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When Walt Disney opened his famed Anaheim park back in 1955, he turned to corporate sponsors to keep construction and operation costs under budget. That helps explain why two of the original attractions were the less-than-thrilling Monsanto Hall of Chemistry — sponsored by the agrochemical giant... View the full article

Welcome back to the ever-changing Hollywood Studios, which is now introducing… Echo Lake Eats! Echo Lake Eats Making its home around Echo Lake in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Echo Lake Eats is comprised of three kiosks serving new Counter Service options: Hollywood Waffles of Fame, Sliders to the Stars, and Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas. Echo Lake Eats The purpose of these kiosks is to temporarily provide a few extra food options to Hollywood Studios guests as the park is in full-on transition mode with the construction of the future Toy Story and Star Wars Lands. After all, construction brought the closure of a few Counter Service eateries along with it (Studio Catering Co. and Herbie’s Drive-In among them; meanwhile, Toy Story Pizza Planet is also currently closed for a major refurbishment and re-theming of its own). Echo Lake Eats So, let’s check out what new treats and eats are available at these limited-run kiosks (so far anticipated to run only through the peak summer season) for those of you paying a visit to Hollywood Studios this summer! If you’ve visited the Epcot Food & Wine Festival or Flower & Garden Festival, the general set-up of the three kiosks will look familiar to you: registers and menus are set up just beside the booths where you place your order, then pick it up at the main windows. Hollywood Waffles of Fame pre-opening A few of the same high-top tables (without seating) have even made the trip. High-top Tables Only here at the Studios, good ol’ Gertie is keeping watch over things around Echo Lake… Gertie watching over Echo Lake Eats Gertie! First up, Hollywood Waffles of Fame, where waffle sandwiches are the star! Hollywood Waffles of Fame Hollywood Waffles of Fame sign A Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich and a Shaved Ham and Cheddar Focaccia Sandwich make up the menu; however, we were assured that if you would prefer to have the Ham and Cheddar option on a waffle instead of the Focaccia, all you have to do is ask! Hollywood Waffles of Fame menu A house-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie along with a selection of beer and wine round out the list. Wafflemakers are at the ready inside the kiosk to prepare your sandwich to order. Wafflemakers inside the kiosk We chose the Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich, which is served with a bag of chips. Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich The picture below was taken at a slightly different angle to give you an idea of how positively PACKED this thing is, topped with mixed greens, bacon, tomato, and herb-cheese pesto. Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich So packed, in fact, that it was actually kind of difficult to eat, but all the fresh flavors — especially the gouda and smokey bits of bacon — came together really well. And I really appreciate how the sandwich was made to order, resulting in the waffle tasting especially fresh, too. Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich Alas, it’s no replacement for my beloved Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich that is sadly no longer served at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. But taken on its own, it’s pretty impressive. Likewise, Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas also features two main menu items as well as a dessert. FYI, you’ll find a dessert at each kiosk as they all accept Quick Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan, where your entitlement includes a dessert and non-alcoholic drink with your entree. Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas sign Loaded Chili-Cheese Nachos and Beef Empanadas are the entree choices, with a House-baked Dulce de Leche Cookie for dessert. Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas menu You’ll find Lime Margaritas here, too! Lime Margarita mix The Beef Empanda plate is a fairly creative dish for such a small stand, with its accompaniments of roasted corn, black bean salsa, and queso fresco, and drizzled with a bit of cilantro sour cream. Beef Empanadas The golden pastry on these was delicious — nice and flaky, and really fresh. Beef Empanadas And the beef was pretty well-seasoned, though not spicy at all in a “hot” sense. Beef Empanadas Of everything I tried, the Empanadas were probably my favorite. I also grabbed the Dulce de Leche Cookie. Dulce de Leche Cookie This one carries with it a LOT of sweetness. Though thin, it’s still nice and chewy, and caramel fans will LOVE the tons of soft bits of caramel throughout! Dulce de Leche Cookie Finally, Sliders to the Stars serves up — what else?! – Sliders! Sliders to the Stars Sliders to the Stars menu Choose from Pulled Beef Brisket or Barbecued Chicken Sliders. Sliders to the Stars menu That Mickey Brownie you also see listed on the menu is the same one you’ll find at Oasis Canteen (it’s like a brownie cake pop). Mickey Brownie at Oasis Canteen The Barbecued Chicken Sliders are topped with coleslaw and chipotle aioli all on a brioche bun. Like the waffle sandwiches, they’re also served with chips. Barbecued Chicken Sliders The brioche bun on these is definitely a great touch, and there is plenty of tasty chicken in here to keep you going for a while. Barbecued Chicken Slider The coleslaw lent some nice tang to the barbecue, too, but it did overwhelm the aioli a bit, as I couldn’t really pick up on it. Barbecued Chicken Slider Still, overall it was another nice addition to Echo Lake Eats! It seems like there has been a lot of thought put into these for what are ultimately temporary options — quite different from your run-of-the-mill burgers and such. Dare I say, maybe even a step up from what you used to be able to find at Studio Catering Co.? Still, we can’t help but notice the lack of vegetarian options, so we’ll be keeping an eye out to see if menus change here at all. Given the limited run, that’s probably doubtful, so meatless options in the meantime can be found at spots like Sunset Ranch Market. (The Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, by the way, can now be found at Rosie’s All-American Cafe instead of its original home of Fairfax Fare.) For those interested in Echo Lake Eats, though, remember that these kiosks will only be around through the busy summer season, so be sure to stop by soon! And wave high to Gertie while you’re at it, so she knows she’s not forgotten . Contributing to this post: AJ, Tina, and Wendy Will you be checking out the eats at Echo Lake? 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: Echo Lake Eats Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Season of the Force Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! News!: Pot Roast Sandwich and Seasonal Kiosks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

In my last Disney Parks Blog post, I shared how a new Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground was built earlier this month at Lincoln Park in Anaheim, California. Today, I am excited to share that the Disneyland Resort is creating more magic in Anaheim parks with a $500,000 donation to the Anaheim Community Foundation! The donation will be used to add skate parks at Schweitzer and Palm Lane Parks, as well as a pickleball court and softball field refurbishment with a soccer field overlay at Twila Reid Park. Schweitzer and Twila Reid Parks already gained Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playgrounds that will bring years of enjoyment to the community. The Disneyland Resort is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through shared experiences including play, and local parks are a great place for families to have fun together. Over the last five years, the Disneyland Resort has built seven KaBOOM! playgrounds in Anaheim, serving nearly 10,000 Anaheim children, and we donated 60 trees to Anaheim parks this spring to help make them more shady and beautiful! View the full article

Sometimes it's fun just to watch the Disney World go by. Same for Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, too. People-watching isn't an Olympic sport, of course, but if it were ... Central Florida could be a prime training center. Technically, people-watching can be done from almost every corner of our... View the full article

Pop star Kesha is set to rock her party anthem hits for an LGBT celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Saturday, June 4. The 29-year-old artist, known for chart-topping hits including "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R," will headline the “Main Event Party” for the One Magical Weekend festival... View the full article

Get Ready to Awaken Summer at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial kickoff to summer, is just a week away. And so are the beginnings of new Disney shows, fireworks and attractions here at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new for each of our four theme parks, Disney Springs and more. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut several exciting new guest offerings starting Friday, May 27. The Tree of Life will begin its nighttime awakenings after the sun goes down each evening. But as the sun sets the fun will heat up on Discovery Island, where two new parties – Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale – will add fun, music and entertainment to the night. And the park will also begin extending its operating hours into the evening to allow guests to experience their favorite Disney’s Animal Kingdom attractions, like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest, in a whole new light. Two new F&B locations, Tiffins restaurant and Nomad Lounge, will also open their doors for business. (Make your attraction plans now in the My Disney Experience App. Reservations for Tiffins will open Saturday, May 21). On Saturday, May 28, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut the new “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” water show, which will retell the tale of Baloo and Mowgli on Discovery River each night. FastPass+ will be available for the show and can be booked through the My Disney Experience app starting Saturday, May 21. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will kick off the start of the Frozen Games on Friday, May 27, with Olaf and Kristoff hosting daily winter-themed activities for guests of all ages, including Snowball Toss and Ski Pole Limbo. All activities are complimentary and guests can sign up at the park entrance to participate. And even more summer fun is on the way to the Walt Disney World Resort in June. Magic Kingdom Park will debut a brand-new stage show called “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” on June 17. In it, Mickey and his band of Merry Makers are preparing to host a joyous festival and bring friends Tiana, Naveen and Louis (from “Princess and the Frog”); Rapunzel and Flynn (from “Tangled”); and Olaf, Anna and Elsa (from “Frozen”); to the Castle Forecourt Stage to join in on the celebration. And don’t forget, a brand-new Disney Princess, Elena of Avalor, will make her debut at Magic Kingdom Park later this summer. On June 17, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make theme park history when it launches the most elaborate nighttime spectacular the park has ever seen with the new “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show. This new nightly show will combine fireworks and pyrotechnics with video projections that will turn the surrounding buildings into familiar Star Wars destinations. The show will end with a tower of fire and spotlight beams that create massive lightsabers in the sky. Showtimes will appear in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they are available. And don’t forget, beginning Memorial Day weekend, even more guests will be able to experience Toy Story Mania with the addition of a third track. Epcot will welcome Soarin’ Around the World on June 17. A new version of the popular attraction located in The Land pavilion will debut to take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders. Guests can begin reserving this FastPass+ attraction in the My Disney Experience app beginning Saturday, May 21. New “Frozen” experiences will open their doors on June 21, including Frozen Ever After, the first attraction inspired by the film, as well as Royal Sommerhus, an Anna and Elsa greeting area. FastPass+ will be available for Frozen Ever After. Guests can begin booking FastPass+ for this experience on Saturday, May 21. Disney Springs also recently welcomed dozens of new retail and dining options with the opening of Town Center. And plenty more shop and restaurant openings are on the horizon for the summer, including restaurants STK Orlando, Frontera Cocina and Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for weekly updates on what’s new. View the full article

Tasty new quick-service options will soon be available at kiosks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in the Echo Lake area of the park. Celebrate summer with delicious new flavors and tastes, available now through summer. Hungry to learn what the new Echo Lake Eats will be? I’ve got the full listing below! Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas Loaded Chili Cheese Nachos with Guacamole Beef Empanadas, roasted corn and black bean salsa, Queso Fresco with cilantro sour cream Dulce de Leche Cookie Sliders to the Stars Pulled Beef Brisket Sliders with arugula, pickled onions and horseradish aioli on sesame bun served with chips Pulled Barbecued Chicken Sliders with coleslaw and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun served with chips Mickey Brownie Hollywood Waffles of Fame Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich with mixed greens, bacon, tomato and herb-cheese pesto served with chips Shaved Ham and Cheddar Focaccia with water cress and spicy mustard served with chips Freshly-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Oasis Canteen Chicken Breast Nuggets served with celery and carrots with a Ranch dipper and chips Sweet Chili-glazed Chicken Breast Nuggets served with celery and carrots with a Ranch dipper and chips Kid’s Breast Nuggets Mickey Brownie Which tasty new meal do you plan to try on your next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

The internet is full of rumors, and theme parks are no exception. The latest to hit the theme park rumor mill concerns one Disney Parks' staple attractions -- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Blogs and online forums have been buzzing since April that the drop tower dark ride at Disney's California... View the full article

Memorial Day Weekend is fast approaching… and with it will come brand new experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as it officially makes the transition into a full-day park offering nighttime activities! ©Disney Naturally, we here at the DFB are most concerned about the ones involving FOOD! So, without further ado… Tiffins and Nomad Lounge We’ve been looking forward to this bit of news ever since it was announced that Signature Dining was on its way to Animal Kingdom… Tiffins — the brand new waterfront restaurant serving lunch and dinner to Animal Kingdom travelers — will start accepting Advance Dining Reservations May 21st (TOMORROW) for dates beginning May 27th! Tiffins Entrance Concept Art. © Disney Interested guests will be able to book online through the Walt Disney World website or via the My Disney Experience app, or call (407)WDW-DINE. And, of course, this means the Nomad Lounge will be opening on the same day! Like bars and lounges all over Disney World, no Advance Dining Reservations will be accepted. Just show up at the lounge’s location on Discovery Island (adjacent to Tiffins), and enjoy plates featuring international cuisine and drinks inspired by global travels. Nomad Lounge Concept Art. © Disney Curious as to what the international fare will include? Then take a peek at the menus! Appetizers include Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup and Marinated Grilled Octopus for starters, among others. Tiffins Appetizers ©Disney A Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chop and Pan-Seared Duck Breast and Leg Confit are two entree options. Tiffins Entrees, Part 1 ©Disney The entree list continues with items like Wagyu Striploin and Braised Short Rib (please note that it is confirmed here that Tiffins will require two Table Service Credits on the Disney Dining Plan). Tiffins Entrees, Part 2 ©Disney Don’t forget dessert, where a South American Chocolate Ganache and Calamansi Mousse make the list. Tiffins Desserts ©Disney Tiffins and another beloved Animal Kingdom restaurant will also be participating in offering Dining Packages for Animal Kingdom’s first nighttime show! The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Packages Though the Rivers of Light evening spectacular has met with delays, Discovery River will still play host to a brand new, limited-run show this summer. The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic will make its debut on May 28th! ©Disney Similar to the already-existing Fantasmic! Dining Packages available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Packages allow guests to make a specific package reservation at select restaurants. The set price for your meal also includes seats within a reserved section at an evening performance for your dining party. The participating Animal Kingdom restaurants will be Tusker House and Tiffins, and Advance Dining Reservations for these Packages will also be made available tomorrow, May 21st. Package inclusions for Tusker House are as follows: A Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Package for Breakfast will include the full buffet at a cost of $37.00 for adults, and $23.00 for children ages 3 to 9 not including tax and gratuity (or 1 Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan), along with guaranteed seating for a showing of Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. A Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner will include the full buffet at a cost of $49.00 for adults, and $30.00 for children ages 3 to 9 not including tax and gratuity (or 1 Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan), along with guaranteed seating for a showing of Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. Package inclusions for Tiffins are as follows: A Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Dining Package for Lunch or Dinner will include an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage at a cost of $67.00 for adults, and $32.00 for children ages 3 to 9 not including tax and gratuity (or 2 Table Service Credits on the Disney Dining Plan), along with guaranteed seating for a showing of Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. And don’t forget… we also have TWO new street parties — Discovery Island Carnivale and the Harambe Wildlife Street Parti — Kilimanjaro Safaris After Dark, and Awakenings at the Tree of Life to look forward to! Which of these new experiences are Animal Kingdom are YOU most excited about? What are you most looking forward to as Animal Kingdom transitions into a full-day park? 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: Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge Open Memorial Day Weekend in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News! Tiffins Restaurant Brings Signature Dining to Animal Kingdom in 2016 News: More Details on Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge, Opening in Animal Kingdom This Summer View the full article

Last month on Disney Parks Blog, we shared some details about “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” coming to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage at Magic Kingdom Park, and today we’re pleased to tell you this fantastically fun new show will make its debut on June 17, 2016! “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring an original song, memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. So in addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters from some of Disney’s newest classics: “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog.” “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” celebrates the unique stories of the citizens who make up this magical kingdom and the wonderful things that can happen when we try new things, go to new places and get to know new friends. You’re all invited to join in the fun, starting June 17! View the full article

Want a last chance to hang-glide across the snow-capped mountains, above towering redwoods, and along the rocky shorelines of the Golden State? Epcot guests will enjoy farewell flights when the classic Soarin’ returns to The Land pavilion in Future World starting May 27. The attraction reopens at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort before the new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts next month at Disney parks in Shanghai, California and Florida. Disney FastPass+ service will be available starting May 21 for this limited opportunity to enjoy the classic Soarin’ experience at Epcot. The classic Soarin’ film based on the popular Disney California Adventure park attraction, Soarin’ Over California, is a multi-sensory adventure with stunning views over California’s popular sites including the Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley and Yosemite National Park to name a few. You’ll swear you feel the mist from the ocean. Don’t miss your chance to experience Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure now through June 15, and at Epcot through June 16. The new film, Soarin’ Around the World, debuts June 17 at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort the day after its world premiere at Shanghai Disneyland and highlights landmarks from across the globe. We look forward to sharing more about the new Soarin’ experience right here on the Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

Several new Star Wars experiences have debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the past year, from the opening of Star Wars Launch Bay in December to the most recent additions of the Star Wars stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” and the daily march of Captain Phasma and her fleet of Stormtroopers earlier this spring. Today we’re happy to share an update on the next exciting Star Wars experience that’s set to delight fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – the new Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” This new nighttime show, which will be the most elaborate fireworks display in this park’s history, will begin nightly performances on June 17. This elaborate show will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the park’s Chinese Theater and other buildings into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. And the show, which will feature music from throughout the film franchise, will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating a massive lightsaber in the sky. View the full article

Epcot visitors can add a stop in Arendelle as of June 21. That's the day the Frozen Ever After ride will open, Walt Disney World announced Friday. The company also revealed premiere dates for attractions a castle show in Magic Kingdom, "Star Wars" fireworks at Hollywood Studios and the after-dark... View the full article

Countdown to the opening of the newest Disney signature restaurant – Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring cuisine and beverages from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney Imagineering describes the interior as “a gallery you can dine in with artwork that is a direct result of travels to Africa, Asia and South America.” Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins is situated near Pizzafari on Discovery Island, near what will be the entrance to Pandora – The World of AVATAR, when it opens in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features waterfront views in addition to hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites. Here’s a look at the menu for both Tiffins and Nomad Lounge. The park’s culinary team is working on special dining packages which will begin May 28 at Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant for the new limited-engagement nighttime show, The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic. Similar to the popular Fantasmic! Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Dining Package includes reserved seating for the nighttime show. At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House Restaurant, you can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but you have to dine at least 2 ½ hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal. At Tiffins, the package includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at either lunch or dinner. The Dining Package is $67 for adults, $32 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as two table-service meal credits. Reservations will open tomorrow, May 21 for Tiffins restaurant as well as Dining Packages for The Jungle Book: Alive With Magic nighttime show, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. View the full article

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that in exactly one week, you’ll be able to experience the magic of nature on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night – for the first time ever. Beginning May 27, the park will awaken at night with new rich experiences under the stars and one day later, on May 28, The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic live show will debut at the park. If you’re a regular Disney Parks Blog reader, then you know there’s an exciting lineup of new experiences coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom after the sun sets, including nightly awakenings of the park’s iconic Tree of Life. Beginning May 27, animal spirits will be brought to life each night by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment along with other amazing sights at the tree. After the sun sets, you’ll also be able to explore Kilimanjaro Safaris and see the nighttime behavior of the wildlife and better tune into the unique vocalization of the animals like never before. Among the new experiences, the village of Harambe in Africa will become the place to enjoy “Wildlife Parti” and the spirited community of Discovery Island will come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale. And the park’s Discovery River will awaken at night and become a stunning stage for performances of the limited-engagement show The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic, inspired by the hit live-action film Disney’s The Jungle Book. Shows will feature memorable moments from the film, including the iconic Shere Khan, and will be filled with music and special effects that celebrate the movie and classic songs, infused with an Indian influence. FastPass+ and dining packages for Disney’s Animal Kingdom night experiences will become available beginning tomorrow, May 21. Keep checking here for more updates on the nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. View the full article

We have exciting news coming out of Epcot today. Two new “Frozen” experiences – the Frozen Ever After attraction and the adjacent Royal Sommerhus – will officially open their doors this June 21. Located in the Norway pavilion at the park, Frozen Ever After offers guests an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Guests are first transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers to create a beautiful “winter-in-summer” day for the entire kingdom. Next, guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before their return trip to the Bay of Arendelle. Fastpass+ will be available for Frozen Ever After. Guests can begin booking FastPass+ for this experience on Saturday, May 21. The nearby Royal Sommerhus, Anna and Elsa’s summer home, will open its doors to guests and the royal sisters themselves will be there for greeting opportunities. The Norway Pavilion will open at 9 a.m., along with the Future World area of Epcot. Don’t forget, guests can also spot Anna and Elsa over at Magic Kingdom Park in the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” and in the new “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” show coming to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest locations and times for any Disney character. View the full article

We have more exciting news for you today — Live from Disney Springs! …AGAIN!!!! Learn About: Morimoto Asia Street Food Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants While Morimoto Asia has been open for a few months now, the restaurant has just debuted another facet of their service — Morimoto Asia Street Food. This patio dining spot is located in the same building where you’ll find Mormoto Asia. In fact, they’re pretty much one and the same, with patio seating for Street Food customers. Basically, Street Food is the counter-service part of Morimoto Asia. Let’s take a look around before we dig into what this new counter service spot has to offer. Atmosphere Previously, we enjoyed dining inside Morimoto’s dining room. If you haven’t had the chance yet, make sure you visit this gem. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in all of Disney. But there’s plenty of functional beauty at Street Food as well. Sign and a Glimpse of the Second Floor Patio The action for Morimoto Asia Street Food all takes place outside on the patio. It may not sound terribly special, but with the recent removal of construction walls, you can now enjoy lovely views of Disney Springs from the area. Walkway and Patio Banners that Line the Patio With all of the walls down, we’re also finally getting the full scope of the outside decor here. They’ve recently added this new Forbidden Lounge mural to direct customers to one of Morimoto’s three bars. Side View of Building and Mural The retro feel of the painting (it even looks slightly weathered from age) is a great touch to the waterfront vibe of the building. Forbidden Lounge Mural Want to get an idea of what they’re offering at street food before committing to the line? You can take a peek into the kitchen via this window. They also had some hand lettering announcing a daily special. Lettering on Window Here’s a long shot of the patio area. There’s no indoor seating for Street Food patrons, but the patio is roomy and nicely shaded. Patio Seating Street Food is pretty self-explanatory, and we’ve all watched enough Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern to get the gist. But I love this sign that gives you just a little of the history. It also reminds us that Morimoto Asia focuses on food that’s a fusion of Asian cultures. Street Food Story The set up is pretty simple here. Step up to the window, order, pay, and collect your food. Ordering Area But while we were snapping pics, we also had a chance to see some of the dishes. I love that everything is displayed so that you can get a sense of what you can expect. Kitchen and Ordering Area Now that we’ve had a little look around, I’m turning my attention to the food and drink. Eats The menu at Street Food isn’t huge, but it actually covers quite a bit of variety. You can choose from Snacks, Sushi, Noodles, and Bao Tacos. There are an assortment of Drinks — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — to enjoy while you nosh. Menu — Click to Enlarge Since this is our first visit to the new spot, I’ll share with you a few photos of the prepared food, and then we’ll take a closer look at the dishes I chose this time out. The savory fillings for the Bao Tacos are all prepared and ready to go. Here’s a glimpse of the Chicken Teriyaki. I love that there’s no shortage of sauce here. Chicken Teriyaki Bao The Kalbi Bao Filling looked way too good to pass up. Kalbi Bao You can also choose a Pork Bao Filling. Pork Bao Beyond the Bao Fillings, I also had a chance to check out the Snacks. First up are the Takoyaki, or Octopus Fritters. Octopus Fritters Pork Egg Rolls look perfectly crisp and ready to go. Pork Egg Rolls Finally, there was an entire pan of Morimoto Baby Ribs just begging to be eaten. Ribs It was a fairly hot day out here, so I decided to start with a drink. If you prefer an adult drink, you have some really interesting beers to choose from. There’s Kirin as well as a selection from local craft brewery Crooked Can. Morimoto Soba, a craft beer brewed by Rogue Ales, is also on offer (check out the awesome Chef Morimoto tap below!), as is a selection from Baird Beer, a craft brewery located in Japan. Beer Taps A Singapore Slush rounds out the alcoholic offerings. You can also choose from Popping Boba Teas, and there’s some variety to them. They sounded so good, so that’s what I went for. Boba Tea — Up Close You choose from Green or Black Tea, and you can also choose Peach or Mango Boba. I decided on Green Tea with Mango Boba. The bubbles are the “popping” type, rather than the chewy tapioca variety. The tea was super refreshing for a hot Florida Spring day. Boba Tea A South Seas Slush sounded promising as well. Next time! I couldn’t decide on just one dish, so I decided to sample a few. We’ll start with the Cold Team! I wanted to check out the Sushi, and went with the Shrimp Tempura Roll. Shrimp Tempura Roll First off, let’s start with logistics: having the roll wrapped in cellophane made this super easy to eat on the go. Had I wanted to, I could have just unwrapped from the bottom to dig in. Shrimp Tempura Roll But I wanted you to see the details, so here it is out of the wrapper. Shrimp Tempura Roll — Unwrapped With Lettuce, Cucumber, and crispy Shrimp, I loved the textures here. Everything seemed really fresh, and I was confident that it had been prepared very recently. Shrimp Tempura Roll — Inside But I was also intrigued by the Takoyaki, or Octopus Fritters. They come six to an order, and are garnished with Nori (Dried Seaweed), Pickled Ginger, and Okonomi Sauce. Takoyaki — Octopus Fritters The Okonomi Sauce had a really nice sweet and sour flavor, and the Ginger brought in a little kick. However, the portion is a little on the small side, even with six to an order. I liked the bamboo picks, though. I thought it was a fun touch, and also made the dish easy to eat on-the-go. Takoyaki — Octopus Fritters — Up Close But we knew we had to give the Bao Tacos a try as well. We chose the — you guessed it! — Kalbi Bao Tacos. The filling for the Steamed Bun Tacos was Beef Short Rib with Butter Lettuce garnished with Kimchi and Scallions. Kalbi Bao Tacos I absolutely loved all the textures and flavors at play here. The tender, braised beef was perfectly prepared, and the Kimchi actually lent not only a sour, but slight sweetness as well. Kalbi Bao Taco — Up Close There was plenty of sauce so that nothing was dry. I can’t wait to try all of them. Overall Whether you’re looking for a special occasion dining experience, or just an interesting, quick bite to eat, Morimoto Asia stands ready to provide. And with the debut of Morimoto Asia Street Food, you don’t have to make an Advance Dining Reservation just to ensure you’ll get your share of Sticky Ribs or Sushi. We’ll be sure to try the Noodles next time! Will you be making your way over to try Morimoto Asia Street Food at Disney Springs in the near future? Leave a comment and tell us what looks good to you! 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: YeSake, Morimoto Asia Street Food, and D-Luxe Burger Open May 15th in Disney Springs News! Morimoto Asia Opens September 30 at Disney Springs First Look! Morimoto Asia in Disney World’s Disney Springs View the full article

Guests of all ages have come to love and appreciate one of the icons of Disneyland park, the Matterhorn mountain, whose slopes are magically covered with snow every day of the year. I’ve admired the mountain’s splendor even before I started my career with Disney. I remember visiting Disneyland as a teenager in the 1960s, when I overheard a woman who was admiring the snow-covered Matterhorn telling her friend, “Isn’t it amazing how Mr. Disney keeps snow on the Matterhorn all year long?” Without hesitating, her friend replied, “Yes, it sure is!” This story is one of the reasons I love my job as a photographer here. On many occasions I have overhead similar conversations from guests who see the wonders of Disneyland through the eyes of a child, no matter what age they are. With the anniversary of the Matterhorn Bobsleds’ opening coming up June 14, it’s my pleasure to share three of my favorite photos of the Matterhorn with you. View the full article

Soon, music will be pumping from STK in Disney Springs while patrons people-watch and mingle on the steakhouse's second-floor patios. Staff will be taking orders for steak, seafood, drinks and more while having fun with their customers. Although an opening date has not been set, the steakhouse... View the full article

Soon, music will be pumping from STK in Disney Springs while patrons people-watch and mingle on the steakhouse's second-floor patios. Staff will be taking orders for steak, seafood, drinks and more while having fun with their customers. Although an opening date has not been set, the steakhouse... View the full article

Time is running out, but you still have a chance to catch our sneak peek of Disney’s all-new spectacular adventure “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and get an advance look at scenes from the upcoming film. At Disney California Adventure park, our preview of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is being presented in 3-D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land. You’ll find it just off Hollywood Boulevard, on your way to Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the sneak peek is playing as part of the Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This week, the film’s director, James Bobin, visited the Disneyland Resort and stopped to check out the sneak peek of the film and answer questions from fans at a screening at AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theatres. In Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” Bobin brings his own unique vision to the amazing world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland.” The film, featuring the unforgettable characters from Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, returns Alice to the whimsical world of Underland where she must travel back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is written by Linda Woolverton and reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Rhys Ifans, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen, along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. Be sure to catch Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” when the film drops into theaters in 3-D on May 27! View the full article

With summer right around the corner, this is prime time for golfers to hit the links. As the temperatures rise in Florida, so do the great deals on golf, especially at Walt Disney World Resort. Right now, you can take advantage of Disney Golf’s newest getaway packages, designed so you can check out of responsibility and check into a magical golf experience. You can choose between a two-night ($284 per person, per night) or three-night ($250 per person, per night) golf package that includes your hotel room, two or three rounds of golf and a two-day Magic Your Way base theme park ticket, plus a $30 to $45 credit in the pro shop depending on your length of stay. The kids can get involved too. There are week-long junior golf camps starting June 6 for kids ages 7-17. The areas of focus include the full swing, short game, putting and on-course training through a fun, entertaining approach that includes games and prizes. The week-long camps ($350 per week) run from 9 am to 2 pm through August 12 and include lunch and beverages each day. Go to http://golfwdw.com/golf-getaway-packages/ for more information on the golf getaway packages and http://golfwdw.com/junior-golf-camps/ for more information on the junior camps. And if you play our Magnolia course, be sure to check out the famous “Mickey’’ bunker on hole No. 6. It’s everyone’s favorite. View the full article

Grad Nite, a long-running Walt Disney World tradition, is being re-incarnated as an event at the resort's Typhoon Lagoon water park next year. The after-hours, separate-ticket event tailored to high-school seniors started in 1972, the first spring that the Magic Kingdom was open. It ran there annually... View the full article

Benton Harbor High School in Benton Harbor, Mich., hadn’t had a winning football season since 1989. That all changed when retired college football coach Elliot Uzelac entered the picture and helped the team snap their 25-year losing streak, ultimately taking them all the way to the district playoffs. Not only did 74-year-old Coach “U” turn around this underdog team, but he touched the lives of these students that come from an extremely under-privileged district. He became a father figure to these young men… many of whom come from single-parent homes. He helped them realize their own potential both on and off the field. To honor the man that changed their lives, the football players, with help from their school, thanked Coach “U” with a surprise pep rally carried live on ”Good Morning America”. The players got a surprise of their own at the rally when all 35 young men were given a surprise vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This past weekend, their magical journey became a reality when the students, beloved Coach U and chaperones celebrated their success and created once-in-a-lifetime memories at Walt Disney World. The vacation proved to be unforgettable for Coach “U” and his winning team! View the full article