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Hola! I’m writing this post from Tortuguero, located in the rainforest of beautiful Costa Rica, where I am taking part in an exciting Adventures by Disney trip. This trip to Costa Rica is a special teen-focused departure that includes photography classes that allow our teenage travelers to document their experiences as they explore this breathtaking region. Throughout the week I’ll be sharing photos captured by these young artists with you. (These photos were taken with new Nikon D3100 cameras provided to the teens by Nikon, the official camera of Adventures by Disney). Tortuguero is the most important nesting site in the Western Hemisphere for a variety of sea turtle species. Here’s an aerial shot of Tortuguero as captured by teen photographer Brooke. Here the group set out on a boat tour to test their skills at capturing photos of wildlife, including caiman, macaw, iguana and a handful of indigenous bird species. Sleeping Howler Monkey (by teen photographer Brittany) Green Iguana (by teen photographer Brittany) Great Curassow in Flight (by teen photographer Courtney) Laguna Lodge, where we stay during this part of our adventure, is uniquely situated on a very narrow barrier island that separates the Caribbean Sea from the mainland of Costa Rica. Dinner took place alongside the river at Laguna Lodge, and the teens were treated to music from a reggae band and a limbo contest. The evening was capped off with a nighttime tour of the beach in search of nesting sea turtles. Next on our itinerary is a stop at a working pineapple plantation as we make our way to Arenal volcano. Stay tuned for more photos as we continue our Adventures by Disney trip through Costa Rica! Teen Photographers Explore Costa Rica with Adventures by Disney by David Roark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If a picture says a thousand words, I say a picture frame can say a thousand more. In this new “Show Your DIY Disney Side,” I’m making quick and easy photo mats using Disneyland Resort tickets and guide maps. As much as I love sharing pictures with friends on social media, there’s something special about good ol’ unfiltered, un-hashtagged photo prints. What better way to put these beauties on display than with a unique photo mat? I used Disney Parks tickets and maps because they’re bright and colorful (Plus, it’s a great way to show your Disney Side). If you have the materials, it’s fun to theme your mat to your photo – admission tickets for a concert photo, a street map for a road-trip snapshot, leftover gift wrap for a birthday photo — the options are endless! Supplies: Any decorative paper (I used my old park tickets and a guide map, but any other decorative paper will work)Picture frames (I used 8” x 10” and 4” x 6” frames)Craft knifeYour favorite photos (I used a 4” x 6” photo for the bigger frame and wallet-sized photo for the smaller, but you can use whatever sizes you’d like)Step 1: Take the picture frame apart, separating the frame, cardboard backing and glass. Step 2: Lay the guide map or decorative paper out flat over a tabletop. Tip: Since we’ll be using our craft knife on this surface, make sure to protect your tabletop! A thick paper bag or some cardboard will do. Step 3: Cut your desired paper to fill the frame (you can use the glass as a guide). This will form your photo map. Tip: If using park tickets instead of a guide map or large decorative paper, you might not need to cut anything at all! Skip to Step 5. Step 4: Place the photo over the center of the photo mat. Using the craft knife, cut out the center of the mat using the photo as a size guide. Step 5: Place the photo face-up in the center of the picture frame and place the photo mat (or neatly arranged park tickets) on top of (or around) the photo. Step 6: Carefully place the glass on top to lock everything into place. How do you “Show your DIY Disney Side”? Tell us in the comments! Show Your DIY Disney Side: Disney Parks Guide Map Photo Mat by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom tends to get mixed reviews. Today, guest author Rebecca Elliott shares her family’s first-time experience at this Disney World restaurant. Learn About: Tony’s Town SquareMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsLike most families, my husband, daughter, and I have favorite restaurants in Disney World that we like to visit again and again. On our most recent trip, we decided to break out of the box and dine only in restaurants we haven’t tried before. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant hasn’t been on our list mostly because I grew up in New Jersey and regularly prepare Italian-American dishes at home. Also, reviews for this spot have been mixed at best, so we weren’t sure we wanted to risk our meal plan credits. But, we were committed to our plan and chose to give Tony’s a shot. Besides, who can say no to a Lady & the Tramp theme? Tony’s Tony Square Restaurant AtmosphereThe restaurant space on Main Street that houses Tony’s has been around since the park opened in 1971. Unlike the incredible theming of Disney restaurants today, previous dining venues in this space were sponsored by Oscar Meyer and Hormel. In 1989, Disney completely remodeled the restaurant and incorporated a Lady & the Tramp motif. Since the movie takes place in a Victorian-era American city, Main Street is the perfect backdrop. The restaurant in the movie is famously Italian, and the atmosphere of Tony’s reflects this. From the black and white tiled floors to the dark wood banquettes, Disney does its best to deliver on this point. Tony’s Main Dining Room The Restaurant is Regularly Busy The walls are decked with the artwork of Ducky Williams, a senior character artist at Walt Disney World. They are all original paintings. Images of Lady & the Tramp Are on Display Throughout the Restaurant There was a nice effect by our table – a painting of Lady & the Tramp appears behind a faux window, giving you the impression they are outside, about to kiss. Lady and the Tramp About to Kiss Outside the Window The centerpiece of the main dining room is a sweet fountain featuring Lady & the Tramp. It’s lovely to see older Disney movies and characters celebrated in this way. This Darling Fountain Sits in the Center of the Dining Room There is a beautiful sunroom off the main dining room with lots of natural light that offers fantastic views of Main Street. I can see how this would be a terrific viewing spot for parades. Be sure to request this area if you plan on eating a meal during parade times. The Sunroom Has a Nice View of Town Square As with all Disney restaurants, when you enter, you must first check in at the host stand. It is easy to see and well staffed. There is a small waiting area that loops the movie Lady & the Tramp on a TV to keep anxious children occupied if you have to wait. There was also a cast member with a Tony puppet entertaining would-be diners. We arrived a little early for our Advanced Dining Reservation, and they happily sat us. The Check In Desk A Cast Member Entertains Eager Diners We were led to a table that had two seats on a banquette and two chairs. When my husband sat on the banquette, we were disappointed to find that it was too low to comfortably enjoy his meal. The server quickly brought him a chair, and the problem was resolved. EatsThe menu features loads of Italian-American favorites. We each chose to try something different. Since my life’s mission is to find the perfect meatball, I went with the meatball sliders. I was expecting smallish bland sandwiches with a little sauce. Boy was I wrong! Meatball Sliders Topped with Provolone & Arugula Instead, I got three medium-to-large sandwiches and a heaping portion of potato chips. The meatballs were a balanced combination of meat (beef and sausage), breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs with no single component overwhelming the others. They were topped with house-made marina, provolone cheese (melted just enough to make it soft but not gooey), and a little arugula (for a spicy kick). All this on focaccia rolls that didn’t get mushy or fall apart, even with loads of sauce on them. My daughter ordered the spaghetti and meatballs – an Italian-American classic. A very large portion of pasta arrived, with the same marina and meatballs as my dish, only with smaller meatballs. I’ve read in many sources that people wished the dish came with more sauce. I would have to agree with that observation. It was accompanied by a piece of toasted bread sprinkled with cheese. Not a fussy dish, but satisfying and plenty to eat. My daughter enjoyed it. Spaghetti & Meatballs My husband tried the shrimp scampi with sundried tomatoes and asparagus. I make shrimp scampi pretty regularly, so I had a preconceived idea of what this dish would be. It is a diversion from the familiar, but still delicious. The shrimp is not dredged in flour and sautéed. Instead, it appears to be poached in a broth of wine, butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley. The flavor profile of the original is there, but is lighter and with more liquid to coat the large portion of spaghetti it is served with. The veggies (asparagus and sundried tomatoes) round out the dish and give it an earthy flavor. Shrimp Scampi with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Asparagus On to dessert! Again, we all tried something different. I had the pistachio crème brulee. The delicately browned top had a nice crack to it as I broke through to the creamy center. The pistachio flavor wasn’t noticeable, but it still tasted good. The portion was generous. Pistachio Crème Brulee My daughter had the chocolate gelato. Two scoops of smooth and creamy ice cream were served with a piece of biscotti. Very yummy. Chocolate Gelato My husband chose the chocolate cake. Two layers of chocolate cake smothered in a hazelnut chocolate frosting and garnished with chopped hazelnuts and a piece of chocolate. It looked more chocolatey than it tasted, but was still enjoyable. Chocolate Cake Layered with Hazelnut Filling OverallThere’s a lot of mixed chatter on the internet about this restaurant. I think people should approach it with a different mind set. If you want authentic Italian cuisine with bold flavors and every component made to order, you’re best bet isn’t a theme park restaurant. If you’re looking for a place with satisfying Italian-American dishes (served quickly so you can get back to the park) in a clean and well-themed environment, Tony’s is for you. We were pleasantly surprised by our experience, from the food, to the service, to the way the staff handled our complaint. And you can’t beat the location. It’s a restaurant everyone should try at least once. And when you’re leaving, be sure to take a peek at Lady and the Tramp’s paw prints in the cement outside the restaurant! Lady & the Tramp’s Paw Prints in the Cement Outside of the Restaurant Rebecca Elliott writes and hosts the food blog Home Cooks Unite! She is a dedicated foodie and Disney enthusiast whose latest trip to the Magic Kingdom included some incredible dining experiences. Have you had a delicious meal at Tony’s? Let us know any dishes that your family enjoyed at this restaurant! 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: Tony’s Town Square at Magic KingdomDisney Recipe: Pistachio Crème Brûlée from Tony’s Town Square in Magic KingdomGuest Review: Tony’s Town Square View the full article

How ‘bout them apples? They’re red and delicious and perhaps our most difficult mystery puzzler of the summer. These apples can be seen somewhere at Disney Parks but you’ve got to have an eagle-eye to spot them. Any guesses? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today. That’s right, our special mystery image can be found in the area near the Tangled Tower at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. So, how’d you do? Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you’ve been on a Disney cruise, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed the variety of cuisines available for you to try. Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing new things, which we make possible for our guests in many ways … including dining! Today’s dish is Cajun-inspired, so its preparation is simple. Just toss all of the flavorful ingredients together for a delicious Louisiana-style meal! Check out the full recipe below and download our keepsake recipe card here. Enjoy! Cajun Shrimp Slaw with Louisiana Sauce Serves: 6 Skill Level: Easy Time: 40 minutes Ingredients 1⁄2 white cabbage5 21–25 shrimp (cooked and peeled)1 white onion (finely sliced)
1 carrot (shredded)
1 tsp. horseradish sauce
3 drops Worcestershire sauce2/3 cup mayonnaise1⁄4 cup tomato ketchup1 tsp. cajun spice
6 drops Tabasco sauce3 tbsp. roasted peanuts1 lime (juiced)1 tbsp. curly parsley (chopped)salt and pepper
1 tsp. picked dill for garnishFor the Cajun Shrimp Slaw Place all the ingredients into a bowl and gently toss together.Season (finely shredded) with salt and pepper.Chill before serving.For more summer recipes from Disney Cruise Line, click the links below: Disney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Guava Glazed Barbecue RibsDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Summer PuddingDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Seafood PaellaSavoring the Flavors of the Mediterranean with Disney Cruise LineDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Slaw by Stephen Walker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ketchup. I personally love the stuff. I dip fries into it. It goes onto my burgers and hot dogs. I’ve been known to put it on steak. All incarnations of chicken — when not slathered in Buffalo wing sauce — get ketchupped. But recently, I requested ketchup at Crew’s Cup Lounge in Disney World’s Yacht Club Resort when having a little lunch there. And I met with the Worst. Ketchup. In. Disney World. If I’ve piqued your interest, here’s a pic of the offending condiment: Dickinson’s Ketchup. In one of those teeny tiny room service jars, no less. (Apparently the Crew’s Cup kitchen is the same one that manages room service. Sigh. Double sigh.) Dickinson’s Ketchup in a Jar As I see it, there are three major problems here. Shall we? Problem #1: getting the ketchup out. Um…it’s impossible. There’s ketchup in there, all right, but it’s uber thick and pretty much just stays in there no matter how long you tip the thing upside down. So you have to get your knife involved in scraping the stuff out, which not only provides a nails-on-a-chalkboard (or, knife-on-glass, as it may be) irritation, but also dirties your knife. Problem #2: the taste. I know that most ketchup starts with concentrated tomatoes — like tomato paste, I’m thinking — but this seems, well, entirely too tomato-y to me. It’s, like, mega-tomato. There is such a thing as too much tomato. Dickinson’s Ketchup Ingredients — Click to Enlarge But THEN there’s Problem #3: the texture. Once you wrestle it out of the jar — and really, you should have a tiny rubber spatula for this feat — you see that it really is the consistency of tomato paste. You could probably make a little ketchup sculpture out of it. And that’s just wrong. Out of the Jar So I have made a mental note to myself: when staying at Walt Disney World, I’ll squirrel away a packet or two (or 6) of good, old fashioned Heinz if and when I see them. It may be tough, what with all those ketchup dispensers at condiment bars. But I’m gonna try. Gloppy ketchup. Gross. Sorry Dickinson Family. Are you opinionated when it comes to condiments? Tell us about your most — and least — favorite dips and toppings in Walt Disney World! 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: The Best (and the Worst!) Pizza in Disney WorldHow to Order a Cake at Walt Disney WorldWDW Swan & Dolphin Offer Pre-Race Menus During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend View the full article

We’ve been enjoying snack time at Walt Disney World as we launched our Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition earlier this week! To continue the celebration, let’s check out one of my favorite spots in World Showcase. And while we’re there, we’ll sample a never-featured-here-before snack today! I think Epcot’s Japan Pavilion boasts some of the loveliest landscaping in Epcot, and a lot of it can be enjoyed from an outdoor seat at Katsura Grill. Katsura Grill Outdoor seating The greenery, the paper lanterns, and waterfall all contribute to a sense of beauty and peace — even on the busiest of park days — so I’m always looking for reasons to spend more time in this spot. A view from Katsura Grill Lanterns Waterfall One of those reasons, recently, was to try the Green Tea Cheesecake. I adore cheesecake, but have had both good and bad experiences with green tea infused food, so I was curious about what I might discover. Upon receiving my slice, the first thing my eyes took in was the color. As expected, it’s rather green , but a very light hue. Green Tea Cheesecake Green Tea Cheesecake The portion size, I must say, seemed small to me. The slice was very thin. The other thing I noticed is that there is no bottom crust — only the lightly browned bit on the end. End of Green Tea Cheesecake I was much more pleased with the taste and creamy, dense texture. The density made up a bit for the portion size, since it was pretty filling. The presence of green tea was much milder than I expected. While you do get a bit of that very distinct green tea flavor, it’s more of a light, sweetened hint. I’d thought the flavor of the vanilla cheesecake base might get lost in the green tea, but I was able to enjoy it entirely. Texture of Green Tea Cheesecake This really worked for me — while I like a mild hint of green tea, I often find it very overpowering. This was basically like eating regular cheesecake with a little taste of something outside the norm. The Green Tea Cheesecake is $4.50 and available as a snack credit (or Quick Service dessert) on the Disney Dining Plan. Those looking for a more robust green tea flavor might prefer to take a quick walk to the neighboring pavilion — Morocco — and try the Green Tea Chef-created Ice Cream at the Spice Road Table Juice Bar, which is a very bold green tea treat. Green Tea Ice Cream is also available at Katsura Grill. Want Even More Epcot Snack Details?Let’s face it: snacks are a big deal during your Disney vacation. And we’ve got all the info you need to get the biggest bang for your buck! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition helps you to make the most out of your trip. Our fully guaranteed, convenient e-Book format is available for instant download and use on any mobile device, so you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately! Inside the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book you’ll find full-color photos and reviews of over 250 of our favorite Epcot snacks, pricing and dining plan info, bonus items, and more! And for a limited time only, we’re thanking you for supporting this blog by offering the Guide for a $3 discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at check-out. And all of our DFB Guides come with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! Have you tried the Green Tea Cheesecake? If so, please let us know what you thought 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: Katsura Grill, Rogue Food & Wine Booths, and More Changes in Epcot’s Japan PavilionReview: Katsura GrillReview: Teppan Edo in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion View the full article

One of my favorite new offerings that just launched as a part of Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have to be the “Frozen Fireworks,” which light up the sky at 9:45 p.m., nightly. GalleryA Peek Inside ‘Frozen Fireworks’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios view allWhat I enjoy about this fireworks show is that it combines elements of a stage show, complete with moments of narration with Anna, Kristoff and Elsa, with fireworks and songs from the soundtrack to “Frozen.” Disney Parks Blog author Bob Hitchcock recently headed out to the park to take a look and find out what guests – and even some of the creators of the show – think of the new nighttime spectacular. Check it out below. “Frozen Fireworks” will run nightly through September 1, as a part of the park’s Frozen Summer Fun celebration and viewing is available throughout the park. See the posts below for more ‘Frozen’ Summer Fun: ‘Frozen’ Fireworks Light Up Disney’s Hollywood Studios Inaugural ‘Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome’ Parades Through Disney’s Hollywood Studios Ice Skating Begins July 5 at Oaken’s Frozen Funland at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosGet Ready to Experience ‘Frozen’ Summer Fun – Live at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: A ‘Frozen’ Summer Is On Its WayDo You Want to Draw a Snowman? Learn How at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosA Peek Inside ‘Frozen Fireworks’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of my favorite new offerings that just launched as a part of Frozen Summer Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios have to be the "Frozen Fireworks," which light up the sky at 9:45 p.m., nightly....From:Disney ParksViews:43362ratingsTime:03:01More inTravel & Events

Want to add some character to your dinner table? I have a couple of ideas and easy ways for you to do just that. Here are a few key items I couldn’t resist from one of the most recent vintage-inspired collections to hit store shelves. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that everything old is new again. Our merchandisers and artists took that thought one step further and added a Disney twist, creating artwork based on our consumable programs as they would have appeared during the 1970s. The character plates are the perfect size for any appetizer, snack, small meal or dessert. Whether your glass appears half empty or half full, you will no doubt be the toast of the town with this collection. If those glasses aren’t quite your cup of tea, try one of these! Find this collection and more at select locations, including the Emporium in Disneyland park and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park, as well as Centerpiece in Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort. Will you bring this set home with you? Add Character To Your Table at Disney Parks by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Check out this week’s “Caption This” image, which was shot inside Crockett’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Sure looks like the bear has something on his mind. But what? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This”! Caption This: Crockett’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Alrighty Guys, it is time. We are heading over to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney to travel back 200 million years for dinner. Learn About: T-Rex CafeDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsWe’ve gotta do T-Rex again. This super-themed-to-the-max restaurant is the sister of Rainforest Cafe. If you’ve been to one, you have an idea for the feel of the other (even if the themeing is different). I’ll confess I wasn’t looking forward to this Advance Dining Reservation with great anticipation. But every restaurant at Disney deserves a little love from me, right? After all, it’s my job. So on a recent visit, over I went to check out if my experience would be better, worse, or the same as my previous visit. Besides, there’s a Cotton-tini involved this time! More on that just around the corner. Let’s go! AtmosphereAs you probably expect, there’s a whole lot going on when you walk inside T-Rex. The outside view of rock outcroppings and dinosaurs give you an idea of what you’re in for. Outside View of T-Rex Once your eyes adjust, you’ll notice that there are four major themed areas inside the space. The bar is themed to look like an Undersea Scene, complete with a giant, moving octopus. (What?! It’s true!) You’ll see some jellyfish floating above you too. Under the Pre-Historic Sea You may recall this area experienced a little drama last year, when one of the cylindrical aquariums started gushing water right in the middle of meal service! Fortunately, fish and diners alike were all fine. (See the video here.) The floors throughout the restaurant are themed as well. Check out the watery undercarriage of the Undersea Scene. These are actually tiles printed like water. Watery tiled floor The themeing throughout the restaurant does vary a bit. A lot actually. Beyond the sea, you have a verdant Forest Area, where you can sit in the belly of a Triceratops if you’d like. (I have asked how I can get this table. I want to sit in that Triceratops. If any of you are willing to join me on a Triceratops challenge, let me know and we’ll go and wait for this table some night! The Triceratops Booth! And then, there’s the Meteor Shower Room. Somehow you are simultaneously on Earth and viewing Earth. (Don’t think about it too hard.) You’ll find the star of the show here — T-Rex himself. T-Rex! Ruuuuunnnnn!!! Be forewarned — this room is very, very loud at regular intervals. Like every 10 minutes, when meteor showers rain down from the heavens. Did I mention that it’s loud?? The Universe on the Ceiling Seating near the animatronic dinosaurs brings your experience to life. And for educational value, they have plaques scattered throughout the scenes that tell a little about the creatures. Seating by the Dinosaurs In the Meteor Shower Room, you’ll also find the KITCHEN OF FIRE. (I can’t help it with the caps. It’s such a dramatic name. You should also imagine an echoing, booming voice.) Kitchen of Fire The fire is actually a pretty cool touch. If you think so too, you might enjoy sitting nearby. Seating Next to the Kitchen This Wooly Mammoth and her Wooly Babies are hanging out near the ice cave. Wooly Mammoth And speaking of the Ice Cave…it really is spectacular. It makes you feel like you should go and grab a jacket! Changing Lights During the Ice Age Lights change throughout the area as you dine, creating a dazzling effect. You’re surrounded by ice, and there’s a T-Rex skeleton encased in the frozen wall just ahead of you. That said, I DO always request NOT to be seated in the Ice Cave. The lighting is such that your food always looks either purple or blue…and never the color it’s actually supposed to be. That’s pretty unappetizing to me, and when I’m paying T-Rex prices, I want every possible shot at enjoying what I order. Another Color in the Ice Age Light Show So, we were initially seated in the Undersea area, which I thought was awesome. But when I got to the table, it was RIGHT next to the kitchen. We requested to be seated elsewhere, and were brought over to the Forest area…right NEXT to the Triceratops. Sigh. Maybe next time. Good times straight ahead. EatsSo, we mentioned this before, but it certainly bears repeating. The menu here, especially by Disney standards, is massive. Like, 6 pages long. So expect to pour over it for a while. But the first two full pages are made up of Beverages. Once you get your drink order sorted out, you’re a third of the way home. Beverage Menu — Click to Enlarge And there are some interesting options. We noticed they’re very proud of the Category 5. Maybe ’cause it’s hurricane season? Category 5 Table Tent And so we decided to give it a try. It’s very tropical-fruity with a bit of a punch on the back end — just what you want a vacay drink to be. (Oh, and you get the glass to take home!) Category 5 Another member of our party knew right away what she was having (well, she may have had a little urging from me) — the house exclusive Cotton-Tini! This drink has been a legend for a while now. I’ve even wondered if it inspired similar drinks, like the Cotton Candy Lemonade at Everything Pop Food Court, and the new (to us anyway) Carnival Cocktail at Chester & Hester’s Dino-rama. Cotton-Tini Menu — Click to Enlarge Now, there’s a whole little show that goes along with this drink. First, your server will place a martini glass with a tuft of Cotton Candy in front of you. Glass for My Cotton-Tini — Pre-Pour Next, he or she will go to town, shaking up the liquid portion of your cocktail in a vibrantly-colored Shaker. The cool part? You’ll take the shaker home with you at the end of the night! Shaking the Cotton-Tini Once the drink is properly chilled, it’s strained through the lid onto the waiting cotton candy cloud. Pouring the Cotton-Tini And that’s where the magic starts to happen. Blue cotton candy + a yellow cocktail mix = a lovely, bright green cocktail! Cotton-Tini in the Glass Wait for it… Finished Product: Cotton-Tini — Up Close Ah! Green! See — I told ya. And it pretty much tastes like sour apple candy in liquid form. This is one fun drink. Cotton-Tini and Souvenir Shaker There are lots of other drinks to choose from, including a small selection of Beer and Wine. You’ll also find some specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks. More Beverages — Click to Enlarge Another dining companion went for a Blue Moon, one of the beers T-Rex featured on tap. Blue Moon With drinks to sip on, we turned our attention to the rest of the menu. Basically, there’s a page or so for nearly every category. Appetizers and Salads — Click to Enlarge As you’re reading through the menu, be sure to notice the background of each page. They represent the different zones within the restaurant itself. Meat! — Click to Enlarge Be prepared to have a sense of humor where the food names are concerned. You’re about to encounter lots of MEGA- this and PALEO- that. They don’t pass up a single opportunity for prehistoric-inspired alliteration. It makes ordering a pretty funny affair. Pastas, Burgers, and Sandwiches — Click to Enlarge The menu wraps up with Seafood and Desserts on the same page. A little strange, but I suppose it’s practical and a paper-saving measure. Seafood and Desserts — Click to Enlarge I’ve also included the back of the menu, which tells a little about the restaurant’s theme. It’s also worth mentioning that T-Rex is a Landry’s restaurant. If you enjoy this family of eateries, you may want to look into a Landry’s Select Club membership. It could save you money. Back of the Menu with Information — Click to Enlarge We made our selections, and soon the food began to arrive. I enjoy starting a meal with soup and so I gave the Lava Tomato Basil a try. It was highly recommended by our server, and the generous portion was creamy with good tomato flavor. It’s also served in a little pot with garlic bread. Fun! Lava Tomato Basil Soup We also ordered the Megalosaurus Mozzarella to share. The platter offers two takes on Fried Cheese — traditional Mozzarella Cheese Sticks as well as something called Seared Mozzarella. While we ate the sticks with our fingers, we dipped forkfuls of the latter into the Marinara Sauce that accompanied them. This stuff was pretty standard, though the seared mozzerella definitely had the better flavor of the two versions. Megalosaurus Mozzarella One of my friends ordered the Bronto Burger. This was a pretty substantial burger with all of the trimmings, including a thick-cut, breaded Onion Ring. Burgers and sandwiches now come with your choice of side, and he went for the Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Bronto Burger Another dining companion opted for the comfort food option, Cretaceous Chicken Fried Steak. The portion was enormous! Seriously, it’s huge. The dish could easily be split by two hungry people. Cretaceous Chicken Fried Steak Our other friend opted for a lighter dish and went with the Wooly Mammoth Chicken. (No, I have no idea what’s wooly about it.) Served with a bountiful side of Sauteed Vegetables and Peas, this was the most green we saw on our table. (Well. Besides my drink. ) She appreciated the lighter Grilled Chicken and flavorful Tomato Sauce. There was also Sauteed Spinach in there! And the Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes provided a rich component to the dish. Wooly Mammoth Chicken Finally, we get to my meal! And I opted for the Neanderthal (???) New York Strip. The Charbroiled Steak comes topped with a knob of Compound Butter, and is served with Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes. (Apparently it was a mashed potato kind of night.) To that, I was invited to add another side, so I chose the Cinnamon Apples. The plate was picture perfect. My sides were delicious, but I didn’t eat too much of my steak. It looks great, but it didn’t taste as fantastic as I wanted it to. It was pretty gristly, so getting to the actual flavor took some doing. Unfortunate; I was really looking forward to it when it landed in front of me. Neanderthal New York Strip After big plates of food and plenty of other things to eat and drink, we could have skipped dessert. But we didn’t! We all decided that Chocolate sounded best, and so it was a logical choice to try out the Chocolate Extinction. This is a platter of dessert, with four big servings of Chocolate Layer Cake, four scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream, and Whipped Topping. It says it can feed four, but I figure twice as many people could have gotten a fork in there, especially after a big meal. Cool picture, eh?? Chocolate Extinction The dessert was pretty good, but it could have used a LOT more Sauce. But isn’t that always the case? The Heath Bar Toffee Crumbles on top were a nice touch, though. Chocolate Extinction — Up Close And on that (chocolate) high note, we wrapped up our meal and headed out for more Downtown Disney fun. OverallWhat can you say about T-Rex? I have been thinking about it. And the profound statement that I have to offer is — it is what it is. This is not a gourmet meal. But it’s not supposed to be. The atmosphere continues to be the draw, and the food is adequately rises to the occasion. Sadly, the prices are significant; so if you don’t have a person in your party who’s going to be wowed by the atmosphere or can’t wait for that Chocolate Extinction, you may find it to be too hard on the wallet for what it offers. It’s not the worst restaurant that I’ve been to, but it doesn’t hold any particular charm for me. Still, I know for all of its detractors, T-Rex has some die-hard fans. So let’s hear from you: Is T-Rex a must-do, or a must-skip? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Crossroads at House of Blues at Walt Disney World’s Downtown DisneyReview: AMC Dine-In Theater at Walt Disney World’s Downtown DisneyReview: March Signature Dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney View the full article

Experience more magic with Extra Magic Hours! Each day one of the parks offers extended hours so guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy select attractions beyond the standard...From:Disney ParksViews:30135ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

This week, La Place de Rémy, our first themed area based on the Academy Award-winning film “Ratatouille,” opened to guests at Disneyland Paris. Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, authored a story on opening day and showed the area’s anchor, L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, an attraction that shrinks you down to the size of a rat and whisks you away on an adventure over the rooftops of Paris and through Gusteau’s. Check Tom’s original story for more details about La Place de Rémy. And did you see our larger-than-life Olaf made out of sand? The first week of “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” featured expert sand sculptors building the summer-loving snowman in front of the theme park. Here’s how they did it. If you’d like more “Frozen” fun this weekend, also check out our video of how to draw Anna at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disneyland and Walt Disney World Fans Show Their Disney Sidewalks on Instagram – Check out just a few of the amazing pieces of sidewalk art posted to Instagram as part of the Show Your Disney Sidewalk campaign. Disney’s ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ Lands at Disney Parks – Take a look at some of this new merchandise soaring into Disney Parks and don’t forget to see Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue” on July 18! Enjoy a Fourth Night Free at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, with Special New Offer – Book a relaxing Hawaiian getaway for your `ohana today with this exciting offer, at the award-winning Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. ‘Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!’ Begins Today at Disneyland Park – Choose your side in the fight for Frontierland! Click through for more details on this new experience coming to Disneyland park. Vintage Walt Disney World: Early Days of Disney Water Parks – If you love Disney Water Parks, you’ll love this look back at the construction of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Downtown Disney Entertainers Record a Special Rendition of ‘Let It Go’ – Have a listen to this unique take on “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen”, performed by some talented Downtown Disney Entertainers. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World has debuted Frozen Summer Fun. Elsa Cupcake See Anna and Elsa, ice skate (in the summer! in Florida!), catch some snowflakes, attend a sing-along, and of course, snack on some Frozen treats! From snowflake cookies to Olaf cupcakes, there’s plenty of snacks to keep you going. Plus, the 2014 Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages are now on sale. Whether you’re visiting Disney World for the summer or holidays, we know you’ll find some amazing meals, snacks, and beverages. You’ll find all the new Disney Food tidbits by clicking on the links below! Disney Food NewsWe have fun “Frozen” food and beverages from Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!!2014 Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages are now open for booking at Walt Disney World!Check out the Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich and Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion.La Place de Rémy (the Ratatouille themed area) is now open at Disneyland Paris in the Walt Disney Studios Park! Of course, there’s more! 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 restaurant closures, and more! DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Aloha! This week we’re highlighting tasty menu items from Disney’s Polynesian Resort. First up, Facebook Friend Kristen shares “One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. The Samoan from Kona Cafe!”. Wow! We agree, Kristen! The Samoan And here’s a fan favorite — Bread Pudding from ‘Ohana sent in by DFB Reader Diandra. Yes, please!! Bread Pudding While the Polynesian Resort is undergoing renovations, it’s still a great choice for Disney Meals. Thanks for sharing! Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 EditionRecently, we announced the Grand Launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition! And to continue the celebration, we’re offering a $3 discount for a limited time! Use code Epcot2014 at check-out! We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. We’ve kept most of the snacks in the $1-5 range, but there are a few big spenders in there. (Yep, that turkey leg or frozen mojito is gonna cost you!) How Do I Get One?There is absolutely no waiting to satisfy your snack cravings! This guide is an instantly downloadable PDF guide with over 290 pages of information and advice on over 150 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Epcot. Download your copy right now, and start planning! This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan your snacks and treats in Epcot, or your money back — we all know that treats in Epcot are just as important as a FastPass+ for Soarin! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book includes: Half-page, full-color photos of over 250 of our favorite snacksCurrent prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit statusSnack locationsInsider tips and details we’ve discovered through over 20 years of Disney World snacking experienceSnack reviewsSpecial Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)Plan before your vacation so that you can anticipate trying School Bread in Norway, a caramel delight in Germany, and/or a crepe in France. Epcot snacks are an adventure! Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! As we mentioned before, to celebrate the grand launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for a $3 discount this week only! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at the check-out. For more detailed information, head over to The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks!Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!Get four awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only… Bundle for greater savings! Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUSThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, ANDThe DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksAll three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $39.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 600 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 30% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Thanks for your support of the DFB! Perfect for Family Game Night On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix features the Disney Theme Park edition of Candy Land. A fun game to play between Disney trips! disZine highlights two new Walt Disney World VIP Tours. Both include a table-service lunch! Main Street Gazette highlights a vintage marine pamphlet from Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant. A kid favorite! WESH explores 5 unique Epcot Snacks written by AJ. YUM! Cake Wrecks shares some Disney villain cakes. Which is your favorite? Food Beast showcases a non-alcoholic Olaf cocktail from Tokyo Disney. Do you want to drink a snowman?! 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: July 6, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 4, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 8, 2014 View the full article

Choose a Magic Your Way package with a dining plan and enjoy a variety of diverse dining options throughout Walt Disney World Resort. To learn more about all the special benefits that will...From:Disney ParksViews:51932ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

Earlier this week, Disney Parks Blog author Shawn Slater reminded us that there are only a few more weeks to enjoy Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: Harambe Nights Heats Up Disney’s Animal Kingdom view allHarambe Nights includes “The Lion King Concert in the Wild,” a retelling of “The Lion King” that features a celebrity narrator, live orchestra, choir and more. The evening event also features a welcome reception and the post-show street party that features Afro-pop music, performers, a buffet and more. Check out the gallery above for some additional photos we’ve never shared from the event. Have you enjoyed Harambe Nights this year? If so, tell us what you liked about it in the “Comments” section below! This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Harambe Nights Heats Up Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

So, here we are on our second trip to L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion in one week! Learn About: L'Artisan des GlacesEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsYou may have seen our review of the new Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, but we just had to make it back right away to taste their brand new flavor. Take a deep breath, ‘cuz this one is a mouthful: Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream. And it’s good to be back so soon for another visit, because let’s face it – if there’s a list of places at Disney World that merit more than one trip during your vacation, L’Artisan des Glaces deserves to be on it. That case full of 16 homemade flavors of ice cream and sorbet just doesn’t disappoint. L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream case Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch in the case There are so many words in the name “Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch,” it barely fits on the menu! Flavor Menu Menu close-up Fortunately, the Cast Member knew exactly what I was going for when I said, “May I have one scoop in a cup of the… um, Caramel, Cinnamon… uhh, Crumble … stuff? Please?” Smooth. As. Silk. So, with that little tongue-twister out of the way, it was time to give it a try. A cup of Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch The name, of course, is a full description of a very full-flavored ice cream. You can immediately see the generous amount of cinnamon spice throughout the scoop. Cinnamon Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch The amount of caramelized apple pieces is terrific – they could easily overwhelm the texture, but they’re interspersed just enough throughout. Piece of Caramelized Apple But my favorite element was the crumble crunch. I don’t know if this was the intention, but to me the crumble pieces tasted exactly like buttery pie crust, making the whole thing taste just like apple pie a la mode… but mostly “mode.” Crumble Crunch! Okay, so I’m pretty sure “mode” doesn’t mean “ice cream,” but you get my point. It’s delicious. In fact, I won’t hesitate to say it’s my new favorite flavor at L’artisan. And that’s saying something. I hope Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch stays on the menu all year round, but it would be particularly fun to enjoy it during the Fall or holiday season. After all, it’s custom-made for it: all the flavors of hot apple pie goodness in a rich, creamy ice cream that’s cool enough to enjoy in Florida’s warmer temps. Plus, that would give me more time to get the name right ! Want Even More Epcot Snack Details?Let’s face it: snacks are a big deal during your Disney vacation. And we’ve got all the info you need to get the biggest bang for your buck! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition helps you to make the most out of your trip. Our fully guaranteed, convenient e-Book format is available for instant download and use on any mobile device, so you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately! Inside the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book you’ll find full-color photos and reviews of over 250 of our favorite Epcot snacks, pricing and dining plan info, bonus items, and more! And for a limited time only, we’re thanking you for supporting this blog by offering the Guide for a $3 discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at check-out. And all of our DFB Guides come with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! Would you like to try Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch ice cream? 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 No related posts. View the full article

Hello, I’m Melanie! My colleague Kevin Rafferty, Jr., who has brought you “Every Role a Starring Role” for the last few years, is on a special assignment and has temporarily passed me the baton to bring you Disneyland Resort cast and community news. One of my favorite experiences as a Disneyland Resort cast member is watching Main Street, U.S.A. don its iconic red, white and blue décor each summer, offering a month-long celebration of our nation and those who defend our freedom. This July is especially momentous for cast members with connections to the military as SALUTE, a new diversity resource group, officially launched yesterday at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts with patriotic ceremonies on both coasts. Cast members participating in SALUTE will help provide a military perspective that will enhance the cast and guest experience. SALUTE is an extension of Disney’s longstanding support of the armed forces, which dates back to Walt Disney’s service in the Ambulance Corps during World War I and his brother Roy’s service as a petty officer in the Navy. SALUTE is the sixth diversity resource group at Disneyland Resort and the seventh for Walt Disney World Resort. These groups serve as resources to the company and our cast by sharing the unique perspectives and contributions that diverse communities can offer. Additional diversity resource groups on both coasts include: CastABLE: Promoting respect, equality and an appreciation of people with disabilities.COMPASS (Community of Pacific Islanders, Asians and Allies): Enhancing cast, guest and community relations through Asian and Pacific Islander cultural awareness and business practices.FAMILIES: Focusing on family-related interests. (Walt Disney World Resort only.)HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement): Promoting Hispanic/Latino heritage and cultural exchange.PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Diversities in Everyone): Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender cast members by providing resources, learning opportunities and a supportive network.PULSE (People United to Lead, Serve and Excel): Developing cultural, educational and professional opportunities for cast members of African heritage.Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort SALUTE Military Cast Members With New Diversity Resource Group by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort comes with many transportation benefits. Enjoy complimentary motor coach transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort hotel...From:Disney ParksViews:30130ratingsTime:01:22More inTravel & Events

Cool news out of Disneyland Paris this week — La Place de Rémy is now open at Walt Disney Studios Park! And the new area is home to the brand new attraction and table service restaurant inspired by the Disney-Pixar animated film Ratatouille, news we first told you about earlier this year. A ride? Based on a restaurant? Especially a French restaurant??? I love it! L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy — The New Ratatouille-Themed Attraction at Disneyland Paris The attraction, L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, seems like all kinds of fun, too! As guests shrink down to rodent size, they board little rat-shaped cars. The scale allows riders to experience the grandeur of Paris — and world-famous Gusteau’s — from Rémy’s point of view! Guests scurry willy-nilly through a course, high above the rooftops of Paris, before making their way through Gusteau’s kitchen and dining room. And it’s a safe bet that the ride delivers a few thrills and chills along the way, courtesy of Chef Skinner! Once guests complete their harrowing journey, they’re delivered to their final destination — Bistrot Chez Rémy. And after all this talk of ratatouille, of course it’s featured on the menu! Gusteau’s Sign Soars Over La Place de Rémy and Bistrot Chez Rémy While L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy and Bistrot Chez Rémy are now open, guests still have something to look forward to, as merchandise outlet Chez Marianne will open later this year. I think it’s time for a field trip! Who’s up for it?? Does the L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy sound like a fun way to arrive for dinner to you? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Ratatouille Themed Restaurant Will Open in Disneyland Paris this SummerNew! Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary WinesNews: Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s to Open in Disneyland Hotel View the full article

One of my favorite articles to write for the Disney Parks Blog gives readers a glimpse into future merchandise development (who wouldn’t want to travel through time?). Introduced in early 2012, these semi-regular stories are filled with things that make me beyond happy. Here is a look at some of my favorites coming to Disney Parks later this year. I still remember the day that Aaron Babcock, merchandiser for home and decorative goods, showed me the two metal trays pictured above. I did a double take as I thought they were vintage finds from some antique shop. Aaron is the developer behind those amazing items found in Disney Centerpiece at the Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. He stepped up his game with these trays that will be placed next to my vintage EPCOT Center trays from the early 1980s. Look for them this fall at the respective Resort destinations in California and Florida. I think I found the next two shirts that I will be getting for my fiancée and me. They were inspired by the popular “I’ll Be Your” Mickey and Minnie companion T-shirts released in 2012. The shirts are coming this October to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. I fell out of my chair when I saw the new Vinylmation – Eachz set coming this fall featuring Mabel from the hit Disney XD show “Gravity Falls.” I wasn’t surprised to learn that Thomas Scott was the Disney Design Group artist behind these limited edition figures. Thomas, who once dressed up as the character Uncle Stan for Halloween, recommended I watch the show. I’m now hooked and can’t wait for season two, which debuts on Disney Channel on August 1 at 9:00 p.m. Presented in a mystery box (how fitting), the figure on the left will be more common to find (edition size 1,350), while the figure on the right is more rare (edition size 150). Finally, I spotted these adorable new Disney Villains baby plush. Maleficent will be joined by baby Cruella de Vil this November, while Ursula will be released early next year. Which things are you most excited to see? Please share in the comments below. New Merchandise on the Horizon for Fall 2014 at Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Summer Celebration continues in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort this month with World Cup Soccer finals, a celebration of summer volleyball and more “Dole Days of Summer” Hawaiian Nights. Soccer fans have been cheering World Cup matches at the Downtown Disney District , inside ESPN Zone and on the 10-by-16-foot outdoor LED jumbo screen in the Downtown Disney District common area. Throughout the World Cup third place and final matches this weekend, there will be some additional exciting events available for our guests. On Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, we will be sharing a futsal (the smaller-scale cousin of soccer) demo and clinic in the Downtown Disney District common area near the LED jumbo screen. Starting at noon Saturday and Sunday, several local coaches will provide an interactive soccer/futsal clinic for kids. In addition, on Saturday only, Joe-Max Moore – U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer, Olympian and three-time FIFA World Cup U.S.A. Team Member, will appear at 11:15 a.m. to meet and greet soccer fans. Closed toe shoes and a signed waiver will be required for all participants. DJ Wendy will appear throughout the weekend to spin tunes and provide commentary on the matches. As the World Cup comes to its conclusion, summer volleyball arrives to bring the beach to the Downtown Disney District for a five-day event, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, through Sunday, July 20. The event, which focuses on health and community outreach, encouraging children of all ages to get out and play safely, will take place on a specially constructed sand volleyball court in the plaza between ESPN Zone and Earl of Sandwich. Highlights will include OC Volleyball Junior Tournament play from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, July 16, 18 and 19; clinics hosted by volleyball professional Ed Ratledge from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; an intermural tournament for teams of Disneyland Resort cast members Wednesday through Friday; and exhibition games by collegiate women’s doubles teams, amateur and youth players. A lineup of professional beach volleyball players will appear Saturday, July 19 (pro legend men) and Sunday, July 20 (pro legend women) for exhibition games and to greet fans. Thanks to the popularity of “Dole Days of Summer” Hawaiian Nights, two additional Fridays have been added to the lineup: July 18 and 25. That means additional opportunities to enjoy the island entertainment on Friday nights, and to sample the Hawaiian dishes at Downtown Disney restaurants. World Cup Final Matches, Volleyball, Extra Hawaiian Nights Amplify the Fun of Summer Celebration in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Recently, we shared our first #DisneyKids roundtable interview featuring preschoolers showing just how passionate they are about their favorite characters. Today, we’re asking them about rides at Walt Disney World Resort. Many children visiting Disney Parks not only have their favorite attractions but they also remember every little detail about the experience. It’s fun to see that even at a young age, they’ve created great memories about being immersed in their beloved stories. Do your little ones have a favorite Disney Parks attraction? Let us know in the comments. #DisneyKids: Remembering Favorite Attractions at Disney Parks by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Our first #DisneyKids roundtable featured preschoolers showing just how passionate they are about their favorite characters. Today, we're asking them about rides at Walt Disney World Resort....From:Disney ParksViews:41145ratingsTime:01:14More inTravel & Events