Disney4me

We know the songs that will be in the new "Frozen" musical coming to the Disney Wonder cruise ship this fall, but it's the technology Disney Cruise Line hopes will set it apart. While remarkable puppetry isn't new to the cruise line's on-board productions, "Frozen: A Musical Spectacular" will have... View the full article

Adapting the Magic of ‘Frozen’ to the Stage | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

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. So what does it take to turn a blockbuster into a stage musical spectacular? We assembled a team of distinguished creative talent with Broadway credits and theatrical accolades, who you’ll hear from in this video on the making of “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.” Take a look… Aboard the Disney Wonder the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre provides the perfect setting to immerse audiences in the kingdom of Arendelle and showcase the film’s renowned score. Songs like “For the First Time in Forever” and “Love is an Open Door” will be expanded into ensemble pieces, and the film’s wintry wizardry will be realized in lavish production numbers of “In Summer” and “Fixer Upper.” The production features the popular music and lyrics by the creators of the “Frozen” film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (“Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”). Tell me, what excites you most about seeing this incredible story come to life onboard the Disney Wonder? View the full article

Time for another update on some of our Night of Joy 2016 artists. Casting Crowns, a Night of Joy favorite, has had a HUGE year this year and it’s only getting bigger. They have a gigantic new album coming out this year called “The Very Next Thing” and a fall tour kicking off right after Night of Joy Sept. 22nd and goes through Dec 4th. According to the Band, “The Very Next Thing” is a collection of intimate songs as well as upbeat, fresh sounding tracks with impactful lyrics centered around identifying and acting on what’s right next to you. If you haven’t heard the new single, “One Step Away,” it’s spectacular! We caught up with the CC crew recently as they flew through Central Florida to chat with them about Night of Joy memories and this year’s event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 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).* And, if that weren’t enough, guests who purchase the two-day ticket on or before August 9, 2016 will also receive one (1) admission to their choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon valid from September 6 – September 12, 2016. I also wanted to update you on some specifics in regards to transportation for the event. 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 7 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

This year, Raglan Road celebrates the 5th Anniversary of their “Great Irish Hooley” with craft beer, cool cocktails, authentic Irish food, and, perhaps most impressive, a brand-new “Rhythms of Raglan” show—a 90-minute live spectacle of music and dance, produced in Ireland and directed by David Hayes of “Riverdance” and “The Voice: Ireland Edition” and choreographed in part by Michael Donnellan, famous for his work in “Lord of the Dance.” Taking place September 2-5, 2016 over the long Labor Day Weekend, this music-festival-meets-festive-food soiree mixes authentic Irish entertainment with some of the best bites and sips this side of the Emerald Isle. (Seriously. Have you ever had the fish and chips at Raglan Road? And don’t even get me started on their Bailey’s Shake!) The fun begins at noon on Friday, September 2nd and runs through last call the following Monday. With a day-to-night lineup that includes a nice mix of family-friendly offerings and late-night performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Below, a few of the acts I’m most excited for, with descriptions coming straight from the source at Raglan Road: Screaming Orphans – Four talented sisters from Bundoran in County Donegal, Ireland, combine original pop/rock music with the Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music of their family roots. Their dynamic show has taken the festival circuit by storm. Jake Richardson – Jake is a singer-songwriter and musician from Dublin whose passion for music inspires audiences as he entertains with unique vocals and catchy songs. Flat Out – Flat Out is an award winning four-piece band from the West of Ireland that plays an exciting mix of folk, traditional, pop and New World music. Band members are all multi-instrumentalists combining Irish harp, guitar, fiddle, tin whistle, flute, button accordion, bodhran. They play fresh original music along with funky cover music and have been playing and travelling the world since 2013. Marianne Fraser Band – Marianne is one of the most sought after guitarists and songwriters on the Irish music scene who is ably supported by Danny Hunter on fiddle and Ali Levack on whistles and pipes. The band performs a high-energy mix of traditional and modern tunes along with Marianne’s own compositions. Swingin’ On the Gate – This four-piece band of multi-instrumentalists with roots in legendary Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare have serious crossover credentials and musical pedigree including traditional and classical training. They are multiple medal winners at Fleadhs music competitions and have toured in Italy, Switzerland and the United States. The Raglan Roots Coalition – 10 years down the road, Raglan felt it was time to shake its boogie – Roots style, with this new Irish house band. Think soul-rocking Celtic bluegrass with some hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats. The High Road – These young, traditional Irish musicians met in University in Ireland. A predominately Irish traditional group, they also play British folk, blues and soul, and their combined talents provide for a vibrant, exciting live show of music and song. Cooney & Ryan – One of the finest traditional Irish music duos around, these accomplished, energetic musicians often invite the crowd to sing along. The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Dancers perform throughout the long Hooley weekend. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary! Make plans now to make The Great Irish Hooley part of your Labor Day Weekend – and be sure to catch The Rythms of Raglan show, taking place at 4 p.m. Sept. 2, and at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sept. 3, 4 and 5. (Tip: pencil in extra time for Celtic face-painting, happening Saturday through Monday!) For the full entertainment schedule, visit www.raglanload.com and www.greatirishhooley.com closer to the event. With our Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration wrapping up on September 5th, Labor Day Weekend is the perfect time to experience all that’s new, and celebrate a tradition that’s 5-years in the making. Whether it’s food, drink or just plain fun you’re most excited for, I hope you get the chance to join in the festivities! View the full article

The Amazon rainforest basin offers unparalleled biodiversity. Black caimans, toucans, monkeys, bats, river turtles, sloths and thousands of other animals call the Ecuadorian Amazon their home. On the Adventures by Disney Ecuador: Amazon and Galapagos Islands vacation you can get in touch with the natural wonders of this region in style – aboard a private river cruise ship. Sail aboard the Anakonda, winner of the 2016 World Travel Award as South America’s Leading Boutique Cruise, which serves as your comfortable home base for four nights as you explore an Amazon tributary, the Napo River, on a rainforest trek, canoe exploration, canopy tower walk, stargazing and bird watching journeys, and more. See rare wildlife on exciting expeditions, then relax in style while lounging on the ship’s decks and soaking in the whirlpool spa. On this Adventures by Disney trip you’ll also journey to the Galapagos Islands, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Quito and throughout Ecuador, savor a local cooking class, and delight in other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Check out the full itinerary on AdventuresbyDisney.com! View the full article

With the Halloween season returning to Disney Parks, guests will now find a frightfully fun assortment of products created by Disney Parks Merchandise. I recently visited World of Disney at Disney Springs to discover what treats are in store for this Spooktacular time of year. This year’s Halloween collection features a fresh look created by Disney Design Group artists. The art team created a massive style guide with textures, backgrounds, character designs and more that the merchandising team used to create products. My favorite elements from this year’s style guide are character posters inspired by horror movies from the 1950s. Each poster features characters dressed in costumes that match themed lands found at Disney Parks. You’ll find these character designs and movie posters used on select items. For guests wanting to add a splash of Halloween to their home, the seasonal team introduced several new items this year. They include a wooden, pumpkin-shaped sign with Mickey Mouse dressed as a vampire, and a contemporary-styled tin Jack O’Lantern that can hold an artificial candle. Guests will also find a coffee mug, a dessert plate, and a large Melamine bowl that’s perfect for holding Halloween treats. New seasonal apparel was also released for adults and kids. Guests will find several graphic tees including my favorite, a Raglan tee with the Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion attraction. I’m also in love with new colorful socks with pumpkin designs. Women will find a new zip hoodie and a costume tee that comes with a cape. Girls will have two Minnie Mouse tees while boys will find a new vampire Mickey Mouse baseball cap. Other items in this year’s collection include Disney pins, plush, pre-packaged candy, light-up necklaces and more. Below you’ll find several photos of items that caught my eye. Look for these items in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests may also have select products shipped directly home using the free Shop Disney Parks app. Finally, you can find items on our Disney Parks online store by visiting DisneyStore.com/Halloween. Trick-or-Treat! View the full article

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is just around the corner, and I’ve got your first look at this year’s Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house. Gingerbread houses have graced the ballroom scene of Haunted Mansion Holiday for the past 15 years, and this year’s creation consists of: 200 pounds gingerbread 200 pounds powdered sugar 4 gallons egg whites 1 gallon lemon juice 50 pounds fondant 1/3 pound glitter As you can see, the house is inspired by one of our favorite Halloween Town residents, Sally, from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” “The whole structure has been cobbled and stitched together from other different gingerbread houses and treats,” says Tim Wollweber, Associate Art Director for Disney Parks, who designed this year’s house. “But it appears that sometime during the house’s construction, a gingerbread ghoul was entombed! Apparently he’s eager to sew himself up inside – much like another mansion graveyard ghoul you’ve probably seen.” Are you excited to see the finished masterpiece? Be sure to keep an eye out for this creepy confection in Haunted Mansion Holiday! View the full article

Remember the return of the Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Sandwich I happened upon at Pooh Corner in Disneyland recently? If not, take a moment to click this link and gaze upon the wonder of it, then meet me right back here. Okay, ready? Now, right next to it in the bakery case was another chocolate-covered treat: the Mickey S’more. Peanut Butter Sandwich and Mickey S’more in Pooh Corner case And just like its neighbor, the Peanut Butter Sandwich, after being discontinued for a few months, the S’more has received a bit of a makeover. Don’t worry: all the standard ingredients that make a S’more are still there. Graham cracker on the bottom? Check. Layer of fluffy marshmallow? Check. Chocolate surrounding the entire thing? Check! Mickey S’more But take a look inside: though nothing was removed, there HAS been an addition. It’s that layer of FUDGE you now see between the graham and marshmallow layers! Mickey S’more cross-section Here’s the previous version. See the difference? Previous S’mores Cross Section Sometimes I’m not big on change (for instance, when they removed my Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Sandwich from the bakery cases. It’s thankfully back for a trial run and will hopefully pass the test). In this case, though, I’m all for it! I did enjoy the old version of the Chocolate-covered S’more, but how can added fudge not be a win? Stay tuned for more chocolate-covered goodness coming to you from the Happiest Place on Earth! We’ll see you back here real soon… What do you think of the changes to the S’more? 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: Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Sandwich Returns to Disneyland for a Trial Run Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Sandwich Battle of the Disney Chocolate-Covered Sandwiches View the full article

It's that time of year again, Disney fans. The time of year when Jack Skellington and his ragtag team of monsters and creatures, the ones who accidentally ruin Christmas, come out to play at Walt Disney World. With the spooky season returning, Disney leaders have created new products to celebrate... View the full article

Continuing our series of quizzes focused on Magic Kingdom Park attractions that debuted on the parks’ opening day in 1971, we’ve got the cuddly, country-western celebration known as the Country Bear Jamboree! Hilarious hillbilly bears take center stage in this musical revue. Country Bear Jamboree is especially endearing, as it is one of the very last attractions that Walt Disney himself personally helped develop. .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-176734 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom Park How many Audio-Animatronic bears entertain you during the Country Bear Jamboree? 15 18 22 Who is the founder of the Country Bear Jamboree? Papa W. Bear Sid M. Grizzley Ursus H. Bear Grizzly Hall—where the show is performed—is located in which land in Magic Kingdom Park? Frontierland Adventureland Liberty Square What are the names of these triplets? Becky, Brenda and Bridget Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah Beth, Barbara and Bell What are the names of these two members of the Country Bear Jamboree? Tennessee and Zeke Kansas City and Oswald Henry and Big Al Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="176734" 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

Did someone say “hootenanny”? It must have been Disney artist Brittany Ungvasrsky! We couldn’t get her to stop dancing around the office while creating these Country Bear Jamboree wallpapers. They showcase Fred and Teddy, two of the best “Grizzly Hall” has to offer. Now get to downloadin’ but beware, they’ll put dance in your pants! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to browse other wallpapers in this series? Check out the list below. 45th Anniversary Wallpaper: The Walt Disney World Railroad 45th Anniversary Wallpaper: Swiss Family Treehouse 45th Anniversary Wallpaper: Dumbo the Flying Elephant 45th Anniversary Wallpaper: The Jungle Cruise View the full article

As Magic Kingdom Park’s 45th anniversary approaches this fall, this new weekly series will take a look at one of the park’s opening day attractions that can still be enjoyed today. This week, we’ll focus on The Country Bear Jamboree. Howdy, folks! This week’s look back at a Magic Kingdom Park opening-day attraction focuses on the toe-tapping Country Bear Jamboree. Located in Grizzly Hall in the Frontierland section of the park, the Country Bear cast of 18 have put on a spirited country revue for more than four decades. The 15-minute show features country music performances from The Five Bear Rugs, the loveable Trixie, Liver Lips McGrowl, the hilariously terrified Big Al, and many more. When it comes to Disney history, this attraction really does “have a lot to give.” First, Disney Animator/Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis (think Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world”) produced some of the first sketches of the show’s bears. And if you listen closely, the voice of show host Henry may sound a bit familiar. That’s because he was voiced by actor Peter Renaday, who also voiced characters in Hall of Presidents, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Snow White’s Scary Adventures and more. When the attraction opened in 1971, an official Country Bear Jamboree record album was released (and is currently available on iTunes). It offered songs inspired by the show but even more interesting to Disney fans – the album jacket offered detailed descriptions of each bear’s backstory. For example, “Swingin” Teddi Barra was “discovered” in a soda fountain outside of Gentry, Arkansas; Henry is a former football player for the Goose Creek Bruins; and Big Al was a “resident bard and balladeer in the swamp before Walt Disney World was built.” Who knew! View the full article

We have a little news that might brighten your day if Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion is a favorite stop of yours. Joffrey’s has added Le Cellier Blend to its Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffees Collection! Pretend You’re Here! — With Le Cellier Blend from Joffrey’s Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, based in Tampa, is the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club resorts. In addition to the tempting coffee kiosks that they run throughout the Parks and Resorts, they also have a whole Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection. You can purchase the coffee blends within Disney Resorts or from the comfort of your own home via Joffrey’s website. But what about the Le Cellier Blend? We’re intrigued, too. Joffrey’s offers these tasting notes: Created exclusively for Le Cellier Steakhouse, our roastmaster created this dark roasted blend of coffee using beans from Central & South America. It offers pleasing notes of citrus with sweet caramel-brown sugar and a slight smoky finish, it’s a must try at Le Cellier Steakhouse and at home. Sounds like the perfect cup to enjoy with the flavors of Le Cellier’s desserts, like the killer Maple Crème Brûlée. Wait! — I have an idea. Make a batch with this recipe, and brew up a carafe of Le Cellier Blend to go with it for the perfect treat! And then invite me over. But in the meantime, I really want to hear from you! Are you excited about the addition of Le Cellier Blend to Joffrey’s Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffee Collection? Leave a comment below 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: News! Joffrey’s Coffee Named As Official Disney Coffee Provider Review: Cupid’s Kiss Latte at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks in Disney World News: Win a Trip to Walt Disney World with the Joffrey’s ‘Magic in Your Mug’ Sweepstakes! View the full article

As the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration summer finale continues for a few more weeks, I wanted to look back at some of the most popular items from this dazzling event. We first revealed artwork for this milestone anniversary celebration in January 2015. The ‘Character’ collection focused on characters, attractions, and the rich history of the resort. With its sparkling blue and silver hues, the “Castle” collection featured Sleeping Beauty Castle, glistening with magical diamond dust. The stunning “Diamond” collection included black, gray and silver tones that were simple, classic and elegant. Finally, the “Decades” collection looked back at milestones from the previous six decades that made the Disneyland Resort what it is today. In March 2015, we gave Disney Parks Blog readers a first look at some of the commemorative products created for the celebration. More than 500 merchandise items were created for celebration, including apparel, accessories, headwear, home décor, souvenirs, toys, pins, D-Tech, collectibles and more. Which products were most popular with our guests? I spoke with the planning team who shared with me the top items from this celebration. Popular items included the sparkling headband, a special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration ear hat, an open edition logo pin, an autograph book, and apparel for women and men. Guests also loved the new Made with Magic ear hat that interacted with select nighttime spectaculars at the Disneyland Resort. Two of the top items included Disneyland Diamond Celebration charms by PANDORA Jewelry. These charms will be retired once the celebration concludes. I’m glad my fiancée picked these up when we visited for her milestone birthday. They were a nice way to remember our trip together. Speaking of memories, I have so many from that trip last December. We had fun “scaling up the fun” at the unique Matterhorn photo opportunity in Fantasyland. I also loved seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle shimmering at night. If you have a favorite merchandise item or memory from your visit, please share in the comments below. Don’t forget, the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will continue to dazzle guests through September 5, 2016. View the full article

Vacation is often a time for indulgence, so Disney dessert recipes are among the most requested, and the new “Delicious Disney Sweet Treats” cookbook features 40 irresistible recipes from the pastry chefs at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disney Cruise Line. The book includes elegant sweets such as the madeleines from Chefs de France at the France pavilion at Epcot, the Warm Apple Butter Cake from Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland hotel and the Mom’s Favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake from 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Our favorite is the Chocolate Pudding Cake from California Grill.) Each recipe has been tested in a home kitchen to make it easier to re-create a vacation favorite. Now you can make your favorite desserts any time of the year! Madeleines from Chefs de France at Epcot Makes 20 small cakes INGREDIENTS: 8 tablespoons butter 3 large eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Zest of 1 orange Pinch salt 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus more for dusting pan 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder DIRECTIONS: 1. Melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Separate out one tablespoon melted butter and use to lightly brush Madeleine molds, then dust with flour, shaking off excess. Refrigerate pan. Keep leftover butter at room temperature. 2. Beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl just to blend. Beat in milk, vanilla, orange zest, and salt. 3. Add flour and baking powder with a spatula just until combined. Gradually add cooled melted butter in a steady stream, beating just until blended. 4. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (you can make the day before). 5. When ready to serve, preheat oven to 475°F. Fill each indentation in pan with 1 tablespoon of mix. Place in oven and reduce heat to 375°F. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden around the edges and puffed. Cool 5 minutes. Gently remove from pan and serve immediately. Repeat process, buttering and flouring pan before each batch. View the full article

With the Halloween season returning to Disney Parks, we recently introduced several new products celebrating “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”. The Disney Parks Merchandise team typically releases new items inspired by this film in the fall. Here is a summary of items you may find during your next visit. Guests will find apparel for women including a Raglan shirt, a tank top, and, my favorite, a zip hoodie with a unique image of Jack Skellington and Sally. For girls, look for an adorable long sleeve shirt and a hooded fleece. We also have new baseball caps for women and men. Other accessories include fingerless gloves, a Jack Skellington knit beanie, and a scarf. For men, look for stylish short and long-sleeved apparel featuring Jack Skellington. Boys will have a few options such as a zip hoodie and several t-shirts. There is even a fun outfit for toddlers. Guests who love to collect or trade pins will find new open edition pins and trading accessories. There is also a mystery pin set inspired by Disney ear hat ornaments of characters from the film. These items will be released in select locations throughout Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. You may be able to have select items shipped directly to your home using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. Finally, look for select products on our Disney Parks online store. View the full article

Hong Kong Disneyland bounced back in the third quarter, despite the recent opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort and despite recent losses. But local tourism insiders call for an accelerated development of the second phase of the Hong Kong park so that it can maintain a competitive edge. Speaking... View the full article

Welcome to the DisneySea AquaSphere Plaza at Tokyo DisneySea! This plaza, which appears at the entrance to Tokyo DisneySea, is a favorite photo spot among park guests. Not only is the nautical theming and architecture amazing, but Disney characters are also known to drop by in the daytime for photos with guests. View the full article

In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Aladdin and Jasmine would do first if they had the chance to visit Epcot. With Aladdin’s experience flying high aboard his Magic Carpet, heading straight for Soarin’ Around the World only seems natural! View the full article

On my recent visit to Walt Disney World, my husband and I made it a goal to carve out time for a date night at California Grill. Learn About: California Grill Disney World Restaurants If you love signature dining at Disney World, then you probably know the Grill well. Perched atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the spot has Disney history on its side. After all, Top of the World, which originally occupied the fifteenth floor, dated all the way back to Disney World’s opening. California Grill opened as its replacement in 1995, and brought with it a new emphasis on market fresh ingredients and California fusion flavors. It was more than just another new Disney restaurant. It, along with Victoria and Albert’s, paved the way for a more refined dining experience at Walt Disney World. My recent experiences have been a little uneven, however. (Even California Grill isn’t immune to the Disney restaurant curse of inconsistency.) So it’s always good to check in on an old favorite. After all, this was our first visit after the departure of Chef Brian Piasecki, so we had to see what was happening in the kitchen. And that view makes it easy to take a chance with the Grill. Let’s head to the second floor. Atmosphere Why the second floor you ask? Because if you want to go California Grill, your journey begins here. You’ll check in at the podium before you’re escorted to the elevator that takes you to the fifteenth floor. Second Floor Check In Desk for California Grill Once you arrive, you’ll step into California Grill’s sleek environment. Entrance and Wine Fridges You’ll encounter the bar first, with its circular shape echoed by the ceiling and lighting above it. Bar Beyond the bar is the Grill’s spacious and comfortable lounge, where you can meet for drinks and small plates on a first come, first served basis. Actually, you can order from the full menu here. Keep that mind if an advance dining reservation proves to be elusive. California Grill Lounge As you head to your table, take in the details of the dining room. The decor is mid-century modern, a lovely mix of past and future. Don’t you love the lights? It’s as if they took the spirit the original space and breathed fresh air into it. You’ll find tables and chairs as well as booths. The striking carpet includes motifs created by celebrated Disney artist Mary Blair. Seating at the Beginning of Service Table for Two But one of the hallmarks of the California Grill is the vast exhibition kitchen. It received a remodel at the same time as the rest of the restaurant a while back, and the gleaming stainless facade complements the rest of the dining room nicely. Kitchen View in the Evening In the old days (you know, prior to 1993), there was a floor show here. But why do you need entertainment when you have views like this?? View from Window Seating California Grill Sunset Table settings are minimally smart and stylish, with signature California Grill napkins laid at every seat. California Grill Signature Napkins I think it’s time to take a look at what they have to offer. Eats Fans of the Grill know that in the past, they’ve done a decent job of striking a balance between offering fresh, new dishes and maintaining a few signature items. We found lots of new items this time, however. This is probably due in part to a new chef, as Chef Brian Piasecki left his position at the helm earlier this year for another Disney culinary role. Now, you’ll find Chef Dennis Thompson in the Grill’s chef de cuisine role. Menu — Click to Enlarge You can always count on at the Grill to offer a delicious assortment of Flatbreads prepared in the oak-fired oven. But the varieties change constantly, so there’s always something new to try. This time out, we chose the Rotisserie Chicken Flatbread, a combination of Roasted Chicken, Tomato and Corn Salsa, Pepper Jack Cheese, Queso Fresco, and Spicy Crema. The serving is big enough to share between 2-6 people as an appetizer, or could easily be a meal for one. This was — as I’m finding more and more often with Cali Grill flatbreads — one of the best parts of the meal. Honestly, the mix of flavors here was amazing, and I could easily have had more of that spicy crema. If this is on the menu on your visit, it’s highly recommended. Rotisserie Chicken Flatbread I also wanted to see what was new on the Chef’s Selection Cheese Board, so we ordered that as well. They include, from left to right: Landaff, a mild cow’s milk cheese; MT TAM, a soft, triple cream cow’s milk cheese from California; Cremont, a cheese from Vermont made of a combination of goat and cow’s milk; MiticaSardo, a semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese from Sardinia; and Smokey Blue, a cold-smoked blue cheese from Oregon. The cheeses are served in typical Disney fashion with Nuts, Honey, Dried Fruit, and Pate de Fruit — and never, ever enough Crostini. Always feel free to ask for more. The servings of cheese on this plate have always been, and continue to be, tiny. It’s maybe two bites per cheese. Personally, I’d much rather they serve me larger portions of three cheeses instead of minuscule portions of five. That said, I was pleased to see a couple of new cheeses here. Those who are Disney restaurant cheese plate veterans will often see the same cheeses over and over on various plates, and it gets a bit tedious. This one had some new to me options that were enjoyable. Chef’s Selection Cheese Board Check out the card below for even more information on each of the selections. Cheese Descriptions The Grill also manages to offer a Caesar Salad without sounding behind the times — by calling it something else. The Artisan Romaine has been around for a while, indicating it’s a guest favorite (and those of you who are DFB long-time readers know that my husband nearly ALWAYS gets a Caesar). You’ll find Baby Romaine, Roasted Garlic Dressing, Boquerones (Spanish White Anchovies cured in Vinegar and packed in Oil), Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Brioche Croutons. This was nicely plated, large, and served its purpose. Artisan Romaine Salad I nearly always order the soup at Cali Grill. I’m still hoping they’ll make another homerun like they did with the potato soup a hundred years ago (like, back in 2009). This time it was the seasonal Florida Sweet Corn Bisque. The soup was garnished with Jonah Crab, Pickled Corn Salad, and Shiso (most easily described as a Japanese Herb in the Mint family). It was very good. (It’s rare that a Florida Sweet Corn dish isn’t good.) The flavor was fresh and strong, but it lacked in creaminess and an ideal texture. It wasn’t something I had to return for like the Hacienda de San Angel Crema de Elote. Seriously, if you haven’t had that yet, you need to git er done. Florida Sweet Corn Bisque Our entrees arrived soon after we finished our appetizers. Neither of us could resist ordering red meat options — primarily because we enjoy a good steak, but also because Cali Grill quality can be variable with these. We tossed a coin and my husband ended up with the Wagyu Beef Strip Loin. Wagyu Beef Striploin The Steak, which was sourced from Snake River Farms, was accompanied by Celery Root Puree, Spring Vegetables (Asparagus the night we dined), and Truffle Emulsion. This was quite good, but, again, nothing that I need to return for. Texture was fine, temperature was a bit cold, but the flavor was flatter than I would have hoped. Perhaps it needed a bit more seasoning or marbling to be ideal for me. Wagyu Beef Striploin — Up Close I chose to stick with one of my California Grill favorites — the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. The petite steak was Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, and a Red Wine Reduction. This was a definite departure from the way the filet had been served in recent years, when it’s been accompanied by Florida Heirloom Tomato Risotto and Tomato Butter. Personally, I like the switch. I always thought that the flavors of the tomato risotto, while fantastic, were way too intense for the delicate flavor of the filet. This was good as well, but as you can see it was a bit overdone and dry on the outside. Not something you want to deal with when you’re paying these prices. Oak Fired Filet Since this was date night, we had to treat ourselves to a little dessert, of course. We noticed a few items that we’ve seen before; but there were plenty of seasonal flavors in the new options, and that’s the way we decided to go. Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge Our first selection was the Plant City “Strawberry Shortcake”. And if you know Disney, then you know that when you see a classic in quotation marks like that, you can expect anything but the standard presentation. The dessert actually had a few different components. They included, from left to right, Strawberry Compote, a Strawberry Mousse Timbale, and Orange Scones sandwiched together with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Plant City “Strawberry Shortcake” The inside of the Mousse Timbale revealed Sliced Strawberries, Bavarian Cream, and a Crumb Crust. This was a lovely and unexpected dessert. Very light, and unique. The addition of Bavarian Cream was fun, I thought. Plant City “Strawberry Shortcake” — Strawberry Mousse — Inside Anything key lime usually piques my interest, so we also went for No-Sugar Added Key Lime Cheesecake. No Sugar Added Key Lime Cheesecake The individually-portioned cheesecake was encased in White Chocolate flavored with Lime Zest, and the cheese filling included a ribbon of Blueberry Jam. The whole thing was built upon a Shortbread Crust, and was accompanied by a Passion Fruit Puree. I LOVED this. I usually don’t go for the no-sugar-added option, but, like I said, Key Lime and I go way back. And I was SO glad I chose this option. The white chocolate shell was unexpected and delicious. The tart dessert accompanied by the sweet jam was a great combo. And, of course, the shortbread was a win. I intended to only have a bite or two, but I couldn’t stop! No Sugar Added Key Lime Cheesecake — Inside But dinner isn’t the only reason you come to California Grill. Come for the food, but stay for the fireworks! View of Fireworks from California Grill And if you’re dining earlier in the evening, don’t worry — you can always return later in the evening for the show. Be sure to do this at least once, because the vantage point is pretty special. Overall California Grill is kind of legendary for a reason. Guests who have been traveling to Disney for years will probably be interested in seeing it for nostalgia’s sake. Guests who enjoy a fine dining option will likely prize it for the seasonally-driven menu. But regardless of your level of love for Disney history or cuisine, a trip to the fabled fifteenth floor to view those fireworks is definitely worthy of a place on your Disney bucket list. On this visit, it was once again “hot and cold.” Sadly we haven’t had a home run visit to Cali Grill for years now, and every visit offers some great options and some “I paid HOW much for that?” options. But the view, and the knowledge that we’ll likely have at least one or two amazing dishes, keeps us coming back. So, as always, I say go for it. California Grill continues to be a winner for excellent service, beautiful views, interesting decor, and decent food. But if you’re wondering, as we often are, what you should choose between Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and Cali Grill, we often navigate toward Narcoosee’s if we’re wanting truly great food these days. Will you be making a trip to California Grill on your upcoming visit? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most in 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: California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Guest Review: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort Full Review: The NEW California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re enjoying this late-summer weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s Food Post Round-up! Cinnamon Roll — Another View Summer might be winding down, but that means we’re just a few weeks away from the start of the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We have a preview of a few of this year’s Marketplace Booths, including the all-new Greenhouse Guru booth. We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Chef Guy Fieri is creating the burger menu for the Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs! We have all the details on what’s new at Walt Disney World! The Cinnamon Roll at Gaston’s Tavern is our #OnTheList item this week! Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is serving specialty french fries! We checked out Earl of Sandwich at Disneyland! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We love Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs, and one of our favorite appetizers has to be the Hoisin Chili Sticky Spare Ribs! We love them so much we shared the recipe earlier this year and DFB friend Adam Roth made the ribs at home. They look delicious, Adam. These sticky ribs look amazing! Do you have a Disney Food Bucket List? We do! And our friend Lynne Schwarz has one too – in the form of a Disney Food Bucket List quilt! This has to be the best quilt ever created! We LOVE it! Best. Quilt. Ever. 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 found this super-cool Mickey Mouse Ceramic Coffee Mug! Walt Disney World for Grownups shared their Disney Dining Bucket List! Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for No-Bake Granola – perfect for back-to-school! Disney Family has a collection of allergy-friendly recipes for the whole family! Olaf shared a how-to video for Elsa’s Frozen Popsicles! 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 14, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-up: July 31, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 17, 2016 View the full article

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will be here before you know it. And this week, The Disney Parks Blog shared an early look at some of the new hands-on experiences planned for this year’s Festival. For the first time, the most delicious time of year at Walt Disney World has expanded into the resorts, with family-friendly experiences like Culinary Adventures with a Master Chef at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where you’ll create dishes under the direction of a Disney chef. There’s much more to discover in Victoria’s original story. This week, we also announced that the Disney Parks Moms Panel search for new panelists begins September 7. As Leanne told us, the application window will open at 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 and close at 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, September 14, 2016. The first round application process includes short essay questions, basic information questions, and a sample question similar to what you’d find on the Disney Parks Moms Panel website. Disclaimer: Disney Parks Moms Panelists receive a Disney vacation as their reward for serving on the panel. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Welcome to Our World! What is Disney Springs? – If you think Disney Springs is simply a slightly updated version of the former Downtown Disney location, read on, because it’s so much more … How to Make the Most of Your Halloween on the High Seas – This fall we’re bringing back our popular Halloween on the High Seas cruises so your family can have a ghoulishly good time on vacation. A Look Back: Carnation Plaza Gardens Debuts in 1956 – In the summer of 1956, a new counter-service dining location opened just to the west of Sleeping Beauty Castle. From Screen to Park: Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park – Disney Parks have a long tradition of integrating stories from the creative masterpieces of Walt Disney animated and live-action features into immersive attractions and experiences. The most notable of these is the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. #DisneyFamilia: Elena is Here! – In front of thousands of guests, Disney newest Princess, Elena of Avalor, made her debut at Walt Disney World Resort last week. Experience a Taste of Tiffins With New Lunch Menu at Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Recently, I had the chance to visit Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience the new lunch menu—Taste of Tiffins. The new menu is just that, and a perfect way to try big flavors in lunch-sized portions, such as the Marinated Grilled Octopus (which is cooked to perfection). View the full article

Halloween may still be several weeks away, but preparations are already underway here at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. This week, we shared some new images of what Disney Cruise Line guests can expect from special Halloween sailings this fall aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and during October on the Disney Magic. Guests can don costumes, join in on fun dance parties, attend Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party with games, dancing, Disney friends and lots of candy, watch as the ship’s jack-o-lantern tree comes to life and so much more. View the full article

Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom takes diners on a culinary adventure, showcasing dishes and flavors from all over the world. The restaurant has artwork and cuisine inspired from the travels of the Imagineers who created the theme park. Be sure to explore the different dining rooms and take note... View the full article