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Hey! Wanna hear how you can get a discount on your next cuppa or bag of Joffrey’s coffee purchased from any Joffrey’s Location in Disney World? Joffrey’s Coffee in Disney World Well, just follow these easy steps! One: Just like the card below says, text the word COFFEE along with your email addy to 21333. That’s how you’ll receive your mobile discount for 20% off your purchase, as well as Joffrey’s newsletters where you can read about all the latest coffee and tea happenings (plus discounts) at Joffrey’s. Joffrey’s Coffee Discount Information Two: Simply present your mobile coupon to the Cast Member assisting you to receive your discount (or, in the case of Tea Trader’s Cafe, Cast Member AND Teasmith!). Teasmith at Joffrey’s Tea Traders Cafe I’m channeling my inner radio announcer to let you know that Msg and Data rates may apply, as the card states. Also, please note that the discount excludes alcoholic beverages (yep, those are available at select Joffrey’s Kiosks throughout Disney World, too! FYI and all ). So, be sure to follow the steps above to save a little dough on your next caffeine fix in Disney World. Enjoy! Have you visited a Joffrey’s Kiosk or Tea Trader’s Cafe in Disney World? 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: Cupid’s Kiss Latte at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks in Disney World News! Joffrey’s Coffee Named As Official Disney Coffee Provider Happy National Coffee Day! Three Unique Ways to Enjoy Coffee at Disney World View the full article

Ever since Li Xing's son saw Disney's "Zootopia" two weeks ago, the 7-year-old from Tianjin, China, has been obsessed with getting his own Nick Wilde, the red fox con artist at the heart of the movie. "The kids wouldn't shut up about it. All they talk about is that film and the fox," said Li. "I... View the full article

When guests enter the gates of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, they are met with a scene based on a 1943 Donald Duck comic book. The scene, based on "The Victory Garden," is made up of topiaries of Huey, Dewey and Louie, along with their Uncle Donald and Daisy Duck. Bringing... View the full article

A new Lego Minifigure series features classic Disney characters and Pixar favorties. The new series will release May 1 and will be available at toy stores and Lego Stores nationwide, including the Lego Store at Disney Springs. Each figure will retail for $3.99 each. The 18-figure collection was... View the full article

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on the hunt for a good Cheese Danish. Learn About: Cheshire CafeMagic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And why is that? Well, because one of my favorite treats — the Biggest Cheese Danish You Ever Did See — may soon be losing its home, and I don’t know what’s going to become of it. You see, it’s located at one place, and one place only… the Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Trouble is, that location is closing to make way for construction of the new lands coming to the Studios: Toy Story and Star Wars. (While the spot may have a brief respite, we can’t believe it’s long for this “World” in its current state.) While the other signature snack at Writer’s Stop — the Carrot Cake Cookie — is (and hopefully will remain) available at Sweet Spells, I know of no other home for the monster-sized Cheese (not to mention Apple and Cherry) Danish you can find there. So, yeah… I’m on a hunt. And it’s led me to another park entirely: Magic Kingdom. Welcome back to the Cheshire Cafe in Fantasyland. Cheshire Cafe Sign You remember Cheshire Cafe, right? It was a pretty low-key locale until the arrival of Gourmet Cake Cups — a heavenly cupcake-meets-parfait-meets-mountain-of-frosting that — for reasons we’ll never understand — is no longer served here. Cheshire Cafe These days it still serves its old standbys like muffins, Frozen Lemonade Slushes, and… well, whaddya know? A Cheese Danish. Cheese Danish sign at Cheshire Cafe I know — it doesn’t sound all that exciting. But I’m on a mission here, folks. So let’s see how this one stacks up! Cheese Danish Honestly, at first glance it almost resembles a flat cinnamon roll more than a Cheese Danish. Cheese Danish and Cinnamon But it does have its pros: like my beloved Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop, this one is twisted with cinnamon and sugar between the layers. The pastry is soft and buttery. And it gets a point or two for the generous icing drizzle. Icing and Cheese Filling But the heavy vanilla cream cheese center sinks to the bottom of the snack, and while it’s that same delicious sweet and cheesy mixture, there just isn’t as much as I wish there was. Plus, it’s on the smaller size, making it far less… you know, epic. Cross-Section of the Cheese Danish It’ll do for a quick morning munch at Magic Kingdom, but for the time being, my quest is still very much on. If you have a favorite cheese danish in Disney World, let me know in the comments below! Want to Spend Your Snack Dollars Wisely in the Magic Kingdom? We can show you how! Our 2016-17 edition of the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks is now available! This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! Get yours today for 20% Off with code MAGIC16! Plan your Magic Kingdom snacks now! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book 2016-17 Edition includes: Full-color photos of over 180 Magic Kingdom snacks Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status. Don’t waste those snack credits!! Snack locations “Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely known Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks Tips and tricks from experienced snack eaters Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?) Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving! Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad! DISCOUNT ALERT! To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for 20% off its purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now. To secure the discount, use code MAGIC16 at checkout. Will you be trying the Cheese Danish from Cheshire Cafe? Leave us a comment and tell us your thoughts! 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: Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: NEW Gourmet Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe First Look!: Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe Photos and Menu View the full article

Make time on your calendar to meet the artists behind the magic and take part in special artist showcases and events taking place this April at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 20 – 24: Celebrate Earth Day with some of our favorite nature-inspired product offerings! Pick up some plant stained stationery from Boiled Books or watch the Fairy House Ladies build whimsical creations at Island Mercantile. Visit Mombasa Marketplace to find some of Jortra Boutique’s handmade jewelry, made with coffee beans, cantaloupe seeds, and orange peels or start growing your very own plumeria plant from Just Plumerias. Learn more. April 22: Meet Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive, Joe Rohde, who will be on hand to sign his artwork, created for the Disney Conservation Fund Reverse the Decline Initiative. Joe will also sign the new Disney Conservation Fund coffee table book that he contributed to. Look for Joe to appear from 1 – 2 p.m. at Discovery Trading Company (previously Disney Outfitters). Learn more. Disney Springs April 15 – 17: Join us as we welcome ACME Archives artist Rob Kaz who will be on hand for special appearances and signings of some of his latest Star Wars releases from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more. April 16: Meet artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of her newest releases, among other favorites, from 4 – 8 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more. April 22 – 23: Take part in a special Disney artist showcase with Costa Alavezos, Tim McCloskey, Randy Noble, Don “Ducky” Williams, and Darren Wilson, as we celebrate the release of some of their latest works of art. Meet the artists, April 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. and April 23 from 4 – 6p.m. at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Tip: Please note Randy Noble will only be appearing on April 22. Learn more. April 27 – May 1: Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace, with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m., each day. Learn more. April 29 – 30: This Mother’s Day give the gift of PANDORA! Join us for a special launch at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace and take time to meet with bracelet builders who will help you make such a memorable gift last a lifetime. Epcot Continue to grow your collection at the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival now through May 30! This year’s artisan showcases at the Pergola’s include Boiled Books, Growmanji, Elemental Nursery, EyeCatchers, Haf2Paint, Reinhard Herzog, Just Plumerias, Noah’s Ark Topiaries, Petal Pushers, Rinse Bath & Body Inc. and Swaying in the Breeze. Learn more. April 1 -3: Join us for Art in the Garden as we welcome Disney inspired artists for special appearances and signings throughout the weekend including Disney Design Group artists, Disney Fine Art Collectors Editions, David E. Doss, Larry Dotson, Fairy House Ladies, Reinhard, Herzog, Greg McCullough, and William Silvers. Be sure to click on “learn more” for a complete list of artists, signing times and locations. Learn more. April 6 – 10 and April 26 – May 1: Artist David E. Doss returns to the Art of Disney. Meet David and see his collection of artwork from 1 – 9 p.m., each day. Learn more. April 8 – 9: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the stunning sterling silver jewelry designs available at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more. April 8 – 10 and April 21 – 23: Stop in and check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representative Isis Sio from noon – 7 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more. April 18 – 21: Geir Ness will be on hand for a special appearance as he showcases the latest from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection. Meet Geir, noon – 6 p.m., each day, at The Puffin’s Roost in the Norway Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more. April 21 – 24: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney and add some of his latest pieces to your collection. Learn more. Which special appearances are you most excited to attend? View the full article

Attention agents! We have an update on Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot. Instead of using a F.O.N.E., (Field Operative Notification Equipment), guests now have the option to play the game using their own personal smartphone. In case you aren’t familiar with this game, guests of all ages can join Agent P (a.k.a., the secret-agent alter ego of Phineas and Ferb’s pet, Perry the Platypus) to help thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daringly evil plots “around the World” – Showcase that is. Guests get started by visiting a recruitment center at Odyssey Bridge or near the International Gateway to pick up an interactive handheld device to guide you on your mission. Missions will direct you to one of the following international pavilions: Mexico Pavilion China Pavilion Germany Pavilion Japan Pavilion France Pavilion United Kingdom Pavilion Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is included in the price of theme park admission. Have you played the game before? Which international mission was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section below! View the full article

The Disney Theme Park Merchandise event team has some very special artist appearances scheduled for the month of April at the Disneyland Resort. Take a look and be sure to mark down on your calendar the ones you don’t want to miss! Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park April 1–30: The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner. Satisfy your appetite for merchandise when you stop by one of our festival locations. This year’s commemorative merchandise includes apparel, a baseball cap, stem glassware, an appetizer plate, potholder, dish towel and aprons. Passholders, keep an eye out for a specially created tee made just for you! Tip: Look for special appearances and signings throughout the festival time period. Learn more here. April 15-16: Meet best-selling author Ridley Pearson and celebrate the release of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets. Ridley will on hand to sign copies of his latest book at the following locations. Learn more here. April 15: Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park, 1–3 p.m. April 16: Disneyana in Disneyland park, 9–11 a.m. Downtown Disney District April 2-3: Meet artist Ann Shen, who will be on hand to showcase some of her latest works of art at WonderGround Gallery. Ann will appear April 2–3, 23–24 and May 1 from 2-5 p.m. each day and on April 30 from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here. April 16: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take home a special hand-printed piece from the innovative team (and husband and wife duo) of Hero Handmade Goods. Elizabeth Manos Brickey and Mark Brickey will be on hand for special appearances and signings from 2-5 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery. April 16: Best-selling author Ridley Pearson will make one more appearance with a special signing opportunity at of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets from 2–4 p.m. at World of Disney Store. Learn more here. April 30: Celebrate with us as we welcome Chris Uminga for a special artist showcase from 3–5 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery. Learn more here. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Jeff Granito. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: April 8–9, 15–16, 23, 29–30 and May 1 from 6–10 p.m. each day. Learn more here. Which event or artist showcase are you the most excited to attend? View the full article

Behind the Scenes: Epcot Flower & Garden Topiaries | Walt Disney World View the full article

How many of you have taken your photos (selfies?) in front of the nephews topiaries at the Epcot entrance? Our horticulture artists and experts worked almost half a year to bring Huey, Dewey and Louie to life in greens and flowers. Here’s a look at how they did it: Donald and his nephews, Mickey and friends – 70 character topiaries across Epcot – are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Your tastebuds will spring to life with offerings from more than a dozen Outdoor Kitchens. Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone hits the America Gardens Theater stage this weekend in the Garden Rocks concert series. This weekend is also our Art in the Garden Weekend. “Plein Air” artists capture nature in their creations. One-of-a-kind Disney works of art will also be on display within the World Showcase from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To learn more about our Fun Fresh Weekends, check out FreshEpcot.com. View the full article

Oh, could it be?!? Has the Writer’s Stop been given a second chance?! Learn About: Writer’s StopDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World Restaurants If you follow Disney news, you’ll likely recall the announcement that the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show attraction will give its final performances on April 2nd in order to make way for construction of the future Toy Story and Star Wars Lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was subsequently announced that some of the eateries in the same Streets of America section of the park where the attraction is housed would be closing along with it as well. These include Studio Catering Co. and High Octane Refreshments as well as my much-beloved Writer’s Stop. Home of the famous Carrot Cake Cookie, I also loved Writer’s Stop as an often quiet respite from a busy park. So, though it wasn’t exactly a surprise when its closure was announced, I — like many other like-minded fans — was saddened by the thought. Writer’s Stop But it’s possible that there is some VERY good news! According to the folks at wdwmagic.com, Writer’s Stop may remain open for “a limited time” beyond April 2nd! Changes, however, may still be in the works, as they also shared that the menu will be revamped a bit. While still serving their usual coffee and bakery treats (which would include, we would hope, the Carrot Cake Cookie), it seems charcuterie and a cheese plate will be up for grabs, as well as alcoholic beverages. Carrot Cake Cookie at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Pretzels may also make the cut. And while that may sound like small news compared to the other additions, it’s quite welcome considering that we don’t know if the Pretzel Garden will find another home in the Studios after April 2nd. There may be more to the story yet, though… wdwnt.com is also reporting that Writer’s Stop will remain open for a time after April 2nd. However, they anticipate that it will serve as more of a lounge for guests waiting for their tables at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Will Writer’s Stop, then, only be available for guests with an Advance Dining Reservation at Sci-Fi? Or will a portion of it remain available for folks coming in and out in hopes of snagging one last look at the classic location before the limited-time run is over? With April 3rd fast approaching, the answers should come to light soon. Either way, there are LOTS of changes in the works, my friends! But hopefully we’ll at least be able to enjoy the special spot that is the Writer’s Stop in some shape or form for at least a little while longer. We’ll see… . Sources: wdwmagic.com and wdwnt.com Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios News and Review! Writer’s Stop Debuts Mickey Macaroons! Review: Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

ESPN2 will broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies of the Invictus Games at Disney World, along with televising a daily show from 7-8 p.m. for each full day of the games, it was announced Tuesday. The Invictus Games, the only international athletic competition for wounded warriors, is set... View the full article

Last week, actor Bob Saget and his daughter Jennifer Belle Saget fueled up on family fun during their visit to the Disneyland Resort. While cruising through Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, the two made a pit stop at the Cozy Cone Motel for a fun photo with Lightning McQueen! View the full article

Like most of us, I grew up with a love of LEGO play. Until my now 5-year old niece came along, I had nearly forgotten how much fun it was to create a brand new world using nothing but your imagination and those perfectly crafted plastic bricks. (It all came back to me during her first visit to Downtown Disney about three years ago – The LEGO Store was among her favorite spots!) I was thrilled when I found out that LEGO would be debuting their first-ever Disney character collection of Minifugures in May. Eighteen new Minifigures will soon be available for purchase at a variety of retailers including World of Disney and The LEGO Store here at Disney Springs with a suggested retail price of $3.99 each. I can’t decide which one I want to play with first, though Stitch, Minnie Mouse and Captain Hook are all in the running! Which of the new Minifigures tops your “must-have” list? View the full article

Spring is in the air and no doubt many of you are already planning your summer vacations to the Walt Disney World Resort. Is Space Mountain on your must-do list? Jason “Tiki” Tackett just shared his latest desktop/mobile wallpaper, which was inspired by the attraction. Fun! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

This post is part of the DFB #OnTheList series, where we feature eats you’ve GOT to have while you’re at Disney! Let us know what’s on YOUR Disney Food Bucket List @DisneyFoodBlog #OnTheList! So, what’s #OnTheList this week? Why, it’s a breakfast item that is worth waking up early for every single time… … because nothing says “Good morning!” quite like a plate full of MICKEY WAFFLES!! You can find them everywhere from Table Service restaurants and buffets to Counter Service spots galore. And that’s a very good thing, since this breakfast classic is considered by many as the ONLY way to start a Disney vacation day. You’ll find Mickey Waffles most often served in their signature, smaller size. Signature Mickey Waffles But you just might be able to score a JUMBO Mickey Waffle at a few spots! Jumbo Mickey Waffle Those on the hunt for somewhat healthier fare should keep their eyes peeled for Multi-Grain Mickeys here and there (like this batch below from Grand Californian’s Whitewater Snacks in Disneyland Resort — you can also find them at The Wave’s almost-famous breakfast buffet in Disney World). Multi-Grain Mickey Waffles Of course, you could always go FULL ON dessert-for-breakfast with the specialty Mickey Waffles at the Roaring Fork in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Chocolate Lovers Waffles Strawberry Waffles It’s the Bananas Fosters Mickey Waffles for me every time. Bananas Foster Waffles Which, of course, reminds me of the Jumbo Mickey Waffle with Banana Caramel Sauce at Contempo Cafe… . Jumbo Mickey Waffle with Caramel Banana Sauce Sure, you can spot character waffles from time to time featuring other Disney pals, like the Lion King Waffles, which have been served at Boma. Lion King Simba Waffle And Stitch has been known to appear on a waffle or two during the Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana. Stitch Waffles at ‘Ohana But while switching it up can be fun, we’re always just a little partial around here to any food with EARS. Mickey Waffle! If you’re Disney travels take you well outside of Walt Disney World or Disneyland and you have a hankerin’ for this morning tradition… well, don’t you fret! Because if you’re traveling to just about any Disney destination, a Mickey Waffle is never far away. Just check out the sign for the Great American Waffle Co. in Tokyo Disneyland! Mickey Waffle Sign And don’t forget to pick up a Strawberry & Custard Sauce Waffle while you’re there! Strawberry & Custard Sauce Waffle No matter what size you get ‘em, how you top ‘em, or where you eat ‘em, Mickey Waffles are always known for being nicely brown and crisp on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside — as tasty as they are downright cute. Pile o’ Mickey Waffles Heck, no one should be without a Mickey Waffle… not even our furry friends . Mickey Waffle Dog Chew Toy From life-size Mickey Waffle magnets, to air fresheners, to Mickey Waffle t-shirts, there are many ways to show the world how much you love them! Mickey Waffle Magnets Mickey Waffle Air Freshener And don’t forget to make your own at home with a specialty Mickey waffle maker! Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker And we’re doing our part here at the DFB by giving Mickey Waffles a spot on our Disney Food Bucket List! So we salute you, Mickey Waffle, for making the most important meal of the day quite possibly the most fun, too! Where is your favorite spot to grab the iconic Mickey Waffle? Let us know in the comments below! What’s On YOUR Disney Food Bucket List? Mickey Waffles are featured on the DFB Disney Food Bucket List — #OnTheList! Check out the list for more must-eats, and tweet, instagram, and Facebook your Disney Food Bucket List items @DisneyFoodBlog with #OnTheList! 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: Mickey Waffles The Wonderful World of Mickey Waffles #OnTheList: Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar View the full article

D23 Expo 2017 will kick off July 14 at the Anaheim Convention Center, bringing all of the worlds of Disney together under one roof. The three-day event will celebrate new Disney ventures and what's to come for theme parks, television, music, gaming and films, including studio properties Pixar,... View the full article

Spring is finally here, and after a long winter in much of the country, many Disney Parks guests are daydreaming about warm-weather activities. The Disney Parks Moms Panel has received quite a few questions about pools and water parks on property. We rounded up a sampling of tips from the Panelists about enjoying water activities. Gina from Ohio is planning a summer visit with four boys of varying ages, and wants to know which water park she should check out. Our UK-based Moms Panelist Emma not only provided details about the water parks, but also recommended a couple of unique aquatic activities while there, see more here. Karen from North Carolina was visiting Disneyland for the first time, and trying to decide which resort was the best fit for her upcoming trip. Panelist Courtney gave her personal take all three resorts, including a nod to the themed pools and waterslides at each, see more here. Guest Sandra wanted to know if she could reserve seating at the Walt Disney World water parks, and Korliss provided details on both reserved cabanas and umbrellas at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, see more here. Morgan from Vermont is traveling to Walt Disney World with a toddler and looking for splash pads. Panelist Rachel offered a list of every resort with a splash pad, to help make the guest’s decision easier, see more here. View the full article

D23—Disney’s official fan club—has just announced the dates for the next D23 Expo: July 14-16, 2017! So mark your calendars for the Ultimate Disney Fan Event’s return to the Anaheim Convention Center. All of Disney’s wonderful worlds—including Pixar and Star Wars—will come together once again with star-studded presentations, dazzling exhibits, unique collectibles and, of course, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You may remember that at D23 Expo 2015, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts gave guests an exclusive look at Shanghai Disney Resort, broke news of the Toy Story-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, debuted the model for Pandora: the World of AVATAR, and—in perhaps the biggest news coming out of the event—announced that Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts would both be receiving Star Wars-themed lands. Guests will be in for another amazing weekend when D23 Expo returns. Tickets for the event will go on sale this summer on July 14 (one year in advance of the event). Stay tuned for more details! View the full article

Everyone’s favorite rock super star, Steven Tyler, came to Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday to celebrate his birthday with friends and family. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”? Steven’s been working on a new country music album set to release later this year. His second single, “Red, White & You,” just released in January. Thanks to photographer David Roark for the great shot! View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas View the full article

Spring is in the air at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts! The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is days away. Lots of exciting things are happening with Disney Parks Food & Beverage, so let’s get into the March edition of Best Bites. Oasis Bar & Grill has opened, serving Polynesian-inspired menus to guests of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Tasty snacks like Malasadas (a Portuguese confection coated in sugar) and delicious entrees like a Teryaki-glazed Angus Chuck Burger, Spinach and Watermelon Salad with Grilled Chicken and Grilled Sustainable Fish Tacos are served poolside. There’s also a full bar offering a wide range of tropical cocktails, Hawaiian beer, wine, sodas and teas. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, many of the kiosks have gotten new names and a few new menu items. We love the Smoked Cheddar Grits with pulled pork and bread-and-butter pickles from The Smiling Crocodile. Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, some tasty new menu items have been added to Flame Tree Barbecue. Look for a Full Rack of St. Louis Ribs, a Roasted Chicken with Mixed Greens Salad, a delicious salad with pecans, apple wedges and cheddar, a Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork Sampler entrée served with jalapeno cornbread, slow-baked beans and coleslaw in addition to a new side—French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese. Additional dates have been added for Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Added dates include: March 24-29, April 14-17, May 5-8, June 16-19, July 1-4, August 11-14 and September 1-5. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Have you heard? There’s a sweet new way to view ‘World of Color – Celebrate!’ at Disney California Adventure park. The World of Color Dessert Party takes place nightly, giving guests a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a decadent dessert plate while taking in spectacular views. Reservations are available by visiting Disneyland.com/dine or calling 714-781-DINE. The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is only days away – have you booked your premium experiences yet? Space is limited for Celebrity Kitchen and Beverage Seminars, learn more or make your reservation by visiting Disneyland.com/foodandwine. IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot has a new addition to its lineup of sweet treats and sparkling wines. In addition to traditional baklava from Morocco, pistachio cannoli from Italy and more, there is now a nacho bar. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café in Magic Kingdom Park has added a finger-lickin’ good Beef Nachos and a Southwest Burger topped with Pepper Jack cheese, served with a side of tortilla chips to its menu. Eye-Haw! Also in Magic Kingdom Park, Casey’s Corner has recently started serving your favorite dogs like Barbecue Slaw and Chili-Cheese which are now available in foot-long size in addition to the standard size. Batter up! Additional dates have been added for Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, extending Saturdays until May. Learn more about the devilishly fun experience here. Reservations are now open for Mother’s Day dining at Disneyland Resort. Look for special menus and offerings at Carnation Café, Blue Bayou Restaurant, Goofy’s Kitchen, Steakhouse 55 and Disney’s PCH Grill. Did you know there are three festival-exclusive brews at this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? Look for Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout at THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Feast to Flowers Farmhouse Ale by the Florida Beer Company and Sea Dog Acai Hefeweizen at Florida Fresh. The festival is taking place now through May 30. New Disney owned and operated locations including D-Luxe Burger and Amorette’s Patisserie are coming soon to Disney Springs. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details about these new eateries! Are you dining at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort next month? Where are you looking forward to eating? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

UPDATE: Disney “The Jungle Book” Special Advanced Screening has reached capacity and confirmation emails are being sent. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events! You’ve seen the amazing trailers and sneak peek at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and now I’m excited to tell you that your chance to see the new Disney film, “The Jungle Book” is here! Disney Parks Blog readers have been invited to attend a special advanced screening of the film here at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at the Disneyland Resort on Saturday, April 2. Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), 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. Can’t make it to the special advanced screening? Then be sure to catch Disney “The Jungle Book” when it opens in theaters on April 15, 2016. Join us the evening of Saturday, April 2! Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following: All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests of the participants may be younger than 18. Limit one guest per registrant. Event confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Participants will be responsible for any parking fees. This is a pre-release screening of the movie. Please note that cameras, smartphones and other recording devices will not be permitted in the theater and security will be present to check these devices. The movie is rated PG. Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), the Disneyland Resort, their affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras and phones) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to WDSMP, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice. View the full article

Yesterday we launched ticket sales for Shanghai Disneyland and the response was tremendous – we had more than 5 million hits on our official website in less than half an hour! Looking forward to welcoming our first official guests on June 16! To learn more about Shanghai Disney Resort and plan a visit, click here. View the full article

In this week’s “Disney Doodle,” artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Yzma and Kronk from “The Emperor’s New Groove” would do if they visited Magic Kingdom Park. In this doodle, the pair explore a whole new mountainous territory at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. View the full article