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For the next few months, we invite you – if you dare – for a special celebration of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ leading up to its final check-out on January 2, 2017. The salute kicks off during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, September 9 through October 31. The spookiest time of the year is the perfect time to experience this attraction before it checks out of Disney California Adventure park. During this celebration, the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination will get even darker. Each night, beginning after twilight, Disney California Adventure park guests will be treated to “Late Check-Out.” Experience The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ as you never have before … in complete darkness! In addition to “Late Check-Out,” guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items throughout the celebration. You’ll also get the chance to picture yourself “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town. Each day during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, the Hollywood Tower Hotel will host special performances by Buena Vista Street’s own Silver Lake Sisters. Dolly, Dottie and Ethel Bounds, veterans of the vaudeville circuit known professionally as Fiddler, Fifer & Practical (or the Silver Lake Sisters) performed throughout their glittering career at the rooftop lounge of the famous hotel. The sisters went on to open Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café on Buena Vista Street, where a wall inside the restaurant features photos, posters and memorabilia from their many performances. They will make their return to the Hollywood Tower Hotel to join fans during this farewell tribute. We’ll have more details to share soon, so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more ways to celebrate The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ before it checks out of Disney California Adventure park on January 2. View the full article

If you’re a regular reader, you know that our limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is inspired by the film, “The Jungle Book.” Well today, “The Jungle Book” is being released on Blu-ray and we’re celebrating here on the Disney Parks Blog by giving you an opportunity to be one of 50 winners of the Disney Parks Blog “The Jungle Book” Blu-Ray Combo Pack Sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to win a Blu-ray combo pack which includes a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD of the film. “The Jungle Book” is an epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. The film blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. You can enter for a chance to win a Blu-ray combo pack by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid d email address and full name. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 8/30/16 at 1:00pm ET and ends 8/30/16 at 3:01pm ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law. View the full article

Disney World is adding a new ending to "Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire," a stage show near the base of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom theme park. As of Friday, the production's finale will include an original song about autumn by songwriters Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn. That duo also... View the full article

As colors change along Main Street, U.S.A. with the onset of fall at Magic Kingdom Park, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” is also preparing to mark the season with enhancements to the show’s grand finale. Beginning September 2, the finale scene in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. You’ll also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.” Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. In addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters including Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen;” Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and the gang from the Snuggly Duckling in “Tangled;” and Tiana, Naveen and Louis from “The Princess and the Frog.” Also starting this weekend is the special fall edition of the popular Main Street Trolley Show, greeting everyone along the avenue with a joyous song all about “the magic that can happen when it’s autumn.” So be sure to head on out to Magic Kingdom Park this fall and take in all the wonderful sights and sounds of the season! View the full article

Summer vacation may be coming to an end, but the fun doesn’t have to stop! Keep the memory of your Disney Cruise Line vacation alive by making these delicious rice crispy treats as an after-school snack. It’s a great opportunity to reminisce about the blast you had as a family during Pirate Night on your Disney cruise and to start planning your next adventure together on the high seas! Rice Crispy Treats Ingredients: 16 oz marshmallow 6 oz Rice Krispies cereal 4 oz butter Directions: 1. Melt the butter. 2. Melt the marshmallow. 3. Mix the melted butter and marshmallow into the Rice Krispies. 4. Shape into balls. View the full article

The Morocco Pavilion is already one of our favorite spots for grabbing delicious eats. And tucked away in the back of Tangierine Cafe is a hidden gem: a pastry case full of delicious sweets including muffins, cookies, and baklava. Brownie Cake in the Pastry Case But the item we are reviewing today is not one that most people expect when they consider visiting a Moroccan pastry shop. After all, folks are usually after more authentic Moroccan items like the Baklavas and Tangerine Rolls. But thanks to DFB, I’ve found one of my new favorite Epcot pastries: the Brownie Cake! Brownie Cake My first impression is how large this pastry is, especially compared to other brownies available at Disney. Unfortunately, none of Tangierine Cafe’s pastries are snack credit eligible on the Disney Dining Plan. But for the price you get a big pastry that is easily sharable! When I heard “Brownie Cake” I was expecting it to be like a piece of cake with brownie bits on top. But I was SO. WRONG. Brownie Cake Cross-Section The entire bottom portion of the snack is a thick fudge brownie with nice chunks of chocolate baked throughout. And if that isn’t enough, there are more brownie pieces on top. And THEN — the entire pastry is covered in chocolate. Brownie Pieces “Cake” Brownie is the wrong word for this. It’s more like a Brownie Brownie. And then some more brownie. And then chocolate. And brownies. So Chocolate Lovers: do yourselves a favor and stop into the Tangierine Cafe and grab one of these! It is really a chocolate lover’s dream come true! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! One of our most popular Bundles, the DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle will prepare you for anything and everything snack-related under the Disney Sun! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks Offering this handy group of books as a bundle allows us to pass on deep savings to you. You can get the entire collection for only $39.95 — that’s almost 40% off the individual cover prices! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Just looking for all the Snacks in Epcot? Then check out our DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, newly updated for your 2016-17 trip! With over 340 Epcot snacks, and over 60 NEW snacks, you’ll always be in the know! And for a limited time only, we are offering the Guide for 25% off! To secure the discount, use code Epcot16 at check-out. Which pastry from the Tangierine Cafe is your favorite? Let us know in the comments 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: Review: Chocolate Honey Baklava at Tangierine Cafe in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion Guest Review: Tangierine Café in Epcot Review: Tangierine Cafe in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion View the full article

With so much to see and do on a Disney Vacation, planning can seem overwhelming sometimes. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a specialist in your corner? Disney Parks Moms Panel has a specialist just for you when planning your Disney Vacation, like Emily and Kiki who concentrate on Disneyland Resort questions. This dynamic duo can help answer all your Disneyland Resort vacation planning questions from dining recommendations to the best places to catch your favorite characters. Linda from CA’s grandson is a huge fan of Mickey Mouse, and Kiki shared her personal experience on the best places to catch this busy mouse, including visiting his home at Mickey’s Toon Town. These Disneyland Resort specialists helped Raquel from AZ decide on the best time of year to take her family as well as shared details of hotel amenities with Kimberly from WA Kiki even shared an insider tip with Mary from CA on where to see a perpetually lit lamp in honor of our founder, Walt Disney, at Disneyland Park. If you have any questions about an upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit our specialists at 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 7th. Learn more about how to apply at MomsPanelSearch.com. View the full article

As Hawaii’s top family beach resort celebrates its 5th anniversary, we’re excited to announce new guest experiences that will debut later this year at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! Starting in November, KA WA‘A, a luau at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests. Luau guests can feast on a sumptuous, local island buffet, and enjoy lively music and traditional Hawaiian dance, including hula kahiko and modern hula ‘auana. Before the luau, you will have the opportunity to enjoy special pre-show entertainment, family activities, traditional crafts and more. Also in November, Moana, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Moana,” will arrive at Aulani Resort to meet with guests and recount tales of adventure. The animated feature film is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people. Both new experiences are inspired by Hawaii’s deep cultural roots in canoe exploration—a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful ‘Ewa Loa plains surrounding Aulani Resort. As you may have seen in Aulani Resort Ambassador Janelle’s post from earlier today, we also debuted a one-sixth model of the Polynesian voyaging canoe—the Hokule‘a—in the Maka‘ala Lobby. What are you looking forward to on your next vacation to Aulani Resort? View the full article

If you’ve visited the Epcot Food and Wine Festival before, then you know what a hassle it can be to get from Marketplace Booth to a Table (or Trash Can Top or Bench or Wall) without spilling your dishes and drinks. That’s why one of my best tips for you is to bring your own tray to make the journey easier! Yep — we know they sell these little jobbies… Food and Wine Fest Tasting Plate From a While Back But to be honest, that’s just not enough real estate when you’re sampling more than one dish…plus drinks. Any tray will do, of course. But why not take the opportunity to show your team spirit with a Disney Food Blog Customized Food and Wine Festival Tray? Your Very Own DFB Food and Wine Festival Tray! Whaaaaaa?! So how do you set about making this marvelous thing? It’s easy! First, grab a DFB Food and Wine Festival Tray Sticker, like so: THEN, acquire a basic cafeteria tray (we won’t ask any questions how you go about it) and slap the sticker on the tray. DONE. Easiest. Craft. Ever. (I would totally Pin It if I were you.) Voila! In fact, with this handy set of six trays, you can make them for all of your friends! They Make Awesome Food and Wine Festival Presents :-D Or jazz up your favorite Disney tray! If you’re wondering just how practical this little item can be, check out this reader spotlight to see for yourself. DFB tray in use by DFB reader Just pop the tray into your backpack or tote (or stroller!) and you’re ready for any and every Disney Snacking Opportunity that comes your way. Get Your Official Food and Wine Festival DFB Tray Sticker Here! It’s just one more tip for making this your Best Food and Wine Festival Yet. 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! Now we’d love to hear from you! Will you be making your very own DFB Food and Wine Festival Tray for this year’s Festival? 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: DFB Reader Spotlight: Make Your Own Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tray! Make Your Own DFB Food and Wine Festival Tray! Best of the Fest: 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Favorites View the full article

Today marks five years of proudly sharing Hawaii’s stories and culture through the rich details at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Aulani welcomed its first guests on August 29, 2011, and since that time, our cast members have enjoyed sharing their own stories of living in Hawaii with all of our guests from around the world. In honor of the anniversary, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek joined Aulani cast members and Oahu community leaders to celebrate five unforgettable years of making magic and memories in the awe-inspiring setting of Hawaii. Bob announced a $25,000 contribution on behalf of Aulani to The Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the perpetuation of canoe building and preservation of this unique Hawaiian tradition. “Aulani celebrates Hawaii’s beauty and heritage while also sharing the aloha spirit by giving back to the community,“ said Bob. “In honor of Aulani Resort’s fifth anniversary, we’re proud to support The Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa’s efforts to give children and families the opportunity to learn about this important part of Hawaiian culture.” As we celebrate Aulani’s journey over the past five years, we welcome another wonderful addition to continue telling Hawaii’s story. Today, a one-sixth scale model of the Hōkūle‘a, the Polynesian voyaging canoe made it’s debut in Nā Haku Pavilion just off of the Maka‘ala Lobby. It’s an impressive sight – the mast and rigging stand eight feet tall! The Hōkūle‘a model serves as a wonderful visual reminder of Aulani’s ties to the full-scale version of the iconic vessel. During Aulani’s design phase, Disney Imagineers sailed aboard the Hōkūle‘a and talked with master navigators, gaining inspiration from the canoe’s design. Guests may notice many design elements incorporated throughout the resort. One of my favorites is a paddle embedded in the tower façade. Aulani means “messenger of a chief” and the cast members at Aulani have a kuleana, a responsibility, to continually share the traditions of Hawaii with you, our guests, and the local community. We hope you will visit soon, so we can share the stories of Hawaii with you! So Happy Anniversary Aulani, or as we say in Hawaii… Hau‘oli la Ho‘omana‘o! View the full article

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with novelty socks. These stylish garments add a splash of fun to many of my outfits. While my sock drawer at home is currently overflowing, I’ll need to make more room with the release of Disney-inspired socks at Disney Parks. For this Style Happens Here article, I visited World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace to discover which socks will soon cover my feet. A quick search on the Shop Disney Parks app told me that we currently offer approximately 90 different socks at Disney Parks. This number includes some non-Disney themed socks found in places such as Canada Pavilion in World Showcase or Mission: SPACE at Epcot; Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Upon my arrival at World of Disney, I was delighted to find quite a selection of fun Disney character themed socks. Designs include characters such as Maleficent, Stitch, Goofy, and Chip and Dale. There were also several designs with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, both individually and as a couple. I particularly love the Disney Monorail-inspired socks, which are perfect for riding the highway in the sky in style. My other favorite design has a collage of world famous Disney characters – both heroes and villains. The design team added some characters not often seen on merchandise including Elliot, Meeko, Emperor Kuzco, and Kronk! I also found a selection of socks for women including a fun pair with Jack Skellington and Sally from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Other items included Minnie Mouse designs with bows and polka dots. Finally, we have a variety of socks for infants and kids. The infant socks with Mickey Mouse dressed in his tuxedo are adorable. Look for additional designs with Minnie Mouse, Tinker Bell, and Dumbo. I’d love to see your stylish Disney Parks socks. Just add #StyleHappensHere to your posts on social media. View the full article

We have exciting news for everyone planning to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland park! Beginning this year, all you “boos” and “ghouls” are invited to gather for chills and thrills when the all-new “Frightfully Fun Parade” takes to the streets, featuring a spectacle of spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans to Halloweentown and beyond. The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow sets the mood as he arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying a flickering jack-o-lantern as a warning to everyone along the parade route. From “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King brings greetings from Halloweentown, as residents arrive to celebrate their favorite time of year. Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize when Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction comes to “afterlife,” with swirling ballroom dancers, ominous gravediggers and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts. Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor, and the mischievous Disney Villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble. A dark and dungeon-like lair takes over the parade route, bringing with it a wicked gathering of villainy from Hades and the Evil Queen to Jafar, Cruella and more! The “Frightfully Fun Parade” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event at Disneyland park hosted over 17 nights from September 23 to October 31, 2016. Purchase your tickets early here and save! Parking is not included in the ticket price and parking fees will apply. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. Smoking will be permitted in designated areas outside Disneyland park in the Main Entrance Plaza. Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited and event dates may sell out. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Tickets are not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive. Parking is not included. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. View the full article

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party | Walt Disney World View the full article

Walt Disney World may be saying goodbye to the Main Street Electrical Parade in October, but the Disney Parks Blog put on a live stream Sunday night allowing the world to tune in whether or not they can make it out to the park.The stream featured interviews with guests visiting as well as videos... View the full article

One thing I enjoy about Disney pins is there is always something new to collect or trade at Disney Parks. With the number of new pins released each year, guests can create unique pin collections based on things they love from Disney. This month, I’m launching a new quarterly series for the Disney Parks Blog that will showcase new and upcoming pins you may find during your next visit. Below are a handful of new pins you may find in August and September 2016. Guests will find several new limited edition pins during the next two months. For the Disney Duets collection, look for the Aladdin and Jafar pin in August, and the Ariel and Ursula pin in late September. The Disney Love Letter pin featuring Roger and Jessica Rabbit will be found in early September; the Mickey and Minnie Mouse pin will be released in late September. Guests will also find two new Piece of Disney History pins – Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland Resort and Dumbo The Flying Elephant at Walt Disney World Resort. I love the new limited release mystery pin collection titled “Disney Grins” that is being released in September (I see Kronk!!). We’ll also have open edition pins including one inspired by a logo for Disney Springs. Fans of the Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot will find four new open edition pins featuring Elsa, Anna and Olaf. If you love Disney Villains, look for new pins including a “World of Evil” mystery pin set with artwork created by Jerrod Maruyama. Finally, I have your first look at new Hidden Mickey pins coming to Disney Parks in late fall 2016. There will be unique Hidden Mickey pin collections released at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. For the image above, I selected a handful of my favorite designs. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a closer look at the new pins arriving on cast members’ lanyards in a few months. New pins are usually released on Thursdays in select locations at Disney Parks. You may be able to order select pins using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. Which pin is your favorite? View the full article

It’s a bright and sunny morning at Epcot. And where better to view the sunrise than on the Planetary Plaza at Mission: SPACE, an area dedicated to the beauty of planets and space? This Future World attraction, which takes guests on a thrilling journey mission to Mars on the X-2 Deep Space Shuttle. Mars-bound guests can choose from two levels of training based on their desired intensity. The Orange Team is the more intense, while the Green Team takes things a bit easier. So which team are you? View the full article

In today’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what two characters from “Dumbo” would do if they had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. In this image, Dumbo and Timothy Mouse enjoy a visit with their friend, Casey Jr., who at Magic Kingdom Park, sprays water so guests (and elephants) can cool down in the Casey Jr. Splash & Soak Zone. View the full article

Recently, I met some friends for a cozy dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. Learn About: La Hacienda de San Angel Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants My last visit to La Hacienda proved to be just about the best yet. While my earliest visits to the dinner-only restaurant were largely hit and miss, my experiences during the last couple of years have been very positive. But you never know when things can shift and change. After all, this is Disney World — not exactly known for being consistent when it comes to dining quality. And La Hacienda is pricey. Does it continue to be worth it? Let’s head in for dinner and you can see for yourself. Atmosphere We arrived on time for our 6:30 advance dining reservation and checked in. We requested a window side table, and they were happy to accommodate us. It only took a little longer to be seated. La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion If you haven’t been inside La Hacienda before, be sure to take a look around during your visit, and review the back story. In a nutshell, the restaurant is supposed to be the rambling home of an artistic family, and they’ve opened it up to guests. Seating is a mixture of booths and table/chair combos, all of which are comfortable and inviting. Dining Room and View Seating And I can never get enough of those gorgeous punched tin star lanterns! The homey feel of the backstory definitely comes across in the comfortable setting. Seating Colorful artwork hangs throughout the space, so there are always details to absorb as you await your dinner. I love these elevated booths along the back wall. They offer great views and are perfect for quiet conversations. Booth and Artwork When you’re finished looking around inside, don’t forget to take in that view! It’s breathtaking and you have a front row seat for all of the magic of Illuminations — Epcot’s evening fireworks spectacular. View of World Showcase See what I mean? Water-level views AND air conditioning for the show (and they do pipe in the music). It’s completely amazing. View of Illuminations from La Hacienda de San Angel But what about the food? Glad you asked. Here we go. Eats I don’t know how you feel about it, but I kinda think it’s a travesty not to start a meal with a Margarita at La Hacienda. If you’re a fan of La Cava del Tequila, you’ll certainly recognize the offerings here. And if the Black Ant Salt Rim on the Tamarind Margarita piques your interest, be sure to read all about La Cava’s interesting array of salt in this post. Drink Menu — Click to Enlarge Ultimately, we gave into temptation, each choosing a tried and true favorite. Clockwise from the top, you’ll see a Classic Margarita (Tequila Blanco, Orange Liqueur, Lime Mix…we ordered ours sans Salt); the Orange Mango Fire Margarita (Tequila, Ginger Liqueur, Orange Juice, Mango Puree, Fresh Lime Juice, a hint of Tabasco) with the incredible Tajin Chili Powder Rim (we LOVE this stuff); and the Maelstrom (Tequila Blanco, Mango Puree, Orange Liquor, Agave Nectar, Habanero Peppers, Blueberries, and Basil). The latter commemorates the closing of the Maelstrom attraction in Epcot’s Norway, Mexico’s next door neighbor. It also sports the Tajin Chili Powder Salt treatment. Everyone LOVED their choices. And if you shy away from spice, don’t let the Orange Mango Fire or the Maelstrom scare you off. I don’t detect a whole lot of heat in either one. (But then, I mostly like heat. So.) Trio of Margaritas — Maelstrom, Classic, and Orange Mango Fire As we sipped on our drinks, our server also brought Chips with two kinds of Salsa (Rojo and Verde, natch) to nibble as we looked over the menu. Chips and Salsa While there were some changes to the menu, I was happy to see that all of my favorite dishes remained in place. Menu — Click to Enlarge We were interested to see a separate menu with Vegetarian Offerings as well. Vegetarian Menu — Click to Enlarge I immediately decided that I had to have the Crema de Elote, or Cream of Corn Soup, again. In fact, I declared to the table that I wasn’t sharing, so if anyone else wanted some, they’d better get their own bowl! In a move that’s become pretty standard in restaurant circles, we received our soup in two parts. The bowl arrived first, and contained Corn, Tortilla Strips, Seasoning, Sour Cream, and Hot Sauce. I know — te tortilla strips look like french fries. But they are, I assure you, tortilla strips. Crema de Elote — Before the Soup is Poured To this, our server added the creamy Soup. Really, there are just no words to tell you how amazing this soup is. It’s perfectly creamy without being cloying or rich to the point of making you feel ill. The sweet corn flavor comes through as well. But there’s also just a spark of spicy warmth to the seasonings. And the corn and tortilla strips add enough texture to keep the whole thing interesting. Crema de Elote — Pouring the Soup This has been one of my favorite dishes in all of Disney since I had it a couple of years ago, and I’m over the moon that it’s still on the menu! So please — RUN to La Ha and get this. I promise you will thank me. Pouring the Crema de Elote We also couldn’t resist sharing another tried and true La Hacienda hit — Queso Fundido. This is basically a shallow bowl of melted cheese, and not particularly saucy. I say this because you need to mooove when they put it on the table. Dig in right away, or you’ll need to use a knife to cut portions, rather than scooping it out. Oh — and it’s amazing, with the garnish of Roasted Poblano Peppers, Chorizo Sausage, and Creamy Avocado Puree adding smokey, spicy flavors with just a little heat. Queso Fundido The Queso comes with Flour Tortillas, but we liked spreading it onto our Tortilla Chips as well. Flour Tortillas for Queso Fundido After the incredibly rich and filling appetizers and a round of margaritas, we really could have called it a day. But we had entrees coming! And we opted to try a few new things. One of my friends chose the Carnitas Yucatecas. The all-meat, all-the-time dish is described as Pork Confit. Actually, it’s braised and then during the last bit of cooking time, the meat is browned in its rendered fat on high heat. The result is tender with incredible flavor from the concentrated seasoning, and the caramelization resulting from the cooking brings it all together. The dish was absolutely fantastic. Carnitas Yucatecas I almost always favor the red meat option on the menu. I had tried the Braised Short Ribs during my previous visit and really enjoyed them, but this time, I opted for the Sirloin Steak. The steak itself was crusted with a mix of Pumpkin Seeds, Garlic, and Habanero Pepper and was served with a Tequila-Butter Cascabel Reduction and a garnish of Roasted Tomatillos, Onions, and Chiles. Corn Mashed Potatoes completed the plate. Sirloin Steak Another friend had a hard time deciding what to try, and ultimately went for the Taquiza, or Taco Sampler. The platter featured four different Soft Tacos: Grilled Chicken, Grilled Steak, Pork Chilorio (braised and fried pork), and Fish. My friend loved the variety that the dish demonstrated and the care and effort put into each separate taco. While she liked the Fish Taco best of all, each one got high marks. Taquiza Sampler of Tacos We also received large bowls of Black Beans and Rice. These are served family style for everyone at the table. They’re delicious, but to be honest, we didn’t have much stomach space to give them their due. They’re good for making mini tacos with the leftover tortillas from the queso fundido! Shareable Sides of Black Beans and Rice We had a look at the dessert menu, but decided we were entirely too full from the rest of our meal to do it justice. Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge While we took a pass on the sweets this time, we’ve tried the Empanada de Manzana (Apple Turnover) and the Chocolate Mousse before, and both are quite good, though very small in portion for the price. Empanada de Manzana with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream and Cajeta Chocolate Mousse The Helado de Maíz, or Corn Ice Cream, has been replaced by Flan de Maíz. I didn’t like the Corn Ice Cream (although one of my friends is still raving about it), and I’m not a huge Flan fan. But what we did enjoy instead was the walk through a nearly empty World Showcase! And this beautiful view of the Mexico Pavilion at night. Mexico Pyramid at Night It was almost as good as dessert. And far fewer calories. Overall La Hacienda continues to delight, and that’s not something I could have said a few years back. The menu here is small, but I find that there are fantastic hidden secrets on it. (Really. You can’t even begin to imagine how good that soup is.) Each dish seems to be crafted with care, and you really do encounter some special dishes here. Add to that the good service we’ve been fortunate to enjoy, and those incredible views, and I think you have a solid Epcot dinner option in La Hacienda. We certainly continue to prefer it to the other table service restaurant in Mexico, San Angel Inn. (So pretty. And yet so very underwhelming.) So, yes: my recommendation still stands. If you’re looking for good food, and especially if a Dining + Illuminations option interests you, then you should definitely check out La Hacienda de San Angel on your next visit to Walt Disney World. As always though, I’m really interested in hearing what you think! Does La Hacienda de San Angel rate a spot on your Disney Dining schedule? Leave a comment and tell us 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: Review: La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, Walt Disney World La Hacienda de San Angel Menu Review: San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion View the full article

I have an admission to make, I have an obsession with all things sparkly! Glitter, glow sticks, sequins, diamonds, stars…! That obsession naturally makes the Main Street Electrical Parade my favorite parade at Disney – hands down. Who can resist bobbing their heads to it’s fun electronic music and gazing in awe at Pete’s Dragon? We are celebrating the joy of this parade with a fun new digital wallpaper. Our very own Brittany Ungvarsky created art reminiscent of the parade’s friendly twinkling lights. Have fun watching the parade! 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

Watch Live: Main Street Electrical Parade | Walt Disney World View the full article

In just a few minutes, we’ll present our next Inside #DisneyParksLIVE event right here on the Disney Parks Blog: a celebration of the Main Street Electrical Parade, live from Magic Kingdom Park. This nighttime parade will officially end its run at the Walt Disney World Resort on October 9 (before it heads out to Disneyland park in California). We hope you’ll be able to experience Main Street Electrical Parade in person before it departs, but if not, we have you covered with tonight’s live event. The parade will step off at the park at 9 p.m. ET, but we’ll be live just minutes before to hear some behind-the-scenes stories and share some favorite memories of this long-running procession. What are some of your most cherished moments from the parade? Tell us in the “Comments” section below and we just may feature some during the broadcast. View the full article

Happy weekend! We hope you’re having a wonderful, relaxing weekend! Now it’s time to grab a cup of tea (or coffee), sit back, and check out the latest in Disney food news! Nutella Brownie Sundae Perhaps the most exciting news right now is that we’re less than three weeks away from the start of the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! If you’re headed to this year’s Festival you should definitely check out these grown-up frozen drinks! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Orlando’s Magical Dining Month starts August 29 and several Disney-area restaurants are participating this year! Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a couple new American Kobe Beef items on the menu. There is a new version of the Mickey Chocolate Covered S’more at Disneyland! The fifth annual Great Irish Hooley is planned for Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road! Joffrey’s Coffee has added a Le Cellier Blend to its Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffees Collection! We recently dined at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and have a review for you! Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs has added a Creamsicle Float and a Nutella Brownie Sundae to the menu! 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! Ample Hills Creamery opened in the spring at Disney’s BoardWalk and we fell in love with the delicious house-made ice cream! DFB reader Beth recently shared her Ample Hills ice cream with us – OK, it was just a photo but it looks delicious! Her selections? Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookie. Definitely a combo we need to try! Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookie..yes, please! A couple weeks ago we reviewed the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake at Sunshine Season’s in Epcot’s The Land pavilion. This week our friend Cristie Garcia shared a photo of herself – enjoying a Mickey Oreo Cheesecake! So fun! Oreo. Cheesecake. And frosting! The perfect combination. Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! DFB Readers #OnTheList Suggestions As part of our new #OnTheList series we’ll be sharing weekly some of our readers’ suggestions for what they would add to the Disney Food bucket list! Check out our #OnTheList page to see what’s on OUR Disney Food Bucket List! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival with code Chefs16 With more than 250 pages of new information for 2016, the DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has everything covered to ensure that you have your absolute best Food and Wine Festival yet! And to celebrate our grand launch, we’re offering 20% off the cover price! Just use discount code Chefs16 at check-out to secure your savings! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know about this year’s events, from what’s NEW, to brand new touring strategies — created with this year’s special events in mind! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that surpass any other Food & Wine Festival coverage that’s out there. These include: A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festival — this is the only place you’ll find this schedule anywhere! A printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festival Themed World Showcase booth crawls, including “Fun Eats for the Kids,” the “Carnivore Crawl,” the “Continent Crawl,” and so many more! Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, and even one to celebrate the TV Show The Chew! A chapter dedicated to all “New for 2016″ events, menu items, booths, and more Full food, wine, beer, winery, cocktail, and chef indexes, including dates and locations of where you can find your favorites Epcot Food and Wine Festival recipes Top tips on how to use MyMagic+ and the Disney Dining Plan at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival And more! Whether this is your first festival or your 21st, you’ll appreciate knowing what you are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. And no matter what you want do — sample wine, explore the world’s beers, taste something you’ve never tried before, or find your next favorite dessert — The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is the perfect resource for navigating the biggest Epcot Food and Wine Festival ever. And we’re so excited to share it with you that in celebration of the grand launch, we’re offering 20% off the purchase price! Order your copy now for only $11.96 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code Chefs at the check-out. Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix celebrated National Waffle Day with this Mickey Mouse Waffle Iron. Walt Disney World for Grownups shared their love for Maple Bacon Cinnamon Roll from the End Zone Food Court. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for STK’s Tomato and Watermelon Salad. Disney Family shared an allergy-friendly recipe for Rapunzel’s Frying Pan Cookie. 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: August 21, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-up: August 14, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 17, 2016 View the full article

This week, we announced that the next “Inside Disney Parks” #DisneyParksLIVE stream will be held tonight featuring a special presentation of Main Street Electrical Parade from Walt Disney World Resort. You can watch tonight’s live stream at 8:55 p.m. ET, right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Also, if you’re a fan of the parade or just want to learn more, be sure to catch this week’s “Inside Disney Parks” newscast. We also shared a first look at this year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house at Disneyland park. Gingerbread houses have graced the ballroom scene of Haunted Mansion Holiday for the past 15 years. Visit Rachel’s original story to see the amazing details behind this year’s gingerbread house. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Favorite Merchandise from the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – As the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration summer finale continues for a few more weeks, we wanted to look back at some of the most popular items from this dazzling event. A Fabulous 45th: The Country Bear Jamboree & Their Real Ol’ Country Beat – Howdy, folks! This week’s look back at a Magic Kingdom Park opening-day attraction focuses on the toe-tapping Country Bear Jamboree. ‘Faboolous’ Halloween Merchandise Now Available at Disney Parks – With the Halloween season returning to Disney Parks, guests will now find a frightfully fun assortment of products created by Disney Parks Merchandise. Adapting the Magic of ‘Frozen’ to the Stage Aboard the Disney Wonder – I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz by now that when we debut the new enhancements to the Disney Wonder this fall, we’re also premiering a brand-new stage show in the Walt Disney Theatre. “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” which is the number one animated feature of all time. Will You Run as a Duo During Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend? – It’s time to kick off the runDisney season with one of my favorite events – Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. We’re really excited about the theming of the overall weekend – Disney duos! Disney Parks Best Bites – August 2016 – Two new locations are now open at Disney’s BoardWalk. Indulge in a curious cocktail at AbracadaBar, a former magicians’ hangout, or check out the elegantly sophisticated new interior and entirely sustainable seafood menu at Flying Fish. Rachel Bshero provides more on the best bites at Disney Parks! View the full article

Florencio Bulanhagui didn't like what he saw in a questionnaire about possible future restrictions on Walt Disney World passes. The Disney survey asked what he would do if his pass blocked access a couple of months after the opening of a new attraction, parade or show at a theme park. Would he... View the full article

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Entertainment will start distributing free insect repellent Sunday, as the threat of mosquito-borne Zika looms. Fears have escalated about the virus, which is especially dangerous to pregnant women because it can affect fetal brains and cause babies... View the full article