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It’s official! 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. But here’s the best part: Several of the official Pro Bowl activities will be staged at Walt Disney World Resort as part of the league’s new approach of making Pro Bowl Week a celebration of all levels of football – from youth to high school to the NFL’s best. The Pro Bowl teams’ practices, an NFL Flag football event and other youth football events will take place at our sports complex. It’s the perfect fit when you consider the sports complex annually hosts more than 100 youth sports events, such as the Pop Warner Super Bowl, and regularly attracts NFL players for the Tom Shaw Performance Camp and the Gruden QB Camp. Officials from the NFL, Disney Sports, ESPN and Florida Citrus Sports, plus Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, were part of the announcement Wednesday along with former NFL star Charles Woodson. The press conference followed an informal youth football clinic involving kids from Orlando’s Edgewater High School. The announcement is quite a triumph for Central Florida because of the significant economic impact that comes with it as well as the national exposure from the ESPN telecast of the game. If you want to get in on the Pro Bowl action, fans can sign up for exclusive presale ticket opportunities at www.ProBowl.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public in November. View the full article

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. The ‘Clown Prince of Disneyland,’ Wally Boag starred at the Golden Horseshoe for nearly 27 years and in nearly 40,000 performances. He also brought his unique humor and comedic style to the Diamond Horseshoe Review at Walt Disney World Resort when it opened in 1971. Boag even provided the voice of the Audio-Animatronics parrot, Jose, for “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.” Betty Taylor played Slue Foot Sue to Wally Boag’s Pecos Bill five days a week for nearly three decades, having joined the “Golden Horseshoe Revue” just one year after it began in 1955. She continued in the role of Slue Foot Sue owner until 1987, for an amazing 45,000 performances. Later in the summer of 2011, Disneyland park hosted a special tribute show in their honor – “The True Legends of the Golden Horseshoe.” Dorothy Fields, Betty Taylor’s sister, and Heather Dinkins, Wally Boag’s daughter, were joined by Miriam Nelson, the original Golden Horseshoe Revue choreographer, along with Disney Legends including Ron Dominguez, Jack Lindquist, Richard Sherman and Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess. The tribute featured some of the most-loved Golden Horseshoe performances and footage of classic performances by Wally and Betty. As my fellow Disney Parks Blog author, George Savvas, wrote in his own tribute to these beloved performers, “The Golden Horseshoe remains a very unique and special place, forever linked to two all-time Disney greats: Betty Taylor and Wally Boag.” View the full article

Costa Rica Vacation | Adventures by Disney View the full article

Candace Payne set internet records last month when she captured the hearts of millions with her genuine, infectious laughter while trying on a Chewbacca mask. With her instantaneous celebrity status, she spent the next week crossing the country being interviewed by talk shows and national morning shows. What was missing from her travels was a visit to the place where Star Wars lives and the Force is strong – in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. Candace, a die-hard Star Wars fan, and her family spent the weekend living their Star Wars dreams – encountering Jawas, evading Stormtroopers, and most importantly – coming face to face with Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay. View the full article

Expanding the list of Broadway stars sailing the high seas with us this summer, the incredibly talented Mandy Gonzalez delighted Disney Magic cruisers with performances during our transatlantic voyage to Europe. Starring roles for Gonzalez have included Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked,” Nina Rosario in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “In the Heights” and Princess Amneris in the Elton John and Tim Rice musical “Aida.” When her powerful voice and invigorating presence took over the stage in the Walt Disney Theatre, guests got a glimpse at the electricity Gonzalez is known for on Broadway. Her family-friendly performance was followed by a show just for adults in Fathoms nightclub – an evening of great music and hilarity, all revolving around love and its crazy themes and variations. What’s more, Gonzalez led a special class for teens and tweens, showing them what it takes to create a character and space by teaching a song and staging from “Aida.” The fun didn’t stop there! Gonzalez also wowed Disney cruisers in a surprise duet with fellow Broadway star Susan Egan. Talk about a dynamic duo! I’m excited to continue showcasing Broadway stars who are bringing their talent to our ships this summer. Check back to find out what other performers are impressing Disney cruisers at sea. View the full article

Celebrating the birthdays of a tween and a teenager at the same time wasn’t a problem for Mexican actress Dominika Paleta: they festejaron with a trip to Walt Disney World Resort! Dominika, who is also a blogger and model, recently visited our resort with husband Fabian and daughters Maria and Aitana, who celebrated their 14th and 10th birthdays, respectively, while on vacation earlier this month. Both girls were very happy to meet Mickey Mouse, wearing their birthday ears while spending time with their parents. And that’s because kids their age have lots of fun with their families at Walt Disney World Resort, including thrilling attractions and great spots for photos. Selfies anyone? The birthday celebration included visits to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. How do you like to celebrate your tweens and teens’ birthdays? View the full article

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. One of four Disney Princesses making a splash in the collection is Ariel, with a colorful charm featuring the silhouette of everyone’s favorite mermaid, along with the phrase “Follow Your Dreams, Wherever They Lead.” If you prefer being the Belle of the ball, then you’ll certainly want her beautiful bangle, featuring Belle’s outline against a golden background and serving as a reminder to “Find True Beauty Within.” Personally, Belle is one of my favorites, so I know this one is definitely on my list of must-haves. If you’re a dreamer at heart, the blue-colored charm adorned with Cinderella’s silhouette will remind you what can happen when we “Believe in Every Wish.” Or, if you’re an eternal optimist, Aurora’s outline against a pink background will inspire you to “Awaken Your Heart” to endless possibilities. Each of these bangles will come in Shiny Gold and Shiny Silver finishes, and will be available online here, on the Shop Disney Parks app via Shop iOS or Shop Android, plus in stores at: Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co. Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Animal Kindgom – Discovery Trading Company Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Bayview Gifts Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Keystone Clothiers Disney Springs – Tren-D and World of Disney Store Epcot – Mouse Gear Magic Kingdom Park – Emporium Which bangle are you most excited for? Let me know here on the Disney Parks Blog or share your collection with us @DisneyParks, @DisneylandToday, @WDWToday and @alexandani using #StyleHappensHere and #CHARMEDARMS. View the full article

Room With a View: Costa Rica Vacation | Adventures by Disney View the full article

“Welcome Travelers, to the Nomad Lounge, a place to share stories about travel and adventure.” Learn About: Nomad Lounge Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants These are the words that welcome you to the Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But even before reading that sentence, you can already tell you’ve entered into a place celebrating the “concept of being transformed by adventure.” So pack your own sense of adventure as we do some exploring of this brand new space that just joined the scene on May 27th — the very same day that the park itself stayed open well into the night for the first time! Of course, it’s not the only new offering in the park that has found the need to expand food options as well as entertainment in light of the new all-day schedule. But I do think you’re about to see why it’s become an immediate favorite to many guests already. Step in with me, fellow travelers… Atmosphere Nomad Lounge is housed in the same structure as Tiffins — Animal Kingdom’s first Signature Restaurant. Nomad Lounge It’s located in Discovery Island (just head around the corner from Pizzafari to find the building). Nomad Lounge sign In fact, the lounge is placed in between the check-in desk for Tiffins and the Trek Gallery — one of the three dining rooms for Tiffins. You can enter from the lounge’s own outside entrance, which extends to a wraparound patio, or just stroll right in before or after your meal at Tiffins. Hallway from Tiffins front desk to Nomad Lounge Nomad Lounge from Tiffins check in We’re stepping inside first, where earthy colors, soft curtains reminiscent of mosquito netting, and plenty of natural lighting set a refined — but simultaneously welcoming — atmosphere. Nomad Lounge Nomad Lounge Nomad Lounge It can even be considered cozy, thanks to the couches and armchairs lining the room inviting you to sit and stay awhile. Nomad Lounge couch and chairs Much like the rest of Animal Kingdom, you feel as though you’ve been immediately transported someplace else upon your arrival. Not necessarily to another continent in this case, but someplace other than one of the world’s busiest theme parks. Nomad Lounge Bar Which is fitting, because being transported is the point of the lounge, as evidenced by the conversations happening around you. Or should I say, above you… Travel Banners The banners hanging from the ceiling ask questions regarding the experience of travel. The answers of Disney Imagineers who traveled to other countries during their research for the creation of Animal Kingdom are also printed on the colorful banners. Travel Banners Travel Banners Those same questions are echoed around the high corners of the room, inviting you to join in the conversation by sharing your own travel memories. Travel Questions The calm and inviting mood extends to the outdoor covered patio seating. Nomad Lounge Patio Nomad Lounge Patio Seating Patio detail This is actually a fairly extensive area that wraps around the full side of the building. Nomad Lounge Patio Nomad Lounge Patio Seating Like I said, this is most definitely a place made for lounging and lingering. And, of course, enjoying a drink or two… Eats and Drinks It’s time to pick up a menu — I mean, travelog — and see what they’re serving at the Nomad Lounge! Nomad Lounge Menu It’s not difficult to pick up on why they’re calling the menu book a travelog. The beverages are listed among pictures and travel notes written by the Imagineers when they were traveling to research and create the vision for Animal Kingdom. (As with all the following menu pictures, just click the image to enlarge.) Nomad Lounge Menu Intro Page This is also where you’ll learn how you can share YOUR story at Nomad Lounge. Guests can purchase a mini-banner for a dollar and record their own travel memories on it. The mini banners are then hung above the bar, meant to inspire future guests. (85% of the tag purchase goes towards the Disney Conservation Fund.) Mini Banners hanging above the bar As for our tour around the menu, it starts with a glimpse at the Small Plates, with a Vegetarian Summer Roll, Indian Butter Chicken Wings, Seasonal Fish Balls, Seared Wagyu Beef, Pork Ribs, and House-made Head Cheese and Chicken Liver Pate making up the offerings, along with the Taste of Tiffins dessert. Small Plates Menu But it’s the drinks, of course, that take up the bulk of the menu, surrounded by the aforementioned notes and sketches from the park’s Imagineers. (You could seriously spend a chunk of an afternoon sitting and reading these stories and learning about the inspiration for special spots and attractions all over the park.) We’ll kick off our menu tour in Africa, with the Lamu Libation. Nomad Lounge Menu The Spice Trader Classic is listed opposite the Beer, Wine, and Joffrey’s Coffee selections from Africa. Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu Annapurna Zing and the Zingiber Fizzie (we tried the Fizzie at Tiffins) represent Indonesia on the menu, along with Dalang’s Delight and the Balinese Breeze. (You’ll notice that many of the specialty drinks have non-alcoholic versions represented on the menu under their own names.) Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu The Tempting Tigress is followed up by Beer selections from Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, and Tealeaves Passion Fruit Vanilla Iced Tea. Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu Asia inspires the Night Monkey, the Happy Macaque, and Mustang Coffee. Tiger Lager comes from Singapore, and be sure to check out the Press Pot Coffee options which include an Indonesian Blend by Joffrey’s. Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu Strap on your backpack to enjoy the Leaping Lizard or Sinaloa Sangria representing Central and South America. The Boto-Rita and Hightower Rocks finish the trek alongside a lengthy selection of Wines. Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu Notice the picture on the upper right of the Wine and Beer page — it shows the area that inspired Flame Tree Barbecue! Nomad Lounge Menu The menu tour wraps in Bali, with the Snow Leopard Salvation and Jenn’s Tattoo. Nomad Lounge Menu Nomad Lounge Menu The word “Kungaloosh” may have caught your eye on the beer listing in the image above. It’s another name for the “Spiced Excursion Ale,” brewed specifically and solely for Nomad Lounge! Spiced Excursion Ale on tap Prices are not listed in the travelog pages, but you’ll find them on the final inserted page. Price list The print is a little fine , so remember that you can click to enlarge the image. But I’ll also include a closeup here of the price list for the Cocktail Adventures. Price list We started our personal tour with the Hightower Rocks: Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, watermelon, Sweet-and-Sour and lime juice. Hightower Rocks This drink was described to us as a “watermelon margarita,” and I gotta say, that pretty much nails it! But what was really impressive was how pure and fresh the watermelon flavor was. You could almost taste the seeds, it was that authentic. A really fun — not to mention beautiful — beverage. Hightower Rocks The Leaping Lizard is another fruity refresher with Malibu Pineapple Rum and Augusta Cachaca with orange, passionfruit and mango juices. Leaping Lizard Can you spot the face of the lizard ? Leaping Lizard This one was one of the favorites at the table, not only due to its tropical tastes, but also because it was among the strongest of the pours. Are you ready for the Night Monkey? Because you probably should be prepared to hear this particular combo of ingredients: Bacardi Gran Reserva Maestro Rum, guava puree, coffee simple syrup and lime juice “with a hint of cilantro.” Night Monkey The prominent flavor was the coffee, but allow me to say… I think I now understand why I can’t find cilantro and guava flavored coffee in my grocery store. The combo didn’t work for me (or either of my friends at the table, unfortunately). Still, points for the gorgeous glass ! Night Monkey The Spice Trader Classic, though, was a nice surprise. The mix of Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Dolin Vermouth Blanc, lemon juice and strawberries topped with soda water came together with a somewhat subtle but very refreshing flavor combination. Spice Trader Classic Of course, we couldn’t possibly pass up the chance to try the Spiced Excursion Ale, also known as Kungaloosh, brewed in Miami and specifically created for Nomad Lounge! The “spiced” in the name comes from spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and anise. Kungaloosh — Spiced Excursion Ale We’re happy to say that in this case, the combo totally works! So, raise a glass, along with a cry of “Kungaloosh!” Mustang Coffee (our server taught us that it’s pronounced “mus-TAHNG”) is one of the beverages most directly inspired by the Imagineers’ travels. Joe Rodhe was introduced to Mustang Coffee when it was made for him by Sherpas in Nepal. While the Royal Crown is a Nomad Lounge twist, the original recipe the drink is based on is made with coffee, butter, and a liqueur. Mustang Coffee The Ethiopian Coffee used in this beverage was sourced specifically for Nomad Lounge by Joffrey’s Coffee. The butter lends a creaminess (in place of a coffee creamer) which results in a really smooth and easy to drink coffee with a hint of sweetness coming from the brown sugar. Mustang Coffee We also grabbed a few small plates to go along with our drinks, including the Seasonal Fish Balls. Seasonal Fish Balls The fish for this dish during our visit was halibut and cod, and the breading surrounding it was golden, light, and crispy. They — like our other plates — were served piping hot. Seasonal Fish Balls Seasonal Fish Balls It’s just the two light pieces in the serving, though, so even though all the plates are small tapas-style, the more substantial dishes were the meats we tried, including the Indian Butter Chicken Wings. Indian Butter Chicken Wings As expected with a Butter Chicken dish, the sauce was creamy and flavorful (though, as per usual, not spicy hot — using primarily spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala), and the wings were moist and tender. These were really tasty! Indian Butter Chicken Wings They’re served with a small dish of Crispy Black Rice, which was described to us as being similar to a “savory rice krispy treat.” Crispy Black Rice with Indian Butter Chicken Wings That’s another pretty apt description! The little bites of rice are neither soft nor sweet, but they have a lightly salted “seedy” taste (almost akin to sesame) that ended up becoming mildly addictive. Finally, we tried the Pork Ribs. Pork Ribs Though the ribs are honey-glazed and coriander-spiced, neither of those flavors were very apparent. While the char was nice and the meat tender (if a bit fatty), the overall taste was pretty basic pork. Pork Ribs In all I’d say I enjoyed the drinks more than the food, but I can’t say I’m not tempted to try the Seared Wagyu Beef at some point. Which is a good thing, because we’ll definitely be visiting Nomad Lounge again in the future! Overall Nomad Lounge is simply a beautiful addition to Animal Kingdom — and I don’t just mean in regards to the unusually pleasing aesthetics. It is a true respite with creative drinks in comfy surroundings that encourage you to relax and unwind, and even consider the experience of travel or learn about the creation of the park, if you’re so inclined. It’s also clear that the kiddos are welcome here — and Nomad has even provided several unique and fun non-alcoholic drinks so that they can join the grown-ups in an afternoon cool-down. Personally speaking, I can’t wait until my own travels bring me back to the Nomad Lounge again… and again! Will you be traveling to the Nomad Lounge on your next visit to Animal Kingdom? 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: More Details on Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge, Opening in Animal Kingdom This Summer First Look! Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: More Menu Details for Animal Kingdom’s Tiffins and Nomad Lounge View the full article

As Disney's Animal Kingdom debuted new nighttime offerings Memorial Day Weekend, it was hard to ignore the "Avatar"-inspired land still under construction. Pandora - The World of Avatar, a 12-acre expansion, will be open in 2017 and fits in well with Animal Kingdom's new identity as a full-day... View the full article

Today is National Running Day! It’s a day for people around the world to celebrate the joys of running. The key to this day is to share your passion for running and inspire others to get moving. You may know runDisney offers a variety of race themes at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, has expanded internationally and recently launched its virtual race series. We love hearing stories from our guests on our runDisney social media channels from how runDisney motivated them to start running, challenged them to try out a different distance or how runDisney has even formed lifelong friendships! Celeste and Donna met during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in 2015. They met prior to the marathon and started the race separately, but met up met up in Magic Kingdom Park and decided to run the remainder of the race. Together they took pictures, talked about their lives and had fun! It was their very first marathon. After sharing that accomplishment and experience they became best friends while still living in different states. Celeste lives in California and Donna resides in Maryland, but runDisney has become their excuse to meet up and have some Disney fun. Since meeting they have run Star Wars Half Marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, and most recently Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. They coordinate their outfits and motivate each other through their training runs. This dynamic duo’s next adventure is conquering the Castle to Chateau Challenge at the inaugural runDisney Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend. How has runDisney made an impact on your life? Share your story on our social channels using the hashtag #runDisney! Twitter: @runDisney Instagram: @runDisney Facebook: @RunDisney View the full article

I’ve always loved the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot – but now that summer is here, I’m also excited to be able to cool off in one of the coolest places around, with one of the coolest snowmen around since the Frozen Games have come to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park! Olaf and his pal Kristoff made their way from Arendelle and are here to spend summer leading teams in some wintery fun. Their helpers, the Winter Games Committee members, have been busy getting guests on Team Kristoff and Team Olaf into the fun spirit of summer with awesome games like Slide Races on Toboggan Racers or Ski Pole Limbo. And the best part of it all? Kristoff and Olaf are there to cheer their teams on throughout the day, especially during the closing ceremony when a winning team is crowned. Be sure to choose a team and play in the Frozen Games while the competition is still going strong now through August 21! View the full article

I never thought of myself as the sort of girl who gets excited over transportation enhancements, but that was before I saw our new Disney Springs bus loop. With eighteen load zones, a picture-perfect drop off location, and centrally located access to Town Center, it’s one of my favorite new additions. (And with venues like ZARA, UNOde50 and Sprinkles Cupcakes in the mix, that’s saying a lot!) Starting last week, guests traveling to Disney Springs via complimentary Disney Resort bus transportation noticed some changes. Our Disney motorcoaches now have their own dedicated bus lanes, giving them more efficient access to the property. And once here, guests are dropped off at The Gateway, offering a stunning arrival into our newest neighborhood. It’s a grand entrance, indeed! With the opening of this new location, the former Marketplace bus loop will support other transportation needs including vehicles coming from nearby Good Neighbor Hotels, Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Shades of Green. One of my favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resort Hotel is the transportation – knowing that I can unpack my car keys and leave the driving to someone else is the ultimate vacation luxury. (Plus, with no keys in my purse, I’ve got room for an extra indulgence or two… something from ALEX AND ANI or PANDORA, perhaps?) Whether you arrive via bus, boat or decide to drive yourself, I hope to see you soon at Disney Springs! View the full article

It’s the end of an era! My friends, today, May 31st, is your LAST CHANCE to raise a glass full of Frozen Margarita from the Margarita Stand in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. Margarita Stand For years, this spot located outside the Pavilion’s pyramid structure has served up Lime, Strawberry, and Mango Frozen Margaritas to thirsty guests. (Including the potent multi-colored Fiesta margarita!) However, La Cava del Tequila has announced via their Twitter account that the location will be closing, and today is its last day. Layered Margarita Still, we appreciate all the memories (or distinct lack thereof after one too many fiesta margaritas) this quaint stand has provided for us all over the years, and bid a fond adieu. If you’re in Epcot today, consider paying them a visit and raising a glass. Cheers from the Mexico Pavilion We’re hoping against hope that the team in Mexico is able to replace or relocate this iconic stop. After all — what’s drinking around World Showcase without a frozen marg? Fingers crossed… . For now, we’re happy to pop inside the pyramid and wait in line at La Cava for our fix! Have you ever enjoyed a Margarita at Epcot’s Margarita Stand? 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: Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Margarita Stand News: Pomegranate Margarita Updated at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot News! “Maelstrom Margarita” at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila View the full article

B-Boys - La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil | Walt Disney World View the full article

“The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” a new musical inspired by the blockbuster live-action film “The Jungle Book,” debuted over the weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This limited-engagement nighttime offering immerses guests in a retelling of the adventure of Mowgli and friends at the brand new Discovery River theater in the Asia section of the park. In “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” the story roars to life with live music, dazzling special effects and production numbers inspired by Indian cultural traditions. The show features dozens of colorful performers that appear on the water and surround the audience in song and visual artistry. Massive curtains of water, illuminated with imagery from film serve as the backdrop to the show, as Bagheera and other favorite characters from “The Jungle Book” take us on a journey through the jungle, The show also features Indian-inspired arrangements of the movie’s popular songs “Trust in Me,” “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” Filmmaker and actor Jon Favreau, who directed Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” attended the show over the weekend and took time to congratulate the show’s cast on the opening. Planning to attend the show this summer? Dining packages are now available for Tusker House and Tiffins. Click here for more. View the full article

This week kicked off our first Norwegian fjords voyage of the summer! If you recall from the Cruise Director voyage report, last year we debuted new “Frozen” fun onboard – and one very special experience in port. Today I want to tell you more about how Disney cruisers can visit a storybook village and meet Anna, Elsa and Kristoff on a Port Adventure in Ålesund, Norway. The Sunnmøre Museum is one of my favorite spots in Ålesund. From the moment you arrive to this picturesque open-air museum, which includes a replicated village with buildings dating to the 11th century, you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. Your adventure starts with the opportunity to explore authentic Nordic homes — each outfitted with original furniture and decorations — play old-fashioned games, taste Norwegian specialties such as svelle (a sweet pancake), enjoy live musical performances and learn how to make traditional Norwegian crafts. After free time in the enchanting village, you’re invited to a celebration where you’ll witness the arrival of the most special guests of the festivities — Anna, Elsa and Kristoff — from the neighboring Kingdom of Arendelle! These friends take the opportunity to delight little ones by signing autographs and posing for photographs, yet another way we bring the story of “Frozen” to life for Disney cruisers. This Port Adventure was created exclusively for Disney Cruise Line and is the perfect way to immerse your family in the splendor and charm of Norway, the land that inspired the fairytale setting from the film. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

“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.” In the process of casting the show, the creative team assembled some of the most talented performers in the world of theater, who capture the heart and soul of the characters. “One of my greatest joys in the casting process has been getting a chance to watch talented women from across the U.S. audition for Elsa and Anna,” said Dana Harrel, creative portfolio executive with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. “We’ve truly been able to bring the absolute best talent to the stage for our guests.” In this video, Dana and Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy share some of what they were looking for in finding the incredible cast of performers who breathe life into “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.” “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is performed daily in the beautiful Hyperion Theater, in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

I know! It’s been a banner week for Disney Cupcake fans!! Learn About: Contempo Cafe Disney World Restaurants Recently, I had to share with you the “man, this sure does taste a lot like strawberry” Watermelon Cupcake at the Contempo Cafe. But today, I’m back to tell you about one so good that I broke a DFB rule! Read on to find out more. Churro Cupcake So, there’s plenty of reasons to love a Churro, right? I mean, what’s not to love about fried dough that’s rolled in cinnamon sugar? The soft inside against the crunchy outside texture makes this one of our DFB #OnTheList favorites. It’s true churros can be found more often in Disneyland, but we love the nods we’ve seen to it on the East Coast as well. I mean, in both DL and WDW, we’re encountering a whole subculture of Churro-topped treats! There have been Churro Milkshakes, and we’ve even created our very own Churro Sundae. The Churro Funnel Cake at Hungry Bear is now on the full time menu (YAY!). And who could forget the Churro Ice Cream Sandwich?!?! Churro Cupcake and Mickey! I’d like to argue that a Churro alone is plenty. But this cupcake took it to a Whole New Snack Level. And that’s what makes this one so special. So, let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Please do not be distracted or discouraged by the thing perched on top. It is not, in fact, a chicken nugget. It’s a little bitty Two-bite Churro, of course! (A Churro Nugget, maybe?) Dive below, and you see a Cinnamon Buttercream dressed up with ample White Chocolate Curls. Churro Cupcake But the Cinnamon here is more than Icing-and-Garnish deep. I was suuuuper happy to find the cake was a Cinnamon Spice Cake! Rich and moist, it was the perfect choice. So, you have Cinnamon Churro, Cinnamon Icing, Cinnamon Cake…and inside there’s Vanilla Pudding. And it’s perfect. The pudding is a subtle contrast to all of the spice and a fun cool creamy texture to add into the mix. Churro Cupcake — Inside It may not be the showiest or most intensely flavored cupcake you’ll ever consume, but I have to tell you — I absolutely loved it. So much that I broke an unofficial DFB rule: I bought it TWICE! I reviewed it and thought it was incredible, so I actually bought one for my husband and brought it up to the hotel room for him. This one is definitely GO-HERE-and-GET-THIS good. And hurry — because the Contempo loves to keep things fresh, and the Churro Cupcake won’t be around much longer! I think this also goes to prove that, even with the opening of Sprinkles at Disney Springs, the legacy of Disney Cupcakes lives on. Will you be heading to the Contempo Cafe to score a Churro Cupcake? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think! 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: Watermelon Cupcake at Disney’s Contempo Cafe Snack Series: Mickey Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

The Grand Opening of Shanghai Disney Resort is just weeks away, and excitement is building throughout China. This week, China Stamp Group unveiled two official Shanghai Disney Resort stamps which they will issue on June 16 – the same day Shanghai Disney Resort welcomes the general public for the first time! The Shanghai Disney Resort official stamp collection includes two stamps and one souvenir sheet, featuring classic characters and the iconic Enchanted Storybook Castle. The “Mickey and Minnie” stamp shows Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse strolling in their official Shanghai Disney Resort attire. The “Enchanted Storybook Castle” stamp shows the grandeur of the world’s largest and most interactive Disney castle, with Tinker Bell soaring overhead and fireworks lighting the night sky above. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog throughout the coming weeks for more on the Grand Opening celebration of Shanghai Disney Resort! View the full article

Do you have a trip to Walt Disney World Resort booked for June? If so, here are some special artist showcases and events taking place this June that you don’t want to miss. Disney Springs June 1 – 5, June 15 – 19 and June 29 – July 5: Artist Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m. each day. Learn more. June 3: Take part in a special Vinylmation signing with Disney Design Group artist Thomas Scott at Super Hero Headquarters in Disney Springs West Side from 5 – 6 p.m. Learn more. June 3 – 5: Meet artist Eunjung June Kim who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of her newest releases, among other favorites, June 3 – 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. each day, and June 5 from Noon – 3 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more. June 3 – 27: Representatives from Precious Moments dolls will be on hand this month as they showcase, you guessed it, fan favorite dolls from the collection. In addition to your favorite classics, this month Precious Moments will showcase the special wedding inspired “Happily Ever After” collection. Find them throughout the day, each day at Marketplace Fun Finds in Disney Springs Marketplace. June 10 – 11: Take part in a special showcase with Disney artists Costa Alavezos, Joe Kaminski, Randy Noble and Darren Wilson as we celebrate some of their newest releases, Friday, June 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 11 from 4 – 6 p.m. in Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more. June 17 – 19: ACME Artist Greg Lipton will take part in an artist showcase from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more. June 22 – 26: Artist David E. Doss returns to the Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Meet David and see his collection of artwork from 1 – 9 p.m., each day. Learn more. Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 25: Add the out-of-this-world hand-painted, limited-edition Ink & Paint cel Stitch Escapes to your collection! Take advantage of a special pre-purchase opportunity now through June 23 at 5 p.m. EST by visiting www.disneyurl.com/CelPreOrder. You can also look for the cel in stores and meet the Ink & Paint artists as part of a special signing June 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Stage 1 Company Store. Learn more. Epcot June 3 – 5 and June 24 – 26: Stop in and check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from Noon – 7 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn More. June 9 – 12, June 16 – 19 and June 30 – July 4: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney and add some of his latest pieces to your collection. Learn more. June 17 – 18: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the stunning sterling silver jewelry designs available at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more. June 29 – July 4: As you travel around World Showcase, be sure to make a quick stop at Plume et Palette in the France Pavilion where you’ll find the latest releases from Givenchy. Reminder: Tickets to this year’s Disney Pin Celebration 2016 Pixar Party Event taking place August 26 – 27, are still available but are going fast. Don’t miss out! Learn more. Resort Hotels June 21 – 23: Fragrance designer Geir Ness will be on hand for special appearances as he showcases the latest from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection. Meet Geir from 5 – 9 p.m., each day, in Summer Lace at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Learn more. Which special appearances are you most excited to attend? View the full article

Costa Rica is currently vying for one of the top spots on my “favorite places I’ve ever visited” list. From zip lining through a cloud forest to soaking in volcano-heated hot springs, white water rafting alongside lush vegetation, sailing on a private catamaran and boating through the rainforest while spying exotic birds, crocodiles, sloths, capuchin monkeys, turtles and more, my recent Adventures by Disney vacation to Costa Rica provided a long list of breathtaking experiences I could only have dreamt of previously. This Adventures by Disney trip travels from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Coast of this country known for its rich biodiversity, allowing travelers such as myself to soak in beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, pineapple plantations and all the wonders of nature that make this destination so unbelievably beautiful. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and, thankfully, I brought a camera crew along on my vacation to show you this country in a way that words could never rival. Oh, and if you read the first paragraph of this blog post and wondered “What on earth is a ‘cloud forest’?” this video should help better explain that as well. I’ll be sharing more videos from this epic Adventures by Disney getaway soon. But for now I hope you’ve enjoyed this small taste of why I just can’t get enough of Costa Rica! View the full article

This week I have more details to share from Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With dining rooms designed to resemble art galleries, this new signature restaurant celebrates the travels to Africa, Asia and South America that influenced the design of the park. The ideas of Imagineers, Animal Programs and Entertainment, including sketches, photography, architecture and textures, are all presented in a way that is uniquely Disney. Can you guess which attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom inspired these works of art? Tiffins is now open daily for lunch and dinner. For more about Tiffins, visit the posts below: All in the Details: The Trek Gallery at Tiffins All in the Details: Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opens Memorial Day Weekend Tiffins Inventive Menu Stars Cuisine From Around the Globe, Wine List Focuses on ‘Environmentality’ More Details About Tiffins, the Newest Dining Experience At Walt Disney World Resort Tiffins Signature Restaurant Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2016 View the full article

With a joke around every corner, Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park is one of the most colorful places you’ll ever see. It’s a town that’s never taken itself too seriously. Even the official seal (Get it?) is punny. Well, at least the Planning Commission always manages to squeeze its work in. View the full article

Welcome to Tiffins! Learn About: Tiffins Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants We were so excited that this highly anticipated restaurant was finally open on Friday that we gave you a first look immediately! But today, we are back with our full review and tour!! There is sooo much to share with you. And after a few days to process it all, we’re eager to share with you our experience at Disney World’s newest signature restaurant — right in Animal Kingdom! Atmosphere You may still be trying to get your bearings where Tiffins is concerned. After all, this is the first time that Animal Kingdom has ventured into signature dining. So what’s it all about, anyway? I mean, how do they translate Animal Kingdom into fine dining? Tiffins Sign In a nutshell, the restaurant celebrates the global inspiration and artwork behind the design of the park. And we loved how they incorporated actual ride concept art as well as mementos of the imagineers’ time in Africa while planning Animal Kingdom. However, that’s not all that’s happening here. In order to give this celebration a home, Imagineers came up with a seriously detailed space. And in true Disney fashion, the details begin before you ever enter the restaurant. Check out the tiffins that nest on top of the restaurant’s sign above. “Tiffin” is an English-Indian word that refers to a portable midday meal. But it also refers to the containers used for the meal. Think of them as super cool nesting lunch boxes. If you’ve ever been on Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek you may have used one like it! Tiffins in use on Wild Africa Trek As you make your way toward the entrance, be sure to take in the details around you — including the pavement. Pavement at Entrance As we have seen in other Disney spots, you’ll notice details here — namely, animal tracks! See how many you can identify! Pavement Detail — Animal Tracks — Up Close To me, the jumble of tracks represents the spirit of this restaurant. It’s a crossroads, where all kinds of flavors come together to meet, mingle, and form something entirely new. Tiffins Entrance Look down — and then look up! The meticulous details on the carved figures marking the roofline are enchanting. Detailed Carving at Tiffins Roofline As you enter, you come upon the check-in desk, where warm woods with rustic finishes behind the desk welcome you. Check-In Area The map behind the checkin area is carved not only with topography, but with some of the animals that you encounter in Animal Kingdom. You’ll catch a glimpse of a few familiar buildings as well. Carved Map Behind Check-In Desk — Up Close To the left and right of the map, you can read more about the works of art that are displayed throughout Tiffins. Check-In Desk — Restaurant Detail — Up Close Check-In Desk — Welcome Sign — Up Close And this would be a great time to mention the staff. Our server was absolutely wonderful, as were all the Cast Members we spoke with. They were excited to take guests on brief tours and explain different things about the rooms. We were encouraged to look around, just like at an art gallery. The Orientation of Tiffins and the Galleries While we are excited to share the food of Tiffins with you, I think that we need to spend a little time getting you acquainted with how the restaurant is laid out, and what the general “feel” is like. There are three “Galleries,” or dining rooms. The Grand Gallery and the Safari Gallery are to the right of the check-in desk. You’ll find Nomad Lounge and Trek Gallery to the left. It might be interesting to note that you actually have to walk through Nomad Lounge to get to the Trek Gallery. (While we have already given you a First Look of Nomad Lounge as well, we’ll have plenty of details about it later this week in a separate full review.) Nomad Lounge from Tiffins check in We also noticed that it’s not just the visual details, or even the food, that take you on a journey. Throughout the whole restaurant, the background music takes you on an adventure as well, switching from African to Indian, and South American music and beats. Next, we’ll take a few moments to explore each Gallery. The Grand Gallery The Grand Gallery is the largest of the three, functioning as the main dining room for Tiffins. The theme here is a celebration of the animals themselves as well as folk art. Grand Gallery Description View of the Grand Gallery There are two main exhibits in the Grand Gallery. And they’re both pretty amazing! First, you may notice five large pole-shaped sculptures. Grand Gallery Bali Carvings The pole sculptures are over 20 years old. And if they look familiar to you, it’s because they once resided in the now-closed Camp Minnie-Mickey section of the park! Grand Gallery Bali Carvings — Up Close When that land was closed to make way for expansion in Animal Kingdom, the poles were removed and saved. Thank goodness; because they are original carvings from Bali artisans. Grand Gallery Bali Carvings — Up Close When it was decided that they would find a second life at Tiffins, they were refurbished (stripped of previous colored paint). Ultimately, the poles served another important function, however. The style of carving here inspired the Tree of Life. Grand Gallery Bali Carvings — Up Close The other notable feature here is The Lantern Wall. Grand Gallery — Lantern Wall Located to the left side of the room, this display was inspired by the upcoming Rivers of Light show. Grand Gallery — Lantern Wall — Monkey Up Close Also, the cloth backdrop behind the lanterns is from Animal Kingdom cast member costumes; the mix of red and blue represents fire and water, elements supporting life. Grand Gallery — Lantern Wall — Elephant Up Close Safari Gallery The Safari Gallery celebrates Eastern and Southern Africa. This is the dining room where we were seated. Safari Gallery Description Much of the artwork you see displayed here are artist renderings and design elements of Animal Kingdom — especially Africa and Harambe. Safari Gallery Artwork Safari Gallery Artwork Safari Gallery Artwork The most striking exhibit in the room is a piece called “Electrified”. Safari Gallery — Electrified Artwork Safari Gallery — Electrified Artwork From what our Cast Member Tour Guides shared with us, this piece is a favorite of Joe Rohde, Executive Designer and Vice President, Creative — the driving, creative force behind Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Electrified” Description A Baobob Tree sculpture is another of the gallery’s striking features. It’s a miniature version of the tree that serves as a hallmark on the Kilamanjaro Safaris attraction. Safari Gallery Baobob Tree Large Shadowboxes contain artwork displaying various things the Imagineers saw and experienced as they were traveling and conducting research for Animal Kingdom. The renderings in the shadowboxes predate the park itself. Safari Gallery — Shadowboxes Safari Gallery — Shadowboxes — Up Close We found the seating in this area to be quite comfortable. We especially liked the seclusion of corner booths, like this one. Safari Gallery Seating — Corner Booth Next up — Trek Gallery. The Trek Gallery represents the corners of the park dedicated to exploring Asia. In order to get to the Trek Gallery, you’ll actually travel through Nomad Lounge. It’s kind of fitting, I think. The Trek Gallery is a bit of a trek. Trek Gallery Description This is the smallest dining room, but guests will recognize lots of touches from the Asia section of the park. Trek Gallery Trek Gallery — Artwork Tibetan Prayer Flags seem to flutter over a corner booth. The sculpture is still, but it’s made to look like the flags are in motion, inspired by all the prayer flags the Imagineers saw blowing in the breeze. Trek Gallery — Tibetan Prayer Flags Trek Gallery — Tibetan Prayer Flag Detail Here’s another guy you may recognize — check out this bronze depiction of Expedition Everest’s Yeti! Bronze Yeti — Everest Precariously Perched in His Hand! He’s completely still, but terrifying nevertheless! We’ve reached the end of our gallery tour. And so it’s time to check out the other notable detail of Tiffins… Tablesetting …The exotic menu. Eats Even when we come to the details surrounding the dining experience, it’s clear the chefs have been imagineering a bit themselves. Menus are encased in these cool, leather-bound soft books. Tiffins Menu Book There are several menus and menu pages to share with you. We’ll break them up into the appropriate sections so you don’t have to scroll back and forth between the menu pages and the food photos. We’ll kick off the exploration with Beverage options. They are extensive, and include Cocktails, Beer, Wine, and crafted Non-Alcoholic beverages, in addition to soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Menu — Cocktails — Click to Enlarge Menu — Beer — Click to Enlarge The wines available at Tiffins are more than just a list — they’re a philosophy! If you prize a wine pairing experience when it comes to fine dining, please take a few minutes to give this menu its due. It’s pretty impressive, and very reminiscent of the wine program at The Wave…of American Flavors in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tiffins Wine Exploration Philosophy Menu of Wines By the Glass in the Main Menu — Click to Enlarge Menu of Wines By the Glass in the Main Menu — Click to Enlarge Likewise, the Wine Flights offer you a chance to explore different flavors, and possibly regions that are new to you. Wine Flight Menu — Click to Enlarge Wine Lovers, please take note: there is a whole book of wines in addition to the Wine Flights and By the Glass pages I included from the main menu. So be an explorer, by all means. As for our selections, we tried both non-alcoholic options this first time. There were a couple of reasons for this. First, we knew we were stopping by Nomad Lounge as well, and in this business, it pays to pace oneself! But also, it was clear that the non-alcoholic cocktails were crafted with the same care as the drinks that contain alcohol. And because this is an emerging hot trend — delicious, unique “mocktails” that don’t contain alcohol — we’re definitely up for exploring it and sharing it with all of you. Never fear though — if you prefer alcoholic versions of these coolers, they are available as well. But enough talk! Here they are: the Zingiber Fizzie and the Hibiscus Henna. Zingiber Fizzie and Hibiscus Henna In the Zingiber Fizzie, you’ll find Passion Fruit Puree, Mint, Ginger Beer (which is non-alcoholic), and Lime Juice. With a pronounced pop of ginger flavor, there’s lots of zing to enjoy here. If you’re a fan of a Dark and Stormy or a Moscow Mule — or just ginger in general — then I have a feeling you’ll enjoy this one. Zingiber Fizzie But we also sampled the Hibiscus Henna, which combines Watermelon, Hibiscus, Soda Water, and Lime Juice. This is Florida in a glass! — full of fruity and ever so slightly floral flavor. Hibiscus Henna As we enjoyed our drinks, our server brought Tiffins Complimentary Bread Service. There is a distinction to make here: much like Sanaa, Tiffins also offers Signature Bread Service. You’ll find it detailed at the bottom of the Appetizer Menu in just a moment. This, however, is lovely and something special. The bread consists of Pomegranate Focaccia bread with a mix of Pomegranate, Molasses, and Olive Oil on the side. Pomegranate Foccacia Bread Pomegranate Foccacia Bread — Up Close The sweetness of the pomegranate comes through more in the fragrance than the flavor, which is more savory than sweet, owing to the Olive Oil. The oil blend is good, but potent — a little goes a VERY long way. A Slice of Pomegranate Foccacia Bread While we enjoyed our bread (and tried not to fill up on it!) we looked over the Appetizer Menu to make a few selections. Menu — Appetizers — Click to Enlarge Of course, we had to try something as intriguing as Lobster Popcorn Thai Curry Soup. And I’m so glad we did — because it is truly delicious! Lobster Popcorn Thai Curry Soup There is so much flavor here. Each bite starts out sweet with autumnal spices (similar to what you might find in pumpkin soup, but with the added tang of complex, salty seafood). After that first note, a warmer spice kicks in at the end and lingers. It’s not overwhelming to the delicate flavors; there’s just enough heat to make it interesting and an authentic curry experience. The popcorn brings a tiny bit to the table in terms of texture. Lobster Popcorn Thai Curry Soup — Up Close Next, we decided to try the Marinated Grilled Octopus. Marinated Grilled Octopus Admittedly, I don’t know much about octopus, and personally don’t care for the chewy consistency; however, the marinade and char on this was really very nice. It almost tasted like it had just been freshly grilled outside. It was nice and smokey. Ultimately, though, the dish didn’t appeal to us visually. (I’m still squeamish around tentacles and suckers.) For those of you who enjoy octopus, I’d say give it a go. Marinated Grilled Octopus — Up Close It was time to explore the Entree Menu next. Menu — Entrees — Click to Enlarge Menu — Entrees — Click to Enlarge Now, let me give you a little of our philosophy here at DFB when we review a new restaurant. Once in a while, we’ll order the whole menu. But usually we try to make choices based on 1) What’s going to be most popular, and 2) What do we think our readers would really like to see/visualize before heading to the restaurant. So, I hope our choices help you out when you’re headed to Tiffins! For our first entree, we chose the Roasted Market Vegetable Curry. Roasted Market Vegetable Curry What you have here are pure Veggies. There’s no tofu or other meat substitute. And the serving is enormous and very filling. Again, you have those wonderful autumnal spices that are the hallmark of a creamy curry. Among the vegetables, we spied Zucchini, Mushroom, Cauliflower, and Squash. But, since this is market-inspired, these will likely change with the seasons. Roasted Market Vegetable Curry — Up Close The Millet on the side has a strong hint of citrus flavor from the Lime Chutney on top. Millet with Lime Chutney And actually, this Millet looks more like Quinoa to me. Maybe it’s a mixture. Either way, it was tasty. Millet with Lime Chutney — Inside Our whole party agreed — this is an excellent vegetarian dish. But next up was probably our favorite dish of the day, and what we expect to be the most popular dish on the menu — the Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib. Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib The sweet root Vegetables and Chimichurri were the perfect accompaniments. Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib — Vegetables Even with all of the food we had, we could not stop eating this dish! Cutting through the meat was like slicing through a pat of butter, it was so tender. Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib — Up Close Finally, we had to share one of the more exotic dishes with you — the Whole Fried Sustainable Fish. Whole Fried Sustainable Fish During our visit, the selection was Yellowtail Snapper. But you can expect this to change due to availability and sustainability. Whole Fried Sustainable Fish — Another View Time for a little honesty. I am completely aware that this is probably some sort of culinary masterpiece, but I personally couldn’t get past the appearance. Just WOW. Eyeballs, teeth, and everything. I remember when Cat Cora’s Kouzzina brought the whole fish to the menu on their opening day, and I honestly thought it would be gone within a week due to disinterested guests. But it stuck around for years, so what do I know? Whole Fried Sustainable Fish — Up Close We did discuss the dish with staff, who said that adventurous eaters were giving big props, and have been duly impressed. And I’ll say this — I can’t imagine this being served in any other U.S. theme park! Kudos to Animal Kingdom for offering this relatively unique dish. Overall, the snapper was nice and flaky — almost meaty in flavor over “fishy,” which was good. Whole Fried Sustainable Fish — Up Close of a Bite Still, I couldn’t separate it from the appearance and ate very little. At the end of the day, though, we are glad to share it with you, and we can’t wait to hear if you love this option. Having wrapped up the entrees, we were ready to indulge in a few sweet endings. Menu — Desserts — Click to Enlarge First, we tried the Calamansi Mousse. Calamansi is fruit that is a cross between a citrus fruit (probably a mandarin orange) and a kumquat. Cut into the mousse, and you discover a soft center of Mango Jelly. Calamansi Mousse The dessert offered lovely tropical flavors in an incredibly light texture. The edible Viola on top was a beautiful touch, and the butter-rich Crust complemented the light texture nicely. Calamansi Mousse — Up Close We enjoyed the Lime Cheesecake as well. Lime Cheesecake This dessert is so light and creamy. Vanilla Cheesecake is the primary flavor over the lime, but that’s also present. The thin layer of lime spongecake on bottom serves as a crust. While I’d rather have graham cracker, the lime sponge carried the flavor through nicely. We did find a bit of crumble as a garnish to the top. It looked like Matcha, but had the consistency of a Streusel. Lime Cheesecake — Up Close Finally, we decided to sample the South American Chocolate Ganache. South American Ganache Don’t let the demure size of this one fool you. I know; it looks like a very teeny serving. But we are talking the best dark, rich Chocolate. It’s the same high-quality ganache experience that you’ll find at The Ganachery. This is meant to be slowly savored in tiny quantities. Much more would be overwhelming, I promise you. South American Ganache — Up Close It was excellent. And we loved the addition of another edible Viola on one, and Caramelized Bananas with the other. They tasted like candy! South American Ganache — Detail Now, you guys know me by now, and you know that I’m a curd girl. Does that make sense? I love me some curd of any sort. So when I noticed there was Passion Fruit Curd as part of the Sorbet Tasting, I had to try it. (Yes, I AM that high maintenance when I’m in restaurants that if I see a garnish on another dish that I want to try, I’ll ask if they’ll bring me a taste. ;-D) This one BURSTS with passion fruit flavor — far more decadent than any other sorbet I’ve ever tasted! BUT — note that this is a sorbet — it’s not straight curd. If you’re a curd fan like me, that could make or break your choice to order it. Two Tasting Portions of Passion Fruit Curd That said, I think this would be an amazing ending to a meal here. As we wrapped up our meal, our server brought us an unexpected surprise: Joe Rohde print! Every guest receives a miniature print at the end of his or her meal to take home. Joe Rohde Print While these prints will change, I expect that they will always be a fitting tribute to the experience that we had as we dined at Tiffins. Overall It is fitting that Tiffins is styled as a gallery, because our initial impressions are that a meal here is more than a dinner. It’s a masterpiece. Honestly, Tiffins exceeded expectations, both in terms of atmosphere and food. While I wasn’t thrilled about the menu when I first read it, it turned out to be some of the best food I’ve experienced at Disney in terms of quality, care in preparation and sourcing, and imagination. (Whole-head fish and octopus sucker feelings aside.) This is a lovely restaurant for just about anyone (especially more adventurous eaters), but an extra special treat for fans of Animal Kingdom park. That said — this is probably not going to be the place for your ultra picky eaters (beef and veggies is a great option, but if you’re a chicken nugget and fries ONLY kind of person, it might not be worth the price). And the atmosphere is, indeed, signature — as in high end. There will be plenty of kiddos, of course (this is a theme park), but with the food offerings and general feel of the place, you can tell they’ve tried to set this location apart from other dining options in Animal Kingdom as a fancier option. For now, the menu is the same for both lunch and dinner. We’re not sure if that will change, but we’ll keep you updated. As for logistics, do keep in mind that a meal here will cost you two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. And while they do not currently accept Tables in Wonderland, they may accept it eventually since this is a Disney-owned restaurant. But I’d love to hear from all of you now. What are your initial thoughts about Tiffins? Leave a comment and let me know if you plan to book a table during your next Disney World visit! 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: First Look! Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: More Details on Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge, Opening in Animal Kingdom This Summer News: Menu Details for Tiffins Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article