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WHAT: In a reminiscing mood? Little River Band, the '70s group that brought us "Reminiscing," along with other hits such as "Lady," "Cool Change" and "Take It Easy on Me," is this weekend's act for Garden Rocks, the concert series that's part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.... View the full article

There’s something so very magical about Walt Disney World Resort theme parks at night! My Tween daughter comes to life again after a busy, fun-filled day at the theme parks with all the excitement that night time experiences bring. “Wishes nighttime spectacular” at Magic Kingdom Park, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot World Showcase and Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are all among her favorite nighttime shows! And now … another Disney theme park will come alive at night! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to transition from a day-into-night theme park showcasing the magic of nature after dark. This transition will bring so many new and exciting experiences for Tweens! Today, I’m only going to highlight one of them … but stay turned to Disney Parks Blog and the #DisneyTweens posts for more information. When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot for families with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” like my Tween can dance alongside local street musicians and entertainers, taste some exotic foods and shop for goodies with the merchants. And the new Discovery Island Carnivale will captivate older children with lively music, spirited dance, vibrant costumes, and tasty culinary creations, spreading from one end of the island to the other. My Tween loves to dance, eat and shop and she can’t wait to party into the night at one of her favorite Disney theme parks beginning April 22! I think your older children will love this new and thrilling transformation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, too! For more information on planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort with your Tween, check out www.disneyworld.com/Tweens. View the full article

In this edition of Disney Parks Blog Unboxed, I visit Magic Kingdom Park in search of a very special gift. While at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A., I found a few extra surprises courtesy of Rob, the Disney Delivery Guy. Look for these new charms and more to be released in select Disney Parks merchandise locations starting March 17. At Walt Disney World Resort, look for PANDORA Jewelry at locations such as Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park or Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs Marketplace. If you are visiting Disneyland Resort, stop by La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park. Finally, you can find select items online at DisneyStore.com/Pandora, or have items shipped directly to your home using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download the app, visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. View the full article

In this flashback photo from 1973 Mickey took a trip to Ireland. Well, the Ireland section of “it’s a small world” attraction. Here’s wishing the luck of the Irish is on your side this St. Patrick’s Day. May your day be filled with leprechauns, rainbows, a pot of gold, and of course Mickey Mouse! View the full article

On your next visit to Disneyland park, I encourage you to slow down and take a look at all the details and hidden surprises that await you in the most unexpected places. Here is a look back at some of the hidden gems we have uncovered and shared with you here on the Disney Parks Blog over the years. Did you know the Main Street Magic Shop houses a large collection of Houdini memorabilia? Speaking of magic, across the street in the Penny Arcade sits Esmeralda the fortune teller! And if you need some good advice, venture over to Adventureland to see Shrunken Ned. Which is your favorite hidden gem at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments … if you don’t mind letting others in on the secret! View the full article

Celebrating 25 Years...and Beyond! | Disney Vacation Club View the full article

There has been a LOT of hype over the latest specialty beverages to arrive to Starbucks. And while these new sips are being served at Starbucks locations all over Disney property in spots like Epcot’s Fountain View, Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom’s Creature Comforts, they’re likely gracing the menu at your local Starbucks, too (making this a two-fer review for you!). We’re talking about the Smoked Butterscotch Latte and Smoked Butterscotch Frappuccino! And though they’re available nationwide, many folks are making the comparison to a specific specialty drink at a certain theme park also located in Central Florida: BUTTERBEER™. Described as “creamy-sweet with kettle cooked butterscotch,” it sure sounds enticing enough. Smoked Butterscotch Drink Menu So I grabbed both the hot latte and the frappuccino versions so I could decide for myself how they really compare to a glass of Butterbeer™. If you’ve never had one, Butterbeer comes in a few different versions like cold or frozen, and has a very sweet and distinct butterscotch flavor throughout its cream soda base. The whole thing is topped off with foam. Smoked Butterscotch Latte and Frappuccino I sampled mine on one of the very last of the cool “winter” days here in Florida, so I went with the hot Smoked Butterscotch Latte first. Smoked Butterscotch Latte The latte standard of espresso with lots of steamed milk is enhanced with a smoked butterscotch sauce, while a smoked butterscotch topping sprinkled over the foam is the finishing touch (which essentially tastes like sugar with a hint of smokiness). Lots of Foam and Smoked Butterscotch Topping The butterscotch flavor became more pronounced with each sip as the sauce mixed with the milk. I thought it was a really nice balance between the smoky and sweet. And — aside from the obvious espresso flavor — it really does taste similar to Butterbeer™! Here’s a tip, though… if you really want to experience that Butterbeer™ taste, I suggest sizing up to a Venti for the latte. Here’s why: both the Grande and Venti sizes come with two shots of espresso in the hot version, so you get more milk in the Venti. Ultimately, it tones down the espresso flavor and adds an extra creaminess that more closely resembles the Butterbeer™ flavor. Consider asking for whipped cream as well, which will also up the creaminess factor. If cold or blended coffee is more your style, or you are raising a glass to Florida’s rising temps, then the Smoked Butterscotch Frappuccino is your better bet! Smoked Butterscotch Frappuccino The Frappuccino is coffee-based. Like the latte, this one is mixed with the smoked butterscotch sauce. It’s topped off with whipped cream and sprinkled with the same smoked butterscotch topping, which you can see a little better in the photo below. Whipped Cream and Smoked Butterscotch Topping Of the two, this one tasted much more like a Butterbeer™ to me. Probably because it is made with coffee instead of the more strongly flavored espresso, so you’re tasting more of the butterscotch. And this one automatically comes with whipped cream, again adding more of its own creaminess. The smokiness in both is isn’t overly powerful so the drinks lean heavily on the sweeter side, but with a unique hint of spice. So do the new beverages taste EXACTLY like Butterbeer™? No, but if you enjoy the taste of Butterbeer™, you’ll definitely want to give these a go! Heck, if you can live without the coffee, you can always request that your Frappuccinno be cream-based, which I’m sure would make it taste even closer to Butterbeer™. Similarly, you can request the latte to have no espresso as well. One thing’s for sure: after trying both, it really is no surprise why lovers of the theme park favorite are going crazy for these! How do you think the Smoked Butterscotch Drinks compare to Butterbeer™? 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Cupid’s Kiss Latte at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks in Disney World Spotted: Disney Parks Exclusive Starbucks Mug and Cup Ornaments It’s Official: Starbucks Lands at Disney Parks View the full article

The costumes of Disney's Animal Kingdom's new nighttime spectacular "Rivers of Light" combine 81 different embroidery motifs, 180 different fabrics and more than 250 various bead designs. Disney revealed details Tuesday of the four costumes that will be featured in the nighttime spectacular, which... View the full article

Supermodel and style icon, Christie Brinkley, caught up with Minnie Mouse in Magic Kingdom Park today to swap fashion secrets. Both showing off their favorite polka dot hair bows! Christie was visiting the Walt Disney World Resort on vacation this week with friends. For looks at other celebrity visits to Walt Disney World Resort, check out the list of previous posts below: The Band Perry Visits Walt Disney World Resort Alfonso Ribeiro has a ‘Goofy’ time at Magic Kingdom Park TV Stars Raini & Rico Rodriguez Visit Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new musical based on Disney’s blockbuster animated film, is set to open at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park on May 27, 2016. Audiences will be immersed in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all the excitement of live theater, including elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and a few surprises. “While our production of ‘Frozen’ will stay true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theatre production,” said Dana Harrel, creative portfolio executive with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. “The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences, including those who know the film and those new to these characters, on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa.” Heading up that team is Director Liesl Tommy, whose current production on Broadway is “Eclipsed” with Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o. Dana and Liesl pulled back the curtain recently to give us a glimpse of some of their work in progress, in this first behind-the-scenes look at the production of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.” Keep checking Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks for more peeks behind the curtain, as we get closer to the world premiere of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” on May 27! View the full article

Savory dishes are in order at the 23rd Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, providing a mix of spices and sweetness that will wake up all of your taste buds. New this year is La Isla Fresca Outdoor Kitchen where you can enjoy a Jerk-spice Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa, Chayote and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette, as well as a Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro. And for dessert a Tres Leches with Guava Purée. You can also sip on a Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum or a Red Stripe Jamaican Style Lager. And at the Jardin de Fiestas, you will find three great Mexican dishes that will delight the familia. You can start by having Tacos de Camarón: Tempura Shrimp served with Hibiscus Flower, Caramelized Onions and Habanero Sauce, followed by a Corn Tortilla Quesadilla served with Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini Blossom topped with Green Tomatillo Sauce, and finish with the postre, a Flan de Rosas served with Hibiscus Reduction. Complement the dishes with the Rose Margarita, the Elderflower Watermelon Sangria, or a cold Tecate Light Beer. Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March 2 ‘til May 30 with 13 Outdoor Kitchens around the World Showcase. For more information visit freshepcot.com. View the full article

I feel like I was just enjoying the holidays at Disney Springs, but here we are, mid-way though March. The first official day of spring is Sunday, but already, the season seems well underway. Below are just a few reasons why I love being here this time of year, in no particular order: Flowers and Displays – From a new installation featuring character statues from “Zootopia” to the bold pink blooms scattered throughout the property, there is so much beauty to behold. I may be biased, but I think our flowers are among the prettiest at Walt Disney World Resort (and they make a great photo backdrop)! Spring Hats – Easter and hats go hand in hand. Same for spring and fashion. At Chapel Hats, you can check all the boxes with sophisticated headwear that’s always in style. I have a dress that’s the same shade as this pale pink hat – so perfect! Special Sweets – St. Patrick’s Day is Thursday and The Ganachery is celebrating with limited edition Irish Cream Liquor Ganache with Milk Chocolate and Stout Ganache with Dark Chocolate through the holiday. Next up are Easter lollipops featuring a new coconut flavor, set to debut on March 19th. A Bountiful Brunch – While some Disney Springs locations offer brunch year-round (the House of Blues Gospel Brunch is every Sunday and the Rollicking Raglan Bruch now takes place on both weekend days), on Easter, many additional restaurants offer something unique. This year, The Wolfgang Puck Dining Room, Portobello, Fulton’s Crab House, House of Blues and Bongos will all feature a special Easter menu. Call 407-WDW-DINE to make a reservation. In just a couple of months, Town Center will open alongside the springs of Disney Springs, giving us even more to look forward to! In the meantime, I’m enjoying all that exists now – from World of Disney at the Marketplace to the amazing new acts at La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil on the West Side. No matter the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during a day at Disney Springs. Spring or not, what’s your favorite thing to do while visiting? Share in the comments below, I’d love to know! View the full article

I’m delighted to tell you a story of excellent animal care, creativity, collaboration … and a mask. Last summer, Zelda, an okapi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, injured an ossicone, one of the protruding bones on an okapi’s head that resemble small horns. Animal keepers noticed Zelda’s injury wasn’t healing because she was constantly licking the area. (Yes, an okapi’s tongue can reach to the top of its head!) To keep Zelda from licking the wound, the keepers tried a horse fly mask, developed to keep flies out of a horse’s eyes. Even then, Zelda’s licking continued through the mesh mask. Although antibiotics would have healed her quickly, Zelda was pregnant, and our animal care team didn’t want to take any chances. Two keepers, Mori and Ashley worked closely with Zelda and they decided to get creative by reaching out to the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Costuming Department for help. Costuming cast member Elaine met Zelda and started brainstorming ideas. She used a mixture of three soft and stretchy materials to make a few masks that would be comfortable, protect Zelda’s head and keep out the Florida heat. Thanks to this creative collaboration and dedication between teams, Zelda’s ossicone is fully healed, and she gave birth to a healthy boy named Armando in December. Armando is acclimating to his surroundings and will be on the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna within the next few months. You can also find okapi on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Naturally shy and reclusive, okapi are endangered and face a decline in population because of human interference and human population growth. Okapi originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and face threats such as commercial logging, coal mining and being poached for their meat and hide. View the full article

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans — it’s tiiiiiime! As you know, here at DFB we report as SOON as we have any Epcot Food and Wine Festival info. And today we have a FIRST LOOK at a couple of the artists you can expect to return for the 2016 Eat to the Beat concert series! If you’re new to the Food and Wine Festival, here’s a little background. Eat to the Beat is a concert series that takes place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which runs this year from September 14-November 14. The series features musical acts from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s each year, and concerts take place throughout most evenings of the Festival. Since this partial list is preliminary, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule! We will bring you all the latest news first! Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three opportunities every night to see your favorite acts — at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM. 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up…So Far Note: this schedule is subject to change. September 16-18: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas October 20-21: Christopher Cross We’ll be updating our Eat to the Beat Schedule Page as soon as we have more bands confirmed! Taking in an Eat to the Beat concert is a great way to unwind and continue the fun of the Food and Wine Festival into the evening. All concerts take place in the American Gardens Theater at Epcot’s America Pavilion. Concerts are free — included in the price of your Epcot admission! Many folks plan their trips around which bands will be playing, so we’ll be bringing you the bands and dates as soon as we get our hands on them! Check back with our 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert schedule frequently to see updates. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat We can’t wait for more Food and Wine info to be released! Be sure to join our DFB Newsletter for Epcot Food and Wine Festival details! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2016 edition today and we’ll immediately send you the 2015 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Now let’s hear from all of you Eat to the Beat Fans — what music acts are you hoping to catch at this year’s Festival? Leave 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Preliminary Dates News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule! View the full article

The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival has been in full force since Friday, and the fun continues through Thursday, March 17th. I’m not sure anyone is having quite as much fun as Dani Bellini, Disney Parks Blog Contributor. She recently had the chance to learn some authentic Irish dance steps with the talented Raglan Road Irish dancers. The troupe performs daily, but they’re extra-impressive during this most Irish of holidays! Take a look at Dani’s fancy footwork, then be sure to check out The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival for yourself. In addition to dancing, you can enjoy festive drinks, live music and authentic Irish fare from celebrity chef Kevin Dundon. While it’s true that “every day is a chance to celebrate at Raglan Road,” I think St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect day to do just that — looks like Dani agrees! View the full article

I know it’s been a little while since we’ve shared a look at new merchandise for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, as we’ve been quite busy sharing all of the details with you about happenings at Disney Theme Parks. But like you, sometimes I need a vacation from it all. Though this trip may be only in my mind for now, I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts with you. Dooney & Bourke fans traveling to Aulani may want to consider packing a little lighter this trip. The new coated-canvas Minnie Floral collection from Dooney & Bourke recently debuted at Hale Manu and is this season’s “must have” — it’s one way to travel in style. Silhouettes include a Pouchette ($128), Shopper Tote ($248) and Zip Satchel ($268). This spring, Aulani will also begin offering unique artist showcases. As you know, I’m always looking for new and exciting events to share with you. So if you are headed to Aulani on vacation, here are a few artist showcases and events you won’t want to miss. March 25–26: Get “Back to Basics” with the newest collection from 3226 Online, who will be on hand showcasing their Kala designs. Whether a gift from the earth or sea, this collection is designed to encompass the forces of nature evident in the islands as well as the eternal beauty of water that surrounds them. Find the perfect treasure to take home with you and a memory to last a lifetime. Representative Sara Weinberger will be on hand to showcase their newest jewelry collections in the Na Haku Pavilion, across from Kalepa’s Store, Friday, March 25, from 3–7 p.m. and Saturday, March 26, from 8–11 a.m. Are your bags packed? View the full article

Allright, Star Wars Fans! And Cupcake Fans. And Contempo Cafe Fans… Learn About: Contempo CafeDisney World Restaurants We’re back yet again this week at one of Disney World’s longtime bonafide Cupcake Capitals — the Contempo Cafe in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort — to check out one of the more recent additions to its nearly legendary bakery case. While it remains home to treats like the awesome Peanut Butter Pie (aka: heaven), it’s still a great spot to grab a good old fashioned cupcake. As always, the cupcakes here do change with higher frequency than many spots. The featured cupcake for the month of March, for instance, is a Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake (and early April should bring a Carrot Cake Cupcake). But when I went to see it for myself, it was another batch that caught my attention. The Star Wars Cupcakes. Now, typically I’d insert a picture of the bakery case display to give you pricing information, descriptions, and all that. And I do have one to share in a moment. But first, I’ll show you the cupcake I grabbed. Star Wars Cupcake The cupcake that you see above is topped with a Star Wars character ring; specifically, Phasma, Captain of the First Order from Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. That’s because ALL of the Cupcakes I saw were topped with a Phasma ring. I really didn’t give it much thought at the moment. I just figured that’s how it was. Star Wars Souvenir Ring Star Wars Souvenir Ring ready for a trip to the nearest sink That is, until I went back AFTER eating my cupcake to grab THIS pic. Star Wars Cupcakes You see, they had switched out the previous batch for a whole bunch of new cupcakes. And check out the ring choices (just click the image to enlarge). Star Wars Cupcakes There’s Rey! And BB-8! (I couldn’t help thinking “I coulda had a BB-8!” Kudos to the 80s child in you if you know what commercial that’s a riff of). I was even told by the Cast Member that sometimes they have Finn rings. FINN! All in addition to Phasma. So know that — in keeping with the “Frozen” Cupcakes that you can still catch on occasion at Contempo — there may be more ring choices if you happen upon this cupcake on your visit, just in case your little Padawan is set on a BB-8 ring. Onto the cupcake itself! First of all, don’t be put off by the bright orange icing topping the vanilla base if you’re not into fruit-flavored icing. Orange-colored Icing on top of Vanilla Cake It’s purely just coloring, and the flavor itself is a mild chocolate buttercream just as described on the sign, so those semi-sweet chocolate chips are right in keeping with the flavors, along with adding a bit of crunch. If you look really closely at the icing you can even catch the cocoa-colored swirls, which are more representative of the true flavor. Closeup on Icing It’s a nice and easy complement to the filling, which is a light, airy cookies-and-cream within the yellow cake base, lending a terrific Oreo-taste. Cookies ‘n Cream Filling I only wish there would have been more of it tucked inside, because it was definitely the highlight of what otherwise is your basic chocolate-and-vanilla combo cupcake. Cookies ‘n Cream Filling Altogether, the flavors aren’t anywhere near as outlandish as the appearance. It’s just a good, solid, chocolate-and-vanilla cupcake, where traditional tastes meet new characters in a fun theme! Would you try the latest Star Wars Cupcake? 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Boston Cream Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Snack Series: Mickey Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

If you want to celebrate your Irish heritage … or just celebrate! … Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is the place to be with friends and family this St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17. In fact, Crossroads at House of Blues is celebrating daily, now through Sunday, March 20, with special offerings of hard cider braised bangers and mash, Irish nachos and, of course, corned beef and cabbage on the menu. On Thursday, there will be St. Patrick’s Day bargains and special menu items at many locations in Downtown Disney District. ESPN Zone features a corned beef, cabbage and potatoes special throughout the day, and sports fans also will be able to accompany the onscreen play with a glass of green beer. In a separate event on Wednesday, March 16, beginning at 4 p.m. (guests invited to arrive at 3:30), ESPN sportscaster Linda Cohn will appear at ESPN Zone to greet fans and showcase Superfan video entries in her contest to find the ultimate fan. Cohn also will be available to autograph her limited-edition 5000th Milestone show photo, which will be on sale at the event. If your taste in beverages runs to smoothies, look for a Jamba Juice ad urging you to “Kiss him, he’s Irish.” You can present the ad at the Downtown Disney Jamba Juice, on Thursday only, for 15 percent off any green smoothie or juice made with real whole fruit or veggies. Uva Bar & Cafe is offering a special Reuben burger on Thursday: Angus blend patty, corned beef and Swiss cheese accompanied by homemade coleslaw and mustard aioli. The Uva Bar also will be conjuring up Irish green tea and drinks with names like Irish Trash Can and Irish Lady. Earl of Sandwich will offer a St. Patrick’s Day special, 20 percent off purchase on Thursday. And Tortilla Jo’s will feature a St. Patrick’s Day “Lucky Margarita” made with tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and melon liqueur. Live entertainment is always a vital part of the Downtown Disney experience, and St. Patrick’s Day will feature Looney’s Fortune Band performing on the Downtown Disney Live Stage and, in front of the Wonderground Gallery, Scott Williams and his Hammer Dulcimer accompanying a Celtic Dance Troupe. As you can see, if you’re looking for a tasty, lively place to celebrate St. Paddy’s, you need look no further than Downtown Disney, Anaheim. And … Erin go Bragh! View the full article

If you tuned into our live chat with “Rivers of Light” creatives Michael Jung and Mark Renfrow earlier this month, then you got an exclusive first look at two storyteller characters – Aseema and Aditya – who will appear in the park’s amazing new nighttime show. I have to say, these storytellers and the amazing costumes they wore were even more exquisite in person than the video could show! The costumes were designed by Irina Kruzhilina, a New York-based costume designer working alongside Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment. The four human characters costumes in the show include: a pair of mystical storytellers and their acolytes (students). Each duo makes a ceremonial entrance at the top of the show in each of their respective village amphitheaters. They then make their way down to the water, where they set out on elaborate lantern vessels. The four costumes combined feature 81 different embroidery motifs, 180 different fabrics and more than 250 various bead designs. Because the two storyteller characters, Assema and Aditya, transcend time and location, inspiration for the costumes was drawn from Native American, European and Far Eastern cultures. If you look close enough, you’ll notice that some beading appears as if it was handcrafted from stone and metal centuries ago – but the same costumes also feature modern glass work, blending time and culture together. The costumes for Ambu and Ketu, the acolytes, reflect the clothing of their teachers, but is more conducive to that of an apprentice with pants and sashes. Will you see “Rivers of Light” when it opens at the park on April 22? Tell us in the comments section below. For more about “Rivers of Light,” visit the posts below: #DisneyParksLIVE: ‘Rivers of Light’ Live Chat Set for 1:15 p.m. EST All in the Details: Creating ‘Rivers of Light’ Animal Spirit Guide Floats First Look: ‘Rivers of Light’ To Debut April 22 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New Details Unveiled on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s ‘Rivers of Light’ View the full article

Walt Disney World is testing a program where visitors can pay more for parking to get a spot closer to theme-park entrances, a Disney spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday. For $15 atop the regular parking fee, guests heading to Magic Kingdom and Epcot will be allowed to pull into designed areas of their... View the full article

Magic All Around - Summer Vacation | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

On March 15, 1991, stars from television’s four “Disney Afternoon” animated series began delighting Disneyland park guests along “Afternoon Avenue,” a festive themed area in Fantasyland near “it’s a small world.” During its popular eight-month run, guests could meet stars from “Duck Tales,” “Tale Spin,” “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers” and “Gummi Bears,” including Launchpad McQuack, Scrooge McDuck, Gadget, and, at his own dressing room, Baloo! Is just me or do you have the theme from “Tale Spin” stuck in your head now too? View the full article

How well do you know Tom Sawyer’s Island at Magic Kingdom Park? This island map shows you the highlights – but one stop is blurred out (right beneath the word “Map”). Do you recognize the destination? Tell us in the comments section below. We’ll update the post later with the answer. View the full article

Located in the Town Center section of Disney Springs, a water tower is now the focal marquee of the re-imagined Downtown Disney. The water tower, which Disney describes as the icon of the entertainment complex, was built off property and was assembled in early February. "It traveled down the... View the full article

Have you ever seen a guava? Do you know how ginger grows? How about sugar cane? The 13 Outdoor Kitchens at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival are serving delightful bites for the run of the festival through May 30, from Smoked Pork Ribs with Roasted Corn Salad at THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecues & Brews to a Lemon Scone with Crème Fraiche and Mixed Berries at Cider House. And right next to THE SMOKEHOUSE, an edible garden showcases corn used in the recipe, along with pecans, collards, jalapeños and potatoes. The Cider House garden features lemons for the scones as well as apples and field greens. There’s a guava plant in the garden adjacent to La Isla Fresca where the Tres Leches cake is served with a sweet guava sauce. Asparagus grows right next to the Bauernmarkt in Germany where it’s served in the chicken fricassee. Each plant is clearly labeled for easy reading. “Some of the fruits and vegetables are seasonal, so you may not see them in bloom or ready to harvest all the time,” says Disney horticulturist Heather Will-Browne. “We have unusual vegetables like soybeans, pigeon peas and chayote in the gardens that we planted from seed and just have to patiently wait for them to grow throughout the festival.” Right now, for instance, arugula is in its full leafy splendor, but as the festival runs through May 30, it may not fare as well in the heat. “But we try to keep the plants growing as long as we can,” says Will-Browne. You’ll always see citrus, onions and tomatoes, for instance. “We hope that our guests will see plants they might not have seen before,” says Will-Browne. As you make your way around World Showcase Lagoon, check out these crops growing in each of the edible gardens that correspond to the food being served in the Outdoor Kitchen: Urban Farm Eats: watermelon, arugula, carrots, potatoes, soy beans, green beans, onions and tomatoes. Fleur De Lys (France): oranges, grapefruits, rosemary, parsley and onion. Hanami (Japan): coconut, red cabbage, mangos, pineapple, strawberries, soy beans. Jardin de Fiesta (Mexico): jalapeños, cilantro, lime, avocado, onions, hibiscus. Lotus House (China): guava, peaches, ginger, tea, strawberries, oranges. Pineapple Promenade: pineapple, sugar cane, lemons, taro, Australian violet. Morocco: mint, cucumber and tomatoes. Bauernmarkt (Germany): peas, asparagus, paprika, potatoes, leeks and mint. Intermission Café: grapes, greens, tomatoes and cucumber. Primavera (Italy): lemons, tomatoes, olive tree, oregano, rosemary and spinach. SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue & Brews: pecans, cabbage, collards, corn, jalapeños and potatoes. La Isla Fresca (Caribbean): guava, mangos, pigeon peas, chayote squash, papaya, lime and cilantro. Cider House (United Kingdom): apples, lemons, field greens. For more details on the festival, go to FreshEpcot.com. View the full article