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20 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2020

20 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2020

With great new attractions, experiences and places to eat on the way, 2020 is shaping up to be an absolutely thrilling year for guests to visit Walt Disney World, The Most Magical Place on Earth.

If you’re considering planning a Disney vacation in 2020, be sure to check out these 20 reasons why you should visit the Walt Disney World Resort in 2020!

1. Jump Into New Star Wars Experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios– From the newly opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to the new destination that was just added into Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is overflowing with offerings for Star Wars fans of all ages.

2. Enjoy Disney After Hours Events at Magic Kingdom Park & Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Disney After Hours events allow guests to explore a theme park at night with little wait times for many favorite attractions and character greetings. (Select snacks are also included). Tickets to 2020 Disney After Hours event nights are already on sale.

3. Immerse Yourself in the Arts at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts – The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return to the park Jan. 17-Feb. 24. Get ready to explore a variety of galleries, watch live art demonstrations, purchase artwork and get it signed by the artist, or take in a live performance in the festival’s Disney on Broadway Concert Series.

4. See Epcot’s New Films – New films will debut at Epcot on Jan. 17. “Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price. “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Sing Along to “Beauty and the Beast” in the France Pavilion – The “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” will debut in the France pavilion Jan. 17. Directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, the show invites you to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film.

5. Celebrate Your Villainous Side at Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park – Disney Villains After Hours which returns to the Magic Kingdom Park on 24 select nights starting Feb. 7. This year, the event will feature a new Villains Caravan that will feature favorite baddies like Gaston, Oogie Boogie, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and more!

6. Grab Barbecue at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot – One of the first restaurants set to open in 2020 is Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue a fast-casual barbecue experience at The American Adventure. Expect sliced Texas beef brisket sandwiches, Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, power green salads and more.

7. Journey to Space 220 for ‘Out of this World’ Cuisine – Set to open this winter, Space 220 restaurant will offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience. You’ll board a special elevator for a journey 220 miles above Earth to a space station where you’ll enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world.

8. Cool Down with Ample Hills Creamery Sweet Treats – At Disney Springs you’ll soon be able to tempt your taste buds with flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Peppermint Pattie and Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace when Ample Hills Creamery opens this winter.

9. Grab Grub at City Works Eatery & Pour House at Disney Springs – City Works Eatery & Pour House is set to open on the West Side of Disney Springs this winter. The restaurant and bar, offeing more than 80 beers on tap, will feature plenty of high-def TVs including a 165-inch screen, perfect for viewing live sporting events.

10. Take in the Topiaries During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Welcome spring’s arrival with this popular festival, which runs March 4-June 1. 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.

11. Hop Aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, set to open March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be the first Disney ride-through attraction featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Here, you will travel inside a Mickey cartoon for a fun-filled adventure where “Mouse rules apply” and anything can happen!

12. Step Into the Mickey Shorts Theater – A new Mickey Mouse-inspired theater will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March. Stop in to watch an original cartoon short and enjoy special photo opportunities.

13. Prepare to Be Astounded at the New Cirque du Soleil Show ‘Drawn to Life’– Get ready to journey into a world where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. Tickets are already on sale (including preview performances in March), so grab your seats now!

14. Embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot – Set to open in Summer 2020 in the France Pavilion at Epcot, the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction will invite you to join Chef Remy on a super-sized journey through Gusteau’s kitchen.

15. Savor a Sweet Treat at La Creperie de Paris in Epcot – La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options, opens this summer. The menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse is inspired by the Brittany region of France.

16. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Will Spice Up Fall –The aromas and flavors of global marketplaces will welcome you to the 25th anniversary of this fan-favorite 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.

17. Enjoy the Return of Halloween and Holiday Events – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties are guest-favorite events here at Walt Disney World Resort. Keep checking Disney Parks Blog for more information we’ll have for you later this year!

18. Gather for ‘Harmonious’ at Epcot – In 2020, Epcot is on track to debut the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. The show will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.

19. Lasso Some Grub at Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a new table-service location, is riding into Toy Story Land in 2020. This immersive restaurant will surround guests with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets while serving up delicious dishes.

20. Celebrate many milestones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – It’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund. Plus, our gorilla family will be celebrating Lilly’s 10th birthday and Grace’s 1st birthday this spring!

Which attraction or offering are you most excited to experience at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020? Tell us in the comments section below!

Enjoy Wickedly Sweet Treats at Disney Villains After Hours 2020

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Get ready to let your inner-villain out because Disney Villains After Hours 2020 is coming back! That’s right, this popular after-hours event will be returning to Magic Kingdom Park on select nights February 7 through July 10, 2020. This special nighttime event showcases some of your favorite Disney Villains and lets you experience the park for an additional three hours after it closes. Throughout the night, you can enjoy frightfully fun entertainment, photo ops, low wait times, and of course, SPECIALTY EATS AND TREATS!

Check out all of the wickedly delicious bites you’ll be able to find throughout the park. Each of these treats are exclusive to this event, so if this list is making you hungry, be sure to grab your tickets today by visiting the Walt Disney World Resort website!

Painting the Roses Red (Available at Cheshire Café) – Cheesecake mousse with raspberry gelee, red cocoa butter, and buttercream leaves

Royal Majesty (Available at Cheshire Café) – Strawberry-flavored cake pop dipped in red chocolate and coated with sprinkles

Hearts on Fire (Available at Cheshire Café) – Fruit punch, Coke, and strawberry popping candy garnished with a strawberry

Poor Unfortunate Soul (Available at Storybook Treats) – Black raspberry soft-serve over Cherry Coke garnished with a sugar crown

Body Language (Available at Storybook Treats) – Cookies and cream mousse with chocolate cake, glacage, meringue tentacles, and a chocolate shell

Five Dozen Eggs Slush (Available at Gaston’s Tavern) – Frozen custard with brown sugar topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick

Just Take Three (Available at Sleepy Hollow) – Three beignets dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream and chocolate ganache

Voodoo Magic (Available at Sleepy Hollow) – Lemonade, Green Apple Syrup garnished with a Rock Candy Straw

Locked Away Maiden (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Loaded grilled cheese sandwich with pepper jack cheese, provolone cheese, bacon jam, and tomatoes

The Diamond in the Rough (Available at Tortuga Tavern) – Mango slush with nutmeg and cinnamon topped with whipped cream and garnished with a sugar diamond

Hades Hot Dog (Available at Casey’s Corner) – All-beef hot dog topped with buffalo chicken, diced celery, fiery cheese dust, and spicy ranch drizzle

Hades Temptation (Available at Casey’s Corner) – Purple frozen mocktail “Cosmo” with lemonade, violet syrup, and a gummy worm

Are you attending Disney Villains After Hours 2020? Which one of these treats are you most excited to try during your Disney World vacation?

Enjoy the Ultimate Date Night at Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

The Happiest Place on Earth transforms into the most romantic for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite at Disneyland park. Love will definitely be in the air during this special, after-park hours event, which includes unique entertainment, special food, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more.

While the event on February 13 is already sold out, there are still tickets available for you to take your special someone on February 12! Sweethearts Nite takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Disneyland park. Here’s what we have planned for the ultimate Disney date night:

Magical entertainment

Hop aboard the Mark Twain for a moonlight cruise. If you’re looking to get in the groove, boogie down at a love song-themed dance party. For a nostalgic treat, Golden Horseshoe will be transformed into “Tempus Fugit Celebration,” paying tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s 30^th anniversary party held just four days before Disneyland Park opened in 1955 (presented by D23: The official Disney Fan Club).

Character encounters

Enjoy encounters with darling Disney couples, including Princess Tiana and Naveen, Hercules and Megara, and of course, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Royal Princess Ball

Waltz beside the world’s best-loved Disney couples at a glitzy royal ball, featuring Aurora and Prince Phillip, Jasmine and Aladdin, Cinderella and Prince Charming and others!

Limited-time food

Savor a scrumptious menu of sweet and savory shareables. Yummy nibbles and sips to look forward to include the Pucker Up Churro at the Tomorrowland cart and Sweet Cherry-Nova Milkshake at Galactic Grill. At Plaza Inn, the Sweethearts Dining Package will feature a three-course prix fixe meal of Spaghetti and Meatballs plate, Caesar Salad, Herbed Breadsticks, Cannoli and Beverage. Reservations are recommended and will be available to book on Disneyland.com starting Feb. 7.

Fireworks extravaganza

Swoon over a pyrotechnical spectacle, lighting up the night sky and hearts!

Photo opportunities

Step into immersive photo backdrops featuring sweet scenes from iconic Disney films, including “Lady and the Tramp,” “Tangled,” “WALL-E,” and others! You’ll also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event.

Merchandise

Commemorate the occasion with special event merchandise, including a lightweight Sweethearts Nite hoodie and two-piece limited-edition sweetheart pin set – designed to share!

If you are looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart, head to Emporium for beautiful fine jewelry at the Crislu trunk show where you will meet the designer, Amireh Parstabar and receive a free gift with purchase.

After-hour access to attractions

Ride popular attractions in Disneyland park with less time waiting in line! You’ll also have mix-in access to the park starting at 6 p.m.

Visit Disneyland.com for tickets and more information on this love affair. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price.

When is your next Disneyland vacation? Will you attend a Disneyland After Dark event?

*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online, at Disney Desk locations in participating Good Neighbor Hotels, or by calling (714) 781-4636 until the day before the event, or at any Disneyland® Resort Ticket Booth. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be resold. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

List of Food Studios Menus for the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

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Food Studios Menus for the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

From the Disney Parks Blog:

The 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts has returned, highlighting the visual, performing, and culinary arts now through February 24. This year’s festival features a dazzling array of 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.

Guests can also 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-FEST (407 939-3378). Bookings are available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

New to the festival this year, Le Cellier Steakhouse will be celebrating the arts with a sophisticated brunch offered on weekends from Jan. 18 through Feb. 23 from 11am-3pm. Come and enjoy a wonderful prix fixe brunch menu which starts with assorted pastries for the table. Dishes to choose from include Cheddar Cheese Soup or Avocado Toast as well as entrées like Montreal-Spiced Corned Beef Hash, Le Cellier Eggs Benedict, or Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bread Pudding. Finish off the meal with a decadent dessert such as Maple Crème Brûlée or Coffee and Donuts. The brunch also includes your choice of beverage. Quench your thirst with a Northern Mimosa, Le Cellier Bloody Caesar, Joffrey’s Le Cellier Blend Press Pot Coffee, or a non-alcoholic specialty beverage. This special dining experience will be $67 per adult and $39 per child 9 and under plus tax and gratuity and is worth two (2) entitlements on the Disney Dining Plan. To make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Website or check out the My Disney Experience mobile app!

As for the menus for the wonderful Food Studios sprinkled throughout the park, here’s your official guide with all the info a budding, hungry artist could ever want! For more information on the festival, visit the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts page. Happy snacking!

Pop Eats (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food:

Sous Vide Chicken Roulade with Apples and Sage served with Warm Brie Fondue, Blueberry and Beet Gel and garnished with Beet Chip Crumbles (Gluten-friendly)
Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (Gluten-friendly)
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate (Kid Approved)
Pop’t Art: Modern-designed Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Filling (Kid Approved)

Beverages:

Blue Sky Black Cherry Boba Freeze (Non-alcoholic) (Kid Approved)
#RainbowSherbetGlitterDreamAle by Playalinda Brewing Co., Titusville, FL
Popping Bubbles Cocktail
Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

Decadent Delights (Located in Showcase Plaza):

Food:

White Chocolate and Purple Sweet Potato Mousse, Caramel, Coconut, and Maple Meringue
Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Pretzel Crunch (Kid Approved)
Lemon Blood-Orange Tart
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie (Kid Approved)
White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette

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

The Deconstructed Dish (Located in Showcase Plaza)

Food:

Deconstructed Reuben: Sliced Corned Beef, Rye-crusted Sauerkraut and Jarlsberg Cake with Broken Thousand Island Dressing
Deconstructed BLT: 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 (Kid Approved)

Beverages:

Rainboba: Sparkling Water layered with Fruit Boba and topped with a Foam Cloud (Non-alcoholic) (Kid Approved)
Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake garnished with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp, and Candied Bacon (Non-alcoholic) (Kid Approved)
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

Refreshment Port (Located near the Canada Pavilion)

Food:

Lobster Chips: House-made Chips, Lobster, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños, and Citrus Cream

Beverages:

Ciderboys Zen Berry Apple Boysenberry Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA

Masterpiece Kitchen (Located in the Canada Pavilion)

Food:

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction (Kid Approved)
Smoked Verlasso Salmon and Cream Gâteau with Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar, and Micro-Herbs
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

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

Food:

Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl (Kid Approved)
Tomate Farcie Façon Paul Bocuse: Tomato Stuffed with Braised Ribs Paul Bocuse-style
Moelleux Aux Chocolats Valrhona: Molten Chocolate Cake with Pure Origin Valrhona Chocolates (Kid Approved)
Trio de Macarons: Assortment of Three House-made Macarons in a Gift Box

Beverages:

Frozen French Martini: Grey Goose, Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, Pineapple, Orange, and Grape Juice with Lemon-Lime Foam
Veuve du Vernay, Brut N°1, Limited Edition: French Sparkling Wine
Vouvray, Marcel Dubois, 2018
Bordeaux, Château Malbec, 2015

Mosaic Canteen (Located in the Morocco Pavilion)

Food:

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
Kasbah Prestige White Wine
Embrace the Arak: El Massaya Arak, Orange Juice, and Grenadine

Goshiki (Located in the Japan Pavilion)

Food:

Taiyaki: Fish-shaped Cake stuffed with a Sweet Red Bean Filling served with Green Tea Chocolate and Whipped Cream Cheese (Kid Approved)
Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped Sushi featuring Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Cucumber, and Sesame Seed over a decorated plate of Wasabi Aïoli, Sriracha, and Eel Sauce
Vegetable Gyoza: Vegetable and Edamame filled Gyoza atop Truffle-mashed Potatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Pepper Strings and Tonkatsu Teriyaki Sauce (Kid Approved)

Beverages:

Nomi Yasui Draft Lager
Masu Sake in a Traditional Personalized Wooden Cup
Matsuri Sake Cocktail: Frozen Nigori Sake and Calpico accented with Strawberry and finished with Cotton Candy

The Artist’s Table (Located between The American Adventure and the Japan Pavilion)

Food:

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

Beverages:

Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, and 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
Âme du Vin Côtes de Provence Rosé
Carmel Road Pinot Noir, Monterey County, CA
Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Cream Liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
Chocolate and Beer Pairing Flight

Funnel Cakes (Located in The American Adventure)

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Funnel Cake with Peanut Butter Ice Cream, Marshmallow Cream, and Raspberry Glaze (Kid Approved)

Fife and Drum (Located in The American Adventure)

Food:

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

Block and Hans (Located in The American Adventure)

Beverages:

Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade with Monin Cotton Candy and Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine

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

Food Items:

Insalata di Gamberi al Limone di Zagara: Salad of Poached Shrimp in Sicilian Lemons, Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Avocado, and Citrus Dressing
Pollo alla Pirandello: Golden Chicken Drumstick stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Pomodoro Sauce (Kid Approved)

Beverages:

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
Prosecco, Villa Sandi
Moscato Fior d’Arancio, Montegrande
Corbinello, Montegrande
Pinot Grigio, Santa Marina
Merlot, Montegrande
Rossini: Prosecco Mousse with Strawberry Sauce (Contains Alcohol)
Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée and Prosecco
Vodka Rossini: Vodka, Strawberry Purée and Prosecco

Cuisine Classique (Located in the Germany Pavilion)

Food:

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 (Gluten-friendly) (Kid Approved)
Saint-Honoré Tart: Caramel Cream Tart with Caramel Glaze topped with Cream Puffs
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie (Kid Approved)

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

Refreshment Outpost (Located in the African Outpost)

Food:

Plant-based Bratwurst with Spicy Turmeric Aïoli, Coffee Barbecue Jackfruit, and Slaw
Paintbrush Churros: Cinnamon-Sugar Churros Dipped in Colorful White Chocolate

Beverages:

Barrel of Monks Brewery Endless Enigma Golden Pale Ale, Boca Raton, FL
Collective Arts Brewing Life in the Clouds Hazy IPA, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
M.I.A. Beer Company Malt Bach Brown Ale, Doral, FL
Popcorn Pairing Flight

The Painted Panda (Located in the China Pavilion)

Food Items:

Spicy Beef Shumai
Char Siu Pork Bun

Beverages:

“Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (Non-alcoholic) (Kid Approved)
Jasmine Draft Beer
Fortune Cookie: ByeJoe Spirit, Amaretto, Coconut, and Pineapple
Kung Fu Punch: Vodka and Triple Sec
Sea Butterfly: Butterfly Pea Flower infused Cocktail with Lychee Syrup, Vodka, Light Rum, and Magic Boba Pearls

El Artista Hambriento (Located in the Mexico Pavilion)

Food:

Sopes de Barbacoa: Braised Barbacoa Beef served on Fried Guajillo Corn Shell with Black Beans, Cotija Cheese, Mexican Cream, and Chives
Agave Pork Belly: Pork Belly caramelized with Agave atop Pumpkin Seed Pesto Lentil Salad

Beverages:

Frida Banana Daiquiri: Mexican Handcrafted Rum, Banana Puree, and Applejack (served frozen)
Diego Blackberry Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila, Blackberry Purée, Fresh Jalapeño-Lime Juice served with Black Ant Salt Rim
Mexican White Sangria: White Wine, Fruit Juices, and Sweet Cinnamon-infused Tequila

Test Track Cool Wash (Located near Test Track)

Beverage Items:

Assorted Coca-Cola Slushies (non-alcoholic)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

Future World East – Modern Pairing: Coconut Iced Latte garnished with a decadent Chocolate Donut and topped with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles
Canada – Impressionism Pairing: Blackberry Iced Latte topped with a delicious Blueberry Donut and Sweet Whipped Cream and Sprinkles
Showcase Plaza – Renaissance Pairing: Iced Mocha Latte served with a timeless Glazed Donut and Sprinkles
The American Adventure – Baroque Pairing: White Mocha Iced Latte layered with a Red Velvet Donut and Sprinkles

Are you visiting the 2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts? How many days until your next Disney World vacation?

Celebrate the Lunar New Year 2020 at Disney California Adventure Park

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

It’s time to ring in the Lunar New Year 2020 at Disney California Adventure park! Starting January 17, you can usher in the new year with this vibrant, multicultural celebration which pays tribute to Chinese Vietnamese, and Korean cultures. Throughout the festival, you’ll find an array of unique holiday entertainment including Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession and Mickey and Minnie dressed in colorful costumes as well as commemorative merchandise and innovative menus celebrating delicious Asian cuisine.

In addition to the menus below, you can also grab a Sip and Savor Pass! This souvenir credential features six pull-off tabs that can each be traded for one food item or one non-alcoholic beverage at any of the Marketplaces listed below. It can be purchased at various locations throughout the park, including the Sip and Savor Cart, Seaside Souvenirs, Kingswell, Elias & Co., and Festival Marketplaces.

This comprehensive list offers a sneak peek at all of the delicious food and beverages awaiting you during Lunar New Year 2020 at Disney California Adventure Park! And don’t forget, mobile ordering is available for Paradise Garden Grill and Lucky Fortune Cookery, so if you fancy anything from their menu, use the Disneyland App to order ahead, skip the line, and get straight to snacking!

Longevity Noodle Co.

Chicken Meatballs and Lo Mein Noodles with Cabbage Salad and Apple-Ginger Sauce
Vegetable Egg Roll and Chilled Sesame Garlic Noodles with Cilantro-Cashew Sauce and Toasted Peanuts
Black Sesame Mochi Donut
Vietnamese Cold Brew with Coconut Milk
Tsingtao (bottled alcoholic beverage)

Lucky 8 Lantern

Shrimp Fried Rice with Garlic Bacon Edamame
Smoked Beef Bulgogi Shortrib on Rice Cake
Manadarin Orange and Green Tea Tart
Peach Sojito (alcoholic beverage)
Hitachino Nest Beer (bottled alcoholic beverage)

Prosperity Bao & Buns

Char Siu Pork Bao – Chinese BBQ Pork with Pickled Red Onions and Jalapeño
Mickey Chinese Hot Dog Bun
Lychee-Grapefruit Gin Spritzer (alcoholic beverage)
Kloud Original Gravity Lager (canned alcoholic beverage)

Red Dragon Spice Traders

Firecracker Three Cup Chicken Wings
Shrimp & Ginger Dumplings with Soy Reduction and Sriracha Mayo
Purple Yam Macaron with Crème Fraîche
Honey-Lime Green Tea
Honey-Lime Green Tea with Bourbon (alcoholic beverage)
Bottle Logic Hanamacahi (draft alcoholic beverage)

Paradise Garden Grill (Mobile Order Available)

Korean Grilled Chicken
Plant-Based Orange Tempeh
Pork Belly Bahn Mi
Whole Deep-Fried Tilapia with Chili Lime Vinaigrette and Steamed Rice
Mango Mousse
Almond Milk Iced Tea
Orange Blossom Cocktail (alcoholic beverage)
Tiger Beer
Kloud Beer

Lucky Fortune Cookery (Mobile Order Available)

Bao Bun with Seasonal Fruit

Outdoor Vending Carts

Almond Cookies
Bulgogi Chicken

Lamplight Lounge

Pork Belly Egg Rolls – Fried crispy egg rolls stuffed with tender pork belly and served with spicy mango glaze, pickled carrots, leaf lettuce, fresh cucumber, and pork rinds

Lunar New Year 2020 runs Jan. 17 through Feb. 9 at Disney California Adventure park. Be sure to stop by and try all of this yummy food! For more information, visit the Disneyland Resort website.

Are you celebrating Lunar New Year 2020 at Disneyland Resort?

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 Runs Nightly From February 1- April 2

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From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

Picture it. It’s a late afternoon and the streets of the New York area in Universal Studios Florida are buzzing with activity. Jazzy tunes fill your ears as you enter The French Quarter Courtyard and the spicy smell of Cajun food is in the air. It’s Mardi Gras time, ya’ll. Or, at least it will be in a few more days. Universal’s Mari Gras 2020 kicks off on Saturday, February 1.

If you’re like me, you’re more than ready to indulge in all the festivities of Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 — from the nightly parade, live concerts and, my favorite part, the FOOD. With 25 years of partying it up and bringing the flavors of The Big Easy to Universal Orlando Resort, the culinary team has outdone themselves this year with new dishes, drinks, and more.

New Carnival Around the Universe Tent

Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 is getting a brand new food tent that will take us on a journey to the different carnivals globally.

Note: This particular food tent will rotate out the countries every two weeks, providing new options for you try on each visit. You’ll notice which weeks each country will be offered, kicking off with Trinidad & Tobago.

Trinidad & Tobago (Week 1 & 2)

I’m a sucker for anything with chickpeas and each dish from this food tent was packed with a great citrus and spice flavor. It was my first stop at the tasting and will be my first stop when the event begins. And bonus! These are all plant-based dishes.

Grilled Pineapple Trini-Chow (topped with kimchi seasoning and cilantro)
Pholourie (fried spicy split pea dough with turmeric, curry powder and tamarind chutney)
Chickpea Double (served on spicy bara flatbread with cilantro and mango chutney)

Louisiana Creole (Week 3 & 4)

If we’re touring the carnivals, then we have to make a pit stop in Louisiana, right? But these aren’t your average Cajun dishes. The Cauliflower Dirty Rice was my second favorite dish (and it’s vegan!).

Softshell Crab Slider (softshell crab with organic veggie slaw and a bayou aioli)
Cauliflower Dirty Rice (riced cauliflower with plant-based protein crumbles, black eyed peas and Cajun spices)

Brazil (Week 5 & 6)

Two words: CHEESE BREAD. Or more appropriately, Pao de Quiejo. These little pockets of savory goodness are the perfect snack to grab before the parade or concert.

Pao de Quiejo (warm cheese bread served with guava dipping sauce)
Sweet Plantains (covered in cinnamon and sugar served with banana poppy seed dipping sauce)

Germany (Week 7 & 8)

The last stop is Germany! My top pick would be the Sauerbraten. You can’t beat a slow braised beef smothered in sauce.

Sauerbraten (slow braised beef with buttered spaetzel, pickled red cabbage and topped with a red wine sauce)
Grilled Bratwurst (served on a potato pancake with whole grain mustard, sour cream and chives)
Warm Pretzel

TIP: All the Mardi Gras food and drinks are offered in sampling sizes. Pick up the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard, so you can enjoy multiple offerings on any of the event nights. Click here for more details.

New Mardi Gras Drinks

You’ll need a drink to wash down all that good Cajun chow. This year, there are a bunch of new drinks to pair with your food, along with new souvenir cup designs. A certain number of these specialty drinks will only be available with the purchase of a food item at the location they are served. I’ve done the heavy lifting and outlined them for you below.

Available in the full 20oz specialty drinks:

High Seas Twister (kinda like a rum punch)
Blue Voodoo (tasty blue margarita)
Carnival Lane (refreshing gin drink with fruit juices)
Baby Cakes (vodka drink that tastes like king cake!)
Bourbon Street Punch (exclusive to the Bayou Boil)
Coconut Water in a Coconut (non-alcoholic and available only during week 1 & 2 of Carnival Around the Universe)

Available for food & beverage 9oz pairings ONLY:

Hoodoo Cold Brew (pecan vodka cold brew – great with beignets)
Cajun Bloody Mary (pair with Jambalaya)
Pecan Street (vodka caramel drink available only during week 3 & 4 of Carnival Around the Universe and pairs with the Softshell Crab Slider)
Girl from Ipanema (gin coconut drink, my personal favorite, available only during week 5 & 6 of Carnival Around the Universe and pairs with the Pao de Quiejo)

The new Float Floats are beverages inspired by some of the literal parade floats, which are themed to the Treasures of the Deep.

Not only are they a tasty way to cool off during a warm evening of bead catching, but they are also perfect for your insta. You can find these over at Schwab’s Pharmacy in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida.

Shipwreck (pineapple soft serve ice cream, chocolate soft serve, pineapple soda, cotton candy and waffle cone flag)

Sunken City of Atlantis (vanilla soft serve, wild berry soda, mango boba and gummy shark)

Mardi Gras (pineapple and lime soft serve ice cream, grape soda, blueberry boba and waffle cone flag)

To round out the above drinks, the Mimosa Bar is returning over at Cafe La Bamba with eight different mimosas, and the King Cake Slushie and Bayou Bog Water are back for the kiddos.

TIP: Schwab’s Pharmacy is located right on the parade route on the Avenue of the Stars in Hollywood. Grab a float as you wait for the parade to start or snap a pic with the themed float it matches! Don’t forget to share your foodie pics with us using #UniversalMardiGras.

Mardi Gras Classics

You can’t have Mardi Gras without the Cajun classics. Returning to The French Quarter Courtyard are your flavorful favorites like:

Beignets
King Cake
Jambalaya
Shrimp Gumbo
Red Beans & Rice with Shrimp
Cajun Twisted Tater
Gator Bites
Crab Etouffee
Shrimp & Andouille Po’ Boy
Sausage Po’ Boy
Catfish Po’ Boy
Chicken & Andouille Po’ Boy

TIP: New to this year are recommended food and drink pairings for the different tents. You can find them on the tent menu boards when you visit and can be used as part of the Tasting Lanyard. I love the combo of beignets and Hoodoo Cold Brew.

Upgrade Your Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020

The Bayou Boil is hosted over in Battery Park down by the lagoon with a private dining area and bar. It has a limited capacity to allow for a more intimate setting, and you sit family style with other guests allowing you to meet fellow Universal fans! After you’re done eating, you can go do some rides or enjoy the other Mardi Gras festivities before heading over to a private area in front of Cafe La Bamba. In my opinion, this is one of the BEST places to view the parade, as you not only get to see and catch beads when it starts but also when the parade ends.

You’ll be served a huge pan piled high with crawfish, shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, potatoes, and corn on the cob. The crazy good part? If you manage to clear that pan (good luck), they’ll bring out more! And let’s not forget about the endless beignets and king cake waiting nearby for dessert.

Click here for details on pricing and dates/times for the Bayou Boil.

Two additional ways to upgrade your Mardi Gras festivities are the Feast & Floats Dessert Party and the Mardi Gras Tasting Lanyard. The dessert party gets you VIP viewing of the Mardi Gras parade and Universal’s Cinematic Celebration, and the tasting lanyard allows you the option to enjoy multiple food and drink options throughout Mardi Gras. Click here for more details on these experiences.

TIP: This tip is for our UOAPs! You get exclusive perks to these add-ons, including discounts, and a Passholder Tasting Lanyard that includes 15 items. Click here for details.

The Party Continues in Universal CityWalk

The party doesn’t stop after the park closes. CityWalk is getting in on the festivities with fun, new Mardi Gras themed food and drinks. The Toothsome milkshake is quite literally the KING of all milkshakes. I mean, wow.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
- The French Quarter Milkshake (everything king cake in a glass)
Voodoo Doughnut
- Mardi Gras Doughnut (filled with cinnamon sugar bavarian cream)
The Cowfish
- Masquerade Martini (grape vodka with blue curacao and citrus flavors)
Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
- Party Gras Drink (vodka and coconut rum with pineapple flavors)
- Voodoo Doctor Drink (classic margarita with a hint of black raspberry)
Pat O’Brien’s
- Taste of Nola (red beans and rice, crawfish and andouille etouffee and blackened chicken with creole sauce)
Hot Dog Hall of Fame
- Mardi Gras Muffuletta Platter (footlong hot dog with traditional muffuletta dressing)
Bread Box
- Roast Beef Po’boy (shaved roast beef and gravy with toppings)
Cinnabon
- King Cake Bon (classic Cinnabon dressed up in its Mardi Gras best)
CityWalk Food & Beverage Carts
- The Jester Drink (apple whiskey with melon flavors)

TIP: These offerings are available daily Feb. 1 – April 2 in CityWalk. You have plenty of time to grab these outside of the event.

So, be honest, is that your stomach I hear rumbling? Oh, no. It’s mine. Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 can’t get here soon enough, but thankfully it’s right around the corner starting nightly Feb. 1 – April 2 in Universal Studios Florida. What are you getting first? I’m still debating between my fav jambalaya or the Trinidad & Tobago.

Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

Heading to Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020? Don’t miss five exciting new things planned for this year!

5 Exciting Things Planned for Universal Orlando Resort in 2020

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From the Universal Orlando Resort Blog:

The last few years have brought a lot of growth and change to Universal Orlando Resort. From new ground-breaking attractions and entertainment to new restaurants that are elevating theme-park dining, the parks keep getting bigger and better. Not to mention the opening of new hotels and big game-changers to the theme park industry like Universal’s Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And, best of all, there’s still so much to look forward to at Universal Orlando Resort in 2020!

The Bourne Stuntacular – New!

Opening Spring 2020

It’s all there in the name, folks. STUNTS. And I’m not just talking your typical flying-through-a-glass-door stunt. This live-action show is putting you right smack dab in the middle of the action you’ve seen from Universal Pictures’ blockbuster Bourne films. I recently got a download on the details and from what I’ve heard and seen glances of, this show is going to make you say things like, “Wait! How’d they do that?” Read more here and stay tuned for more details.

Running Universal – New!

5K & 10K – Feb. 1 & 2, 2020

Does your ultimate exercise routine involve running alongside a Minion? Then get ready for Universal’s first-ever Epic Character Race 5K and 10K. You’ll run through the parks with your favorite characters and finish with a really cool medal and bragging rights. Bananas are encouraged. Register now!

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – New!

Opening March 17, 2020

No need to fret about where to stay for your upcoming Orlando vacay. I’ve got the perfect place for you and your family. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites is bringing a relaxing shore vibe to Universal Orlando this spring, complete with 2-Bedroom suites at a value that fits your family budget. Book your stay today.

Universal’s Mardi Gras – 25 Years of Partying

Every Night Feb. 1 – April 2, 2020

Twenty-five years of Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida makes for one heck of a bead collection. We’re celebrating with live performances by chart-topping artists, a nightly parade themed to Treasures of the Deep, new Cajun dishes, live entertainment in the French Quarter Courtyard, and — of course — BEADS!

Halloween Horror Nights – 30 Years of Horror

Select Nights Sept. 10 – Nov. 1, 2020

Ah, Halloween Horror Nights. Just when we think you can’t get any better, you prove us wrong.The horror, scares, and fear you inflict on both your diehard fans and unsuspecting first-time victims grows on a more grand scale with every passing year. 2020 marks the 30 years of the world’s premier Halloween event, and I can’t wait to see what — or who’s — lurking in the shadows.

What’s Ahead…

Wow! Let’s all take a minute and absorb those celebrations and new experiences to check out at Universal Orlando Resort in 2020. It’s going to be a busy year. BUT I’m not stopping there and neither is Universal Orlando! There’s even more in store for you like:

Keeping your eyes peeled and ears to the ground for rumblings over in Jurassic Park
Discovering new food & beverage items hitting the parks (have you tried those Green Eggs & Ham tots!?)
Enjoying the merriment and mischief of Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort
Living your best tropical life at Universal’s Volcano Bay

We’ll see you at Universal Orlando Resort in 2020!

2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Spring with Garden Rocks Concerts, Topiaries and More

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Epcot’s longest-running annual festival – the 2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – is revving up to be a show stopper, with a Garden RocksConcert Series talent lineup like never before. New to the Garden Rocks Concert Series on the America Gardens Theatre stage this year are Daughtry, Don McLean and other luminaries of various musical genres – so mark your calendars now!

March 4-5 – Peabo Bryson NEW
March 13-16 – Simple Plan
March 17-19 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
March 20-23 – Mark Wills NEW to Garden Rocks
March 24-26 – The Spinners
March 27-28 – Sister Hazel
March 29-30 – The Pointer Sisters
March 31-April 2 – Former Journey Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
April 3-4 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
April 5-6 – Exposé
April 7-9 – Berlin
April 19-20 – Rick Springfield
April 24-27 – Plain White T’s
April 28-30 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
May 1-2 – Don McLean NEW
May 5-7 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett NEW
May 8-9 – Thelma Houston NEW
May 10-11 – The Allman Betts Band NEW to Garden Rocks
May 15-18 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 19-21 – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot NEW to Garden Rocks
May 24-25 – Daughtry NEW
May 26-28 – Marshall Tucker Band
May 31-June 1 – Survivor

See a favorite band or a new one you don’t want to miss? One of the best ways to join the concert fun is to book a Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Package for one of the shows at 5:30, 6:45 or 8 p.m. Each package includes breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed concert seating. Reservations are available now.

The music is surely gonna get you, and that’s not all. The festival presents a kaleidoscope of colorful blooms, topiaries and gardens designed to inspire wonder and whispers of “how’d they do that?!” The brand-new Remy topiary will be unveiled as the centerpiece of a Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion, where the new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction will open in summer 2020. The floral Remy will be surrounded by a colorful garden of veggies that comprise ingredients of a ratatouille recipe.

It wouldn’t be a festival without fabulous food, and the event’s 17 Outdoor Kitchens plus other food-and-beverage stops will tickle your taste buds. Florida fans will delight in some of the state’s namesake flavors at three different kitchens: honey-laced treats at The Honey Bee-stro, citrus-based marvels at The Citrus Blossom, and sweet and savory delights at Florida Fresh.

Elsewhere across the park, lush swaths of bright blossoms, floating gardens, flower towers and more whimsical topiaries will brighten the landscape. Watch for stunning topiary depictions of celebrated heroines like Anna and Elsa, rough-and-ready Toy Story hero Buzz Lightyear, beloved Muppets Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, and fairy-tale wonders like Tinker Bell, Snow White and Bambi. At the Goodness Garden Butterfly House, hundreds of winged beauties will take flight. Nearby at the Play Full Garden, families can celebrate spring at a unique playground experience.

Fans of behind-the-scenes tours won’t want to miss booking a Gardens of the World Tour – Spring Edition; an English Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion; or a Behind the Seeds! guided walk through The Land pavilion’s fish farm and four greenhouses. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival began in 1994 as a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries. The event now flourishes as a 90-day celebration of spring with something for everyone in the family. Follow the Disney Parks Blog for updates and more details. The 2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, including Garden Rocks concerts and all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Visit FreshEpcot.com or call (407) W-DISNEY for more information.

Heading to Epcot before the spring? Be sure to check out the Epcot International Festival of the Arts in January and February!

An All-New Magic Happens Parade to Debut at Disneyland Park on February 28, 2020

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

Exciting news! The all-new Magic Happens parade will make its debut at Disneyland park, beginning Feb. 28, 2020.

“Magic Happens” celebrates awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime spectacular down Main Street, U.S.A., revealing a parade of stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. “Magic Happens” will also feature an energetic musical score and a new song, co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall.

Here are some highlights of the new Magic Happens parade, including a few more sneak peeks:

From Walt Disney Animation Studios’ record-breaking hit “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of an enchanted forest protected by Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf tag along.

On her voyager canoe, Moana journeys forth on the crest of a towering wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings and inset with dazzling, animated glimpses into the magic the ocean holds.

Joining Moana on her journey is legendary demigod, Maui, making his Disneyland Resort debut on his own magical island, along with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua.

Miguel appears in person for the first time, celebrating the magic that happens when he strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco.” This spectacular float bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.

The regal grand finale of the Magic Happens parade celebrates magical moments from several classic Disney stories, including the happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty” with a trio of fairies and Princess Aurora’s gown shimmering between hues of pink and blue.

“Magic Happens” will remind us we don’t need wings to fly, that shooting stars were made to wish upon, and that magic doesn’t stop at midnight.

Heading to Disneyland in early 2020? Don’t miss one of the uniquely themed Disneyland After Dark events!

Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Guided Tour is a Must Do for any Disney Fan

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From the Disney Parks Blog:

There are many who have entered the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy inside Disneyland park, but have you taken the time to look closer at Walt’s original Magic Kingdom in detail? How did Disneyland come to be? Well, to those interested in learning more about this happy place, welcome! Let’s take a closer look at the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour and see how your next visit to the Disneyland Resort could be transformed with this extra magical experience.

The “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour is a special tour that explores Walt’s crafting of The Happiest Place on Earth—from his early years during park conception to his final visit.

Throughout Disneyland park, the tour stops to reveal special moments from Disneyland’s beginnings, including information about classic attractions. Guests are also able to hear historical fun facts thanks to a special tour headset, which plays archived recordings, including Walt’s opening day speech.

On the tour, you will encounter magic at historically significant locations throughout the park. For example, when you walk down Main Street, U.S.A., your guide will explain how Walt’s childhood town inspired the design process for his old-fashioned Main Street. Your guide might even share the significance of the names on the windows above. Each person played an important role in the development of Disneyland, including Disney family members, cast members and Imagineers! You will then hop aboard the Disneyland Railroad, where you’ll learn about Walt’s love for locomotives and how it’s seen throughout the parks today. You’ll also stop by the five-ton petrified tree in Frontierland, where you’ll learn why Walt gave this tree to his wife Lillian!

You’ll also hear inspirational stories from Walt’s upbringing in Marceline, Missouri. For example, you will learn about Walt’s early inspirations for Fantasyland. Walt saw the play “Peter Pan” as a young boy and was inspired by the performance. He was so influenced by the story that he created a flight harness so that he could become Peter Pan, always turning his dreams into reality. Later, in a school performance, Walt took the lead role as Peter Pan and used a hoist and tackle to fly! On the tour, you’ll also learn about his 1958 attraction dedicated to Alice in Wonderland, as well as the opening day attraction King Arthur Carrousel with the famous horse “Jingles.”

Further along your journey retracing Walt’s footsteps, your guide will whisk you through historic details found inside the plans for the park and will explain how Walt’s persistence towards his goals was made in strides. You will see where Walt experienced many successes, as well as setbacks, leading to the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955. For example, at Central Plaza next to the Partners Statue, you will learn why Walt artistically designed this location to be the central location to the theme park. You’ll also learn how, on opening day – later referred to by some who were there as “Black Sunday” – was just as exciting as it was logistically challenging.

If you’ve ever wondered the significance of the Main Street Opera House, then you are in luck! You will browse through the amazing galleries of photos and artwork on the walls, while your guide explains their significance to Walt’s vision for the resort. After a showing of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, you will be able to better understand the true meaning of liberty in the eyes of Walt himself.

The tour is filled with wonderful surprises along the way, too, including the chance to experience classic attractions that connect with Walt’s very personal vision for the park. For even more magic, you will also take home an impressive collectible pin, alongside your own personalized button! Opening like a small book, the pin includes an inspirational quote from Walt Disney.

Here are some things you should know about the “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” Guided Tour:

The tour is approximately three-hours long.
Depending on the time of day, you will end the tour with a delicious lunch or dinner on Main Street U.S.A., provided for all tour participants by the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe.
Theme park admission for Disneyland park is required to attend the tour.
Tour or tour elements are also subject to cancellation without notice due to, and without limitation to, attraction availability, inclement weather or other conditions.

For pricing and booking information, call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com.

Looking for more unique Disneyland fun? Don’t miss Disneyland After Dark!

*Attractions and entertainment are subject to availability and may change without notice.

Spreading Magic

Travel Agent Specializing in Family & Romance Travel

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Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020 Runs Nightly From February 1- April 2

New Carnival Around the Universe Tent

Trinidad & Tobago (Week 1 & 2)

Louisiana Creole (Week 3 & 4)

Brazil (Week 5 & 6)

Germany (Week 7 & 8)

New Mardi Gras Drinks

Mardi Gras Classics

Upgrade Your Universal’s Mardi Gras 2020

The Party Continues in Universal CityWalk

5 Exciting Things Planned for Universal Orlando Resort in 2020

The Bourne Stuntacular – New!

Running Universal – New!

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites – New!

Universal’s Mardi Gras – 25 Years of Partying

Halloween Horror Nights – 30 Years of Horror

What’s Ahead…

2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Spring with Garden Rocks Concerts, Topiaries and More

An All-New Magic Happens Parade to Debut at Disneyland Park on February 28, 2020

Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps Guided Tour is a Must Do for any Disney Fan