Disney4me

No one is plummeting down the signature water slide at Walt Disney World's Blizzard Beach these days. Summit Plummet - and the nearby Slush Gusher - have been closed for weeks, and it's uncertain when they will reopen. Disney says a broken pipe at the water park is to blame. Some websites have... View the full article

Named “The World Capital of Pop,” fans of The Beatles may also recognize Liverpool as the birthplace of the legendary English rock band. In addition to its love for rock and roll, Liverpool is known for its historic sites, celebrated architecture and fabulous food. There’s also no shortage of cultural wonders to explore, with statuesque buildings and monuments lining the streets and one of the most impressive collections of museums in Europe. Whether you’re a lover of music, history, architecture or food, a visit to Liverpool is sure to be a highlight on our British Isles cruises this summer and next. In the Steps of The Beatles – If you are a part of Beatlemania, or if you want to find out what it’s all about, this behind-the-scenes tour is for you. You’ll journey into the lives of The Beatles at their permanent exhibit on Liverpool’s historic waterfront and at the famed music venue where they made their first of nearly 300 performances. A scenic driving tour will take you by The Beatles’ birthplaces, schools, former homes and music venues while you sing along to Beatles tunes. Special versions of this tour are offered for families, adults and small groups. The Bell Keeper Experience at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral – Your visit to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, the 5th largest Cathedral in the world, will leave you in awe as you take in the impressive architecture. The cathedral boasts the largest Gothic arches and bells with the highest and heaviest peal in the world. Disney cruisers will have exclusive access to the Ringing Chambers to meet the cathedral’s bell ringers and enjoy a ring-the-bells experience. Your adventure continues up a narrow staircase to the floor where the incredibly large bells are located and even further to the rooftop where you can take in sweeping views of the city to the coastline and as far away as North Wales. The World of Beatrix Potter and Lake Windermere Exclusive Youth Activity – This family-friendly Port Adventure combines a relaxing cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, with a fun opportunity to enter The World of Beatrix Potter and meet Peter Rabbit. Your visit to this attraction, which celebrates one of the world’s most loved children’s authors, also includes a traditional English lunch and time for parents to explore while children join Disney Cruise Line Youth Counselors for an imaginative craft. Next week, I’ll give you suggestions for how to best experience Highland culture and explore the majestic beauty of Scotland during our visits to Invergordon and Greenock. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host Party for the Planet presented by Disneynature on Friday, April 22. This day not only celebrates Earth Day but it also commemorates the official opening day of the theme park in 1998. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to connect with nature by engaging in fun activities in every land of the park. I recently visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom to survey unique products to help celebrate the day. Recently, the merchandise team introduced several new items at Island Mercantile designed to support the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF). The DCF is supported by guests who make contributions at select Disney Parks and Resorts. A portion of the sale of select items in this assortment will benefit the DCF. Look for a specially designed hangtag or logo on select items to identify these products. Some items in the new assortment include nods to animals you might see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially on Kilimanjaro Safaris (the crocodile hat made me laugh). There are two t-shirts for kids and look for adult t-shirts in the coming months. One of my favorite unique gifts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom is found at Zuri’s Sweets Shop located in the Harambe Market. These hand woven Blessing Baskets offer an opportunity to connect with the artists who created these beautiful items. Simply follow the instructions on the back of a card attached to a basket to start the conversation. If you are unable to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, you can commemorate Earth Day with a specially design t-shirt we are offering on our Disney Parks online store from April 18-24. This shirt will be offered in both adult and youth sizes. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery. Finally, don’t forget you can meet Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive Joe Rohde, who will be on hand to sign his artwork created for a new Disney Conservation Fund initiative, and a new coffee table book. The Disney Conservation Fund will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the book. Joe will appear 1-2 p.m. at Discovery Trading Company (previously Disney Outfitters) on April 22. View the full article

We have some VERY good news for our friends across the pond! The 2017 Walt Disney World Free Dining Offer is now available for United Kingdom Residents! When you book a selected Walt Disney World holiday, you’ll receive free dining for your family!! We also have some interesting potential changes to the 2017 Disney Dining Plan — read on to find out! Disney World Free Dining Deal For UK Residents in 2017 Disney is offering the Free Dining deal to United Kingdom residents, PLUS you’ll receive a $200 Disney Gift Card and Disney’s 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-Day ticket. However you’ll need to book prior to July 7, 2016, for arrivals between January 1 – March 29, 2017 and April 17 – November 30, 2017. If you stay at a selected Disney Hotel for a minimum of 5 nights with a ticket package, you’ll benefit in three ways: 1. FREE Disney Dining for your whole party throughout your entire stay at Walt Disney World. 2. FREE $200 Disney Spending Money. 3. Disney’s 14-Day Ultimate Ticket which includes unlimited entry to ALL six parks for a price of a Disney’s 7-Day Ultimate ticket. This offer is available on participating Disney Moderate, Deluxe Villa or Deluxe Resort hotel stays with tickets. Bookings must include 5 nights minimum stay at a Walt Disney World Hotel plus Disney’s 14 Day Ultimate Tickets for the whole party traveling to receive “14 day tickets for the price of 7” ticket offer, $200 Disney Spending Money per booking plus free Quick Service Dining Plan for participating Moderate Resort bookings and free Disney World Dining Plan for participating Deluxe Resort or select Deluxe Villa bookings. Guests staying at a participating Value Resort will receive Free Breakfast during their stay, valid for guests arriving January 1 – March 29, 2017 and April 17 – October 29, 2017. Enjoy a Mickey Waffle during your holiday! To learn more about UK Resident deals, CLICK HERE! 2017 Disney Dining Plan Potential Changes It seems today’s promotion release for UK Residents also revealed changes coming to the Disney Dining Plan in 2017! According to the screenshot below from the United Kingdom Disney Holidays Free Dining promotion page, the Quick Service Dining Plan for 2017 will include: Two Quick (Self) Service Meals Two Snacks One Refillable Resort Mug Screenshot with 2017 Quick Service Dining Plan entitlements Changes to the Quick Service Dining Plan are the inclusion of two snacks (as opposed to the current one snack); however, there is a rumor that the Quick Service meal will no longer include dessert. According to the screenshot below from the United Kingdom Disney Holidays Free Dining promotion page, the Standard Dining Plan for 2017 will include: One Table (Waiter) Service meal One Quick (Self) Service Meal Two Snacks One Refillable Resort Mug Screenshot with 2017 Standard Dining Plan entitlements Changes to the Standard Dining Plan are the inclusion of two snacks (as opposed to the current one snack); however, there is a rumor that the Quick Service meal will no longer include dessert (dessert will likely still be included with the Table Service meals). Stay tuned to DFB and the DFB Newsletter for more details about Disney World Free Dining Offers! Is the Free Dining Offer Right for Your Family? Will it Save You Money? Since Disney World’s free dining offer generally can’t be combined with other discounts, it’s often difficult to determine whether or not your family will save more money with a Disney World hotel room discount or with the free dining offer. We break down and compare the costs and options for several Disney World discounts in our fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book to help you save the most money possible. Along with 530+ pages of great Disney World dining advice, photos, and details, this book is a great deal. Get yours here, and speaking of saving money — use code “HappyPlace” to get $4 off today! What do you think of the potential for changes coming to the Disney Dining Plan? Please let us know with a comment! Many thanks to Victoria at maximisethemagic.com for the heads up on these offerings and changes! 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! 2014 Disney World Free Dining Packages for United Kingdom Residents News! 2014 Disney World Free Dining Offer Details News! 2013 Disney World Free Dining Offer View the full article

During a media sneak peek Tuesday night, April 19, 2016, Joe Rohde, a veteran Imagineer at Disney Co., talks about the creative and technical challenges of launching the 'Rivers of Light Nighttime Experience' show, coming soon at Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) View the full article

A first look at the 'Rivers of Light Nighttime Experience' and 'Tree of Life Awakening,' coming soon to Disney's Animal Kingdom, photographed Tuesday, April 19, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel View the full article

An a first look at the 'Rivers of Light Nighttime Experience' and 'Tree of Life Awakening,' coming soon to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tuesday, April 19, 2016. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel View the full article

We now have more specific dates -- if not exactly exact ones -- for when new shows, rides and other attractions will be opening at Walt Disney World, thanks to announcements made during a three-day media briefing. Here's a (mostly) chronological listing of what's coming up at Magic Kingdom, Epcot,... View the full article

We know have more specific dates -- if not exactly exact ones -- for when new shows, rides and other attractions will be opening at Walt Disney World, thanks to announcements made during a three-day media briefing. Here's a (mostly) chronological listing of what's coming up at Magic Kingdom, Epcot,... View the full article

Disney is expanding the elbow room for guests who are attending the Wishes Dessert Party in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The kicker? They’re using the area that, up to now, has been designated for viewing Wishes with a FastPass. Wishes Fireworks Spectacular Effective immediately, guests who take advantage of same-day booking for this premium event will move into the Main Street Plaza Gardens when the fireworks begin. Guests who booked their Wishes Dessert Party in advance can choose to remain in the Tomorrowland Terrace for fireworks viewing, or join the other guests in the Gardens. And speaking of Tomorrowland Terrace — it will continue to be the venue for the actual noshing part of the party. Desserts at Wishes Dessert Party The expansion will ensure that lots of people are able to enjoy this premium view of the fireworks while they snack on decadent Disney treats. The price for the experience — $59 for adults and $35 for children age 3-9 — remains the same. Wishes Dessert Party So, of course, our big question here is this: Are FastPasses no longer available for Wishes viewing? Does this mean that what has been free is now only available as a premium experience? (Well. There’s cake involved in the party. But still.) We checked MyDisneyExperience, and “Wishes nighttime spectacular” is no longer showing for us as a FastPass option. No More Wishes Nighttime Spectacular on Our FastPass Page? Hmmmm…. Curiouser and Curiouser. What do you think of the move to expand the Wishes Dessert Party viewing area into the Main Street Plaza Gardens? Leave a comment and share your thoughts! Source: WDWMagic.com 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: Magic Kingdom Wishes Dessert Party Announced Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Photos! Magic Kingdom Wishes Dessert Party Extended into January 2010 View the full article

We first mentioned this a while back in this post about some of the dining options that we can expect when Star Wars Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But while we had confirmation at that time of a Cantina, today, we can confirm that there will also be a Dinner Club! Disney has released a brand new artist rendering, which further cements their plans to build an immersive table service experience in Star Wars Land. © Disney No details like name or what the menu might be — we’re still operating with the name “Star Wars Dining Experience”. But we think this is super exciting! After all, how many times did you wish you could jump into the screen and enjoy a dinner on another planet?? Me toooooo!! Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog — we’ll share all the details first. Better yet, subscribe to the DFB Newsletter, and we’ll deliver breaking news straight to your inbox! Now, I’ve gotta hear from you guys — are you as excited about a Star Wars Dinner Club as I am? Leave a comment and tell me what you hope to see here! 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: Season of the Force Bringing Star Wars-themed Food, New Dessert Party to Disney’s Hollywood Studios News!! Star Wars Themed Character Meals at Disney World During Star Wars Weekends News! Star Wars Lands — and Star Wars Cantinas — Announced for Disneyland and Disney World! View the full article

Adventures by Disney is excited to announce that in 2017 we’ll add an all-new Rhine River cruise to our itinerary lineup. We’re also adding more of our incredibly popular Danube River Cruise sailings in Europe. The new Rhine River itinerary is your chance to experience the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. These 8-day/7-night voyages include active and unique experience choices, such as a toboggan ride through the Black Forest, horseback riding in the Alsace Region of France, clog painting in Holland, snow tubing at an indoor ski hall, biking through the German wine countryside and so much more. An extended stay in Amsterdam at the end of the sailing is also available, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk and a private farewell dinner event. Our guests will sail on the all-new river cruise ship, AmaKristina, which is being custom designed with families in mind. Family-friendly design elements include sets of connecting staterooms, as well as some rooms and suites that accommodate three- and four-person families, and other unique details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Shipboard spaces are being reimagined to provide for specially designed activities geared towards kids, teens and adults. This video offers just a small peek into what this experience has to offer for your family. Take a look! For more information on Adventures by Disney river cruising itineraries, visit AdventuresbyDisney.com. View the full article

Rhine River Cruise | Adventures by Disney View the full article

There’s a lot of fun in store for Star Wars fans this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Starting this June, fans won’t want to miss the grand debut of a new Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” This new nightly show is the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. It will combine fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that will turn the nearby 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. The show will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And don’t forget the live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” debuted April 4, celebrating iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul. The March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession led by Captain Phasma from the Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage adds menace to the entertainment. The just-opened Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku. Don’t forget to follow the Disney Parks Blog for future updates on experiences like these, as well as plans for the Star Wars-themed land currently under construction here at the Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

Just minutes ago, we shared a sneak peek of what’s coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including new details on the land’s attractions set to bring the world of Toy Story to life for you and your family. In Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. There are two new themed attractions being developed for Toy Story Land. The first – Slinky Dog Dash – will be a family coaster attraction you’ll want to ride again and again. The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys, according to Imagineer Kathy Mangum. Take a look at a concept video of Slinky Dog Dash that Kathy shared earlier. On Slinky Dog Dash, you will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits. The second all-new attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This attraction is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.” As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you. Also today, Mangum shared an update that beginning Memorial Day weekend, even more guests will be able to experience Toy Story Mania with the addition of a third track. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on Toy Story Land. View the full article

Imagine a wind-through-your-hair flight above The Great Wall of China, a bird’s-eye view of the Sydney Harbor in Australia, gliding around the Matterhorn in Switzerland … These are among more than a dozen breathtaking ways you’ll be able to experience the wonders of the world when Soarin’ Around the World makes its groundbreaking debut across the globe this summer. The next generation of the popular Soarin’ attraction makes its premiere at the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland this summer as Soarin’ Over the Horizon. The next day on June 17, guests at Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort and Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort will be able to board the exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses you in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents. Fastpass+ will be an option for Soarin’ beginning Thursday, April 21. Here’s a preview of what you’ll see on Soarin’ Around the World: Could you feel the mist from the harbor? What a view! In addition to the new film, the Epcot attraction also added a third theater and reimagined its interactive queue. What destination are you looking forward to flying over in Soarin’ Around the World? View the full article

Tiffins, the newest Walt Disney World table-service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will open Memorial Day weekend for lunch and dinner. Located in the park’s Discovery Island area, the menu is inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators (Tiffin is the Indian word for a lunchbox used by travelers, and also the word for a mid-day meal). 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,” with tastes such as Berbere-Spiced Lamb Chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and Mint Chutney (Africa); Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce (South America), and Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choy with Turmeric Sauce (Asia). We love that the beverage program focuses on sustainable, organic wines and bio-dynamic viticulture, as well as handcrafted cocktails and beers. No reservations necessary in the adjacent Nomad Lounge with beautiful waterfront views. Look for a menu of small bites like a vegetarian summer roll, seared Wagyu beef skewer and honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs. More information regarding reservations for Tiffins will be available on May 20, so be sure to check Disney Parks Blog for the latest information. View the full article

We have an exciting update for all of you “Frozen” fans today. The Frozen Ever After attraction that’s currently being constructed in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot is set to open in June. Frozen Ever After will take guests on an adventurous boat tour through the kingdom of Arendelle. Once inside, guests will be transported to the “Winter in Summer” Celebration where Queen Elsa embraces her magical powers and creates a winter-in-summer day for the entire kingdom. Guests will pass Troll Valley on their way up the icy North Mountain to Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace, and later on return to the Bay of Arendelle. After disembarking, guests can top off their “Frozen” experience by meeting the royal sisters in their new Royal Sommerhus greeting location. Inspired by a Norwegian countryside cabin, Anna and Elsa have opened their summer home for visitors. To bring this attraction to life, the original voice talent of the original “Frozen” film returned to record new dialogue and songs penned by composers Bobby and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. Walt Disney Imagineers traveled to Norway for architecture and design research, specifically visiting the Detli House in Sverresborg and the Open Air Museum of Cultural History in Trondheim. View the full article

Starting in early May, guests visiting Epcot will be able to spot Dory and some of her friends from the new film “Finding Dory” at the park’s “Turtle Talk With Crush” attraction. Some of her new pals you can expect to spot within the attraction include Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the “septopus” (that’s a seven-legged octopus). Crush’s son and best pal Squirt will also be swimming by for the first time. And you may spot Nemo and his dad Marlin. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters on June 17, 2016. View the full article

Today has been a very exciting day filled with so many announcements! And we have yet another one to share with you that is very close to my heart. This August guests at Walt Disney World Resort and will be able to meet Princess Elena, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. La princesa Elena will debut in the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor” this summer. A teenager in fairytale kingdom, Elena adds a new dimension to the Disney-princess world. Elena will appear this summer in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. I know that you are eager to know more about Elena … I know I am! But until we meet her, know that she is a bold, aventurera princess, whose love for her kingdom of Avalor, and most importantly, her familia, fuels her magical adventures. She is surely una princesa for everyone! View the full article

Beginning this summer, Mickey Mouse and his friends will welcome favorite characters from some of Disney’s newest classics in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire.” This all-new live stage show makes its debut in June on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage at Magic Kingdom Park, with special appearances by Tiana and Naveen from “The Princess and the Frog,” Rapunzel and Flynn from “Tangled” and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to the stage fantastic costumes, lively dancing, special effects magic and memorable musical moments, including the original song “On This Day” by songwriters Brendan Milburn and Valerie Vigoda (“Toy Story: The Musical,” “Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings”). In the show, Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have been preparing to host a joyous festival and have ventured far and wide to invite friends from other lands to join their celebration. From the Land of the Bewitching Bayous, Goofy has invited Tiana, Naveen and Louis to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party. From the Land of the Enchanted Woods, Donald Duck brings some new friends he met at the Snuggly Duckling, and Daisy introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn. Finally, Mickey shares a surprise with Minnie, as he has traveled to the Land of the Mystic Mountains to invite Olaf, Anna and Elsa, who contributes a blast of her icy magic. It all culminates in a grand dance, as the Merry Makers invite all their new friends to join in the fun on this special day in Magic Kingdom Park. “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” celebrates the unique stories of the citizens who make up this magical kingdom. The celebration begins this June! Will you be there? View the full article

Last week, my fellow Disney Parks Blog author Jennifer Fickley-Baker shared fun storyline details about the newest neighborhood coming to Disney Springs, Town Center. I also wrote about my undeniable enthusiasm for the retail locations opening soon. This week, Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis conveyed his excitement for the project, confirming the opening of more than 30 new tenant locations by summer’s end. I think it’s clear that everyone here is ready for the debut of Town Center! Opening in the coming month, the fourth Disney Springs neighborhood will focus on retail but will also offer several new dining options. Among them: Sprinkles Cupcakes with an available-all-day cupcake ATM Machine; Blaze Pizza, offering fast-fire’d custom built artisanal pizzas; Amorette’s Patisserie featuring petit cakes and signature dome cakes that are works of art; D-Luxe Burger with options for burger aficionados and milkshake connoisseurs (ours are made with gelato!); and two that I really can’t wait to try, both by James Beard Award-Winning Chefs … Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine, a farm-to-table concept by Chef Art Smith, and Tablas Frontera, with exquisitely crafted Mexican cuisine by Chef Rick Bayless. It’s hard to believe, but when Town Center is complete, we’ll have doubled the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for our Disney Springs guests. With many venues opening in less than a month, May can’t get here soon enough! Which location are you most excited about? View the full article

As the temperatures are rising in Central Florida, there have already been a few warm afternoons this year when a Root Beer Float seems like it would be just the thing to hit the spot. Learn About: Fife and Drum Tavern Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants If you feel the same way about this classic concoction, then you’re in luck, because you’ll find them around every Disney World park in spots like Magic Kingdom’s Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, Animal Kingdom’s Trilo-Bites, and KRNR: The Rock Station in Hollywood Studios. In several locations, you can substitute your preferred soda based on available flavors. For instance, I know plenty of people who like to go for a Coke Float, but I’ve always preferred Root Beer myself. But while it’s true that we always think of this treat as being for kids, the Fife & Drum Tavern in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion is offering a Float made ONLY for grown-ups: the Hard Root Beer Float. Fife and Drum Tavern It’s a classic root beer float featuring Not Your Father’s Hard Root Beer. Fife & Drum Menu We’ve noticed this beverage has been gaining some popularity lately; it’s also available for purchase at the Fife & Drum’s nearby neighbor, Block & Hans. Bottled Beers Available at Block & Hans And don’t worry; non-alcoholic Floats are still available if you want to play match-your-snacks with the kiddos ;). They would almost be none the wiser, except for the fact that the adult version does indeed look a teeny bit different from the typical Root Beer Float with its slightly more “grown-up” presentation in a stemmed cup. Hard Root Beer Float Along with a pour of the hard root beer, you get — as always — a nice serving of vanilla soft serve. While it looked absolutely delicious with the bubbling foam on top, I thought the portion was on the small side. That, of course, has something to do with the stem (a typical float is in a regular tall glass, wide from top-to-bottom). Vanilla Soft-Serve Still, this is a great drink for those who want to enjoy something sweet that still offers a little kick without an intense alcohol flavor. I’ve tried the beverage on its own from the bottle, but mixed with ice cream the mild beer taste really does tend to “float” away , with the ice cream serving to emphasize the sweetness. The end result is that it tastes just like an old-fashioned Root Beer Float! Hard Root Beer Float Close-up Now, here’s something to consider: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort recently released a similar version of this drink from their new Adult Drinks Menu. And all truths told, I prefer the one at Beaches & Cream. It’s made with Coney Island Hard Root Beer, which I like a bit better than Not Your Father’s, plus it’s made with hard packed ice cream instead of soft-serve, which is more reminiscent of the floats I had as a kid. Still, I really did enjoy the one at Fife & Drum as well. I mean, a Root Beer Float is one of those classic items that I’ll never get too old for. And it’s nice to know that the sentiment is recognized with this childhood classic made in an adults-only version at Fife & Drum Tavern. By the way, just after our recent visit we heard tell that a second version of this treat may be on the way to Fife & Drum; one made with Henry’s Hard Orange Soda. Sooo… grown-up creamsicles, anyone ? You just might see me there! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! One of our most popular Bundles, the DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle will prepare you for anything and everything snack-related under the Disney Sun! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks Offering this handy group of books as a bundle allows us to pass on deep savings to you. You can get the entire collection for only $39.95 — that’s almost 40% off the individual cover prices! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Just looking for all the Snacks in Epcot? Then check out our DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, newly updated for your 2016-17 trip! With over 340 Epcot snacks, and over 60 NEW snacks, you’ll always be in the know! And for a limited time only, we are offering the Guide for 25% off! To secure the discount, use code Epcot16 at check-out. Will you be indulging in a Hard Root Beer Float? Please let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Fife and Drum Tavern Features Classic and Rare Disney Treats NEW Snack: Apple Pie a la Mode at Epcot’s Fife and Drum Tavern It’s National Root Beer Float Day! Celebrate in Disney World and Disneyland! View the full article

When I was a young boy in South Africa, the magic of nature was evident each time I stepped outside. My love of nature inspired my career and made me much of who I am today. Research shows that children who are exposed to nature are healthier and happier, and it’s widely believed that these outdoor experiences provide the foundation for kids to care about the planet as they grow older. To give children more opportunities to enjoy nature, to focus our efforts on some of our most threatened animal species, the Disney Conservation Fund is launching a new initiative – “Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time.” To date, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $40 million to support conservation projects in 115 countries helping protect more than 400 animal species. DCF will continue to award its annual grants, help animals during emergencies and natural disasters through the Rapid-Response Fund and honor Conservation Heroes each year. We expect to have an even greater conservation impact as we focus on 10 critical animal groups in the wild: African elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, tamarin monkeys, great apes, sea turtles, sharks and rays, migratory birds, rhinos and tigers. We also will work with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, National 4-H Council and the Jane Goodall Institute to provide more access to national parks, summer camps, environmental service learning projects and more. We will share much more information about our plans and how you can help during the next few months. In the meantime, you can take simple actions in and around your home, volunteer, or share your conservation knowledge with friends and family to make a difference. With Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time, we hope to contribute to a healthy, thriving planet and inspire the environmental leaders of tomorrow. To read more about DCF’s invaluable contributions and view stunning photography from around the world, check out the new book “The Disney Conservation Fund: Carrying Forward a Conservation Legacy.” For more information about DCF, visit Disney.com/Conservation, and for more fun facts about the animals we are working to save, visit Disneyanimals.com. View the full article

Walt Disney World previewed its “Rivers of Light” show created for Disney’s Animal Kingdom -- and then announced another show for the theme park based on “The Jungle Book” late Tuesday night. “Jungle Book: Alive With Magic" production will take advantage of the popularity of the new film, a photorealistic... View the full article