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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

How-To Draw Judy Hopps From 'Zootopia' | Disney Parks View the full article

Ginnifer Goodwin & Jason Bateman - ‘Zootopia’ | Walt Disney World View the full article

This week, we shared several big updates here at Disney Parks, including the official announcement that Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first-ever night-time show, “Rivers of Light,” will officially debut at the park on April 22. The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. Check out our original story for more details and join us on Tuesday for a special live chat about the show. We’re hosting a #DisneyParksLIVE chat here on the Disney Parks Blog on Tuesday, March 8 at 1:15 p.m. EST with two of the show’s creative team members, Michael Jung and Mark Renfrow. This weekend, we’re taking questions in the comments section of our original story (and will continue to do so through live chat time on Tuesday). We’ll get to as many questions as possible during the chat, so please ask away. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Remembering Disney Legend Jack Lindquist – He started his career as Disneyland’s first advertising manager, and later served as the park’s first president, a role he always referred to as ‘the best job in the world.’ He made sure Disneyland was the Happiest Place on Earth for each guest who walked through the gates, setting the standard for every leader that followed. Disney Parks Cast Members Around the World Share Their Ears – The response has been incredible to our call to #ShareYourEars and benefit Make-A-Wish! Around the globe, people have posted their favorite and creative photos to social media to help make wishes come true. Preview Scenes from Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ at Disney Parks Starting March 18 – Beginning March 18, guests visiting Disney Parks will be able to catch a preview of scenes from Disney’s all-new live-action adventure “The Jungle Book” in sneak peeks planned for Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Parks Blog Readers Applaud ‘Zootopia’ At Meet-Up – In addition to seeing the film and competing in some Disney trivia, our attendees were happily surprised with the opportunity to meet Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, the two lead characters from the film, in an exclusive meet and greet. Reservations Open Today for New ‘World of Color’ Dessert Party at Disney California Adventure Park – Experience a delicious new way to watch “World of Color” — the perfect way to end a magical day at Disney California Adventure park. Beginning March 17, 2016, Paradise Park will host nightly sparkling dessert parties with reserved seating and a spectacular view of “World of Color – Celebrate!” Premium Experiences Coming for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort – In just one month, Disney California Adventure park will be transforming for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, taking place weekends during the month of April. Disney Parks After Dark: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lights Up – We’re happy to share this week’s “After Dark” image, snapped at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, by Disney Photographer David Roark. #DisneyFamilia: Unforgettable Vacation at Walt Disney World Resort! – Joscelyn, the mami behind MamiofMultiples.com, recently visited Walt Disney World Resort with her multi-generational family and had magical vacation. Here’s a glimpse into Joscelyn’s trip! View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Residents Inspire ‘Zootopia’ Characters View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a wonderful weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on the latest Disney food news! Jerk-spice Grouper with Mango Salsa, Chayote and Green Papaya Slaw with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette We’re so excited to announced the grand launch of the 2016-17 edition of the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-book! The fully-updated guide features photos, information, and advice on more than 180 snacks at the Magic Kingdom! To celebrate the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-book we’re offering the guide for 20% off the cover price! Just use the code Magic16 at checkout! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We checked out all the food and beverage choices at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival and have all the food photos! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival event booking is now open! Two new nighttime parties are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The Diamond Horseshoe at the Magic Kingdom is offering table serving dining for a limited time! A cupcake ATM and more is coming to Disney Springs! We reviewed Monsieur Paul in Epcot’s France pavilion. Wishes Dessert Party debuts at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Booking is now available for the World of Color Dessert Party at Disney California Adventure. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We love breakfast here at the DFB and one of our favorite spots is the Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. DFB reader Barry Ripley recently enjoyed the Macadamia-Pineapple Pancakes and a pressed pot of coffee and was kind enough to share this photo. Looks delicious! That’s our kind of breakfast! In keeping with this breakfast theme, DFB fan Mrs. Kopp enjoyed these Poached eggs with Key Lime Hollandaise sauce over Sweet Potato Hash at Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort and declared that the dish was “perfection!” A perfectly delicious way to start the day! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! DFB Readers #OnTheList Suggestions As part of our new #OnTheList series we’ll be sharing weekly some of our readers’ suggestions for what they would add to the Disney Food bucket list! Check out our #OnTheList page to see what’s on OUR Disney Food Bucket List! Deal of the Week: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016 e-book! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 530 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World. Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code HAPPYPLACE for $4 off! Our team of Walt Disney World food experts have put together the most comprehensive guide to Walt Disney World food and dining available. With more than 25 years of experience eating and drinking our way through the Parks and Resorts, we’ve learned a thing or two — and we love sharing our secrets with you! Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016 e-Book today, and start planning your Disney dining adventures right now! Here are just a few of the things you’ll find in our DFB to Walt Disney World Dining: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. You asked for it, and we wrote it! The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable — always just a pocket away! and MORE! Order the 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code HAPPYPLACE for $4 off! The DFB Everything Bundle But for those of you who want to be prepared for EVERYTHING at Disney World, we’re also offering our most popular Bundle, the DFB Everything Bundle, for a special savings as well! This bundle packs in all of our e-Books, including the Guide that started it all — the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 edition. And during this special sale, you can get $4 off the already low price when you enter code SAVINGS. This Bundle is priced at a huge discount already — over 40% off the guide prices – representing great savings. But with our extra $4, you’ll save even more. Learn more about the DFB Everything Bundle here. The bundle includes the pre-order of the DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival as well as the 2015 guide as an immediate download — FREE! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found these adorable Mickey and Minnie Cookie Cutters! They are cute and budget-friendly! WDW For Grownups celebrated the Top 5 Peanut Butter Treats at Walt Disney World! Star Wars shared the recipe for Rey’s Portion Bread. We can’t wait to make this! Morimoto Asia and Cirque du Soleil are offering guests a brand-new dinner and show promotion at Disney Springs! Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for the Icy Pop Cocktail from Pink on the Disney Dream. Bored Panda showed us some super-cute Disney Tsum Tsum Sushi that’s almost too cute to eat. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 21, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 24, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 31, 2016 View the full article

This is the opening weekend of the new Disney film “Zootopia” featuring Judy Hopps, the first bunny to join the police force and Nick Wilde, a con artist fox. So, This Week In Disney Parks Photos, I’ve corralled some of the ways you can experience “Zootopia” when you visit Disney Parks. First, you’ll have a chance to see Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde at Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort this spring. You’ll go wild over tastes inspired by the movie at Disney California Adventure And you can sketch your own Judy Hopps, with the help of this tutorial. I haven’t seen the movie yet, so tell me: what was your favorite character and movie moment? View the full article

Are you ready for some Club Villain Thrills?! DFB welcomes guest author AM Appleby with a review of Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s take a look at this Walt Disney World event that has now been extended with dates into March 2016! What is our fascination with villains? Do they perceive themselves as villainous or simply misunderstood? Whatever your reasons, the four villainous characters at this Club Villain in Disney’s Hollywood Studios are well worth your time! Club Villain Marquis Club Villain As soon as they became available last fall, I purchased tickets to the newest Disney villain bash, Club Villain. My seven-year-old daughter and I enjoyed the last villains party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Villains Unleashed, in August 2014, but Club Villain was a complete departure (it is still a hard ticket event at $129 per person, tax and gratuity included). The wait time to meet Maleficent at Villains Unleashed was four hours at the start of the party. Needless to say, we didn’t wait for her that evening. I honestly knew nothing about Club Villain when I purchased, I was just excited for another villains event! Atmosphere Club Villain takes place in Sunset Showcase, located just behind Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The venue was indoors, which was lovely on the rainy evening we attended, and included a full buffet dinner and two bars serving wine, beer, and a signature cocktail specially created for each villain. Host Dr. Facilier, and his club manager Kanzo, kept everyone entertained. Music throughout the evening was provided by DJ Thibodeaux, creating a loud and festive Mardi Gras atmosphere. The food was inspired by traditional New Orleans cuisine, and I will tell you now — it was delicious! Stage DJ Thibodeaux Booth Dr. Facilier The check-in podium was located in the front of the building. We arrived 20 minutes prior to our 7:45PM reservation time (there was one seating time the evening we attended), and we were given our invitation, which included our table number and scheduled times to meet the characters: Cruella de Vil, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, and the Queen of Hearts. Invitation with Table Number and Meet the Villains times All of the guests were welcomed into the building promptly at 7:30PM, where the DJ was already spinning tunes. The food was hot and ready and the bars were open. After being shown to our table we decided to explore the room. Prior to the arrival of the characters, you can take photos on their thrones (or plush red sofa, in the case of Cruella, but I’m certain she considers herself royalty, too!). Magic Mirror Cruella’s Sofa Maleficent’s Throne The large space was well arranged. A stage and DJ booth were centered on the far wall, flanked by two bars. DJ Thibodeaux Kanzo Entertains! The dance floor in the center was surrounded on three sides by tables (all tables seat four, there were forty-eight tables on the night we attended). If there are fewer than four people in your party, you will be seated with others. Club Villain Dance Floor Dr. Facilier and Kanzo The club manager, Kanzo (who was the real star of the show!), introduced himself and then Dr. Facilier made his entrance accompanied by two dancers. Each villain was introduced next and, after a brief spin around the dance floor, took their place on their respective thrones. Kanzo and Dr. Facilier made appearances throughout the evening, and Kanzo sang to a mesmerized crowd. Kanzo and Dr. Facilier Maleficent and The Evil Queen Cruella, Kanzo, and The Queen of Hearts One of the nicest features of the evening was that each table had an assigned time to meet the characters. We spent less than five minutes waiting for each one. With this relaxed pace, the interactions were more substantial. Cruella was our favorite of the evening! She stretched out across her red sofa and had a face-to-face chat with my daughter, who is fairly shy, but Cruella had her completely engaged (she was giving her “bad advice” when I joined them for a photo!). There are PhotoPass photographers with each villain and we had 8-10 great pictures with each. The room never felt crowded, or certainly over crowded, and lines at the buffet tables and bars were short or nonexistent. Charming Cruella I’ve mentioned that the food was New Orleans-inspired and very delicious! The quality surpassed my expectations, after all, I booked our evening based on the ability to meet these characters in a more intimate setting with shorter lines. The Evil Queen Maleficent Kanzo Eats The six food stations were divided with three on each side of the room with identical offerings. The villains had their own dessert tables located next to their thrones, each with two individually themed desserts. The bar to the left of the stage served the signature cocktails for Maleficent and Cruella, who were located on the left side of the room, and cocktails for the Queen of Hearts and the Evil Queen could be found at the bar on the right, their side of the room. Devious Dalmatian Cursed Violet Menu inside invitation And now- the food! My favorites of the buffet offerings were the vegetarian options, which were served in beautiful cast iron cauldrons. I was surprised because I am not a vegetarian! But the Dirty Rice, Black Eyed Peas, and Kale and Collard Slaw were absolutely delectable! According to Chef Tony, those items, along with the Haricot Verts, were vegan, too. Vegetarian Dirty Rice in Cast Iron Cauldron The Creamy Polenta and Sauteed Shrimp were highlights as well. My daughter preferred the Herbs de Province Rubbed Striploin, which was served with Wild Mushroom Demi on the side, and a Bread Pudding Beignet. Herbs de Province Rubbed Striploin of Beef Our favorite dessert was the Queen of Hearts Red Velvet Cupcake. Scrumptious! But the most unique dessert, scrummy as well, was Maleficent’s Cheesecake Pushup with Dark Cherry Gel. Her Purple Angel Food Cupcake was simple and light. The Evil Queen’s Green and Red Truffle was a bite-sized melt-in-your-mouth treat! Queen of Hearts Red Velvet Cupcake) Maleficent’s Cheesecake Pushup The Evil Queen’s Green Apple Mousse with Green Glitter Glaze Maleficent’s Purple Angel Food Cupcake MENU Sautéed Station Creamy Polenta with Fire Kissed Corn Shrimp Sautéed with Spicy Andouille Sausage, Tomato, Okra, and Onions Rosemary Crisp Carving Station Chilled Haricot Verts with Muffuletta Vinaigrette Bourbon Bread Pudding Beignet Herb de Province Rubbed Striploin of Beef carved on Aromatic Black Iron, Herbs and Garlic Wild Mushroom Demi Cast Iron Station Vegetarian Kale and Collard Slaw with Watermelon Vinaigrette Vegetarian Dirty Rice Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas Cajun Chicken Thigh Gumbo Voodoo Sticky Pig Wings with Citrus Gremolata I’m not a big fan of mixed drinks, but I did enjoy the light and refreshing Cursed Violet, inspired by Maleficent. The bars also served beer (Corona, Bud Light, and Yuengling), and four varieties of wine. Self-serve coolers of canned soda and bottled water were available next to each bar. Bar Potions Overall I can say with confidence that this was the most well-organized and efficiently executed hard ticket event I’ve ever experienced at Disney World. Every detail was attended to and the ample presence of Cast Members to answer questions, clear plates, refill buffet items (I even had one refill my wine at my table!), no doubt was responsible for the success. Although the guests were comprised mainly of adults, children were present and made to feel welcome. One of the friendly dancers even came to our table to ask if my daughter wanted to dance! This high quality event was well worth the price. Dinner show, music, dancing, hard to meet characters, and delicious food and drink in a relatively intimate setting equaled great value to me! Dates for this event will hopefully be extended, or perhaps Club Villain will become a permanent event. A villain-themed restaurant or dining experience would certainly be popular! The park closed at 9PM, but Club Villain, being a two-hour event, wasn’t over until 9:45PM. Due to the rain, the last Fantasmic was cancelled, so we rounded out our evening with a lovely, near-empty stroll out of the park. Club Villain was an extra special way to experience the Magic of Disney! 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: Club Villain Dance and Dine Event Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios News and Sneak Peek: Special Food and Beverages Coming to the Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: NEW Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

This morning was truly unforgettable as I saw how much joy Mickey Mouse brought to Central Florida nonprofit organizations as we began to award $5.6 million in Disney Grants. These grants will be used to make a positive impact in the lives of more than 300,000 children who are our neighbors. Walt Disney World Resort has been part of the Central Florida fabric for more than 45 years, and has supported organizations that brighten the future for our children. This year, we invited 13 community groups to help us kickoff our grant-giving season. Many of them shared their plans about how they will use the Disney Grants ranging from antibullying programs to creative arts education to positive parenting skills. In all, 121 community groups will receive Disney Grants this year. I had a chance to talk to many of the groups this morning during a special breakfast. All of them touched my heart, but what I will remember most is hearing their personal stories that demonstrate their commitment to the children and families who live in our community. It was really unforgettable. If you’re interested in hearing some of their stories, we are going to share them in the coming weeks on our Walt Disney World in the community Facebook page and with #GrantedbyDisney. View the full article

Greeting you at the entrance to Epcot during the 23rd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival are Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie in topiary cuteness. The trio are following behind their uncle, with their gardening tools at the ready. Our cameras were there to capture the overnight installation of the whimsical entrance display. Check it out: View the full article

Last week, we brought you the first installment of our interview with Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, revealing the inspirations behind the three dazzling nighttime spectaculars featured during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Today, I’m pleased to share more of this interview with you, and this time we focus on “Disneyland Forever” fireworks. What is the story you are telling with this fireworks spectacular? Steve: That anything is possible if you believe and follow your dreams, just like Walt Disney! The orange grove scene at the beginning of the show is particularly touching. Were there any particular visuals or historical footage that inspired this moment? Steve: We loved the footage of Walt walking through the Anaheim fields, dreaming of what could be. It was our inspiration to show how it all started … a man with a dream and how that dream became a reality. The use of light, projections and lasers make this show truly immersive. What was your inspiration when developing these new elements? Steve: We wanted the show to explode with color and light all around our guests … to completely envelope them in the story and make them feel a part of it. We’ll conclude our interview with Steve Davison in the next installment when we discuss “World of Color – Celebrate!” at Disney California Adventure park. Stay tuned! View the full article

Last year, I shared that we were seeking difference-making youth in Orange County, Calif., to be part of the first class of Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers. We launched the program in honor of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration to recognize high school students who take action to improve their homes, schools and communities, and the results are in! Sixty students were honored as “Shining Stars” at the inaugural Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers celebration. Each “Shining Star” received a $1,000 grant for their high school and a medal of recognition. Thanks to their efforts, more than 40 Orange County high schools are receiving grants from the Disneyland Resort! Six “Luminaries” also were surprised at the celebration, receiving a weekend prize package to the Disneyland Resort to enjoy with their families, and an opportunity to present a $3,000 donation to an Orange County nonprofit organization that focuses on an area they are passion about. Meet our six “Luminaries” in this video, and congratulations to our first class of Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers! View the full article

After so much waiting, things are finally coming together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Mark your calendars for April 22 — Earth Day — for the debut of the new nighttime spectacular: Rivers of Light!! ©Disney But while we are still awaiting more details about the timeline of other coming attractions, like Avatarland, we have a couple of other things to look forward to in the near future. Of course, the whole point of all of this is to move Animal Kingdom from a “daytime” to a “ALL DAY” Park. To that end, Disney is sharing news about two new evening celebrations that will kick off just as the sun goes down: Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale. While Disney hasn’t announced dates for these parties to debut, we’re thinking it will happen in the Spring or early Summer. Harambe Wildlife Parti We already enjoy ambling through Harambe, Animal Kingdom’s lively African Outpost Village, during the day. It’s fun to stop for a snack at Harambe Market, enjoy a drink at Dawa Bar, or even take in some of the musical entertainment. But soon, there will be even more to entertain you as evening falls. Harambe Market Like previous Animal Kingdom Summer parties, the Harambe Wildlife Parti will encompass a diverse offering of entertainment. Kick off the fun on the main stage while listening and dancing to the infectious rhythm of the Burudika Band. Beyond there, continue through the village, where you’ll encounter Muziki, the goodwill shaman, and his celebration of music. Children can join in the dancing and drum playing. Next, enjoy the beautiful singing of the Karibu Sisters. This trio will share dance as well as acapella and acoustic versions of African Pop. We Expect to See Exotic Flavors to Enjoy Throughout the Evening at Animal Kingdom Feelin’ a little sporty? Check out the Harambe Soccer Meerkats, the village’s lively soccer team. They’ll inspire pick-up games in the streets, with their entertaining moves. Finally, the Harambe Village Acrobats will dazzle crowds with their agility, as they drum, dance, build pyramids, and tumble among the guests. While specialty food items haven’t yet been announced, we’re pretty sure Animal Kingdom will bring out some favorites for this event. Discovery Island Carnivale Discovery Island will be another spot in the Park to enjoy evening entertainment. Guests will revel in a celebration of Carnivale. Listen for Latin rhythms to usher in the evening dance party, which celebrates the beauty of nature. The event culminates with the Tree of Life Nighttime Awakenings, when animal spirits will leap with magic and light from the tree. © Disney At this point, we’re still awaiting further detail regarding the nature of these events — whether they are merely added entertainment, or hard-ticketed, after hours parties like Harambe Nights. As for food, we anticipate exotic flavors in both food and drink at both parties. We expect to see the flavors of the lands at Animal Kingdom — the continents of Africa and South America as well as India — to enhance the festive tone of the evening. We also can’t wait for the debut of those gorgeous Light-Up Lotus Popcorn Buckets!! Are you looking forward to new nighttime entertainment options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and the new foods that are surely to follow? Leave a comment and tell us what you’re looking forward to the most! 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 Restaurants May Be Coming Soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom News! Harambe Nights Special Event to Debut in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: Light-Up Lotus Popcorn Bucket Coming to Animal Kingdom and Updated Anniversary Buckets in Disneyland View the full article

As it undergoes massive expansion, Walt Disney World has been making cuts in some parts of its resort. Reduced operating times at certain attractions include shorter hours soon going into effect at DisneyQuest. Some Walt Disney World employees in other parts of the resort have reported they have... View the full article

Did you hear the news? Yesterday, we announced that we are building not one… but two… brand-new, beautiful Disney Cruise Line ships! There was no better place to celebrate than with our guests onboard the Disney Magic, our first ship. Take a look at yesterday’s very special Sail Away Party – and look closely, you just may recognize a few familiar Disney faces. I hope you’re as excited as we are about our new ships and the many new Disney Cruise Line adventures to come! I can’t wait to share more with you at a later date, but what I can tell you now is that the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new innovations that will be uniquely fun and distinctly Disney. Each new ship will be approximately 135,000 gross tons – slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy – and each is currently planned to include about 1,250 guest staterooms. The fifth and sixth ships in our fleet will be completed in 2021 and 2023. Be sure to stay connected to us for the latest Disney Cruise Line news. View the full article