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We love this news today! And it MAY not be exactly what you’re expecting from the title…so read on! Learn About: Tony’s Town Square Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants You know that I’m a total sucker for Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The history, the lovely ambiance, and the normally-better-than-average food all means that I usually have a really great experience at this Main Street USA landmark. But now, there’s an even better reason to schedule lunch with Tony! Beginning June 7 (that’s tomorrow! — maybe even TODAY for some of you), you can book the Main Street Electrical Parade viewing package to enjoy lunch at this iconic spot — plus a little something more! Main Street Electrical Parade Viewing Package If Italian food is one of your favorite things, and standing forever to secure your spot for the Main Street Electrical Parade isn’t, then listen up! Lady in the Hatbox! at Tony’s Town Square Starting June 7, you can book a three course, prix fixe lunch at Tony’s Town Square and receive a reserved spot for viewing the Main Street Electrical Parade. The package includes your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert, and a beverage. The cost is $45 for adults and $17 for children. If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, the deal will set you back one DDP table service entitlement. Note this, though. When I first heard about this deal, I figured the viewing area for the parade would obviously be the Tony’s patio, since that’s a great viewing location for parades usually. But instead, purchasers will be viewing the parade from the typical fastpass+ viewing location — the hub around the flag pole. Just an FYI in case you figured, like me, you’d be eating your meal and watching the parade at the same time. (The whole concept of it being a LUNCH package for a NIGHT TIME parade should have tipped me off, but…it’s been a rough Monday. ;-D) Mmmmm…Tiramisu If this sounds like an amazing deal to you — and I gotta tell ya, we LOVE the sound of it — then book your advance dining reservation tomorrow by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine. Will you be enjoying the Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package at Tony’s Town Square? 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: Review: Lunch at Tony’s Town Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Best Restaurants for Magic Kingdom Parade Viewing Tony’s Town Square & the “Boo to You” Parade View the full article

Disneyland Resort executive pastry chef Jean-Marc Viallet has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Dessert Professional Magazine in the publication’s 23rd annual awards. The recognition honors pastry chefs who have distinguished themselves as innovators, leaders and mentors in the field. A native of France, the award-winning chef joined Disney 17 years ago and leads the team at the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery. Jean-Marc describes his style as “innovative, focusing on taste being visually attractive and avant-garde, but in the story line.” His favorites desserts? “Chocolate, with creamy and crunchy textures.” The selected chefs are being honored tonight at an event in New York City. Our congratulations and thanks to Jean-Marc for his years of delighting Disneyland Resort guests with delectable delicacies! View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998. But this past Memorial Day weekend ushered in a whole new era for the park, which is now open through the evening for the first time since the park’s opening date. So what happens when this… Tree of Life … turns into THIS? Tree of Life Awakening at Night Join us and find out! Tree of Life Awakenings When the sun goes down, the Tree of Life lights up! Visit the front of the Tree (the view from the park entrance) throughout the evening to see the new colors turn into moving projections, sharing beautiful stories of animals like the friendship of the fox and bear. Tree of Life Awakenings Tree of Life Awakenings But the park’s icon isn’t the only thing that’s received a makeover. The Tree of Life Cupcake has been updated to reflect the Tree’s new look when it awakens (at least for the debut of nighttime activities at Animal Kingdom — we’re not sure how long this version will last)! “Awakened” Tree of Life Cupcake Unlike the usual chocolate version of this treat, this vanilla flavored cupcake is topped with buttercream frosting and completed with colorful firefly decorations. Find it at Creature Comforts. Harambe Wildlife Parti Karibuni to the new Harambe Wildlife Parti! Though beautiful and energetic music performances have always been part of village of Harambe in the Africa section of the park (thanks to the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe and other musicians), additional acts are now part of the entertainment options taking place on the stage across from the Dawa Bar. In the earlier portions of the evening, you can catch Kora Tinga Tinga – a solo performance of the Kora, a large hand-crafted African harp. Kora Tinga Tinga Though the music is slower and relaxed, guests are still encouraged to dance along with the music from this beautiful instrument. And speaking of dancing along, you can do the same with the upbeat songs of the The Karibu Sisters! Karibu Sisters Karibu Sisters Finally, the Harambe Village Acrobats perform a mixture of dance and gymnastics that may have been my favorite act of all. Exciting and energetic, this is a must-see performance. Harambe Village Acrobats Harambe Village Acrobats Harambe Village Acrobats Harambe Village Acrobats Don’t forget, though, that along with these new performances comes a chance to experience an Animal Kingdom classic in a whole new way now that Kilimanjaro Safaris offer nighttime tours! Kilimanjaro Safaris Personally, I didn’t see as many animals as I typically do during the daytime safaris (and, as always with live animals, experiences will vary). But, for the first time, I got to see the lions walking around as opposed to their typical daytime napping hours, along with the addition of hyenas. And the darkness lends an air of mystery to the whole thing… especially when you’re near the crocodiles (YIKES!). It’s almost like a new attraction, even if you’ve experienced the Safaris several times before. But it’s time to say “Kwaherini” to Africa as we move to… Discovery Island Carnivale Like the Harambe Wildlife Parti, the Discovery Island Carnivale offers additional entertainment on the stage across from Flame Tree Barbecue. The Viva Gaia Street Band is joined by dancers and stilt performers ready to lead the guests in a party! Viva Gaia Street Band Discovery Island Carnivale Discovery Island Carnivale Discovery Island Carnivale Discovery Island Carnivale Discovery Island Carnivale If all that partying makes you hungry, grab some Cheeseburger Egg Rolls at this new snack cart that only comes out in the evenings. Evening Snack Cart in Discovery Island Snack Cart Menu Do you remember these unexpectedly terrific (if not particularly photogenic ) snacks that were first spotted at the Adventureland Egg Roll Wagon in Magic Kingdom? If not, read all about them here! Cheeseburger EggRolls Warm Turtle Brownies are also up for grabs (you can find these all day at Restaurantosaurus), along with a selection of cold beverages. Cheeseburger Egg Rolls and Warm Turtle Brownies Warm Turtle Brownie In between the Carnivale show, you can enjoy the Discovery Island Serenatas, a solo musician playing the Paraguayan Harp. Discovery Island Serenatas Much like the Harambe Wildlife Parti entertainment, it is so fun to see and hear the variety of acts and instruments in Discovery Island. While you’re there, you can also pick up a new souvenir cup at Pizzafari, honoring the live action film version of The Jungle Book. Jungle Book Souvenir Cup But that’s not the last you’ve seen of that beloved story… Jungle Book: Alive with Magic You may cap off your visit by catching Animal Kingdom’s first ever nighttime show, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic! Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Featuring lots of Bollywood-style dancing and live music in addition to well-loved songs from the classic animated version of The Jungle Book, the show also celebrates the 2016 live action version of the film with projections on large water fans. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Jungle Book: Alive with Magic You can celebrate the show’s debut with the banana-flavored Jungle Book Cupcake found at Creature Comforts. Jungle Book Cupcake And a stop at Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks right near one of the entrances to the amphitheater will result in finding some VERY cool and colorful Glowing Steins. Glowing Stein Each of the Steins are $13.99, and come with your choice of fountain beverage. Glowing Stein This next one even changes color (though both Steins feature flickering lights for a lovely lantern effect). Glowing Stein The perfect souvenir to light your way for your first visit to Animal Kingdom AT NIGHT! We hope you get the chance to enjoy these new adventures very soon. And as they say in Animal Kingdom… Disney’s Animal Kingdom… open until 11:00 pm! …Have a WILD time!! Are you excited to experience Animal Kingdom at night? 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: Photo Tour: Animal Kingdom Treat Carts Photo Tour: Animal Kingdom’s New Sundowner Celebration News: Two New Nighttime Parties Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! View the full article

There’s a new way to enjoy the Main Street Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom Park! Starting tomorrow, reservations can be made to take a mid-day break to refuel and enjoy a three-course lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Indulge in a delicious Italian meal, knowing you’ll also receive reserved viewing for the Main Street Electrical Parade, right in front of the flagpole on Main Street U.S.A. The dining package includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage. Start your meal with delicious soup, salad or the addictive Zucchini Fries. Choose from favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti with meatballs or Margherita Pizza. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with classic Tiramisú or decadent chocolate cake layered with a chocolate-hazelnut filling. Now that’s amore! Cost is $45 for adults, $17 for children plus tax and gratuity, or is one table-service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. Reservations open June 7, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW-Dine. View the full article

Starting today Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy a new Member Lounge while visiting Epcot. It’s the latest benefit unveiled as part of the Disney Vacation Club 25th anniversary. Available for Members with paid admission to Epcot, the lounge is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The new lounge is tucked away on the second floor of the Imagination! pavilion (with the Member entrance in the ImageWorks merchandise location on the first floor of the pavilion). Ascend the staircase or take the glass elevator up, and you’ll find yourself inside one of the Imagination! pavilion’s towering glass pyramids. It’s a bright sunshine-filled space that offers commanding views of Epcot. The lounge is a great place to recharge (yourself and your devices) while visiting the theme park. There’s lots of casual seating, complimentary beverages (including Coca-Cola Freestyle machines), device-charging stations, Wi-Fi, computer stations, a printer and mounted tablets pre-set to help you access myriad Disney websites. There’s even a play area for children where they can test their Disney Infinity skills or watch some of the latest Disney animated shorts. While kids are playing, mom and dad can consult with Member Services Advisors who are available daily to assist with dining reservations, future resort stays and more. Weekdays an RCI advisor is be available to help Members navigate exchange options for upcoming vacations. The Disney Vacation Club 25th Anniversary takes place throughout 2016. So far it’s been a non-stop cavalcade of special events, merchandise and other delightful additions, including the Disney Vacation Club Silver Anniversary Sweepstakes. There still a lot more to come. Check back with us here at the Disney Parks Blog for more about what’s happening in this year unlike any other in Disney Vacation Club history. View the full article

To celebrate tomorrow’s release of the Disney film, “Zootopia” on Blu-ray and DVD, we’re showing you how to make a colorful Clawhauser character bento box using rice, turnips, mushrooms, black olives and other ingredients. To create Clawhauser, Disney Parks Blog reader Mike Kravanis molded yellow-colored sushi rice into a cheetah face before adding tan rice and vegetables for his eyes other features. Then, Mike used tweezers and chopsticks for the final touches. Give it a try. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more Disney-inspired bento box tutorials in upcoming weeks. View the full article

Awaken Summer | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Timothy Delasandro wants to make a point to Ken Potrock, Disney Vacation Club's senior vice president and general manager. Delasandro thinks it's most unmagical that DVC no longer allows new members buying their time shares secondhand to receive perks such as annual pass discounts and special event... View the full article

In the film “Zootopia,” Judy Hopps first encounters Nick Wilde at an ice cream shop, where he’s having a bit of trouble buying his “son” a jumbo pop. Looks like they’re having a much easier time cooling down with a Mickey Premium Bar in this week’s Disney Doodle. Disney Doodle: Scuttle Checks Out Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room Disney Doodle: Baloo Checks out The Country Bear Jamboree Disney Doodle: Johnny Fedora & Alice Bluebonnet Dine at Brown Derby Disney Doodle: Lost Boys Explore Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse Disney Doodle: A ‘Fairy’ Good Time in Fantasyland View the full article

In anticipation of “Speak Like a Whale Day” at Disney Parks on June 11, I visited several merchandise locations to find new products from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory.” The all-new big-screen adventure dives into theaters on June 17, taking guests back to the extraordinary underwater world from the original “Finding Nemo” film. You may recall my fellow author Michelle Harker recently gave you a look at new treats now available at Disney Parks. Here are additional items you’ll find in select locations at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests will find a variety of items including toys; back packs that resemble Hank, the octopus; plush; and, my favorite, ceramic mugs. We are offering several character t-shirts for girls and boys. The whale speak shirt with Dory and Bailey, a beluga whale, and is perfect for June 11! Disney pins collectors should look for an open edition pin set with characters from the film. There is also an open edition pin featuring Hank, and a limited release pin that will be available starting June 16 at Disney Parks. Starting June 17, guests will be able to create a customized phone cases with new character artwork from the film at the D-Tech on Demand kiosks in D-Street at Downtown Disney District in California, or the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs and Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. Finally, if you are visiting Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, or sailing on Disney Cruise Line, you may find a specially designed “Finding Dory”-themed products by Trina Turk. Please note that some items, such as the handbag, have limited availability. Look for select items shown in this article on DisneyStore.com. The Shop Disney Parks mobile app also has a handful of items available that can be shipped directly to your home. To download the free app, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. View the full article

Of all the international pavilions at Epcot’s World Showcase, I’ve always thought the France pavilion was the most beautiful. Need proof? Check out today’s “morning” shot, which was snapped just before park opening. The France pavilion is home to the widescreen film “Impressions de France”, and a bevy of shops and restaurants where guests can indulge with new perfumes, tasty French pastries, or enjoy full meals at Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul. View the full article

We’re back in Liberty Square for a visit to one of our readers’ favorite quick service spots — Columbia Harbour House! Learn About: Columbia Harbour House Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants But we’re not back for the tried-and-true items that make this spot a top choice — dishes like the Anchors Aweigh and Lighthouse Sandwiches, Vegetarian Chili, and the beloved Lobster Roll. In fact, we’re actually here for something you can find pretty much everywhere in Disney World: fountain beverages. Oh, and tea and Slushes. But Columbia Harbour House is the first counter service location in a park we’ve seen to introduce the chance to spruce up your regular ol’ soda pop with an extra flavor boost. You can add a Monin Premium Flavored Syrup to your drink or slush of choice to the tune of 50 pennies. The six flavor choices include Blackberry, Mango, Passion Fruit, Peach, Watermelon, and Wildberry for your Slush, iced or hot tea, or fountain drink. Columbia Harbour House drink menu My customized combos were a Watermelon Sprite and a Wildberry Lemonade Slush. Watermelon Sprite and Wildberry Lemonade Slush Your 50 cents will buy you three “pumps” of syrup for your beverage. The Watermelon Sprite was, as expected, a simple melon boost to the regular lemon-lime soda, which worked well. Watermelon Sprite And thanks to the generous amount of syrup, there wasn’t just a hint of watermelon — the flavor was really pronounced. Watermelon Sprite But I especially enjoyed changing up my Lemonade Slush with the Wildberry. Wildberry Lemonade Slush You can find a variety of ice cold frozen Slushes around Disney World. In fact, Columbia harbor House has its very own Iced Tea Lemonade Slush (which, come to think of it, might be really nice with some Passion Fruit…). But the opportunity to come up with your very own “signature” combo is kind of — pardon the pun — extra cool. Wildberry Lemonade Slush Life-changing? Nope. But a fun little twist for the heck of it? Sure! Essentially it’s like a little build-your-own Coke Freestyle Machine at the Harbour House . I wonder if this trend will be hitting other Counter Service spots? If you see it around, please give us a shout here! Will you be sprucing up your soda with an added syrup? 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: Review: Iced Tea Lemonade Slush at Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House Review: Lighthouse and Anchors Aweigh Sandwiches at Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House Guest Review: Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House View the full article

A feud has been simmering between the Walt Disney Co. and the Wanda Group, a Chinese powerhouse that has developed theme parks and owns AMC Theatres. First, the company's chairman took a shot at the new Shanghai Disney Resort opening June 16. "I think that Disney's prospects in China, at least... View the full article

This week, we announced some new entertainment and experiences for Disney Wonder guests after the ship is transformed this fall. As Jonathan told us, headlining the enhancements are imaginative spaces for children, a jazzy restaurant and an English pub. Check our original story for a complete look at what’s to come after the Disney Wonder undergoes dry dock September 9 to October 23, 2016, in Cadiz, Spain. And this week we were back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new “All in the Details” story from Tiffins and an updated gallery of images from “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” the new musical inspired by the blockbuster live-action film “The Jungle Book.” We also shared two new Disney’s Animal Kingdom “nighttime”-inspired wallpapers created especially for Disney Parks Blog readers. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Summer Excitement Heating Up at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – What’s your favorite summer night hangout? If you’ve spent some evenings in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, that may be an easy answer. Remembering Wally Boag and Betty Taylor at Disneyland Park – Five years ago this week, we marked the loss of two iconic Disneyland performers – first Wally Boag, who starred as Pecos Bill in the “Golden Horseshoe Revue” and then the very next day, his longtime Disneyland co-star, Betty Taylor. ALEX AND ANI ‘Words Are Powerful’ Collection Gets the Royal Touch at Disney Parks – On June 13, ALEX AND ANI will debut new “Words Are Powerful” color infusion bangles inspired by Disney sayings and attributes of some of our most beloved Disney characters. Casting Talented Performers for ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ at Disney California Adventure Park – “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” made its grand debut over the weekend at Disney California Adventure park. This all-new theatrical interpretation for the stage adapts the story of Anna and Elsa from Disney’s blockbuster hit, “Frozen.” Disney Parks After Dark: Tokyo’s ‘Once Upon A Time’ Fireworks – This week’s Disney Parks After Dark image was snapped at Tokyo Disneyland, where “Once Upon A Time” fireworks light up the night’s sky. The show transforms the park’s Cinderella Castle into a huge storybook for a show that includes projections of Disney characters, favorite songs, fireworks and more. NFL Pro Bowl Week Activities Coming to Walt Disney World Resort – After several weeks of anticipation, the NFL officially announced at a press conference today at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort that the 2017 Pro Bowl is coming to Orlando and will be played at Camping World Stadium near downtown. View the full article

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen opened its doors in December 2015. Learn About: Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Since its very first day, things have functioned differently at Magic Kingdom’s newest eatery based on the classic Jungle Cruise attraction. In its opening weeks, the Skipper Canteen deviated from its counterpart Table Service restaurants by accepting only walk-up guests. Then this past February, Disney announced that reservations would be accepted for the Skipper Canteen after all — albeit in a unprecedented form. Same-day reservations became available for the spot which previously offered none at all. But today a third — and presumably final — change has been announced. Like all other Table Service restaurants in Magic Kingdom, the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen is now accepting Advance Dining Reservations for guests hoping to make future plans to dine there. Skipper Canteen Entrance Advance Dining Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your visit via the Walt Disney World website, the My Disney Experience app, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. S.E.A. Shu Mai So get ready now and plan your upcoming visit to say hello to the World Famous Crew of Jungle Cruise Skippers at the Skipper Canteen! Are you glad Advance Dining Reservations are now open for the Skipper Canteen? 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: Same-Day Dining Reservations for Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World! Disney Dining Details: Skipper Canteen Secret Passageway Bookshelves View the full article

A few nights ago, I happened to be at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during a showing of “The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic.” Not only was the Discovery River Theater filled, but I was in awe of the guests that crowded the bridge between the Asia and Dinoland, U.S.A., section of the park. They were four-to-five people deep, all trying to get a glimpse (or photos) of this bright and colorful show. The show is a retelling of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” with a lovely Indian influence added in just about every element of the performance – including the dance styles and the amazing costumes. The music featured in the show also comes alive with Indian influences, with songs featuring instruments like the sitar and tabla drums. You can see “The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic” for a limited time this summer. FastPass+ and dining packages are also available for the show. Learn more about available packages here. For more about “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, visit the posts below: PHOTOS: ‘The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic’ Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ‘Inside Disney Parks’ -EXTRA: ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Behind the Scenes of ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,’ Opening May 28 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

I always look forward to returning to the Boardwalk Bakery to check out the latest cupcake creations! Learn About: Boardwalk Bakery Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants It’s been a busy time at the Boardwalk as we welcomed its newest addition, Ample Hills Creamery, a couple of weeks ago and refurbishment continues on the Flying Fish makeover and the upcoming AbracadaBar. While I can’t help but be tempted by all the unique and yummy flavors at the new ice cream location (seriously, check this place out), I always make it a point to stop by the Boardwalk Bakery pretty much anytime I visit Disney World. The perennial favorites can typically be found in the case, like the Cheesecake Brownie and Chocolate Mickey Tart. But next to the regular Mickey Oreo Cupcake you can typically spot a surprise with a seasonal cupcake. And the one I had on my last trip combines some flavors perfect for celebrating the return of summer: the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake. Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake It’s a pretty thing, isn’t it? The light, whipped lemon frosting is swirled with the similarly textured pink strawberry frosting, topped with an almost artistic fondant piece. It’s all garnished with pink candies and sits on a yellow cake base. I’m not sure if you spotted it in the previous picture, but there is a small white and dark chocolate piece popped in just like a straw for sipping lemonade . Here’s a closeup… Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake You can actually see where the “straw” was removed as we check out the filling. It’s a bright pink citrusy-strawberry…. well, it was a bit of an unusual consistency that was not quite a pudding, but not really a jelly, either. Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake The light texture, though, worked rather well with the brighter, citrusy tastes of summer. The seasonal cupcakes at Boardwalk Bakery in particular are always well-themed to the current season, and — as always — we’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one. Could it be the return of the Red, White, and Blue Cupcake for the 4th of July? The way this year is flying by, we’re sure to find out soon! What are your thoughts on the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake? 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: Review: Strawberry Cheesecake Holiday Cupcake from Disney World’s BoardWalk Bakery Snack Series: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake at Boardwalk Bakery Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery View the full article

We are back with another “ya gotta try it” Disneyland Snack Hack today! Our Dining in Disneyland guru Heather is full of fantastic ideas when it comes to inventing brand new snacks. And starting with a favorite is always a guarantee for success. Disneyland Cheese stick For our latest Snack Hack, we’re heading straight into Disney California Adventure. In order to accomplish this level of Disney snacking expertise, you’ll need to visit two spots. But just as it was with our Churro Sundae Hack, timing is everything. So order your visits wisely by starting at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta. Did you know that you can get a side of Marinara Sauce there for free? Pick one up! Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta Then, head the short distance to one of the best places in the Disney universe — Corn Dog Castle. But this time, we’re gonna skip the dogs and head for the Cheddar Cheese Stick. Making this your second step in the process means that your cheese should be perfect — all warm and melty. Cheddar Cheese Stick from Corn Dog Castle Then, you just dip that into this — and voila! Saucy Cheese Stick Hack! The crunchy, slightly sweet corn bread batter and the sharp cheddar go together beautifully with the sauce. It’s like the best grilled cheese ever. So simple, but so yum! Will you be taking your Cheddar Cheese Stick to the next level by adding a side of Marinara the next time you indulge? 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: Dining in Disneyland: Grilled Cheese on a Stick, Sort Of… Disneyland Food Hack: DIY Churro Sundae Disneyland Hack: Tajin Dole Whips View the full article

Attention Space Rangers! Now, when you join Star Command in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park, not only will you have an opportunity to purchase your attraction photo from Disney PhotoPass Service, but thanks to the latest technological advances at the Space Ranger Academy, we will also create an Animated Magic Shot for you! In this remarkable transmission, Buzz Lightyear accompanies you in battle as you face off against the Evil Emperor Zurg! Regardless of your Star Command ranking, Buzz will be right there with you to restore peace and order to the Gamma Quadrant. You can utilize automatic photo association by wearing an active MagicBand during your mission, or you can associate with a park admission card or Memory Maker card via the touch points at the preview wall. Either way, Star Command will link both an attraction photo and an Animated Magic Shot to your account. While all Space Rangers can view this new Animated Magic Shot in their account in the My Disney Experience mobile app or at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, an active Memory Maker entitlement is required to download or share it. And remember to aim for the “Z!” as you go to infinity and beyond! View the full article

One of my favorite weeks working at the Disneyland Resort was five years ago this week, as two attractions debuted on June 3, 2011 – one taking guests flipping their fins under the sea, and the other sending them to new intergalactic destinations at light speed. Disney California Adventure park unveiled The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure with a musical grand opening celebration on June 2, highlighted by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel, performing “Part of Your World.” Also on hand were the composer of the film’s Academy Award-winning music, Alan Menken, and the voice of Ursula, Pat Carroll. The next day brought guests their first chance to step aboard a seashell and experience the undersea journey inspired by the 1989 Disney animated classic. The Disney Parks Blog showcased the making of the attraction with amazing behind-the-scenes videos, including this one of the sensationally sinister Ursula being moved into her lair, with a look at how Imagineers brought the infamous sea witch to life. Also check out this time-lapse footage of the show building under construction in Paradise Pier – look for the Palace of Fine Arts rotunda from the previous “Golden Dreams” attraction being preserved and incorporated into the design. Over at Disneyland park, rebels and stormtroopers alike gathered for a day long remembered, the grand opening of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. The relaunched attraction packed in more Star Wars heroes, villains, worlds, battles and droids than ever, with more than 50 possible story combinations intertwined at random, plus added technology including digital 3-D video. A skirmish between Jedi knights and Imperial forces briefly interrupted the festivities, but the dark side didn’t prevail and the Force restored order to the ribbon cutting, which was done with a lightsaber. Further enhancements recently arrived in a galaxy far, far away, with Star Tours now featuring a new scene and characters from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” View the full article

15 Top Christian Music Performers at Disney’s Night of Joy | Walt Disney World View the full article

How often have you had the chance to experience a singular African animal adventure—that includes a special food, beer and wine tasting—without even leaving the country? Now you can at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Definitely no ordinary day at the park, the Savor the Savanna Evening Safari Experience offers you the opportunity to hop aboard a private safari vehicle and enjoy an expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The highlight? A stop at an exclusive viewing area where you get to sample a selection of regional beers and wines (well, for those 21 and over, anyway) and savor African-inspired tapas while taking in the impressive savanna. It’s a bounty of flavors bursting with delectable textures! As you roll through the reserve on this incredible outing, you can watch it come alive with magic as a spectacular world of creatures roam about and grip your imagination. A guide paints a picture of the wildlife, pointing out fascinating facts along the way. A special keepsake commemorating your unforgettable evening trek is yours to take home as well. Book your delicious, unique Africa escape (no passport needed) today. Your palate will thank you. Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). The cost is $169 per guest. Valid Theme Park admission is required, and each participant must be at least 8 years old. Each experience is limited to a maximum of 12 Guests. Inclement weather conditions and other factors may affect schedules, and offerings are subject to change without notice. View the full article

“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is a new, grand theatrical interpretation of the story from Disney’s blockbuster animated film, “Frozen.” We’ve previously given you a look at the show’s talented performers, elements of its scenic design and the recording of newly expanded pieces of music. Today, we’re pleased to offer a closer look at some of the costumes designed for the show. More than 1,000 costumes have been created for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” many built in New York and Los Angeles with fine fabrics and trims sourced from all over the world. Award-winning costume designer Clint Ramos (“Eclipsed” with Lupita Nyong’o, “The Elephant Man” with Bradley Cooper) worked closely with costumers at the Disneyland Resort to bring his designs to life on stage. In this behind-the-scenes video, Ramos invites us in for final costume fittings with some of the performers. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is now performed daily at Disney California Adventure park! View the full article

Epcot's Sounds Like Summer concert series, which features seven tribute bands, kicks off this weekend. Don't Look Back - A Tribute to Boston kicks things off June 5-11 at the America Gardens Theater in the park's World Showcase. The concert series follows the Garden Rocks lineup which ran in... View the full article

Advanced Dining Reservations are now available at Jungle Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom, a restaurant which adds a whole new dimension to theme park dining at Walt Disney World Resort. Bold tastes from Asia, South America and Africa are prominent at the 222-seat table-service restaurant. Fun décor takes you to the mess hall, or to the jungle-inspired parlor once used by the company’s founder, Dr. Albert Falls and his family. Behind the once-secret bookcase, another dining room is in a former meeting room of the mysterious Society of Explorers and Adventurers. One of our favorite dishes are these steamed dumplings made with fresh pork, shrimp and the crunch of water chestnuts. The simple dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It takes a little time to grind the meat in your food processor – but you also could ask your butcher to do it for you. And wonton wrappers are available in most grocery store produce aisles. Ditto the sambal oelek, a spicy Southeast Asian chile sauce usually made with hot red chile peppers, salt and sometimes vinegar. These dumplings make a great starter for any meal – or serve them as an entrée with a cool Asian salad. Reservations are now available 180 days in advance, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW- DINE. View the full article