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Tiffins, the newest restaurant in the Discovery Island area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opens this summer, and the Disney chefs have been hard at work to create inventive dishes inspired by the world travels of the park’s creators. From the familiar to something new, the menu offers something for everyone – from a berbere-spiced lamb chop to a New York strip steak or beef short rib with potatoes. Starters include a Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup with Basil and Peanuts (Asia/Africa) to marinated grilled octopus (Europe). Sustainable seasonal fish crudo (South America) and a salad of roasted baby beets and goat cheese with walnut granola and a sun-dried cherry vinaigrette Discovery Island (North America) round out international creations. Entrées include Berber-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); Miso-glazed Black Cod with Forbidden Rice in Steamed Bok Choy with Turmeric Sauce (Asia), and Grilled Head-on Shrimp with Tomatoes, Roasted Fennel, Olives and Sea Urchin Butter Sauce (Europe). For vegetarians, the Roasted Market Vegetable Curry with Quinoa, Zucchini and Lime Chutney brings a taste of Asia. Beverages focus on Africa, Asia and South America, including handcrafted cocktails and beers. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit- flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania. “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,” said Master Sommelier Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts. “The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture,” he explained. “Environmentality is a core value at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this beverage program is a great way to share that with our guests.” With 55 seats inside, and 46 seats in a covered outdoor area, Nomad Lounge offers a half- dozen small bites such as a vegetarian summer roll, a seared Wagyu beef skewer, honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs, Indian butter-chicken wings, seasonal fish balls with shishito peppers and house-made head cheese and chicken liver pate with chutney. Like Tiffins, the lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list. Non-alcoholic beverages include exotic-fruit- flavored lemonades, Asian and African premium loose-leaf teas and coffee beans from Columbia, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Tanzania. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for further details about Tiffins, including opening date and reservation information. View the full article

National Caramel Day is celebrated on April 5. To commemorate the day, I returned to my favorite place for all things caramel at Epcot, Karamell-Küche in Germany Pavilion. Presented by Werther’s Original, Karamell-Küche (or Caramel Kitchen) is a shop along World Showcase promenade that’s filled with delicious caramel-themed treats. There are pre-packaged goodies from Werther’s Original such creamy caramel-filled hard candy, or flavorful soft caramels made with real butter and fresh cream. My favorite item is the freshly made caramel popcorn. My girlfriend and I love sharing a large bag during an evening stroll around World Showcase (we usually finish it by the time we get to Japan Pavilion). When I arrived at the location to get photographs for this story, the International College Program cast members had just made a fresh batch, and the entire shop was filled with the sweet scent of caramel! The shop also carries pre-packaged popcorn that uses Werther’s Original Signature Caramel. Flavors include caramel popcorn with chocolate flavored drizzle; caramel popcorn with stroopwafel, salted pretzel pearls and chocolate flavored drizzle; and caramel popcorn with roasted pecans and chocolate flavored drizzle. Some of the more unique offerings found at Karamell-Küche are the Caramel Bacon Squares. Each square contains Werther’s Original caramel and bits of bacon both inside and out. Finally, the location is introducing two additional flavored chocolate caramel squares. The first is a lavender flavored square which I photographed on a vintage World Showcase tin tray from the early days of EPCOT Center. The other square will have a blood orange flavor. Both of these flavors are offered seasonally and have limited availability. What’s your favorite treat from Karamell-Küche? Please share in the comments below. View the full article

Well, April 2nd has come and gone, and it was a big day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Learn About: Writer’s Stop Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney World Restaurants It was the last day guests could enjoy the Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show, or grab a bite to eat at Studio Catering Co., or a sip at High Octane Refreshments. This is all, of course, to make way for construction of the future Lands of Toy Story and Star Wars. Writer’s Stop — a bookstore-meets-coffee-shop also specializing in some of the best bakery treats this side of the Studios — was originally on that same list to close down on April 3rd. However, it got a reprieve of sorts from the ol’ chopping block, and for a limited time it is still in operation… though in a different form than what we’re used to! With many thanks to our Instagram pal, @savepointstu, we were alerted about the new menu. But we also couldn’t resist going over to search everything out ourselves and ask a few questions! What’s being served at Writer’s Stop now? And what is — or WAS — the fate of the spot’s signature item, the Carrot Cake Cookie?!? When we arrived, we noticed the sign still remains, though the location has been taken off of the Hollywood Studios map. This is definitely a time of transition for Writer’s Stop. Writer’s Stop The menu now features three key items: a Charcuterie and Cheese Plate, a Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce, and Sugar-Spiced Nuts. Writer’s Stop New Menu Taking over a larger portion of the menu is a selection of alcoholic beverages (though guests not wishing to imbibe can still find soda, bottled water, and your basic coffee — no more espresso specialties). A Frozen Margarita, Pina CoLava, Irish Coffee, and Coffee with Bailey’s or Kahlua make up the cocktails, and a fairly wide variety of beer and wine is also on offer. Beer on Display A bartender rings up and serves drinks and food while another Cast Member is available at the front register to ring up what’s left of the merchandise (primarily kitchen and prepackaged Disney snacks) still being carried at the location. Merchandise Register Kitchenware Merchandise Kitchenware Merchandise So what’s in the famed bakery case of Writer’s Stop now? Well, I can tell you what’s NOT: the Carrot Cake Cookie. BUT, rest assured, my fellow Carrot Cake Cookie Diehards! We made sure to verify that it IS indeed still being sold at Sweet Spells! But back to Writer’s Stop, where the bakery case is now filled with the listed menu items. Bakery Case No more pastries. No more cookies. No more Cheese Danish of Epic Proportions. According to cast members, this spot is being pitched as a Lounge and waiting area for Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater next door as opposed to a destination in and of itself. In fact, doors are open to Sci-Fi and Cast Member hosts even come in the Writer’s Stop to call party names. Doors to Sci-Fi Dine-In In the meantime, waiting guests nosh, sip, or relax in the couches in front of the ol’ TV or at the hightop tables. TV and couches Current Writer’s Stop setup Current Writer’s Stop setup Even though we personally didn’t have an Advance Dining Reservation for Sci-Fi lined up (darn it! ), we still figured we’d show you the new eats. Current Menu Items at Writer’s Stop The first one may look awfully familiar. Because the Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce is pretty much a dupe for the Hand-Twisted Pretzel served in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. Warm Pretzel with Cheese Sauce Soft and chewy with a nice smattering of coarse salt, the only thing super different from its Epcot counterpart is the more upscale serving style. Well, that and the price, which is $5.69 at the Studios (not bad, considering the Cheese Sauce). The Sugar-Spiced Nuts are another “borrow” from several snack stands and kiosks around Disney World, though you’ll typically see them listed as Cinnamon-Glazed Pecans. (You’ll usually also find Glazed Almonds served alongside, but our serving at Writer’s Stop was just pecans.) Sugar-Spiced Nuts You always smell them before you see them, and no matter what time of year I have them, the cinnamon and sugar coating the pecans always reminds me of the holidays. It’s good to know that this sweet and just-a-bit-savory snack is still available at Hollywood Studios. Finally, we also wanted to know what the Charcuterie and Cheese Plate consisted of. And here goes! For $7.49 you get a fairly impressive assortment of Grana Padano, Brie, Gouda, Italian Sausage, Chorizo Sausage, Grapes, Raspberries, Cornichons, and bread. Charcuterie and Cheese Plate It’s also available as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. Seriously. So, THAT’S what’s become of the Writer’s Stop… at least for now. The thing is, the longterm future of Writer’s Stop, according to one of the great Cast Members who work there, is still undecided. There is no telling if this current and very much transitional phase will lead to a more certain future for Writer’s Stop. As it stands, this is a temporary fill until it’s determined whether it’s effective and doable to run a bar and lounge alongside Sci-Fi Dine-In and a final decision is made. As Disney fans have known for some time, major changes are going to be taking place at the park for the foreseeable future. Construction Walls Blocking the Streets of America But one thing’s for sure: the HUGE and much anticipated makeover of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is officially in the works! What do you think of the “new” Writer’s Stop? 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: Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Rumor: A Second Chance for Writer’s Stop? View the full article

Erik Bauersfeld, who turned three words from a minor acting role — "It's a trap!" — into one of the most beloved lines of the "Star Wars" series, has died. His manager, Derek Maki, says the performer died Sunday at his home in Berkeley, California, at the age of 93. Bauersfeld stayed in radio for... View the full article

Every day, several times a day, Joe Machado tells Mickey Mouse where to go. It's part of the game play in the new Magic Kingdoms app, which allows competitors to build a Disney-esque theme park with attractions from around the world and populate it with characters, from Goofy to a "Toy Story" Green... View the full article

We have exciting news today for “Zootopia” fans. New character avatar options from the movie are now available for guests creating profiles in the My Disney Experience app or website. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde debuted as options on the movie’s opening day – while Flash, the sloth, took his time joining the party. Guests can select or change their profile character by visiting My Disney Experience app or website > Profile > About Me > Edit > Change Character > Done. I chose Judy Hopps. Which character is your favorite? View the full article

A Walt Disney World Resort vacation wouldn’t be complete without some great family meals. Guests who are staying on property can take the guesswork out of dining with a convenient and flexible Disney Dining Plan. There are several options to choose from, and the Disney Parks Moms Panel often hears from guests who are looking for advice on which makes the most sense for their family. We rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions. Karen from North Carolina asked for dining tips when traveling with 4.5 year-old girls, and Moms Panelist Whitney made recommendations about Disney Dining plans, as well as some unforgettable experiences like character dining here. Diane from New York has a special meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table planned and wants to know how she can utilize her Disney Dining Plan. Our panelist Marc gives her the scoop here. Rebecca from Texas needed some clarification on the meals included in her Disney Dining Plan, and Anne provided some helpful details here. Do you have any questions about Disney Dining Plans? Visit the Disney Parks Moms Panel to ask the panel! View the full article

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/director-jon-favreau-surprises-disney-parks-blog-fans-at-disneys-the-jungle-book-special-advanced-screening-at-the-disneyland-resort/ This weekend, 400 Disney Parks Blog readers enjoyed a special advanced screening of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” here at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at the Disneyland Resort. And before the film rolled, they were greeted by the film’s director, Jon Favreau, who made a surprise appearance at the screening! Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an epic adventure about Mowgli, a man-cub who has been raised by a family of wolves. Featuring an all-star cast, “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. Be sure to catch Disney “The Jungle Book” when it opens in theaters on April 15! View the full article

Star Wars Day at Sea 2017 | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

The "Star Wars" presence continues to grow at Disney's Hollywood Studios as a new stage show has been introduced in the prime position right in front of the theme park's centerpiece, the Chinese Theater, home of the Great Movie Ride. "Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away" is now seen multiple times... View the full article

Beginning Tuesday, April 5th, booking opportunities will become available for a new tour coming to Animal Kingdom Lodge: the Sense of Africa Tour. Taking place on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting April 9th, this 3.5 hour experience is designed to engage the five senses and offer a “backstage peek at the care, feeding, well-being and social interactions of the resident animals,” such as okapi, giraffes, and ostriches. ©Disney Tour participants will start the day with a “unique twist” on breakfast at Boma, engaging the senses of Taste and Smell. ©Disney Guests will Hear the Animal Keeper Guides and Trainers sharing information regarding the animals and Animal Kingdom Lodge. While the tour includes breakfast at Boma, tour guests aren’t the only ones who will be feasting ;). Participants will Touch their selections of treats to hide for a group of red river hogs who will be ready to find and eat the treats. (Exact experiences may vary from tour to tour.) ©Disney And, of course, throughout the tour guests will enjoy the Sights of both the animals and the Lodge itself. ©Disney The price to participate is $249.00 per person, and the tour will be offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. Interested guests may call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) to book or learn further information. Please note, participants are NOT required to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Are you interested in the Sense of Africa Tour? 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: New Offering at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Dine with an Animal Specialist! News! Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma Extends Brunch Hours for Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurant Tours: Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa View the full article

Have you seen the latest Disney film, “Zootopia”? Now you can spot the heroes from the film, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, in the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party at Magic Kingdom Park, daily. In the film, Judy Hopps works hard to become the first-ever bunny copy on the Zootopia Police Department. Her first assignment brings about an unlikely partnership with a smart fox, Nick Wilde, who helps her crack the case open and save the city of Zootopia. For a look at their daily appearance, check out the video above. For the street party times, be sure to check the My Disney Experience App or the park’s Times Guide. View the full article

Disney Vacation Club is taking away discounts and perks for new buyers who purchase on the resale market rather than through the company directly. Starting today, "members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership... View the full article

It looks like BB-8 has discovered something new. What do you think he is doing? Leave your guesses in the comments, and keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog to see a unique look at what BB-8 has found! I have a good feeling about this … View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle showcases what Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” may do if he had the chance to visit our parks. In it, designer Ashley Taylor envisions the loveable snowman as enjoying the summer by making a splash at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. No doubt he’s enjoying the view of the snowy park from the chairlift. View the full article

Awaken Summer | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

What better way to start off a Monday than with another lovely picture of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. This park icon will mark its 45th anniversary this fall. Can you believe it? Here’s hoping your Monday is simply magical! View the full article

This October, Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate its 45th anniversary. Today, I have a first look at artwork created for commemorative merchandise being released this fall. I caught up with Cody Reynolds, Creative Manager with Disney Design Group, to learn more about the inspiration behind this program. “We wanted the artwork to celebrate Magic Kingdom’s entire history since 1971 yet have an overall vintage feeling,” explained Cody. “Artist Jeff Grantio provided much of the artwork for this program. The attraction logos became a big focus for us as they each have such unique and iconic designs. We included opening year attractions like ‘it’s a small world,’ and other more recent additions such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.” Cody mentioned the main merchandise logo shown above features each of the themed lands found in Magic Kingdom Park. There are two different color versions of this logo that can be applied to various products. This is particularly helpful when creating complementary apparel items or other goods like drinkware. For the pastel color artwork, the team added Tinker Bell to several designs. You’ll also spot a vintage-looking Mickey Mouse which adds to the retro vibe. Artwork was pulled together in a style guide used by all categories at Disney Theme Park Merchandise. The style guide includes logos, character artwork, color callouts, patterns and more that can be applied to various products. One of my favorite details is seen in the background of the above image – the classic Disney “World” logo from the 1970s. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video about this new collection. I’ll be sharing a first look at how this artwork was used on actual products. View the full article

Konnichiwa! And welcome back to another visit to Katsura Grill! Learn About: Katsura Grill Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants The counter service spot, located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, sits higher than the rest of the elevation in the area. Nestled into a garden behind the temple, this spot offers lovely, serene surroundings. And in the past, we’ve really enjoyed the food here as well — especially lighter, healthier options, like Steamed Veggies and Miso. I decided to visit Katsura spur-of-the-moment for lunch recently to see if I could still recommend this out-of-the-way counter service location. Come with me as we check out what I found. Atmosphere If you haven’t fully explored the Japan Pavilion, then make sure to carve out a little extra time to do it on your very next trip to Epcot. There’s lots to take in. As you make your way through the Pavilion to the back, Katsura Grill sits to the left. You’ll do a little climbing to get up to it, however. Katsura Grill The building itself demonstrates a simple Japanese aesthetic. Whereas the temple in front of it is a showstopper, Katsura is plain and functional, with dark wood accents and a thatched roof. Entrance Inside, the ceilings are vaulted, and much of the walls give way to windows, so you have views of World Showcase Lagoon, the Pavilion, and the Garden on three sides. Seating isn’t anything fancy, but it really doesn’t need to be with so much to look at. But I do appreciate the padded chairs here. Indoor Seating View From Seating Area If you prefer outdoor seating, you’ll find quite a bit of it, and much of it is shaded by large umbrellas. Also — just in case you always wondered — you’ll find the bathroom just off of this area as well. Outdoor Seating Area The patio overlooks an outcropping of rock where a waterfall provides soothing sounds. And this is why Katsura Grill is one of my favorite spots. It’s so relaxing, and I’ve rarely seen this area crowded. Follow the tiny bridge and meandering walkway down, and you’ll spot beautiful koi in the pond below. Outside Surrounding Garden Area Paper lanterns strung overhead bid you to return after dark just to see the area in a whole different light. Lanterns And indeed, you should return! Because night or day, this is a lovely spot. Japan Pavilion Outdoor Seating in the Evening After a look around, you’ll probably decide to stay a while. So head in and check out the menu. As I mentioned, Katsura Grill doesn’t often seem to be very busy. I’m alright with that, since it means that I can usually walk up to the small counter and order without much wait. Ordering Area And I usually have my pick of tables as well. Eats Katsura Grill is quaintly “old fashioned” — no electronic ordering or fancy food delivery systems. You will find backlit menu boards, however. That’s become pretty common around Disney, though. I do imagine that they make changing the menu items around much easier. Overhead Menu Boards — Click to Enlarge Take a closer look at the menu items, and you may be surprised to find some interesting selections. I mean, Japanese Curry and Udon? Or how about a Kids’ Meal that has ZERO to do with Chicken Nuggets or Mac and Cheese? Main Menu — Click to Enlarge Side orders are equally intriguing. Skip the chips and head to Katsura for some Edamame! That way you can justify both a Dole Whip AND a Mickey Bar later! Sides, Beverages, and Desserts Menu — Click to Enlarge I quickly decided on a couple of things to try. I’d heard rave reviews of the Udon during both the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (happening now, actually!), so my first choice was a no-brainer. I went for the Tempura Shrimp Udon. Tempura Shrimp Udon But I also couldn’t pass up one of my Katsura favorites, their Teriyaki selections. I went with my tried and true favorite, the Chicken and Beef Teriyaki Combination Platter. It comes with ample side servings of Steamed White Rice and Veggies. Teriyaki Chicken and Beef And this is where I have to mention something that I’ve hinted at — Katsura is a great stop if you’re looking to find healthier for you options. Believe it or not, we really enjoyed side orders of Steamed White Rice and Veggies as a snack a while back! Steamed Vegetables and Rice After all of that food, I didn’t leave room for dessert. However, we have reviewed both the Green Tea Cheesecake and the Chocolate Ginger Cake in the past. I’d go for the chocolate ginger cake if I were you. Green Tea Cheesecake (The Chocolate Ginger Cake is the same that’s served at Tokyo Dining. You can read our whole review here.) However, they’re teeny tiny portions. Not necessarily a bad thing — but I like you to know before you leap. Chocolate Ginger Cake After that filling lunch, I was ready to finish my circumnavigation of the (Epcot) world. Overall Katsura Grill continues to get two thumbs up from me! And it’s a combination of things that make for the recommendation, really. The food is better than mall food court, which is what you might expect. And the menu proves that you really can find better-for-you options at Disney if you want to. But in the end, it’s the setting that’s the cherry on top of Katsura Grill. Because when you can find someplace that’s so peaceful and calm, right in the middle of what is arguably one of the most exciting spots anywhere — well, it’s worth mentioning and lingering there for a bit. Now, I’d really love to hear from you! Is Katsura Grill one of your top spots in Walt Disney World for counter service dining? Leave a comment and let me know what you think! 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: Steamed Vegetables and Rice at Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Review: Green Tea Cheesecake at Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion Katsura Grill, Rogue Food & Wine Booths, and More Changes in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion View the full article

The dust has settled on the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After a run of more than a decade, the last performance of the show -- unlike anything else at Disney World -- took place Saturday afternoon. The show, which showed off the skills of professional... View the full article

Family Vacations With Teens in Hawaii | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

In recent weeks, Disney fans have been voting for the ultimate Disney attraction during March Magic 2016. This year’s challenge concludes this week with a few remaining match-ups. On Sunday, April 3, guests can vote for which teams will represent Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in the final championship. The match-ups will be the Caribbean Cannonballs versus the Haunted Mansion Holiday from Disneyland Resort. For Walt Disney World Resort, the Space Mountain Blast will go against the Hollywood Tower Hotel Bellhops. We’ll be offering some additional commemorative products for these remaining teams on the Disney Parks online store. In addition to shirts, guests will also find posters, water bottles, and blankets with team logos. Just visit DisneyStore.com/MarchMagic to see all of these limited release items. The March Magic 2016 championship will be held on Tuesday, April 5 between the winning teams from the April 3 vote. We’ll announce the ultimate Disney attraction on Thursday, April 7. To vote for your favorite attraction, simply visit our official Facebook and Twitter accounts for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. Which attraction will you choose? View the full article

Woo-hoo! We were SO excited to hear that the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival was coming out of hiatus this year. And I’m thrilled to report that it’s AWESOME! Yep — the festival, which runs in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort on weekends through May 1, opened for business yesterday. And DFB was there to explore! Food and Wine Festival Signage Yesterday, we mostly explored the brand new food booths that are debuting at the festival for the first time. Those of you familiar with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World will know the set-up. Small booths featuring several tapas-sized menu items and selected beverages are set up around the festival. This is the first time that the California festival has done this, so we were super excited to check it out. Here’s what we sampled and tasted yesterday! If you want to read more about the rest of the festival and see schedules for the Beverage Seminars and Celebrity Kitchen events, head on over to our main Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Page! DCA Food and Wine Festival Food Booth Reviews Yesterday, we visited several of the booths set up around the festival. No worries, though, we’ll be back soon with reviews of e’erything!!! Let’s take a first look… Gold Rush Booth The Gold Rush booth features some of our favorite dishes at the festival so far! Gold Rush Booth Gold Rush Booth Menu First up, we sampled the Artichoke Chips with Spicy Aioli ($5.00). These were yummy, and were a favorite… Artichoke Chips with Spicy Aioli …until we tried this!!!! The Triple Cheese Mac with Smoked Chicken ($6.000) was off. the. ranch. y’all!!!! Spotlighting fontina, cheddar, and gouda, the cheesiness was spectacular. Triple Cheese Mac with Smoked Chicken Next up from this booth? Dessert! And this one is going to sound crazy…’cause it was. Apple Bacon Whoopie Pie with Maple Cream Cheese Icing and Bacon Brittle ($3.74), anyone? Um…yeah. That was happening. Apple bacon Whoopie Pie We also got the specialty beverage option — the N/A Flower-Field Lemonade ($4.25). This one was pretty, but VERY flowery. Too flowery. And served without ice? Wha? We heard good things from our readers, but it was a no-go for us. Flower Field Lemonade By the Bay Booth We headed on over to the By the Bay Booth for some San Francisco eats next! By the Bay Booth By the Bay Booth Menu I couldn’t wait to tackle that teeny-weeny bread bowl filled with White Cheddar Ale & Bacon Soup ($5.50)! Can you even take this cuteness?? You can sort of see the spoon next to it to get a feel for the size of this thing. Our only complaint was that they needed to scoop out the boule more to make more room for soup!!! White Cheddar Ale and Bacon Soup in a Bread Bowl Next up? The Coconut Tapioca layered with Fresh Mango, Lychee Boba, and Mango Coulis ($4.25). This was refreshing and delicious. Coconut Tapioca The Farm Booth From the Bay over to the Farm! The Farm Booth Menu We had to try that Golden Thai Vegetable Curry ($5.75) first. We loved it. Check out that coconut! The serving here was a little small, though. Golden Thai Vegetable Curry And because we can’t ever say no to Meyer Lemon anything, we had to check out the Meyer Lemon Macaron ($3.50). This one included Blueberry Marmalade, Meyer Lemon Cream, and Blueberry Dust! Yummo! Meyer Lemon Macaron Inside Lemon Macaron — blueberry marmalade! LAStyle Booth LA was next! LA Style Booth Menu We didn’t try this booth yet, but a new friend sampled the Chilled Ahi Poke with Avocado Creme, Wakame Salad, and Sesame Tuille. Chilled Ahi Poke Viva Fresca Booth Over at the Viva Fresca Booth we sampled one of the larger festival menu items. Viva Fresca Menu The Anaheim Chile & Roasted Cauliflower Burrito with Jack Cheese and Avocado-Lime Crema ($5.50) didn’t strike a cord with us. We loved the avocado crema, but the overall flavors weren’t something we need to get again. Chile and Cauliflower Burrito Inside Chile and Cauliflower Burrito Wine Country Booth The Wine Country Booth held some promising goodies! We grabbed a shot of the Zinfandel-Braised Wagyu Beef while we were indulging in dessert! Wagyu Beef But it was this Blackberry Tart with Rosemary Vanilla Bean Creme Fraiche that caught our eye. This was gorgeous (and delicious)! Blackberry Tart Inside Blackberry Tart We’ll be back with full coverage in just a few days of this amazing festival!! Stay tuned! In the meantime, there’s one more thing I wanted to share with you about the festival. Passholder Payment Lanyard DCA has introduced a Passholder Lanyard ($45). This is similar to the lanyards used for the VIP Premium packages at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Disneyland Annual Passholders can purchase a lanyard and use the six tabs to purchase items at the booths. (Which items you can purchase with tabs is printed on the lanyard.) Passholder Lanyard Passholder Lanyard Back You can use the lanyard anytime throughout the festival, but once the six tabs are gone, the lanyard can no longer be used for purchasing. Is this a good deal? Um…no. If you look at the pricing on the menus, there aren’t enough things that are priced high enough to make this come out as a money savings (alcohol is excluded). So, if you get this, look at it as a souvenir instead of a money-saving strategy. Overall So far, so good! The festival is a hit as far as we’re concerned. Stay tuned to DFB to see even more coverage! And if you happen to be in Anaheim next weekend, come on out to the Lifestyle Stage in DCA at 11:30 on April 9th to see Heather and AJ present on their favorite Disneyland eats! Read more about the rest of the festival and see schedules for the Beverage Seminars and Celebrity Kitchen events on our main Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Page! 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: FULL Booth Menus Released for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! News! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Returns in April 2016 Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival — Merchandise View the full article

Hawaii Vacations With Little Ones | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

This weekend is the first Fun Family weekend at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. As you catch the work of “Plein Air” artists around World Showcase, also see the subjects of This Week in Disney Park Photos: Mickey, Minnie and pals, courtesy of Disney Photopass service. The Festival runs until May 30. Which topiary is your favorite? View the full article