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In just under an hour, we’ll present our next #DisneyParksLIVE stream here on the Disney Parks Blog – “Paint the Night” parade live from Disneyland park! Part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, this spectacular parade lights up Disneyland park with more than 1.5 million LED lights, dazzling special effects and amazing illuminated costumes. Our live stream will begin at 8:50 p.m. PT. Join us just before the parade begins for live interviews and more, and tell us where you’re watching from in the comments! View the full article

In February we announced that Walt Disney World Resort plans to build a new sports venue at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Today, we’re excited to give you a first look at the design of the new state-of-the-art venue. The new indoor sports venue, which will be adjacent to the Jostens Center, will feature a flexible design that can morph from one large competition space capable of seating more than 8,000 fans to as many as four separate competition areas. It will be so flexible that it can be configured to host a variety of other sports, such as basketball and volleyball, as well as concerts. It will be the only venue of its size in America that is specifically designed with cheerleading and dance competitions in mind, offering special warm up and practice areas as well as spaces for judges and officials. The facility, expected to be complete within the next 18 months, will perfectly complement the growing number of prestigious cheerleading and dance events at Disney. Currently, the sports complex plays host to nine cheerleading and dance competitions, including six elite Varsity-produced events such as the USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds held each spring. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex was already a major player in the cheerleading and dance world, but the construction of this massive new indoor venue means that the sports complex is poised to become the epicenter of cheerleading and dance events in this nation. And that’s enough to make any cheerleader do a round off Arabian into a round off double back tuck. View the full article

Are you dreaming of a family getaway? Then you don’t want to miss this opportunity – The Disney Family Movies Land & Sea Sweepstakes. You can enter now through August 1, 2016, for your chance to win a four-night cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line and a three-night stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. For more information and the full official rules, click here. View the full article

One of the best things about summer has to be enjoying fresh corn on the cob, straight from the farmer’s market! And one of our favorite recipes to make with that fresh corn is the Corn Chowder Soup from the Storytellers Cafe at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Storyteller’s Cafe Corn Chowder — as served in the restaurant This is no ordinary corn chowder – it’s filled with fresh corn, potatoes, and chicken. And, to make it even more delicious, it’s topped with crumbled bacon! This dish really is a must-try at Storytellers Cafe and now you can make it at home any time you want. Making this soup will take some time, but it’s perfect for a rainy day! Storytellers Cafe Corn Chowder Soup Storyteller’s Cafe – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa Ingredients 4 ears fresh corn, unshucked 4 slices bacon, divided 1 tablespoon diced onion 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 1 Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced 4 cups chicken stock 6 tablespoons butter 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup pulled chicken meat Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Hot sauce, to taste 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, for garnish Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. To roast the corn, put whole ears in their husks into preheated oven for 25 minutes. Cool briefly, then peel back the husks and cut kernels off the cobs. Set aside. 3. Dice 2 slices of bacon; saute. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat and add onion and garlic to the pan and saute until transparent but not brown. Add the roasted corn, potato, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer. 4. Meanwhile, melt butter over medium heat in a separate saute pan. Add flour, mixing with a wire whisk until smooth. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until mixture begins to loosen slightly. Let cool. 5. Add the cooled butter/flour mixture to the simmering broth, mixing with a whisk. Stir often to keep from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes. 6. Add the cream and pulled chicken meat and simmer for another 10 minutes. 7. Meanwhile, cook the remaining bacon until crisp. Drain and chop bacon into small pieces; set aside. 8. Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with garnish of bacon and cilantro. Serves 4 to 6. Will you be cooking up this delicious corn chowder soup? 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: DIY Disney Recipe: Nebraska Corn Chowder from Storytellers Cafe Review: Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort Review: Storytellers Cafe at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa View the full article

To celebrate the recent grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’ve been taking you on a tour through the six themed lands of Shanghai Disneyland. Today our tour ends with a blast – in Tomorrowland! With imaginative design and cutting-edge technology, Tomorrowland celebrates the hope, optimism and potential of the future – themes from the original Disneyland – now for a whole new culture. With the world debut of TRON Lightcycle Power Run, guests will board two-wheeled Lightcycles to launch across a canopied section of track – the Upload Conduit – before diving high-speed into a mysterious game world of lights, projection and sound effects. On Jet Packs, guests will become sky pilots, taking off on transportation of the future. Strapped into individual Jet Packs and with legs dangling, pilots will enjoy the thrill and wonder of flying. From their sky-high vantage point, pilots will have a breathtaking view of Tomorrowland and the rest of Shanghai Disneyland. Click the links below to revisit our full land-by-land tour of Shanghai Disneyland! Discover Shanghai Disneyland: Mickey Avenue Discover Shanghai Disneyland: Gardens of Imagination Discover Shanghai Disneyland: Adventure Isle Discover Shanghai Disneyland: Treasure Cove Discover Shanghai Disneyland: Fantasyland View the full article

A few weeks ago I checked out the new "Frozen — Live at the Hyperion" show at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. It was of interest because Disney Theatrical Productions is preparing a Broadway adaptation of the popular animated film. This theme-park show, I thought, might offer clues as... View the full article

A few months ago, my fiancée and I visited Disneyland Resort for her birthday. During the trip, we stopped in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park to get her first PANDORA Jewelry bracelet. I thought a charm bracelet would be a fun way to remember this special trip together. If you are looking to start your own PANDORA Jewelry collection, a new option is arriving at Disney Parks on July 26, 2016. Four Iconic Gift Sets will be released in select merchandise locations such as La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park in California, or Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Each set will include one bracelet, two clips, and one of four different Disney charms. These sets make perfect gifts for loved ones. They are also a great way to jump start your own collection. These sets will not be available via the Disney Parks online store or the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. You can, however, find many other items by PANDORA Jewelry both online and via the mobile app. View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle, a series in which our artists imagine what a Disney character would do if he or she visited a Disney theme park, focuses on Gaston. In “Beauty & The Beast,” villain Gaston just can’t get enough of himself – but what happens when he spots this fountain in Belle’s Village at Magic Kingdom Park. This bronze statue features sculptures of Lefou and Gaston (complete with flexed muscles). Is he looking on in admiration…or in competition? View the full article

Who’s ready for a day of fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? The Africa section of the park offers some must-do experiences for many guests, including “Festival of the Lion King” show and Kilimanjaro Safaris. At night, the area comes alive with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti – and don’t forget you can experience the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safari in a whole new light at night. 
For more from our Good Morning series, visit the posts below:
 It’s Dawn On Sunset Blvd at Disney’s Hollywood Studios The Sun Rises on the Tree of Life Good Morning from Characters in Flight at Disney Springs Good Morning at Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
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This summer, Walt Disney World visitors are seeing a couple of elaborate theme-park landmarks in a new light. After the sun sets, a Star Wars spectacular beams 13 minutes of movie scenes onto the exterior of the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Tree... View the full article

Ladies and Gentlemen! Join me in saying the Magic Word… Learn About: AbracadaBar Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants And, NO, it’s not “Abracadabra.” It’s “AbracadaBAR,” the newest, most magical-est lounge in all of Disney World! Located on Disney World’s Boardwalk, you’ll find that AbracadaBar has magically appeared in the space formerly occupied by Seashore Sweets right in between the Flying Fish — which is currently closed for refurbishment — and Trattoria al Forno. PRESTO!! We are BEYOND excited to say that AbracadaBar is no longer an illusion… it’s HERE, and its presence recalls a night over 70 years ago when something strange took place at this very lounge. AbracadaBar Something very unusual, indeed… Atmosphere When Disney first introduced the backstory for AbracadaBar, it whet our appetites for this new watering hole right from the get-go. AbracadaBar window You see, one mysterious night in the year 1940 (as noted by The Boardwalk Bugle hanging on a wall in the bar, dated November 13, 1940), a group of Boardwalk illusionists and entertainers vanished into thin air from their secret magicians’ hideout, never to be heard from again. The Boardwalk Bugle Rich, dark colors and ornate decor transport you to a bygone era in the Golden Age of the BoardWalk. Everything is left as it was on that mysterious night, and even the magic is said to still linger in the air. Inside AbracadaBar Inside AbracadaBar Wall of Mirrors Inside AbracadaBar Tributes to those vanished Magicians remain, from visual references with magicians’ tricks and props… Cabinet full of props Magician Props …to posters and prints on the wall. The Great Nyokaa Encantadora de Toros There are more details in the decor than you could shake a Magic Wand at… including Magic Wands! Magic Wands Magician Props Even more details are tucked into the wallpaper behind the props — keep your eyes peeled for interlocking rings, doves, rabbits, card suits, handcuffs and more. Wallpaper Look very closely, and you may even spy a magician! Wallpaper detail And speaking of hidden things… Hidden Mickey in Stained Glass And don’t forget to spot the hidden Mickeys! Closeup on Hidden Mickey Once you think you’ve seen it all (though you probably haven’t — there’s a LOT to take in!), you can grab a seat at a high top table or circular low top coupled with one of the booths lining the walls. Seating Seating Seating Then again, you could make yourself right at home here. Bar Seating But one day I’m totally staking out this spot for myself! Couch by the window Oh, and even if you don’t have to stop by the restroom… Restroom Hallway Photograph in Restroom Hallway Photograph in Restroom Hallway …well, just trust me when I say that you HAVE to stop by the restroom! If for no other reason than to check out some more of the props, details, and even a few sight gags in the area! Cards in Restroom Hallway Hidden Mickey! Restroom sign Restroom sign Restroom sign Restroom sign Restroom sign And don’t forget to keep an EAR out, too! You may be able to hear what sounds like a magician’s show — complete with applause — by the Stage Door. (I love that this looks like New York City subway walls with the words in tiling.) “To Stage” In fact, why don’t we head back to the main stage, while we’re at it… Eats (Or — Voilà! — Drinks!) As the sign outside promises, it’s all Enchanting Elixirs and Curious Concoctions on the menu at AbracadaBar! Let’s start with a look at the Curious Cocktails. Prices aren’t listed directly next to each drink; instead, a simple note on the top of the menu informs that Cocktails are $12 each, while Non-Alcoholic Drinks are $5. Curious Cocktail Menu — click to enlarge The top four listings include The Conjurita, a Coney Negroni, the Elixir 13, and the Parlor Trick. Curious Cocktails Menu closeup The two non-alcoholic options include a lovely nod to the store formerly located in the same spot with the Seashore Sweet, as well as the Magic Mirror. Curious Cocktails Non-Alcoholic menu closeup The final four (ha!) include the Magic Hattan, Collin’s Double, Pepper’s Ghost, and The Sour Assistant. Curious Cocktails menu closeup Here’s a look, too, at the Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers (along with the Hard Cider and Soda options). Worldly Wines and Baffling Beers Menu — click to enlarge The Baffling Beers offer a selection of bottles and cans along with four on tap, including the Blue Point Hoptical Illusion IPA. Sooo… what did the modern day Magicians (otherwise known as bartenders ) conjure up for us? Bartender performing a trick Bartender performing the “Flying Coaster” We’re quite happy to say… ALL of the Curious Cocktails! Bartender with a Conjurita We’ll start with The Conjurita — a “colorful Margarita that never reveals its secrets!” It’s poured at the table and magically changes from the deep purple you see in the photo above, to the light purple you see below! The Conjurita Made with Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup and lime juice, The Conjurita tastes quite strong for a margarita — very citrusy, and really enjoyable. We also tried the Pepper’s Ghost. It’s a mix of Ciroc Pineapple Vodka and Habanero Lime, which is, fittingly, transparent! As the menu reads, “Don’t be surprised if you detect spirits and flavors that aren’t meant to be seen.” Pepper’s Ghost Oh. MY. We LOVED this super strong blend of sweet and spiciness! Cheers! Pepper’s Ghost The Sour Assistant (“This daring cocktail does all of the work, but gets none of the credit!”) is made with Breuckelen Distilling 77 Whiskey and house-made Sweet-and-Sour. Check out the Magician’s Swords for the garnish skewer! The Sour Assistant The Sweet-and-Sour is remarkably fresh and tasty, and so smooth that we really didn’t experience any bite from the alcohol. We couldn’t resist sampling the Seashore Sweet, of course. Not only because it’s a nice tribute to the former Seashore Sweets shop “dedicated to two BoardWalk beauty queens,” but also because it’s made with Odwalla Lemonade and COTTON CANDY! Seashore Sweet In regards to ingredients, it’s just like the Cotton Candy Lemonade they serve at the Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure over Disneyland way. But the presentation here differs in that the drink is poured at the table so you get to see the Cotton Candy magically disappear (or dissolve — whatevs), and extra cotton candy is brought to you on the side! As you’d anticipate, it’s INCREDIBLY sweet, and super fun to boot! We also tried the Magic Mirror, the other non-alcoholic mocktail with soda water, Honey Mango, Sprite, and lime juice. Magic Mirror This gorgeous mango-limeade is, likewise, very sweet. And, as you can see, it lives up to its reputation of being “the fairest drink of them all.” Back to the Adults Only drinks, we also tried the Coney Negroni – “A Boulevardier inspired by the piers of Coney Island.” Coney Negroni This Boulevardier is what you might call an “acquired taste” . Very strong, and very bitter. The Elixir 13 starts with the Lucid Absinthe in the glass, then water is slowly poured over a sugar cube to mix in. Elixir 13 The presentation – can you see the eyes etched in the glass?! – is terrific! Elixir 13 The beverage itself has a VERY pronounced black licorice flavor — which is definitely not for everyone, but for those of us that love it, this is great news! Only remember, THIS is the “mysterious cocktail that may have made a room full of magicians vanish into thin air.” So, there’s THAT to consider . Fans of the classic Manhattan will want to take note of the Magic Hattan (“rabbits not included!”). Magic Hattan The Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey is paired with the high-end Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, resulting in a really smooth drink. The Collin’s Double — the “secret look-alike of Tom Collins” — is Hayman’s Old Tom Gin and the house-made Sweet-and-Sour topped with soda water. Collin’s Double It tastes a lot like straight lemonade. This is a great option for those wanting to enjoy a cocktail, but prefer a less pronounced taste of alcohol to their beverage (worth noting, since most of the drinks at AbracadaBar taste quite strong). And finally, the Parlor Trick is your typical Old Fashioned “that celebrates cocktail magic.” Parlor Trick Composed of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, simple syrup, and a splash of soda water, it’s heavy on the bourbon with a hint of sweetness. Overall, if I had to choose, I’d say my favorites were the Pepper’s Ghost, The Conjurita, and the Collin’s Double. Oh, and before we vanish ourselves, check out the complimentary serving of Curry-dusted popcorn with Chickpeas that comes to your table! Curry-dusted Popcorn with Chickpeas Yep — something complimentary at Disney World (with purchase of a beverage). It seems AbracadaBar truly is magical in more ways than one . Overall Okay. WOW. You gotta hand this one to Disney, seriously. AbracadaBar serves up an eclectic, clever drink menu with something to suit every palate… all served up in a super fun atmosphere. I LOVE IT HERE!! While no Grand Opening is set at this time (one of the Cast Member’s thinks that will likely wait until the reopening of the Flying Fish), AbracadaBar is currently open to the public daily at 4:00 pm. Our server, by the way, was great and even had some fun with the magic theme. (There is no official magic show, per se, though occasionally some of the BoardWalk performers may stop in!) There are no discounts offered at the current time. And you may want to know that drinks can be served in plastic cups for to-go orders. But as good as the drinks are, I can’t imagine anyone stepping inside and not wanting to stay awhile to soak in the atmosphere, the story, and the MAGIC that is alive and well at AbracadaBar! Are you hoping to stop in at AbracadaBar? Please let us know with a comment below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek: Take a Look Inside the Upcoming AbracadaBar on Disney’s Boardwalk Sneak Peek! Signage Arrives on Disney World’s Boardwalk for the Upcoming AbracadaBar News: Flying Fish and the NEW AbracadaBar Lounge Open in Late Summer View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re staying cool this weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Disney food news from the week! Plaza Loaded Fries We’re still celebrating the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-book! You can order your copy today for 20% off the cover price with the code Chefs16! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News The Plaza Restaurant recently added new items to the menu and we had to check them out! We shared some tips on what to expect on peak booking days for special events at Walt Disney World! We checked out what’s new around Walt Disney World. Did you see the sneak peek of the AbracadaBar on Disney’s Boardwalk? There’s a new Crush souvenir sipper cup at some quick service restaurants! Do you love Butter Chicken? Check out our Epcot Food and Wine Festival recipe from the Africa booth! We love cupcakes so we just had to check out the Cherry and Banana Cupcakes at the Contempo Cafe! The Coca-Cola Store’s rooftop bar recently added an Adult Beverage 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 about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! The Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s is a true culinary experience and DFB reader Andrea Pendelton says she’s been dying to try the Chef’s Table since she read our review a couple of years ago! We’re happy to report that she says it was “so worth the wait!” Great dining experience! We love dining at the Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Cobb Salad is a favorite! DFB fan @CLEdisneyfan recently made the salad at home thanks to our DIY recipe! It looks delicious! Now THAT’S a salad! 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 Chefs16 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 self-stirring Star Wars mug. Perfect for when you want to use the Force to stir your coffee. WDW For Grownups shared some fun drinks from Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs. Cake Wrecks celebrated Disneyland’s 61st anniversary with some sweet Disney-themed cakes! Disney Parks Blog shared a complete guide to ice cream at Disneyland! OhMyDisney talked chocolate from The Ganachery at Disney Springs. Disney Family shared a recipe for Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Cookies. 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: July 17, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 3, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 22, 2016 View the full article

#DisneyKids: Turtle Talk With Crush at Epcot | Walt Disney World View the full article

This week, Disneyland Resort celebrated 61 years! And the Disney Parks Blog shared a special video highlighting the celebration. The festivities began with the Disneyland Band leading the “Happiest March on Earth” down Main Street, U.S.A., followed by a cast of 61 Disney characters at the Main Street Train Station. We also continued our exclusive “All in the Details” series with a first look inside AbracadaBar, a new cocktail lounge that will soon open for business at Disney’s BoardWalk. As the story goes, this little lounge was a former stomping ground for the famous magicians, boardwalk illusionists, and lovely magician’s assistants of the Golden Age. Check Jenn’s story for more details on this new location. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. It’s Christmas in July on ‘Inside Disney Parks’ – It may only be July, but there’s magic happening right now inside Holiday Services at Walt Disney World Resort as we gear up for Christmas at Disney Parks. Unlock Disney Parks Emojis in Disney Emoji Blitz Game – In the new Disney Emoji Blitz – a game for mobile devices where players can collect and play with hundreds of Disney and Pixar emojis – you can earn special Disney Parks emojis! Another Look at Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Products Arriving in Fall 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort – The 45th Anniversary of Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort is only a few months away. Here’s another look at specially designed merchandise celebrating this milestone anniversary. Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Wakes Up to a New Starbucks – Disneyland Resort guests will now find a new location for their daily dose of refreshment with the opening of a second Starbucks in Downtown Disney District. Disneyland Resort Announces Happiest Class on Earth Program, Offers All Sixth-Grade Students in Anaheim Theme Park Tickets for Good Deeds – The Disneyland Resort recently announced exciting news for about 5,000 sixth-grade students in Anaheim, Calif., as part of our 61st anniversary. For the next 10 years, every sixth-grade student in Anaheim elementary schools will have the opportunity to receive a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket after completing a project that enriches their school or community! The Polite Pig Restaurant to Open at Disney Springs in Spring 2017 – The Polite Pig will bring a new twist on favorite local flavors to Disney Springs when it opens in spring 2017. View the full article

Tower of Terror, the beloved vertiginous elevator drop at Disney's California Adventure, will cease to terrify thrill seekers in early January so that it can become a new "Guardians of the Galaxy" attraction that is set to open in summer 2017. But some Disney fans have expressed outrage after Saturday's... View the full article

One of the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure Park is about to undergo a major makeover to incorporate Disney’s stockpile of superhero characters. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an elevator-drop ride based on the old “Twilight Zone” television show, will close for good in January... View the full article

One of the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure Park is about to undergo a major makeover to incorporate Disney’s stockpile of superhero characters. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an elevator-drop ride based on the old “Twilight Zone” television show, will close for good in January... View the full article

Today at San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, announced to a packed house of fans that the Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to Disney California Adventure park! Beginning in summer 2017, the outrageous and irreverent gang will appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – a comically high-energy, rocking new adventure. Guests will be right in the mix with characters from the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. Deep inside his fortress-like collection, the mysterious Taneleer Tivan (aka The Collector) is displaying his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. They are trapped in customized display cases, suspended over a vast abyss. Unbeknownst to their unscrupulous captor, the intrepid Rocket has escaped and is enlisting the Collector’s VIP guests for help. Guests board a gantry lift, which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to break his fellow Guardians out of captivity. The new attraction will anchor a broader universe of Super Heroes that will grow over time at Disney California Adventure park. This exciting new presence will transform the structure currently housing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ (scheduled to close in early 2017) into an epic new adventure, enhancing the breathtaking free fall sensation with all-new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences. Guests will experience multiple random, unique ride profiles in which the rise and fall of the gantry lift will rock to the beat of music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens summer 2017 at Disney California Adventure park. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog as we’ll bring you more details as the attraction develops as well as opportunities to celebrate The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ before it closes in early 2017. The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc. View the full article

There's a new addition to the high-end accessories from Disney partner Dooney & Bourke: MagicBands. Disney launched the limited edition wristwear, 1500 in each of four designs, at an event on Saturday, July 23, in the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs. The bands, $48 each before tax, come packed... View the full article

There's a new addition to the high-end accessories from Disney partner Dooney & Bourke: MagicBands. Disney launched the limited edition wristwear, 1500 in each of four designs, at an event on Saturday, July 23, in the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs. The bands, $48 each before tax, come packed... View the full article

On Sunday, July 17, we marked the 61st anniversary of the opening day of Disneyland. The celebration kicked off at Sleeping Beauty Castle and led guests down Main Street, U.S.A., for a special ceremony in Town Square. Check out the video recap here. In Town Square, a cast of 61 Disney characters joined the celebration! Come celebrate six decades of magic with us during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, continuing now through September 5. View the full article

Our #DisneyParksLIVE series returns to the Disneyland Resort on Monday, July 25, with a live stream of “Paint the Night” parade, part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration! “Paint the Night” parade brings some of the most innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances ever presented at Disneyland Resort. This state-of-the-art nighttime parade floods Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color, fun surprises and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights. It was created for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, which continues through September 5. The live stream will begin at 8:50 p.m. PT. Tune in to learn all about this dazzling parade from the creative people behind the scenes and find out how you can participate in the live stream yourself here on the Disney Parks Blog and on Twitter at @DisneyParks! View the full article

If, like my kids, your little ones are fans of “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory,” you won’t want to miss the awesome experience of a live Q&A with everyone’s favorite sea turtle, Crush. At the interactive Turtle Talk with Crush attraction at Epcot, kids can ask any question that is on their mind. And since it is live, the show is different every time – which means that my kids want to visit over and over again! They love that Crush is joined by some of his friends from the films, like Marlin, Nemo, Dory and more. We asked some of the little dudes and dudettes in the audience about their conversations with the totally tubular turtle. Check out their cute responses in this video: View the full article

A relaxing family vacation with young children is easier than ever at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Whether it’s playing in the lagoon’s warm sand, enjoying a special baby-centric treatment at Laniwai Spa, or meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time, little ones will be surrounded by magic in every corner of the resort. Plus, a host of baby-friendly amenities make Aulani an ideal choice for families. If you’re a family with children, enter the Aloha, Baby! Sweepstakes daily for your chance to say “Aloha” to 4 nights at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. If that wasn’t enough, the grand prize winner will also receive vacation gear from Disney Baby and a year’s worth of diapers from HUGGIES®. To enter the sweepstakes, visit Disney.com/alohababy. No Purchase Necessary. Ends 8/24/16 @ 12 PST. Open to 50 US/DC only; 18+. Limit 1 entry per person per day. Odds/Rules: Disney.com/alohababy. Void where prohibited. View the full article

We now have nearly all of the pieces in place for the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! And I don’t know about you guys, but around here, we’re pretty excited. Africa Booth The Festival will last longer than ever in 2016 — get ready to Eat and Drink Around the World from September 14 through November 14! Of course, we love all of the Special Events and Low Cost Seminars and Demonstrations. And this year, we already have our seats booked for the brand new Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It Workshops. This new hands on experience promises to make the festival more interactive than ever. 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 for pre-order! 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 and we’ll immediately send you the 2015 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Speaking of being interactive, one way we love to count down the days until the Festival is by making some of our favorite dishes. And one of my super top favorites is Butter Chicken from the Africa Booth! The dish has long been a favorite of mine at Sanaa. So I was so happy to see it debut on the Promenade last year! Buttered Chicken with Micro Cilantro and Naan Bread And now, with this handy recipe, you and I can make it at home between visits! Butter Chicken Africa Booth Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: Sauce: 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced green pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 1/4 teaspoons garam masala 1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup tomato puree 1 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup plain yogurt coarse salt, freshly ground pepper Chicken: 4 teaspoons garam masala 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 pounds boneless and skineless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cup chicken broth coarse salt, freshly ground pepper Instructions: 1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and green pepper and saute 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft. 2. Add butter, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper; stir 1-2 minutes. 3. Add tomato puree and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. 4. Reduce to low heat; add cream and yogurt and simmer 8 to 10 minutes. 5. Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm. Chicken: 1. Combine garam masala and cayenne pepper in a bowl large enough to hold chicken. Toss with chicken until evenly coated; set aside. 2. Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and saute 5 minutes until browned. 3. Lower heat to medium-lowand stir in 1/2 cup of sauce; simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Stir in remaining sauce. 4. Mix cornstarch and chicken broth together in a small bowl. Stir into chicken and simmer 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. To Serve: Serve over basmati or jasmine rice with warm naan bread. 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. (Note: According to an official Disney World Annual Passholder website and email, booking for low-cost demonstrations begins for Annual Passholders ONLY on July 18th. We can find no other confirmation of this date, but we wanted to be sure you were aware of all possibilities!) 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. We’ll be making this DFB Favorite dish this weekend for sure! And now we want to hear from you — what is your favorite Food and Wine Festival dish to make at home? 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: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Shrimp on the Barbie from the Australia Booth Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Kefta From the Morocco Booth 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies at the Poland Marketplace Booth View the full article