Category Archives: Walt Disney World Resort

Four Dining Options, Five Stores, and More Planned for Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Disney has finally announced the dates that we’ve all been waiting for! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open at Disneyland Park on May 31 and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, 2019!

Batuu is the home of Black Spire Outpost, the location you will visit when you arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters.

There will be several locations in Black Spire Outpost to satisfy the appetites of most rogue adventurers:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of the large hangar will beckon guests into this fast-casual restaurant, a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs is in much demand for his culinary skills, so he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport that becomes a mobile kitchen and restaurant – like an intergalactic “food truck.” His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes inspired by the fare he created during his time working for Maz Kanata in her castle on Takodana. Now, “Cookie” is proud to share his cuisine with visitors at Tuggs’ Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling.”

Cookie’s food shuttle, now docked on the roof of the hangar bay, has lowered a series of pods into the hangar, carrying precious cargo – Chef Tuggs’ finest ingredients gathered from across the galaxy. Situated inside Docking Bay 7, other pods from Black Spire Outpost provide other produce, provisions, and equipment for all incoming freighters to the hangar. Guests may choose to dine indoors in the hangar bay or outside in a shaded courtyard.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature innovative and creative food and beverage offerings that enhance the immersive storytelling of the various dining establishments located in Black Spire Outpost. Throughout the outpost, guests will encounter familiar flavors but sometimes with unexpected and surprising colors and textures. The unique presentation takes Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to the next galaxy.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

One of the new dishes that you’ll be able to try at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” that comes served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Another hearty option at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is the Smoked Kaadu Ribs. These country sticky pork ribs come with a unique blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.

Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.

Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (sweet and salty popcorn snack with a hint of spice).

For those looking to purchase in-story Star Wars merchandise and rare finds from across the galaxy, you need to look no further than our many different Outpost stores and market stalls.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.

Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.

First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.

Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:

  • Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
  • Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
  • Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
  • The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)

What are you most excited to experience in Batuu?

Thanks Disney Parks Blog for sharing so many exciting new details about Batuu and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Complete List of the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Menus

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Spring is upon us and that means the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is about to begin! Starting March 6, join us for fun, flowers, and most importantly, FOOD! This year’s festival features 17 Outdoor Kitchens and several other locations through the park that will be offering delectable festival bites and libations.

Special dining packages are also available for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. This concert series runs for 90 nights and features over 270 performances by tons of popular artists. This dining package allows you to have either breakfast, lunch, or dinner at nearly any table-service restaurant in the park and grants you guaranteed seating at one of three concert performances that day. Be sure to reserve these early to savor every single minute! For more information and to make your reservations, visit the Garden Rocks Dining Packages web page.

I have to say, this year’s menus are incredible and you won’t want to miss out on any of these delicious bites! In addition to the returning Outdoor Kitchens like The Honey Bee-stro, the festival has four new Outdoor Kitchens this year: Arbor, The Citrus Blossom, Trowel & Trellis, and Flavor Full Kitchen! Fried green tomatoes, tuna tataki, blood orange aqua fresca, and grilled street corn on the cob are just a few of the new mouthwatering items featured on the menus. Check out these and all of the offerings on the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival menus! The festival runs March 6–June 3, 2019.

(GF) Gluten/Wheat Friendly Menu Selections
(V) Vegetarian Menu Selections

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

ARBOR (Located at The Gardeners Terrace in The Odyssey Center)
Food:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil
  • Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar, and Focaccia Crostino
  • Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake with Apple Cider Sorbet (GF, V)

Beverages:

  • Original Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY
  • Florida Beer Company Caribé Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler Houston, TX
  • Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale, Clearwater, FL
  • Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA, Portland, ME
  • Cider Flight
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

LA ISLA FRESCA (Located in Showcase Plaza East)
Food:

  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce
  • Tropical Mousse Cake: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple

Beverages:

  • Simply Tropical Freeze (non-alcoholic)
  • Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
  • Simply Tropical Freeze with Mango Rum
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

THE CITRUS BLOSSOM (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
  • Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp
  • Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF)
  • Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble (V)

Beverages:

  • Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper (sipper only available while supplies last) (non-alcoholic)
  • Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL
  • First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL
  • Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
  • Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

PINEAPPLE PROMENADE (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream (V)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Fanta (non-alcoholic)
  • Coastal Empire Beer Co. Coco Piña Gose, Savannah, GA
  • Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
  • SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Coconut Rum
  • Pineapple Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

THE HONEY BEE-STRO Hosted by National Honey Board (Located near Refreshment Port)
Food:

  • Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, V)
  • Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens
  • Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V)

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (non-alcoholic)
  • Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale, Louisville, KY
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

FLAVOR FULL KITCHEN Hosted by AdventHealth (Located near the Honey Bee-stro Garden)
Food:

  • Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, and Citrus Greens (GF)
  • From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF, V)
  • Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V)

Beverages:

  • Blood Orange Aqua Fresca (non-alcoholic)
  • Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic)
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

REFRESHMENT PORT (Located near the Canada Pavilion)

  • Coffee-rubbed Pork Poutine with Barbecue Demi-Glace, Fire-roasted Corn Relish, and Cheese Curds
  • Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp, and Smokehouse Jerky
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

NORTHERN BLOOM (Located in the Canada Pavilion)
Food:

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette, and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup

Beverages:

  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic)
  • Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, Québec
  • Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian White Ale, Chambly, Québec
  • Unibroue Lune de Miel Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

FLEUR DE LYS (Located in the France Pavilion)
Food:

  • Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Vichyssoise Soup (GF, V)
  • Tarte au Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V)
  • Canard Confit à la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta
  • Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF)

Beverages:

  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Orange Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Kir Framboise: Sparkling Wine and Monin Raspberry Syrup
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

FLORIDA FRESH (Located between the France and Morocco Pavilions)
Food:

  • Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
  • Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue

Beverages:

  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (non-alcoholic)
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL
  • Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL
  • First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

TASTE OF MARRAKESH (Located in the Morocco Pavilion)
Food:

  • Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad
  • Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley, and Chili-Ranch Sauce
  • Walnut Honey Baklava

Beverages:

  • Casa Beer
  • Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
  • White Sangria
  • Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

HANAMI (Located in the Japan Pavilion)
Food:

  • Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side (V)
  • Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing
  • Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing

Beverages:

  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Sayuri “Little Lilly” Nigori Sake
  • “Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Purée, and Lemonade

FUNNEL CAKES (Located in The American Adventure)

  • Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Cracker and Whipped Cream
  • Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
  • Short’s Brewing Company Local’s Light Lager, Bellaire, MI
  • Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale, Milton, DE
  • Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA, Brooklyn, NY
  • Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Hard Rosé Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

THE SMOKEHOUSE: BARBECUE AND BREWS (Located in The American Adventure)
Food:

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle
  • Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue, and Green Tomato Relish
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Simply Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
  • Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale, DeBary, FL
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Boneshaker Zinfandel, Lodi, CA
  • Frozen Simply Lemonade with Blackberry Moonshine
  • Beer Flight

FIFE & DRUM (Located in The American Adventure)

  • Short’s Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy, Bellaire, MI
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

PRIMAVERA KITCHEN (Located in the Italy Pavilion)
Food:

  • Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan Cheeses
  • Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction
  • Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter, and Chicken Veloute
  • Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle

Beverages:

  • Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
  • Placido Pinot Grigio
  • Placido Chianti
  • Villa Sandi Prosecco
  • Montegrande Corbinello
  • Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato
  • Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
  • Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Located in the Germany Pavilion)
Food:

  • Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V)
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries

Beverages:

  • Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Munich, Germany
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager, Bad Köstritz, Germany
  • Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower, and Mint
  • Beer Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

LOTUS HOUSE (Located in the China Pavilion)
Food:

  • Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
  • House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls (V)

Beverages:

  • “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic)
  • Jasmine Draft Beer
  • Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Piña Colada Mix
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
  • Plum Wine Cooler
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

JARDIN DE FIESTAS (Located in the Mexico Pavilion)
Food:

  • Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Masa topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Cream
  • Beef Torta: Braised Beef served on a Crispy Sourdough Roll with Queso Oaxaca, Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Jalapeños in a Spicy Habanero Sauce
  • Tres Leches: Milk-soaked Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta Whipped Cream and Almond Powder

Beverages:

  • Cerveza: Allende Golden Ale Craft Beer served with a Liqueur Floater
  • Damiana Flower Margarita: Damiana Flower Liqueur, Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar, and Citrus Juices served on the rocks with a Black Ant Salt Rim
  • Oaxacan Gin & Tonic: Smokey Gin, Black Currant Liqueur, Vermouth, Lime Juice, and Tonic Water
  • Rosé Sangria: Withers Rosé Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear, and Ginger Juices
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

TROWEL & TRELLIS Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods (Located near the Mexico Pavilion)
Food:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, V)
  • Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (V)
  • Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate, and Baby Herbs (GF, V)

Beverages:

  • suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic)
  • suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic)
  • Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (non-alcoholic)
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL
  • Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London with Vodka served in a Mason Jar
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

TASTE TRACK (Located in Future World East)

  • Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut
  • Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic)
  • Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Sunshine Seasons (Located in The Land Pavilion)

  • Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen

JOFFREY’S COFFEE & TEA (Located throughout the park)

  • Future World East – Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur
  • Near Canada – Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Irish Cream Liqueur
  • Near Disney Traders – Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit and Vodka topped with Iced Tea
  • The American Adventure – Bee’s Buzz: Frozen Lemon and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum

For more information, check out the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival website.

Reservations Now Available for Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Gran Destino Tower opens this summer, and sitting atop this grand new expansion to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. The unique restaurant will offer a menu featuring dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. Guests of Toledo will enjoy a surrealistic rooftop dining experience along with classic tapas, steaks, seafood, and delightful desserts.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

An on-stage tapas kitchen will serve charcuteríá and cheeses as well as pintxos (small plates) and cazuelas (soups). House boards include a cured meat selection, an artisanal manchego cheese selection, and a grand platter of signature artisanal meats and mixed cheeses.

The pintxos selections feature an array of items like Salt Cod-stuffed Piquillo Peppers with goat cheese and toast, Olive Oil-poached Tuna, and Tortilla de Día wrapped in jamón serrano. Cazuelas include options such as Shrimp Pil Pil, Charred Octopus with romesco and chimichurri, and Rioja-braised Chorizo with field onions..

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

If you’re looking for larger appetizers, you can enjoy several selections including Heirloom Tomatoes with stone fruit and farmer cheese, Jamón Serrano with compressed melon, and Savory Churros.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

For the entrées, guests can enjoy Wine-braised Chicken and steak lovers can savor the Hanger Steak with crushed new potatoes or the Manhattan Filet. There’s also the Rib-Eye For Two – an aged, hand-cut 32-ounce Spanish chuletón for two.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The restaurant will serve 100% sustainable seafood with options such as Scallops with hummus, olives, and roasted carrots and Golden Tile Fish with petite potatoes and cauliflower. There’s also a creative plant-based take on a seafood platter that includes mushroom scallops, calamari, and ceviche as well as hearts of palm crab cake.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

For a sweet ending to your meal, try one of several unique signature desserts created by Disney’s Master Pastry Chef: Classic Crema Catalana with Valencia oranges and chocolate tuile, “Café con Leche” Choux with dark chocolate mousse and vanilla “nata montada,” and “The Toledo Tapas Bar” – a progressive bite-sized sweet tasting, tapas style, featuring a crunchy chocolate bar with bite-sized flavors of Spanish coffee mousse, chocolate cake, “frambuesa” raspberry mousse, and lemon curd. Kids can also enjoy Mickey-shaped raspberry mousse topped with yummy strawberries.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

There’s even a plant-based dessert option on the menu. The Chocolate Avocado Mousse with strawberry-basil sorbet and coconut crumble is a decadent option that you definitely won’t want to miss out on.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The beverage menu shines the spotlight on Spanish and California wines with over 75 selections hand-selected by our Master Sommelier. Other drinks include handcrafted cocktails such as the “Gin Tonic” with house-made saffron tonic and sangria as well as beers and ciders from Spanish and American Craft Breweries, a selection of non-alcoholic artisanal cocktails, and dinner beverages showcasing Spanish coffees, brandies, and dessert wines.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Reservations are now open for Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood for bookings starting in July, when Gran Destino Tower opens at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. For more information and to book reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

For more information and to book hotel reservations for Gran Destino Tower, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or call 407-W-Disney (407 934-7639) or your travel agent.

Complete Guide to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Food

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Grab those paintbrushes and get ready to please your palate with the colorful flavors of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts! Highlighting the visual, performing, and culinary arts, the festival runs from January 18 to February 25, 2019, and features 13 Food Studios along with other festival-exclusive dishes served at various locations throughout the park. From sweet and savory to spicy and scrumptious, this year’s menus are decorated with a whole gallery of items including returning favorites as well as new items that will dazzle your taste buds. This colorful fare paints a yummy picture of culinary perfection presented throughout Future World and World Showcase.

In addition, guests can savor show-stopping cuisine with a side of sizzling Disney Broadway hits with the Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages. You can feast on the finest fare from around the world at participating restaurants before enjoying guaranteed seating at one of three concerts held the same day. For more information and to book a dining package, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463). Bookings are available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

As for the menus for the wonderful Food Studios sprinkled throughout the park, here’s your complete Guide to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts food!

GF – Gluten-Friendly
V – Vegetarian

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The Deconstructed Dish (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • Deconstructed Reuben with Shredded Corned Beef, Thousand Island Dressing, Pickled Red Cabbage, and a Rye Curl
  • Deconstructed BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam, and Soft Poached Egg
  • Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York Style Cheesecake with Fresh Florida Strawberries, Sugar Cookies and Micro-basil

Beverages:

  • Pop-Artsicle: Red, White, and Blue Frozen Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  • Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake garnished with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (Non-alcoholic)
  • Imagery Sauvignon Blanc, California
  • Mad Genius Red Blend, California
  • Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Cream Bourbon garnished with a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The Artist’s Table (Located in The American Adventure)

Food Items:

  • Beef Wellington with Mushroom Bordelaise, Fennel Cream, and Roasted Baby Vegetables
  • Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Parmesan Crisp (GF)
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

  • Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, & Dark Chocolate (non-alcoholic)
  • Saugatuck Brewing Co. Neapolitan Milk Stout, Douglas, MI
  • Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
  • Lindemans Framboise Lambic, Belgium
  • Barrymore Rosé, Monterey County, CA
  • Carmel Road Drew’s Blend Pinot Noir, Monterey County, CA
  • Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Cream Liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
  • Chocolate and Beer Pairing Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Cuisine Classique (Located in the Germany Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes, and Aged Balsamic
  • Seared Corvina with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF)
  • Saint-Honoré Tart: Caramel Cream Tart with Caramel Glaze topped with Cream Puffs
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

  • Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider, Walden, NY
  • Concrete Beach Brewery Rosé Ale, Miami, FL
  • Frozen Rosé
  • Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series, Logrono, Spain
  • Domaine Savary Chablis, Burgundy
  • A Play on Rosé Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Pop Eats! (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • Sous Vide Chicken Roulade with Apples and Sage served with Warm Brie Fondue, Blueberry and Beet Gel and garnished with Apple and Beet Chips (GF)
  • Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF)
  • Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Callebaut Belgian Chocolate (V)
  • Pop Art Tart: Modern-designed Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Filling (V)

Beverages:

  • Blue Sky Black Cherry Boba Freeze (non-alcoholic)
  • #RainbowSherbertGlitterDreamAle by Playalinda Brewing Co., Titusville, FL
  • Popping Bubbles Cocktail
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Masterpiece Kitchen (Located in the Canada Pavilion)

Food Items

  • Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (V)
  • Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats and Cheeses featuring Nueske’s® Applewood Smoked Beef
  • Vanilla, Rose Water and Pistachio Panna Cotta

Beverages:

  • Weihenstephaner Original Lager, Freising, Germany
  • Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne
  • The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot, Sonoma County, CA
  • Pinord La Dama Reserva Familiar Brut, Spain
  • Pinord La Dama Reserva Familiar Brut Rosé, Spain
  • Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Painter’s Palate (Located in the Odyssey Festival Showplace)

Food Items:

  • Smoked Salmon and Cream Gâteau with Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar, and Micro-herbs
  • Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts:
    • Whipped Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese with Fresh Herbs (V)
    • Chicken Salad with Shaved Fennel and Fresh Herbs
    • Spicy Tuna with Wasabi and Seaweed Salad
  • Gallery Bites: A Trio of Hors d’Oeuvres
  • Chilled Shrimp with Cucumber Cream Cheese on a Crostini
  • Traditional Deviled Egg with Candied Bacon
  • Crispy Truffled Risotto Ball with Truffle Aïoli (V)
  • Pop Art Tart: Abstract-designed Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Filling (V)
  • White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette
  • Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)
  • Festival of the Arts White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel (GF) (V)

Beverages:

  • North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw Pilsner Style Beer, Fort Bragg, CA
  • M.I.A. Beer Company Jazz IPA, Doral, FL
  • Central 28 Beer Company Miss Mary Brown Oatmeal Brown Ale, DeBary, FL
  • Popcorn Pairing Flight
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Decadent Delights (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • White Chocolate and Purple Sweet Potato Mousse, Caramel, Coconut and Maple Meringue
  • Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crunch
  • Lemon Blood-Orange Tart
  • Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie

Beverages:

  • 3 Daughters Strawberry Blonde Nitro, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Breckenridge Nitro Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge, CO
  • Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, England
  • Biagio Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Cold Fashioned Coffee Cocktail
  • Neapolitan Beer Flight

Refreshment Outpost (Located between the China and Germany Pavilions)

Food Items:

  • Chilled Shrimp, Quinoa, Layered Vegetables, Spiced Yogurt and Red Pepper Coulis

Fife and Drum (Located in The American Adventure)

Food Items:

  • Musical Float: Layered Strawberry, Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slushy with Vanilla Ice Cream and White Chocolate (non-alcoholic)

Block and Hans (Located in The American Adventure)

Beverage Items:

  • Ciderboys Grand Mimosa Apple Orange Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Refreshment Port (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food Items:

  • Lobster Chips: Lobster-topped house-made Chips with Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, pickled Jalapeños and Citrus Cream

Beverages:

  • Glazed Pork Belly Bloody Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Absolut Vodka garnished with Maple IPA Glazed Pork Belly, Pickled Carrots, Celery, Stuffed Olives and Cherry Tomato
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Taste Track (Located in Future World East)

Food Items:

  • Lobster Bacon Macaroni & Cheese served in a Warm Bread Cone
  • Paintbrush Churros: Cinnamon Sugar Churros Dipped in Colorful White Chocolate

Beverage Items:

  • Pancake Milkshake (non-alcoholic)
  • Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (Located in the France Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl
  • Dariole de Saumon à la Provencale, Sauce Beurre Blanc, Fleuron: Salmon Terrine with Zucchini and Tomato, Beurre Blanc Sauce, Puff Pastry Fleuron
  • Moelleux Aux Chocolats Valrhona: Molten Chocolate Cake with Pure Origin Valrhona Chocolates

Beverages:

  • Crémant de Bourgogne Veuve d’Ambal Expression: French Sparkling Burgundy Wine
  • Alsace, Riesling Reserve Willm
  • Bordeaux, Château Prignac, Medoc, 2014
  • Frosé: Frozen Côtes de Provence Rosé Wine with Grey Goose Vodka and Peach Purée
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Mosaic Canteen (Located in the Morocco Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Spiced Beef with Pine Nuts and Dried Cherries, Hummus and Pita Chips
  • Mediterranean Flatbread with Zaatar, Olive Oil Artichoke, Olives, Mozzarella and Feta Cheese
  • Chebbakia: Hand-twisted Strips of Fried Dough coated with Honey, Rosewater and Sesame Seeds

Beverage:

  • Casa Beer
  • Bonassia Red, Meknés, Morocco
  • Embrace the Arak: Massaya Arak, Orange Juice and Grenadine
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

El Artista Hambriento (Located in the Mexico Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Sopes de Chilorio: Slow-braised Pork marinated in Ancho Chili Paste served on Fried Corn Dough with Black Beans, Queso Oaxaca, Crema Mexicana and Salsa Verde
  • Callo de Hacha en Salsa de Jengibre y Habanero: Two Seared Scallops with Ginger-habanero Sauce atop Yucca Purée
  • Chocoflan: Creamy Mexican Custard and Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta and Hazelnuts

Beverages:

  • Allende Mexican Craft Beer
  • Frida Lychee Margarita: El Velo Blanco Tequila, Lychee Purée, Botran Rum, and Fresh Lime Juice
  • Diego Dragon Fruit Margarita: Bruxo Mezcal, Dragon Fruit Purée, Ginger Cordial, and Guanábana Liqueur
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Takumi Table (Located in the Japan Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Taiyaki: Fish-shaped Japanese Sweet Stuffed Pastry with Red Bean Paste and topped with Whipped Cream and Sesame Custard
  • Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped Sushi featuring Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Avocado and Masago accented with Citrus-soy Gelée and Wasabi on the side

Beverages:

  • Sapporo Draft Beer
  • Masu Sake in a Traditional Personalized Wooden Cup
  • Melting Snow Cocktail: Sake, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, and Japanese Calpico
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

The Painted Panda (Located in the China Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Crystal Mooncake with Fruit Filling and garnished with Toasted Coconut
  • Dragon and Phoenix: Spicy Sautéed Shrimp with Spinach Noodles
  • Plum Infused Cherry Tomatoes

Beverages:

  • “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic)
  • Jasmine Draft Beer
  • Fortune Cookie: ByeJoe Spirit, Amaretto, Coconut and Pineapple
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, Orange Juice and Soda Water
  • Tomato Plum Cocktail: Plum Wine with Plum Infused Tomatoes
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

L’Arte di Mangiare (Located in the Italy Pavilion)

Food Items:

  • Barbabietole Dolci, Caprino Fritto: Roasted Candied Beet Salad with Goat Cheese Fritters
  • Costine di Maiale Aceto Balsamico: Sweet & Sour Balsamic-glazed Pork Ribs
  • Spuma al Miele d’Arancio: Orange Honey Mousse with Peaches and Mint Marjoram Cream

Beverages:

  • Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
  • Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer
  • Prosecco, Villa Sandi
  • Moscato Fior d’Arancio, Montegrande
  • Corbinello, Montegrande
  • Pinot Grigio, Bosco del Merlo
  • Merlot, Montegrande
  • Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée and Prosecco
  • Vodka Rossini: Vodka, Strawberry Purée and Prosecco

Funnel Cakes (Located in The American Adventure)

  • Salted Caramel Funnel Cake
Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

  • Future World East: Espresso-nist Latte – A shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with rich Baileys Espresso Crème Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • Canada: Starry Night Latte – A delicious shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with Creamy Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, topped with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • Showcase Plaza: Surreal Cinnamon Latte – A shot of Joffrey’s Italian Espresso mixed with RumChata and Cinnamon Whisky, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream
  • The American Adventure: Bourbon Brushstroke Latte – A shot of Italian Espresso mixed with Bourbon Whiskey Cream liqueur, blended with Steamed Milk and Whipped Cream

For more information on the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

10 Easy Ways to Earn Money for a Disney World Vacation

A Disney World vacation is often seen as a rite of passage for most families who want to experience and share that “Disney magic” with their kids. However, with prices increasing each year, it may feel out of reach to come up with enough money to take that vacation. So, today, I want to share with you ten easy ways to earn money for a Disney World vacation, mostly from the comfort of your own home!

Swagbucks: My #1 favorite way to earn money for vacations is through Swagbucks! Swagbucks is an incredible resource where you can complete surveys, watch videos, and make purchases to earn money in the form of SB which can be redeemed for cash back (through PayPal) or a number of gift cards, including Visa, Target, Amazon, and more! You can sign up for Swagbucks here and earn a 300 SB ($3!) bonus.

Ibotta: You can use Ibotta to earn money back on purchases that you’re already making at your local grocery store. Ibotta has so many rebates available, including a $0.25 rebate for purchasing ANY ITEM almost every week. You can sign up for Ibotta here to get started with a $10 welcome bonus.

Shopkick: Shopkick is an easy app to use while you’re out and about. You will earn “kicks” for opening the app inside of a number of stores like Target, Marshalls, and Carter’s. You can also earn extra kicks for scanning barcodes on select items in the stores and even more for purchasing those things. You can sign up for Shopkick here.

Ebates: Ebates is an easy way to earn cash back on almost all of the purchases that you make on-line. All you need to do is go through your Ebates account to earn cash back at participating online retailers. You can sign up for Ebates here.

Receipt Hog: You are paid by Receipt Hog just for scanning your receipts! You can scan receipts from grocery store, department stores, and more to earn coins which can then be redeemed for PayPal, Amazon, or Visa Prepaid Card. You don’t have to activate any offers or purchase any specific brands to earn coins, either. You can download the Receipt Hog app here.

Fetch Rewards: Fetch is a newer (to me) app, but seems really easy so far. When you download the app, you can select all of your favorite brands (or brands you may ever purchase) and then earn points for every receipt that you can. You will earn bonus points just for scanning your first few receipts. You earn points for so many different brands that the points seem to add up pretty quickly and then can be cashed out for as little as 3,000 points which would give you a $3 gift card. You can download the Fetch Rewards app here. Enter my referral code, V8UFM at the sign-up screen and you’ll get 2,000 Fetch Points ($2.00 in points!) when you complete one receipt.

Dosh: The Dosh app is another way to earn money on purchases that you’re already making. When you link a credit or debit card, you will earn money back on purchases made at a number of retailers. Once you download the app, you can view all participating locations near you. There are places like Hungry Howie’s, Payless ShoeSource, Pizza Hut, gas stations, and more. You can sign up for Dosh here.

Dabbl: Dabbl is an app similar to Swagbucks that offers you the ability to earn money for taking surveys and watching advertisements. You can cash out for as little as $5 and they even offer Disney gift cards as rewards! You can sign up for Dabbl and download the app here.

Bing: You can earn Microsoft Reward Points by using Bing as your search engine. It’s a really quick and easy way to earn points which can be redeemed for gift cards. You can earn up to 150 points per day for searches on your desktop and 100 points per day for searches on a mobile device. Plus, you can even earn bonuses for completing other activities and searching daily. They have a variety of options to redeem your points for like Target and Starbucks gift cards. You can sign up for a Microsoft rewards account here.

Saving Star: Saving Star is another rebate app with offers from popular companies like Kellogg’s, Pillsbury, General Mills, and more. Just be sure to activate the offers before your purchase with Saving Star. You can sign up for Saving Star here.

What are your favorite ways to earn money for a Disney World vacation (or any vacation)?

19 Reasons to Book a 2019 Disney World Vacation

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2019 is going to be an amazing time at Walt Disney World Resort, with so many new and exciting things happening all year long. You’ll travel to a galaxy far, far away and experience zany fun aboard a runaway railway. You can MousekeDance yourself silly and play basketball like the pros. Or maybe you’ll want to take in beautiful views while you dine 15 stories high atop a new resort hotel tower or glide across the sky in a gondola.

So let’s get to it! Here are 19 reasons to be excited for a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019:

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

1. Anything Can Happen at Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration – Starting January 18, Magic Kingdom Park is honoring those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, now, more than ever with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages. The new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” will parade up Main Street, U.S.A. several times daily, while you can meet Mickey and Minnie together – wearing their new birthday outfits – in Town Square Theater.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

2. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios – On May 1, Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is honoring this achievement all year with a new 30th anniversary logo and other fun and excitement (see below!).

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

3. Say a Fond Farewell to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – After nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, this nighttime spectacular will be ending in the second half of this year. Now, more than ever you’ll want to spend another evening around World Showcase Lagoon to celebrate this classic show that has entertained millions since its October 1999 debut.

4. Jaleo Cooks Up Fresh Tastes at Disney Springs – Chef José Andrés will bring the spirit and flavors of Spain to Disney Springs with his new Jaleo restaurant, opening this winter. The tapas experience will offer a lively setting befitting its name, which means “revelry.”

5. Party with Pixar Pals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Starting Jan. 18, celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary with The Incredibles, who will host a dance party at Pixar Avenue (where you can also meet the one and only Edna Mode!). A door to the monster world will open at Walt Disney Presents, where Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” will be greeting you. And Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang are ready to welcome you into Andy’s backyard at the new Toy Story Land.

Photo; Disney Parks Blog

6. Disney on Broadway Concert Series Expands During Epcot International Festival of the Arts –This celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts returns Jan. 18-Feb. 25. This year, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will expand to seven days a week, so you can bask in live Disney magic more than ever. The festival also will feature 13 Food Studios, a variety of workshops led by professional artists, interactive exhibits and activities, and much more.

7. “The Lion King” Roars Again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures’ animated classic “The Lion King.” To mark this occasion, starting Jan. 18 Rafiki and Timon will lead you in dances and games during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

8. Take in the Topiaries During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Welcome spring’s arrival with this popular festival, which returns March 6-June 3. This year’s event will feature delectable bites at outdoor kitchens, as well as dozens of world-renowned, Disney-themed topiaries. In addition, the Garden Rocks Concert Series will include three shows a day for all 90 days of the event.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

9. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios – When this new show experience opens this spring, you’ll come face to face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who will teach you about racing from his years of experience on the track. This will be the untold story of Lightning McQueen … as told by Lightning McQueen!

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

10. H2O Glow Nights Return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – These evening beach parties happen Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30 through Aug. 24, transforming the water park into a new nighttime experience through special music, lighting and food. Come party with friends from Pixar’s “Toy Story” films during the 30th anniversary summer of Typhoon Lagoon!

11. New Cinematic Nighttime Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – As part of the theme park’s 30th anniversary, Wonderful World of Animation will debut May 1. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take you on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey.

Photo; Disney Parks Blog

12. Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to Open New Tower – This summer, the resort will complete a total reimagining, including the new 15-story Gran Destino tower featuring a rooftop restaurant and 545 new guest rooms. A second new restaurant will be located on an island in the middle of the resort’s 14-acre lake, while all of its existing 1,800-plus rooms have been fully updated with new fixtures and furnishings.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

13. NBA Experience Will Be a Slam Dunk at Disney Springs – This brand-new destination will allow you to participate in your own scouting report, take you through pregame preparations and let you step onto the court to make clutch shots and highlight reel-worthy slam dunks. By participating in 13 unique and innovative hands-on activities, you’ll feel like a star player.

Guests snap a selfie after grabbing new Guinness Baileys Shakes from the Ireland marketplace during the 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Held Aug. 30-Nov. 12, 2018, the event features more than 30 global marketplaces showcasing edible and drinkable delights. (Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

14. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Will Spice Up Fall – The aromas and flavors of global marketplaces will welcome you to the 24th year of this renowned festival. You’ll have a chance to meet celebrity chefs, try new food and wine pairings, and listen to great music during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

15. Major Youth Sporting Events Return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – The Jr. NBA World Championship will return to the complex, showcasing top boys and girls basketball teams from around the world. In December, the 63rd Pop Warner Super Bowl will bring hundreds of young football players to Walt Disney World to compete in national championship games.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

16. Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Live your own Star Wars adventure when this deeply immersive land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall (and this summer at Disneyland Park in California). You’ll explore Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where you’ll find all manner of new sights, sounds, smells, tastes, characters and creatures from a galaxy far, far away. The land will also feature two thrilling new attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

17. Take a Ride on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this will be the first ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. It will feature a new original story and lovable theme song, taking you on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts. New technologies will transform the two-dimensional cartoon world into an astounding multi-dimensional experience.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

18. Glide Through the Air in the Disney Skyliner –Disney Skyliner will offer Tinker Bell views later this year as guests float in gondolas to either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios on roundtrips from Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Inspired by the European grandeur Walt Disney experienced in his travels along the Mediterranean coastline, Disney’s Riviera Resort is projected to open in fall 2019. This proposed resort will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property. (Disney)

19. Disney’s Riviera Resort Will Be 15th Disney Vacation Club Resort – Scheduled to open by the end of this year, Disney’s Riviera Resort will reflect an elegant early 20th-century design, inspired by Walt Disney’s travels to the Mediterranean. The deluxe DVC resort is slated to offer approximately 300 family-friendly vacation home units.

How to Add a Day at Universal to Your Disney World Vacation

Many guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels or Orlando area hotels want to spend a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando Resort. Disney does not provide transportation to Universal Studios from any of the Disney Hotels, so how do you add a day at Universal without a car? The most convenient and affordable way to add a day at Universal to a Disney World vacation is by purchasing a Universal ticket that includes a round-trip shuttle!

We offer a one or two day park to park ticket that includes roundtrip shuttle transfers from any of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The shuttle transfers are through Quick Transportation. It is an easy process. After you book your ticket, you call at least 24 hours before you are visiting Universal Studios to schedule your pickup time. Then, you are picked up from your hotel for your day at Universal Studios.

Once you are done playing at Universal Studios, you call the same number to schedule your pickup time to head back to your Disney Hotel. The shuttle can run until 2 AM, which means that you can stay and play at CityWalk after your day at Universal Studios and then take the shuttle back to your resort.

The shuttle transfers saves you from $90 on transportation from Disney to Universal Studios. Plus, this ticket is also saving you $10 per person off the regular gates prices.  One more HUGE perk, you do not have to wait in line at the ticket windows.  You walk right up to the electronic kiosks to pick up your tickets.  This can easily save you 30 minutes!

We can even add Universal’s unlimited Express Pass to these tickets to help you enjoy as much as possible during your day at Universal by skipping the line at most attractions! Plus, if you book your tickets by March 14, 2019, you’ll get two days FREE with the purchase of a two day ticket!

Call Siera today at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com to book your day (or two) at Universal Orlando Resort so you can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Five Ways to Celebrate and Connect with the Navi in Pandora- the World of Avatar

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Since Pandora – The World of Avatar opened earlier this year, Walt Disney World Resort guests just can’t get enough. Whether it’s taking a wild adventure atop a mountain banshee at Avatar – Flight of Passage, traveling down the Na’vi River Journey to spy the Na’vi Shaman of Songs, or gazing in amazement at the intricacies of Pandora’s amazing floating mountains, there’s so much fun to be had.

And of course, there are many ways guests become even more immersed in Pandoran culture during their visit. Here are five ways we suggest celebrating and connecting with the Navi in Pandora – The World of Avatar:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

1. Create & Personalize Your Own Avatar Action Figure – The ACE Avatar Maker at Windtraders uses state-of-the-art facial scanners to grab your image and create a human/Na’vi hybrid figure. After the image is captured, guests are free to personalize their avatar’s eye color, facial striping pattern, hairstyle and more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

2. Visit Colors of Mo’ara – Colors of Mo’ara helps guests see themselves as one of the Na’vi by giving them Na’vi-inspired face painting with authentic Pandoran markings.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. Headbands & Tails – What Na’vi look would be complete without accessories? Windtraders carries an assortment of Na’vi inspired headbands, tails, hooded jackets – and even shoes and walking sticks that interact with the land at night.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

4. Banshee Matching – A milestone in the life of a Na’vi is when he or she is matched with a Banshee. Head into Windtraders, where cast members are ready to help you find your perfect match.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

5. Dine at Satu’li Canteen – Stop into the land’s former RDA mess hall to try a fast-casual menu that’s been inspired by Pandora’s natural abundance.

How do you plan to celebrate and connect with the Navi in Pandora- the World of Avatar during your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Five Ways to Celebrate the New Year and Ring in 2019 at Disney World

From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Five Ways to Celebrate the New Year and Ring in 2019 at Disney World

Looking for a great way to ring in the New Year? We’ve got you covered! From dancing and dining to midnight toasts and fireworks, there’s a whole host of celebrations happening at Walt Disney World Resort to help you celebrate the New Year and ring in 2019 at Disney World!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New Year’s Eve at Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk

If you’re looking for a night full of family, friends, and elegance, then Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk is the New Year’s event for you! Celebrate with a multi-course, prix fixe menu with dishes such as Aged Cognac Lobster Bisque, Wild Alaskan King Blue Crab, Chilean Sea Bass, and more. For dessert, you’ll love the Cocoa Beach (chocolate hazelnut cake with warm ganache) or the Florida Sunset (vanilla custard with lemon broth, segmented fruits, and white chocolate).

This event is available for booking via phone only. To book an available seating, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. And for more info on this event, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New Year’s Eve Bash at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk

For tons of fun and a swinging late-night party, you should definitely come on out to Atlantic Dance Hall for the New Year’s Eve Bash! Kick off the brand-new year with rockin’ music, tasty treats, and a dash of Disney magic as you count down to midnight. This festive holiday celebration includes fabulous views of the Epcot fireworks, a live DJ, party hats and horns, a mouthwatering light-bite menu, two beverage vouchers, and a Champagne toast at midnight. On the menu is assorted antipasto and charcuterie, cheeseburger spring rolls, pork pot stickers, vegetable samosa, a create-your-own slider and taco bar, and a dip station including veggies, chips and salsa, pretzel bites, assorted flatbreads, and more. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll enjoy a selection of desserts including mini-cupcakes and macarons.

Guests must be 21 and older with a valid ID to attend this event. This event is available for booking via phone only. To make reservations for this event, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. And for more info, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Special New Year’s Eve Dining at Monsieur Paul at Epcot

Make a visit to the France pavilion at Epcot for an experience to remember at Monsieur Paul! This acclaimed gourmet restaurant will be open for lunch on Dec. 31, 2018. For this special lunch, Monsieur Paul presents braised ribs with bordelaise sauce, roasted halibut with beurre blanc sauce, roast turkey, and more. There is also still some limited availability for the 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. dinner seatings. Don’t forget to browse the delectable list of appetizers and side dishes, as well as a special New Year’s Eve dessert that will give you sweet memories throughout 2019!

For more info, seating times, and to make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 to book an available seating or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at World Show Place Pavilion at Epcot

On Dec. 31, bid adieu to 2018 at the World Show Place pavilion where a wonderful New Year’s Eve dinner buffet awaits you. Start your meal with a selection of savory soups and a selection of salads, including an amazing antipasto salad with basil, grilled vegetable and bean salad, roasted Ruskin tomato basil soup, and creamy seafood-and-corn chowder. A smorgasbord of enticing entrees is guaranteed to please any palate – from seafood mac and cheese with butter-toasted panko and fried chicken breast with corn gravy to gluten-friendly options like oven baked cod with tomatoes, olives and peppers, demi braised beef with mushrooms and pearl onions and apple cider brined pork with roasted apples and cherries. Kids can dig into chicken fritters, meatballs with red sauce and other tasty plates. Don’t forget to save room for an incredible selection of desserts – fresh cut fruit with berries, key lime raspberry glitter tarts, snow-dusted hazelnut-stuffed chocolate Bundt cakes, assorted cookies, cheesecakes and macarons and much more. Enjoy every morsel while listening to classic Disney tunes, then strike a pose by any of the unique vignettes for a fun photo op commemorating the occasion!

For more info and to make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 to book an available seating or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Beach Dessert Party

There’s a party goin’ on at Clementine’s Beach on New Year’s Eve, and you won’t want to miss it! Kick off your evening at the beach with delectable sweets and eats including an assortment of yummy desserts, seasonal fruits, flavorful cheese, and refreshments including beer and wine. You’ll also have to opportunity to watch the stunning Magic Kingdom fireworks display from across Seven Seas Lagoon and toast to the New Year at midnight.

For more info and to make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts to Offer 39 Days of Artful Fun

From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

You can kick off 2019 with the return of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts – a 39-day celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world. Beginning January 18 and running through February 25, 2019 the festival offers artful activities for the entire family, from special entertainment and interactive workshops to immersive art experiences and world-class cuisine.

New in 2019, guests can now sing along to their favorite Disney Broadway tunes seven days a week during the popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series, with daily showings at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Each week, different pairs of Disney on Broadway stars will take the America Gardens Theatre stage to sing favorite songs from award-winning Disney on Broadway productions. The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from shows such as “The Lion King,” “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast”:

  • Kerry Butler (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
  • Meredith Inglesby (“The Little Mermaid”) and Steve Blanchard (“Beauty and the Beast”)
  • Arielle Jacobs and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
  • Heidi Blickenstaff (“Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
  • Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
  • Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)

The concert series is included with park admission; reserved seating is available by booking a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package, which allows guests to make a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation at a participating Epcot restaurant and later enjoy priority seating at a show. Dining package reservations open Nov. 8, and for more information, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407-939-3463.

Speaking of food … Epcot International Festival of the Arts will feature 13 Food Studios, plus other creative (and savory!) offerings around Epcot with an expanded menu of tastes and sips. Drop by The Artist’s Table for beef wellington with mushroom bordelaise, fennel cream and roasted baby vegetables, or enjoy smoked salmon and cream gâteau with egg yolk cream, paddlefish caviar and micro-herbs at The Painter’s Palate. Pop Eats! will serve up almond frangipane cake with raspberry and chocolate, while red wine-braised short rib with parsnip purée, broccolini, baby tomatoes and aged balsamic will be available at Cuisine Classique.

Guests will also find activities to the inspire artists of all ages. Here are a few fun highlights planned for the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts:

  • Everyone’s invited to grab a paintbrush and help create a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.
  • At the Artful Photo Opportunities, you can step inside masterworks of art and take photos with friends.
  • The Paint with a Disney Artist program invites guests to learn under the tutelage of a professional (offered select Fridays and Sundays, including continental breakfast, for an additional fee).
  • Performing artists are scheduled throughout the festival, demonstrating gravity-defying feats of strength, acrobatics and many other skills.
  • International musical and variety acts will share their talents with guests, including the return of Bodh’aktan to the Canada stage and Delta Q, a new group performing in Germany.
  • Guests can join in the fun of Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt by purchasing a map at select merchandise locations.
  • A variety of workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques, such as floral design, ink and paint, mixed-media art and more (offered Friday-Monday for an additional fee). As a memento of what they learn, guests will take their creations home with them. Details on workshop registration
    will be released soon.
  • Complimentary 30-minute seminars will give guests helpful instruction for producing their own artwork at home.

Now, more than ever is the time to start planning your visit to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.