard expanded in 2011, adding a mass of spooky new tombstones and crypts that guests can interact with on their way into the attraction. (Mansion fans won’t want to miss our behind-the-scenes video above, which shows how some of these markers are actually nods to the attraction’s former residents). Today, The Haunted Mansion is one of several “haunted”-themed attractions you can find at Disney Parks around the world, including similar attractions at Disneyland park and Tokyo Disneyland, as well as Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. See the posts below for more on The Haunted Mansion: 12 Haunted Mansion Wallpapers To “Haunt” Your Desktop Haunted Mansion DIY Makeup Tutorials Haunted Mansion DIY Butler Costume Haunted Mansion Nail Tutorial View the full article

As a mom with a little one, I can tell you that no two days – and no two vacations – are the same. Right now my 3-year-old is obsessed with riding Journey of the Little Mermaid and, yes, also “it’s a small world.” But every day he’s getting a little older, and more adventurous too, and these changes will broaden our vacation focus. Thankfully there’s a plethora of Disney vacation options that suit our ever-growing needs with Disney Vacation Club accommodations. The newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, features Deluxe Studios that sleep up to five – the largest Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Studios found at any Walt Disney World Resort property. And my son especially loves the hidden pull-down bed featuring super cute Lilo & Stitch artwork (I should note that this photo is already more than a year old and my little guy is getting so much bigger, and more apt to be seen wearing pants, with each passing day). The Resort is part of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where you can access amenities like the Lava Pool, Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area, Lilo’s Playhouse and my grown-up favorite, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. And Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is just steps from the monorail and boat transportation, meaning that I’m never too far from another ride on “it’s a small world” (and, in just a few years, Space Mountain). Check out everything this Disney Vacation Club Resort has to offer in this video! View the full article

With summer coming to an end, many children are going back to school and seeing the faces of new teachers, students or day care workers. Here at the Walt Disney World Resort, we are seeing some new faces, too! Meet the red lechwe, our newest inhabitants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Lechwe are distinguished by their long bodies and hindquarters that are higher than their shoulders. The red lechwe is a subspecies named for the reddish-brown color of their coats. As lechwe age, it is easier to detect the differences in males and females, as the males’ coats turn a darker color. Red lechwe eat grass from flooded areas and aquatic vegetation. They have special adaptions, including long narrow hooves that allow them to live in marshy environments. Similar to waterbuck, lechwe have a greasy, water-repellent coat that helps when they are swimming or grazing on aquatic plants. The red lechwe can be found at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, on the Pembe Savanna, which they share with red river hogs, as seen in the photo below. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we have the privilege of welcoming two chicks to the family! Meet our two young pink-backed pelicans. They are named for the light-pink color their backs turn during mating season. They nest in large groups and lay two to three eggs at a time. Hatching a pelican chick takes team work, and both parents incubate, or sit on, the eggs for around 30 days. It takes around 70-85 days after hatching for the chicks to fledge, or grow their feathers. As long as the nest remains intact, the pelicans will return to nest in the same nest year after year. You can see the pink-backed pelicans and their chicks on Kilimanjaro Safaris, on an island in the Safi River. Learn more about the animals at the Walt Disney World Resort by visiting DisneyAnimals.com and visit the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page. View the full article

Guest Author AM Appleby returns to share her California Grill Brunch at the Top experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Brunch is offered every Sunday from 10AM – 1PM. Cost is $80 for adults and $48 for kids ages 3-11. Learn About: California Grill Disney World Restaurants California Grill, located atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is well known for fine dining and spectacular views. A divine spot for sushi, steak, and fabulous cocktails, the restaurant began serving brunch in February for the first time in its 20-year history. Considering the reputation of California Grill, I didn’t even glance at the menu before booking an Advance Dining Reservation. I thought brunch would be top notch, and had high hopes that I wouldn’t be disappointed. Atmosphere Upon arriving at the Contemporary Resort, we were directed to Valet Parking where a Cast Member was waiting to greet us. After a quick trip to the second floor check-in desk we were whisked away in a private elevator to the 15th floor. We walked towards the abundant light streaming in through the enormous windows, admiring the view beyond, and were given complimentary mimosas (and a children’s mimosa — or “faux-mosa” for my seven-year-old daughter) at the bar. Complimentary Mimosas The spacious room was fairly quiet, with charming music being played on piano and double bass. Musicians We were seated at a window table with an expansive view of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon that never gets old. Seating The view that never gets old Eats Moments later, our server arrived and explained the menu. Brunch at the Top is part buffet, part table service. Brunch Menu We explored the bountiful buffet before selecting our entrées, as suggested. A make-your-own Bloody Mary Bar is the first stop. You get to choose your vodka, hot sauce (they have nearly a dozen), and garnishes. Bloody Mary Bar Garnishes More Bloody Mary Garnishes Scorpion Sting and other hot sauces I ordered mine with Absolut Peppar and Scorpion Sting sauce, garnished with a jumbo shrimp, chorizo, brie cubes, candied bacon, and blue cheese-stuffed olives staked onto a celery tree. A feast in a glass! My Bloody Mary A selection of cheeses and charcuterie is next: Orange-Honey Ham, Beef Sausage, Bison and Sweetbread Terrine, and accompaniments including Whole-Grain Mustard and Sweet Onion Jam. Made in-house, each was delightful, but the Bison and Sweetbread Terrine was my favorite. Charcuterie Station I added a bit of honeycomb that I mooched from the yogurt station (my favorite accompaniment to any cheese board). The terrine was melt in your mouth with a creamy texture, and I helped myself to more after my entrée! My cheese and charcuterie choices A sampling of the famous California Grill sushi was next, starting with the simple but very tasty California Rolls with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat. Salmon, Tuna, and Hamachi Nigiri, Spicy Tuna Tekka Maka Rolls, and Shrimp Tempura finished out the selection. Wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce set-ups were available by the plates (which I forgot, but the sushi was so delicious they were unnecessary). The ample selections available on the buffet could have easily made a meal, but I was looking forward to my pancakes. Sushi Back at our table (with its unsurpassed view), we found a pastry board with a croissant, pecan sticky bun, country cheddar biscuit, and huckleberry muffins. My daughter and I had different favorites, so we didn’t have to share (but of course we could have requested more had we wanted!). House-Made Jam and Orange Blossom Honey Butter were served on the side, and each was lovely with the sweet breads. Pastry Board I ordered the Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry Compote and Canadian Maple Syrup, and my daughter altered the Shrimp and Grits to an Eggs and Grits entrée. There is no specific children’s menu for brunch, so kids order from the adult menu (with substitutions, if desired). We continued to nibble on our smorgasbord while listening to classic Disney renditions. I snapped this picture when they were playing Part of Your World from… well, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you ! Lovely music The Deviled Lake Meadow Farm Eggs were creamy (and gone in two bites), and the Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad with Marinated Tomatoes, Cherrywood Bacon, and Avocado-Buttermilk Ranch Dressing was fresh and tangy. Baby Iceberg Wedge Salad My daughter really enjoyed the Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries and Vanilla-scented Granola. Greek Yogurt Station Yogurt with Mixed Berries and Granola Although all of the specialty cocktails sounded delicious, I ordered an Elderflower Gin and Tonic, made with Hendrick’s Gin, St-Germaine Liqueur, and Fever-Tree Tonic. Absolutely delightful and refreshing! Elderflower Gin and Tonic The Eggs and Grits were buttery and flavorful and my daughter ate it right up. My Pancakes, which came highly recommended from a diner at the next table, were fluffy and filling, and I topped each bite with a little blueberry compote and vanilla custard. Blueberry Pancakes with Blueberry Compote and Canadian Maple Syrup We played a few rounds of Uno before indulging in a Dessert Plate with Macarons, Madeleines, Strawberry Jam Linzer Cookies, and Chocolate Toffee Brittle. Dessert Plate Enjoying dessert and Frozen Uno Quite full, we took a stroll out to the rooftop deck for an unobstructed view of Magic Kingdom, and to take the ubiquitous photo from that perfect spot. The cerulean sky and cumulus clouds cooperated wonderfully. View from rooftop deck Just like with an early dinner seating, you may return later to watch Wishes from the rooftop deck by bringing your receipt to the California Grill check-in desk on the 2nd floor. Though no specific allergy menu is available, the talented chefs at California Grill are more than capable of accommodating special dietary requests. Additional entrées are available, either as a second serving or as a replacement. Tables in Wonderland is accepted, and two table service credits are required if using the Disney Dining Plan. Overall An elegant and relaxed affair, California Grill Brunch at the Top was an enchanting way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Extravagant fare plus an exquisite view… What could be better? Cheers! Please share your thoughts on this California Grill experience with a comment below! 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’s California Grill to Offer “Brunch at the Top” Starting February 2016 Guest Review: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort Guest Review: California Grill at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

Screams, shrieks and disembodied voices! All sounds that make the Haunted Mansion feel like home. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park and one of its original attractions with this delightfully spooky wallpaper. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

DIY Halloween Makeup: ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’-Inspired Tutorial | Disney Parks View the full article

It’s SO CLOSE now, my friends… The 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival begins September 14th! That means the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is bookable now! Similar to the 2015 Package, Walt Disney World passholders, DVC Members, and Chase Disney Visa Cardholders can book the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for a 15% discount! As in years past, the Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival offers a combination of VIP experiences, special events, and terrific opportunities to learn from Disney Chefs and other Festival notables. Your special Food and Wine Festival experience lasts ALL DAY LONG, and includes all of the following: The 7-hour experience begins at 9:00 AM on the following Fridays: September 16, 23, 30; October 7, 14, 21, 28; and November 4, 11, 2016. The cost of The Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival experience is $399 per Guest, plus tax. A 15% discount is available for Disney Vacation Club Members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Chase Visa Cardmembers. See artists performing during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. View celebrity chefs who will be presenting at the What’s Cookin’ With… brunch during the Wonders Retreat. (See our list of who will be appearing each week on our Food and Wine Festival Special Events Page) Theme park admission is required and is not included with the cost of the VIP Tour. For reservations, please call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687. Please note that terms and inclusions in the package are, of course, subject to change. 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! 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: Ultimate VIP Tour Experience for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Offers 2 Full Months of Delicious This Year! UPDATED: News! Updates to Early Booking for Some Events at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

The Haunted Mansion is a favorite attraction for many guests. And it will celebrate its 45th anniversary this fall! How well do you know the history and theming of this attraction? Test your knowledge below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-178189 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park How many ghosts reside in the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park? 99 999 9,999 What are the ''unofficial'' names of the three Hitchhiking Ghosts? Ezra, Gus and Phineas Hatbox Ghost, Gus and Madame Leota Rumkin, Theodore and Ned According to legend, who is the portrait of in the foyer of the Haunted Mansion? Phineas P. Pock Brother Dave Master Gracey What is the name on the gravestone under this lady in the Stretch Room scene? George Marc Theodore According to the Ghost Host, what are the guests assembling for in the Grand Hall? ''A Monster Mash'' 'A Swinging Wake'' 'A Dapper Dance'' Who will you find in the Pet Cemetery just outside the Haunted Mansion? Mr. Toad The vultures from Snow White's Scary Adventure Iago and Zazu Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="178189" 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

The Cast of ABC TV’s “The Chew” is returning to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Just like last year — they will be recording episodes of the show LIVE from Epcot from October 5th through 7th! Interested in attending a taping? If so, you’ve gotta act fast. Tickets have been released, and if last year’s ticket release is any indication, they will be snatched up faster than you can say, “The Chew!” In case you missed our little primer, here are the steps to nab your tix! Get Tickets to See The Chew Live Taping at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Step 1: Go directly to abc.go.com/shows/the-chew. Step 2: From there, click on the Get Tickets box on the bottom right to Attend a Taping of The Chew. ©ABC.com Step 3: Select your preferred DATE from the scroll that appears above the ticket options. ©ABC.com Step 4: Select your preferred TIME from the options that appear below the scroll. THIS is the spot you will select to get tickets, or find opportunities to join the Wait List or discover if the seats are sold out. Best of luck! Would you like to attend a live taping of The Chew at Epcot? 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: Win a Trip to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival from The Chew! Plus — How to Get Tickets to the Live Taping! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News: Two New Booths and “The Chew” Broadcasting Live From Epcot! News! Cast of ABC’s ‘The Chew’ Returns for the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival PLUS Menu Updates! View the full article

Night of Joy Artist Spotlight: Casting Crowns | Walt Disney World View the full article

Night of Joy Artist Spotlight: Night of Joy | Walt Disney World View the full article

So you’re thinking about taking the kids overseas. And then you start having second thoughts. Will it be too much to manage with a family and kids? Sailing the new Adventures by Disney river cruise on the Danube proved to me that you can leave the worries behind you when you travel with Disney. Nearly a third of the guests on the river cruise I recently sailed on were children, tweens or teens. All of the parents I spoke with raved about how fast their children bonded with one another. It’s something I’ve seen every time I’ve been lucky enough to join an Adventure. Kids of all ages have fun with each other. And, you know what? They even find the moms and dads sorta cool again. Say what? Exploring a foreign land just gets easier when you meet people you instantly click with. And I’ve lost count of the number of families I’ve met who regularly travel together with Adventure by Disney after meeting on earlier trips. And that river cruise experience isn’t just a “tour;” it’s an adventure that neither kids nor parents will soon forget. Yes, you’ll visit palaces and landmarks, but in a completely fun and immersive way. You don’t just visit a Viennese palace; you’ll go there and learn how to make apple strudel. You’ll enter another palace through a mysterious underground entrance that was secretly used by the royal Hapsburg family. Today Adventures by Disney guests are the only ones who get to access the palace via this secret underground passage. That’s just one example of the exclusives you’ll find on this and all the other Adventures by Disney trips. And don’t be surprised if your kids grow a new affection for the arts. Ballroom dancing is way cooler when you learn it in a breathtaking, centuries-old ballroom. Believe it or not, all the kids (and adults) in our group were also spellbound by a performance Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” done with marionettes. It was just as much fun to go behind the scenes of the theater to see how it all worked and try our hands controlling the intricate puppets. Sailing the magnificent Wachau Valley with its storybook castles, churches and villages was a highlight. Another was visiting a family apricot farm and winery where we picked fresh apricots of the trees and sampled all kinds of apricot delights. During a tour of the wine cellar, the family’s daughter treated us to an impromptu performance of an Austrian folk song. Her angelic voice soared through the cavernous brick space that offered stunning acoustics. Perhaps the most impressive part of the trip was sailing along the Budapest waterfront at night with the city’s stunning landmarks brilliantly illuminated. There was much oohing and aahing and picture taking, as you’d expect. And I wasn’t the only one who watched as a father led his daughter in an impromptu waltz across the deck inspired by the setting and the classical music that was playing. Relatively few times does life present these kinds of experiences that are at once grand, intimate, shared and magical. This joyful moment was not the only one that would bring people to tears on our sailing. That’s the power of travel with Adventures by Disney. It offers magical, unforgettable experiences for every member of the family. It changes perspectives, and it brings families closer together. That’s a pretty good vacation by anyone’s measure. View the full article

One of the perks I miss about my old newspaper job, which I left two years ago, was sitting next to the food critic, Heather, who often invited me to test drive new restaurants. When you cook like I do, that is not an offer you pass up. So when Heather recently told me to check out a new restaurant... View the full article

If there’s one time of year a plethora of pirates can be spotted on dry land, it’s during Halloween time. And from Captain Hook to Captain Jack, who knows “pirates” better than Disney Parks? If you’re planning to sport a pirate look for Halloween this year, you don’t want to miss our very first DIY Halloween makeup tutorial of the year. In it, seasoned Cosmetologist Elizabeth Marcano offers up step-by-step directions on how you can create a perfectly scurvy pirate look using just a few pieces of makeup and tools you may already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 brown blush; 1 reddish brown blush; 1 black eye pencil; 1 red lipstick (dark red for light skin tones/bright red for dark skin tones); translucent powder and a sponge. Step-by-step directions are in the tutorial below. Elizabeth will be back next week to share makeup tips perfect for a female pirate. Want more Halloween DIY tips and tricks in the meantime? Check out our previous Halloween DIY tutorials below. 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

Labor Day is behind us and fall is in the air. This season has always been my favorite, and this year, I’ve got two new reasons to embrace autumn thanks to my friends at House of Blues. If you enjoy a nice craft brew, you do, too! “Local Brews, Local Grooves”: On Saturday, September 10, 2016, House of Blues will host the 4th rendition of this popular event, mixing FL-based musicians with breweries that call the sunshine state home. As an attendee of a previous soiree, I can attest that whether you prefer ambers or ales, pilsners or ports, you’ll find something to suit your tastes. (Me? My latest beer crush is a super hoppy IPA, but I’m always willing to expand my horizons!) Featuring 15 craft breweries, there’s a good chance you’ll find a new favorite. And with four of the hottest local bands taking the stage, the $11 general admission price will feel like a steal. Sampling tickets are $3 each for guests ages 21+ and the event will take place 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., one day only. Featured Breweries: Barley Mow Brewing Co., Bold City Brewery, Central 28 Beer Co., Darwin Brewing Co., First Magnitude Brewing Co., Funky Buddha Brewery, JDUBS Brewing, M.I.A. Beer Company, Motorworks Brewing, Orange Blossom Brewing Co., Orlando Brewing, Original Sin Cider, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., Sweetwater Brewing Co., Two Henry’s Brewing Co. Tip: Advance Purchase VIP Packages are also available for those who want a more all-inclusive experience including admission for two, ten sampling tickets and two food vouchers. Big Storm Brewery Untapped Event: One of my favorite job perks? Being the first to know about awesome events taking place at Disney Springs. I recently got advance notice that the House of Blues Patio will become a haven for fans of Big Storm Brewery on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Taking place from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., the event will feature Big Storm tastings and beer flights, with a live musician performing on the patio stage while you sip the day away. For full details on “Local Brews, Local Grooves,” visit http://www.houseofblues.com/orlando/localbrewslocalgrooves. Check the House of Blues website in the coming weeks for more details about the Big Storm Brewery Untapped Event. If you see me at either event, be sure to say “cheers!” View the full article

On my recent family trip to Walt Disney World, we decided that a visit to the Contempo Cafe was in order. Learn About: Contempo Cafe Disney World Restaurants Because guess what? When it comes to visiting Walt Disney World for vacation, we’re like any other family: we like to mix it up with a combo of table service and counter service restaurants. It keeps things interesting, but it saves us a little money, too. And of course, it’s all for the sake of research! Besides, some of my favorite foods at Disney World can be found at counter service spots. It’s not a trip to Disney World without visits to favorites like Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian, Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom, Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France, and many others. It may not be super-themed, but in my opinion, Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort holds its own against any of these. Let’s check it out. Atmosphere You may have passed Contempo Cafe dozens of times without even knowing it — especially if you’re fond of riding the monorail to Magic Kingdom (and really, who isn’t). Monorail!! It’s located right next to the wildly popular Chef Mickey’s on the Grand Canyon Concourse in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Hotel. Contempo Cafe Entrance This is a seriously open floor plan. The Concourse really is kind of a boundary-free zone. Mary Blair Mural at the Contemporary Resort, a Beautiful Backdrop for the Contempo Cafe You’ll find Chef Mickey’s to one end, the Outer Rim Lounge to the left, and shops behind you. Low walls divide the Contempo’s seating area from the walkway to Chef Mickey’s. Contempo Cafe Seating It’s an area of extremes. During the middle of the day and late in the evening when Chef Mickey’s isn’t jumpin’ and the Parks are, it can be pretty quiet. Early in the morning and at dinner time, you’ll see crowds spike, and it can get pretty loud. Seating is basic and fairly comfortable. You probably won’t linger here. But you can if you’d like. Seating — Up Close But it’s the food, and not the surroundings, that’s the draw here. Let’s check out the eats for this go ’round. Eats Gone are the kiosks that you used at the Contempo Cafe in recent years to order. They’re back to the old fashioned way of doing things these days — with menus. And people. We didn’t really notice much difference between the menu this time and the one in place during our last review, save a little bump in a few prices. And yep, you can still get the fan favorite Lobster Roll. Although I <3 the pot roast here, I opted for the Bacon Angus Cheeseburger. It comes with your choice of Cheddar, American, or Pepper Jack on a Multigrain Bun and a generous side of Fries. Bacon Angus Cheeseburger And did we mention All. That. Bacon? Bacon Angus Cheeseburger — Up Close But my husband grabbed the Beef Pot Roast! (Of which I may have snagged a few bites.) The tender braised meat is served with Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and lots and lots of Gravy. This is one of my all-time favorite counter service meals in Disney World. It’s like, Sunday Dinner Good. Beef Pot Roast We also decided to give a new dish a try, so we opted for the Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Choose from Penne Pasta or Whole Grain Wheat Pasta; we went with the former. It’s garnished with Parmesan Cheese, and comes with a Parmesan-Crusted Breadstick. Chicken Alfredo Pasta We had a kiddo along for the ride, and he was all about the Chicken Nuggets, which come with a choice of two side items. Our little dude went for double fruit — Apple Slices and Grapes. Kids’ Chicken Nuggets Meal This was lunch, and there was plenty more snacking left to do in our day! So we saved dessert for another time. But if you have room and love sweets, DO NOT LEAVE without trying the cupcake special of the month. We shared our thoughts on the current option, the Turtle Cupcake, recently. But they’re always changing things up here! Better yet, opt for the Peanut Butter Pie. Contempo Cafe Peanut Butter Pie If you’re anything like me, you’ll be dreaming about this one long after you return home. Overall Contempo Cafe. What can you say? I say that I’ve gotta love it. I know, it’s not crazy themed with some backstory that only Imagineers could dream up and execute. But hey, it’s got a MONORAIL zipping over your head. And speaking of the Highway in the Sky, it can get you to the Contempo! That’s one of my favorite things about the spot — it’s the perfect park getaway when you’d like to escape the Park crazy for just a little. So yep — Contempo Cafe is still a DFB favorite. And you can bet that you’ll find me here trip after trip. But now I really want to hear from you guys! Do you love Contempo Cafe as much as we do? Leave a comment and tell us what your favorites here are! 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: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Dinner at the Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Star Wars Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

I have a treat for fans of the Disney Kingdoms comic series. Earlier this summer, I shared details about a new comic series inspired by Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Today, I have a look at a variant cover and a preview of artwork from this new series that debuts this fall. This variant cover was created by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt. It features the lovable Orange Bird from Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park. Jason also created an additional variant cover with José (as seen in this previous Disney Parks Blog article). The comic series will be presented as five unique stories that take place at the Enchanted Tiki Room which is located on an isolated island. Almost anything can happen and does on the island that is populated by talking (and singing) birds and plants and ancient Tiki gods. Stories will unfold with the arrival of new visitors to the island, and the mysteries revealed may all be connected. The “Enchanted Tiki Room” series will be written by Jon Adams. Artwork will be penciled by Horacio Domingues with cover artwork by Brian Kesinger. The Disney Kingdoms team shared with me a few pages from the new series that include a new character named Agnes and her dog Alfred. These preview pages show Agnes and Alfred entering the Enchanted Tiki Room for the first time and meeting Fritz, Pierre, Michael and Jose! After seeing this artwork, I can’t wait to read this new series! Look for the Enchanted Tiki Room series this fall in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks. View the full article

Little Ghouls and Goblins (and the not so little ones too) — take note! The annual celebration of all things Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, has kicked off at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. And we’re excited to see a couple of brand new treats for 2016! Halloween at Disney! At Gaston’s Tavern, we’re looking forward to digging into a new cupcake — Enchanted Pumpkin Spice! Enchanted Pumpkin Spice Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern ©Disney It’s just one of the specialty cupcakes that you can enjoy exclusively during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Look for the return of other favorites, like the Chocolate Worms and Dirt Cupcake and the Spider Cupcake — this year, in Vanilla — at Main Street Bakery as well. Vanilla Spider Cupcake at Main Street Bakery ©Disney The Ghoulish Strawberry Lemonade Slushy at Friar’s Nook looks to be a great refresher for those not-so-cool Fall Florida nights. Ghoulish Strawberry Lemonade Slushy at Friar’s Nook ©Disney Other returning favorites include Candy Corn Soft Serve at Storybook Treats. Find Candy Corn Cotton Candy throughout the Park. And of course, popcorn bucket collectors can enjoy the Halloween and Vampire Mickey versions. Candy Corn Cone Candy Corn Cotton Candy ©Disney And who can resist a Handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich with Halloween Cookies? Find this treat, a DFB favorite, at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! Halloween Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich Sadly, we bid farewell to the Pumpkin Waffle Sundae at Sleepy Hollow. Here’s hoping the popular treat returns again next year. Will you be headed to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year for some frightfully delicious treats? Leave a comment and tell us your favorite! 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! Halloween Treats Return to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Sneak Peek: Special Treats Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World Review: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Treats View the full article

As today is the final day of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, let’s take a look back at some of the videos we brought you here on the Disney Parks Blog throughout this special tribute to sixty years of the Happiest Place on Earth! We took you behind the scenes as the sparkling icon of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – Sleeping Beauty Castle – was prepared to dazzle our guests. We made a special road trip to Sacramento, Calif., as June 1, 2015, was officially declared Disneyland Day. On July 17, 2015, Disneyland park guests joined us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of opening day. We began 2016 with a dazzling three-part float in the iconic Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. What was your favorite part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration? Tell us in the comments! View the full article