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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

In my latest series featuring new destinations on our British Isles cruises, we’ve explored romantic castles, fairytale adventures, historic distilleries, rugged landscapes and much more. Today, I’m dedicating my last post in the series to adventure seekers and families who want to actively discover the beauty of the Channel Islands during our visit to St. Peter Port, Guernsey. Guernsey Cycle Tour – The charm of Guernsey is marked by stunning seaside views, historic stone buildings and a peaceful countryside, making it a wonderful island to explore by bicycle. This scenic tour starts at the beautiful Perelle Bay – taking you past sandy beaches, a nature reserve and bunkers built during World War II – and from there on to the quiet seafront at Rocquaine with views out to the Hanois Lighthouse. Next you’ll head inland through the Ruettes Tranquilles, which are tiny country lanes where horses and bicycles take priority over motor traffic, winding past meadows full of wildflowers and quaint cottages. Coasteering on the Isle of Sark – The nearby Isle of Sark is known for its spectacular rocky coastline and some of the most stunning scenery in the Channel Islands. In addition to being one of the few places in the world where cars are banned from roads, a unique feature of Sark is its natural sea cave formations. On this adventure-packed excursion, you have the unique opportunity to go coasteering, which includes sea level traversing, rock scrambling, jumping and swimming in gullies and caves. Your exciting coastal exploration enables you to discover rarely seen areas of the coast and enter caves only accessible by coasteerers. Puffin Patrol Kayak at Herm Island – Another neighboring island, Herm, is considered Guernsey’s holiday retreat with its pristine golden sands and absence of roads and cars. It also home to puffin-breeding colonies, which this Port Adventure takes you up close to see. Your kayaking journey starts at Shell Beach where you’ll paddle south along the coastline past Belvoir Bay and down to Puffin Bay. The kayak instructor is also an expert puffin watcher with intimate knowledge of the movements and routines of the puffins, as well as the waters around Herm and the outlying islets. Paddling the serene waters and spotting these cute seabirds is sure to be a fun day for the whole family. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! For a look at other destinations on our British Isles cruises, check out my past posts in this series: Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in Newcastle, England Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in France Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in Invergordon, Scotland Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in Greenock, Scotland Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in Liverpool, England Sailing the British Isles with Disney Cruise Line: Adventures in Dublin, Ireland Family Fun in London and Dover, England, with Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Update: This event has filled to capacity. Please keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future event opportunities. As we shared earlier, guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort this month can see early preview scenes of Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Next Saturday, the Disney Parks Blog is offering the special opportunity to be part of an advance screening of the entire film before it opens in U.S. theaters on May 27, 2016. The Disney Parks Blog hosted meet-up begins at 11 a.m. ET at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort on Saturday, May 21, 2016. And at the event, you’ll be able to view Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” film. In the film, Director James Bobin brings his own unique vision to the amazing world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland.” 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, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen, along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock. RSVP for the meet-up now by sending us an email with your name, address and if you’ll be bringing a guest to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com. Only one guest is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. Also, here are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is rated PG and presented in RealD 3D. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in across from AMC Disney Springs 24 West Side for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. And here is other important information to know: This is a pre-release screening of the movie. Captioning, descriptive video and assisted listening devices will not be available. Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), its affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to use any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras and phones) in the venue. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. WDSMP and its related companies reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to WDSMP and Disney Destinations, LLC, their licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. View the full article

I was mentally prepared for the sights and sounds of Town Center, the just-opened shopping district within Disney Springs. There would be bright lights, colorful displays, eager employees and extremely clean sidewalks in a Mediterranean setting. I wasn't quite braced for the smells, from the cupcake-crazed... View the full article

Among the new entertainment experiences debuting Memorial Day weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the Harambe Wildlife Parti. The village of Harambe in Africa, a popular destination throughout the day, becomes a true hot spot at night with sunset on Kilimanjaro Safaris and the evening “Wildlife Parti,” a time for wild animals to roam the open savanna and for party animals to take over the streets! This safari after-party fills Harambe, from its stunningly beautiful theatre district to its bustling marketplace, with the sights and sounds of outstanding local street musicians and entertainers, inviting us to join them in dance and song, partake in exotic foods and libations and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants. Beginning in late afternoon, the popular Burudika Band takes the stage in Harambe’s Old Square as hosts of the Wildlife Parti, performing original songs and Afro pop hits from across Africa. As you explore the town, street musicians and performers seem to be around every corner! The local soccer team, Harambe Meerkats, cut through the village rallying anyone in sight for the big game of the day, entertaining with comic meerkat-inspired soccer moves, skillful acrobatic teamwork and dancing feet. Kora Tinga Tinga strolls along, serenading visitors to the town with the traditional music of the kora, a hand crafted African harp. Look for Muziki in Harambe’s drum circle, where this delightful stilt-walking music man invites children to join him as he plays on his own instruments, dances and makes them official drummers of the day. The three Karibu Sisters add to the rhythm of the Harambe Marketplace, where they set up their wares and engage passersby through storytelling, elegant dance, a cappella songs and acoustic renditions of African party music. The Harambe Village Acrobats are a troupe of skilled performers who push the adrenaline of the Wildlife Parti to a high point with their drumming, dancing, tumbling and climbing into man-made pyramids and spinning, falling towers. With music, dance and an ever-changing landscape of things to see and do, the Harambe Wildlife Parti offers the excitement of an African village filled with non-stop, wildly fun surprises and delights! View the full article

On the horizon later this month at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i, is the introduction of the new Ocean Blue collection, available at Kalepa’s Store. Its sea-life essence depicted in watercolor and tonal patterns can be found across a variety of products including ladies apparel, accessories, drinkware, home décor items and more – here’s your first look at some of the items in the collection. New merchandise is also flowing into Lava Shack! The perfect poolside location to pick up snacks, beverages and sundries will now offer the latest swimwear, Havaianas flip flops, Leather Treaty engravable bracelets (pictured atop this post) and more. I guarantee you will erupt with excitement the next time you visit. Finally, here’s your first look at the special merchandise debuting as part of the Bradley and Lily pop-up shop coming later this month. Inspired by the people, places and culture of the Pacific Rim, this fresh assortment of specialty stationery has been hand-crafted, designed and printed with aloha in Honolulu, Hawai’i. I know that sending notes is more traditional than, say, texting, but it’s truly a great way to connect or even reconnect with those you love. Learn more about these specially created printed goods and meet representatives on May 27 from 3 to 7 p.m., and May 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Na Haku Pavilion near Kalepa’s Store. And if your visit to Aulani falls on the following week, stop in to Na Haku Pavilion on June 5 or 6 to see some of the latest arrivals from Tidepool Love. Are you ready for a vacation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? View the full article

We haven’t made it a secret around here — I am SUUUUUPER excited that one of my favorite cupcake haunts, Sprinkles Bakery, recently opened in Disney Springs! Sprinkles Cupcakes! The World’s First Cupcake Bakery (Orlando edition ;-D) opened its doors on Sunday, May 15. And with it, cupcake lovers can also enjoy the Cupcake ATM! Cupcake ATM But there’s even more icing on this cake. We have found a way to get your very first Disney Springs Sprinkles Cupcake for FREE! Just head to the Sprinkles website and join their rewards program, Sprinkles Perks. When you register, you’ll receive your very first cupcake for free! What flavor will you choose? Keep using your Sprinkles Perks, and you’ll earn points toward future free cupcakes as well as other rewards. (Free Birthday Cupcake, anyone??) Red Velvet Cupcakes Yay! So, as soon as I finish writing this post, I’ll be heading to Sprinkles.com to sign up for my own Sprinkles Perks account. Because, really. You can never have too many cupcakes in your life. And don’t forget to check out our full review of the new Sprinkles store in Disney World! Will you be registering for the Sprinkles Perks Rewards program? Leave a comment and tell us what flavor you’ll be getting with your free cupcake reward! 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 and Review! Sprinkles Cupcakes in Disney Springs Town Center News: Sprinkles to Open May 15th in the Town Center of Disney Springs News! The Edison, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and More Coming to Disney Springs View the full article

The first Mickey Mouse book ever published, early drawings from the first Mickey cartoons and one of the first blueprints of Disneyland are just some of the rare collectibles to be auctioned off June 18 in the "Collecting Disney" auction. Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, Calif., is hosting... View the full article

Do you have what it takes to stop the Empire? Today Lucasfilm, is sharing details of a new experience coming Summer 2016 to the Disney Parks in Florida and California. “This is a new type of experience created for the Disney Parks” says Ken Malquist, Disney Show Director. “The adventure places you (either working alone or with the help of any children in your party) on an interactive role-playing mission, featuring exclusive gear and tech, that starts in your Disney resort room. Once the mission’s revealed, the adventure leads you to the Star Tours attraction. If you have the courage to complete the mission, an exclusive reward will be waiting for you at your resort room.” Here’s where it starts: walking up to your door to discover an Empire recruitment banner that identifies the Empire was there. (Artist renderings. Actual graphics may vary.) You’ll discover the rebels infiltrated the room, leaving tech and gear to help you on a secret mission to join the Rebellion. Exclusive to the mission is an augmented reality app module that allows your smartphone to become a piece of Rebel tech providing a holographic transmission on your device from Ezra Bridger. (Artist rendering. Actual graphic may vary.) Ezra will guide you on an undercover adventure, while you’re wearing an Imperial Security Officer disguise, to the Star Tours attraction where hidden information you’re carrying will be transmitted while in hyperspace. If you complete the mission, you’ll be directed back to your room to unlock a mysterious box that holds your reward for bravery: a rebel medal of honor, like the one seen in the film Star Wars: A New Hope. (Artist renderings. Appearance of actual items may vary.) To develop the experience and gear for this mission, Ken and the Disney Floral & Gifts creative team worked with Lucasfilm, Disney Creative Entertainment, Disney Interactive and Walt Disney Imagineering to keep the adventure “in universe”. “There are many exclusive pieces, some of which aren’t featured on this post. Some of the merchandise has never been developed before so we had to make sure we used the right designers to ensure accuracy and authenticity,” Ken says. The adventure engages fans of all ages in your party, with each person taking on a different aspect of the story. The best part is you can enjoy the experience here at the Parks and take it home with you to relive again. Pre-order purchase should begin early Summer 2016, and the adventure is slated for delivery to Disney Resorts beginning August 2016. Price for this exclusive mission is still being finalized, so, stay tuned, for top secret details about the mission about our Star Wars Rebels interactive adventure to be shared on the Disney Parks Blog later this month. The Rebellion needs you. Are you brave enough to answer the call? Watch Star Wars Rebels on Disney XD! View the full article

Since we announced that Princess Elena was coming to Disney Parks, we have received a lot of questions about her, including what her vestido will look like! And we are thrilled to present the recently unveiled ballgown that la Princesa Elena is going to wear in Disney Channel’s “Elena of Avalor.” The beautiful ruby off-the-shoulder dress with floral prints was designed by Layana Aguilar, a fan-favorite contestant on “Project Runway” and “Project Runway All Stars.” The Brazilian born and raised designer created a dress to represent all of the rich and colorful cultures and folklore from Latin America… a big task, for sure! “Designing a dress for a Disney princess is a dream come true for me and the proudest moment of my career so far. And as a mother, I am so excited to introduce my kids to ‘Elena of Avalor,'” said Layana. Her design is also the inspiration for the dress that Princess Elena will wear at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort when she begins making appearances later this year. At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom beginning in August. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure this fall. More details on Princess Elena will be available soon, so keep an eye on the #DisneyFamilia posts for more information. View the full article

With the opening of the Town Center neighborhood at Disney Springs Sunday came new dining options. Several are walk-up window eateries that add to a thin list of quick-service dining at the complex formerly known as Downtown Disney. With the opening of Town Center came standalone kiosks The Daily... View the full article

I’m delighted to announce that Stephen Twining from Twinings of London is returning to Epcot from May 25-29. He will be meeting with guests and signing tea boxes from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day in The Tea Caddy shop at United Kingdom Pavilion. A tenth-generation member of the famous tea family, Stephen joined Twinings in 1985 and now serves as Director of Corporate Relations for Twinings of London. You may recall I discussed his visit in 2013 on the Disney Parks Blog. In anticipation of his return visit, I stopped by the pavilion to discover the newest tea-themed products. At The Tea Caddy, guests can now create their own unique mixes of favorite tea blends. The shop offers a wooden, single slot Twinings tea box which can be filled with 10 select individual tea bags. The location also carries five blends from the newly introduced large-leaf Discovery Collection. The blends are each presented in beautiful drawer-like packaging. Blends offered include Golden Tipped English Breakfast, Budding Meadow Camomile, London Strand Earl Grey, Berry Blush Infusion, and Medley of Mint. Each box contains 15 large-leaf tea bags. I spotted a special blend of tea celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday. The tea is packaged in a beautifully illustrated, limited edition collector’s tin. The Tea Caddy will have a limited quantity of this tea available while supplies last. It will pair nicely with one of four commemorative cups featuring the queen. Finally, these two cups made me laugh. I think I should add them to my kitchen. I hope to see you at Epcot later this month! View the full article

The opening of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is just over a week away, and everything is starting to come together to create an incredible theatrical adaptation of the story of sisters Anna and Elsa. This new stage spectacle is the result of an amazing collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, Disneyland Resort, Tony Award-nominated director Liesl Tommy (“Eclipsed”) and a group of talented professionals with an impressive list of credits. In this behind-the-scenes look, scenic designer Robert Brill (“Cabaret,” “Guys and Dolls”), choreographer Christopher Windom (“Central Avenue Breakdown”) and music supervisor Jason Michael Webb (“The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical”) talk about how all the elements of the show work in harmony. You’ll be able to see it all for yourself when “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” debuts May 27 at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article