Join Me at the 23rd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort

Our founder, Walt Disney, left us with an amazing legacy of making dreams come true, not only for our guests in our parks but also for those who live in our community. One of his most meaningful contributions was supporting the development of CHOC Children’s Hospital in the early 1960s, and it is with tremendous pride that we continue our support for CHOC more than five decades later. As the new president of the Disneyland Resort and a new CHOC board member, I’m looking forward to participating in my first CHOC Walk in the Park and welcoming thousands of walkers, cast members and volunteers to the Disneyland Resort on October 13.

To date, this event has raised more than $21 million, funding health care programs, education and research projects that bring comfort and new hope to families throughout Southern California. If you haven’t participated with us before, and you’re going to be in the neighborhood in mid-October, sign up and walk with us. Just imagine the sight of so many people walking the entire Disneyland Resort (both parks and the Downtown Disney District) for such a great cause. Of course, we’ll add some special Disney touches along the route that will make the event even more fun.

Registration for this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park is open and teams have already begun to form. There is more information at www.chocwalk.org. Thanks for your support – and see you there!

Join Me at the 23rd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park at the Disneyland Resort by Michael Colglazier: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney ‘Planes’ Merchandise Lands in Disney Parks Merchandise Locations

With Disney “Planes” flying into theaters on August 9, new themed merchandise has recently landed in select merchandise shops at Disney Parks. I recently visited Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace to check out the new arrivals.

Like previous film releases such as Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” or Disney’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” the new merchandise is a combination of items from the national market (that is things you can find at your local Disney Store or online) and some unique development by Disney Theme Park Merchandise.

One of those unique items is the antenna topper shown above that resembles Dusty Crophopper. The souvenirs team told me this was one of the first times they included a propeller that actually spins on an antenna topper.

Another item created especially for Disney Parks is a four-pin set with characters from the animated feature.

My inner child really would love playing with all of the new toys. I recall countless hours playing with die-cast cars and planes as a child. Fortunately, I have a son who is still at that playful age, and I’m sure he will want one of everything.

Finally, there are new shirts and hats featuring characters and logos from the film.

Look for these items in multiple locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

I recently attended an advanced screening of the film and it was great! I found myself laughing quite a bit throughout the show. I hope to see you at the movies on August 9.

Disney ‘Planes’ Merchandise Lands in Disney Parks Merchandise Locations by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog Fans Choose ‘Mosi’ As Name For First Masai Giraffe Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The votes are in! Disney Parks Blog fans chose “Mosi” (which means “first”) as the name for the first Masai giraffe calf born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Our animal care team is thrilled that so many people voted to help choose his name. Other choices that received a lot of votes were “Baraka” (which means “blessing”) and “Shingo” (which means “long neck”), but ultimately “Mosi” was the winner. Thank you so much for caring as much about the baby giraffe as we do!

I have some more great news – yesterday, Mosi ventured out with his mom on the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna for the first time. We are very pleased to share a photo and some video of Mosi’s first day on the savanna. Enjoy!

 
The next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be on the lookout for Mosi and the rest of the giraffe herd on Kilimanjaro Safaris and Wild Africa Trek.


Read on for more updates from Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• A New Home for ‘Festival of the Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Take 5: Baby Animals Born at Disney Parks
• Becoming a Wilderness Explorer is a Walk in the Park

Disney Parks Blog Fans Choose ‘Mosi’ As Name For First Masai Giraffe Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort

One of the most notable icons at Disney California Adventure park is the 110-foot Grizzly Peak. Many guests are familiar with Grizzly River Run, the white-water rafting adventure at the mountain’s base, but today I want to share with you a little bit of the magic behind the peak itself. The history of Grizzly Peak is a combination of lore and, of course, Disney imagination.

According to Walt Disney Imagineering, no one is quite sure when the first people arrived at Grizzly Peak; however, petroglyphs and rock paintings throughout the area suggest that these people believed that all living creatures were kin to humankind. It didn’t matter if you were four-legged or two-legged, everyone walked as brothers to teach each other lessons and offer guidance on their journeys. There was one animal that they held in particular esteem: the grizzly bear. These early people believed that the territory all around them reflected the bear’s personality – the mighty granite peaks, the tall, proud trees and the roaring waterfalls.

According to legend, long ago a coyote met a grizzly bear on top of the mountain. Because the grizzly was such a powerful creature, the coyote asked him to watch over and protect the land. One day, people came upon the mountain and tried to chase the grizzly bear down. Despite this charge, the bear held his ground. When the coyote saw that the bear was alone against the surrounding people, he turned the grizzly into stone so he could never be driven away. To this day, people claim they can hear the bear’s spirit in the wind when traveling through the caverns of Grizzly Peak.

Have you seen any of the rock paintings or perhaps heard the grizzly bear’s spirit while white-water rafting down Grizzly River Run?

The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Finish That Disney Parks Sign: Name This Door at Epcot

I get a kick out of this week’s Disney Parks sign, which you can find in the queue line for Journey Into Imagination With Figment at Epcot.

As you can see, Dr. Nigel Channing has a lot of responsibility. He is: Chairman; Principal Scientist; Director of Operations; Head of Laboratories; and ____ . Do you remember what the final title, blurred here, was? If so, leave it in the “Comments” section below. We’ll update the post later today with the answer.

Finish That Disney Parks Sign: Name This Door at Epcot by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Wildlife Wednesdays: Sea Turtles, Facing Monstrous Challenges, Return to the Sea at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

Last Saturday morning, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort guests connected with nature in a way that few people get to experience when they cheered on two giant, loggerhead sea turtles named for Disney characters – who had laid their eggs on the beach the night before – as they returned to the sea. The turtles were fitted with satellite transmitters and released near the resort as part of the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s annual “Tour de Turtles,” which follows the marathon migration of 11 sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds.

The sea turtles, Carrie (sponsored by Disney’s Animal Programs and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort) and Claire (sponsored by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund), were named for two of the characters in the Disney•Pixar film “Monsters University.” Sea turtles face monstrous challenges throughout their lifetime, but all of us can help.

Each turtle in Tour de Turtles acts as an ambassador to raise awareness about a specific threat to sea turtles. Carrie is raising awareness about the threat of light pollution on the beach. Since sea turtle hatchlings rely on moonlight to find their way to the ocean, many become disoriented and drawn off-course by artificial light sources. We can help by turning off unnecessary lights that may be visible on nesting beaches. Claire is raising awareness about the threat of plastic debris. Many turtles have been killed by swallowing or becoming entangled in plastic debris, including plastic bags and fishing lines. We can help by recycling and putting trash in appropriate containers.

Watch the video to see the huge send-off by more than 600 guests and cast members, including children from the local Boys & Girls Club, our Walt Disney World Ambassadors and Disney VoluntEARS.

Did you know?

• Researchers from Disney’s Animal Programs and the Sea Turtle Conservancy will track the sea turtles using satellite telemetry as they travel from their nesting beach to various feeding grounds. Using this technology, scientists learn about sea turtles’ habits at sea and the different migratory patterns of each species. This knowledge helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation actions and policies. People worldwide can view the sea turtles’ progress online at www.tourdeturtles.org. Lightning McQueen, a sea turtle sponsored by Disney from the 2011 Tour de Turtles, returned again this year to the beach near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to nest, and her eggs hatched just a few weeks ago with the baby turtles heading out to sea.
• Of the nearly than $20 million that the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) has distributed since the fund’s inception, more than $1 million has helped support sea turtle conservation around the world. Guests visiting Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot can adopt the nest of one of the sea turtles that lays her eggs at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, including Carrie’s and Claire’s. The adoption fee is directed through the DWCF to sea turtle conservation efforts in Florida.
• The team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends celebrate and conserve turtles and tortoises every day. Over the years, for example, the Disney’s Animal Programs team has nursed more than 300 endangered sea turtles back to health and released them back to their home in the sea.
• At Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, the Disney’s Animal Programs team monitors sea turtle nesting activity on several miles of beach near the resort, and examines what factors contribute to successful hatching of the sea turtle nests. Resort guests can get involved too. For example, kids can join Turtle Troop, a fun and educational experience that combines crafts and a walk on the beach to see a sea turtle nest up close.

Wildlife Wednesdays: Sea Turtles, Facing Monstrous Challenges, Return to the Sea at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort by Anne Savage, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer This Week with Volleyball on Special Sand Court

You don’t have to go to the beach to watch volleyball played on the sand. This week, the western end of the Downtown Disney District, by AMC Theaters and Earl of Sandwich, is transformed into a championship-size sand volleyball court for Downtown Disney Summer Celebration − Sand Volleyball Tournament and Pro Exhibition, Tuesday through Sunday, July 30 through August 4.

The celebration begins with Disneyland Resort cast members participating in their own Cast Member Tournament, Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, teams from VolleyOC will play their tournament final championship games on the Downtown Disney sand. And on Sunday, athletes from the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP), including Ed Ratledge, Pedro Brazao, Mark Williams and Matt Olson, will appear for autograph signing and pro exhibition. Also appearing will be Rich Lambourne, who helped the USA Olympic volleyball team win a gold medal in 2008.

The Summer Celebration also will include presentations about safety in the sun and water by volleyball and aquatics champions, followed by meet-and-greets with fans.

Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort Celebrates Summer This Week with Volleyball on Special Sand Court by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Enjoy a Late Summer/Early Fall Disneyland Resort Vacation With New Hotel Offer

It’s been a fun summer at Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, with lots of excitement around the new Cars Land, Fantasy Faire and “Mickey and the Magical Map” stage show. If you’ve been planning a late summer/early fall visit to the Happiest Place on Earth, here’s a new Disneyland Resort hotel offer you should know about.

When you book through September 5, you can save up to 20 percent Sunday through Thursday nights at any of the three hotels for visits from August 25 through September 28. You’ll find more details here.

Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel on most Sunday through Thursday nights between August 25, 2013, and September 28, 2013, when booked from July 30, 2013, through September 5, 2013. Travel must be completed by September 29, 2013. Offer is not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Advance reservations required. Check for offers on different lengths of stay. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the parks.

Enjoy a Late Summer/Early Fall Disneyland Resort Vacation With New Hotel Offer by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

New Official Music Albums Releasing at Disney Parks on August 20, 2013

I love the music of Disney Parks! My first encounter with Disney Parks music was the 33 ½ long playing record featuring the music of EPCOT Center that I got after my first trip in July 1983. I think the music of EPCOT Center is some of the most beautiful theme park music ever recorded (fingers crossed for a complete boxed set one day). My obsession (let’s call it what it is) with Disney Parks music only increased in subsequent years after that first trip. During family visits in the early 1990s, I would place my gigantic video camera next to speakers in the Parks just to record the wonderful sounds.

With all this talk of music from the Parks, I’m happy to announce that the 2013 Official Albums will be coming to Disney Parks on August 20. These two CD sets contain music from Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They will be released at multiple Disney Parks merchandise locations in California and Florida. You will also be able to find them as digital downloads at the Disney Music Store. Look for Disney Gift Cards for the music store in select merchandise locations.

Here is a track listing for the new albums:

The Disneyland Resort Official Album
Disc 1

1. All Aboard!
2. Married Life
3. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room
4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye
5. Tarzan Medley
6. Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)
7. Grim Grinning Ghosts
8. Splash Mountain Medley
9. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
10. Pecos Bill
11. Touch the Sky
12. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
13. The Fantasyland Dark Ride Suite
14. It’s a Small World Clock Parade
15. It’s a Small World
16. Steamboat Willie
17. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin

Disc 2

1. Submarine Voyage
2. The Throne Room
3. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro-Blasters
4. Space Mountain
5. Suitcase and a Dream
6. Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf
7. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
8. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Theme
9. Soarin’
10. The Bakery Theme
11. A Bug’s Life Suite
12. It’s Tough To Be a Bug
13. The Little Mermaid Medley
14. Midway Mania
15. The Cleaner
16. California Screamin’
17. Welcome to Radiator Springs
18. Funiculi Funicula
19. Radiator Springs Racers

The Walt Disney World Resort Official Album
Disc 1

1. All Aboard!
2. Flitterin’
3. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room
4. Swisskapolka
5. Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)
6. The Bear Band Serenade
7. Splash Mountain Medley
8. Grim Grinning Ghosts
9. It’s a Small World
10. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
11. Be Our Guest
12. The Little Mermaid Medley
13. Circus Parade
14. Casey Jr.
15. There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow
16. Galactic Anthem
17. Spaceship Earth
18. Energy Adventure Medley
19. One Little Spark

Disc 2

1. Destiny
2. Test Track
3. The Seas with Nemo and Friends Medley
4. Soarin’
5. Canada (You’re a Lifetime Journey)
6. Impressions de France
7. Golden Dream
8. Reflections of China Suite
9. The Three Caballeros
10. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Theme
11. The Throne Room
12. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
13. Lights, Motor, Action
14. You’ve Got a Friend in Me
15. Hot Potato
16. It’s Tough To Be a Bug
17. CTX Theme

What is your favorite Disney Parks song? I’d have to choose “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.” Sing along with me…

New Official Music Albums Releasing at Disney Parks on August 20, 2013 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Halle Berry Meets Mickey Mouse at ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park

A few minutes before a performance of “Mickey and the Magical Map” at Disneyland park last week, the star of the show got a special visit from another well-known star, Academy Award-winning actress, Halle Berry.

These two pals could’ve spent the whole afternoon catching up, but it was showtime before too long, so a quick kiss for good luck, and then “on with the show!”

Halle Berry Meets Mickey Mouse at ‘Mickey and the Magical Map’ at Disneyland Park by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Ready, Set, Dial! Reservations for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Premium Events Begin Aug. 13

Fans of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival know that it’s best to set their alarms and dial promptly at 7 a.m. August 13 if there is a premium event they want to attend. And this year there are even more new experiences, including a Parisian breakfast, a Scottish party and a Hibachi dinner in Japan.

The number to call? 1-800-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Dates for this year’s fest are September 27- November 11, and you can see the full list of options at www.epcotfoodfestival.com.

We had a sneak peek at a few more of the dishes for this year’s Marketplace kiosks at this past weekend’s Tables in Wonderland dinner, including our favorite from Brazil: crispy pork belly with a dollop of pureed black beans and a fresh topping of sweet onions, avocado and cilantro micro-greens. The crowd went crazy for the South Korea marketplace’s kimchi hot dog with spicy mustard sauce and Florida Local’s grass-fed beef slider with Monterey Jack and sweet and hot pickles. Scotland’s seared Scottish salmon with cauliflower puree, watercress and malt vinaigrette, is served alongside a returning favorite, Canada’s Le Cellier wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce. Oh my!

We tried a fantastic Brazilian black beer, sangria made with Florida citrus, and a bubbly Moscato from Brazil, all fun, unusual pairings – just a handful of the amazing finds that will be poured at the fest.

But the news that got the biggest applause is the return of the Dole Whip, a winner at this past spring’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. They’ll give it a different twist for all – it will be orange (not pineapple), and you can indulge with a splash of crème de cacao white.

Maybe you just enjoy strolling and noshing around World Showcase. Here’s a list of delicious creations you’ll find at the Marketplaces, all wonderfully paired with wine, beer and cocktails – subject to slight changes as chefs and sommeliers perfect the festival:

Terra:

• Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast
• Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese featuring Gardein™ Beefless Tips*
• Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce
• Fresh Watermelon Juice
• Napa Smith Organic IPA
• The Vegan Vine Chardonnay
• The Vegan Vine Red Blend

Brazil (All-New Menu):

• Seared Scallop with Ragout of Tomatoes, Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Steamed Rice
• Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
• Cerveharias Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
• Carnaval Moscato White
• Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Argentina:

• Beef Empanada
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec
• Terrazas Reserva Torrontes
• Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon

Australia:

• Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini
• Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
• Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s® Berries and Vanilla Custard)
• Rosemont Estate Pinot Grigio
• Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay
• Rosemont Estate Merlot
• Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz

Mexico:

• Shrimp Taco with Purple Cabbage
• Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle
• Rice Pudding
• Dos Equis Beer
• Sangria
• Tequila Flight
• Mango-Habanero Margarita

Singapore:

• Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice
• Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce
• Tiger Beer
• Marqués de Caceres Satinela
• Singapore Sing featuring Hendrick’s Gin and Cherry Herring (garnished with Cherry Man Farm-to-Market All-Natural maraschino cherry)

China:

• Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun
• Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
• Chicken Potstickers
• Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, Chocolate)
• Tsing Tao Beer
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
• Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Syrah
• Kung Fu Punch with Vodka
• Happy Lychee with Vodka
• Lychee Aerated Water

South Korea:

• Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
• Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
• Bohae Black Raspberry Wine – Bokbunjajoo
• Jinro Chamisul Soju
• Soju Fruit Slushy featuring Jinro Chamisul Soju

Africa:

• Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap
• Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket
• Man Vintners Chenin Blanc
• The Wolftrap Red (Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier)
• Porcupine Ridge Syrah

Cheese:

• Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam
• Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard
• Goats Gouda
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Lost Slipper Sauvignon Blanc
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Fairest Chardonnay
• Once Upon a Vine’s The Big Bad Red Blend
• Once Upon a Vine’s A Charming Pinot

Brewer’s Collection:

• Schöfferhofer Grapefruit
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Warsteiner Premium Verum
• Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Radeberger Pilsner
• BraufactuM Palor
• BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer
• BraufactuM Darkon
• Beer Flight 1: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel
• Beer Flight 2: Radeberger Pilsner, BraufactuM Palor, BraufactuM Roog Smoked Wheat Beer, BraufactuM Darkon

Germany:

• Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese)
• Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
• Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce
• Altenmünster Oktoberfest
• Braufactum Darkon
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
• Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
• J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
• Weingut Pitthan Dornfelder Dry Barrique Style

Poland:

• Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
• Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup)
• Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
• Temptation Zinfandel
• Frozen Szarlotka (Apple Pie) featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Italy:

• Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana
• Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani
• Cannoli al Cioccolato
• Moretti Beer
• Moretti La Rosa
• Procecco
• Pinot Grigio Placido
• Chianti Placido
• Italian Margherita

American Adventure Coffee Cart:

• Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee – Made with Kāhlua, Vanilla and Caramel. Served Hot or Frozen

Hops & Barley:

• Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
• New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco®
• Craisin® Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise
• Samuel Adams Boston Lager®
• Samuel Adams® Octoberfest
• Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®
• Rogue Chocolate Stout
• Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvée
• Beer Flight 1: Samuel Adams Boston Lager®, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat®, Rogue Chocolate Stout

Florida Local:

• Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles
• Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro
• Cigar City Brewing Florida Cracker Belgian-style White Ale
• Orlando Brewing, Sun Shade Organic Pale Ale
• Florida Orange Groves, Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
• Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen-Key Lime Wine

Japan:

• California Roll
• Spicy Hand Roll
• Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll
• Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables
• Sapporo Draft Beer
• Sake: Junmai Ginjo
• Green Tea Colada

Morocco:

• Kefta Pocket
• Harissa Chicken Roll
• Baklava
• Casa Beer
• Ksar White
• Sangria
• Mimosa Royale

New Zealand:

• Gratinated Green Lip Mussels with Garlic and Herbs
• Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
• Venison Sausage with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula and Black Currant Reduction
• Kim Crawford Pinot Grigio
• Mohua Sauvignon Blanc
• Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay
• Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Belgium:

• Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
• Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
• Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream
• Hoegaarden
• Stella Artois
• Leffe Blonde
• Leffe Brune
• Beer Flight 1: Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune
• Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

France:

• Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
• Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
• Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
• Beer Kronenbourg Blanc
• Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, La Côte Blanche
• Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
• Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
• Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush (Vodka, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)

Ireland:

• Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
• Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
• Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s® Custard
• Guinness Draught
• Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
• Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen

Canada:

• Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette
• “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
• Moosehead Lager
• La Face Neige Apple Ice Wine
• La Face Neige Sparkling
• Mission Hill Family Estate Syrah

Greece:

• Taste of Greece: Grilled & Marinated Calamari, Hitipiti, Eggplant Dip, Olives and Pita Bread
• Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
• Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
• Spanakopita
• Dannon Oikos® Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt
• Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
• Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
• Alpha Estate Axia Syrah
• Ouzo by Metaxa

Refreshment Port:

• Dole® Pineapple Fritters
• Fried Shrimp with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Fried Chicken Chunks with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Orange Dole® Whip
• Orange Dole® Whip with Crème de Cacao White
• Dragon Berry Colada featuring Bacardi® Dragon Berry Rum

Desserts & Champagne:

• Chocolate Orange Cupcake
• Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
• Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
• Dessert Trio
• Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
• Frozen S’mores
• Pyramid™Weiss Cream Beer
• Möet & Chandon Ice Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Impérial
• Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé

Hawai’i:

• Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
• Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
• Kona Brewing Company’s Big Wave Golden Ale
• Kona Brewing Company’s Pipeline Porter
• Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Réserve
• Aulani Sunrise featuring Ocean Vodka

Scotland (New):

• Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
• Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes
• Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
• Innis & Gunn® Original
• Loch Lomond featuring Glenfiddich® 12 year
• Glenfiddich® Scotch Flight (12, 15 and 18 year)

Craft Beers:

• Dogfish Head Brewery, Namaste
• Abita Brewing Company, Fall Fest
• Leinenkugel’s® Seasonal Shandy, (Summer Shandy/Orange Shandy)
• Florida Beer Company, Devil’s Triangle
• New Belgium Brewing Company, Fat Tire
• Widmer Brothers Brewing®, Alchemy Ale
• Red Hook, Audible Ale
• Sierra Nevada, Torpedo® Extra IPA
• Beer Flight 1: Dogfish Head Brewery Namaste, Abita Brewing Company Fall Fest, Leinenkugel’s® Seasonal Shandy, Florida Beer Company Devil’s Triangle
• Beer Flight 2: New Belgium Brewing Company Fat Tire, Widmer Brother s Brewing Alchemy Ale, Red Hook Audible Ale, Sierra Nevada Torpedo®

Ready, Set, Dial! Reservations for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Premium Events Begin Aug. 13 by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…

I’ve gotten wind that the last mystery puzzler was way too easy. So, how about this for a summer stumper? It’s a windmill found somewhere at Disney Parks and it’s ready to be identified. Have you seen it before? Remember where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.

Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

D23 Expo 2013 Merchandise – From Dooney & Bourke to Vinylmation

The countdown continues to the D23 Expo 2013, taking place August 9–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Here’s a quick look at some of the other merchandise set to debut in the Dream Store, including: Dooney & Bourke, Vinylmation, Duffy the Disney Bear, a special artist sketch and more. So if you haven’t made your shopping list out yet, it’s time to get out that pen and paper.

Dooney & Bourke is at the top of my list. Here’s your first look at the new design that will be available on select silhouettes including the tassel tote, cross body and pouch.

Vinylmation traders and collectors … try to maintain control, because you will no doubt be on the hunt for these new collections and more.

Where’s Duffy the Disney Bear? Where else! He’s ready to go in his D23 Expo gear and no doubt would be happy to go home with you.

For those of you who are fans of the Artist Sketch Program and are planning to attend this year’s expo, you may want to consider picking up this next piece. The D23 Expo sketch ($35) will only be available August 9-11 at the Dream Store.

Okay, I’m pretty sure that’s enough for now. Many of the items I’ve shown you over the last few weeks are extremely limited and will no doubt fly off the shelves, so if you see something you just have to have, but haven’t picked up a ticket to the D23 Expo 2013 yet, now’s the time to do so!

Could it be that I’ve saved the best content for last or will you “call” me crazy? I have one final D23 Expo 2013 post scheduled for next week … guess there’s only one way to find out. Keep watching!

D23 Expo 2013 Merchandise – From Dooney & Bourke to Vinylmation by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Caption This: Goofy Goes to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

This week’s “Caption This” photo was snapped at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. It sure looks like Goofy is having a blast on this beach vacation.

Now that he’s done building this amazing sandcastle, what’s next on his agenda? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This”!

Caption This: Goofy Goes to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Experience Cars Land on the Go with Cars Land Racers Mobile Game

If you’re a fan of Cars Land or our popular Cars Land Racers desktop game, I’ve got exciting news for you. You can now take the fun on the go with the new Cars Land Racers Mobile.

The new mobile edition also comes with its own rewards. If you play the game while you are inside Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, you will be able to earn three special achievements! And, if you are logged in through Facebook, you can unlock upgrades and achievements that will be reflected on the desktop version of the game, allowing you to fast-track racing upgrades.

Cars Land Racers Mobile will feature:

• Lightning’s Endurance Race: Drive for as long as possible without running out of gas, while trying to steer clear of obstacles and collecting as many gas cans as possible along the drive.
• Luigi’s Order Line: Help find objects in Luigi’s shop to fill his tire orders in this scrolling hidden object game.
• Mater’s Tow Fishin’: Inspired by the final scene in “Cars,” this game has you fishing for auto parts to earn as many points as possible.

Go to CarsLandRacers.com from your mobile device to play now, and don’t forget to check out the upgrades you have unlocked by visiting CarsLandRacers.com from your desktop computer!

Experience Cars Land on the Go with Cars Land Racers Mobile Game by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

A New Home for ‘Festival of the Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I fell in love with “Festival of the Lion King” the first time I saw it, in a sneak preview ahead of the 1998 opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From the acrobatic antics of the Tumble Monkeys to Zawadi’s soaring vocals during the signature “Circle of Life,” the exuberant spirit of the show’s cast has kept me coming back time and time again and made “Festival of the Lion King” a guest favorite at Walt Disney World Resort for 15 years.

Today, I’m excited to tell you “Festival of the Lion King” will soon be moving to an all-new theater, bringing the “tribal celebration” home fittingly to the Africa section of the park, where Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will be able to continue enjoying the show for years to come.

The new “Festival of the Lion King” theater is set to open in 2014.

A New Home for ‘Festival of the Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Today Marks the 30th Anniversary of the ‘Vacation’ Film: Real-life Griswolds Travel to Walt Disney World Resort in a Very Famous Automobile

Today in 1983, the motion picture “Vacation” was released in theaters. In the film, Clark Griswold tried to create the perfect family trip. Traveling cross-country to the fictional Walley World, he and his family hit the road to see the nation in a Wagon Queen Family Truckster car. The motion picture went on to become a classic and the car became an iconic part of the film.

Fast-forward to 2013, and a real-life family of Griswolds — Steve and Lisa Griswold, and their two daughters, Lisa and Brooke — hopped into a custom-made Wagon Queen Family Truckster and drove from their home in Canton, Georgia, to Walt Disney World Resort.

Visiting Walt Disney World Resort on the 30th anniversary of the famous film? That’s definitely something that would even make Marty Moose proud.

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Today Marks the 30th Anniversary of the ‘Vacation’ Film: Real-life Griswolds Travel to Walt Disney World Resort in a Very Famous Automobile

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The custom car is only about 2 weeks old and this is the first vacation the family has taken in it. What was formerly a brown station wagon was transformed by a car shop in Georgia with new wood-panel siding and a new “metallic pea” color (the exact hue described in the film) paint job. Steve then added special touches like custom-made gold crown symbols on the side of the car, the signature, silver crown hood ornament and even a (faux) fuel tank door on the hood. (Be sure to take a look at the photo gallery to see more.) He also added a few modern conveniences, including DVD players (which were loaded with the “Vacation” film when we visited) and Bluetooth wireless technology. After putting some vintage luggage that he purchased online atop the luggage rack, the Griswolds were ready to hit the “holiday road” to Walt Disney World Resort.

One of their stops? Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a natural fit since much of the new resort is dedicated to an entire town of famous “Cars.”

Steve and Lisa, who own and operate a travel agency in Georgia, are no strangers to Walt Disney World Resort. They are both former Walt Disney World College Program participants and former cast members. They visit quite often with their daughters and have sailed on all four Disney Cruise Line ships.

The Family Truckster, Lisa says, is another fun way to experience Walt Disney World Resort. “For years people have commented about our name being ‘Griswold’ and our love of Disney,” she said. “We wanted to have fun with it and experience it on a wonderful family vacation.”

As Disney Parks Blog author and Yellow Shoes Creative Group photographer Gene Duncan took these photos and our Global Content Development broadcast crew shot the video, a crowd began gathering in front of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to admire and take photos of the car. “We’ve had such a wonderful time.” Lisa says. “We valeted the car at the Grand Floridian the other night before we ate dinner there, and the cast member couldn’t believe it. He told us he’s parked about every type of car there is, but never a family truckster.”

Today Marks the 30th Anniversary of the ‘Vacation’ Film: Real-life Griswolds Travel to Walt Disney World Resort in a Very Famous Automobile by Gary Buchanan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog