The Language of Aloha at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Manako

Manako means mango.

February is ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language) Month, and our love of ʻolelo Hawaiʻi is one of the most unique aspects of our resort! Did you know that Aulani Resort was the first Disney property to recognize Hawaiian language proficiency on cast members' nametags? If you would like to experience a unique and beautiful language, you need only say, "aloha" to one of our Hawaiian-speaking cast members.

At Aulani Resort, we have a saying: Look twice, and think three times. With that thought, we begin a series on the Disney Parks Blog: The Language of Aloha. I will take you on a journey through the Hawaiian language that may inspire you to read twice, and think three times. Let's begin with a word that I am rather attached to: manako, meaning mango.

In Hawaiʻi, the mango tree commonly towers over our backyards, providing shade and sweet nectars. At Aulani Resort, you can experience mango scents at Laniwai Spa. Or, after a long day at the beach, you might enjoy a mango-flavored beverage at the ʻOlelo Room, a lounge where you will find cast members who are fluent in Hawaiian! There you can learn more about the Hawaiian language and all the beauty it holds. E kipa mai! (Come visit!) And when you do, try some manako, it's delicious!

A hui hou, until we meet again.

Note: In printed materials, Aulani uses the contemporary spelling of Hawaiian words, which includes marks such as the kahako (macron). Because these marks do not often display correctly in electronic formats, including the text of the Disney Parks Blog, we've omitted them to ensure clarity.

19-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Conquers the Disney Princess Half Marathon

Thousands of runners in tutus and tiaras crossed the finish line this past weekend during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and amongst them was Katie Karp of Winter Garden, Fla., living out her own real life fairytale.

As a little girl, Karp was an active runner and lacrosse player who always had a fascination with running. At the young age of 12-years-old, she began experiencing pain in her left leg the night before her first track meet. After the event, the pain became so tremendous that her parents decided to take her in for an MRI the following day, which marked the start of Karp's journey with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer.

Just a week after being diagnosed, Karp began the fight of her life and was determined to not let cancer win. She spent over 100 days and nights in the hospital as she went through chemotherapy treatments and eventually underwent the surgery that ultimately saved her life.

The rare surgery resulted in 12 inches of her thigh bone being removed and replaced with an internal prosthetic. Karp is one of the few people in the world to have had this radical limb salvage procedure. The goal going in to the surgery was to just survive and walk again, but ultimately Karp wanted to get back to what she has always loved – running.

Fast-forward to today and Karp is celebrating six years cancer-free and crossed over the finish line of her first half marathon with her two oncologists and physical trainer. Karp is a true inspiration and to this day, uses her experiences with cancer to help children currently fighting for their own "Happily Ever After" ending.

Check out the video to see Karp's journey during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend!

If you are running in an upcoming runDisney race and have an inspirational or extraordinary story like Karp, we'd love to hear it! Please submit your story for consideration by emailing WDPR.DisneySportsStories@Disney.com.

It's time to take a journey unlike any other as we blast out of this world and into the cosmos on Space Mountain. This classic Magic Kingdom Park attraction whisks you away in a rocket-shaped vehicle headed for a thrilling space ride. Take our quiz to see if you if you're a Space Mountain whiz!

QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About Space Mountain?

What year did Space Mountain open at Magic Kingdom Park?

1971

1975

1981

1985

Which NASA astronaut joined the creative team as a consultant when the attraction was being built?

John Glenn

Scott Carpenter

Gordon Cooper

Alan Shepard

How tall is the mountain you ascend inside the attraction?

150 feet

160 feet

170 feet

180 feet

What is the top speed you will travel on Space Mountain?

28 miles per hour

38 miles per hour

48 miles per hour

58 miles per hour

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Anaheim Playground Transforms into New, Disney-Sponsored KaBOOM! Playground in Fewer Than Eight Hours

As you may recall, last summer the Disneyland Resort asked Anaheim, Calif., residents to vote for the location of their next Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground. After receiving an overwhelming number of votes, the Resort pledged to build five more playgrounds in Anaheim. The first was assembled last Saturday at Imperial Park!

More than 200 volunteers from Anaheim, KaBOOM!, Girl Scouts of Orange County and the Disneyland Resort constructed the playground – the eighth Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground in Anaheim – after the existing playground was removed due to age.

"A key ingredient in healthy communities is park playgrounds," said Brent Dennis, director of Community Services for Anaheim. "This collaborative partnership celebrates the spirit of kindness and community. Here's to many years of great fun and healthy recreation within Imperial Park."

Over the next few years, Willow Park, Julianna Park, Pearson Park and Barton Park will each get new playgrounds, bringing a total of 12 Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playgrounds to Anaheim and giving more than 19,000 children a place to play!

RECIPE: Celebrate Mardi Gras with Beignets from Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory recently reopened after being reimagined. Though several new tastes of New Orleans were added, the famous beignets, which are made in-house daily, are still the most popular item on the menu! If you can't visit Disney's Port Orleans – French Quarter to celebrate Mardi Gras with King Cake, Po' Boys and Jambalaya, get a taste of the "Big Easy" with a piping hot batch of delicious beignets with the recipe below.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

BEIGNETS
Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Yields 2 dozen small beignets

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105º)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour and boiling water in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut individual beignets into 2 x 3-inch pieces. Cover with a towel and let dough rise until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Pour enough oil into a deep-sided pot until it reaches 2 inches up sides; heat oil over medium heat to 350°F.
5. Lightly press beignets to flatten slightly.
6. Add a few beignets to oil; fry until golden brown on both sides, turning
   once.
7. Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
8. Dust with a generous amount of confectioners' sugar before serving.

‘Frozen’ Fun Returns Aboard Disney Cruise Line This Summer

Anna, Elsa and all your favorite "Frozen" friends from the kingdom of Arendelle are back for a winter-in-summer celebration aboard the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic on select sailings throughout May, June and July. Prepare to be enthralled in a "Frozen" wonderland with exciting experiences inspired by the film, including a spectacular deck party, storybook adventures ashore, character meet and greets and more!

Check out my top five ways to bring back summer with "Frozen" fun:

5. Memorable Moments with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff
The skies will be blue and you guys can be there too! Get ready to create some magical moments with Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Olaf and even Arendelle's Official Ice Master and Deliverer himself, Kristoff.

Aboard the Disney Wonder year-round, young guests can go on "Frozen Adventures" in Disney's Oceaneer Club with a surprise in-person visit by the royal sisters themselves, Anna and Elsa. Also year round, on all four Disney Cruise Line ships, families can meet and take photographs with Anna, Elsa, Olaf no matter what the season. Warm hugs for everyone!

4. Frozen-Inspired Dining Experiences
What better way to cool down from the summer heat than indulging in a "Frozen" themed dining experience? Feast on a menu inspired by traditional Nordic fare while treating yourself to dishes inspired by the film. For those of you 21 and older, you can also sip on frozen specialty drinks in the nightclubs.

Find your chill and check out the year-round Olaf-inspired wintery watering hole, Summertime Freeze at Castaway Cay. Featuring specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups like "Olaf's Flurry Freeze" and "Sven's Carrot Delight," these fruity frosty treats are sure to cool you down from the sweltering summer heat.

3. Frozen Activities
On one special morning, your soul will be spiraling with frozen fractals all around the atrium lobby when sparkling icicles adorn the grand staircase. Then kick off your evening by "Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends," in an extravagant deck party featuring the famous royal sisters of Arendelle and their fun-loving Nordic companions.

Your little ones can join "Anna's Chocolate Chase" in a scavenger hunt fit only for the most adventurous ones, then take on Elsa's magical powers to make ice and snow in "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" Prep for the deck party by putting on those dancing shoes, and learning a traditional Scandinavian dance with "Oaken's Maypole Swirl and Twirl" that will have you dancing through the night.

2. Adventures Ashore
If you're aboard select sailings on the Disney Magic to Norway, you can visit the land that inspired Arendelle from "Frozen," with exciting Port Adventures that bring this fairytale setting to life. In Ålesund, Norway, you can be immersed in the spirit of Norway, with the help of Anna and Elsa, in an enchanting storybook village.

1. Spectacular Stage Shows
Aboard the Disney Wonder year-round, be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle with "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular," a brand-new musical production that follows the journey of royal sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on an adventure to discover the meaning of sisterhood, inner strength and true love.

Also year-round aboard the Disney Magic, join Anna, Elsa and Olaf in teaching a young girl the power of her dreams in the Disney Cruise Line original production, "Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic."

How will you choose to "let it go" and celebrate a summer of fun with "Frozen" friends?

Disney Parks Best Bites: February 2017

Joffrey's Revive coffee kiosk will open this March in Magic Kingdom Park. Guests will be able to enjoy coffee, tea, espresso beverages and other delicious treats at the out-of-this-world Tomorrowland kiosk. A Magic Kingdom exclusive, the More S'mores Latte will feature artisan-roasted espresso, rich chocolate sauce and sweet marshmallow syrup, topped with whipped cream, graham cracker sprinkles and marshmallows.

Chocoholics will be excited to learn the theme of March's gourmet candy at Disneyland Resort—Triple Chocolate—available as a gourmet apple and crispy treat. Both are enrobed in milk chocolate before being coated in semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate chips before being finished with a drizzle of dark and white chocolates. Look for Triple Chocolate gourmet apples and crispy treats at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline's Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District from March 1 to 31.

The classic German snack you know and love is now available in a shareable size! A new jumbo pretzel is available at Sommerfest, Germany Bierline and the Germany Pretzel Cart in the Germany pavilion at Epcot. Prost!

Beauty and the Beast-inspired treats are now available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in celebration of the release of the new, live-action film! At Walt Disney World, look for a Belle-inspired cupcake at Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom Park, the Enchanted Rose Cake at Amorette's Patisserie at Disney Springs and a Beauty and the Beast cupcake (beginning March 1) at ABC Commissary, The Trolley Car Café, Rosie's All-American Café and Catalina Eddie's at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At Disneyland, Red Rose Taverne (the transformed Village Haus Restaurant) and Maurice's Treats are serving Provincial-inspired fare, including their version of The Grey Stuff!

The Chuck Wagon, a new food truck at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, is now open! Open daily, they're serving up tasty fare like the Fort Wilderness Smoked Pork Belly and Tillamook Cheeseburger, Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich, Pioneer Berry Salad, Roasted Portobello and Vegetable Wrap and more. Find The Chuck Wagon in the Meadows Recreation Area. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

Moms Panel Monday: Disneyland Resort is Where Memories are Made

Memories are what great Disneyland Resort vacations are made of for families of all ages. Whether it's the thought of the first time you walked down Main Street, U.S.A., hand-in-hand or the first time you shared a spin in a tea cup on the Mad Tea Party. The smiles are vivid in your mind. You can still hear the sounds of laughter and shrieks of joy, and for a family with preschoolers, there is no better time than now to begin making memories with your child at Disneyland Resort!

Our Disneyland panelists, Anabel M. and Linda M., can speak firsthand about the magic of seeing Disneyland Resort through the eyes of a young child, as they are both moms of preschool aged children. "Taking my little one to the Disneyland Resort is like reliving my first visit over and over again," said Linda M. "At her age, the excitement and wonder are 100-percent pure, and I know we are building memories that will last a lifetime. She can already recall details of attractions with clarity and certain songs will trigger specific memories of past trips—like 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' and her first ride down Splash Mountain. Another thing I love about taking my daughter at this age is that we get to experience the excitement together! I feel like a kid again when we chat about certain attractions that we love, and she gets just as excited as I do about our next adventure. A special bond is made when we can both love something equally with her at age three and me at age 33."

Anabel M., who confesses she carries a package of tissues with her on every visit, is often overcome with emotions as she watches her young boys interact with characters. "The memory that actually made me cry was the day when my oldest son and I were watching a parade and Pinocchio strutted over and shook his hand. My little one was ecstatic and told him, 'Do you know I'm your buddy?'" Anabel explained, "I couldn't help it, between smiles and laughs, I had tears rolling down my eyes. The innocence of my little boy and his bonding moment with Pinocchio was pure magic."

For Linda, a self-proclaimed introvert, she admits she often became awkward and shy when meeting characters as a child, but not her little girl! "My daughter will march right up to each and every character to give them a hug and ask them to sign her autograph book. She wasn't even apprehensive when meeting Darth Vader! She may have gone as far as agreeing to join the dark side, but we are working on that," laughs Linda. "She really enjoys looking back at her autographs at the end of the trip, and those books have become some of our treasured keepsakes." However, sometimes it's not an attraction or a character that brings a smile to a preschooler's face. Anabel and her family always stop by the Main Street Magic Shop before leaving the Disneyland Resort to get a dose of Disney magic tricks to end the perfect night!

Memories are precious, and recollections of your child at the Disneyland Resort will stay with you, and them, for a lifetime. However, Linda M. reminds parents of preschoolers to recognize the signs of tiredness, and when it's time for a break, give those kiddos the downtime they need. "One of the great things about the Disneyland Resort is that everything is so close together. So when it's time to head back to the hotel for a nap, it's just a short walk away. Or if too much pent-up energy is the culprit, we head to Mickey's Toontown and let our daughter run around Donald's Boat, Goofy's Playhouse and Chip 'n Dale Treehouse to burn off some steam," she said. And for you parents with a little one who loves to play dress up, Linda suggests carrying an "extra outfit."

"One of my other go-to tricks to turn a frown upside down is to carry a princess dress in the backpack. Sometimes something as simple as a costume change can completely transform my daughter's attitude. After all, who wouldn't want to prance and twirl around like a princess while walking through Sleeping Beauty Castle?"

For more preschooler tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel.

Filmmaker James Cameron Offers a New Look Inside Pandora – The World of Avatar

If you caught The Oscars® last night on ABC, you may have seen a spot showcasing Pandora -­ The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.

In it, AVATAR Creator/Director James Cameron gave a sneak peek at what guests can expect from this new land and one of its major attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage, which will allow guests to ride a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

Check out the video below for more.

In addition to Avatar Flight of Passage, this new land will be home to the family-friendly Na'vi River Journey, an experience that will send guests through a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na'vi shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. Guests will also be able to dine at Satu'li Canteen, grab a drink at Pongu Pongu, shop at Windtraders, and much more.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information.

See the posts below for more on Pandora – The World of Avatar:

• Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Be New Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Authentic Details Bring to Life Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• New Images Released for Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Take a Behind-The-Scenes Look at Pandora – The World of Avatar
• VisitPandora.com – Your Portal to Pandora – The World of Avatar
• All in the Details: How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Happy National Polar Bear Day from Disney Springs!

Polar Bears? Disney Springs? You might be wondering where the connection is, since most people think of Arctic climates (and not Central Florida, where February saw plenty of 80 degree days) when they envision these marine mammals. While it's true that actual polar bears tend to live in colder weather, at Disney Springs, guests have the opportunity to meet one very special polar bear – The Coca-Cola Polar Bear!

This meet and greet experience debuted in October and has delighted countless guests over the last few months. If you haven't had a chance to hug this loveable icon, make plans to meet him during your next visit to The Coca-Cola Store, located in the new Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs. If you happen to fall in love with this cuddly cutie, there's plenty of polar bear-themed merchandise to help you mark the memory.

The experience takes place on the second level of the store and is complimentary. My favorite itinerary? A meet and greet session with the seven-foot polar bear (cute selfie included, of course!) followed by a mini-shopping spree and a round of Coke floats on the roof.

National Polar Bear Day takes place on February 27th annually, but you can meet the Coca-Cola Polar bear 365 days a year from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

If you've posed with this popular polar bear, share your photos with us via Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #DisneySprings for your chance to be featured on our social media handles.

Doc McStuffins Makes Her Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

As I mentioned earlier this month on the Disney Parks Blog, the doctor is officially in. Doc McStuffins that is. Youngsters can now see their favorite toy doctor just outside the vet clinic at Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new character greeting location was just what the doctor ordered for my friend's 3-year-old daughter who squealed with delight when we ventured to the park to see the star from Disney Junior's hit animated series "Doc McStuffins." And it's pretty cool that Doc is still making daily visits to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney Junior's Peabody Award-winning animated series "Doc McStuffins" follows the story of six-year-old Doc McStuffins who aspires to be a doctor like her mom and runs a clinic for stuffed animals and broken toys. Recently renewed for a fifth season, the series showcases the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling – fantasy and wish fulfillment – and models compassion and good health for kids age 2-7. The series airs daily on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

I think little ones are pretty psyched for this new meet and greet location. What do you think?

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we shared the first of a special "All in the Details" series on Pandora -­ The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. And our first look featured the overall design philosophy of Pandora – The World of Avatar and how it fits into the theming of the rest of park.

Pandora -­ The World of Avatar is set to open at Disney's Animal Kingdom in summer 2017. Check out our original story for more details.

We also shared details about a new dining event at California Grill in Disney's Contemporary Resort called Celebration at the Top. The experience, which is open for select Sunday evenings now through April 16, can be summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle. Check out Rachel's original story to learn more about Celebration at the Top.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week:

• Disney Cruise Line Offers Families a Chance to See the World and Explore New Destinations in 2018 – We unveiled where our ships will be sailing in the summer of 2018. Disney Cruise Line will take a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, explorations continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
• New Character Dining Experience, Bon Voyage Breakfast to Debut April 2 at Trattoria al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk – Guests who enjoy the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno will have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.
• 'Beauty and the Beast'-Inspired Red Rose Taverne Opens February 24 at Disneyland Park – Over the next few days, guests will see Village Haus Restaurant magically transforming into Red Rose Taverne, a lively tavern with décor inspired by the beloved film, in preparation for its official opening February 24.
• Tokyo Disney Resort Opening Second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on April 21 – More dreams are about to come true with the opening of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland on April 21.
• Complete Foodie Guide to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2017 – I'm excited to share the complete foodie guide for the festival, which is more than twice the size this year and full of California-inspired cuisine!
• 2017 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Theme Revealed – To Infinity, and Beyond! The 2017 runDisney Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be celebrating a few of Pixar's most beloved films – and we couldn't be more excited!

This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Celebs Visit Disney Parks

This week on the Disney Parks Blog we showcased just a few of the recent celebrities who visited Disney Parks in February.

First, Anne Macklin shared a look at Nicole Kidman's recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, who was happy to make her first visit to our parks since her last trip 20 years ago.

Actor Geena Davis also visited Magic Kingdom Park this week, testing out the park's most thrilling attractions with her two sons and posing for a photo with Minnie Mouse.

Over at the Disneyland Resort, George Savvas shared a look at a recent park visit by actors Laura Carmichael and Michelle Dockery, both of "Downton Abbey." The friends recently stopped by Disneyland Park and posed for a photo with Goofy.

Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule: February 2014

In this edition of our Disney Parks Blog Time Capsule, we look back on some of the stories we shared with you three years ago this month!

Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members Rally To Reunite Guest With Beloved Bear

Jennifer brought us this touching story about a special teddy bear's journey through Walt Disney World Resort and back to his family.

13 Magical Moments at Disney California Adventure Park

From construction to Cars Land, we took a look back at some of the most memorable moments.

The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Jungle Cruise at Disneyland Park

Explore the story of this opening-day attraction!

The History of the Walt Disney World Monorail: Mark IV, 1971-1989

Part of our series on the history of the monorails at Disney Parks, Nate shared the story of the Mark IV monorail at the Walt Disney World Resort.

New Breakfast Menu Debuts at Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel

There is no better way to start your morning at the Disneyland Resort than with a leisurely breakfast. One of our favorite breakfast spots is Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel. The Old Hollywood-inspired restaurant is just as charming in the morning as it is at night. If you haven't had breakfast at Steakhouse 55 lately, a brand-new menu filled with indulgent breakfast items—and creative cocktails—makes it a must-try!

If you love a savory breakfast, we love the new Pork Belly Chilaquiles, with two eggs, tortilla chips, salsa roja and a delicious charred avocado crèma; or try the Chicken and Waffles, served with Vermont maple syrup. If you simply can't visit Steakhouse 55 without having steak, the 7-ounce New York Steak and eggs with pomme frites is for you!

Sweet dishes include a new German Apple Pancake with Lingonberry jam and Stuffed Brioche French Toast with crème Anglaise, fresh macerated berries and Chantilly crème.

Eggs Benedict lovers will be delighted to find three versions – classic with Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise sauce on an English muffin; Serrano ham with steamed asparagus and blood orange-Hollandaise on a homemade cornmeal biscuit; and smoked salmon with hollandaise and caviar on an English muffin. Steakhouse 55 is also offering two takes on Steel-cut Oat Porridge – choose from sweet toppings (Muscovado sugar syrup, dried fruit, almonds and coconut) or savory (sautéed spinach, Cheddar cheese, a sunny-side up egg and scallions).

If you're looking for a more traditional breakfast, the American features two eggs any style, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, pork sausage or country ham, shredded potato cake and toast. The Continental Breakfast features an assortment of pastries and cereals and a three-egg omelet with your choice of fillings.

New signature breakfast cocktails include the Steakhouse 55 Ultimate Bloody Mary, Morning Mule, Irish Coffee, Mango Bellini and a Blood Orange Mimosa.

Non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as the cool lime or mixed berry refreshers, and assorted juices including orange, grapefruit, cranberry, apple and tomato. For those looking for a bit of caffeine, Joffrey's Coffee, full-leaf tea, hot chocolate and espresso drinks are offered. Steakhouse 55 is open daily for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. at the Disneyland Hotel. For reservations, visit http://ift.tt/1KQisDT or call 714-781-DINE.

Explore Vienna, Austria’s Crown Jewel, with Adventures by Disney

While Vienna, Austria is probably best known for its elegant baroque architecture, it also was once home to influential masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. On my recent Adventures by Disney Danube river cruise, I was able to savor the rich history of this grand city while exploring a palace, sampling delicious regional cuisine and even trying my hand at a little puppetry.

With Adventures by Disney you kick off the day in Vienna with a tour of the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Here you'll unravel the history of the Imperial families' gorgeously furnished home, complete with expansive terraced gardens (photo op alert). Then enjoy a private marionette show, which includes a unique demonstration, as well as a yummy strudel-making lesson. Finally, "prost" to a great day at a traditional Viennese wine house where you'll sample local favorites in a lively atmosphere filled with live music and entertainment.

Here's a look at some of the sights and sounds you'll experience in this unforgettable city.

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for our next video, which will continue to highlight the picturesque journey through Austria on an Adventures by Disney Danube river cruise.

And don't forget, you can save $1,000 off on kids and teens or $500 off per adult for summer 2017 Danube river cruises when you book by March 4, 2017!

The $1,000 per child and teen discount and the $500 per adult discount may not be combined. Discount is taken from the non-discounted prevailing River Cruise Package price as quoted on AdventuresByDisney.com on date of booking ("Regular Rate"). Guests 11 years of age and younger at time of travel will receive the $1,000 discount off the child rate. Guests 12 – 19 years of age at time of travel will receive the $1,000 discount off of the adult rate. Regular Rates vary by departure date. Offer not valid for Suites. Lead Guest of the booking party must travel on the Package booked. Valid for new bookings only. Bookings must be made through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. Discount not applicable toward deposit. Packages subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Subject to change without notice. See AdventuresbyDisney.com for additional Terms and Conditions.

Enter the “Be Our Guest to Endless Magic Sweepstakes” for Your Chance to Win a Walt Disney World Resort Vacation

There are endless ways to explore and enjoy all of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort, and now you could win a chance to experience it all yourself with the Be Our Guest to Endless Magic Sweepstakes!

Starting today through March 31, you can enter for your chance to win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including airfare, accommodations and theme park admission.

Here are just a few of the magical experiences that await you:

• Experience the new nighttime show, "Rivers of Light" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, which takes you on journey with music, special effects and animal folklore.
• Step into Star Wars at Disney's Hollywood Studios with new and updated Star Wars experiences that bring you closer to the epic saga than ever before.
• At Magic Kingdom Park, you'll enjoy all of the classic Disney attractions, meet your favorite Disney characters and delight in the new nighttime projection show on Cinderella Castle, "Once Upon a Time."
• Epcot welcomes you to take an enchanted adventure aboard the new Frozen Ever After attraction, as well as the exciting new Soarin' Around the World attraction.

Click here for the official sweepstakes rules.

Best of luck!

New Coffee Blend Helps Peruvian Communities

Coffee can change lives – and not just on a sluggish Monday morning! Guests dining at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are supporting conservation efforts and the livelihoods of Peruvian farmers simply by ordering a new blend of coffee.

Building on its rich legacy of conserving the environment, Disney is joining Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company to introduce an exclusive high-quality, organic press pot coffee that will be served in select restaurants beginning this month and additional table-service restaurants later this spring.

The coffee was grown in Peru's Alto Mayo Protected Forest. Since 2009, The Walt Disney Company has worked with Conservation International to support deforestation efforts in the forest – a protected part of the Amazon rainforest where much of Peru's organic coffee is grown. Although a protected forest, unsustainable coffee-farming practices have continued to plague the area and increased deforestation threats.

Disney and Conservation International (CI) collaborated to offer locals training in sustainable farming methods, such as growing coffee in the shade, making organic compost, pruning coffee trees and learning methods to avoid coffee-leaf rust diseases.

The results have been impressive and have impacted more than 240,000 people whose well-being depends on the Alto Mayo Basin. Farmers have as much as tripled their production yield of coffee, improved the quality of the coffee and began earning more money for their premium coffee. They have also stopped cutting down trees to expand their farming areas.

The Alto Mayo Protected Forest spans 450,000 acres — an area twice the size of New York City. Disney reached out to Joffrey's as the company's official specialty coffee, and together, representatives (including Joffrey's Roastmaster) visited the farmers in Peru, sampled the crop and reviewed their harvesting and processing methods, which are just as important as how they care for the coffee trees.

Now, Disney guests can enjoy the very coffee that's changing the lives of these farmers. Guests can also purchase packages of Alto Mayo Protected Forest Coffee Roasted by Joffrey's Coffee at Joffreys.com.

Initially, the coffee will be served in the following restaurants, and then it will be available in restaurants that serve press pot coffee:

Walt Disney World Resort

• Tiffins, Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Le Cellier Steakhouse, Epcot
• The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Flying Fish, Disney's BoardWalk
• California Grill, Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Cítricos and Narcoossee's, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Artist Point, Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Yachtsman Steakhouse, Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Disneyland Resort

• Carthay Circle Restaurant, Disney California Adventure park
• Napa Rose, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel

Complete Foodie Guide to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2017

Recently, I shared a list of the exciting signature events coming to Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Today I'm excited to share the complete foodie guide for the festival, which is more than twice the size this year and full of California-inspired cuisine!

Nuts About Cheese

• Brie toast with fig and mint and roasted California almond crumble
• Baked ham and Swiss cheese croque monsieur roll with smoked pistachios
• Chèvre fromage blanc tartine infused with rosemary and honey, topped with toasted hazelnuts
• Almond milk tea with pudding

Uncork California

• White wine flight
• Red wine flight
• Mimosa flight

I Heart Artichokes

• artichoke carbonara with garlic aioli and smoked bacon
• Grilled and chilled artichoke hearts with Romesco sauce
• Creamy artichoke and dark chocolate cake pop
• Orange iced tea with orange pearls

Garlic Kissed

• Grilled beef tenderloin slider with chimichurri sauce
• Black garlic soy-braised pork belly bao with pickled vegetables
• Garlic-rosemary and avocado oil ice cream pop

California Craft Brews

• Southern California flight
• Northern California flight

Olive Us

• Chilled Cioppino soup with shrimp, crab claw and grilled olive bread
• Warm olive focaccia with olive oil and sea salt
• Vanilla bean crème fraîche panna cotta with Amarena cherry jus and EVOO madeleine

Bacon Twist

• Baby iceberg and heirloom tomato wedge with peppered bacon and blue cheese dressing
• Smoked bacon mac and cheese with barbecue-seasoned crispy onions
• Maple-bacon Whoopie Pie

Lemon Grove

• Roasted cauliflower and Meyer lemon-infused Dannon Oikos® Greek nonfat yogurt cauliflower puree with sundried tomatoes and fried capers
• Duck confit on potato smash with Meyer lemon preserves
• Meyer lemon macaron with blueberry marmalade, Meyer lemon cream and blueberry dust
• Cherry lemonade with cherry pearls

Seafood…Sustained

• Verlasso® sustainable salmon tataki with avocado-wasabi puree and Furikake dust
• Cage-free cream cheese deviled eggs with farm-raised smoked trout and chives
• Passion fruit posset and coconut chia with mango compote and jelly
• Mango agua fresca

The Onion Lair

• French onion mac and cheese topped with parmesan crumble and chives
• Braised Wagyu beef on creamy polenta with haricot vert and red onion salad and roasted Cipollini onion
• Chocolate-hazelnut and raspberry Feuillete tart
• Strawberry pineapple float with vanilla ice cream and strawberry pearls

Off the Cob

• Sweet corn nuggets with beef chili, spring onions and sour cream
• Jackfruit carnitas banh mi nachos with cilantro crèma and "pickled" de gallo
• Roasted sweet corn custard tart with honey tuille and smoked chili-infused chocolate sauce

Sweet & Sourdough

• Bay shrimp Louie salad served in a mini Boudin sourdough boule
• White cheddar lager soup topped with bacon, served in a mini Boudin sourdough boule
• Milk chocolate sourdough bread pudding with vanilla bean sauce

LAStyle

• Chicken Teriyaki slider with spicy Dole® pineapple jam
• Korean barbecue beef short rib tacos with Kimchi slaw
• Fresh strawberry compote, lemon verbena and vanilla bean shortcake parfait
• Dole® Pineapple-strawberry Float with vanilla ice cream and strawberry pearls

Paradise Garden Grill Beer Garden

• Beer-battered cod served with steak fries, sweet slaw and spiced remoulade
• Potato and cheese pierogis with vegetarian sausage served with grilled Anaheim chilies, caramelized onions and sour cream
• Beer-braised pork tacos served with pickled apple slaw, black beans and queso
• Sausage platter trio served with braised red cabbage and warm potato salad
• Large soft pretzel served with beer-mustard dipping sauce
• Salted caramel budino with vanilla bean Chantilly cream
• Bienenstich cake with honey-glazed almonds, filled with vanilla bean custard

The festival continues in the Hollywood Backlot area, featuring wine flights at Wineology, beer and beer floats at The Brewhouse and wine at the Festival Merchandise & Bottle Shop at Stage 17.

What are you most looking forward to trying at this year's Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival? Let us know in the comments below!

Reservations are now open for all signature events, and can be made by clicking here. Learn more about the festival by visiting http://ift.tt/2jVV6TC.