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Happy Monday! In this week’s “Good Morning” photo, our photographers captured the beauty of the sun rising in the France Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot. Hmm, how early is too early to indulge in some French goodies? View the full article

The country music group Rascal Flatts, hip-hop artist Flo Rida and singer Rachel Platten are expected to perform at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games on May 12 at Disney World, a news release will reveal Monday. Former reality-show winners Phillip Phillips ("American Idol'') and Jordan... View the full article

Hello to all my fellow USA residents who are not only facing MONDAY, but are also facing TAX DAY! I have a special message for those of us who have been buried under receipts and government forms and other boring things (oh my!) for days, weeks, and months…and even for those of us who paid someone else to be buried under receipts and government forms, but still had to write the check! This is me while I’m doing my taxes. It’s time to take a TAX BREAK…and plan your DISNEY TRIP INSTEAD! That’s totally worthy of celebration, I think! So this week only, we’re offering two fantastic opportunities to save…and excuses to blow off your responsibilities and start making FASTPASS RESERVATIONS! ;-D We’re talking 50% off of the DFB Guide Everything Bundle (that’s OVER $70 off the cover prices!) and 30% off of the book that started it all — the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book! Save 50% Off of the DFB Everything Bundle (More than $70 off the cover prices!) Get the Everything Bundle for 50% off the regular price by using promo code MICKEY50 at checkout! What does it include? The name says it all — Everything! When you purchase the DFB Everything Bundle, you get all of the following DFB Guides: 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 A Pre-Order of the 2016 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2015 Edition for FREE as an immediate download A Pre-Order of the 2016 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2015 Edition for FREE as an immediate download DFB Dining Adventures That’s every single book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides — individually priced at a total of over $100! But today, you get them for LESS THAN $30!! We only do this sale about twice a year, so now’s the time to take action. To take advantage of this amazing deal, just enter Promo Code MICKEY50 at checkout! Save 30% off of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book But you can also save big on the fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book — just enter promo code MINNIE30, and it’s yours for 30% off! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 530 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World. It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!! This week only, use promo code MINNIE30 to get 30% off the regular price for a limited time! What’s In The Guide? As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! While our 2015 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2016 edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Pages So don’t wait! We’re offering Everything Bundle Guide for 50% off using code MICKEY50, and the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016 e-Book for 30% off using MINNIE30 for a limited time — now through April 15! For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBStore.com. With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 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: Celebrate Daylight Savings with…MORE Savings! Happy New Year! Celebrate with a Special Deal on the DFB Guide 2016 Pre-Order LEAP Into Savings Today at DFBStore.com! View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! Funnel Cake Closeup We’re so excited to announce the grand launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks 2016-17 edition e-book! We’ve updated the instantly downloadable guide and this edition features more than 340 Epcot snacks, including more than 60 new snacks! To celebrate the grand launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks we’re offering the guide for a 25% discount off the cover price! Simply use the code Epcot16 at checkout to get the discount! And, as always the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Free dining at the Walt Disney World Resort might be announced very soon! We checked out the updated menu and premium toppings bar at Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Amorette’s Patisserie is opening May 15 at the Town Center in Disney Springs! We’re talking about the best of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! Is a new lounge coming to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? That’s the rumor! We have a report on “What’s New” at the Walt Disney World Resort! We enjoyed lunch at Tony’s Town Square at the Magic Kingdom. Looking for a few new smoothie recipes? Check out these smoothies from the Senses Juice Bar on Disney Cruise Line. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! There are so many delicious things to eat at this year’s Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. DFB reader Melissa said these Candied Strawberries from the Lotus House booth were #CompleteHeaven! Strawberry bliss! Plastic cheese lives!! We have to admit we got really excited when we saw this photo from DFB reader Natalie Baron! Her corn dog nuggets and fries from Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort came with a cup of hot liquid cheese! Natalie says the cheese is actually for the chili cheese dogs but you can request a cup on the side. Plastic cheese in a cup! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! DFB Readers #OnTheList Suggestions As part of our new #OnTheList series we’ll be sharing weekly some of our readers’ suggestions for what they would add to the Disney Food bucket list! Check out our #OnTheList page to see what’s on OUR Disney Food Bucket List! Deal of the Week: Grand Launch and 25% off of the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks; 25% Off the DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle It’s here!! We are absolutely thrilled to share the Grand Launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2016-17 Edition! Use Your Snack Credits Wisely! And to celebrate, we’re offering a 25% off discount for a limited time! Use code Epcot16 at check-out! We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. This edition includes over 340 Epcot snacks, and over 60 NEW snacks! The Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book is created to supplement our massive Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book. Here you’ll find in-depth information, photos, and reviews about iconic and new-to-you Epcot snacks — in great detail! How Do I Get One? There is absolutely no waiting to satisfy your snack cravings! This guide is an instantly downloadable PDF guide with 387 pages of information and advice on over 340 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Epcot. Download your copy right now, and start planning! Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in Epcot! This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan your snacks and treats in Epcot, or your money back — we all know that treats in Epcot are just as important as a FastPass+ for Soarin! DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks Sample Pages The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book includes: Huge, full-color photos of over 340 of our favorite snacks (including 70 brand new snacks in this edition!) Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status Snack locations Insider tips and details we’ve discovered through over 20 years of Disney World snacking experience Snack reviews Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?) Disney World veterans and those new to Epcot will appreciate knowing what they are getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending their limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or all of the above, The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving! Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! As we mentioned before, to celebrate the grand launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for a 25% off discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot16 at the check-out. For more detailed information, head over to The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks! Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How! Get four awesome e-Books bundled for 25% off! Limited time only… Bundle for greater savings Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2016, PLUS The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks All four are being sold together — for 25% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE16 at check out to get the discount. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review hundreds of Disney World snacks (!!), including classic favorites and some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for 25% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! Did You Purchase a Previous Edition of the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks? If you purchased a copy of a previous edition of the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks BEFORE April 14, 2016, we’ve got great news for you! Previous purchasers will receive a $4 discount off of the 2016-17 edition of the guide. Please email us at Support@DFBGuide.com and note the email address used to purchase the earlier e-Book to receive your special discount code! For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, head over to DFBStore.com! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found a candle that smells like the Main Street Bakery! It’s almost as good as being there! WDW For Grownups shared their Top 5 Salty Snacks at Walt Disney World. Disney Family shared their recipe for Zootopia’s Nick Wilde Pawpsicles. Too cute! OhMyDisney shared their favorite sweet treats from Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats on the Disney Dream. Buzzfeed showed us how to throw the BEST ‘Star Wars’ birthday party ever. Babble shared its 10 Disney Movies & Popcorn parings! Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 10, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 13, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 6, 2016 View the full article

PICTURE GALLERY: Check out pictures from the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon - The Dark Side at Walt Disney World on Sunday, April 17, 2016. (Aunesty Reikofski, Special to the Sentinel) View the full article

This week, we celebrated the official groundbreaking of our Star Wars-themed lands at Disneyland park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida with an exclusive 360-degree photo, produced with help from our friends at Littlstar, from the 14-acre construction site at Disneyland park. In these all-new lands, guests will be transported to a never-before-seen planet inhabited by humanoids, droids and many others. Star Wars-themed lands will be the largest-ever single-themed land expansions at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Check out our original story for more details. And at the Walt Disney World Resort, we shared an update that you have even more opportunities to customize how you make FastPass+ selections — even while exploring and enjoying the parks. Guests can choose individual FastPass+ experiences and times, make one, two or three advance FastPass+ selections and even add an additional FastPass+ selection via MyDisneyExperience after redeeming the first three. Visit this week’s story for more details and a new video on the enhancements. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. By the Numbers: ‘Paint the Night’ Parade at Disneyland Park – “Paint the Night” parade, part of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, has quickly become a fan favorite at Disneyland park. With its bright lights and catchy music, the parade is a dazzling end to a magical day at the park. And it’s got some pretty dazzling numbers, too! Let’s take a look. Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Itineraries for Summer 2017 – Today we announced our itineraries for the summer of 2017, including first-time visits to new destinations in Alaska and Europe, in addition to a return to Norway, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. New Merchandise is the Right Fit for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – I love the outdoors, in particular when it involves a Hawaiian island – waves lapping gently on the shore and palm trees swaying in the breeze. There’s no denying that Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is the perfect place to take this all in. But what will you wear? I’ve got you covered. Wildlife Wednesday: ‘Party for the Planet’ on Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! – Who’s ready to party for the planet? Next Friday, April 22, is Earth Day, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host Party for the Planet presented by Disneynature. Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to connect with nature by engaging in fun activities in every land of the park. Night of Joy at Walt Disney World 2016: Tickets On Sale Now – For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been updating you about this year’s exciting plans for Night of Joy event. Well, I’m excited to finally announce that tickets are ON SALE NOW! Special Dining for Mother’s Day on May 8 at Disneyland Resort – Treat mom to a fun-filled day at Disneyland Resort, with plenty of delicious dining options to make the day extra special. Invictus Games Orlando 2016 Opening Ceremony Details Announced – We have more details to share with you about the upcoming Invictus Games Orlando 2016 coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort next month. View the full article

The whole galaxy is coming together to create the new Star Wars-themed lands – did you catch how both the Dark and Light Sides are working together at the Disneyland park construction site. Tour the exclusive 360-degree photo, produced with help from our friends at Littlstar. This Week in Disney Parks Photos, a look at the lucky droids that got the first glimpse. In these all-new lands at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, humanoids, droids and many others won’t be so far, far away. Stay with the Disney Parks Blog as we bring you updates on how the Star Wars saga is coming to life. View the full article

Two upcoming documentary films explore mind-sets — both magical and mischievous — of contrasting Disney World fans. Filmmaker Anthony Cortese's "The Dreamfinders" spotlights folks who moved to Central Florida because of their love of Disney and then crafted careers from that passion. "The Dark... View the full article

I’m back after a whirlwind visit to Disneyland this past weekend — and it was all to check out (and present at!!) the 2016 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! The Festival, which has been on hiatus since 2010, made a surprise comeback this Spring. And we are so thrilled! We gave you a first look a few days ago, and now we’re back to share more! If you’ve attended the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, then you’ll have a sense of what the DCA Food and Wine Festival is all about. While all Special Events take place during the weekends only, the Marketplace Booths are open all week long! Rather than having an international flair like Epcot, the Booths at the DCA Food and Wine Festival focus on the flavors of California with eight themed booths. It’s a big, diverse state, so there’s lots to celebrate! We’re Heeeeeere!! Heather and I couldn’t resist the chance to dine around this weekend. Of course, we came away with a few favorites. Let’s check out our Best of the Fest for the 2016 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! Gold Rush Booth Gold Rush won our pick for best booth overall! And how could it not with some of my favorite foods, like over the top Mac and Cheese and — BACON?! (And, yes, we’re pretty much including EVERY menu item at this booth in our “best of the fest,” so…there you go.) First up, that mac and cheese I mentioned. This is not for the faint of heart. The Triple Cheese Mac with Smoked Chicken featuring Fontina, Cheddar and Gouda Cheeses has it all! Triple Cheese Mac with Smoked Chicken Looking for a high brow, different kinda snack? We loved the Artichoke Chips with Spicy Aioli. Artichoke Chips with Spicy Aioli But then, there’s this. I am a HUGE fan of sweet and salty combos. And when bacon is hitting the salt note, I am all in! So the Apple Bacon Whoopie Pie got high marks from all who enjoyed it. Apple Bacon Whoopie Pie LA Style Booth Next, we hit the booth that celebrates all there is delicious about the City of Angels. At LA Style, we especially liked this fusion of Asian Flavors with Mexican concept in the Pork Belly Bao Taco with Pickled Vegetables. Pork Belly Bao TacoMilk Chocolate Caramel Tart with Almond Brittle and Sea Salt But I couldn’t resist trying something sweet here, too. We gave high marks to another sweet-salty combo — the Milk Chocolate Caramel Tart, which is garnished with Almond Brittle and Sea Salt. I’d love to give you a picture, but…um…after nearly 10 years of writing this blog…I ate it before I got the chance to take the picture. Sigh. Sorry about that. LAstyle Menu ¡Viva Fresca! Booth ¡Viva Fresca! features some wonderfully inventive flavors inspired by Latin Cuisine. Heads up to my friends who enjoy vegetarian fare — check out the Anaheim Chile and Roasted Cauliflower Burrito! But the Fried Shrimp Soft Taco with Pickled Red Onion-Jalapeño, Queso Fresco and Avocado-Lime Crème won this round for us. The spiced breading on the shrimp was incredible!!! Fried Shrimp Soft Taco The Farm Booth Want to get a taste of the bounty produced by the California farming community? Then head to The Farm Booth! We found our favorite vegetarian offering here — Golden Thai Vegetable Curry. (Look closely; you’ll see the rich Curry Sauce beneath the Veggies and Jasmine Rice.) Check out the coconut flakes! Golden Thai Vegetable Curry But you know that I cannot live by bread (or veggies) alone! So the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider, served with a healthy helping of Chimichurri Sauce, also ranked highly for me. The scent of the grilled beef was incredible! Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider By the Bay Booth It’s not a Food and Wine Festival without some Cheddar Cheese Soup! Well, clearly the DCA Food and Wine Festival crew agree. Because they’ve brought a West Coast version of this Disney Food and Wine Festival Classic to the party! The White Cheddar Ale and Bacon Soup may even win in a head to head battle. Because…BREAD BOWL. Adorably tiny Bread Bowl at that. Our only complaint? Needs more soupage. White Cheddar Ale and Bacon Soup Boudin Boule If you’re looking for a filling option at the Festival, this should definitely be on your shortlist. That wraps our picks for Best of the Fest dishes for the 2016 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. To see photos of all of this year’s dishes, head over to our main DCA F00d and Wine Festival Page! We’ll be back with more coverage of some of the Festival’s Special Events. Stay tuned! In the meantime, have you visited this year’s DCA Food and Wine Festival? What’s been your favorite Festival dish so far? 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: Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival FIRST LOOK! News! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns in April 2016 News: FULL Booth Menus Released for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! View the full article

Meeting a Rebel hero like Chewbacca is an exciting experience for any Star Wars fan – he’s a legend! He’s also a towering, furry warrior, so he can certainly look a little intimidating. But if you’ve seen the films you know he’s really a gentle giant. We recently followed along as some young fans encountered the friendly Wookie for the first time at Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was so much fun to see the padawans interact with Chewie – some of them even seemed to communicate with him in his native language. Check out this video to see the kids describe this unique experience. View the full article

We’re featuring something new in our exclusive series of Disney-inspired bento box tutorials – our first creation aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Today, Disney Parks Blog reader and fan Mike Kravanis is showing you the secret to making a special Disney Cruise Line Donald Duck bento box inspired by the Disney Fantasy’s AquaDuck water slide. Creating Donald is easy. First, decorate a bagel sandwich so it resembles a life preserver and place it on top of a bed of spinach. Then use a cookie cutter to help shape Donald’s face out of cheese and olives. Check out the video tutorial and give it a try. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more Disney-inspired bento box tutorials in upcoming weeks. View the full article

As we get closer to the May 27 opening of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” work continues behind the scenes to bring to the stage this all-new musical presentation, unlike any seen before at Disneyland Resort. The team at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment partnered with Tony Award-nominated scenic designer Robert Brill (“Guys and Dolls,” “Cabaret”) to produce set pieces that will help bring the story of “Frozen” to life in a unique way. From the moment you enter the theater, you’ll be immersed in the world of “Frozen” and led on an emotional journey with Anna and Elsa. Just as doors kept the sisters separated from one another and the outside world in the animated film, doors play a significant thematic role in our telling of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” and as the story plays out, the use of large mobile set elements and state-of-the-art projection technology provides a cinematic quality to the action on stage. In this video, Technical Director Mitch Atkins gives us another glimpse at some of the thrilling work in progress. When the set pieces are combined with lighting and sound design, special effects and the remarkable performances of the cast, the complete production will transport you to the Kingdom of Arendelle for a truly unforgettable hour of theater. Keep checking Disney Parks Blog. We’ll have more peeks behind the curtain soon, as we continue preparations for the world premiere of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” on May 27, 2016! View the full article

Director James Cameron announced this week that he will make four "Avatar" sequels, with the first hitting theaters in 2018. That's good news for Disney and specifically Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, which is constructing an "Avatar"-based land called "Pandora - The World of Avatar." Disney... View the full article

By far the highlight of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival for me is getting an up-close look at the amazing Disney character topiaries that are scattered throughout the park for the festival. And with nearly 100 topiaries on display at this year’s event, there are more to see than ever before. Check out our Disney Parks Blog Facebook gallery to see more character topiary photos from the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – it’s as if the characters come to life in these shots. The selection of Horticulture masterpieces include a few new characters making their debut, as well as returning favorites. As for what’s new, be on the lookout for the first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries inspired by a 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden” and a Ranger Mickey topiary that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” have returned for their second year. And of course, you can spy my favorites – Snow White and each of the Seven Dwarves – near the park’s German pavilion. We recently sent out Disney Photographer Ryan Wendler to capture some of these familiar friends in their floral forms and were amazed with what he came back with. Which Disney character topiary is your favorite? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

If escaping to grand, turn-of-the-century seaside homes of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket mixed with some Disney magic sound like your ideal vacation, then a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort could be the perfect fit. I visited room 4163 to get a taste of what this resort has to offer, and I was in awe as I stepped through the door and was greeted with sweeping views of Crescent Lake and Disney’s BoardWalk, and Epcot just beyond that. Inside the room feels light and airy with two large windows and a door leading to your own spacious balcony where you can sit back, relax, and unwind as you watch the boats come in on the lake, surrey bikes pedal past and folks stroll by. Special details include a seafaring-Mickey Mouse lamp, Mickey-shaped nautical rope knots in the design on the shower curtain and mirrors and more. The charming seaside theme carries into the two queen beds and one day bed, with subtle Disney touches woven into the pillows and linens. The view from the balcony gets even better as the sun starts to set, creating picturesque scenes on the lake. After dark, the sky lights up with a perfect view of spectacular fireworks from IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot. What a great way to end the day! View the full article

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Earth Week? Stop by Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park beginning today, April 15, through Friday, April 22, to check out a special gallery of recycled art made by Disneyland Resort cast members! The gallery will consist of the top 10 pieces of art from our “Environmentality Art Challenge,” where cast members created nearly 50 pieces of art using mixed commodities recycled at the Disneyland Resort. Don’t forget to cast your vote in our ballot box at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail through April 21. The winning team will be announced on Earth Day and will receive a trophy made of scrap metal and other recycled items. Check back on Earth Day for an update to this post on the winning team! Env-Iron Man – Facilities and Operations Services Cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, PVC conduit, stainless steel brackets, fasteners, light emitting diodes and circuit boards, wires, brass sheet metal, threaded steel rod, paint Simba’s ReCycle of Life – Food & Beverage team at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Cardboard, paper, plastic cups, coffee filters, broken wicker baskets, vinyl, tissue box, mesh packing paper, tissue paper, glass bottles, receipt tape The Peacock – Housekeeping team at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Spoons, straws, newspapers, wrapping paper, water bottles, paper, paint We Are All Groot – Property Control Used pallet wrap, cardboard, old office chair base, bucket, bubble wrap, plastic, vinyl, PVC pipe, metal, duct tape Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue – Resort Enhancement Tarp, aluminum cans, cable ties, cardboard, bottle caps, paper, plastic twine Carrousel Horse – Food & Beverage team at the Central Bakery Paper mache, marshmallow package, cake box, chocolate molds, cupcake liners, crème brule tins, magazines, plastic cups, wrappers, skewers, aluminum cans, trash bags Code “R” at Paradise Pier – Paradise Pier Attractions team Wood, FASTPASS tickets, aluminum cans, water bottles, tape, used crayons, foam board, egg cartons, plexiglass Diamond Recycle-abration – Resort Sales Cardboard, paper, aluminum cans, tissue box, soda box, file folders, posters, paper cups, aluminum foil, chip bags, paper towel tubes, tissue paper, straws “A Hui Hou” Until We Meet Again – Walt Disney Travel Company Pizza boxes, kukui nut lei, aluminum cans, coffee filters, rope, cardboard boxes, water bottles, paper towel tubes, paint, paper Save Some for Silvermist – Photo Imaging Photopass cards, printing materials, paper, cardboard, shredded paper, photos View the full article

More Disney Springs Opening News! The Town Center — the final neighborhood coming to Disney’s still-transitioning dining and entertainment district — will officially open to guests in Disney Springs on May 15th. And we are excited to say that Amorette’s Patisserie will open right along with it on that same day! ©Disney Of course, Amorette’s Patisserie will tell its own part of the Town Center story. Disney shares that the patisserie was one of the original Town Center shops (like the neighborhood itself, the patisserie was established circa 1900s according to story), and “is currently owned by artistic sisters Kara and Sara, where they pour great care into designing and creating the most unique and artistic pastries. In fact, ‘Amorette’ means ‘little love’ in French.” ©Disney This high end Disney owned-and-operated pastry shop will showcase cakes and pastries in both classic and contemporary styles. Signature cakes will be decorated in an on-stage finishing kitchen where the final touch will be boutique-style packaging. ©Disney It seems several of the cakes themselves are bound to have a little “character,” following in the footsteps of The Ganchery, where specialty chocolates have a touch of Disney whimsy. ©Disney ©Disney Classic dessert selections will include macarons, pavlova, and “the ultimate chocolate-chocolate chunk cookie” for starters. ©Disney Offerings will continue with eclairs, New York-style cheesecake, sachet torte and opera cake. A few extra-special treats will be given a more contemporary twist, including contemporary names. A peanut blondie with bacon, banana and chocolate will come together as “Reflection in Memphis,” while “Strawberry Fields of OC” will be composed of strawberry mouse with basil sugar and lemon curd. ©Disney Ten layers of varying flavors and textures will result in Amorette’s Signature Cake. ©Disney Gluten free cakes will be available as well. Those looking to add an extra splurge to their treat of choice may opt for Champagne or a sparkling wine. But it sounds like Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache will be an indulgence all its own: sip-able chocolate topped with Chantilly and shaved dark chocolate. Milk, coffee, and tea will also be available. Again, while Amorette’s Patisserie will open its doors on May 15th, guests may preorder cakes from the patisserie beginning May 22nd by dialing 407-934-3500. (Please note that 72 business hours advance notice will be required.) So be sure to stop by the new Amorette’s Patisserie starting May 15th to ring in the arrival of Town Center in Disney Springs (and remember… D-Luxe Burger will be opening in the month of May, too!). I can’t think of a sweeter way to celebrate! Which of the upcoming Town Center locations are you most excited to welcome? 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: D-Luxe Burger to Open May 2016 in Disney Springs News: Patina Group Restaurant Opening in Disney World’s Downtown Disney Springs Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria View the full article

A single tweet from Peter Mayhew, the actor who plays Chewbacca, is causing the entire Star Wars universe to rethink the classic trilogy. The tweet in question contained images of the script from George Lucas's original draft of the story, according to Cinema Blend. In the original script, Obi-Wan... View the full article

A single tweet from Peter Mayhew, the actor who plays Chewbacca, is causing the entire Star Wars universe to rethink the original trilogy. The tweet in question contained images of the script from George Lucas's original draft of the story, according to Cinema Blend. In the original script, Obi-Wan... View the full article

The first Disney After Hours event at Magic Kingdom has passed, and the reaction on social media ranges from ecstatically happy to, well, confused. And some people would rather just keep their money. Holders of a ticket to Disney After Hours have access to key parts of the park for three hours... View the full article

Around 43,000 people are expected to take part in this weekend's Star Wars-themed races at Walt Disney World Resort. This is the first time the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend comes to Florida, with the race debuting at Disneyland in 2014. Known as "Star Wars Half Marathon - the Dark Side" (Disneyland's... View the full article

Around 43,000 people are expected to take part in this weekend's Star Wars-themed races at Walt Disney World Resort. This is the first time the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend comes to Florida, with the race debuting at Disneyland in 2014. Known as "Star Wars Half Marathon - the Dark Side" (Disneyland's... View the full article

The runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side will make its debut at Walt Disney World Resort this weekend. Last month, author Aubrey Hang gave you a first look at the medals our runners will be racing for, and there was a lot of excitement about the designs. Possibly the only thing more exciting than earning a medal – is designing one! That’s exactly the role of Matt Stewart, senior art director of Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. We recently chatted with him to learn about the design process that brought these medals to life. Are you ready to join the dark side? Follow @runDisney on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to join the conversation using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf. To learn more about upcoming races, visit runDisney.com for details. View the full article

With sweets almost too pretty to eat, Amorette’s Patisserie showcases the beautiful work of Walt Disney World Resort pastry chefs in a new shop at Disney Springs. Just like many of the new areas coming to Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie also has a story to tell. Established as one of the first shops in Town Center (circa 1900s) and passed down through the generations, the patisserie is currently owned by artistic sisters Kara and Sara, where they pour great care into designing and creating the most unique and artistic pastries. In fact, “Amorette” means “little love” in French. Classic and contemporary cakes and pastries are the stars in this high-end pastry shop where guests can watch pastry chefs decorate signature cakes in the on-stage finishing kitchen. Even the beautiful boutique-style packaging, inspired by old-fashioned hatboxes, lends to the sophisticated feel of the location. Oh, those sweets! From a classic macaron or crisp, light pavlova to the ultimate chocolate-chocolate chunk cookie, Amorette’s is a dessert lover’s dream come true. There’s something for everyone: eclairs, New York-style cheesecake, opera cake and sacher torte. Special sweets have names like “Reflection in Memphis” (peanut blondie with bacon, banana and chocolate) and Strawberry Fields of OC (strawberry mousse with basil sugar and lemon curd). Amorette’s Signature Cake is beautifully decorated, with 10 layers of delectable flavors and textures. You’ll want to take a photo before you dig in; these are edibles that only a talented pastry artist could create. And, yes, there’s gluten friendly cakes on the menu. Amorette’s features a few delectable beverage options as well. Sip a Champagne or sparkling wine with your pastry, or go straight for the indulgent Amorette’s Hot Chocolate Ganache, a cupful of sippable chocolate with Chantilly and shaved dark chocolate on top. You also can opt for a glass of cold milk, coffee or tea. We say, eat dessert first! Amorette’s Patisserie will open on May 15 with the rest of Town Center, and beginning May 22, you can pre-order Amorette’s Patisserie cakes by calling 407-934-3500 with 72 business hours advance notice. View the full article

It’s not uncommon to hear of guests traveling cross-country to visit Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in the same day – but one super fan just took visiting Disney theme parks to the next level. Christopher Wing successfully sped through time zones on planes and trains to visit every Disney park in the world in less than 80 hours (which very well may be a record). Christopher started his epic Disney Parks adventure with Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland Resort and then hopped on a red-eye flight to the Walt Disney World Resort before traveling to Paris and every other Disney theme park. Christopher completed his journey around the world, visiting every Disney park in just 75 hours. Here’s how he did it: Disneyland Resort -to- Walt Disney World Resort -to- Disneyland Paris -to- Hong Kong Disneyland -to- Tokyo Disney Resort -to- Disneyland Resort At the end of his trip, Christopher was already thinking of another epic Disney adventure. “Mentally, I’m not sure what time zone I’m in – but I’m still very excited and very happy to be back home at Disneyland,” Christopher said. “Now, I’m really looking forward to Shanghai Disneyland and the next Disney adventure.” View the full article