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This week, we shared an exciting update out of Disney California Adventure park – Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, presented by Alamo, will open March 7. In this all-new attraction, Luigi turns the tire storage yard behind his Casa Della Tires into a dance floor. Erin told us that each dancing car will have its own high-spirited personality and signature dance moves. Visit our original post for more details and photos. We also continued our exclusive “All in the Details” series with a special look at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The “Grog Grotto” is the second location founded by the Jungle Cruise’s famed “head salesman”, Trader Sam. You can see some of Sam’s treasures in our original story. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto welcomes all guests from opening until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., only guests age 21 and older may visit. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. New Details Announced for Star Wars-Themed Lands for Disney Parks – During the “Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” special that aired last night on ABC-TV, we shared some exciting details about the Star Wars-themed lands planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Recipe for Ring of Fire Cocktail at Pink on the Disney Dream – The Ring of Fire is an elegant sampling of two incredibly tasty bubbly concoctions paired to create one unforgettable cocktail. And there are five different mixing combinations for your Ring of Fire tasting experience, including the Pomegranate Passion and Blue Angel. A Look at Star Wars Launch Bay Merchandise at Disneyland Park – Have you had the chance to check out Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland park? Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller has given you a look at some of the unique Star Wars products available at Disney Parks, and here’s a closer look inside the new merchandise location at the Disneyland Resort along with a few special tips to check out on your next trip. Celebrate ‘Zootopia’ with Specialty Offerings at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure Park – At Disney California Adventure park, we’re going wild preparing for the new “Zootopia” movie, opening in theaters March 4. Special Limited-Release Ear Hat Benefits Make-A-Wish ‘Share Your Ears’ Campaign at Disneyland Resort – Some of you may have seen fellow Disney Parks Blog author Kevin Rafferty’s recent post sharing the exciting news about the Make-A-Wish “Share Your Ears” campaign or even saw it featured on “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” last night on ABC. Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: February 2013 – This “Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule” is kind of a look back at looks back … in February 2013, we shared some fun vintage photos and revisited old friends. Take a look! View the full article

As regular readers know, it’s an exciting time to visit Disney Parks as new fan favorites come to life at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. New Star Wars experiences have already opened at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And, this year, several new experiences are expected to open on both coasts, such as the new Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure park and Epcot, a “Frozen”-inspired musical at Disney California Adventure park, new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot and a new stage show at Magic Kingdom Park. As you may have read in the news, the demand for Disney Parks continues to grow, particularly during peak periods. At the same time, we have an unwavering commitment to exceeding the expectations of all our guests. That is why we continue to expand our parks with new attractions like those noted above, as well as entire new themed lands based on AVATAR, Star Wars and “Toy Story.” It is also why we continue to look for ways to help spread out visitation. So, beginning tomorrow, we are shifting to seasonal pricing for 1-Day tickets. It’s an approach that you are probably familiar with from many other areas, including sports, entertainment and travel. How does it work? Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Here’s an example, if guests plan their visit for September, they’ll have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give them the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If they plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays, they will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day tickets and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value. Seasonal pricing for a 1-Day ticket and price increases for multi-day tickets go into effect at Disney Parks on Sunday, Feb. 28. You can check out our Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort pages for more details. View the full article

Walt Disney World will soon charge more for one-day visits – up to $124 at the Magic Kingdom – during the busiest times of year. Starting next week, Disney World will move to a tiered pricing system for one-day tickets. Disney will divide the calendar into value, regular and peak periods. Peak... View the full article

Vacation Packing Tips for Your Little Ones | Walt Disney World View the full article

No matter where you are in the world, you can help celebrate the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration and support Make-A-Wish during our #ShareYourEars campaign. For every photo shared on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – with the hashtag #ShareYourEars and featuring you, showing off your “Mickey Mouse Ears”, Disney Parks will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish up to $1 million. This Week in Disney Park Photos, we have an easy way for you to join us if you’re at the Disneyland Resort, if you don’t want to make your own: these special limited-release ear hats. They’re available at the following locations only: Disneyland park – Disney Showcase and Emporium Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co. Downtown Disney District – World of Disney Store As Michelle Harker told us earlier in the week, one hundred percent – yep, 100% – of the $19.95 sale price (exclusive of sales tax) of the ear hat in the photo above will be donated to Make-A-Wish. No discounts apply. Purchasing limits will apply. So, whether you already have your favorite set of ears, make your own, or grab one of these special limited-release ear hats, make sure you share your photo using the hashtag, #ShareYourEars from now until March 14th. Learn more at ShareYourEars.org to find out how to join us in helping wishes come true. View the full article

Rubin family truly proves that the Unforgettable Happens Here at Disney Parks. This video is the second in a series we’re sharing this week that profiles families who show how Disney Parks is a place where families make unforgettable memories together. In today’s video, we hear the story of the Rubin family. When the Rubins married a few years ago, the couple celebrated becoming a family by taking a trip – with their combined 11 kids – to the Walt Disney World Resort. See what their experience is like below. View the full article

Love Inspires Newest Act in La Nouba | Cirque du Soleil | Walt Disney World View the full article

We’re back at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, today! It’s one of our favorite stops for unique eats and yummo treats in the Magic Kingdom! But before we jump into our latest review, it is with a heavy heart that I share this news from our beloved Sleepy Hollow: The specialty savory waffle sandwiches — the Sweet and Spicy Chicken and the Ham, Prosciutto and Swiss — are no longer available. Womp, womp. Still available are the basic waffle options including the Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon as well as the Strawberries with Whipped Cream version. Also still on the menu is the popular Fresh Fruit (AND NUTELLA!!!!!) Waffle Sandwich. So…whew! Updated Sleepy Hollow Menu Nutella and Fruit Waffle Sandwich still on the menu! But with bad news comes good news…and a review of a fun seasonal item newly added this year! Black Forrest Waffle Sign at Sleepy Hollow We always enjoy keeping an eye out for seasonal and holiday influenced items because it gives us a chance to try something fun and unique. And the Black Forest Waffle is no exception! Black Forrest Waffle! This one doesn’t qualify as a snack credit, but for the $5.59 price it is a large and sharable item for sure. It’s on the menu for the Valentine’s Day holiday season, which means it’s outta here in March. So get yourself to the Kingdom ASAP! Chocolate Cake Waffles The chocolate-cake-flavored waffles are served warm and really do taste chocolate-y! Cross-Section of the Waffles Vanilla ice cream is sandwiched between waffles, and the whole thing is doused with cherry pie filling and whipped cream! Heaven. Vanilla Ice Cream Cherry Topping And in case this treat wasn’t pretty enough already: heart shaped red, pink, and white sprinkles! Heart Shaped Sprinkles! Super pretty, super yummy! I love the classic flavors in a new and unique food item. Overall We’re big fans of seasonal eats here at DFB, and this is a nice step up from the typical seasonal cupcake or cookie. For $5.59, you get a lot for your dough here — and it’s perfect for sharing! Oh, and we’ll be keeping an eagle eye on the menu here at Sleepy Hollow to see if there are any replacements for those savory waffle sammiches! Stay tuned! Which Magic Kingdom seasonal item is your favorite? 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: New! Breakfast Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow Review: Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream at Sleepy Hollow in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Review: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at Magic Kingdom View the full article

If you’ve sailed on Disney Cruise Line, then you know our Crew Members are nothing short of remarkable. What always amazes me the most about our Crew Members is not only are they dedicated to creating magical moments at sea, but they make magic happen off our ships, too! Each year, Disney Cruise Line Cast and Crew Members donate thousands of hours of their personal time (on their time off!) to give back to local port communities around the world. Here’s a great example. While the Disney Magic was in Port Canaveral preparing for the next sailing, a group of Crew Members stepped off the ship to support the Supply Zone for Teachers in Brevard County – a nonprofit resource center that provides free school supplies to teachers and students of the most economically vulnerable areas in the county. Many of the students in these areas come to school without even basic school supplies. Our Crew Members helped stuff backpacks with school supplies that will later be donated to teachers of students in need throughout Brevard County. With the help from our Crew Members, teachers will have easier access to the tools they need to help foster a positive learning environment for students. We’re grateful to our Crew Members for taking the time out from their busy schedules to help support this great cause! View the full article

As the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration continues until September 5, we will be taking a deeper look into the inspirations behind the three dazzling nighttime spectaculars that are featured during this special time. We recently chatted with Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, who gave us special insight into what inspired him and his team to create these shows – starting with “Paint the Night” parade! What influences from the original Main Street Electrical Parade can be found in “Paint the Night” parade? Steve: The use of light to create images that dazzle the mind was one key component and philosophy we kept from the original Main Street Electrical Parade. We then turned this inspiration on its head to develop new technology for “Paint the Night” parade. One of the most impactful visuals in “Paint the Night” parade is the moving light sculpture on the Mickey Mouse float. What was the inspiration behind this amazing visual? Steve: The sculpture for the Mickey Mouse finale was based on an amazing artist and innovative sculptor in Washington named Anthony Howe. We were looking for something unique for the Mickey Mouse float and when we came across Mr. Howe’s work, we were mesmerized. It was so beautiful and moving – truly a work of art! He had a fantastic way of moving sculptures we had never seen before. It danced and tricked the eye and really made you stare at to try and discover how this magical piece of art worked. When we thought out it in light, it became even more exciting … a beautiful, moving piece of art that could dazzle your mind. How did you choose the stories you wanted to feature in “Paint the Night” parade? Steve: We wanted a mix of old and new. The original version of the parade relied a lot on some of the older classics. For “Paint the Night,” we wanted to feature a lot of the newest Disney stories that our guests are in love with. Check back soon for more of our interview with Steve Davison. Next time, we’ll focus on “Disneyland Forever” fireworks! View the full article

Howdy Partners! If you’re looking for a new table-service dining option in Magic Kingdom Park, mosey on over to The Diamond Horseshoe, serving lunch and dinner daily beginning March 13. Each all-you-care-to-enjoy saloon feast begins with a Frontier Salad, a tasty mix of greens, tomatoes, roasted corn, cornbread croutons and a house-made chipotle-ranch dressing. There’s also cornbread for the table to share. For your main fixin’s, choose from BBQ pulled turkey served over cornbread, spit-roasted ham served with country beans or stewed beef served with mashed potatoes. Each entrée is served with a side of seasonal veggies. As the finale to your hearty feast, choose from an apple tart or the Campfire Brownie—rich chocolate brownie on a graham cracker crust, topped with toasted marshmallow. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and milk are included with your saloon feast. Cost is $33 plus tax for adults, $19 for children ages 3-9. Reservations are now available for dates from March 13 to May 30 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE. It’s safe to say, this here’s the wildest feast in the wilderness! View the full article

One of my favorite new cocktails can be found at Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar on the Disney Dream. It’s called the Ring of Fire – an elegant sampling of two incredibly tasty bubbly concoctions paired to create one unforgettable cocktail. And there are five different mixing combinations for your Ring of Fire tasting experience, including the Pomegranate Passion and Blue Angel. Get a taste for these drinks at home with this recipe, and be sure to stop by Pink to sip more Champagne cocktails during your next Disney Dream cruise. View the full article

There’s big news this week regarding chefs at some popular signature dining restaurants throughout Walt Disney World! Chef shakeups at three spots may mean changes at some of your favorites. Read on for all of the details. Chef Yuhi Fujinaga Takes on Role of Executive Chef at Morimoto Asia Earlier this week, Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group announced that Chef Yuhi Fujinaga had taken on the role of executive chef at Disney Springs’ Morimoto Asia. Yuhi Fujinag, Morimoto Asia’s New Executive Chef (Photo ©Morimoto Asia) Chef Yuhi first met the famous Iron Chef and restaurant mogul early in his career. “I met Chef Morimoto as a young chef in Hawaii, where I grew up. We bonded quickly over our love of fresh fish, big flavors and new cooking techniques,” said Chef Yuhi. The Kitchen at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs While the two chefs would run into one another throughout the years at various functions, Chef Yuhi went on to accept positions throughout Spain and later, in New York City. In fact, Chef Yuhi comes to Morimoto Asia from a position as Executive Chef at Patina Restaurant Group’s New York City-based Sea Grill. We look forward to seeing what Chef Yuhi brings to the table at Morimoto Asia! Chef Brian Piasecki Leaving California Grill Thanks to Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide, we also have big news about the chefs who helm two of Walt Disney World’s most popular Signature Restaurants. Joseph reported on Sunday that Brian Piasecki, Chef de Cuisine at the California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will be moving on to an executive position within Walt Disney World. Brian Piasecki, Chef de Cuisine at Disney’s California Grill Will Be Moving to an Executive Position Within the Company Chef Piasecki, who has headed the fine dining spot for seven years, will be moving to the role of Executive Chef WDW Resorts, Moderate, Value, and Standalone DVC properties. While he says the decision to leave California Grill was a difficult one, he looks forward to the opportunities that await him in the newly created position. “…[T]he holistic scope of the opportunity will allow me to develop and grow in new ways,” said Chef Piasecki. Oak Fired Filet of Beef, One of The More Recent Additions to the California Grill Menu But he isn’t the only chef who will be leaving the Disney Signature kitchens. Chef Tim Keating Leaving Flying Fish Cafe According to Joseph, Executive Chef Tim Keating of Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will also be departing his role. Tim Keating, Chef de Cuisine at Flying Fish Cafe, is Reportedly Leaving The Walt Disney Company Unlike Chef Piasecki, however, it doesn’t appear that Chef Keating will continue on with the Walt Disney Company. And so it appears that when Flying Fish Cafe reopens later this year after undergoing extensive renovations, they’ll have a new chef as well as a new look. We Hope the Flying Fish Signature Duo Remains on the Menu! As of press time, Chef Keating had not been reached for comment, and replacements have not been named for either chef. Wow! That’s a lot to process! But now we want to hear from you. How do you think the departure of Chefs Piasecki and Keating will impact California Grill and Flying Fish Cafe? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us! Source Source 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: Disney World Testing Free Taxi Service to Signature Restaurants News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill News! Enjoy “Eat Local Week” in Disney World View the full article

Spring has almost sprung at Walt Disney World Resort and it is a great time to visit Epcot with little ones. The weather is typically beautiful, and with the start of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on March 2, there are a lot of special activities to experience. My kiddos are always thrilled that the festival offers colorful themed playgrounds for them to explore, and the new Music Garden Melodies Playground is sure to be a huge hit! Fans of the movie “Cars” will want to check out the Cactus Road Rally interactive play garden, where small children can stretch their legs. Once some energy is burned off the playground, don’t miss the magical Butterflies on Go butterfly garden – it’s a favorite of my family’s. We put together a handy chart of things to do with kids this spring at Epcot, which you can see here. Does your #DisneyKids have any other favorite activities? View the full article

There are so many delicious treats to share with you for the month of March at the Disneyland Resort, so let’s get started! Luck doesn’t need to be on your side to find this pot o’ gold. The St. Patrick’s Day-inspired treats include a Mickey Mouse apple dipped in caramel and chocolate, rolled halfway in green sanding sugar with yellow jelly bean accents and topped off with a marshmallow rolled in green sanding sugar which creates a leprechaun hat. While a four-leaf clover might be hard to come by, I guarantee you these next treats will be easy to find … see if you can spot the St. Patrick’s Day crispy, cake pop and marshmallow wand on your next visit from March 6-19. With spring in the air, it should be no surprise when you come across these cake pop cuties! Look for these new additions which include a bee, ladybug and spring chick. Other spring offerings will include a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse inspired pastel Easter Basket apples and, of course, a spring chick. The gourmet collection for this month is definitely twice as nice. Our candy makers are introducing a Pastel Marshmallow apple dipped in caramel and white chocolate with vanilla cookie pieces and pastel marshmallows. If your mouth is already watering, then you should try the bark. They combined peanut butter and white chocolate and layered it with vanilla cookies and pastel marshmallows, as well. But wait … there’s more! Both the apple and the bark have been drizzled on the top with peanut butter and white chocolate. “Amazing” doesn’t begin to describe it! For those of you who are chocolate lovers, don’t let anything keep you from trying our March gourmet line. The apple, crispy, marshmallow wand and bark are all Triple Chocolate. As you can imagine, the apple and wand are dipped in caramel, enrobed in milk chocolate, rolled in semi-sweet chocolate chips, and heavily drizzled with more milk, white and dark chocolate. The crispy and bark are almost the same, minus the caramel, of course. These delicious spring sensations will be available March 1 – April 2 at the following locations. Disneyland park – Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., and Hunny Spot in Critter Country Disney California Adventure park – Trolley Treats Downtown Disney District – Marceline’s Confectionery Which treat are you most excited to try? View the full article

A cupcake "ATM" is coming to Disney Springs this May with a new Sprinkles bakery. Beverly Hills-based Sprinkles is planning two bakeries in Florida that will feature a vending device for the baked and frosted treats, with a location at Disney Springs and another in Tampa's Hyde Park Village. Sprinkles... View the full article

With spring just around the corner, I have details about several new items from the Disney Parks Collection by Vera Bradley. Known for their stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories, Vera Bradley has been infusing color into all aspects of women’s lives for more than 30 years. Since 2013, we’ve offered several items with colors created especially for Disney Parks. Here’s a brief look at newest accessories arriving February 29, 2016. The “Plums Up Mickey” color will contain 10 items including popular silhouettes such as the Hipster Crossbody, a duffle travel bag, a campus backpack, an ID case and more. The plum color design was also included on a straw tote bag and a straw wristlet. The “Mickey Showers” color will be offered in three lightweight and durable items that are made of water-resistant polyester. They include a small backpack, a lunch bag and a tote. Finally, we have four new silhouettes from the Microfiber collection first released in spring 2015. Look for these Vera Bradley items in select merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. You may also find select items on the Disney Parks online store, or have items shipped directly to your home using the free Shop Disney Parks mobile app. View the full article

Every family that steps through the magical gates of a Disney Park is unique and special in their own way. Our Yellow Shoes Creative Group recently followed three families who hold Disney vacations close to their hearts for very different reasons, and their stories are simply amazing. The first of three videos we have to share with you tells the story of the McFeelys, a family that consists of multiple Deaf family members. Watch Shaylee’s priceless reaction when she meets Tinker Bell for the first time and realizes that Tink can sign in American Sign Language. I don’t tear up at videos often, but this one got me just a few seconds in. View the full article

Today we are sharing a pictorial review of the new Victoria and Albert’s Ten Course Tasting Experience from guest photographer, Tom Welsh. Thanks, Tom! Learn About: Victoria and Albert’s RestaurantGrand Floridian Disney World Restaurants Let’s take a closer look at a Chef’s Ten Course Tasting experience at Victoria and Albert’s. This award-winning restaurant at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort exudes elegance and is helmed by James Beard Award-nominee (again in 2016!) Chef Scott Hunnel. We took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian Resort for our dinner at Victoria and Albert’s. Viviana and Sharon greeted us at the door with hugs for all. Sharon introduced her associate for the evening, Anita. We also met Elizabeth, the harpist. We selected the Chef’s Ten Course Tasting Menu with the recommended wine pairings. First came a lovely fruit punch with a little vodka. The Amuse-Bouche was a Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Siberian Caviar and Tattinger Brut “La Francaise.” Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Siberian Caviar The nine courses that followed were: (2) Roulade of Smoked Salmon and Alaskan King Crab with Chateau Rahoul Blanc, Graves 2011. Smoked Salmon and Alaskan Crab (3) Alaskan Sablefish with Baby Bok Choy and Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 2013. Alaskan Sablefish (4) Scottish Langoustine with Nage Crema and Hanzell “Sebella” Chardonnay, Sonoma 2013. Scottish Langoustine (5) Truffled Bell & Evans Chicken with Hedgehogs (mushrooms) and Copain “Les Voisins” Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2011. Truffled Chicken (6) Berkshire “Porchetta”, Sherry Vinaigrette and Arboldea Carmenere, Colchagua Valley 2009. Berkshire “Porchetta” (7) Australian Kobe-Style Beef with Comte Potato Gnocchi and Chateau Rauzan-Segla “Segla,” Margaux 2008. Australian Kobe-Style Beef (8) Selection of Cheese from the Trolley with Quinta Do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2010. Selection of Cheese (9) Green Apple Mousse with Sour Cream Ice Cream. Green Apple Mousse (10) Peruvian Chocolate Crunch. Peruvian Chocolate Crunch We each had a pot: coffee for Lyd and tea for me. Vacuum Coffee Pot at Victoria and Albert’s Thanks for sharing your meal with us, Tom! Is Victoria and Albert’s on your Disney Food bucket list? Let us know in the comments below. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Victoria and Albert’s Chef’s Table at the Grand Floridian Resort Guest Review: Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort New! iPad Wine List Debuts at Victoria & Albert’s in Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort View the full article

Good evening! This week’s “After Dark” image was snapped at Cinderella Castle and La Fontaine de Cendrillon. The fountain contains a statue, just barely out of sight here, of Cinderella and some of her feathered friends. The statue was sculpted by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson in 1965 prior to Magic Kingdom Park’s opening in 1971. To learn a fascinating detail about the mural that sits behind this fountain, visit Thomas Smith’s previous post. View the full article

Have you had the chance to check out Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland Expo Center at Disneyland park? Fellow Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller has given you a look at some of the unique Star Wars products available at Disney Parks, and here’s a closer look inside the new merchandise location at the Disneyland Resort along with a few special tips to check out on your next trip. You can find many of the items shown in the video at The Star Trader in Tomorrowland, but take note that the limited edition and collectible items will only be available in Star Wars Launch Bay. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind: Look for ALEX AND ANI bangles at select locations throughout Disney Parks. If you are unable to make it to Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World, don’t worry – we also have them available online . TheAstromech Droid set has been extremely popular, as has the BB-8 Spin Top. So if you are unable to locate either of these on your next visit, look for them again in early spring. One last reminder, which I know Steven has mentioned to you from time to time, is the Shop Disney Parks Mobile App. This mobile app gives you access to select Star Wars products from Disney Parks which you can have shipped directly to your home. To download the app, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop. View the full article

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line invites families to explore the culturally rich and exotic locales of the Mediterranean with one-of-a-kind Port Adventures during its 2016 European sailings. Beginning August 2016, the Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, treating guests to the best of Europe with favorite ports of call. Guests will explore richly diverse destinations that showcase iconic locations, enchanting cultures, tantalizing cuisine and unrivaled experiences. Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures are designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults—in true Disney fashion—many with added touches such as more scheduled breaks, complimentary snacks and fun port activity sheets for kids. For an extra dash of pixie dust, guests can choose an excursion from the Disney Cruise Line Signature Collection, which offers families authentic cultural experiences and distinctly Disney storytelling. In Rome, families embark together on a guided tour of the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Then, children join youth counselors from the Disney Magic for an exclusive puppet show while parents have free time to explore the city on their own. An adults-only excursion takes guests to famous sites like the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica for an exclusive tour of the best of Rome. A delicious adventure awaits guests in Tuscany from the picturesque province of La Spezia. Two Signature Collection Port Adventures take guests through the quintessential countryside to a welcoming estate, where they don their aprons and learn the secrets of fine Tuscan cuisine. A trip to the wine cellars, a freshly-cooked meal and some free time to relax make this a truly memorable experience for adults and kids alike. From Naples, guests travel to the seaside town of Sorrento, where Disney Cruise Line youth counselors engage children in a fun-filled pizza making lesson at a local restaurant. Meanwhile, adults enjoy a guided tour of the historical center or spend their time strolling the charming flower-lined streets at their leisure. A scenic drive through the quaint towns of the Amalfi Coast returns guests to their home away from home—the Disney Magic. The Disney Magic will sail to the Mediterranean on Aug. 1, followed by five seven-night sailings on Aug. 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3 and 10. Details on all Disney Cruise Line shore excursions can be found on the Port Adventures section of disneycruise.com. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. ### View the full article

Welcome to Disneyland’s newest Table Service eatery, River Belle Terrace! River Belle Terrace sign Of course, that’s not the whole story… not by a long shot. River Belle Terrace has quite the history in Disneyland, existing under its current name since 1971 (and the location itself operated under other names from the park’s first year). River Belle Terrace But previously it was a Counter Service option, and maybe most notably as a place you could grab breakfast to start your Disneyland day. February 10th, however, marked its debut as a Table Service restaurant serving lunch and dinner only, so we couldn’t resist heading over to grab a little — or a LOT of — dinner on re-opening day! New Table Service menu posted in front of River Belle Terrace So, yep, there are definitely some changes to scope out. But a few things haven’t changed at all… Atmosphere Just like in the old days (like, waaaay back in January when it was still operating as a Counter Service), limited indoor seating remains available. Indoor seating But, as always, it’s the picturesque outdoor patio that has the majority of the seating and steals the atmosphere show. Patio seating The tables got spiffied up for the occasion with cloth napkins and flowers ‘cuz now it’s all FANCY!! Table setting Okay, so it’s not that fancy; it’s still very welcoming and cheerful overall. Still, a nice touch for the transition! Closeup on Table Setting No matter where you sit, it’s tough to beat the surroundings, with a location right within view of the Rivers of America (though it’s a little less of a view at the moment, without the Mark Twain Riverboat steaming by from now until it reopens). You can however see the Mark Twain parked off in the distance! Alright, on to the bigger changes, and that’s the menu (delivered to your table now, naturally)… Table Flowers with the menu Eats Southern fare dominates the listings, with items like Pimento Cheese Dip and Grilled and Chilled Shrimp (the twist being a house-made BBQ cocktail sauce) as appetizer options. River Belle Terrace Menu And though there are plenty of traditional items that you associate with Southern cooking among the entrees like Pork Spareribs, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, and a Beef Brisket Sandwich, you’ll also notice some less-traditional eats like BBQ Tofu. Regardless of your selection, your meal starts with a basket of delicious Buttermilk Biscuits. Bread Basket All the better slathered with Honey Butter, of course! Honey Buttered Biscuit We just had to try to the Creamy Pimento Cheese Dip, which comes with toasted bread and celery for the dippers. Next time I am asking for extra celery though. It was really refreshing and dipped in that cheese? Perfection! Pimento Cheese Dip appetizer plate Rich and creamy with a hint of spice from the mild cherry peppers, this was a hit all around the table (and the awesome bread bites didn’t hurt matters). We loved it. Closeup on Pimento Cheese Dip Next, it was time to go big with the entrees. First up, get a load of the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Fried Chicken Sandwich It’s a simple name for a pretty mammoth sandwich, topped with BBQ sauce, coleslaw (tangy, not creamy), fried jalapeño (you can spy those on top — they look a lot like the breaded chicken at a quick glance, but they’re there, and they make their presence known!), and a fair amount of cilantro. Fried Chicken Sandwich There’s nothing subtle about it — this thing more than packs the yummy toasted brioche bun. It’s quite a mix of flavors, but it works! All of the entrees come with baked beans (which are great, by the way), and your choice of side: the tangy coleslaw, seasoned tater bites (TOTS!!), potato salad, or the seasonal veggie. You might pick up on our love for tater tots, since you’ll see we got them with every entree, like the next one: the Beef Brisket Sandwich. Beef Brisket Sandwich A word on the tots, though, before we dig in: while I liked the seasoning, and so did the other adults, the kids weren’t into them. For such a kid-friendly side they would probably be better off without the seasoning. But on to the Beef Brisket! It’s served on a toasted onion hoagie roll and topped with smoked provolone, fried onions, and a steak sauce-mayo. Pretty tasty, overall, though I could’ve happily taken even more of the fried onions. Also, it would have been SO much better had the provolone been melted. Inside the Beef Brisket Sandwich I did the think the steak-sauce mayo was a unique and flavorful complement to the beef, and it was just enough, with the mayo cutting what can sometimes be an overwhelming sauce. The Half Chicken is given its own Southern spin with a BBQ rub. Half Chicken It’s simple, but good. Not to mention HUGE. The tender chicken falls right off the bone. Half Chicken In fact we really enjoyed all the entrees except this last one, the only weak link (pardon the pun) in the bunch: the Oven-Roasted Sausage Link Combo, with Linguica and Smoked Tri-Tip sausage. Sausage Link Combo Comparing the portion-size, presentation, and overall impressiveness to the other entrees, this one was kind of ho-hum. Still speaking of entrees, we were actually really impressed with the Kids’ Meals. Kids’ Menu With four options to choose from (including two Mickey Check Meals), the kiddos tried the BBQ Ribs. I thought the portion size was really good, and even the seasonal veggie of green beans got the thumbs up. Kids’ BBQ Ribs Meal Time for dessert! And with options like this, you just gotta. Dessert Menu We tried the Maple, Apple, and Bacon Bundt Cake, which delivered everything you expect from the name, from sweet to salty flavors. Maple, Apple, and Bacon Bundt Cake The maple sauce gave it plenty of moisture, but the highlight was probably the mini pieces of brittle garnishing the dish. Maple, Apple, and Bacon Bundt Cake If you’re going for just one dessert, then trust me that it should be this: the Fried Cheesecake. Fried Cheesecake I don’t know if the surrounding sauce will change from time to time since it’s just labeled as “Fried Cheesecake” on the menu, but on our visit it was served with cherry sauce. Fried Cheesecake But not just that… it was old fashioned cherry pie filling!!!! From the crispy-brown batter to the vanilla cream filling slightly softened by the frying, to the awesome cherry sauce, this one is a total winner! Worth a trip to the “new” River Belle Terrace, I’d say. Overall So, that’s it! Table Service dinner at River Belle Terrace is in the books. I know — believe me, I know — that not having breakfast here anymore is a loss, since it offered one of the most peaceful starts to a Disneyland day I can think of. But who knows? Maybe it will be an option again sometime (even if the Mickey Pancake has found a new home at Rancho del Zocalo). But taken for what it is now, as a new Table Service option at Disneyland, I have to say that overall we really enjoyed our meal, and look forward to dining here again. Will you be trying out — or have you already visited — the new Table Service offerings at River Belle Terrace? 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: Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace Now Accepting Advance Dining Reservations News: Changes Coming to Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace and Rancho del Zocalo Review: River Belle Terrace Breakfast at Disneyland Park View the full article

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs is helping bring back a lost art -- aerial bamboo. The romantic aerial performance by real-life partners Ekaterina and Alexander Abramova is one of two new acts in the show, the other being a high-energy b-boy trio. The aerial bamboo act uses a pole-like... View the full article

New dishes feature traditional Italian fare prepared with modern flair CELEBRATION, Fla. – The enticing flavors and rich culinary traditions of Italy take center-stage once again at Palo, the signature adult-exclusive restaurant aboard every Disney Cruise Line ship. New menu items revisit the restaurant’s Italian roots with the addition of regional recipes, authentic ingredients and time-honored techniques. Paired with sweeping ocean views and an intimate, romantic atmosphere—and perhaps a glass of wine from the restaurant’s extensive reserve wine list—the new offerings expand upon the superlative dining experience and delectable cuisine at Palo. New Wine Pairing Menu 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. New Dinner Selections The newest iteration of the Palo menu celebrates the world-renowned cuisine of Italy, the birthplace of international necessities like Parmesan cheese. A stand-out addition to the dinner selection is a whole roasted chicken, marinated for 24 hours in lemon, sea salt and rosemary. Beautifully presented in a copper serving dish with roasted baby vegetables, asparagus and potatoes, the entree is topped with a Barolo wine reduction typical to the mountainous region of Piedmont in the northwest. Intended for sharing, this dish serves two. From the seafood selection, a piquant Dover sole is fileted tableside and served with regional staples like capers, anchovies, sundried tomatoes and thyme potatoes. An exquisite Prosecco and black truffle reduction gives new life to classic sea scallops. And, returning to the menu with a new twist, seared ahi tuna steak is prepared with blanched green beans, roasted new potatoes and peppered quail eggs. Sweet endings are a Palo specialty, and the enhanced dessert menu includes a variety of warm, cold, sweet and tangy offerings. These include light, creamy tiramisu—a coffee-infused classic—and a limoncello tart for a refreshing pop of citrus. One thing that hasn’t changed is the signature Palo chocolate soufflé, prepared fresh to-order and served piping hot with luscious vanilla bean and chocolate sauces, plus a scoop of ice cream for good measure. Reservations are required for all Palo dining experiences and can be booked online or onboard. There is a $30 per person charge for dinner, plus the cost of alcoholic beverages, and the Esperienza del Vino wine pairing experience is an additional $59 per person. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. ### View the full article