Disney4me

Disney films have taken us under the sea with a mermaid, through the sky on a magic carpet and dancing across a ballroom in glass heels. But what if we could step into these movies to make our own happily ever after? Sometimes the stories of Disney movies already have a real place: London in "101... View the full article

We are back with the final installment in our popular series sharing our picks for the Top Value Restaurants when it comes to using your Disney Dining Plan in Walt Disney World. Previously, we shared our recommendations for the Recommended Disney Dining Plan Two-Credit Restaurants as well as our choices for Recommended Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Restaurant Values. Today, we’re sharing our recommendations for Quick Service Restaurants when you’re using the Disney Dining Plan. Remember — the name of the game here is finding the restaurants that hit the right balance: they have 1) a high average entree price, but they’re also 2) spots that we here at DFB would recommend. Why is this important? Because we want to help you maximize those Disney Dining Plan Quick Service Credits. Note that we have plenty of our own favorites that don’t make this list because the average price didn’t put them at the top. Here are our picks for the restaurants that give you the best overall bang for your Disney Dining Plan buck when it comes to quick service credit spots. Wolfgang Puck Express Wolfgang Puck Express has been around forever, it seems. But one thing doesn’t change — even after all of these years, it still represents amazing quality and value, whether you’re dining on the DDP or not. Wolfgang Puck Express Roast Chicken — One of My All-Time Favorites That’s because the food here is easily on par with many table service spots. And when you consider that the average price of an entree here is just over $13, it also makes a lot of sense to spend your DDP credits here. Looking for a recommendation? You won’t go wrong with their Pizzas, which are prepared in a wood-burning oven. Pepperoni Pizza at Wolfgang Puck Express Their Soups and Pastas are delicious as well. And I love their Roasted Chicken when I’m looking for comfort food. Desserts are killer, too, so be sure to take advantage. Peco Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe Peco Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe has long been a favorite of park goers who are looking for sustenance in the wilds of Frontierland. Recently, the busy spot underwent a major menu overhaul. Where once burgers reigned supreme, now you’ll find food with Tex-Mex flair. (But one burger has returned. Whew!) The number of menu items is fairly small, but all of the plates are loaded! And if you’re using your DDP here, you’ll capitalize on the Quick Service credits, as the average entree price is just over $12.50. The Fajita Platter at Pecos Bill’s The food will keep you going for hours, too! And with a plethora of toppings available at their legendary Condiment Bar, you can customize your meal and have it just the way you like it. Pecos Bill’s Fixins Bar! (Alas, Plastic Cheese continues its absence, so we’ve accepted this change as permanent.) Tangierine Cafe We all know that Epcot is a great spot when it comes to diverse dining options. But if you’re looking to maximize your quick service credits, be sure to check out Tangierine Cafe in the Morocco Pavilion. Not only is the food seriously interesting, but the atmosphere is lovely as well. Exotic touches like Zellige tile, colored glass, and beautiful light fixtures serve to transport you. Tangierine Cafe Sign Seating But then, the food! There are some fantastic options here — I mean, how often will you find Lamb on a fast food menu?? This is also a great spot for delicious and out of the ordinary Vegetarian options. Vegetarian Platter at Tangierine Cafe in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion Mmmmm! Falafel! We’ve enjoyed the Shawarma Platters and the Kefta Sandwich as well. Landscape of Flavors But what if you’re looking for excellent value in quick service dining at your hotel? Since it opened, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has been something extra special. With a wide range of signature dishes — more than 25 dinner offerings alone — there’s always something interesting to choose from. Side of Naan From Landscape of Flavors, One of Our Favorite Snacks Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Try one of their Indian-inspired meals, like Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori Chicken The Surf and Surf Burger tops the list for many Disney food fans. But my favorite has to be the Create Your Own Pasta Bar. Choose your Pasta, your Sauce, and your Ingredients, and watch a Disney chef make your custom dish! Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli from Landscape of Flavors — So Good! It’s the best kind of magic. Sunshine Seasons When it comes to Epcot and food, most of the attention goes to the eateries of World Showcase. And many of them are pretty great. But overlooking Sunshine Seasons would definitely be a mistake. This quick service spot, located in Future World’s Land Pavilion, offers fresh flavors with international flair. Look for Stir Fry options and Spicy Fish Tacos if you’re feeling adventurous. There are always interesting vegetarian options as well. Fish Tacos at Sunshine Seasons But my favorite entrees here are from the Oak-Fired Grill. The Oak-Grilled Chicken, Pork Chop, and Salmon have legions of fans! And I’m among them. Sunshine Seasons’ Oak-Fired Grilled Pork Chop You’ll also find some cult classics that we can rarely resist. Be sure to try their Cupcakes, Warm Peanut Butter Brownie, or Strawberry Shortcake if you get the chance. Warm Peanut Butter Brownie at Sunshine Seasons They’re some of our favorite desserts around! Be Our Guest Restaurant And finally, we come to our last recommendation. Yep, you probably aren’t surprised, but we can’t wrap up this list without visiting one of our favorite lunch spots, Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Entrance to Be Our Guest And I say lunch because, as most of you know, Be Our Guest transforms (magic-like) into a table service spot at dinnertime. But for breakfast and lunch, it’s counter service all the way. (However, you do have the option to book advance dining reservations for breakfast and lunch. And for convenience, you can even pre-order your meals up to 30 days in advance.) Why do we like Be Our Guest, and why do we recommend it pretty much, well, always? A few reasons. First, dinner is not an easy advance dining reservation to land, and taking the opportunity to look around Beast’s Castle in the middle of the day may be just the thing if you’ve struggled to snag a dinner ressie. I Love to Check Out the Paintings in the Rose Gallery at Be Our Guest! But also, just like some of our other favorites, it’s not your typical fast food. You won’t be dining on burgers and dogs. Instead, a French-inspired menu rules at Be Our Guest. French Onion Soup And while my favorite dish, hands down, is the Braised Pork, Coq au Vin Style, other items score a close second. If you’re looking for a hearty sandwich, check out the Carved Prime Chuck Roast Beef Sandwich. Carved Prime Chuck Roast Beef Sandwich Fans of lighter fare will enjoy the Tuna Niçoise Salad, featuring Seared Tuna, Hard Poached Eggs, Fingerling Potatoes, and Olives atop a bed of Spring Mix. Tuna Niçoise Salad It’s a truly beautiful plate. Honorable Mention: Contempo Cafe’s Lobster Roll But wait! There’s more! We have one last bit of info for you to consider as you plan your DDP Quick Service meals. We love the the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for their better than average Sandwiches, Salads, and Flatbreads. Their Pot Roast is swoon-worthy IMO, and don’t even get me started on that Peanut Butter Pie! Pot Roast Platter at the Contempo Cafe But actually, most of their entrees are fairly reasonable…except for their Lobster Roll. At $17.99, this is pretty much the most expensive quick service entree we’ve run across. So if getting your money’s worth is your plan and you’re a lobster lover, then go for it! Ready for All of Our Best Tips? We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including LOTS of restaurant suggestions for your every need — in our big, bold 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining! With more than 530 pages, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining E-book — and use code HAPPYPLACE for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! Now, I’m super excited to hear your recommendations! What are Disney Quick Service locations and meals that you feel give you the most for your Disney Dining Plan Credits? Leave a comment and join in the conversation! 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: Recommended Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Restaurant Values Top 5 Disney Dining Plan Quick-Service Values for 2012 5 Best Quick-Service Dining Plan Values View the full article

Peter Pan's not the only one with the powers of flight. Brazilian airline TAM and Disney World have partnered to put a character wrap around one of the liner's Boeing 767-300s. The look, which debuted Monday morning in Brasilia, is the first time a Disney Parks wrap has appeared on a Latin American... View the full article

The new trailer for "Pete's Dragon" premiered during Sunday night's broadcast of "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" on ABC. A movie poster was released last week. The reboot of the 1977 movie is getting a new century update with Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Oakes Fegley... View the full article

So, did ya catch The Wonderful World of Disney special celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland last night with your Mickey Ears proudly strapped to your head (or was that just me?)? If so, then you may have seen Harrison Ford introduce new concept art for Star Wars Land! We were especially excited to see that these included a few renderings for dining options coming when Star Wars Lands open in both Disney World and Disneyland. Star Wars Land Concept Art After the D23 Expo this past Summer, we previewed a few of these experiences for you in this Disney Star Wars Land Cantina post, but now we have even more details! (And we made our case way back in 2013 for WHY Disney needed a Cantina here!) Star Wars Land Concept Art It all went by pretty fast, so here’s a chance to feast your eyes on some of the images a little longer. While we hope to have higher resolution images to share soon, here’s a batch of pics taken straight from the ol’ telly. Star Wars Land Concept Art Star Wars Land Concept Art Of course, everyone is itching to pilot the Millennium Falcon, as one of the main attractions coming to Star Wars Land. Star Wars Land Concept Art Star Wars Land Concept Art But it appears the entire Land will be completely immersive. While meandering through a marketplace, guests will be able to experience “tastes” from the galaxy (and while we love ‘em, I’m guessing they’re going to be a wee bit more intricately themed than the Padawan Dark Side Chicken and Waffles you can currently find over at Backlot Express). Star Wars Land Concept Art Two Dining Experiences Officially Coming To Star Wars Land Two specific dining experiences were mentioned, including the eagerly anticipated Cantina, which we learned about when Star Wars Lands were first announced. Star Wars Land Concept Art Star Wars Land Concept Art They also revealed renderings for a table-service restaurant! Currently announced under the highly secretive, super-coded name of “Star Wars Dining Experience” ;), the artwork for this dinner club looks like it’s something that’s definitely going to be worth waiting for. Star Wars Land Concept Art And how long will that wait be? Still no word on that, even per the special (nor was an official name for the Land revealed). It’s all coming from a galaxy far, far away, folks, so it’s gonna be a while. Still, if they keep revealing concept art that is THIS stunning, there will likely be plenty of galactic joy in the journey of getting there! Sooo… whaddya think of the latest renderings? 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! Star Wars Lands — and Star Wars Cantinas — Announced for Disneyland and Disney World! News: Season of the Force Bringing Star Wars-themed Food, New Dessert Party to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Disney World Get A Star Wars Cantina Restaurant? View the full article

This post is part of the DFB #OnTheList series, where we feature eats you’ve GOT to have while you’re at Disney! Let us know what’s on YOUR Disney Food Bucket List @DisneyFoodBlog #OnTheList! This Animal Kingdom park native now has a second home… on our Disney Food Bucket List! The Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake is #OnTheList this week! #OnTheList: Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake! When this cute cupcake made our “You Won’t Believe This!” snack list, its home was the Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. These days, you can find it pretty exclusively at Creature Comforts, the Animal Kingdom Starbucks location. No matter which bakery case it lands in, though, there is no mistaking this treat as coming from any other park. Where else can you imagine finding a delicious cupcake in honor of our animal friends? Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake The Cotton-Top mold that graces the top hasn’t changed since the first time we tried this treat. It’s a simple but yummy blend of dark and white chocolate. Cotton-Top Tamarin Chocolate Mold Over the years, though, our little friend has received a bit of a makeover (it’s a little known fact that Cotton-top Tamarins are also fashion-forward ). He currently accessorizes with little green icing leaves joining the large chocolate swirls topping the frosting… Chocolate Cupcake … which underwent a transformation of its own! The former buttercream frosting is now a chocolate that is creamier and lighter than a typical chocolate icing, lending a nice butteriness along with more chocolate! Perfect for fans of the flavor. While I do miss the dense, vanilla buttercream frosting on this one, the chocolate is acceptable. Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake Cross-Section Wanna know the best part? The dark and white chocolate Tamarin topper comes on a stick so you can carry it for later. That’s TWO snacks in one, and great for taking on a stroll around Animal Kingdom! Take the Tamarin With You! Actually, maybe that’s the second best part. Because the best thing of all just might be that the Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake has a very important purpose: it reminds us of the Cotton-Top Tamarin, an endangered species of squirrel-sized monkeys who make their habitat only in northwest Colombia. Counter Service locations all over Animal Kingdom park give guests the opportunity to donate some change or “round-up” your purchase to the nearest dollar to aid the park’s conservation efforts through the Disney Conservation Fund. Good on ya, Cupcake! Is the Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake on your Disney Food Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below! What’s On YOUR Disney Food Bucket List? The Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake is featured on the DFB Disney Food Bucket List — #OnTheList! Check out the list for more must-eats, and tweet, instagram, and Facebook your Disney Food Bucket List items @DisneyFoodBlog with #OnTheList! 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: “You Won’t Believe This!” Snack: Cottontop Tamarin Cupcake #OnTheList: The King Cupcake at Disney World’s Pop Century Resort Review: Simba Lion Cub Cupcake (and more!) at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

The latest Star Wars Land news flash was big on words like "epic" and "breath-taking" but short on fresh details. A segment during Sunday night's broadcast of "The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60," introduced by actor Harrison Ford, showed several "concept renderings" of attractions coming... View the full article

After graduating from the University of Virginia this spring, Shannon Crawford intends to go to work for a financial public-relations firm in New York City. On Sunday at the Disney Princess Half Marathon, Crawford was money. In only her third half marathon, the New Rochelle, N.Y., native covered... View the full article

Happy Sunday! We hope you’re having a relaxing day filled with fun, family, and food! Ahhh, Epcot in the Spring. It’s time to officially start looking forward to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! The full menus for the festival food booths are available right here on DFB! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News The countdown is ON! The dates for the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival have been announced! Is a visit to Disneyland’s Club 33 on your Disney food bucket list? It’s #OnTheList this week! We have the full list of menus for the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! We celebrated Friday Happy Hour at La Cava del Tequila sipping Blood Orange Margaritas and Beet Margaritas! Exciting news! Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is returning in April! We can’t wait! The King Cupcake has left the building at Pop Century’s Everything Pop but the King Whoopie Pie is a delicious replacement. We recently visited The Wave…Of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. And we think you should too! 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! As much as we LOVE Mickey Waffles, we know some canine friends who love them too! Take Luna for example – she just loves her new Mickey Waffle chew toy! Thanks to DFB friend Steve Cantafio for sharing this pic of his adorable pup! So cute! Candy apples are one of those iconic Disney snacks and DFB reader Joyce Lin shared this fun photo from Disneyland showing a cast member making a batch of Apple Pie Caramel Apples! Yum! We’ll take two! 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! Those are great choices!!! Make sure to search #OnTheList on Twitter to see what is on everyone’s Disney food bucket list, plus tweet, instagram, or facebook out your favorites using the hashtag #OnTheList. Be sure to @DisneyFoodBlog! 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 is adding adorable to your kitchen with this Christoper Robin and Pooh Salt and Pepper Shaker Set. WDW For Grownups takes a look at the award-winning Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. D23 shared a recipe for the California Grill’s Chocolate Lava Cake. AllEars.net checks out the sake bar in the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. PopSugar Moms shared a make-at-home recipe for Dole Whip. 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 14, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 7, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 31, 2016 View the full article

We have big news from Epcot today! The 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menus are Finally Here! With less than two weeks to go before the opening of the 2016 Flower and Garden Festival, we have the full list of menus for the super popular Outdoor Kitchens! Mark your calendars — the Festival lasts from March 2 through May 30. These Outdoor Kitchens, which are similar to Marketplace Booths that dominate the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, feature delicious small plates and all kinds of refreshing beverages that allow you to taste fresh flavors from the garden. Cinderella Topiary at the Flower and Garden Festival We’ve Loved This Violet Lemonade! There are lots and lots of new things to try. A brand new Outdoor Kitchen will debut in 2016. La Isla Fresca will feature food and drink with Caribbean flair. And we’re excited to see plenty of our favorites return, like the Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños from the Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen! Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños from the Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen Although we said goodbye to Buttercup Cottage, the UK-inspired Outdoor Kitchen, in 2015, we have great news! The Cider House, which features a menu similar to Buttercup, will join the lineup this year! Find this new spot in the UK Pavilion. The Cheddar Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare, Formerly at Buttercup Cottage, Is Back at Cider House! Head over to our 2016 Flower and Garden Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus and even FOOD PHOTOS of most of this year’s menu items! Fans of the super fun Beijing Candied Strawberries will be excited for their return! Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries Return to the Lotus House Were you wondering if Pineapple Soft Serve with a topper of Parrot Bay Rum would return again this year? Well… Dole Whip + Epcot = Dreamy Yes. Yes it will. Hooray! Head over to our 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus and FOOD PHOTOS! Also, stay tuned to our other 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Coverage! What are you looking most forward to at this year’s Flower and Garden Festival? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! Big thanks to DFB Reader Dan K. for letting us know the menus were available! We couldn’t do this without you! 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! 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Food Menus! News! New Booths and Eats at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival News! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Food Menus! View the full article

A new Star Wars-themed stage show, procession and nighttime spectacular are coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios starting April 4, Disney Parks announced Friday. The current Star Wars fireworks show, Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular" will be renamed "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular." ... View the full article

It’s true – it does occasionally rain at the Disneyland Resort. As a photographer there’s a silver lining around every cloud, and I welcome a rainy day every now and then because of all the new photo opportunities it presents. It’s easy to make the best of a rainy day with your camera if you just look around. There’s an abundance of flowers here that are waiting to be photographed with raindrops on the petals, and you can look for unusual or interesting reflections in puddles or on wet surfaces. If you look closely, you may even find umbrellas with Mickey Mouse ears. There are a lot of photo opportunities during the day when it has been raining. But personally, my favorite by far is heading over to Cars Land after dark. With so many different colored neon lights, the photo opportunities are everywhere. I’ve collected my favorite photos from our archive to share with you. What are your favorite things to photograph in the rain after dark at the Disneyland Resort? GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view all Disney Parks After Dark: Fun Without the Sun at Disneyland Resort by Paul Hiffmeyer: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

As we continue to look at ways you can maintain your healthy active lifestyle while on vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, you’re going to want to make sure you pack your running/walking shoes and experience the New Balance Running Trails. Working with New Balance, a leader in fitness footwear and apparel, and the official running shoe of runDisney, Disney has created and identified more than 16 miles of running/walking trails winding throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you want a leisurely walk, or need to get in a pace or tempo run, New Balance Running Trails are open and ready for you, day or night. Some of the more popular trails include a run along Seven Seas Lagoon, through tree-lined trails of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and around Disney’s BoardWalk at the Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Click here for more information and maps of the New Balance Fitness Trails, or visit the front desk at your Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a chance to see and hear about the trails as you prepare for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Pack Your Running Shoes and Hit the New Balance Running Trails at Walt Disney World Resort by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

History lovers I have something for you! Now more than ever is a great time to see “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” a world renowned collection of rare art, unique artifacts, and documents on display at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. Some intriguing new pieces have been added to the exhibit that takes you on a stroll through the pages of America’s history and showcases the influence of African-American culture. Touch screens and guest-activated lanterns with narration by Whoopi Goldberg, Diane Sawyer and a host of other celebrities also help bring the history to life. The exhibit is open daily to guests. Check out the video sneak peek above for more. New Pieces at the Kinsey Collection Exhibit at Epcot by Annette Gibbs: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The acclaim for Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar keeps on coming. Already a guest favorite at Disney Springs, the venue is capturing industry attention too and getting awards for its refreshing concoctions. Grab a seat inside or on the canvas-covered steamboat where you can order one of the VIBE Award-winning beverages. VIBE is the leading beverage industry forum that showcases national trends, insights and opportunities. While the food is delicious small bites (deviled eggs with lump crab filling, goat-cheese-stuffed dates, grilled brats), the VIBE Award is all about the creative beverage program, inspired by the adventurous story of the pilot of Indiana Jones, Jock Lindsey. The beverages at this exotic watering hole are inspired by Jock’s travels in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Disney Springs. For example, the menu notes that the Hovito Mojito and The Bitter Barkeep cocktails are from Jock’s travels to South America, The Aviator’s Flight and The Scottish Professor cocktails are from his European adventures, Anything Goes and Bedtime Story cocktails are from his Asian travels and the Cool-Headed Monkey and Safari Sangria cocktails are from his African excursions. “The attention to detail is what sets this beverage menu apart and creates a competitive differentiation from other beverage menus,” said Brian Koziol, Concept & Development Director of Food & Beverage for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The drink menu features eight signature cocktails, four signature non-alcoholic drinks, a beer list with local craft options, an impressive wine list featuring selections from around the world and locally sourced spirits. Select signature cocktails are served in signature souvenir glassware, including Reggie’s Revenge made with Florida Cane ‘Orlando Orange’ vodka, Midori melon liqueur, white cranberry juice and fresh lime juice and Cool-Headed Monkey made with Starr African rum, Van Der Hum tangerine liqueur, fresh lime juice, watermelon and pineapple juice. Premium scotch and beer flights are also on the menu. Cocktail, beer and wine glass prices range from $9-$22 to fit every budget and taste preference. Congrats to the whole team! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Wins Coveted VIBE Award for ‘Best Beverage Menu’ by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s almost here — a television special 60 years in the making, “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60,” airs Sunday at 8/7c on ABC! This unforgettable two-hour television event featuring stars from the worlds of music, television and film will welcome viewers to join in the magic of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. In this video, featuring Master of Ceremonies Derek Hough, you’ll go behind the scenes of the special and get a sneak peek at some of what’s in store on Sunday! Behind the Scenes of ABC’s ‘The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60’ by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With two very energetic and playful tabby cats (named Pinkie and Index), it would be easy to assume that I’m a cat lover. But I’m also a HUGE fan of dogs, just like many of my fellow Walt Disney World Cast Members. This past weekend in downtown Orlando, hundreds of them leashed up their canine buddies for the annual Paws in the Park event to support Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. The nonprofit provides care for more than 8,000 homeless dogs and cats, matching many of them for adoption in good homes. Our own Disney Dogs Pack turned out to be the “Top Dog” this year, raising over $17,000 for this woof-worthy cause. Of course, there was one Disney dog who wouldn’t dream of missing this event. Mickey Mouse’s pal, Pluto, posed for photos with other “ paw-ticipants” and showed some puppy love – after all, it was the day before Valentine’s Day. In addition, parents, children and their best friends enjoyed bonding time together in the Disney Kids and Family Zone. They engaged in a variety of interactive activities such as solving puzzles, and learning about conservation and healthy living. To watch more of the fun events, take a quick look at this video. Walt Disney World Dogs Pack Shows Its Love of Paws by Andrea Finger: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In celebration of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, Disney Parks will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish® – up to $1 million – for every ‘ear photo’ you share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #ShareYourEars. Cool ears. Funny ears. Mickey Mouse ears. We want to see them all! Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish® have worked together to grant more than 100,000 wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. This extraordinary relationship has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, from wish children and their families to the countless medical professionals, volunteers and donors who help make wishes come true. Disney Parks fans already know the power of a wish. So from now until March 14, we’re inviting you to help unlock even more wishes by sharing a simple photo. So #ShareYourEars – the more creative the better – and join us in helping make wishes come true! Learn more at ShareYourEars.org. GalleryGet Ready to #ShareYourEars — And Help Make-A-Wish! view all Be sure to check out “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” two-hour special airing on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 8/7c on the ABC Television network to see more of your favorite stars sporting their favorite ears. Get Ready to #ShareYourEars — And Help Make-A-Wish! by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Brush up on your concert etiquette During the Diana Ross concert at Universal Studios last weekend, I had to unclench and remind myself that everyone is there to have fun. The folks standing in front of me and my friends were testing me, though. They were space hogs. They were upset when people... View the full article

It's time now for "Name That Tune — Walt Disney World Edition." Here are snippets of lyrics of songs heard in attractions in the four Disney World theme parks. Your mission is to name where you might hear them. These are prerecorded tunes, not from live shows such as Epcot's Voices of Liberty,... View the full article

In 1982, everyone was busy getting ready for the opening of Epcot. Here we see a Dinosaur catching a ride into Epcot to be placed inside the Universe of Energy attraction. Can you imagine being stuck behind this smiling face in traffic! Disney Days of Past: Hitchin’ a Ride by Rose Monahan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run for 62 days this year, an increase of more than a week from the 2015 edition, which was 53 days, Disney World announced Wednesday evening. The 2016 festival will begin Sept. 14 and end on Nov. 14. The fest will be on the heels of its newly expanded... View the full article

My taste buds are already doing a happy dance: the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off September 14 and runs through November 14 this fall. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more. Keep reading the Disney Parks Blog for more details – we look forward to sharing what we’ll be serving up in 2016 soon. Dates Announced for 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Victoria Lim: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

As mentioned in my earlier post about club-level rooms at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, guests interested in adding more magic to their stay should consider purchasing an upgrade to this special room category. At Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, club-level guests are invited to kick back at the Beach Comber Club, located on the second floor. With its relaxing and inviting vibe, the lounge is an ideal spot to pick up breakfast before heading to the parks or for post-pool time snacks. GalleryClub-Level Service at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel view all The Beach Comber Club is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and provides guests with the following complimentary offerings: Continental Breakfast (6:30-10 a.m.) – Continental breakfast bar with an assortment of fresh pastries, fruit, cereal and morning beverages. Snacks (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) – A variety of grab-and-go snacks, fresh fruit and beverages. A Moment in Paradise (5-7 p.m.) – Delightful appetizers with a selection of wine, beer and other drinks. Sweet Endings (7-8 p.m.) – Tempting sweets and after-dinner beverages. Interested in booking a club-level room at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort? Visit Disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact your local travel agent. Club-Level Service at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel by Michael Ramirez: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

New meet-and-greet character experiences are coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this spring. Do you want to take a selfie with a snowman? Olaf, the summer-loving frozen comic relief from "Frozen," will set up shop in the new Celebrity Spotlight in the Echo Lake area of the theme park. Mickey... View the full article