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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

As a former middle-school teacher, I know there is nothing more rewarding than seeing students excited about what they are learning in the classroom. This past weekend I had the chance to relive a bit of that classroom magic thanks to a Disney Performing Arts Workshop surprise visit by Corey Cott, former star of the Disney on Broadway production, “Newsies”! Corey Cott’s connection to Disney Performing Arts began as a high school student back in 2008, when he attended the “Disney Sings” workshop at Walt Disney World Resort— a workshop that allows students to immerse themselves in Disney vocal performance magic. Since then, Cott officially joined the Disney family when he played the lead role of Jack Kelley in “Newsies” on Broadway from 2012-2014. During a recent family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, Cott’s Disney experience came full-circle when he surprised high school students from J.M. Tate High School in Cantonment, Fla. with a special visit during their “Disney Sings” workshop at Epcot. He shared his Disney story, as well as tips for students considering a career in performing arts. Cott also explained that his affinity for Disney played a significant role in his aspiration to perform. In fact, he loves Disney so much that he spent his honeymoon at Walt Disney World Resort in 2013! And, signed up his whole family – including himself – to run in the 2016 Disney Princess Half Marathon with his wife while here on vacation. It was a special moment, watching the students’ eyes light up as Cott shared his experiences and encouraged them to follow their dreams. Moreover, it is always a joy to have Disney Performing Arts alumni return to share their story with future performers of the Arts! Each year thousands of students participate in Disney Performing Arts programs at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For more information about Disney Performing Arts, please visit DisneyPerformingArts.com. View the full article

Are you familiar with the handy-dandy Disney Gift Card wristlets that are so popular during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Food and Wine Festival Disney Gift Card Wristlet These wristband-meets-mini gift cards were introduced years ago for ease of use while visiting the Festival’s Marketplace Booths. Rather than digging in your wallet for cash or a card to pay for your items while trying to balance a couple of small plates and a beverage, these little guys allow you to simply strap your form of payment on your wrist, making transactions at the booths that much easier. Well, they’re available for purchase for use at the Outdoor Kitchens for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, too, which in ON right now through May 30th. But here’s where the new Flower and Garden Festival gift card trumps even the Food and Wine Festival version: this year, it’s SCENTED. ©Disney Breathe in the fragrance of oranges with every stop at an Outdoor Kitchen with the new scented gift card on your wrist. This will likely pair nicely with a stop at the Pineapple Promenade for a Pineapple Soft-serve topped with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, don’t you agree ? Dole Whips with booze at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival You can find this particular gift card all over Epcot throughout the Festival, and at some of the nearby Epcot area Resorts like the BoardWalk Inn and Yacht & Beach Club. It can be activated with a $15 amount (or higher), and though it’s designed with transactions at the Outdoor Kitchens in mind, it can be used just like any Disney gift card for regular purchases all over Disney property. Enjoy the smell of oranges while taking in all the sights and tastes at the 2016 Flower and Garden Festival! Will you be picking up a scented gift card for your visits to the Outdoor Kitchens? 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! 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Menus! News! New Booths and Eats at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival News! ALL FOOD PHOTOS for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! View the full article

Green beers and corned beef and cabbage will be aplenty for the start of St. Patrick’s Day next Thursday. But anyone looking to go Irish extra early can attend the week-long Mighty Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs, starting this Friday. Mighty Festival runs Friday,... View the full article

If you're in the mood for a juicy turkey leg, you're out of luck at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. The theme park is no longer selling the jumbo item, which has garnered an urban myth and a fan following that strong enough to inspire a T-shirt sold at Walt Disney World. The turkey legs remain... View the full article

Disney Vacation Club 25th Anniversary Meet-Up | Walt Disney World View the full article

We told you that the Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover are coming to Walt Disney World Resort this summer. Now you can actually buy your tickets for the Olympic-style event featuring injured active duty and former military veterans from around the world. Tickets are on sale now and there are several options available. Single session tickets: Adults: $18 Children (ages 3-9), seniors (60-over) and military personnel: $13 Children under 3: free Opening Ceremony tickets: Adults: $65 Children, seniors and military personnel: $45 Closing Ceremony tickets will be available at a later date. The five-day event will involve more than 500 injured military veterans competing for their countries in 10 events ranging from track and field to wheelchair tennis to swimming. There will also be elaborate opening and closing ceremonies for the 15-nation event that runs May 8-12 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event will be televised live on the ESPN family of networks with more than 40 hours of coverage, starting with the Opening Ceremonies. The Invictus Games, the vision of Prince Harry, made its debut in 2014 in London. Those Games featured a variety of international dignitaries including First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden along with Prince Harry, who are all confirmed to attend this year’s event as well. This year’s Invictus Games are the first to be held in the United States. Are you planning to be there? If so, you buy your tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets or go to www.invictusgames2016.org/tickets. View the full article

Anyone who has spent time in the parks on a chilly day has had the craving for comfort food to warm you up. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite eats (no reservations required) around Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park that will keep your warm and ready to play in the parks. Disney California Adventure Park Chicken Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta – Campanelle pasta tossed in a sun-dried tomato cream may just be the ultimate cheesy, creamy comfort food on a cold afternoon. Chicken Verde, Cozy Cone Motel – Chicken and salsa verde, topped with queso fresco served in a bread cone make a perfectly portable warm bite. Veggie Tater Bake, Flo’s V8 Café – Warm up inside Flo’s V8 Café with this vegetarian-friendly bake with bulgur wheat, roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes topped with cheddar cheese and served with fresh fruit. Asian Rice Bowl, Lucky Fortune Cookery – Choose from chicken, tofu or beef served with steamed rice, seared Asian vegetables and your choice of sauce: mandarin orange, spicy Korean, Thai coconut curry or teriyaki. Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Pacific Wharf Café – Whether you select clam chowder, broccoli and cheese or the seasonal variety of soup, you can’t go wrong. Bavarian Pretzel, Sonoma Terrace – A warm Bavarian-style pretzel served with your choice of whole-grain Dijon mustard or spicy honey mustard is a perfect pairing with a craft brew. Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa, Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop – This decadent hot cocoa is topped with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a square of delicious Ghiradelli milk chocolate. Disneyland Park Jambalaya, French Market Restaurant – French Market Restaurant is a great place to get some Creole comfort food, our favorite is the jambalaya, a seafood, chicken and Andouille sausage stew over Louisiana rice. Chili in a Bread Bowl, The Golden Horseshoe – Topped with cheddar cheese, you can’t go wrong with warming up inside The Golden Horseshoe with a bowl of chili and a laugh. Jolly Holiday Combo, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café – Practically perfect in every way, this toasted cheese sandwich paired with tomato basil soup is tastier than a spoonful of sugar. Fried Chicken, Plaza Inn – Plaza Inn has several home-style meals that are sure to warm you up, but I can’t resist the classic fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes, green beans and a buttermilk biscuit. Forest of Endor Pasta, Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port – Lightspeed to Endor! This Casarecce pasta is piled high with smoked cremini mushrooms, kale, broccolini, cannellini beans, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, tossed in garlic oil and topped with freshly grated Romano cheese. Gumbo, Royal Street Veranda – Enjoy this New Orleans favorite, available in both steak and vegetarian varieties, served in a delicious bread bowl. Baked Potato, Troubadour Tavern – Hearty and filling, choose from the bacon and sour cream-stuffed potato or the broccoli and cheese-stuffed potato. Beignets and Caffé Mocha, Mint Julep Bar – Piping hot beignets covered in powdered sugar are best on cool, crisp days—especially paired perfectly with a caffé mocha or cappuccino. What is your favorite way to warm up on a chilly California afternoon? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Just ahead of the opening of “Captain America: Civil War,” the First Avenger is making a triumphant return to the Disneyland Resort. Captain America will begin making appearances next month at Disney California Adventure park. Also swinging in to join Cap on his latest mission in Hollywood Land will be everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. With this move, we can also tell you the last day to experience Super Hero HQ in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park will be Saturday, April 2, so be sure to stop by before then if you’d like to suit up at Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries or journey across the Bifrost for an encounter with the Mighty Avenger at Thor: Treasures of Asgard. Look for Spider-Man and Captain America at Disney California Adventure Park beginning April 3, and you can catch Steve Rogers in “Captain America: Civil War” in theaters in 3D on May 6, 2016. View the full article

Get ready for a new "DuckTales." The series will debut next year on Disney XD. Disney released the first image from the series. The animation will be new, but the characters will be familiar: Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, and Donald Duck. The first "DuckTales" ran from... View the full article

Stop and smell the roses or satisfy your taste buds while donning this orange-scented mini Disney Gift Card with an exclusive Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival design. With this new festival-themed design, the mini Disney Gift Card has all the functionalities of a regular Disney Gift Card, with the added convenience of wearing it around your wrist. Enjoy the sights and scents of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival while purchasing foods that highlight the taste of spring at the Outdoor Kitchens. Activate your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and conveniently pay for food and more. Your Disney Gift Card can even be reloaded as many times as you wish at the majority of festival locations. When the festival is over, you can continue using your card since, like all Disney Gift Cards, it’s good for practically all things Disney here at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. The festival-themed Disney Gift Card is currently available throughout Epcot as well as at surrounding Walt Disney World Resort hotels including Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels while supplies last. View the full article

Florida’s corn season falls right in the middle of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – but even if you live where corn is a summer treat, you’ll enjoy this recipe from THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, one of the 13 Outdoor Kitchens at this year’s festival that runs through May 30. This Roasted Corn Salad is served with smoked pork ribs, but you could also serve it with grilled fish or roast pork – or all by itself. At the festival, pair it with Uncle Matt’s Organic Grapefruit Pale Ale or Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, both on tap at THE SMOKEHOUSE. Along with lots of new tastes around World Showcase Lagoon, the sheer splendor of thousands of blooms takes Epcot to a whole new level of beauty. Check out the first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries that feature Donald’s nephews inspired by a 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden” (at the park’s front entrance garden). Take time for a free gardening seminar or two, then end the day at a Garden Rocks concert in America Gardens Theatre. For more information about the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, go to FreshEpcot.com. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Roasted Corn Salad Serves 4-6 8 ears corn, still in husks 1 fresh poblano pepper 2 jalapeños, diced 1 small red onion, diced 1 sweet red pepper, diced 1 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste For roasted corn: Pull outer husks down ear to base. Strip silk by hand, then fold husks back into place. Soak ears of corn in cold water with 1 tablespoon salt for 20 minutes. Heat the grill or griddle pan to medium. Remove corn from water and shake off excess. Place corn directly on grill, turning every few minutes until kernels are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. Remove from grill, remove husk, and cool completely. Cut kernels from cobs. For roasted poblano: Heat a grill or griddle pan until very hot. Place whole pepper on cooking surface and cook until skin is completely charred and flesh is soft, turning often, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from grill and cover so that peppers will steam for 10-15 minutes. Peel skin, remove seeds and dice. For Roasted Corn Salad: Combine corn, poblano, jalapeños, red onion, and red pepper in a medium mixing bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice; stir in cilantro. Pour over vegetables, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. View the full article

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters is now open at Disney California Adventure park! For this special celebration, a brand-new song was created for our favorite Fiat – voiced by “Cars” star Tony Shalhoub. Go behind the scenes with Tony and Walt Disney Imagineering in the video below! Join the party with Luigi’s cousins in the backyard of his Casa della Tires on your next visit to Cars Land. View the full article

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 Braves, according to NPR. Sports photojournalist Christopher Horner from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review... View the full article

It takes a village to raise a flower bed, or at least a determined crew of Disney workers with green thumbs. At least that's the impression you get when you watch the time-lapse video Disney released of the overnight construction of the entrance topiary display for the 23rd annual Epcot International... View the full article

Some of my favorite merchandise created by the Disney Theme Park Merchandise team features artwork inspired by classic attractions, themed lands or icons found at Disney Parks. Here are a few images of new or upcoming products that I love! The second wave of salt and pepper shaker trash cans was recently released at Disney Parks. You may recall the first wave was introduced in 2014 at Disney Centerpiece in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs Marketplace. This new wave includes trash cans that resemble actual trash cans found in the Fantasyland Area at Disneyland park or at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Later this summer, you’ll find holiday ornaments that also resemble these trash cans. You can get a glimpse of them in this Disney Parks Blog Unboxed video from last December. A map with icons and attractions from Disneyland park or Magic Kingdom Park are featured on a bowl and 7-inch plate. Soon, guests will find matching kitchen towels and a salt and pepper shaker set. I love the four new Hanes Comfort-Blend tees that have vintage artwork from themed lands at Disneyland park. The artwork includes “Walt Disney Productions,” which the name of The Walt Disney Company before it was changed on February 6, 1986. Finally, there are four open edition pins which I thought were neat. The two pins that sparkle were inspired by pins created for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. The other pins two feature the Walt Disney World Railroad and the Hatbox Ghost from The Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland park. Look for these pins in the coming months. You may be able to find select items via the Disney Parks online store. I always check the “New Arrivals” page each week to see what has been added. Another option for purchasing select items is using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app which you can download by visiting http://www.DisneyWorld.com/Shop. Which items are your favorites? View the full article

Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first Disney resort hotels I ever stayed at. I remember visiting when I was a tween and thinking it was an absolute paradise! And it does look pretty dreamy in this week’s “Morning” photo. What’s your favorite part about spending a vacation here? View the full article

Last week was a pretty big week for Disney Springs – not only were plans unveiled for more than 30 new shops and dining locations for the area’s Town Center, but Disney Springs also welcomed a brand new marquee water tower that will serve as the property’s entrance gateway. Take a look at the video above, in which our Walt Disney Imagineers take you behind the scenes to show how the tower was designed in a way that adds to Town Center’s theming. Would you believe that designing and constructing the Disney Springs water tower required contributions from more than 20 different disciplines at WDI? What has been your favorite addition to Disney Springs so far? Tell us in the comments section below. For the latest Disney Springs Food & Beverage or Merchandise news, see the list of stories below. Disney Springs Continues to Expand, Nearly Doubles Dining and Shopping Experiences New Acts Bring Fresh Energy To La Nouba By Cirque Du Soleil The Ganachery Chocolate Shop Now Open at Disney Springs Rick Bayless to Open Tablas Frontera Restaurant at Disney Springs New Restaurant For Celebrity Art Smith Coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2016 The ‘Disney and Vans’ Collection is Available at Curl by Sammy Duvall at Disney Springs World of Disney Expands in Disney Springs Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort All in the Details: Putting the “Springs” in Disney Springs View the full article

Tickets for the Invictus Games at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports went on sale Monday. The games for injured, ill and wounded active and retired military members are scheduled from May 8-12 and will feature teams from 15 countries, including the United States. Athletes will compete in archery,... View the full article

How can you possibly improve upon a Dole Whip in Disneyland?! We recently heard about a Disneyland Hack that might just make this must-have treat even more desirable, and our Disneyland guru Heather Sievers headed over to investigate! Dole Whip with Tajin Yep — Disneylanders in the know are dousing their dole whip with Tajin®! But this add-on isn’t on the menu. Let me give you a little step by step… Step 1: After you get into Disneyland, do NOT get your Dole Whip first! Stop by Tropical Imports — home of better-for-you snacks like whole fruit — in Adventureland. (Bonus points for spotting Pluto for the 2016 Egg-stravaganza!). Tropical Imports Step 2: Grab yourself a packet of Tajin® Clasico Seasoning. (It’s free!) Tajin® Seasoning Powder Packets Tajin Seasoning — this could be you Step 3: Next stop? The Tiki Juice Bar, to grab a Dole Whip… or two! Dole Whips at Tiki Juice Bar Step 4: Make THIS happen… Tajin® Dole Whips Voila! What makes it work? Well, if you’re not familiar with Tajin® Powder, it’s a fruit seasoning made with ground chili peppers, salt, and dehydrated lime juice. It’s good for both savory and sweet dishes, but most often specifically noted for enhancing the flavors of fruit. Disney World visitors may already be familiar with it thanks to La Cava del Tequila, where it is used for the rim on a few of their specialty margaritas, like the Maelstrom, Tamarind, and Blood Orange Margaritas. So, what are you waiting for? Hop to it, my Disneyland friends! Would you like to try a Tajin® Dole Whip? 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: Dole Whips, Dole Whips, Everywhere… Disney Food Pics of the Week: Dole Whips! Hidden Dole Whips? View the full article

Time Lapse: Huey, Dewey & Louie | Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival View the full article

2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival | Walt Disney World View the full article