Disney4me

There was never anything Mickey Mouse about the price tag: $5.5 billion. And, sure enough, Shanghai Disney Resort is not a small world, after all. Indeed, it is colossal. It's also at long last ready to strut its stuff. June 16 marks the official grand opening of what Walt Disney Co. CEO and Chairman... View the full article

The forgetful blue fish of Pixar’s “Finding Dory” is poised to boost the U.S. box office this weekend, and make the sluggish start to this summer’s movie season a distant memory. The long-awaited sequel to “Finding Nemo” is expected to gross as much as $120 million in ticket sales from the U.S.... View the full article

Christmas? Wha?? “But AJ, it’s June, and we’re sweltering and/or being rained on!” Well…it’s also only 194 days until Christmas. And if you’re planning a December Disney trip, then it’s time to don your Santa hat and get into the holiday spirit, my friends! Why so early? Because most restaurants at Disney World start booking for Christmas Day on June 28th, 180 days before Christmas Day. And because the most popular restaurants book up to capacity on that first day! We don’t want you to miss out, so it’s time to start planning. We’ve got three great offers starting today that are all yours until June 28th! Main Street Holiday Decor! So….if you wanna get a table for your holiday dinner at one of Disney’s most popular restaurants, you’ve gotta get on the horn in the next couple of weeks! Not sure where you want to eat? Let us help you with that!! Holiday Cupcake from the BoardWalk Bakery 180 Days ‘Til Christmas Sale — 3 Great Ways to SAVE! We know you’re just as excited as we are about the upcoming holiday season in Walt Disney World! And like we said: it’s never too early to start making plans. After all, you’ve gotta make those advance dining reservations 6 months ahead, especially around the busy holiday season — the most crowded time of the year in Walt Disney World. 1) 30% Off the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 Pre-Order (Plus 2015 Guide FREE!) Get 30% off when you pre-order your copy of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 e-book during our 180 Days ‘Til Christmas Sale! Just use code 180Days at check-out to get the discount. And if that’s not enough to make you press the purchase button, remember you’ll be able to instantly download the 2015 Guide for FREE and start your planning — today! We’ll share our favorite spots for holiday meals, all of the holiday events, hundreds of photos, and more! It’s the perfect way to nail down your plans and snag the most popular holiday reservations in Walt Disney World. You’ll then receive the 2016 Guide via email automatically as soon as it’s published in early November. Yep — that means you get two editions for the price of one, so you can start planning right away. 2) Bundle for More Savings! Want more for your money? Purchase the Holiday Bundle for 30% off the already deeply discounted price! It’s like getting an entire book for free! Just enter code 180days at the check-out. In the Holiday Bundle, you’ll get: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition, The 2016 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2015 Edition for FREE as an immediate download. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars stretch all around Disney World. These two unique resources are ALL you need to plan your holiday dining! And with these handy, e-book format guides at your fingertips, there’s nothing that you won’t know about food at Walt Disney World! Just download them, put them on your mobile device, and GOOOOOOO! To take advantage of this amazing deal, just enter Promo Code 180days at checkout! 3) Get Over 70% Off ALL of the DFB Dining Guides! Finally, this is the way to get the biggest bang for your buck in our 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale. ACT NOW and collect ALL of Disney Food Blog’s Dining guidebooks for 70% off their regular prices. Do you anxiously await new DFB posts? Want even more great information, pictures, and tips? Then the DFB Everything Bundle is for you! And to get you ready for that next big Disney World trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for 50% off the already low BUNDLE price – that’s over 70% off the cover prices of the books. Just enter promo code 180Days at checkout to take advantage of this offer for a limited time only. The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks A Pre-Order of the 2016 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2015 Edition for FREE as an immediate download A Pre-Order of the 2016 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2015 Edition for FREE as an immediate download DFB Dining Adventures That’s every book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides. And with the convenient e-book format, you can load your books onto as many electronic devices as you want. Have them at your fingertips, ready to plan and take with you into the Parks. Just download and off you go! Enter promo code 180Days at checkout to get ALL of the DFB Disney World Dining Guidebooks for over 70% off the regular prices. Shop with confidence, knowing that all of our DFB Guides are 100% guaranteed. As always, we thank you for your continued support of Disney Food Blog! Happy summer (and holiday!) reading! 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: The 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale Starts TODAY! DFB 12 Days of Christmas: Day 8 — Get Every DFB Guidebook for 50% Off Cover Prices! DFB 12 Days of Christmas: 35% Off of EVERYTHING in the DFB Store! View the full article

Will the opening of Shanghai Disney suck the wind out of the sails of Hong Kong Disneyland or push more mainland Chinese to visit the new resort? That’s the multimillion-dollar question facing Hong Kong government officials and Disney executives as the theme park giant prepares to open its Shanghai... View the full article

The newly created OneOrlando Fund to serve victims from the Pulse nightclub shootings went online Tuesday as the Walt Disney Co. pledged a $1 million donation to the campaign. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the money would go to nonprofit organizations serving victims and their families, Hispanic,... View the full article

We recently featured the variety of live stage shows at the Disneyland Resort, and today we’ll take a look at the amazing spectaculars that light up the night at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Don’t miss your chance to see these dazzling Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration spectaculars before the celebration ends this summer. “Disneyland Forever” fireworks – This nighttime fireworks spectaculars debuted in 2015 during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, lighting up the sky above Disneyland park. This street-to-sky experience surrounds you with music, fireworks, projections and special effects to bring you into the middle of magical Disney stories. “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” – This innovative and immersive nighttime spectacular presented on Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park combines water, color, fire, music and animation to share the story of Walt Disney and his dream of the Happiest Place on Earth. Check back soon for a look at our dazzling parades as we continue our features on live entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort. View the full article

A popular destination on our Caribbean cruises, Cozumel is a paradise island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In addition to splashtacular and nature-centered excursions that give you a taste of island life, we offer an abundance of Port Adventures to immerse your family in the area’s rich Mexican and Mayan culture. One of the fun ways we bring history to life for families is at Discover Mexico, a cultural park celebrating Mexico from the pre-Hispanic age to modern times. Miniature replicas of pyramids, monuments, cathedrals, and the Paseo de la Reforma – Mexico City’s elegant boulevard – give your family a unique opportunity to visually trace the evolution of Mexico’s ancient civilizations and explore the Spanish colonial era. These fun photos of Mickey and the gang show some of the park’s miniature sites. On our Cozumel Highlights, Ruins and Discover Mexico Cultural Park Port Adventure, you’ll also have the chance to view age-old artifacts at the park’s art museum, taste delicious regional cuisine and browse handmade items from Mexico’s finest artisans. Other highlights of this Port Adventure include a visit to The Mayan Cacao Company, where you’ll learn about the history of chocolate, and a tour of the ruins of San Gervasio, an ancient Mayan site dating back to before 1000 AD. It’s sure to be a fun, culture-filled day for the whole family! Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Are you as excited about the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort as we are? Then I’ve got great news! Fans around the world will be able to experience the spectacular, one-of-a-kind event when the “Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort” television special is presented Thursday, June 16, at 8 p.m., simultaneously on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and each channel’s App, and then again Friday, June 17, at 10 p.m., on Freeform. The music-filled television special will be narrated by actress and recording artist Sofia Carson (Disney Channel’s “Descendants,” “Adventures in Babysitting“) and will be presented without breaks or commercials! Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, will be joined by the one and only Mickey Mouse along with nearly 3,000 distinguished guests, celebrities and government officials for a showcase of choreography, acrobatics, costumes and technology in grand scale, with dazzling lights, Disney music, pageantry, special effects and fireworks. World-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform a custom arrangement of the musical sensation “Let It Go” (from Disney’s “Frozen“) and China’s television and movie superstar Sun Li will take center stage. The historic event includes the debut of an original song, “Ignite the Dreamer Within,” written especially for the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Acclaimed composer and conductor Tan Dun, widely known for his stirring scores for the films “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero,” will lead the Shanghai Symphony with an original composition of the new song. Join this once-in-a-lifetime event with “Grand Opening Celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort,” Thursday, June 16, at 8 p.m., on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, and Friday, June 17, at 10 p.m., on Freeform. View the full article

Today, the Walt Disney Company is announcing a $1 million cash commitment to the OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist those affected by the tragic events in Orlando. Also, eligible donations from Disney employees will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation. “We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act,” said Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With 74,000 Cast Members who call Orlando home, we mourn the loss of the victims and offer our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.” OneOrlando Fund will provide funds and other services to individuals affected by the tragedy. The website for the new fund is www.oneorlando.org. Walt Disney World Resort has also been working in coordination with other Central Florida agencies and leaders to provide support to those in need. In coordination with OneBlood, cast members and other employees working at Walt Disney World Resort wishing to donate blood to help victims may donate at five designated locations across the resort property. Through an effort led by the City of Orlando and the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Walt Disney World Resort is also providing complimentary accommodations for the families and friends of the victims. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this horrific event. View the full article

The first Mandarin-language production of “The Lion King” premiered Tuesday night at Shanghai Disneyland, part of a series of events scheduled before the park’s grand opening Thursday. A host of executives and Chinese and foreign celebrities attended, including Walt Disney Co. Chairman and Chief... View the full article

The Walt Disney Co. is giving $1 million to a fund created to help support victims of Sunday's mass shooting. The City of Orlando went live Tuesday with the One Orlando Fund, which will support the organizations involved in the recovery efforts after the events at Pulse nightclub. Mayor Buddy Dyer... View the full article

Members of the Walt Disney World community are planning to meet "to show our love and support" in the wake of Orlando's mass shooting. The informal, unofficial gathering is set for 11:30 p.m. Saturday at Magic Kingdom theme park. Folks will meet at the Partners statue, which features figures of... View the full article

If you’ve been keeping up on all the latest food news in Walt Disney World with us here at the DFB, then you know that the latter half of May brought all kinds of additions to the Disney dining scene! Disney Springs And the arrival of the summer season also brings expanded food options to feed the increasing crowds at the parks and beyond, so our tour will include all sorts of updates, changes, and additions – both big and small – as we check out What’s New around Walt Disney World! Magic Kingdom We’re kicking things off with a celebration of all things DORY in honor of the Finding Dory film making its debut on June 17th! Find these Nemo and Dory Caramel Apples at Big Top Treats (you can also find them at Candy Cauldron in Disney Springs West Side and at Marceline’s in Disneyland). Nemo and Dory Caramel Apples Plenty of fun new merchandise heralds the arrival of the movie, too. These mugs found at major merchandise stops around the parks are just one example. Finding Dory merchandise Finding Dory mug And here’s a fun find for all the Popcorn peeps! Some seriously fun new flavors of Main Street Popcorn have hit the scene, like Butter Toffee Almond, Sriracha Kettle Corn, Maple Bacon, and Truffle. Yowza! Main Street Popcorn Flavors But it doesn’t stop there! Your inner Popcorn Connoisseur can also try Kettle Corn with Red Alaea Salt, Parmesan Garlic, or CHURRO! Main Street Popcorn Flavors We spotted these at The Confectionery, but keep an eye out for them at snack and merchandise spots all over Disney World. Congratulations to Marie from The AristoCats, who has earned a place of honor on a Disney World Character Lollipop Marie Lollipop Stop by Main Street Bakery to find the new Mickey Mouse Cupcake! Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck Cupcakes This chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate buttercream and wafer ears is the new neighbor of the vanilla Donald Duck Butt Cupcake. Should you find the seasonally open Tomorrowland Terrace operating during your visit (which will be more likely during the busy summer season), you’ll also find several new items on the menu. Tomorrowland Terrace Menu Tomorrowland Terrace Menu These include sandwiches like Spicy Chicken, Pulled Pork Banh Mi, and Smoked Sausage. Even the ol’ Angus Bacon Cheeseburger got an upgrade with a Pretzel Bun! Pulled Pork Banh Mi Sandwich Smoked Sausage Sandwich Coconut Tres Leches Cake and a Rocky Road Brownie make up the new dessert options. Rocky Road Brownie Look for our review of these new eats — and more — soon! The addition of Main Street Electrical Parade Lunch Packages isn’t the only new thing at Tony’s Town Square. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant A Fish of the Day entrée has been added along with Cannoli for dessert (which took the place of the Crème Brulee). Epcot The Land Pavilion is offering a heartfelt “Welcome back” to the Soarin’ attraction with this Orange Soarin’ Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons! Soarin’ Cupcake In its earliest returning weeks, guests have experienced the original – or “classic” – Soarin’ film. But June 17th marks the debut of Soarin’ Around the World with all new adventures! And now that the headliner attraction is back in The Land Pavilion, Sunshine Seasons has amped up the breakfast menu to match the crowds that will be lining up to soar once more. Sunshine Seasons Look for Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding and a Breakfast Panini among the new options. Temps are warming rapidly here in Florida, so you may want to cool down at Cool Wash, where adults can now order up their choice of Frozen Beverage with Grey Goose Vodka, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, or Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum. Cool Wash menu The Frozen Ever After attraction opens on June 21st in the Norway Pavilion, along with Royal Sommerhus – the new Frozen Meet and Greet location! Elsa and Anna can’t wait to see YOU in Norway! Along with that major change comes another… to the menu at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, which is now featuring one all-day menu (as opposed to the previous lunch vs. dinner offerings; breakfast, of course, still has its own menu). Akershus All-Day Menu More changes have come to the selections at China’s Lotus Blossom Cafe! Sichuan Spicy Chicken has replaced the Beijing Noodles, and a Mongolian Style Beef Noodle entrée is also now available (instead of the previous Beef Noodle Soup Bowl). Lotus Blossom Cafe menu Don’t forget that the Prix Fixe three-course lunch is still an option through the summer at Tutto Italia in the Italy Pavilion. Tutto Italia and Gusto Wine Cellar It includes choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert, and a non-alcoholic beverage for $27 and will be on offer through August 31st. Tutto Italia Menu A new Lobster Appetizer has also been added to the menu for lunch and dinner, and a Rack of Lamb is now available for dinner only. Tutto Italia Menu The celebration continues in Italy, where Via Napoli recently served its One Millionth Pizza! Pizza at Via Napoli They’re also now serving an Affumicata Pizza (a white pizza topped with mozzarella, smoked salmon, arugula, pomodorini, and stracchino). Via Napoli menu Fans of Kakigori – the Japanese Shaved Ice found at Kabuki Cafe — may be interested to hear about the new Sake Mists! Kabuki Cafe These alcoholic Shaved Ice flavors are for grownups only, featuring Blood Orange, Chocolate Cherry, and Coffee. Kabuki Cafe menu New choices can also be found among the cocktails at the nearby outdoor Sake Bar. Outdoor Sake Bar The Cucumber Cooler and Spicy Mango Sake are recent additions to the menu, along with the Rising Sun (which is beer with a shot of sake). Outdoor Sake Bar menu You can now recharge your phone while you’re recharging with a margarita at La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion, according to the @cavadeltequila Twitter account. @cavadeltequila Twitter Account And lastly, the Refreshment Cool Post is now serving the Outpost Oasis. Refreshment Cool Post Refreshment Cool Post menu It’s Lemon Soft-serve and Grey Goose Vodka. Hollywood Studios A blueberry and vanilla Finding Dory Cupcake will be swimming into Counter Service spots like the Trolley Car Café, Rosie’s All-American Cafe, Fairfax Fare, and Starring Rolls. Trolley Car Cafe sign The Trolley Car is also serving up Vegetable Rolls these days. Vegetable Rolls At Catalina Eddie’s, a Meat Lovers Pizza has replaced the flatbread. Catalina Eddie’s menu And all sorts of new Counter Service options are now available at Echo Lake Eats! Echo Lake Eats This group of three kiosks located around Echo Lake – Hollywood Waffles of Fame, Sliders to the Stars, and Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas – will be serving guests at Hollywood Studios through the summer. Echo Lake Eats Check out our review of the new options — including the Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich pictured below! Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich Our final Studios stop is The Hollywood Brown Derby where a Roasted Rack of Lamb and Pork Three Ways can now be found on the menu. The Hollywood Brown Derby A Marinated Shrimp Skewer has also enhanced the enhancement options at the Derby. Animal Kingdom Not much has happened at Animal Kingdom since our last round of What’s New. Tree of Life at Night Unless you want to count the fact that Memorial Day Weekend rang in all-new nighttime offerings to the previously day-only park! And the arrival of Tiffins, the park’s first Signature restaurant! Tiffins sign The Grand Gallery of Tiffins Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib And this guy! (Read all about him-or-her here!) Whole Fried Sustainable Fish at Tiffins Oh, and Nomad Lounge is Disney World’s latest bar. (Find out why we love it!) Hightower Rocks There are also TWO new evening street parties – the Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale. Harambe Village Acrobats Discovery Island Carnivale The park’s very first nighttime show, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, made its debut. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic And new snacks — like an updated Tree of Life Cupcake in honor of the tree’s new nighttime colors — and souvenir steins are on offer to celebrate all the new adventures at Animal Kingdom! “Awakened” Tree of Life Cupcake Glowing Stein Glowing Stein But that’s it, really. Disney Springs When we published our last round of What’s New, we were anxiously anticipating the opening of several new eateries all over Disney Springs… and now they’re up and running! From Counter Service and snack spots like D-Luxe Burger, Amorette’s Patisserie, Sprinkles, and Morimoto Asia Street Food… D-Luxe Burger Amorette’s Signature Mini Cake Cupcake in Sprinkles Box from the Cupcake ATM Morimoto Asia Street Food … to fine dining establishments like STK Orlando. STK Orlando Upper Level Patio Dining at STK Orlando 32 ounce Porterhouse Four new kiosks up the options even further: The Daily Poutine, YeSake, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., and AristoCrepes! The Daily Poutine YeSake The 3 Little Pigs Sampler at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Crepe and AristoCrepes Kiosk They’re all yours to choose from and enjoy on your next visit to Disney Springs! Disney Springs Soon we’ll be turning our attention to some eagerly anticipated restaurants opening this summer, with Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless and Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine by Chef Art Smith among them. Frontera Cocina Coming Soon — Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar We can’t wait to see what these new venues bring to the ever-expanding dining scene at Disney Springs! Disney’s Boardwalk Last month we also welcomed Ample Hills Creamery — and their ridiculously decandent housemade ice cream – to the Boardwalk! Ample Hills Creamery And don’t forget that right next door at the ESPN Club, select soccer games are being broadcast through July 10th. For select early morning matches, the restaurant is open at 8:30 am and serving a few traditional breakfast options. ESPN Club The spot is also now accepting Advance Dining Reservations for lunch on Mondays through Fridays. Well, that’s it for this round! But you know it’s never quiet for long around these parts, so well be back soon to show you What’s New. So until next time… Thanks for Soarin’ with us! Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in 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: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 13, 2016 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 24, 2014 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 15, 2016 View the full article

Shanghai Disney officially opens: A peek inside June 17, 2016, 6 p.m. After five years of construction, $5.5 billion in spending and a month of testing to work out the kinks, Shanghai Disney Resort opened to the public just before noon, Shanghai time, on Thursday, June 16 (which was 9 p.m. Wednesday... View the full article

Countdown to Shanghai Disney opening June 14, 2016, 3:31 a.m. After five years of construction, $5.5 billion in spending and a month of testing to work out the kinks, Shanghai Disney Resort opens to the public at noon, Shanghai time, on Thursday, June 16 (which is 9 p.m. Wednesday in Anaheim).... View the full article

Jerald Arthur Wright, 31, was part of at least two families — his biological one and tight-knit group of friends he worked with at Walt Disney World. On Monday, they mourned as his name was added to the list of those killed in the Pulse Orlando mass shootings. "It's hard to understand, but the... View the full article

Childhood and, in fact, the very act of being human involves a certain level of loneliness. The great news is, you can make money off it. For close to 80 years, if you go by Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” making history in 1937, all sorts and achievement levels of feature animation... View the full article

Jerald Arthur Wright, 31, was part of at least two families — his biological one and tight-knit group of friends he worked with at Walt Disney World. On Monday, they mourned as his name was added to the list of those killed in the Pulse Orlando mass shootings. "It's hard to understand, but the... View the full article

Disney's newest princess hails from the South Pacific and she's lined up to see if she can become the next "Frozen" this Thanksgiving. "Moana" stars Dwayne Johnson as demigod Maui opposite newcomer Hawaiian Auli'i Cravalho as the titular character in a film with original songs created by among... View the full article

Disney's newest princess hails from the South Pacific and she's lined up to see if she can become the next "Frozen" this Thanksgiving. "Moana" stars Dewayne Johnson as demigod Maui opposite newcomer Hawaiian Auli'i Cravalho as the titular character in a film with original songs created by among... View the full article

Bonjour from Chefs de France! Learn About: Chefs de France Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Chefs de France is located, of course, in none other than Epcot’s France Pavilion. If you’ve been reading the DFB for any length of time you already know that France is a must-visit Pavilion when it comes to dining options in the World Showcase, what with Counter Service and snack showstoppers like Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie and L’Artisan des Glaces, as well as signature drinks like the Grand Marnier Orange Slush. But the longtime favorite we’re visiting today is one of the Pavilion’s two Table Service restaurants (the other being Monsieur Paul, the signature dining option). And “longtime” is definitely the operative word, as Chefs de France has been welcoming guests since the park’s opening. But that doesn’t mean things have stayed exactly the same over the years. In fact, our recent visit was due to some changes at Chefs de France that we wanted to check out for ourselves. Chefs de France The change includes a new menu, and we made a midday Advance Dining Reservation to scope out the situation. Chefs de France Entrance And so… Bienvenue à Chefs de France! Atmosphere A visit to Chefs de France is like stepping into a Paris bistro. Even if you haven’t personally dined there, perhaps you’ve peeked in the huge windows lining the restaurant’s perimeter during a World Showcase stroll to see what’s inside. Dining Room viewed from the Entrance A quick glance reveals rich dark woods and elegant lighting fixtures, but further details emerge upon entering. French Decor For instance, the black and white photos on the wall near the entrance are a tribute to the history of Chefs de France, showcasing past and current culinary masters. Photos of Chefs de France Photos of Chefs de France Photos of Chefs de France Beautiful bottles of French wine and liqueurs serve double duty as further décor throughout the restaurant. Bottles of Wine and Spirits Options for seating include three different dining areas. The main dining room resembles a French bistro. Inside Dining Area Gold coloring and antique styling complete the look of all those gorgeous lighting fixtures that are one of the restaurant’s signatures. Indoor Lighting Flooring is a mix of detailed tiling and carpet, while seating is comprised largely of tables (though some partial booths are also available). Indoor Seating Hoping to enjoy some people watching while you dine? Then one of the two large sunrooms on the perimeter of the restaurant may be your preference. The hosts and hostesses will try to accommodate seating preferences if they are able, so don’t be afraid to specify which room you prefer! Sunroom The front sunroom has a feel all its own, but it’s still well in keeping with the look of the main dining room, with gold and highly detailed elements seen from the ceiling to the floor. Sunroom Lighting Detailed Ceiling In fact, one of my favorite parts of the sunroom is the gorgeous patterned tiled flooring. (However, just like anywhere else with tiles, it makes for a bit louder experience than the carpeted main room). Tiled Flooring The sunrooms offer only tables and chairs, with a mix of round and square tables. Sunroom Table No matter where you sit, table settings are understated, but lovely. Table Seating But they’re not entirely without whimsy, thanks to the placemats dotted with chefs hats! Place Setting Mini Chef Hats on the Placemats As always, the uniquely refined atmosphere remains much the same at Chefs de France. So now it’s time to turn our attention to those changes we mentioned earlier… Eats Before we dive into main menu updates, we thought we’d spend a little time exploring the beverage menu. Sparkling, reds, and white wines are available alongside aperitifs and cocktails. You’ll even spot a few imported French sodas on the list, like Orangina and Limonade. Chefs de France Beverage Menu Our server said a favorite among guests is the sparkling wine, so we ordered a glass of Louis Perdrier, Brut. Glass of Louis Perdrier, Brut Sparkling Wine Though dry, the Brut was pleasantly drinkable thanks to a hint of apple flavor. Closeup of the Sparkling Louis Perdrier, Brut We also tried the St-Germain Cocktail, a combination of St. Germaine liqueur, sparkling wine and Perrier. It is served with the St. Germaine and sparkling wine mixed together in a separate carafe with the Perrier and lemon in a glass for self-pouring. St-Germaine Cocktail It’s probably no major surprise given this time of year that it was VERY hot outside on the day of our visit, so this light, bubbly cocktail was a refreshing treat. The unique elderberry flavor and sparkling water was a delicious combination. One of the signature drinks for the restaurant was another favorite of our server’s, the Cocktail des Chefs: Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine and black currant. Essentially a Kir Royale. Cocktail des Chefs This sparkling wine was fuller bodied in comparison to the Louis Perdrier and the black currant helped bring out the flavors even more. But you can see by the coloring that it wasn’t at all heavy; just really flavorful. Cocktail des Chefs Now onto the main show — and the reason for our visit! The lunch and dinner menus have been combined into one list of all-day offerings (just click the image below to enlarge). Chefs de France Menu — click to enlarge Here is a look at the menu for Les Kiddos. Chefs de France Kids’ Menu Back to the main menu… we were happy to see that some of our favorite Preludes and Appetizers made the transition (like the classic French Onion Soup and Lobster Bisque). But we also took note of some new additions, including the Tartare de Saumon Legerement Fume – Salmon Tartare. Tartare de Saumon This lovely plate is a serving of fresh, lightly smoked salmon tartare with plenty of seasoning mixed in. Salmon Tartare It’s served atop cucumber dill and topped with raw onion and green chives to add some nice crunch. Salmon Tartare Cross-Section Also on the dish is a tasty honey mustard with just a dot of tomato sauce. Honey Mustard and Tomato Sauce A favorite is served on the side; a beautiful and fresh Brioche Bun. Large Brioche Bun We couldn’t get over how fresh and airy the bun was. The Tartare comes with only one, but our whole table agreed that each of us could’ve happily eaten one by ourselves! Brioche Bun Cross-Section One of our favorite sections of the menu, Les Tartes des Chefs, also remained part of the listing. In previous visits the A la Flamme Alsacienne has been our go-to, but we decided to give the new addition a try: the Au Saumon Fume. Au Saumon Fume This stunner of a flatbread is made with smoked salmon, creme fraiche, and onions. Just like the tartare, the salmon was wonderfully seasoned and flavored. Au Saumon Fume Toppings The crust has been a hit or miss on pass visits, so I was pleased to see how beautifully baked this one was. Baked Flatbread Of course, no DFB visit to Chefs de France would be complete without a cheese plate! And the Plateau de Fromages de France is always a win. Plateau de Fromages de France The plating has received a slight layout update, but the fortunately the flavors are all the same. It’s comprised of five varieties of entirely imported cheeses, including a large square of Gruyere Swiss that is a terrific combination of sweet and salty. Gruyere Swiss The soft goat cheese and port salut were both wonderfully creamy, while also slightly tangy. Soft Goat Cheese Port Salut A lovely and rich brie rounded out the soft options on the plate. Brie Cheese The wedge of bleu cheese was — quite surprisingly — not very potent, but tasty nonetheless. Bleu Cheese A serving of red grapes and walnuts and a few slices of raisin and walnut bread completed the plate. Grapes and Walnuts Raisin and Walnut Bread Still, my favorite bread remains the fresh Baguette that is served on every table no matter what you order! French Baguette The baguettes are baked throughout the day in the France Pavilion so with every visit you can expect them to be crispy, soft and delicious! Baguette Cross-Section As we explore the entrees, noticeably missing from the new all-day menu were more lunch-friendly options like the Croque Monsieur, Crêpe Florentine and the Steak Hashé Angus (hamburger). So I think it’s safe to say that it certainly resembles more of a dinner menu now. They still do offer the Prix Fixe menu, which features three courses from a limited selection (albeit at an all-day price of $39.99). But since that primarily includes familiar offerings like the Gratin de Macaroni, we were more concerned with trying some different items. We started with what seems like the closest replacement of the burger: the Steak Frites, Beurre Maitre d’Hotel. Steak Frites, Beurre Maitre d’Hotel This cut of grilled flat iron steak was beautifully seasoned and cooked, topped off with a delicious dollop of lemon and parsley butter. Everything together resulted in a great steak heavy with rich flavor. Grilled Flat Iron Steak Grilled Flat Iron Steak Cross-Section And I loved the heaping pile of fries — pommes frites — that came along with it! As usual, they made for a terrific side. This was one of my go-to meals when I lived in Switzerland, so I’m happy that I can recommend it here. Lots of French Fries Another addition to the all-day menu is the Filet de Boeuf Grille. Filet de Boeuf Grille This grilled tenderloin is served on top of a green peppercorn sauce that paired terrifically with the seasoning on the beef. Grilled Beef Tenderloin The texture was nicely tender, but not too heavy. Grilled Tenderloin Cross-Section A serving of fresh green beans and potato au gratin made up the sides. Green Beans The potato au gratin, by the way, is made with the same creme fraiche as the flatbread. I could eat a full plate of this by itself! Potato au Gratin The Poulet Fermier a la Lyonnasise is an updated chicken dish that has joined the scene since our last visit. Poulet Fermier a la Lyonnasise Creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned broccoli heads are served on the side. Mashed Potatoes Broccoli The generous size of the chicken is a treat for the eyes, but the fragrance of the dish was absolutely incredible. Everyone at the table agreed that the roasted chicken was remarkably soft and tender. Roasted Chicken Roasted Chicken Cross-Section The Lyon influence in this dish is experienced in the tomato and vinegar sauce. I wasn’t sure what I would think at first, but this ended up being my favorite dish of the day — and when the competition includes two really good steaks, that’s saying something. Tomato and Vinegar Sauce By this point, we were getting seriously stuffed… but how could we not say “Oui!” to at least one dessert? Chefs de France Dessert Menu Thankfully, the Profiteroles au Chocolat are still available along with classics like the Creme Brulee. Ultimately, though, we decided on the Tarte aux Pommes, served with caramel and a small scoop of almond cream. Tarte aux Pommes This gorgeous apple tart is the centerpiece, with its flaky, buttery crust. Apple Tart Tart Pastry Even though the dish was baked, the thinly sliced half of apple remained flavorful and juicy. Apple Tart Apple Tart Cross-Section Apples, caramel and cream… it’s a lovely way to end another good meal at Chefs de France. Overall Judging this latest meal purely on its own merit, I’d have to say that Chefs de France has done it again in providing another very well prepared, rich and flavorful meal… all in one of my favorite settings in World Showcase. In many ways, though, this is exactly why I mourn the loss of specific lunch options; even with dishes that were all standouts, I understand how this change (specifically in regards to pricing differences more than the dishes themselves) may discourage guests from trying what is one of the consistently best restaurants not just in Epcot, but in Disney World. Right now, Chefs de France is still worth the cost, but we’ll be watching to be sure that stays the case. Fortunately there is no shortage of wonderful cuisine in the France Pavilion, and Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie continues to carry a great selection of lunch-friendly items including some terrific and authentic French sandwiches and smaller plates. In regards to Table Service options, though, we will certainly be keeping an eye out for other restaurants following this same trend. Did your favorite Chefs de France item make it on to the all-day menu? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Les Chefs De France in Epcot’s France Pavilion Review: Les Chefs de France in Epcot’s France Pavilion Review: Les Chefs de France Restaurant in Epcot View the full article

Law enforcement was extra-watchful at theme parks Sunday after a mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub, and tourism experts expect tighter security and fewer visitors in the tragedy's wake. "It does have an effect. People will start thinking twice before booking, you know, attractions or hotels... View the full article

In a show of support and solidarity, employees of Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and other Central Florida theme parks took to social media Sunday after the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub. Kevin O'Brien, a 27-year veteran of the theme park business, compiled photos from various show casts,... View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Disney food news! Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib It was an another exciting week at Disney and we were able to check out more new dining spots including STK Orlando and Tiffins! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Tiffins is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we had a chance to dine there! Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel promoted! You just have to eat this Churro Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe! A new Main Street Electrical Parade lunch package is coming to Tony’s Town Square at the Magic Kingdom! Listen to AJ talk about dining at Disney Springs on the latest PassPorter Moms Podcast! Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen now accepting Advance Dining Reservations. Rumor: The Plaza Restaurant to offer increased walk-up availability! We checked out the new menu items at Raglan Road! Vivoli il Gelato debuts Tiramisu Gelato for a limited time! We have more details on Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar. Check out our photo tour and review of the snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s nighttime parties. We had a chance to check out the Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Check out our full review of dinner at STK Orlando! 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! We love stopping by the Dawa Bar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and DFB reader Theresa Gansemer had a chance to check it out on a recent visit at the park. She said “thanks for the recommendation!” You’re welcome! That’s how you do an afternoon at Animal Kingdom! The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of our favorite places to dine. And DFB friend Michael Owatt recently enjoyed the Charred Filet of Beef and he says it was “fantastic!” Delicious! 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 ALL Purchases at DFBStore.com This Weekend With Code 20SALE The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 530 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World. Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today — or any of our other DFB Guide or money-saving Bundles — and use promo code 20SALE for 20% off! Our team of Walt Disney World food experts have put together the most comprehensive guide to Walt Disney World food and dining available. With more than 25 years of experience eating and drinking our way through the Parks and Resorts, we’ve learned a thing or two — and we love sharing our secrets with you! Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016 e-Book today, and start planning your Disney dining adventures right now! Here are just a few of the things you’ll find in our DFB to Walt Disney World Dining: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. You asked for it, and we wrote it! The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable — always just a pocket away! and MORE! Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code 20SALE for 20% off! The DFB Everything Bundle But for those of you who want to be prepared for EVERYTHING at Disney World, we’re also offering our most popular Bundle, the DFB Everything Bundle, for a special savings as well! This bundle packs in all of our e-Books, including the Guide that started it all — the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 edition. And during this special sale, you can get 20% off the already low price when you enter code 20SALE. This is a crazy good price for this incredible bundle! This Bundle is priced at a huge discount already — over 40% off the guide prices – representing great savings. But with our extra 20% off, this is an amazing deal. Learn more about the DFB Everything Bundle here. The bundle includes the pre-order of the DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival as well as the 2015 guide as an immediate download — FREE! 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 adorable Mickey Mouse Sushi Rice Press! WDW For Grownups enjoyed lunch at Olivia’s at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. OhMyDisney shared some adorable Finding Dory-themed treats coming soon to the Disney Parks. Disney Family shared a recipe for Mickey Mouse Cinnamon Rolls! 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: April 10, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 24, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 3, 2016 View the full article

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will begin a $5 million renovation of its meeting space this summer. The makeover will include updated carpet and paint, along with the installation of new technology. The work will occur in phases with no impact to group programs. It should be finished... View the full article