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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

Java lovers rejoice! As we told you some time ago, a second Starbucks location is coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in 2016! The new Starbucks will be located next to Disney Vacation Club on the west end of Downtown Disney District, near the Disneyland Hotel. We look forward to providing you another place to grab your favorite Starbucks beverages and food! View the full article

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is underway, and while it certainly caters to adults, there's still plenty of things to do with kids. One of the things new to this year's festival is the Music Gardens Melodies Playground. Located along the Imagination Walkway between Future World... View the full article

The new Disney animated film “Zootopia,” which opens in theaters today, tells the story of Officer Judy Hopps and scam-artist fox Nick Wilde as they work together to crack a big case in the mammal metropolis of Zootopia. The movie is a lot of fun for both kids and parents! Today we are sharing “Zootopia” downloadable coloring sheets that feature some of the main characters, so you can print for your little ones. I know I will be sticking some of these in my diaper bag! View the full article

Our friends at Star Wars agree the runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side medals are most impressive! Our inaugural race weekend kicks off April 14 – 17, 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort. Participants will run on Darth Vader’s turf with the Emperor’s white uniformed stormtroopers making sure you stay on course in order to earn these medals. The Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side medal includes a dual-sided spinner featuring the Emperor on one side and Darth Vader on the other. Runners who finish the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge will receive a Death Star-themed medal. That is, participating in the Star Wars 10K on Saturday, April 16 and Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side on Sunday, April 17. Are you ready to join the dark side? Follow @runDisney on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to join the fun using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf. Want to learn more about our exciting races? Visit runDisney.com for details on our upcoming races. Check out the gallery for an up-close view of the remaining weekend medals. View the full article

Which attractions at Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld are most likely to leave you nauseous? That's the question we posed to our travel and attractions staff along with our readers and followers on social media. It comes from a recent report that the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden... View the full article

Guests visiting Disney California Adventure with hopes of catching the World of Color evening spectacular now have a chance to reserve a new World of Color Dessert Party. Nightly “sparkling dessert parties” will make their debut at Paradise Pier on March 17th. World of Color Guests will have access to seats at high-top tables from which they’ll try a selection of desserts off of china plates. Options will include a Dulce de Leche-filled cookie, Mickey Coconut Macaroons, and selections of fruit and artisanal cheese, among others. While those 21-and-over will be able to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, sparkling cider will be available for younger guests. The cost to attend is $79 per person, including tax and gratuity. Interested guests may make reservations via Disneyland.com, or by calling (714) 781-DINE. Would you be interested in attending the World of Color Dessert Party? 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: Booking Now Available for Star Wars Fireworks Dessert Party in Disney World News: Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package Now Available for Booking for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party News! Star Wars “Feel the Force” Dining Event and Dessert Party in Walt Disney World NOW BOOKING View the full article

James O'Donnell, who has led kitchens from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, has been named executive chef of STK Orlando, a new restaurant opening soon in Disney Springs. O'Donnell will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at the two-level, 15,000-square-foot modern steakhouse. O'Donnell's impressive... View the full article

A new viewing opportunity to enjoy Magic Kingdom’s Wishes nighttime fireworks spectacular is making its debut at the Grand Floridian’s Narcoossee’s. Learn About: Narcoossee’sGrand Floridian Disney World Restaurants Current view-and-dine parties for Wishes include the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland Terrace, and Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise. Narcoossee’s is joining the line up by hosting a new Wishes Dessert Party at the Grand Floridian back dock (so during party time, Advance Dining Reservations for Narcoossee’s standard dinner hours of 5:30 to 10:00 pm remain available). Taking place every Friday — currently available through the month of March — the all-inclusive price of $62.43 per person will include a variety of signature desserts and a selection of wine and cocktails, along with beer, coffee, or tea. The party will begin 30 minutes prior to the evening’s showing of Wishes. Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees Interested guests may learn more and reserve this experience by dialing (407) 824-1400 (please note that booking via the Walt Disney World website is not available). View of Castle From Narcoossee’s Be prepared to leave your name and phone number should you reach the answering service. You’ll receive a call back to make your reservation, and then get ready to enjoy dessert, wine, and WISHES from Narcoossee’s! Would you be interested in trying the latest Wishes Dessert Party at Narcoossee’s? 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: Waterfront Brunch Coming to Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort NEW Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Debuts July 5th — Booking Opens March 20th (TODAY!) Wishes Dessert Party Extended Dates Through End of October! View the full article

It’s been a while since we’ve ventured up the beautiful staircase to dine at Monsieur Paul. Learn About: Monsieur PaulEpcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Sure, we’ve taken in a few special events lately. We had an amazing time at the The Parisian Afternoon event during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival recently. But that event takes place in the afternoon (obviously). And there’s something extra special about arriving at this signature restaurant to enjoy a leisurely dinner in the evening. Let’s take a look at all that experienced on our recent visit. Atmosphere If you haven’t dined at Monsieur Paul before (or its predecessor, Bistro de Paris), then part of the fun will be finding it. That’s a little easier these days than it used to be, thanks to this sign that’s stationed right on the Promenade. Restaurant Options in the France Pavilion Just hang a right just before you arrive at the entrance to Les Chefs de France (the France Pavilion’s table service spot — here’s our recent review), and head back through the Pavilion. The awning over the double doors, which features the restaurant’s name (it didn’t previously) marks the entrance. Entrance If you’ve ever been to L’Artisan des Glaces or Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie, then you’ve passed right by here. Once you enter the doors, there’s a check-in area to your right. Lobby Area, with Elevator to the Left and Les Chefs de France Straight Ahead After you’ve given the hostess your name, you’ll be escorted up the steps to the second-floor restaurant. Stairway Leading to Monsieur Paul Alternatively, you can take the tiny elevator, which is located to the left. Monsieur Paul Elevator You’ll pass the Wine Cellar as you head into the dining room. Wine Cellar The whole restaurant underwent a bit of a refresh a few years back. The overhaul served to lighten up the space and to make it a little less formal. However, it’s by no stretch a casual space, with touches like handpainted ceilings, chandeliers, and velvet banquettes. Seating Score a table near a window at the front of the restaurant, and you’ll have a lovely view of the Promenade below. Seating with a View Additional Seating And if you time your visit just right, you may even catch IllumiNations from your vantage point, as we did on a previous visit. View of IllumiNations from Monsieur Paul Be sure to take in the details all around you, like the light fixtures. The “Bubble” Chandeliers are my favorite. Chandelier For a time after the renovation, white tablecloths disappeared from the table settings, and were replaced with paper placemats. But on our recent visit, the tablecloths were back. And of course, you’ll find the signature “Chef’s Jacket” napkin fold as you take your place. Table Setting and Menu There are plenty of other details to share, but I know you are far more interested in the food. Let’s have a look. Eats At Monsieur Paul, as with many other restaurants in Epcot’s World Showcase, you can choose from an a la carte menu or a prix fixe option. I chose to order a la carte, while my friend opted for the three-course prix fixe menu. Menu — Main Courses — Click to Enlarge The inside of the prix fixe menu provides pricing as well as Disney Dining Plan terms. Because Monsieur Paul is considered to be a signature restaurant, it requires two table service credits on the DDP. However, it is important to note that the prix fixe menu will also set you back an additional amount. Be sure to note this so it’s not a surprise when the bill comes. Prix Fixe Menu Description — Click to Enlarge Prix Fixe Menu — Click to Enlarge We began with a selection from the complimentary Bread Basket filled with artisan breads. All of the bread within the France Pavilion’s restaurants is baked right on the premises in traditional French style. Pats of Unsalted Butter are served alongside the selections. Bread Basket I began my meal with the Cassolette d’Escargots Cauderanaise, or Escargot Cassolette with White Wine, Bacon, and Shallots. I’d had an amazing escargot dish at a recent Food and Wine Festival event at Monsieur Paul, and I wanted to repeat my experience. Cassolette d’Escargots Cauderanaise The escargots were served within a gorgeous broth — which I’d remembered from the dish I’d had earlier and loved. But they were also beneath a thick helping of Foam. You know how I feel about foam, and this nearly ruined the dish for me. I just don’t enjoy the mouthfeel of foam in a savory dish (or in a sweet one, honestly, but it’s worse for me with savory dishes). The flavor and texture elsewhere was good. Cassolette d’Escargots Cauderanaise — Up Close Another opener for us was the Salade au Roquefort à la Poire et aux Noix de Pécan Caramélisées, a Salad featuring Bleu Cheese, Pear, and Caramelized Pecans. Gorgeous, right?!? This got very high marks. It was fresh and flavorful with a nice large piece of Roquefort. Salade au Roquefort à la Poire et aux Noix de Pécan Caramélisées We also ordered the Soupe de Moules Safranée or Mussel Soup with Saffron in a Light Fennel Cream. Soupe de Moules Safranée This was a nice combination of flavors, and wasn’t as heavy as you’d might expect by its appearance. Soupe de Moules Safranée — Up Close To start our main courses, we tried the Homard Forestier, Oeuf de Cailles, Mollet, Bouillon Crème aux Truffes Noires, or Maine Lobster with Sautéed Mushrooms, Soft Boiled Quail Egg, Creamy Black Truffle Bouillon. The dish is available as either an appetizer or as an entree. The look of this one is absolutely stunning; major presentation marks here. And it is as rich as it sounds. In my opinion, this one is better as an appetizer as a result. But for those who believe “There’s never too much of a good thing!” — this dish is absolutely the indulgence for you. (Creamy Black Truffle Bouillon?!? Woah.) Homard Forestier, Oeuf de Cailles, Mollet, Bouillon Crème aux Truffes Noires We couldn’t resist the Magret de Canard. I’m a huge duck fan, as you know. The classic Roasted Duck Breast was served with Apple Fondant, Baby Onions, and Cabbage Stuffed with Braised Oxtail. I devoured this dish, and was very pleased that there was so much flavorful sauce to heap onto the duck breast with each bite. The apple fondant was a lovely, sweet addition. I could have done without the Braised-Oxtail-stuffed Cabbage, but that’s a personal taste thing. Magret de Canard, Fondant de Pommes, Petit Oignons, Choux Farcie a la Queue de Boeuf While I chose to skip Dessert in favor of something sweet elsewhere, my friend’s meal came with this fourth course. We were also offered a menu of Dessert Wines and Digestifs to end our meal. Dessert Menu — Click to Enlarge Dessert Beverage Menu — Click to Enlarge Ultimately, she went with La Myrtille, a combination of Shortbread, Fresh Blueberries and Compote, Crème Anglaise, Pistachio Cake, and Crème Fraîche Ice Cream. It was very good, but a very small portion — not for sharing! La Myrtille: Sablé au Beurre, Myrtilles Fraiches et en Compote, Crème à la Vanille, Gateau de Pastiches et Glace à la Crème Fraîche And with that, our dining experience at Monsieur Paul drew to a close. Overall When you dine at Monsieur Paul, you can expect a couple of things: the meal will offer you a glimpse of traditional French fare with its complexity and upscale flavors; and you’re probably going to spend a fair amount of money. Both held true for us on this most recent visit. This visit was a more pleasurable one for me than my previous visit, shortly after the restaurant had emerged from its refurb. However, in the coming weeks you’ll have a slightly different experience at Monsieur Paul. A new Chef de Cuisine, Nicolas Lemoyne, has been named to helm the restaurant. Look for small menu updates soon. Now, I’d really love to hear from all of you? Have you dined recently at Monsieur Paul? Leave a comment and tell us about your experience! 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: Monsieur Paul in Epcot’s France Pavilion Guest Review: Vegetarian Meal at Monsieur Paul’s in Epcot’s France Pavilion News! Monsieur Paul Menu in Epcot’s France View the full article

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