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An advanced screening of a Disney film, or an unexpected visitor to that screening – which one is better? Some of you had a chance to experience both when director Jon Favreau stopped by the advanced screening of “The Jungle Book” at the AMC Downtown Disney 12 at the Disneyland Resort. We know you had fun, but This Week in Disney Parks Photos, here’s a few pictures we haven’t shown you yet: Jon Favreau also capturing some memories with you. See? You aren’t the only ones who enjoy Disney Parks Blog events! “The Jungle Book” is based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film. It features man-cub Mowgli, who was raised by a family of wolves. “The Jungle Book” opens in theaters on April 15. View the full article

MagicBands adorn the arms of millions of Walt Disney World visitors, giving them quick access to FastPasses, hotel rooms and credit-card accounts. At the Walt Disney Co.'s other theme parks, guests will someday likely enjoy similar conveniences through the swipe of a smartphone rather than a flick... View the full article

We are back with some of our very best kept Disney Dining Secrets. And we want to share them with you! Planning what you’re going to eat and drink at Walt Disney World is a big deal! I mean, it’s not cheap, is it? But then, will they have everything you need when you get there? Today, I’m going to share a few secrets of what you CAN’T FIND on Disney World property that you might want to bring from home. We all have our favorites…or items we need for a special diet that we may or may not find at Disney World when we need them…and let’s be honest, you miss them when you can’t get them. And if you like what you see here, be sure to check out the brand new, just released DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition, where we have over 500 pages of tips and secrets to having the best Disney trip ever! Let’s go! What Must-Have Food Items Are Just Not Found at Disney World? Walt Disney World is super awesome and has everything you need to be over-the-moon happy! Right? Um, sometimes not. You’ll find the same brands of things over and over throughout Walt Disney World, sometimes with an alarming lack of diversity. And if you have any sort of brand loyalty at all — consider bringing some of your own favorites or purchasing them off-property. Coca Cola is King at Disney This is, of course, due in part to sourcing contracts. It may also have something to do with what’s available locally and regionally. Whatever the reason, if your favorites aren’t available, it’s good to know before you go so you can be prepared. Pepsi Are you a hard core Pepsi drinker? Then you for sure need to know that you will not find Pepsi anywhere at Walt Disney World. If you’re driving down for your visit, we suggest bringing a supply with you. Or you can, of course, hit up a Wal Mart, Target, or Publix before you hit the Maingate. If you are flying, or just don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of shopping, you can have a case of your favorite drinks delivered straight to your hotel. We like services like GardenGrocer.com for grocery and beverage delivery. No Pepsi Here. Cheerios People tend to be pretty passionate about their brand loyalty, and breakfast cereals are another area where you may find your favorite missing from the shelves. Plan to bring General Mills cereals with you, since they aren’t available in grab and go or sundries spots. If You Love Your General Mills Cereals, Better Bring ‘Em With If you have little ones, you know Cheerios can be a must-have item; so plan ahead. Goldfish Crackers Again, for those who have little ones in tow, this is a no-brainer. Even those of us who swore we’d never feed our kids processed food eventually give in to the Goldfish from time to time. (Oh, wait — that’s just me?) Kids love them, and you WON’T find them anywhere in Disney World. Goldfish Crackers Gum And, of course — there’s no gum — chewing or bubble — to be found on property or even at the Orlando International Airport! If you want gum, you’ll need to buy it elsewhere, bring it with you, or send it ahead of your arrival. Can’t find gum anywhere on property Special Diet Needs And while Disney has come a long way on the special diet and allergy-friendly front and now offers several snacks that suit many different diets, you’re still bound by whatever snacks you can find. Whether you’re gluten-free, peanut-free, vegan, low carb, low salt, non-dairy, eating with diabetes, or anything else, bring a few treats with you that you can count on just in case Disney lets you down wherever you happen to be having a hunger meltdown. Do you have a favorite protein shake mix or bar, or is there a particular snack that suits your diet perfectly? Stash a few extra in your suitcase so that you won’t find yourself without a snack when your energy starts to wane. Bring Your Better-For-You Snacks With! And if you really prefer making your own food, be sure to check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining for even more information, like our best resources for ordering groceries ahead, contact info for local stores — and even where you’ll find picnic tables and grills on property! Ready for All of Our Best Tips? We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including lots more best kept secrets — in our big, bold 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining! With more than 530 pages, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining E-book — and use code HAPPYPLACE for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! So what are your favorites that you can’t find in Disney World? What do you always bring from home or buy when you’re off property? 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: Tips From the DFB Guide: Our Top 3 Tips for Late Night Disney World Dining Tips from the DFB Guide: Budgeting for the Holidays at Walt Disney World Tips For Taking Snacks Home From Walt Disney World View the full article

So many choices, but there’s still time to try this delectable chocolate cake and other small bites at 13 Outdoor Kitchens at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs through May 30 at Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll find this cake at The Smokehouse: Barbecue & Brews as you stroll around World Showcase Lagoon and enjoy the gorgeous garden exhibits. Bonus! Every Friday through Sunday, just across the promenade at America Gardens Theatre, you can nosh while listening to pop tunes of top bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice (April 15-17), Darlene Love (May 13-15) and others. For more details, visit FreshEpcot.com. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans Serves 10 Buttermilk Chocolate Cake 1/3 cup canola oil 1 large egg 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/4 cup cake flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda Preheat oven to 350°F. Place oil, egg, sour cream and buttermilk in bowl of standing mixer equipped with whip attachment. Add sugar, cocoa powder, flour and baking soda. Start mixing on lowest speed for about 30 seconds, then to second speed for another 30 seconds, and finally to third speed, mixing for about 3 minutes. Place 1/4 cup of batter in greased half-cup ramekin. Place ramekin on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ramekins. Bake for 13-15 minutes until tops of cakes have cracked. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. Whiskey Caramel Sauce 2 cups sugar 1 tablespoon corn syrup 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 1/2 cups sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup Jack Daniels Whiskey Combine sugar, corn syrup, water and lemon juice in stainless steel saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until mixture turns amber color, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in condensed milk. Add whiskey and mix until smooth. Keep warm until ready to serve, being careful not to burn sauce. Can also be prepared 1-2 days in advance and refrigerated. To serve, warm over low heat, adding splash of water to return to sauce consistency. Spiced Pecans 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups pecans, broken into small pieces Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar and cayenne pepper, stirring well. Once brown sugar thickens, add pecans and stir. Remove from heat and spread pecans on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. Set aside until ready to serve. Spiced pecans can also be stored in airtight container for 3-4 days before serving. To serve Unmold cakes from ramekins and place on dessert plates. Drizzle caramel sauce over and around each cake. Top with spiced nuts. View the full article

Nearly two years ago, my teammates and I helped to build a teaching garden at Walt Disney Elementary School in Anaheim in partnership with the American Heart Association. I got the chance to go back to the school on Tuesday with a few Disneyland Resort chefs, who taught the students how to prepare healthy recipes using the vegetables and fruits grown in the garden. It was cool to see the teaching garden flourishing years later! Some of the 500 students who participated helped the chefs make smoothies with apples, oranges, pineapples and carrots, and a lentil dish using a variety of vegetables. I could see the students’ excitement for their garden, and learning the value of good eating habits. Talk about a lot of “cooks in the kitchen”! View the full article

During the opening weekend of Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, I had the pleasure of experiencing Celebrity Kitchen with Chef Robert Irvine. You may know Chef Irvine from his show on the Food Network, “Restaurant: Impossible.” As Chef Irvine demonstrated how he prepared the dishes we would be sampling, he shared stories from his television series and his volunteer work with the United States military through the Robert Irvine Foundation. There was lively audience participation, with Chef Irvine answering guest questions in addition to sharing some great cooking tips (if you want a flavorless cooking oil, he recommends grape seed!). Chef Irvine even told us about the meal he enjoyed the night before at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel, and his all-time favorite dish – roasted chicken with mashed potatoes. For our tastings, we enjoyed a beautiful, fresh salad with ahi tuna that was seasoned just right, and topped with a delicious slaw paired with a wonderful vodka lime cocktail. The second course included perfectly cooked lamb chops with roasted cauliflower paired with a glass of Malbec. Chefs select their menus, so each Celebrity Kitchen tasting will vary. Celebrity Kitchen takes place every Saturday during the festival at Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure park. Each superstar chef creates a unique experience for their guests, so you will not want to miss out! Remaining Celebrity Kitchen appearances include: April 9 – Andrew Sutton – Executive Chef, Disneyland Resort Signature Dining (1:00 p.m. only) April 9 – Guy Fieri – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (5:00 p.m. only) SOLD OUT April 16 – Keegan Gerhard – Food Network Challenge and Hayden Wood – Flair Bartender (5 p.m. only) April 23 – G. Garvin – Road Trip with G. Gavin April 30 – Graham Elliot – MasterChef, MasterChef Junior Annual Passholders who book the VIP package will be able to meet the superstar chef after the presentation for a photo and autograph session, in addition to receiving a special commemorative gift and stellar seating during the presentation. Don’t miss your chance to dine with superstar chefs! Reservations for select dates and times are still available, and can be made by visiting Disneyland.com/foodandwine or calling 714-781-DINE (3463). View the full article

Hooray!! Ample Hills Creamery will open on Disney’s BoardWalk this Spring! Ample Hills Creamery Goodness Yep, the initial speculation regarding this Brooklyn-based ice cream brand known for its creative and fun flavors (they made headlines with Star Wars ice cream) will become an actuality when this “reimagined take on the turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor” opens its first location outside of NYC — at Disney World. …And I am BEYOND excited! I’ve been following their Instagram since the Star Wars Ice Cream debuted and I can’t get enough!! Hand-crafted ice cream and accompanying mix-ins will showcase flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Coffee Toffee Coffee, Malty Salty Pretzel Punch, and Cotton Candy, among others… including a one-of-a-kind flavor specially created for Disney World. Not sure which will most tickle your fancy? Well, here’s some good news… sampling will be welcome! And I’m hoping they’ll bring along their ice cream flights to this location! How cute are these?!!!?!?!?!??!?! Ample Hills Creamery Ice Cream Flights From the Ample Hills website: “We start by using the best ingredients; hormone free milk and cream from grass fed cows and organic cane sugar. We pasteurize our ice cream base so that we can create individually specific flavors…” And the flavors are incredible! Y’all — it’s ON!!! Welcome to the neighborhood… I mean, BoardWalk… Ample Hills! Are you in? Let us know with a comment 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: Rumor: Is Star Wars Ice Cream Coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk? News: Seashore Sweets on Disney World’s BoardWalk Scheduled to Close February 1st News! Disney World Boardwalk Bakery Renovation in 2013; Details Here! View the full article

At Disney Parks, we all scream for ice cream! A re-imagined take on the turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor is set to open this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas. Ample Hills Creamery, a Brooklyn-based company known for their creative approach to all things ice cream, will open its first location outside of New York City. The new creamery will be located on Disney’s BoardWalk, overlooking Crescent Lake—a short walk from Epcot and a relaxing boat ride from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will be able to peek into the promenade-facing kitchen windows, where ice cream and mix-ins will be handcrafted the old-fashioned way. Inside, guests can sample as many flavors as they’d like, including signature creations like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Coffee Toffee Coffee, Malty Salty Pretzel Punch, Cotton Candy, and more. They’re even working on a special one-of-a-kind flavor developed exclusively for Walt Disney World Resort. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog as we continue to share more details leading up to the opening of Ample Hills Creamery at Disney’s BoardWalk. View the full article

I don’t know about your kids, but mine are obsessed with all things Star Wars – even my preschooler. If your kids are fans too, you won’t want to miss Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During this interactive 20-minute experience, younglings between the ages of 4 and 12 become Jedi recruits and train in the ways of the Force, complete with lightsabers. Once they have completed their training, they put their skills to the test in an unforgettable battle against epic villains like Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor. We tagged along with some little ones who participated in Jedi Training and asked them to share details of their experience. The force is strong with these younglings, as you will see. Have your kids participated in Jedi Training? Tell us about it! View the full article

Well, yesterday brought the news that the debut of Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light evening spectacular won’t be taking place on April 22nd after all. (According to Disney Parks Blog, they anticipate releasing more information regarding the show and further nighttime activities coming to Animal Kingdom in mid-to-late May.) However, park projects continue on, such as the construction of Tiffins, the park’s first signature restaurant, slated for a summer opening, as well as the accompanying Nomad Lounge. Artist’s Rendering of Tiffins Restaurant ©Disney Last week, Disney shared some details regarding the story inspiring the upcoming dining locations. And now, more light has been shed on what we can expect to see on the menus. The theme celebrating travel leaves the menu open to cuisine from around the globe. Starting with appetizers at Tiffins, look for a Lobster Popcorn Thai Curry Soup with Basil and Peanuts (reflecting Asia and Africa), and Marinated Grilled Octopus (reflecting Europe), a Sustainable Fish Crudo (reflecting South America), and a Salad of Roasted Baby Beets and Goat Cheese with walnut granola and a sun-dried cherry vinaigrette (reflecting North America). Artist’s Rendering of Tiffins Restaurant ©Disney Entree selections will continue the focus on international fare, with a Berber-Spiced Lamb Chop with Mustard Greens, Lentil Stew and Mint Chutney for African cuisine, and a Berkshire Pork Tenderloin with Huitlacoche Tamale, Hominy Succotash and Red Mole Sauce for South America. ©Disney A Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choy with Turmeric Sauce will be representative of Asia, while a Grilled Head-on Shrimp with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce will represent Europe. The primary vegetarian dish will be a Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney, focusing on Asian flavors. A New York Strip Steak or Beef Short Rib with Potatoes will offer a more familiar option for guests as well. The beverage menu will be likewise varied, with handcrafted cocktails and beers focusing on Africa, Asia, and South America. Non-alcoholic options will include exotic-fruit-flavored lemonades, premium loose teas from Africa and Asia, and coffee made with beans from Columbia, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Master Sommelier and Food & Beverage Concept and Development Director for Disney Parks Brian Koziol shares: “With a focus on South American and South African wines, the beverage program is very special – we don’t have another one like it at Disney.” Also, “The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture.” Artist’s Rendering of Nomad Lounge ©Disney Nomad Lounge, which will be adjacent to Tiffins, will have 55 indoor seats and 46 covered outdoor seats for guests who will be able to select from a half-dozen small plates including a Vegetarian Summer Roll, a Seared Wagu Beef Skewer, Honey-glazed Coriander-spiced Pork Ribs, Indian Butter Chicken Wings, and Chicken Liver Pate with Chutney. A dish of Seasonal Fish Balls with Shishito Peppers and House-made Head Cheese will also be on offer. Look for the beverage menu at Nomad Lounge to be similar to that at Tiffins. Looks like some pretty unique fare for a theme park restaurant to me! But I’d like to know what YOU think of the menu… What are your thoughts on the dishes named so far for Tiffins and Nomad Lounge? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: More Details on Tiffins Restaurant and Nomad Lounge, Opening in Animal Kingdom This Summer News: Menu Details for Tiffins Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News! Tiffins Restaurant Brings Signature Dining to Animal Kingdom in 2016 View the full article

Five time Academy Award nominated actress Amy Adams visits with Belle during a family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort that included a stop at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Once a Disney Princess, always a Disney Princess! Special thanks to photographer, Matt Stroshane, for capturing the picture perfect princess pose. View the full article

Just in time for warm summer days, there’s a new space at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter that’s just for little ones who like to splash around and stay cool. Decked out in the bold hues of Mardi Gras gold, purple and green, this new aquatic play area lets guests 48 inches and under enjoy water slides that are just their size, play with fun water cannons, and splish-splash among fountains. The new area is located next to the whimsical Doubloon Lagoon pool, so you and your little ones can easily go back and forth between these two water-filled spots while staying at this resort. If you’re looking for more ways to experience Walt Disney World Resort with your #DisneyKids, be sure to check out DisneyWorld.com/LittleOnes. View the full article

Happy Holidays! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All the Way! “What?” you say. “You were just talking about Halloween a second ago.” Well, I was; but when talking about THAT special event, a number of our great Disney Parks Blog readers asked about the dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. So we wanted to get them to you as quickly as we could. Here are the 21 festive nights where guests can find one our favorite events in Magic Kingdom Park. November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29 December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22 Mickey Mouse presides over the holiday festivities during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. This enchanting after-hours party showcases special entertainment, including “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and a holiday edition of the fireworks spectacular “Wishes,” as well as meet-and-greet opportunities with favorite Disney characters in holiday attire. Tickets for both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will go on sale later this spring. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more info. View the full article

In just over a month, the Disney Magic will set sail on a transatlantic cruise to kick off her summer season in Europe. This 14-night sailing includes stops in Boston and Sydney, Canada, before the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Today I’ll give you a look at ways you can immerse your family in one of America’s oldest and most historic cities. Boston’s significance in American History, along with the city’s present-day focus on culture, arts and education, makes it a fascinating destination for families. Arts and culture lovers won’t want to miss prominent landmarks like the Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine Arts and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and history buffs will love visiting Beacon Hill and Back Bay’s historical sites and early-American architecture. Our Port Adventures incorporate these interests, and more, with options for the entire family. Here’s a look at a few of my top picks… Best of Boston, Lexington and Concord – Our “Best of” Port Adventures are the perfect option for families looking to experience as much as possible in one day, and this excursion in particular is filled to the brim with New England charm and culture. In addition to a scenic drive through Boston, with stops at Copley Square and Old North Church for photos, this tour includes visits to sites rich in history such as Lexington, where Paul Revere rode to warn the Minutemen that the British were coming, and Concord, where the shot that started the Revolutionary War was fired. Also part of this all-day adventure is lunch at Union Oyster House, America’s oldest continually operating restaurant. Fenway Park Tour and Batting Cages Experience – This family-friendly excursion gives Disney Cruise Line guests an opportunity for an exclusive tour of Fenway Park, one of America’s most famous ballparks and home of the Boston Red Sox. Highlights of this behind-the-scenes tour include the chance to take a swing in the batting cage where baseball legends have warmed up and take a photo while wearing the official uniform of your favorite Boston Red Sox player. What’s more, you’ll hear about Fenway’s 104 years of history and all that has made this stadium truly legendary. Baseball fans and history buffs alike are sure to enjoy this Port Adventure from our Signature Collection. Boston’s North End Markets Culinary Tour – Foodies will love the opportunity to visit North End, home of some of the best Italian markets this side of Rome and one of the premier food neighborhoods in the country. This Old World community is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful sights, tantalizing aromas and fresh cuisine. This half-day Port Adventure gives you an insider view of the most authentic “Little Italy” in America, where you’ll learn cooking secrets, sample authentic flavors and discover Mediterranean traditions. Is anyone else getting hungry just thinking about this tour? Next up, I’ll give you suggestions for things to do in Sydney, Canada, another incredible destination on next month’s transatlantic journey from America to Europe. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Grab your pith helmets and cargo pants! Members of D23, Disney’s official fan club, are in for a wild ride this fall at Destination D: Amazing Adventures. The biannual event is returning to Walt Disney World Resort November 19 and 20 and will celebrate the excitement of Disney’s past, present and future—from the award-winning True Life Adventure films to Pandora — the World of AVATAR. Presenters and panelists for the two-day event, which will be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, include Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Tony Baxter; Walt Disney Imagineers Joe Rohde, Chris Merritt, Jason Grandt, and Wyatt Winter; producer Don Hahn (“The Lion King”, “Beauty and the Beast”); and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. Presentations will focus on a behind-the-magic look at new and upcoming attractions and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort, the evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, a celebration of the Magic Kingdom Park’s 45th anniversary, a look at the groundbreaking artwork of animator and Imagineer Marc Davis, and much, much more. Mickey’s of Glendale, Walt Disney Imagineering’s store, will once again have a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, apparel, and collectibles themed to the event. More guests and panels (subject to change) will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Tickets will be available April 21. In the meantime, visit D23 for complete details on the event. And we look forward embarking on a thrilling adventure with Disney fans in November. View the full article

It sure looks like Scuttle, Ariel’s friendly feathered pal from “The Little Mermaid” is enjoying the night at Tokyo DisneySea in this week’s “After Dark” image. Scuttle is sitting atop his namesake attraction, Scuttle’s Scooters, which is located in the Mermaid Lagoon section of the park. In this attraction, guests take a quick spin aboard two-seater hermit crabs. Glimmering in the background of the shot, you can spy the park’s Mermaid Lagoon Theater, which is currently home to the guest-favorite production “King Triton’s Concert.” Have you been to Tokyo DisneySea? What’s your favorite part? View the full article

Congratulations to the Hollywood Tower Hotel Bellhops from Walt Disney World Resort for being selected as the ultimate Disney attraction during the March Magic 2016 challenge. The Bellhops defeated the Caribbean Cannonballs from Disneyland Resort in the championship match-up on April 5. The March Magic 2016 challenge began in mid-March with a mix of 32 Disney attraction-inspired teams from Disney Parks. Disney fans voted for favorite teams on the official Facebook and Twitter accounts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. To celebrate this year’s March Magic 2016 champion, we’ll have a specially designed winning attraction shirt and sports bag on our Disney Parks online store. These limited release items will be offered from April 8-10 at DisneyStore.com/MarchMagic. We’ll also be offering commemorative pennants featuring all the teams from this year’s challenge on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app starting Friday, April 8. To download the app, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. Thank you to the many Disney fans who participated in March Magic this year. It was fun reading the comments and watching the voting take place these past few weeks. View the full article

Do you know what the Rose & Crown Beer Stand in Epcot’s United Kingdom serves? Learn About: Rose and Crown Beer Stand Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Okay, you got me… BEER! But guess what else it just started serving up recently? Potato Chips. But not just any old potato chips… we’re talking about Disney House-made Chips! You may already be familiar with these goodies that are often served as a side for dishes like the Anchors Aweigh and Lighthouse Sandwiches at Columbia Harbour House, and the Lobster Club Sandwich at The Artist’s Palette. That’s just a small sampling, of course. You can find House-made Chips in several locations around Disney World, but often solely as a side to an entree and rarely sold separately on the menu (though you can probably ask for them as a separately served side). No matter where you find them, the fresh quality and natural flavor often help the chips stand out as much as the entree they’re served alongside. So it was great to see these available at the Rose & Crown Beer Stand in TWO flavor options: Original and Salt & Vinegar. You’ll receive a bag like this for $4.25 out of pocket or as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan… Bag of Salt & Vinegar Chips I grabbed the Salt & Vinegar because the flavor is unique to this location… and I was in the United Kingdom, after all! United Kingdom sticker on bag Thankfully, the house-made chips available here lived up to their well-earned reputation for fresh quality and tastiness. Now, I know Salt & Vinegar isn’t everyone’s thing — the vinegar is quite pronounced as you might anticipate, especially if you’ve tried this flavor in bagged chip varieties. And I think this shot below gives you a decent idea of the generosity of the salt. Closeup on Salt & Vinegar Chip But the strong flavors paired quite nicely with the beer I ordered: the Innus & Gunn Draft (medium bodied, and surprisingly light and easy to drink). Innis & Gunn These chips are a terrific alternative to the standard bagged chips you’ll usually find around Disney World (Doritos, Cheetos, and the like). But especially so at the Rose & Crown Stand where they work with the beer so well. I also think it’s a nice add to the Pavilion which, while having an easily identified signature dish (Hello, Fish & Chips!), hasn’t had a whole lot in the way of grab-and-enjoy snacks. A fun find, for sure, and a welcome addition to the United Kingdom Pavilion! Would you like to grab a bag of House-made Chips in the United Kingdom Pavilion? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Rose & Crown Pub Grub (Subtitle: Homemade Sour Cream and Cheddar Potato Chips in Epcot) Spotted at Epcot’s Rose and Crown: Crabbie’s Cloudy Lemonade Review: Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK Pavilion View the full article

Exactly 10 years ago today, Expedition Everest – Legend of The Forbidden Mountain opened its doors to offer a wild race through adventure for park guests. Arguably one of the most visually stunning attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a guest’s journey to Mount Everest really begins the moment they enter the queue, which offers a treasure trove of cultural and historical detail. Along the way, guests pass a small temple, a general store and a museum that showcases past investigations into the yeti’s existence. Finally, they arrive at Himalayan Escapes – Tours and Expeditions office and board a train for a tour of the famed Mount Everest. But after climbing rocky cliffs and racing through narrow caves, the plan goes awry when the train encounters a twisted piece of track, and suddenly sends the group plunging backward in the darkness to encounter…well, you’ll have to experience it for yourself. Thanks to Disney Photographer Courtney Di Stasio and Photographer Tom Bricker for these images. View the full article

Television personality Craig Ferguson recently celebrated an important milestone at the Disneyland Resort — his son’s fifth birthday! And who better to celebrate with than Goofy all decked out in his Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration duds? This was the first trip for Craig’s youngest son, Liam, and his dad was eager to take him on his favorite attraction, Peter Pan, before enjoying a churro or two. View the full article

WHAT: Magic Kingdom will be home of a new event called Disney After Hours. Ticketholders will have unusual, late-night access to parts of the park, including rides such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. There will be a limited number of tickets sold... View the full article

The Star Wars universe continues to expand at Walt Disney World with two fresh offerings happening daily at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The most bombastic of the two is "Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away," a show staged at the end of the park's Hollywood Boulevard in the shadow of the Great Movie... View the full article

Are you ready to rule the galaxy at the inaugural runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side at Walt Disney World Resort? We’ve put together dark side-inspired looks to pack for the weekend and give you unlimited power. The Force is strong with these looks. These outfits were pulled together for myself and our friends at Star Wars, Matt Martin and Cole Horton, to wear during the weekend. Matt is a part of Lucasfilm Story Group and Cole is a Star Wars contributor as well as the author of Star Wars-related books. Not only will they be running in numerous events throughout the weekend, they are speakers at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo with their series “Running Through The Galaxy.” Anyone can attend for an exclusive look at the past, present, and future of the Star Wars saga from these runners’ point of view. Matt will be channeling the dark side of the force in these most impressive clothes from Champion. How cool are the headphones by SMS Audio? Cole and I will be dressed as Stormtroopers ready to run through the Galaxy. The black and white shoes from New Balance are perfect motivation for conquering the course. Rest your feet after the race in these Star Wars-inspired Havaianas. Pack your bags in these Star Wars suitcases from American Tourister. Good luck to all participants during Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. Follow @runDisney on Twitter and Instagram to join the galactic fun. Show us your dark side-inspired style using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf throughout the weekend! Be sure to stop by the New Balance booth at the Expo to check out these shoes and the 2016 New Balance runDisney collection. Check out the shoes and reserve your spot to claim yours here. For an updated version of our outfit policy at runDisney events please visit here. View the full article

The distinctively enchanting Kingdom Couture collection will debut at select merchandise locations this month. You may recall getting a first look at this new collection during a Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video I shared last December. I recently caught up with Cathy Dawson, a merchandiser with Disney Theme Park Merchandise, at the newly expanded World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace to learn more about this new luxurious collection. Created especially for Disney Parks, the Kingdom Couture collection was designed using luxurious fabrics and intricate details. The result is elegant yet comfortable apparel and accessories that are fit for royalty. I love how Cathy and the development team mixed Disney heritage with contemporary silhouettes to create some unique items. The Castle image found on both the silk kimono and 30-inch by 70-inch silk scarf is gorgeous! The Kingdom Couture spring collection arrives in select merchandise locations in mid-April. Additional Kingdom Couture items will be introduced later this year. This means that select apparel and accessories from a particular season may only be available for a limited period of time at Disney Parks. If you are visiting Walt Disney World Resort, look for this collection at World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. At Disneyland Resort, you’ll find this collection at Vault 28 in Downtown Disney District; Fortuosity Shop in Disneyland park; and Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure park. Select items may also be found on our Disney Parks online store or via the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. View the full article

Can you do the best Chewbacca impression among your friends and family? Then you have to check out our new Chewie Challenge contest, in which your best Chewie growl could win you a trip to Disney Parks. The contest runs through April 25. The best Chewie growl will win a trip for four to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland and a special meet and greet with Chewbacca. Learn how to enter here, and read the full rules and guidelines here. View the full article