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Could resort fees be coming to Walt Disney World hotels? Disney has sent out a survey to some visitors about potential $15-per-night fees that would cover Disney Magical Express, MagicBands, priority Fast Pass resort planning, Extra Magic Hours, parking and Wi-Fi. Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger... View the full article

Prices for the Disney Dining plan have increased. The increases are about 3 percent for adults and 9 percent for children. The new prices are as follows: Quick-service dining plans are $44.13 per night for adults and $19.04 for chidlren. Regular dining plans have gone to $63.70 per night for adults... View the full article

Becoming a master sommelier is a daunting task, and, according to the Court of Master Sommeliers, there are just 230 in the world – and one is Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept and Development director for Disney Parks & Resorts, based at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney has more sommeliers than any company in the world. To become a sommelier, there are four levels: Introductory Diploma; Certified Sommelier Diploma; Advance Sommelier Diploma, and Master Sommelier Diploma. At Walt Disney World Resort, more than 1,000 have been accredited since 1997 (mostly at the Introductory level). Koziol is the only Disney Master Sommelier. At Disneyland Resort, 378 have gone through the program since 1997, most at the Introductory level. At Disney Cruise Line, 250 have achieved the Introductory level since 2000. We asked Koziol these 9 questions about the Disney sommelier program. Why is a sommelier an important part of the dining experience? With all the diverse wine lists we offer in our Disney restaurants, the guests have many choices. The sommelier offers knowledge that enhances the dining experience. Some of our restaurants feature boutique wines . . . South African wines . . . products our guests may not know. Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, for instance, has an all-South-African wine list, and at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the wine list is all from the Pacific Northwest. The sommelier can help guests find a varietal, wine style or vintage that most matches something they are familiar with, and provide insight. What’s a Disney restaurant where you might not expect to find a sommelier – but you will. A sommelier is a wine steward, a trained knowledgeable wine pro. We have wine professionals in many of our table-service restaurants with Introductory Diplomas – if there’s a comprehensive wine list, there’s likely a Certified Level wine steward certified by Court of Master Sommeliers. Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a casual family restaurant where you might be surprised to find a certified sommelier – but we have one on staff. What role do you play in the training of the sommeliers? I help facilitate training at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Yearly we bring people together to receive certification and I lead that program. This year we’re establishing the new Flavor Lab at Walt Disney World Resort as the hub for future training. How does a sommelier enrich a guests’ dining experience? Our guests are well traveled and sophisticated and love to have a good conversation about wine. Once cast members go through the training, they gain a great appreciation for beverages and take more personal pride in sharing the diversity of offerings. You are enlightened as you dine. What’s involved in the training of a sommelier that makes it such a specialty? At the entry level we establish a foundation for how grapes are grown and wine is produced. We give a worldly tour of major wine-producing areas around the world, highlighting specific attributes that make each one different. We taste 22 wines blind using the Court of Master Sommelier’s deductive tasting method. It’s not only about wine; we cover beer, cocktails, spirits and sake. Everything goes back to an ability to articulate what makes an area or product special and how it can work with food and be served. The program becomes more intensified at every level, and the bar for a master sommelier is so high – the depth of knowledge and professionalism makes it very challenging. For me, it was a 10-year journey to Master Sommelier. How does training happen at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line? We’ve started training in the new Flavor Lab test kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort – but training doesn’t just happen in a classroom, it has to happen daily. Every day in our restaurants our managers and service staff are sharing knowledge about beverages in their program. At Walt Disney World Resort we have a lot of curiosity from national importers, wineries — people love to come to Florida to share their stories, so our cast members learn from the best-of-the-best wine experts. What’s the next Disney dining experience on the horizon where sommeliers will be integral? Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom opens this year, and will feature South American and South African wines in a program that is special – we don’t have another one like it at Disney. The program will focus on environmentality: producers that focus on sustainability, organic wines, and bio-dynamic viticulture. Environmentality is a core value at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this beverage program helps showcase that value. Can any Disney Food & Beverage cast member participate in sommelier training? Yes, the entry-level certification is open to all Disney Food & Beverage cast members — Catering, Concierge, finance leaders who want to learn more than just the numbers analytics. Even cast members in Purchasing have taken the program. As long they work in any aspect of Food & Beverage, we embrace them. Red or white? Do you have an all-time favorite wine? It depends on the day. I love wines from Piedmont, Italy, right now. But that could change – but Piedmont red varietals like Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto have a sense of soul. View the full article

Who’s up for some CHURROS? Learn About: Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and CafeMagic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants We sure are! (Then again, when aren’t we?!) So our Magic Kingdom stop today is Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland! Perhaps you were expecting a visit to the Frontierland Churro Cart or the Storybook Pretzel Cart? Fret not, you can still find them there, along with Mickey Pretzels and cold drinks to wash down your snack of choice. But when the menu at Pecos Bill’s underwent a complete change from burgers-and-fries to Mexican fare, Churros suddenly appeared as a dessert option here as well (along with some no-longer-available Sopaipillas). The take is a bit different, though, at the Tall Tale Inn, so we’re here to have a peek… and a bite or two, of course . Here we go! Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Of course, Churros have been a long-time favorite of ours (and possibly yours, too). They’re a go-to snack for many guests in both Disney World and Disneyland. So it wasn’t a huge surprise to spot Churros on the updated Pecos Bill menu. Pecos Bill’s Menu What was less expected, perhaps, is the style in which they’re served. Churros from Pecos Bill’s Just as a reminder, a typical churro is a single-serve stick. Regular-sized Churro in Disneyland Here at Pecos Bill’s they’re mini churros! And they taste every bit as delicious — fried to a nice crisp on the outside and coated in cinnamon sugar. I counted ten of them in my order (and methinks they actually add up to be a little more than a typical Churro as well as a slightly larger batch compared to the Churro Bites I was served at Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure). Mini Churros A side of Milk Chocolate Dip comes with your order to add a little extra sweetness, if you prefer. (The Chocolate Dipper is sold separately at the Churro Carts for a buck, so the inclusion here means that the $4.99 price tag at Pecos Bill’s is equal to what you would pay for a regular-sized churro with the dipping sauce added). Milk Chocolate Dip Though small, they have the same crunchy outside and chewy inside that you would expect. Cross-Section of a Mini Churro The bite-sized presentation makes these a great option for sharing, and you get just a wee bit more of that famous cinnamon sugar, since each piece is individually coated. Plus you’ve got the the handy option for an air-conditioned and storied setting inside the Tall Tale Inn. So grab a seat, or take a batch along to continue your Frontierland stroll. Either way, it’s a tasty way to sweeten up your visit! Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in the Magic Kingdom! Want the skinny on more (like, 180 more!!) great snacks in the Magic Kingdom? You’re in luck! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks 2016-2017 Edition has just been released! 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! 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 of our favorite 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! 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 stopping by Pecos Bill to grab these miniature Churros? 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: New Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! News: Burgers (Well, One) Back on the Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Disney Drinks in Boots (and a Review of the Latest from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe) View the full article

Atlanta Braves Spring Training has officially kicked off at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex! Whether you are bringing the kids to enjoy a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar or attending with adult friends to enjoy a beer, the games have something for everyone. Besides the ice cream and food offerings, there are other great reasons to bring the family to a game. Kids can run the bases at Champion Stadium following each game. That’s right, they can actually run on the field right after their favorite baseball players step off it! Also, at the beginning of each game a “Junior Announcer” and “Honorary Ball Boy” are selected to assist with official Braves duties. The “Junior Announcer” has the opportunity to introduce the players to the entire stadium for a full inning. The “Honorary Ball Boy” gets to run the rosin bag out onto the mound. Individual Spring Training game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (407) 939-GAME, visiting Ticketmaster.com or at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. For additional information on tickets for single games and season tickets, please visit here. Do you have plans to attend a game? Join the fun using the hashtag #BravesAtDisney on @DisneySports Twitter and ESPN Wide World of Sports on Facebook. View the full article

Two characters from the Disney-Pixar film "Inside Out" are joining the meet-and-greet lineup at Epcot. Disney World guests will be able to encounter both Joy and Sadness at the Character Spot, beginning in April. The meet-up area, located on the west side of the park's Future World, has long been... View the full article

Waves of New Awards | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Middle ground on theme-park turkey legs is difficult to find. It appears to be a love-them-or-always-leave-them situation. The issue bubbled up again this week Disney World confirmed it had removed the jumbo snacks from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Although they continue to be available at the other... View the full article

More details have been released about the Rivers of Light show coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom -- this time with an in-depth look at the lanterns. "The show starts out like an ancient and timeless lantern celebration, but then of course with some Disney magic and a little innovation the show... View the full article

Last month marked the first birthday of our beloved white rhino Kiama, who you can often see on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna. Many of you, our Wildlife Wednesday readers, voted to name her Kiama shortly after she was born. Today, some of our keepers jokingly refer to Kiama as the princess of the savanna. That’s because Kiama’s mom Kendi is the most dominant rhino on the savanna, and all the other rhinos know better than to mess with her daughter! Kiama gets away with behavior others might not, such as head-butting other rhinos as they are resting, exuberant romping and lying down on top of the rhinos’ hay (their meal!) to snooze. Although she’s still a young rhino, Kiama weighed in at about 1,350 pounds during her one-year checkup with our veterinarians. That’s nearly 10 times what she weighed at birth, but just 25 percent of what she will weigh as an adult! She has the build of a bulldozer and the temperament of a puppy. Kiama eats about 3.5 kilograms of timothy hay each day, which is nearly 8 pounds. Our Animal Nutrition Center Cast Members also prepare nutrient-rich meals specifically for her. On the savanna, she often grazes on grasses or hay with Kendi. You can identify Kendi by her beautifully long horn that curves upward. Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same as your hair and fingernails. Some mistakenly believe the horns have healing power, which has made them valuable on the black market. In South Africa alone, poachers kill three or more rhinos each day. In the wild, white rhinos are considered semi-social. Females typically live in pairs – just mom and her most recent offspring. Because of the vast space we have on our savannah, we can manage multiple rhino pairings successfully, and they coexist in loose associations with each other. As Kiama grows, she is becoming more independent and confident. You might see her leave her mom’s side to romp around and play a game of sparring with Harmon, her young half-brother, or chase some of the other animals that live on the savanna, particularly bontebok, ostrich and zebra. The next time you visit, be sure to keep an eye out for Kiama, Kendi and the other rhinos wallowing in the mud, grazing or resting comfortably … unless Kiama starts head butting again. View the full article

Epcot Character Spot, located in the heart of Future World at Epcot, is being expanded to give you an opportunity to meet even more of your Disney friends. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy are on hand in their cartoon clubhouse of the future, happy to take a break from creating their latest innovation to make new friends or welcome back old pals. Across the way, you can also step into a makeshift robotics workshop and spend time with Baymax, everyone’s favorite personal healthcare companion from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Big Hero 6.” And beginning next month, Epcot Character Spot will provide direct access to Headquarters, where you can meet Joy and Sadness, two of the Emotions who help guide Riley through life in the Disney•Pixar film “Inside Out.” On the way to Headquarters, you’ll journey through Riley’s long-term memory, catching a glimpse of her Islands of Personality before joining Joy and Sadness at the console. Epcot Character Spot is definitely shaping up to be a prime location for creating unforgettable memories with classic Disney characters. Who are you most looking forward to seeing? View the full article

These days, lots of Disney World guests make a beeline for the nearest Starbucks on property to get their morning caffeine fix. Learn About: Territory LoungeDisney World Restaurants Epcot’s Fountain View, Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, Animal Kingdom’s Creature Comforts, and the Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios are understandably popular spots — especially in the early morning park hours. But if you’re someone who stumbles to the coffeemaker first thing in the morning before you can form a complete sentence [sits at computer, points to self] and you happen to have a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in your future, you might be interested to learn about Territory Coffee Company. You may already be familiar with the Territory Lounge in Wilderness Lodge. It’s one of our absolute favorite Disney bars thanks to some really great noshes and cozy atmosphere. Territory Lounge But with a typical opening time of 4:30 pm, this beautiful space sat empty most of the day until last summer, when the Territory Coffee Company opened for what was originally a test run. Sign pointing guests to Territory Coffee Company It must have been successful, because it’s been up and running since, and I recently had the occasion to start my day at Wilderness Lodge and check it out at long last. As expected for an already-established space, the set-up is pretty much the same for this makeshift coffee shop as with the lounge, with the exception that there aren’t any candles on the tables lending to the typical evening ambience. Territory Lounge Also, it’s a counter service operation in the morning. Just stroll up to the bar, place your order and be on your way, or sit and relax a while. Espresso Machine converts the Lounge into the Coffee Company While there are a few eats up for grabs, it’s simple fare similar to the grab-and-go options you’ll find next door at Roaring Fork: pieces of whole fruit and croissants, muffins, and the like. The main draw, of course, is coffee, and you’ll see your choices listed on the menu propped on the bar. Most of the items are self-explanatory, with the exceptions of a few specialty beverages unique to the setting like the Gold Rush Latte (a vanilla latte with caramel), and the Wilderness Bark Latte (a chocolate-hazelnut latte). Territory Coffee Company Menu When I asked the Cast Member about the Wilderness Bark Latte specifically, he said he loved it, but also made sure to inform me that its nutella-type flavor was really strong. You had me at “nutella,” my friend. Here it is! Wilderness Bark Latte… cup ;) OK, yeah… so that’s just a cup ;). But I wanted to show that the size of the specialty beverages is 16 ounces. No Grandes, Ventis, mediums, smalls, etc. One size fits all. And, NOW here is the coffee… at least the top of it . Wilderness Bark Latte What you’re seeing next is my attempt to swirl around the drink enough so you can notice the lighter cocoa-colored brown as opposed to a darker coffee brown. Basically, the predominate flavor was the chocolate and hazelnut while the espresso — though definitely still tasty and present — made up the background and aftertaste. Wilderness Bark Latte It really was like drinking nutella, except it tasted much better than the idea of that sounds ;). It was quite rich, and I thought it was seriously yummy. That said, those who prefer a more robust coffee flavor may want to stick with one of the non-flavored espresso options. I really enjoyed the drink, but my favorite part of the experience was having Territory Lounge — err, Coffee Company — practically to myself! Morning at Territory Coffee Company Peaceful Morning at Territory Coffee Company There were a few other guests in and out, but I still think folks hardly know this spot even exists, and those who did enter left with their coffee in hand. It was pretty much me, my coffee, and all the Mickey cartoons I could hang around to watch! Mickey on TV Mickey and Minnie Which, as it turns out, is a pretty rad way to start the day. Of course, you can still fill up your Refillable Resort Mug or purchase a regular coffee at Roaring Fork just down the hall. But if you’re looking for a little vacation splurge in a unique and surprisingly calm atmosphere before a busy park day, consider a stop at the Territory Coffee Company, open from 7:00 to 11:00 am. It may be just what you need, to keep you from feeling like this… “Bear with me, it’s morning” Wilderness Lodge Mug Front of Wilderness Lodge Mug Wishing you a Magical Day from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Will you be stopping for your morning cup o’ joe at Territory Coffee Company? 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: News! Territory Lounge Coffee Shop at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Guest Review: Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Review: Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort View the full article

Downtown Disney District was the site this morning for the USA Gymnastics announcement that the 2017 P&G Gymnastics Championships – the national championships for men’s and women’s gymnastics will – for the first time – be held in Anaheim, August 17-20, 2017, at Honda Center. Legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi was on hand for the announcement in front of Downtown Disney District guests, along with local officials and 2012 Olympian Sam Mikulak, 2004 Olympic all-around champion Carly Patterson and 2012 Olympic team gold medalist Kyla Ross. Karolyi and the athletes also paid a visit to Disney California Adventure park to talk about the championships and sample the newly opened Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters attraction. Fans can secure tickets for the 2017 Championships by visiting www.PGChamps.com or by calling 714-940-2859. View the full article

Aloha awakea, Disney Parks Blog readers! This is the appropriate Hawaiian greeting for the middle of the day. You may remember in my last post, I shared how there is a Hawaiian greeting for different times of the day. As we continue the “Aloha All Day” series, today I’ll share a few things to experience in the late morning to early afternoon at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! As the sun starts to position itself above you and we approach the middle of the day, there are so many areas to explore throughout Aulani’s Waikolohe Valley. Maybe a lazy stroll, or meandering ride along Waikolohe Stream is more your style in the late morning. As you relax in your innertube, keep an eye out for various animals carved into the lava rock walls along Waikolohe Stream and within Pu‘u Kilo, the lava outcropping. Grab an interactive handset from the Pau Hana Room and set foot on the Menehune Adventure Trail. Even though it’s the middle of the day, the trail is an engaging way to experience some of the mischief and riddles left behind by the Menehune from the night before. After all, Menehune are mischievous, often playful, little laborers. One of my favorite surprises is a special appearance from a mo‘o, a gecko! All of that adventure and exploration in the midday sun is bound to work up an appetite for a cold treat! Stop by The Lava Shack for some pineapple soft serve. I enjoy mine swirled so I can enjoy a bit of vanilla and pineapple in every bite. For a more local treat, head over to Papalua Shave Ice. My suggestion – li-hing mui, liliko‘i and pineapple flavors with ice cream at the bottom of the shave ice cup. Yum! Treats and some early afternoon fun in the sun – can it get any better? Well of course it can! Pick up an Aulani popcorn bucket from Ulu Cafe. When you’re through enjoying the popcorn inside, the bucket doubles as a sand castle mold—perfect for a visit to our lagoon! I can’t wait to hear your favorite things to do during the awakea at Aulani! View the full article

'Rivers of Light' Lanterns - Behind the Scenes | Disney's Animal Kingdom View the full article

So, you’ve likely heard the news that the official debut for the Rivers of Light Evening Spectacular coming to Animal Kingdom is set for April 22, 2016! Yay!! The Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale street parties are also in the works, as well as a chance to see the Tree of Life “awaken” in the evenings. And of course, we can’t wait for the arrival of Signature Dining at Animal Kingdom with Tiffins, and the accompanying Nomad Lounge. Disney’s Animal Kingdom So, yeah. LOTS of good and exciting stuff on the way to Animal Kingdom! But have you heard what’s GONE from this transforming park? JUMBO TURKEY LEGS. Jumbo Turkey Leg That’s right — this iconic Disney Park snack can no longer be found at this particular Disney Park. Once located at Trilo-Bites, its most recent home at Animal Kingdom has been Flame Tree Barbecue. But alas, no more… No more Turkey Legs at Flame Tree Barbecue Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ve gotta recognize that Jumbo Turkey Legs are such a park staple that they’ve been honored on T-shirts, air fresheners, wallets, hats, and a little-too-authentic-looking magnet. Turkey Leg Magnet Lots of new dishes are hitting the scene, though, at spots like Pizzafari (a new Shrimp Flatbread, for one) and Flame Tree Barbecue (including a Ribs, Chicken, and Pork Sampler), and a souped-up toppings bar at Restaurantosaurus. So will one of these dishes fill the Jumbo Turkey Leg void? Only time will tell… in the meantime, if you’re on the hunt for a Turkey Leg, you’ll want to hit up spots like Epcot’s Fife & Drum Tavern, Magic Kingdom’s Prince Eric’s Village Market, and Toluca Legs Turkey Co. in Hollywood Studios. What do you think of the removal of Turkey Legs from Animal Kingdom? 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: Snack Series: The Disney Jumbo Turkey Leg Where to Find Food from Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue During Refurbishment Review: Fruit Plate with Honey Yogurt at Flame Tree Barbecue in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Moments ago during our #DisneyParksLIVE stream, we shared a new behind-the-scenes look at the Animal Spirit Guide floats that will serve as a guiding force in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first night-time show, “Rivers of Light.” We wanted to share the video with you again right here, so you can head “backstage” again to see how these amazing floats were created. The show celebrates the magic of nature coming to life and starts with an ancient lantern festival that draws out four Animal Spirit Guides – an Elephant, Owl, Tiger and Turtle. These animals take shape as larger-than-life lantern floats, some of which measure 15-feet-tall and 30-feet-long, and were designed to look as if they were created centuries ago. As you can see in the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, with Michael Curry Design, used innovative LED technology to illuminate the animals from within that suggests not only color, but changes in movement as the show progresses. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on this amazing show! See the posts below for more about Rivers of Light: 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’ New Details Released on ‘Rivers of Light,’ Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

UPDATE: The live chat has concluded. Click below to replay the video. We’re happy to welcome Entertainment’s Michael Jung and Mark Renfrow to today’s #DisneyParksLIVE Chat on “Rivers of Light.” The chat will begin at 1:15 p.m. EST. To give some background, “Rivers of Light” will be Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first-ever night-time show and will be an experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney Park. The show will combine live performances and floating lanterns with water screens, swirling animal imagery and more. Michael and Mark are part of the Entertainment team that has worked on the project for more than two years and will be happy to answer your questions on what it’s like to build a show for a Disney Park, “Rivers of Light” theming, music, animal-inspired elements and much more. To submit a question, please do so in the comments section below. We’ll get to as many questions as possible. View the full article

It’s been way way WAY too long since I last took in a meal at Narcoossee’s, one of the signature restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. (With three signature restaurants at that resort, it’s hard to get to all of them on a regular basis! So much rich, wonderful food — SO expensive!) Learn About: Narcoossee’sGrand Floridian Disney World Restaurants The restaurant has topped our list of Disney Food News for a couple of brand new offerings lately. You can now enjoy Sunday Waterfront Brunch here. And soon, you’ll be able to take in an evening Wishes Dessert Party from the dock nearby. But during a recent (extremely quick!) visit to Walt Disney World, I decided it was time to enjoy dinner here once again. The fairly small restaurant, perched on the edge of the resort where water meets land, boasts stunning views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a seafood-inspired menu. But it tends to be overshadowed by other signature spots, like the nearby California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. And so it largely flies under the radar. My question is always this: in a resort that has two other signature restaurants, is there room for a third? Read on to learn more about our evening here. Atmosphere If you’re heading to Narcoossee’s, be prepared for a walk. This is that circular building on stilts that juts out into Seven Seas Lagoon next to the dock at Grand Floridian, so it’s far far away from the entrance to the resort (but a quick walk from the boat dock if you’re coming from Magic Kingdom). Grand Floridian Once inside, there’s a small waiting area. You’ll also see the exhibition kitchen to your left, where the staff is busily prepping for the evening’s meals. Exhibition Kitchen The restaurant is octagonally-shaped, presumably to maximize waterfront real estate. The dining area occupies the outside edge closest to the water, while the sunken center is given over to a bar area. An atrium bathes murals and the rest of the area in natural light during the early hours of the evening. Atrium Over the Bar Around the front, you’ll see comfortable seating, and every table has a water view. Chairs have patterned seatcovers, and tables are covered elegantly — not in white, but in deep blue. It makes for a striking contrast with the white trim and light wood, and makes it a bit more casual. Seating The seating and the shape of the restaurant all lend themselves to taking in the view of Seven Seas Lagoon and the other Disney Resorts surrounding it. Seating and View While there is seating on both the inside and outside of the main aisle through the restaurant, the second level is raised, so that it still offers a good view. Seating on Second Level Looking Down to Main Floor The view here also affords a decent view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks — albeit from the side. That little purple dot at the lower right hand corner of the picture is the castle ;-D Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees During our visit, we also watched as a Disney chef consulted with a guest about the menu, most likely regarding food allergies or intolerance. This is standard practice at Disney World. If you have a special diet of any kind, the chef will gladly come out to discuss with you. Chef Discussing Menu with Guests Eats While seafood and fish figure prominently on the menu of Narcoossee’s, there’s also an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Appetizer Menu — Click to Enlarge I also noticed that the menu included not just wine pairings, but beer pairings for every dish and course. Menu — Click to Enlarge Something else I’ve recently noticed — some signature restaurants are offering Enhancements. These seem to be a combination of a la carte add ons, like Crab Legs, and dressed up sides, like Lobster Mac and Cheese. Menu “Enhancements” — Click to Enlarge My friend and I decided to start our meals with a glass of wine. We both chose the 2014 A to Z Oregon Riesling. A to Z Riesling We enjoyed sipping the off dry wine as we began our meal. (Please excuse the camera lens!! Ha ha!) Pouring the Wine With our wine, our server brought fresh, warm Bread accompanied by Butter sprinkled with Sea Salt. (And, can I just say, I genuinely feel that it should be protocol to bring a little individual butter dish for everyone at the table. How luxurious to have your own sea salted butter to indulge in during the evening. I’m sure they’d comply if I asked.) Bread and Butter While we skipped salads and soups, we couldn’t quite resist the draw of Narcoossee’s Artisanal Cheese Platter. Selections included, from left to right, Caceria Valdeón, a creamy blue cheese from Spain; Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor, an artful combination of ripened goat cheese and black truffle; Petit Agour, a raw sheep’s milk cheese crafted in the French Pyrenees; Beecher’s Flagship Reserve Truckle, a muslin-wrapped cheddar, rubbed in butter and aged for up to one year; and Fromage d’Affinois de Brebis, a soft-ripened sheep’s milk cheese with an edible, bloomy rind. This was, as always, wonderful. The sizes of the cheese offered one or two bites each for both of us. And don’t forget that you can also order this for dessert if you’re so inclined. Cheese Plate Since I’m not a big fan of fish or seafood, I went with the Black Angus New York Strip for my entree. I usually get the filet here, but I wanted to mix it up a little bit! The perfectly-grilled steak was accompanied by Boniato Potato Mash and Organic Green Beans. It was finished with a Red Wine Oxtail Reduction and Herb Butter. As you can see — it was done to the perfect medium rare temperature, and it came plated cut in two this way, which was interesting. The boniato mash is becoming a staple on more and more menus at Disney World, and had a silky texture. The beans were crunchy and buttery. I didn’t waste any time digging in with this one. Black Angus New York Strip My friend opted for the Key West Shrimp and Garganelli Pasta. The dish combined Wild Florida Shrimp, Spinach, Oven-Roasted Tomatoes, Basil Pistou, Comté Cheese, and Chardonnay-Garlic Cream Sauce. There was so much flavor in the dish that my friend couldn’t stop raving. The tanginess from the tomatoes and bright flavors of the Chardonnay reduction balanced well against the rich sauce, and the cheese offered a complexity that made this more than just another creamy pasta dish. Besides, the spinach totally made it healthy. Right? And extra points for local, wild shrimp! Key West Shrimp and Garganelli Pasta We made sure to save a little room for dessert, though! I usually enjoy their Almond-Crusted Cheesecake, but this time, I decided to change things up a bit again. Anything lemon usually piques my interest. So I went for the Lemon Custard, which was served as a tart on top of a little shortbread cookie and accompanied by Lychee Sorbet and a Raspberry-Mandarin Foam. The tart was a lemon custard, but it was topped with a dollop of Lemon Curd. And I love me some lemon curd. This was fine, but not something I’d need to order again. Lemon Custard We also tried the Honey-Pecan Tart with Pumpkin Butter. Although we were dining during Winter, I thought it was interesting that a pumpkin dessert was still on the menu (it’s still there as of press time in fact). While this was good, we didn’t feel that there was anything particularly special about it except that it looked like they made the garnish by pressing white chocolate onto bubble wrap?! Honey Pecan Tart And with that, we wrapped up our dinner and we were off to enjoy the Main Street Electrical Parade! Overall Narcoossee’s is a charming place to dine and I think it definitely has a place in your Disney Restaurant Playbook. For starters, we dined early in the evening to take advantage of the light (for photos, of course), but also so we could make it to Magic Kingdom for the evening. I had absolutely no problem scoring a very last minute advance dining reservation there. I’ve also enjoyed later reservations here. Watching Wishes from the outdoor deck, or even from the dining room, is always something special. Also, I have never had a bad meal here. And consistency is always a good thing. If you’re looking for good food, serene surroundings, and lovely views, check out Narcoossee’s. I think you’ll be pleased. Is Narcoossee’s on your list of Disney Dining Favorites? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts 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: Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Review: Dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review: Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort View the full article

The beloved Disney animated series "DuckTales" is getting a reboot, and this week Disney gave us the first image from the upcoming Disney XD show. The image shows Scrooge McDuck driving a jeep through a jungle with his grandnephews Huey, Duey and Louie. Donald Duck is holding on to the roof of... View the full article

In this week’s “Disney Doodle,” artist Ashley Taylor imagines what buddies Ralph and Vanellope from “Wreck It Ralph” would do first if they visited Magic Kingdom Park. No doubt, Vanellope would head straight for the Tomorrowland Speedway to start their day off with a rush of excitement. View the full article

Last week I gave you a look at some of the new menu items at Palo, our signature adult-exclusive restaurant aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships. These new menu offerings expand on the superlative dining experience and delectable cuisine with authentic Italian recipes, ingredients and time-honored techniques. Culinary connoisseurs seeking an epicurean journey at sea will delight in the Esperienza del Vino wine pairing menu. Featuring six courses, each expertly paired with a glass of wine or spirit, the pairing menu boasts all-new dishes for a fresh take on a guest-favorite experience. The evening begins with savory coppa (thinly sliced cured pork neck) on dressed fava beans, garnished with sharp Pecorino cheese and micro celery. A refreshing Venetian Bellini made with sparkling Prosecco, ripe white peaches and a hint of raspberry is a fitting aperitif. With appetites whet and palates prepped, four courses follow: gnocchi with nutty cep mushroom sauce; poached white asparagus with smoked anchovies, quail egg and truffle oil; sea bass with spinach and buckwheat. The finale of the savory dishes is beef striploin—aged for 25 days, seared and roasted with rosemary—thinly sliced and served with dressed arugula. Samples from Italy’s renowned vineyards highlight each course, aptly selected to amplify the senses. In order: Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvee Brut, a rich blend of 30 distinctive wines; dry, flowery Elena Walch Gewurztraminer from the northern province of South Tyrol; La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi Black Label, crisp and acidic with undertones of almond and lime; and full-bodied Antinori Tignanello Marchesi, a potent Tuscan red with notes of spice, fruit, oak, licorice and rosemary. A decadent denouement comes in the form of creamy mascarpone mousse, enclosed in a delicate white chocolate dome and served atop fluffy rhubarb and grappa sponge cake in a bed of sweet consommé jelly. The dish is elegantly garnished with a floral and fruity flourish, and a soft Alexander Platinum Grappa leaves only satisfied sighs in its wake. Buon appetito! View the full article

There's no denying that the force is strong with Orlando-based games manufacturer Victory Tailgate. Not satisfied with college and professional athletic logos, the company is now cranking out Star Wars themed tailgate games, which is licensed through Walt Disney Co. So, in addition to a UCF Knights... View the full article

Update: The father-son duo seen in the video has given an interview to Fox 35. Click here to read more. One quick-thinking fan was able to save a boy from being hit with a baseball bat that had gone careening into the crowd during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta... View the full article

We’re excited to announce the award-winning Disney Parks Moms Panel website is new and updated with a fresh, re-imagined look and feel. The Moms Panel is the ultimate digital resource for planning your Disney vacation with helpful and heartfelt tips from panelists who have extensive knowledge and experience of our Disney vacation destinations. In addition to the clean and crisp look, the new site has improved navigation with stronger search abilities. This new search feature makes it much easier to locate answers and find relevant content to help with your vacation planning needs. As before, you can always ask your own question to the panel using the “Ask A Question” feature. Guest’s question run the gamut from seeking itinerary advice, to dining and restaurant tips, to traveling to the parks with all different age groups. The new site has an improved mobile version. So if you’re planning your vacation while on the go, you’ll find it much easier to navigate the site on your mobile devices. Don’t forget, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is available in four different languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Go check out the new Disney Parks Moms Panel and know they’re here to help you plan the most unforgettable, magical vacation ever! View the full article