Disney4me

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

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