Put away those paddles and get out your forks and knives – White Water Snacks has reopened and is serving up fresh new bites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, this white water rapids-inspired eatery serves up everything from Mickey waffles and buttermilk biscuits to Angus cheeseburgers and artisanal pizzas. In addition, the quick-service restaurant now offers mobile ordering through the Disneyland app, allowing you to maximize your time by ordering and paying ahead to skip the line!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Start your morning off with a selection of classic breakfast dishes, such as the American Breakfast with eggs and bacon (or sausage!) or a warm Breakfast Burrito filled with scrambled eggs, tater bites, bacon, and cheese. The Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich is another option thats swam upstream to join the menu along with a few vegetarian options like Roasted Vegetable and Three-Cheese Quiches, Avocado Toast, and Egg White Scramble with spinach, asparagus, avocado, and roasted tomato. And for the kids? They’ll love the Breakfast Plate with turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, and tater bites.
If you’re looking for a sweet start to your morning, you can indulge in a delectable breakfast pastry or a warm Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and chantilly cream. Buttermilk Biscuit French Toast also joins the menu with banana brûlée, toffee sauce, and bacon dust – YUM.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
For lunch and dinner, we’ve got new eats including a couple hearty bowls! The Poke Bowl comes with your choice of salmon, tuna, or tofu marinated in poke sauce and either steamed white rice or shredded lettuce red onions, pickled cucumber, edamame, avocado, green onion, and furikake. Then there’s the Rice Bowl with your choice of grilled beef, chicken, or tofu over steamed white rice and served with a vegetable egg roll, pickled cucumber, and a hard-boiled egg.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
If you’re looking for an on-the-go bite, you’ll love these handcrafted sandwiches. Try the Mortadella Sandwich with provolone cheese and cornichons on a pretzel roll, the Prosciutto, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich with burrata cheese on a French roll, or the Chicken Salad Curry Sandwich on a butter croissant. You can also chow down on a skewer – choose from Shawarma Chicken, Bulgogi Beef, or Mediterranean Vegetables.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Artisanal pizzas are on the menu and come straight out of the pizza oven. Try the Margherita Pizza or the Pepperoni Pizza as well as unique pies like the Forest Mushroom Pizza with vegetarian sausage or the Charcuterie Pizza with pepperoni, prosciutto, salami, and fennel sausage.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Other unique offerings include the Cali-Grilled Angus Cheeseburger with grilled asparagus-celery salad, spiced hollandaise, swiss cheese, and artichoke aïoli, Sustainable Fish Tacos with yuzu citrus slaw, and Chicken-Fried Brisket and Waffle with bbq sauce, pimento cheese spread, and housemade pickles.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Kids can enjoy some yummy chicken breast or mini corn dog nuggets as well as a Parmesan-crusted Grilled Cheese and a PBJ & N Sandwich with peanut butter, jelly, and chocolate-hazelnut spread. All of these are served with either french fries or house-made chips.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
For dessert, sip on a classic Root Beer Float with vanilla ice cream and Chantilly cream, or try the seasonal crostata.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
White Water Snacks is open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the full menu by visiting the Disneyland Resort website, and be sure to come on out and try one of these new dishes for yourself! No white water rafts or paddles required!
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.
In 2020, there will be more Adventures by Disney river cruises in Europe than ever before, including a brand-new vacation through southern France on the Rhone River! Plus, they will launch three new Short Escape itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest, Hungary, which can be added to Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations or booked at standalone trips.
The expanded season of river cruises includes a record-breaking 27 departures along the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive vacations allow families to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and hassle free. What’s more, we’re doubling the number of adult-exclusive departures in 2020, giving our adult guests even more opportunities to experience the sophistication, variety and adventure of a river cruise in a fun, comfortable setting with Adventures by Disney.
Bookings for 2020 Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations open to the public on Jan. 31, 2019.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
New Rhone River Sailings Through Southern France During the new eight-day, seven-night Rhone River itinerary onboard AmaCello, our guests will sail through southern France, including the renowned region of Provence, for the first time. To bring the rich history, charming culture, distinguished art and distinctive cuisine of this diverse region to life, we’ve curated engaging, authentic experiences in every port-of-call. Here are the highlights:
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Active sightseeing adventures include exploring enchanting towns and villages by bike; kayaking beneath the famous 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard; and taking in the magnificent scenery of the Gorges du Doux by steam train and rail bike.
Interactive culinary experiences celebrate the region’s local flavors and world-famous cuisine. The menu of activities includes a private truffle-hunting experience and tasting; cheese and jam making at a goat farm; and an immersive tasting experience at a family-owned olive oil farm near Les Baux-de-Provence. Guests will also enjoy curated tastings featuring Rhone Valley wines, chocolate and more.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Engaging art-focused excursions draw Adventurers into a world of color and imagination. Among the highlights are a walking tour of Roussillon’s colorful Ochre Trail followed by a painting class; a demonstration in the art of silk-weaving in Lyon; and a visit to the Carrieres de Lumieres, a former limestone quarry where famous impressionistic paintings come to life.
Immersive historical tours are bolstered by signature Disney storytelling as guests step into the stories of the Palais des Papes, a breathtaking palace that was once the seat of papal power; the Roman ruins of Lyon and Nimes; the historic hilltop villages of Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence; and the 12th-century Abbaye de Senanque, where tales of medieval Cistercian monks unfold.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
New Short Escape Itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest Beginning in 2020, our guests can enhance their European river cruise vacations with three-day, two-night stays in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest. These guided group itineraries are designed to maximize vacation time, highlighting each city’s most well-known attractions while also uncovering unexpected hidden gems.
The Paris Short Escape can be added to Seine and Rhone sailings to round-out vacations in northern or southern France. In Paris, not only will guests come face-to-face with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, but they’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the “City of Lights” from their seats at dinner on the structure’s first floor. Other activities include a private walking culinary tour and a bucket-list visit to the Louvre Museum, which features a local expert guide and a special art detective activity for Junior Adventurers.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The Amsterdam Short Escape can be added as a post-cruise stay following Rhine River sailings to complete the cruise’s four-country journey. This itinerary is comprised of a number of hands-on activities, like a painting workshop following a visit to the Van Gogh Museum and a tile glazing activity at an earthenware factory. Adventurers will also visit quintessential Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk, embark on a canal cruise and taste their way through the trendy Jordaan neighborhood.
The Budapest Short Escape can be added to Danube River sailings as the perfect land complement to the Central European tour by water. The itinerary combines enriching cultural excursions — guests will indulge in homestyle Hungarian cuisine at a historic bistro, ride in a tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) and revel in a performance at the Budapest Opera House — with visits to the city’s must-see locales, such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
With a chill in the air across most of the country right now, we’re thinking of the sunshine and surf of Disney Cruise Line’s Southern California home port…San Diego! Disney Cruise Line is sailing from this stunning city from March to May on two-, four-, five- and seven-night voyages to a variety of destinations in Mexico.
Experiencing the beauty, charm and history of this ultimate vacation destination is the perfect addition to your family’s cruise. Here are the top three reasons you should book your next Disney cruise from San Diego:
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
There are tons of great things to do in Southern California. Want to get your vacation started before you board the ship? Don’t want the fun to stop once you debark? San Diego is the port city for you! Take time before or after your cruise to explore the incredible sites and activities the city has to offer. See exotic animals in the world-famous San Diego Zoo, take a stroll through historic Old Town San Diego or find something fun for the whole family at the museums and theaters in Balboa Park. And for the ultimate Disney fans, we have a special kind of adventure before you sail away. Add on the Adventures by Disney Southern California Short Escape, and experience behind-the-magic visits to The Walt Disney Studios and Disney Archives as well as a private tour of Walt Disney Imagineering. Plus take a visit to the happiest place on Earth – the Disneyland Resort!
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Explore sun-drenched destinations in Mexico. Our cruises to Baja and the Mexican Riviera are perfect for relaxation and family fun! At each destination, pick from a wide range of Port Adventures perfect for those seeking adrenaline filled-experiences or more laid-back beach time. Check out the beauty of the jungles and canyons as you zipline over the trees in Puerto Vallarta, kayak by the dramatic rock formations in Cabo San Lucas, or soak in the sun next to the turquoise waters in the “Cinderella of the Pacific” Ensenada. There’s something for everyone on our Baja and Mexican Riviera cruises setting sail from San Diego.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Enjoy a cruise on the Disney Wonder full of fun and relaxation for the whole family. Every cruise from San Diego sets sail on the Disney Wonder, home to 11 decks overflowing with family-friendly restaurants, themed pools and more. Adults can enjoy spaces just for them like adult-exclusive dining and a luxurious spa while kids can play alongside their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in the Marvel Super Hero Academy. You and your family can enjoy delicious southern cooking and live jazz music at Tiana’s Place, or can relive Anna and Elsa’s Frozen adventure in a unique Broadway-style stage show.
Ready to book your cruise out of America’s Finest City? Check out which of our cruises from San Diego are the best fit for you!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up to take a closer look at Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney California Adventure Park! Toy Story Midway Mania! opened in June 2008 and joined the California-themed boardwalk, which will soon be a part of the new Pixar Pier when it opens June 23, 2018. The Victorian architectural design of Toy Story Midway Mania! celebrates the heyday of the great seaside parks of the early 20th century, while bringing everyone’s favorite Pixar characters to Disney California Adventure Park.
(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)
The adventure begins as guests pass through the portal and “shrink” into the toy world. You’ll notice details like the white baseboards along the floor grow from a few inches to nearly four feet high! In addition, the ceiling’s height gives you a toy’s eye view of the attraction. Even wall outlets are larger than life with strings of giant lights plugged into the sockets.
(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)
Andy’s toys, games, books and drawings line the walls, occupying every nook and cranny throughout the attraction and creating a toy carnival. There are actually 29 different activities and toys you can identify from the “Toy Story” films—or maybe even your own childhood. Next time you visit, try to see how many you find!
(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)
Some of the toys have opened carnival booths in between games. The “Hockey Puck’s Ice Cream” show set towards the end of the attraction refers to a line made famous by Don Rickles, the comedian who voices Mr. Potato Head.
(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)
There are also certain targets and combinations of targets that, when hit, will trigger hidden surprises that visually affect the gamescape and encourage participants to thoroughly explore all the targets. While riding, be sure to keep an ear out for Rex who is a fan of games and knows a trick or two that will help you out.
Toy Story Midway Mania! is open for you to enjoy while Imagineers prepare for the Pixar Pier opening on June 23, 2018. To learn more about this attraction and how Woody and friends came together to put on this game, check out Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Toy Story Midway Mania!
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. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote.
It’s time to Get Your Ears On at the Disneyland Resort! Disneyland is celebrating Mickey and Minnie with tons of fun food so you won’t want to miss this guide to all you’ll want to try. There are new eats and treats all across property, and they’re all available now through May (unless otherwise noted). Some of these items will also be available for mobile order via the Disneyland Resort mobile app.
Mickey Mouse Celebration Churro – Warm chocolate churro drizzled with cookie butter topped with Mickey confetti and served with a side of red marshmallow crème and classic Mickey buttons
Churros near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Fantasia Mickey Churro – Warm chocolate churro dusted with red and blue sugar served with a side of red marshmallow crème and Sorcerer Mickey hat
Churros near Haunted Mansion
Banana Pudding Churro – Classic churro rolled in vanilla cookie crumbles with banana pudding dipping sauce
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK:
Willie’s Churros
Caramel Corn Churro – Classic churro dusted with corn cereal sugar and topped with salted caramel and caramel corn
Churros near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Maple-Bacon Churro – Classic churro dusted with cinnamon sugar and topped with maple icing and crumbled bacon
Churros near Goofy’s Sky School
Celebration Mickey Chocolate Churro – Chocolate cookie-dusted churro with chocolate icing and sprinkles
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
DISNEYLAND PARK
Carnation Café
“Celebrate Mickey” Chicken and Waffles (breakfast only) – Mini Mickey waffles with icing, sprinkles, and frosted cereal-crusted chicken
Hot Chicken and Waffles – Spicy hot chicken and a large Mickey waffle with blistered tomato and balsamic glaze
TV Dinner Pot Roast – Wagyu pot roast, blue cheese and bacon mac and cheese, sautéed green beans and carrots, and braised red cabbage served with a pineapple upside-down cake
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor
Birthday Sundae – Two large scoops of birthday cake ice cream with a Mickey Mouse-shaped brownie, hot fudge, whipped cream, a cherry, and Mickey Mouse-shaped sprinkles served in a Mickey or Minnie Mouse Kitchen Sink
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
Mickey Mouse Club Hat Dessert – Chocolate truffle mousse dome with vanilla bean crème brûlée center, Mickey ears, and Mickey Mouse Club logo
Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich – Swiss, Jack, and Fiscalini cheddar cheese with crispy pancetta and blackberry jam
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Plaza Inn
Celebration Cake (available starting on February 19) – Red and yellow cake with raspberry and lemon filling
Red Rose Taverne
Mickey-inspired Cheeseburger – 1/3 lb. Angus patty with burger sauce and lettuce on a red potato bun with black sesame seeds
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Mickey’s Toon Town
Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake – topped with buttercream frosting, birthday sprinkles, red glitter macaron, sugar candle, chocolate ears, and blue sprinkle cone “party hat”
Minnie Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake – topped with buttercream frosting, birthday sprinkles, chocolate ears, and a red bow
Pluto’s Dog House
Bacon Mac & Cheese Footlong Hotdog – topped with creamy bacon mac and cheese and served on an Italian roll
Daisy’s Diner
Mickey Mouse Pepperoni Pizza
Clarabelle’s
Mickey’s Birthday Sundae – Frozen yogurt with fruit popcorn, birthday cake cotton candy, candied chocolates, and colorful celebration cake
Troubadour Tavern
Jumbo Hand-Crafted Bavarian Pretzel – topped with nacho cheese, crushed spicy onion chips, and smoked black salt
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
Mickey Hat Dessert – Vanilla mousse dome with churro crunch filling, mango glaze, and striped Mickey ears
Frozen Strawberry Horchata – flavored with strawberry and topped with whipped cream, a dehydrated strawberry, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
Sopes Trio – Chicken, beef, and pork served on fried corn dough with refried beans, shredded lettuce, spicy lime aïoli, and salsa roja
Café Orléans
Charcuterie Board – Artisanal French goat, sheep, and cow milk cheese, sliced meats, honeycomb, dried fruit, nuts, cornichons, creole mustard, and toast
Smoked Salmon Salad – topped with cucumber, red onion, fried capers, heirloom tomato, croutons, and lemon crème fraîche
Fried Chicken and Beignets – Buffalo-tossed chicken served with sugar-dusted beignets, herb bacon coleslaw, and waffle fries
Birthday Cake Mickey Beignets – Chocolate-coffee cake and white cake beignets
French Market
Mickey’s Mac and Cheese (kid’s meal) – Mickey-shaped pasta tossed with a creamy cheese sauce and served with applesauce, seasonal fruit, and choice of milk or small bottled water
Mickey Pasta with Marinara Sauce (kid’s meal) – served with applesauce, seasonal fruit, and choice of milk or small bottled water
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Harbour Galley
Lobster Pot Pie Soup – Lobster, red potatoes, carrots, celery, and herbs in a rich seafood cream sauce served in a bread bowl
Vegan Hot Diggity Dog – Vegan hot dog topped with spicy lentil chili, onions, and mustard served with seasonal fruit
River Belle Terrace
Cookie Butter Monkey Bread – covered in cookie butter and vanilla ice cream and garnished with two cookie butter cookies
Pad Thai Spring Roll – with shrimp, bean sprouts, sweet and sour-flavored rice noodles, garlic chives, scrambled eggs, cashews, julienne carrots, pickled radishes, and butter lettuce with a cashew-hoisin dipping sauce
Galactic Grill
S’mores Parfait
Alien Pizza Planet
S’mores Parfait
Bowtie Pasta – with tomato cream sauce, sausage, and diced red bell peppers
Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Fried chicken breast pieces, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing topped with fresh carrots and creamy buffalo sauce
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK
Trolley Treats
Steamboat Willie Black and White Cookie – Butter shortbread cookie dipped in white and dark chocolate with silver crunch pearls
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café
Mickey’s Chocolate Cup and Brownie – Chocolate brownie with cookies and cream mousse-filled chocolate cup
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
Hand-dipped Mickey or Minnie Ice Cream Bar – Choice of ice cream bar dipped in chocolate with sprinkles
Smokejumpers Grill
Confetti Cake Shake – Vanilla shake with crumbled confetti cake, icing, whipped cream, and Mickey sprinkles
“Share Your Ears” Cheeseburger – Angus 1/3 burger with American Cheese and cheeseburger slider “ears”
Pacific Wharf Café
Cookies ‘n Cream Bread Pudding – with condensed milk, whipped cream, and crushed chocolate cream-filled cookies
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Gourmet Coffee Cart
Mickey Fun Wheel Cookie – Sugar cookie filled with raspberry jelly topped with colored chocolate drizzle and Mickey Fun Wheel chocolate decor
Celebration Cookies – One sugar shortbread cookie filled with raspberry jam and two sugar shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and topped with a chocolate Mickey celebration logo
Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Spectacular Mickey Pizza – Mickey pepperoni pizza with confetti of peppers and onions
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Award Wieners
A Cheesy Celebration – Cheddar sausage link with creamy mac and cheese, salsa verde, crumbled spicy cheese puffs, and cheese curds on a toasted bun
More Cheese Please – Filmstrip fries with creamy mac and cheese, salsa verde, crumbled spicy cheese puffs, and cheese curds
“Get Your Ears On” Funnel Cake Fries – Chocolate cookie-dusted funnel cake fries with cookies and cream icing, whipped cream, chocolate cream-filled cookie ears, and “90” sprinkles
Celebration Cake Funnel Fries – Funnel cake fries topped with crumbled confetti cake, frosting, whipped cream, and Mickey sprinkles
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Schmoozies!
Mickey Donut with apple filling
Minnie Donut with cherry filling
Mickey Cookies ‘n Cream Shake with “90” sprinkles
Cozy Cone Motel
Birthday Hat Macaron
DISNEYLAND HOTEL
Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration Dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen
Starting on January 18, Chef Goofy is serving up a heaping helping of fabulous new themed eats, celebratory take-home swag, décor, and special appearances by your favorite pals – Mickey and Minnie! In addition to five all-you-care-to-enjoy stations featuring a variety of tasty bites, you’ll enjoy several unique dishes including Steamboat Chili, Mouse Ear Cookies, and Celebration Cupcakes. Reservations are highly recommended, and character experiences and menu items are subject to change without notice. To make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463).
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Mickey’s Tea Party Celebration
Starting Jan. 19 through March 31, you’re invited to celebrate Mickey with a limited-time tea party. Sip on loose leaf tea and herbal infusions brewed by the potful while you enjoy a delicious assortment of sweet and savory tea sandwiches, gourmet morsels, and Mickey-themed treats! You’ll enjoy this afternoon tea in the Hollywood-style setting of Steakhouse 55. In addition, guests can choose from two different tea menus:
Classic Celebration Tea:
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich
Roasted Watermelon and Pimento Goat Cheese on Pumpernickel
Blueberry, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Shredded Coconut Sandwich
Apple and Edamame Sandwich
Duo Chocolate Strawberries
Variety of Themed Desserts
Teas and Herbal Infusions
Premium Celebration
Salad with Tomato, Melon, and Burrata with Balsamic Reduction
Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich
Roasted Watermelon and Pimento Goat Cheese on Pumpernickel
Blueberry, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Shredded Coconut Sandwich
Apple and Edamame Sandwich
Duo Chocolate Strawberries
Variety of Themed Desserts
Teas and Herbal Infusions
Mickey’s Tea Party Celebration occurs on Saturdays and Sundays and every Thursday in March from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website or call 714 781-DINE (714 781-3463).
DISNEY’S GRAND CALIFORNIA HOTEL & SPA
Storytellers Cafe (buffet offerings)
Mickey Mac & Cheese – Mickey-shaped pasta in a cream cheese sauce
Minnie “Bow” Pasta – Bowtie pasta salad with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil
Mickey Pepperoni Flatbread with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
Minnie Polka-Dot Cheese Flatbread with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, aged provolone, and mozzarella cheese
White Water Snacks
Mickey Mouse-Shaped Artisanal Pizza – with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
Mickey Mouse Pretzel
Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake Crispy Treat – Three-layered crispy treat with colorful cereal and Mickey-shaped sprinkles
Hearthstone Lounge
Mickey’s Baked Alaska – Chocolate ice cream encased with brûléed meringue and raspberry sauce
Mickey Mouse-shaped Artisanal Pizza – with tomato sauce, Grana Padano, and aged provolone
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)
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)
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
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)?
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.
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!
