Disney4me

Everything old is new again as Walt Disney World launches a vintage apparel collection called "YesterEars," available for purchase online now at the Disney Store. The name of the collection was "inspired by a shop with the same name once found at the former Downtown Disney Pleasure Island," according... View the full article

Everything old is new again as Walt Disney World launches a vintage apparel collection called "YesterEars," available for purchase online now at the Disney Store. The name of the collection was "inspired by a shop with the same name once found at the former Downtown Disney Pleasure Island," according... View the full article

WHAT: Joe Kaminski is a self-taught painter whose portraits are of some of the most famous subjects in the world. The copywriter at Disney's Yellow Shoes Creative Group has been the signature artist at the company's Festival of the Masters half a dozen times. His paintings of Mickey and the gang... View the full article

Disney has reportedly made a change to the pre-show video of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, removing what some referred to as a "crude" hand gesture given by Steven Tyler. The longstanding Disney's Hollywood Studios attraction has taken heat online in the past for Tyler's thumb-to-ring... View the full article

It was kind of funny-sad. The newish-coaster smell had not even gone away from Incredible Hulk Coaster when a friend noted that he already missed the old launch-sequence voice-over. Funnier-sadder still, I had to agree. I'm going to file my reaction as "sentimental" rather than "petty." It's way... View the full article

We're exiting the summer of new theme-park attractions and entering September, the month where popular annual events pop up again. Here's a roundup. •Mickey's Not-So-Scary Labor Day Party kicks off Sept. 2. We kid, we kid. Make that Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, an after-hours, separate-ticket... View the full article

Are you an experienced Disney vacation traveler and take pride in helping your friends and family members plan their own magical vacations? If so, you should consider applying for the 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panel. 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. This September marks the 10th year of the annual search for new panelists. The first Moms Panel search launched in September 2007 and since then more than 140 moms, dads, grandparents have helped other guests with decisions and planning logistics around all types Disney vacations. The Disney Parks Moms Panel focuses on nearly every type of Disney vacation including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, runDisney and events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. And because the site is available in four languages, we hope to find panelists fluent in Portuguese, French, and Spanish. If you’re the go-to vacation planner in the family and consider yourself very knowledgeable about Disney Parks vacations, consider applying for next year’s panel. Disclaimer: Disney Parks Moms Panelists receive a Disney vacation as their reward for serving on the panel. View the full article

In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Hercules and his love, Megara, would do if they had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. No doubt that Hercules would “go the distance” to prove his bravery and skill by checking out the biggest Disney villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Maleficent at “Fantasmic!” View the full article

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. Did you know this tradition dates back to opening day, July 17, 1955, with several attractions inspired by the silver screen? The most notable of these is the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. The Disney animated classic “Sleeping Beauty” premiered in Los Angeles, Calif., on January 29, 1959. When Walt Disney was building Disneyland park, the film was already in the middle of production due to the lengthy process of animated feature films. Sleeping Beauty Castle made its debut to the world at Disneyland park almost 4 years before the film itself would premiere, and it went on to inspire similar castle icons at each of the other Magic Kingdom-style parks. This fairytale castle stands 77 feet tall, borrowing inspiration from European castles like Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Sleeping Beauty Castle is the gateway through which guests cross into Fantasyland, a magical storybook village. Within the Fantasyland Courtyard is the entrance to the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. Opened in 1957 and refurbished in 2008, this intimate walkthrough takes you inside the original park icon and includes 14 scenes inspired by the film. This charming gem brings the story of Princess Aurora and the villainous Maleficent from the big screen right before your very eyes. What are some of the Disneyland Resort attractions inspired by films that you’d like to see featured next? Let us know in the comments! View the full article

Princess Elena Royal Welcome Highlights | Walt Disney World View the full article

When traveling with my family I look for vacation options that are fun for everyone, but also easy. It’s this desire to see the world, but to do so in a way that is as stress-free as possible, that makes traveling with Adventures by Disney such an appealing option for me. And with the recent addition of river cruises to their itinerary lineup, Adventures by Disney has made traveling through the heart of Europe easier than ever. On an Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise you can experience eight beautiful destinations in four countries – Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and Germany. Here travelers enjoy special activities designed for every member of the family, and traveling by river cruise ship means you only need to unpack once. Watch this video to see just a few of the special moments that Adventures by Disney river cruise guests have enjoyed thus far this summer. View the full article

We are so close to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival that we can almost taste our favorite dishes! There are some great new additions to this year’s event, but don’t worry — there are plenty of old favorites, too. Today, we’ll take a look at both! Greenhouse Guru, sponsored by Village Farms, will debut this year with a menu celebrating tomatoes. We were super happy to finally hear official word of this one, having tried the Duck Confit dish earlier this Summer. In addition, we welcome back two of our favorite returning Booths: Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth and the Canada Marketplace Booth. Farm Fresh focuses on regional Farm to Market eats. This year we’re excited to see the return of the Loaded Mac n’ Cheese with Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions! And the Canada Booth is known far and wide for its Filet with Truffle Butter Sauce and its Cheddar Beer Soup – it’s a must-have item every Festival! Let’s take a closer look at the complete menus so that we can all get start compiling our must-eat lists! Greenhouse Guru — NEW! When we attended the Tables in Wonderland Epcot Food and Wine Festival Preview earlier this Summer, there was talk of a brand new Marketplace coming for 2016. There was even a dish available to taste from the new Booth. But the crazy part is — it didn’t have a name yet. Last week, we finally found out a little more about our Mystery Booth! Greenhouse Guru, sponsored by homegrown Village Farms, will showcase the bounty of really delicious veggies grown hydroponically! Food: Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and Micro-Basil Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat Mini San Marzano Tomatoes — a 5-ounce bag Beverages: Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling, Washington Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon The dish that we sampled and absolutely loved at the tasting was the Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa. I can’t wait to have this one again! Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa Greenhouse Guru will also feature some cool eats — perfect for the warm Florida Fall weather that marks the Food and Wine Festival. We look forward to trying the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and Micro-Basil and the Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat as well. Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic and Basil But if you’re a tomato purist, you’ll also be able to pick up this perfectly portioned, ready to eat bag of Mini San Marzano Tomatoes. Village Farm Tomatoes Look for Garden Guru to be located in Future World! Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth The Farm Fresh Booth replaced Florida Fresh in 2014 and became a fan favorite in short order. This year guests can enjoy a little bit of a menu refresh, as the spot introduces Chicken and Dumplings! We’re also happy to see a nice variety of Ciders available at the Booth again, although we’re hoping that they add a flight so that we can experience all the flavors the spot has to offer. Florida Fresh Booth 2016 Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth Menu Food: Chicken and Dumplings: Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions Beverages: Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider Wyder’s Dry Pear Hard Cider Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama Wine The menu at Farm Fresh focuses on regional items with an emphasis on farm-to-market fresh food. This year’s menu features a new Chicken and Dumplings option, plus Fruit Ciders and Wines. Chicken and Dumplings: Stewed Chicken with Mushrooms and Spinach The Loaded Mac and Cheese with Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions is spicy and creamy and a total winner! Loaded Mac and Cheese with Nueske’s Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions New to Farm Fresh, but not to an Epcot Festival, is the Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts. We’ve seen a similar salad at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, featured at the Urban Eats Booth. Pickled Beets Salad Wash it all down with some refreshing Fruit Ciders or Wines — some of the lightest adult beverages you can enjoy during the Festival. 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! Canada Marketplace Booth Canada is a longtime favorite of ours at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and this year, they’ve focused the menu on their very top selling items. It’s nothing but classics at this busy Booth! The Canada Booth is a Consistent Favorite at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival 2016 Canada Marketplace Booth Menu Food: Canadian cheddar cheese soup served with a pretzel roll “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce Beverages: Moosehead Lager Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine, Québec Fielding Estate Red Conception Since there are only two food items here, and they’re both winners, you must get both! Fans of Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion will love the Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce! It’s a must-have. “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce But don’t even think about skipping that Cheddar Cheese Soup. And this year, they’re serving it with a Pretzel Bread Roll! Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup We also enjoy the Apple Ice Wine, but the Moosehead Lager has plenty of fans, too! Apple Ice Wine Food and Wine Festival Cast Member in Canada We can’t wait to try new flavors and returning favorites alike. September 14 — please hurry up and get here. 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 21. Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents will be eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 19th at 9AM. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders can book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 19th as well. A limited number of seats are available for the booking date. What are you looking forward to eating at the Greenhouse Guru, Farm Fresh, and Canada this year? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth to Debut…Maybe…at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Patagonia and Canada 2014 Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Hops & Barley and Ireland Marketplaces View the full article

In this week’s “Welcome to Our World!” blog post, we’re taking a look at the Disney Dining Plan. Disney Dining Plans offer a variety of options that complement every Walt Disney World Resort vacation – from the type of restaurants guests can visit to the number of meals and snacks included with each plan. A Disney Dining Plan can be added to any Walt Disney World Magic Your Way vacation package, perfect for guests who are looking for a convenient and easy way to plan, select and pre-pay dining. Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick-Service Dining Plan Two quick-service meals and one snack per person for each night of the vacation package stay. Meals and snacks are available at more than 50 restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. For arrivals from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017, this package will include two snacks per person per day. Magic Your Way Package Plus Disney Dining Plan One table-service meal, one quick-service meal and one snack per person, per night of guest’s package stay, with over 100 restaurants to choose from. For arrivals from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2017, this package will include two snacks per person per day. Magic Your Way Package Plus Disney Deluxe Dining Plan Three meals and two snacks per person, per night of guest’s package stay. This package allows guests the flexibility to choose any combination of table-service and quick-service restaurants from more than 100 participating restaurant locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Redeeming meal entitlements is easy – all it takes is a touch of your MagicBand! Available meal balance is easy to keep track of, too—just check the bottom of your receipt. Also included with each plan is a resort refillable drink mug for each person, which can be refilled at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel quick-service location. To book a Disney Dining Plan with your Magic Your Way vacation package, visit www.disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY. Learn more about Disney Dining Plans and by visiting the official page here. View the full article

In front of thousands of guests, Disney newest Princess, Elena of Avalor, made her debut at Walt Disney World Resort last week. “The Royal Welcome of Princess Elena of Avalor” at Magic Kingdom Park was also seen by millions thanks to the #DisneyParksLive stream event. Here are some highlights of the day. Isn’t this princess hermosa? What was your favorite moment? View the full article

I’m delighted to announce a new vintage apparel collection called “YesterEars” coming to the Disney Parks Online Store on August 18. The name of this collection was inspired by a shop with the same name once found at the former Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. During the next three months, you’ll find limited release apparel inspired by classic Walt Disney World Resort attractions and locations. Here’s a look at what you will find from August 18-25, 2016 at DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. The first shirt in this collection is something from my childhood. I first visited Walt Disney World Resort in July 1983 and fell in love with Dreamfinder and Figment. When the merchandise team was planning this vintage collection, I joked I’d love to have a shirt I once wore during that first trip (as seen in the image above). Imagine my surprise when Disney Design Group artist Richard Terpstra recreated that exact ringer t-shirt! As Figment would say, “Wow! Wow! Wow!” Richard also designed this Raglan with artwork inspired by a Walt Disney World Preview Center advertisement. The Center was open from January 10, 1970, until September 30, 1971. At the location, guests could learn about the project firsthand through displays of models and drawings, and a short filmed presentation. There was also a snack bar and merchandise shop. The original Preview Center building can still be found on Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Disney Springs. Finally, you can “seize the future” with this X-S Tech shirt inspired by ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. This classic Tomorrowland attraction was open from June 20, 1995 to October 11, 2003 in Magic Kingdom Park. Housed in the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center was the laboratory of X-S Tech, a corporation from a distant planet intent on demonstrating its interplanetary teleportation apparatus. But the demonstration was marred by difficulties and an alien creature was accidentally teleported into the laboratory. The photo above of the X-S Tech sign in the queue was taken on the last day of operation in 2003. I never thought I’d be using it for a Disney Parks Blog article many years later. Look for another article in September with additional apparel from the “YesterEars” collection. View the full article

I just returned from Colombia, where Aug. 15 was Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin, a national holiday in which communities come together to help save one of the country’s critically endangered monkeys. As you can see in the photos, kids and their families join in the fun as they create dances, songs and even parades showing how they are all working together to help protect this tiny one-pound monkey found only in the tropical forests of northwest Colombia. With fewer than 7,000 cotton-top tamarins left in the wild, the Disney Conservation Fund and Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment selected cotton-tops as one of the 10 focus animals as part of their efforts to “Reverse the Decline” of at-risk wildlife. Disney has joined Proyecto Tití in helping save their forest habitats and protect cotton-tops from the illegal wildlife trade. And the good news is that we have a lot of reasons to celebrate! Proyecto Tití works to create more forest habitat for cotton-top tamarins by establishing protected forest reserves and by working with local farmers who have small forest patches on their property. By connecting these small forest patches together, Proyecto Tití creates corridors for wildlife to move safely through the region. In exchange, the farmers receive assistance by learning new farming practices that increase their ability to grow food for their families. Their children are also part of Proyecto Tití education programs in local schools that get kids involved in helping care for cotton-tops. Reducing the amount of plastic bags that are polluting the forests and waterways is an important step in creating a healthy environment for cotton-tops. Proyecto Tití works with local artisans to create eco-mochilas, tote bags crocheted from recycled plastic bags. Through this effort, we have successfully diverted more than 3 million plastic bags from polluting the environment. Now the artisans have a stable source of income to support their families, the cotton-tops’ home is free of plastic litter, and you too can help save cotton-tops by purchasing an eco-mochila at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It gives me hope for the future when I see how the Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin celebration continues to grow each and every year and how a one-pound monkey has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many people! Colombians caring about protecting cotton-top tamarins are showing how it can be done each and every day! You can help, too, by taking action: Buy recycled forest-friendly products (like paper and pencils) to help reduce forest destruction. Purchase handmade eco-mochila bags, or cotton-top tamarin plush toys, which help Colombian families earn income and reduce their dependence on forest resources. Say no thank you to plastic bags and carry a reusable bag instead. This helps to reduce waste and lessen the impact on your local ecosystem. You can also reduce waste by recycling cans, plastics and papers, and choosing reusable items rather than disposable. View the full article

This post is part of the DFB #OnTheList series, where we feature eats you’ve GOT to have while you’re at Disney! Let us know what’s on YOUR Disney Food Bucket List @DisneyFoodBlog #OnTheList! They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so we totally think that there should be some amazing pastries #OnTheList! And we’re starting at Gaston’s Tavern in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing at Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland You’ll find the cozy counter spot in New Fantasyland, adjacent to other attractions featuring Beauty and the Beast themeing. And if you’re a fan of that film, you have to see this area. Just like Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, Disney did an absolutely astounding job making this corner of the park an immersive experience. You expect LeFou to greet you at every turn! As for Gaston, he’s used antlers in all of his decorating, of course… . Gaston’s Portrait and Fireplace Also, feel free to take a look around and make yourself comfy in Gaston’s enormous chair. We hear he’s out hunting and won’t be back for hours. Gaston’s Chair But let’s get down to the business — of eats! While Gaston’s is a simply gorgeous spot, it has floundered a bit in the food department. When it opened, there were three main offerings here — a roasted Pork Shank (which was ridiculously good, and is no longer available), LeFou’s Brew (after all, you need something that looks like beer when you’re themed as a tavern in a mostly dry park), and Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll. At the time it was introduced, the Cinnamon Roll was a bit of a head scratcher. After all, the Main Street Bakery offered the BEST CINNAMON ROLL IN THE WORLD. So why did this one need to exist? Soon, we found out. As Main Street Bakery morphed into a Starbucks, many of its iconic offerings left the building. BUT — there was a bright spot, as the cinnamon roll at Gaston’s had just been introduced. Cinnamon Roll At the time, we compared the two, and gave a slight edge to the MSB version. But Disney assured us that the rolls were one and the same; Gaston’s just had a bit of Maple Flavoring added to the icing. And when we took an objective look at the matter, we agreed — Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll was a winner. Cinnamon Roll — Cross Section Now, one thing that you MUST do, however, is ask for that extra icing. See how it’s absolutely covered? That’s by request. I always, always ask for more. And I’ve never been told no — knock on wood! Gaston and His Cinnamon Roll! So as long as they will continue to heap that extra topping onto this Gaston-sized cinnamon roll, it will remain #OnTheList for me! Can’t get to Disney World to grab your own cinnamon roll? Try this Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll Recipe at home for the next best thing! What about you? Does Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll make your cut for Disney #OnTheList favorites? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! What’s On YOUR Disney Food Bucket List? Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll is featured on the DFB Disney Food Bucket List — #OnTheList! Check out the list for more must-eats, and tweet, instagram, and Facebook your Disney Food Bucket List items @DisneyFoodBlog with #OnTheList! 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: Cinnamon Roll Throw-Down: Gaston’s Tavern vs. Main Street Bakery Disney Recipe from the Vault: Cinnamon Rolls from Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom Review: NEW Tavern Beef Stew at Gaston’s Tavern in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

Disney's Animal Kingdom started late-night hours this spring, as it unveiled new experiences such as a Tree of Life light show. But after just a few months, those hours are getting much shorter, according to Disney's website, with planned closings as early as 6 p.m. in the fall. While theme parks... View the full article

Starting this week, guests can enjoy a new dinner show at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. “Menehune Mischief” at Makahiki restaurant celebrates the story of the Menehune—the magical little people of Hawaiian legend—with the help of Aulani’s beloved Uncle and favorite Disney Characters. During a delicious buffet dinner, you’ll enjoy delightful tales brought to life through enchanting music, sing-along fun and engaging storytelling! The essence of Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands can be found throughout the restaurant’s art and design, as well as in the fresh, locally-sourced cuisine. My favorites include the rotating carving stations, the abundant selection of seafood and, of course, house-made desserts! There is also a special “Keiki Corner” for youngsters to fill up on macaroni pasta, baked chicken tenders and more! Menehune Mischief is offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Dinner reservation times are 4:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 5 p.m. The character dinner experience is $49 for adults and $24 for keiki (ages 3-9 years old). For reservations, visit disneyaulani.com or call (808) 674-6200. View the full article

It feels like summer (and our Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration!) just started, so it’s hard for me to believe that a new school season is already upon us. Cue back-to-school shopping: that time-honored tradition of picking out a new outfit for the first day, plus a few sturdy basics to get through the fall. This year, I can’t think of a better place to shop than Disney Springs! With new retailers galore, here are a few that top my “must-shop” list for the new school year: UNIQLO: This Japanese retailer gets back-to-basics with affordable, super-stylish clothes that won’t break the bank. The fashion-forward brand is my new favorite spot for staples like t-shirts, denim, shorts and dresses, and many of the things I love come in sizes perfect for your mini-me. (If I’m being honest, I’m slightly envious of their assortment for the grade school set; they’ve got some seriously cute options that aren’t available in adult sizes!) ZARA: If you’ve never ventured to the second floor of this always-on-trend brand, you may not realize that they carry clothes for kids. They do, and they’re just as runway-worthy as what you’d buy for yourself. If your daughter fancies herself a fashionista or your son is always up on the latest looks, you’ve got to check this place out. francesca’s: Accessories are my thing, and some of my favorite finds come from this boutique shop that offers something for everyone. Need small studs for your small fry? They’ve got ‘em, along with necklaces, rings and plenty of fun trinkets to complete her look. Kipling: While they may be known for their bags, their backpacks deserve a look, too! Through the end of August, 2016, students and teachers save 10% off their total purchase at the Disney Springs location; valid ID required. LittleMissMatched: This quirky, colorful location offers up so much more than simply socks. With a full array of head-to-toe fashions, plus add-ons like shoes, headwear and undergarments, this is a fun stop for little ladies who aren’t afraid to let their big personalities shine though. World of Disney: Of course the world’s largest Disney merchandise shop makes the list – not only do they carry clothes featuring many beloved and brand-new Disney characters, but they also offer classroom essentials with a fun twist: notebooks, pens, pencils and more with an extra touch of pixie dust. Have you shopped at Disney Springs this summer? If so, let me know if I missed any back-to-school shopping hot spots in the comments below. View the full article

Orlando City Players Take on Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex View the full article

Do we really need another reason to enjoy visiting Beaches & Cream? Learn About: Beaches and Cream Disney World Restaurants Probably not. After all, it’s home to greats like the No Way Jose, some of the Best Grilled Cheese in Disney World, and the World Famous Kitchen Sink (which now has a CHOCOLATE LOVER’S version in addition to the original). And just this past spring, this 50s-style diner and ice cream parlor debuted a line of Hard Floats and Shakes for adults. So, no. We don’t need another reason. But guess what? Beaches and Cream They’ve gone and given us one anyway! It’s a little menu dedicated to French Fries… fully loaded. There are three kinds of specialty fries to choose from: Gravy Fries, Cheese and Bacon Fries, and Chili and Cheese Fries. Specialty French Fries Menu As you can see, the handout menus are starting to get worn out. So I’m thinking now might be a good time to add these to the regular menu . (Pretty please?) Oh, and here’s what’s on the back — that list of those Adult Shakes and Floats I mentioned earlier. Adult Beverages Menu I ordered the Gravy Fries and the Cheese and Bacon Fries, and was presented with two pretty huge bowls of generously topped Steak Fries (a larger portion than the image pictured on the menu). The Gravy Fries are topped with brown Poutine Gravy and white shredded cheddar. So, while it’s definitely not Poutine, this batch incorporates the flavors of the traditional Canadian dish. Gravy Fries There wasn’t a ton of the cheese on my batch, but there was just enough to add a nice melty, gooey-ness (is that a word? ) along with a hint of mild cheddar flavor. The brown beef gravy — my absolute favorite part — was laid on thick. Gravy Fries It’s a simple bowl of total savory goodness, if you’re a fan of gravy fries. I honestly didn’t read the description of the Cheese and Bacon Fries thoroughly because I just saw cheese and bacon and said, “Sign me up” for the classic combo. Cheese and Bacon Fries That said, there is more going on here than the name implies. The toppings include cheese sauce (as opposed to shredded cheddar), red onions, and garlic peppercorn ranch dressing mixed in the with sauce. The description — and this is the part I accidentally skipped over in my menu reading — also mentions “candy bacon.” Cheese and Bacon Fries The large chunks of bacon carry a hint of what came across as a mild maple flavor to sweeten them up, while the garlic peppercorn ranch provides a teeny bit of spice — not a major kick by any means, but just enough to keep things interesting. So the whole dish ended up having this really unexpected sweet-and-spicy vibe. Even though the candied bacon didn’t bring my favorite flavor component to this dish (that award goes to the garlic peppercorn ranch), I still think it’s cool how they took a basic combo you can find just about everywhere and gave it a more creative spin. In both cases, the portions are good — and forks are a necessity . My standard go-to snack at Beaches and Cream (for non-ice cream dishes, that is) is a big ol’ pile of Onion Rings, but if these new offerings are given a permanent home I’ll gladly change it up every so often for a batch of the specialty fries — especially since Everything Pop no longer carries my beloved Gravy Fries. Thank goodness that at least for now I can enjoy them at one of my all-time favorite spots in Disney World. Are you up for some Specialty Fries at Beaches and Cream? 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! Menu Changes at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club Resort News! Beaches and Cream in Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort Now Accepting Reservations Review: New Menu at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club Resort View the full article

This summer, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney Springs Marketplace moved to a new location near Once Upon a Toy. You may recall reading about our limited time offer at this location now through September 5. Recently, I visited this flagship location at Disney Springs to capture the incredible details that make this new location extra special. This new location for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has a country home-inspired feel that complements the story of Disney Springs. The interiors throughout the boutique feature Art Nouveau designs, and the new location is now five times larger than its previous spot inside World of Disney. Throughout the location, you’ll find a recurring motif of “passing time” – from clocks to growing pumpkins. For example, lobby artwork suggests that it is still daylight, whereas the murals and the clock on the beautiful castle mosaic in the salon suggest that it’s almost time for the royal ball. In the dressing chamber, pumpkins found atop of the Magic Mirror look like they are beginning to grow long vines. When little ones enter the salon area, they will see a station mirror hung by “pumpkin-hooks” that show the pumpkin growing a little closer to becoming a magical carriage. The final scene for this location is the Carriage Room, a uniquely designed photo opportunity where guests can use Disney PhotoPass. The fanciful coach with golden filigree, lettering, pumpkin leaves and vines closely resembles the ornate carriage from Walt Disney’s animated classic, “Cinderella.” One of my favorite details is found in the dressing chamber area are sketches by Disney Legend Mary Blair created for the animated “Cinderella” film (a nice nod to Disney heritage!). You’ll also spot butterflies, symbolic of transformation, that adorn the walls and floor in this area. Finally, I love the 12 royal banners representing 12 Disney princesses found in the short hallway from the dressing chamber to the expanded salon. Reservations for guests ages 3-12 at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are highly recommended. Access to this new location is exclusive for young guests and their families seeking a royal transformation. Appointments can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895). You can also visit DisneyWorld.com/Style for more information about this experience. Here is a look at other details I found throughout this new addition to Disney Springs: View the full article

When you come to this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you’ll need more than just your tastebuds. Your hands can play a key part in your Festival experience – and not just for holding your dishes. You can bring home some know-how from Disney and celebrity chefs, bakers and mixologists. 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. Budding culinary stars as young as nine-years-old can participate. In Festival Center workshops like Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! you can learn the secret of making sushi from celebrity Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Other classes include pasta making, wine pairing and crafting cocktails. If your interests are more consuming than creating, you’ll have plenty to enjoy. Almost half of the dishes at the global marketplaces are new or reimagined, like the Greek vegan nachos. Premium events like Party for the Senses and Rockin’ Burger Block Party feature new live entertainment. And for pint-size foodies, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak encourages exploration around World Showcase as they search for hidden statuettes of Chef Remy (a great reason to “eat around the world” during your scavenger hunt!) with a sweet surprise once you find them all. Some experiences are an extra ticketed event. Find out more at epcotfoodfestival.com. I’m looking forward to the Eat to the Beat dining packages. My toddler loves bopping to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. What experience or food would you like to bring home with you from this year’s Festival? View the full article

What: The seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are offering "forever fun" rates for a limited time. Rates are below: B Resort & Spa – rates starting at $89 per room, per nightBest Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – rates starting at $67 per room, per nightBuena Vista Palace – rates starting... View the full article