Thursday, March 31, 2016

Disneyland Resort Horticulture Team Makes the Parks Blossom in Springtime

Springtime is in the air and on the ground here at Disneyland park, and again this year I am totally blown away by the blossoms. The Disneyland Resort horticulture team has been out in full-force – planting, pruning and perfecting the seasonal landscape. Take a look backstage at the Disneyland Resort nursery, where the team prepares plants for their day in the sun.

Disneyland Resort Horticulture Team Fun Facts

  • The Horticulture team consists of approximately 100 cast members.
  • The cast members have expertise in the following disciplines: landscape design, installation and maintenance, arboriculture, landscape irrigation, landscape design, integrated pest management, and project management.
  • Ninety percent of the Horticulture workforce works third shift, beginning at 2 a.m.
  • All of the arborists at the Disneyland Resort are either certified arborists or certified tree workers.


Disney Parks After Dark: It’s a Spooky Night at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

It's was a dark and stormy night at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror…well, not stormy, but the Florida skies are looking pretty amazing.

Do you prefer to ride this attraction during the day or at night? Which is spookier?



The Beat Will Go On for Retiring Disneyland Resort Cast Member Stan Freese

As Disneyland Resort Casting and Booking Director Stan Freese prepares for retirement, he reflects on all that he has been able to accomplish at the Disneyland Resort. From conducting the triumphant percussions of the Disneyland Band to bringing in 500 tubas to simultaneously play holiday music, Stan has set the musical beat of the Disneyland Resort for decades.

Stan's Disney career began 43 years ago when he became the first Magic Kingdom Park band director at Walt Disney World Resort. From there, Stan went on to lead the Disneyland Band, later taking on roles at Tokyo Disneyland as show director and at Walt Disney World Resort as entertainment producer. Playing an integral part in entertainment and musical offerings for Disney Parks worldwide, Stan feels most grateful for the role he has been able to play here at the Disneyland Resort, expanding and diversifying the resort's live music offerings.

"I truly enjoy bringing in new, fun concepts and ideas to the resort," said Stan, a world-renowned tuba soloist who came to the attention of Disney after performing at the White House for President Richard Nixon.

"We give great employment to the finest entertainers and musicians in the country. This translates into the best music and entertainment for our guests," said Stan. "Our guests deserve the very best and our musicians deserve to perform with the very best."

Stan is most proud of having created the educational series, Disneyland Resort Salutes the American Band concert — an annual concert series presented by the Disneyland Band that introduces Orange County second-grade students to the history of the American band.

"I was lucky to have fallen into this job — a job that I like, a job that I am good at. I have never had a bad day here; maybe a bad hour, but never a bad day," said Stan.



More Details About Tiffins, the Newest Dining Experience At Walt Disney World Resort

The newest Walt Disney World table-service restaurant is part of the biggest expansion in the history of Disney's Animal KingdomTiffins, in the park's Discovery Island area, opens this summer with dishes inspired by the world travels of the park's creators.

"Tiffin" is the Indian word for a lunchbox used by travelers (also a mid-day meal), and the 252-seat restaurant in the park's Discovery Island area will open daily for lunch and dinner with menus that takes diners to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

A detailed map within the restaurant's entryway sets the stage for an immersive dining experience celebrating world travel, with bold artwork derived from sketches, journals and research from those who created the theme park.

Finished Exterior Entrance at Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

"Tiffins is the signature restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom, celebrating the culture of design and research that went into creating this unique park," said Emily O'Brien, Walt Disney Imagineering executive show producer for Disney's Animal Kingdom.

O'Brien describes the interior design as "a gallery you can dine in with artwork that is a direct result of travels to Africa, Asia and South America which influenced the design of the park." The ideas of the park's design team, including sketches, photography, architecture and textures, are all presented in a way that is uniquely Disney.

"All the senses are explored and turned into amazing works of art," said O'Brien. "The galleries, or dining rooms, focus on Asia [Trek Gallery with 74 seats] and Africa [Safari Gallery with 64 seats], and the third [Grand Gallery with 114 seats] pays homage to animal species that the Disney Conservation Fund works to protect."

Finished Nomad Lounge at Tiffins at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort

The travel-inspired artwork includes a static, three-dimensional piece that features prayer flags blowing in the wind. "As our research team traveled up the high mountains of Nepal, the winds were strong," explained O'Brien. "The prayer flags are rarely seen hanging, they are always blowing." This portrayal of the motion is realistically captured in the display which will hang above a corner booth in the Trek Gallery.

"Tiffins is not about a make-believe place, it's about real people and places," said O'Brien.
Disney's Animal Kingdom is about the intrinsic value of nature, transformation through adventure and a personal call to action, and the adjacent Nomad Lounge brings into focus these core values. With beautiful waterfront views, the lounge focuses on storytelling, and also on guests' travels, with large banners as "artistic representations" of answers to travel questions written on the perimeter wall. For instance, "what do you always do when traveling" or "what was your most adventurous moment?"

"We're trying to tell the story of how guests can make a change," said O'Brien. While the answers of Disney experts are displayed, guests also have the opportunity to purchase a tag that supports the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and to write their own answers to the questions to display above the bar– a way to share their own travel stories "so they can be a part of the story," said O'Brien.

Up next: The inventive food and beverage menus for Tiffins and Nomad Lounge.



Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Topiary Photos from Disney PhotoPass Service

The 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom at Walt Disney World Resort!

While there are more than 70 Disney-themed topiaries waiting to be unearthed throughout Epcot, check out seven photos of some of our favorite topiaries, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service.

Donald, Huey, Dewey and Louie Topiaries at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort Minnie Mouse and Pluto Topiaries at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort Donald Duck Topiary at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort

It's hard to fit these beautiful topiaries into a selfie! Disney PhotoPass Photographers are stationed in front of a number of topiaries, so be sure to ask them for a photo so you can get everything and everyone in the shot!

Pluto Topiary at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort Mickey Mouse Topiary at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort Daisy Duck Topiary at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort

You can view your Disney PhotoPass photos in the My Disney Experience mobile app and purchase Memory Maker to receive unlimited digital downloads of your Walt Disney World Resort vacation memories.

Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker guest's Disney account. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Photos and other digital content will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. Memory Maker is subject to Memory Maker terms and, if applicable, Family & Friends terms. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos.



Create Personalized Phone Cases with New D-Tech on Demand Options for Spring 2016

With the arrival of spring, I'm excited to share that additional designs are coming to the D-Tech on Demand stations found at Disney Parks. You may recall that D-Tech on Demand is the place where guests can create personalized phone cases for select phones. The D-Tech team recently gave me a first look at additional designs being added in the coming weeks.

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D-Tech on Demand in Star Wars Launch Bay is the place to create Star Wars-themed phone cases. The team recently added some of the most popular designs to additional D-Tech on Demand locations at Disney Parks. You can also add your name to your phone design written in Aurebesh, one of the alphabets used in the Star Wars galaxy.

Other designs will include characters from Disney's animated hit, "Zootopia," such as Officer Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde or Flash the sloth.

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A few weeks ago, I shared details about new salt and pepper shakers that resemble Disney trash cans. Several of these same trash can designs will be available as phone cases.

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I adore the Twenty Eight & Main collection at Disney Parks. I was delighted to see the D-Tech team is adding artwork from this collection including art of my favorite Disney attraction, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.

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Finally, they will introduce four designs inspired by ABC Television shows which include the daytime drama "General Hospital," "black-ish," "Once Upon a Time," and "Castle."

At Walt Disney World Resort, D-Tech on Demand is found at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace, Tomorrowland Light & Power Company in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, and Star Wars Launch Bay Cargo at Disney's Hollywood Studios (the latter location only offers Star Wars-inspired designs).

For guests in California, look for D-Tech on Demand at D-Street in Downtown Disney District. You can also create Star Wars-inspired cases at Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park.



Disney Days of Past: Hit the links!

Spring is upon us! Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the links are calling! In this flashback photo from 1973 we see Mickey and Goofy enjoying a beautiful day playing golf. What a great way to spend an afternoon with a friend!



Wednesday, March 30, 2016

#DisneyFamilia: Make This Summer a Magical One for All in the Familia!

Even though spring has just started, it's never too late to make plans for summer. And to help you plan your next family vacation, we have some key information that will make your time juntos at Walt Disney World Resort even more magical.

This summer, you and your familia can experience new attractions and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort. Children and adults will uncover their inner Jedi at Disney's Hollywood Studios, discover the magic of la naturaleza with the new nighttime experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and enjoy magical experiences with their favorite "Frozen" characters.

You and your familia of four can enjoy a 4-night/4-day stay in a standard room at Disney's All-Star Resorts with theme park tickets for as low as $1,880*. You can book through June 10, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights May 30 to August 25, 2016.

Click here for more details and to book today!

*Sample package price based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10-17) and 1 child (ages 3-9) for a 4-Night/4-Day room and Magic Your Way base ticket. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.



Fashion Filled with Personality at Disney Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort

Disney fans, who's your favorite Disney character? Drawing inspiration from a recent article by Disney Parks Blog author Erin Glover and DisneyBound creator Leslie Kay, we tasked a few of our fellow cast members to take Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District by storm in search of the perfect look and accessories. As you can see, they got a little crazy but also very creative in showing off their picks with a fashionable twist. I guess it's true what they say … when the cat's away, the mice will play!

Fashion Filled with Personality at Disney Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort

"We had so much fun," said Audra, "and it was so easy. I kept seeing the purple tank, which I love, and wondered what to wear it with. When I came across the mermaid-fin inspired leggings, I knew that was it! I had to make sure I had something to carry around my gadgets, gizmos and thingamabobs, and the oversized bottle–inspired Betsey Johnson clutch was the perfect way to make a splash."

Fashion Filled with Personality at Disney Vault 28 at the Disneyland Resort

For Tyler, she mixed and matched, wearing her own jeans and pairing it with an eye-catching yellow tank, red bow headband and of course, red apple clutch. The perfect combination for a Snow White-inspired look.

Of course, Elaine was all ears when we asked if she was willing to participate. She found the Minnie Mouse ear headband and quickly scooped up a red tee, with black and white polka dots on the pocket, tossed a light black sweater over top and finished off the look with the recently released retro Mickey and Minnie Mouse Dooney & Bourke satchel. Love the look, girl!

But it was Melissa who was a bit more mischievous in her choices. After grabbing a pink and white-striped tee, with a subtle Cheshire Cat stamp on the bottom-left side, she picked up a Goorin Bros. sun hat, scarf and the HARVEYS Alice in Wonderland attraction poster tote. We were all curious how she would pull it all together, but as you can see, it turned out to be the cat's meow. She surprised us all by adding the scarf around the hat instead.

Next time you're in Disney Vault 28 or any of our locations, look beyond what you actually see and come up with catchy ways to show off your own "character"istics. Keep in mind, merchandise is available while supplies last and I have a feeling some of these pieces will go fast.



April 2016 Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise Event Snapshot

Make time on your calendar to meet the artists behind the magic and take part in special artist showcases and events taking place this April at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
April 20 – 24: Celebrate Earth Day with some of our favorite nature-inspired product offerings! Pick up some plant stained stationery from Boiled Books or watch the Fairy House Ladies build whimsical creations at Island Mercantile. Visit Mombasa Marketplace to find some of Jortra Boutique's handmade jewelry, made with coffee beans, cantaloupe seeds, and orange peels or start growing your very own plumeria plant from Just Plumerias. Learn more.

April 22: Meet Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive, Joe Rohde, who will be on hand to sign his artwork, created for the Disney Conservation Fund Reverse the Decline Initiative. Joe will also sign the new Disney Conservation Fund coffee table book that he contributed to. Look for Joe to appear from 1 – 2 p.m. at Discovery Trading Company (previously Disney Outfitters). Learn more.

Meet Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive Joe Rohde at Discovery Trading Company on Apr. 22

Disney Springs

April 15 – 17: Join us as we welcome ACME Archives artist Rob Kaz who will be on hand for special appearances and signings of some of his latest Star Wars releases from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more.

Meet ACME Archives artist Rob Kaz at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace Apr. 15-17

April 16: Meet artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of her newest releases, among other favorites, from 4 – 8 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace. Learn more.

April 22 – 23: Take part in a special Disney artist showcase with Costa Alavezos, Tim McCloskey, Randy Noble, Don "Ducky" Williams, and Darren Wilson, as we celebrate the release of some of their latest works of art. Meet the artists, April 22 from 6 – 8 p.m. and April 23 from 4 – 6p.m. at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace. Tip: Please note Randy Noble will only be appearing on April 22. Learn more.

Special Disney Artist Showcase at Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace Apr. 22-23

April 27 – May 1: Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace, with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m., each day. Learn more.

April 29 – 30: This Mother's Day give the gift of PANDORA! Join us for a special launch at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace and take time to meet with bracelet builders who will help you make such a memorable gift last a lifetime.

Epcot

Continue to grow your collection at the 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival now through May 30! This year's artisan showcases at the Pergola's include Boiled Books, Growmanji, Elemental Nursery, EyeCatchers, Haf2Paint, Reinhard Herzog, Just Plumerias, Noah's Ark Topiaries, Petal Pushers, Rinse Bath & Body Inc. and Swaying in the Breeze. Learn more.

Rinse Bath & Body Inc. Products from Epcot

April 1 -3: Join us for Art in the Garden as we welcome Disney inspired artists for special appearances and signings throughout the weekend including Disney Design Group artists, Disney Fine Art Collectors Editions, David E. Doss, Larry Dotson, Fairy House Ladies, Reinhard, Herzog, Greg McCullough, and William Silvers. Be sure to click on "learn more" for a complete list of artists, signing times and locations. Learn more.

April 6 – 10 and April 26 – May 1: Artist David E. Doss returns to the Art of Disney. Meet David and see his collection of artwork from 1 – 9 p.m., each day. Learn more.

April 8 – 9: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the stunning sterling silver jewelry designs available at The Queen's Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more.

April 8 – 10 and April 21 – 23: Stop in and check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representative Isis Sio from noon – 7 p.m., each day at The Queen's Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more.

Meet Representatives from Yardley at The Queen's Table at Epcot Apr. 8-10, 21-13

April 18 – 21: Geir Ness will be on hand for a special appearance as he showcases the latest from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection. Meet Geir, noon – 6 p.m., each day, at The Puffin's Roost in the Norway Pavilion at World Showcase. Learn more.

April 21 – 24: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney and add some of his latest pieces to your collection. Learn more.

Which special appearances are you most excited to attend?



Use Your Smartphone to Play Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure at Epcot

Attention agents! We have an update on Phineas & Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure at Epcot. Instead of using a F.O.N.E., (Field Operative Notification Equipment), guests now have the option to play the game using their own personal smartphone.

In case you aren't familiar with this game, guests of all ages can join Agent P (a.k.a., the secret-agent alter ego of Phineas and Ferb's pet, Perry the Platypus) to help thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz's most daringly evil plots "around the World" – Showcase that is.

Guests get started by visiting a recruitment center at Odyssey Bridge or near the International Gateway to pick up an interactive handheld device to guide you on your mission. Missions will direct you to one of the following international pavilions:

  • Mexico Pavilion
  • China Pavilion
  • Germany Pavilion
  • Japan Pavilion
  • France Pavilion
  • United Kingdom Pavilion

Phineas & Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure is included in the price of theme park admission.

Have you played the game before? Which international mission was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section below!



Tuesday, March 29, 2016

April 2016 Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event Snapshot

The Disney Theme Park Merchandise event team has some very special artist appearances scheduled for the month of April at the Disneyland Resort. Take a look and be sure to mark down on your calendar the ones you don't want to miss!

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park

April 1–30: The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner. Satisfy your appetite for merchandise when you stop by one of our festival locations. This year's commemorative merchandise includes apparel, a baseball cap, stem glassware, an appetizer plate, potholder, dish towel and aprons. Passholders, keep an eye out for a specially created tee made just for you! Tip: Look for special appearances and signings throughout the festival time period. Learn more here.

Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets by Ridley Pearson at April's Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event 2016

April 15-16: Meet best-selling author Ridley Pearson and celebrate the release of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets. Ridley will on hand to sign copies of his latest book at the following locations. Learn more here.

  • April 15: Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park, 1–3 p.m.
  • April 16: Disneyana in Disneyland park, 9–11 a.m.

Mermaid Art by Ann Shen at April's Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event 2016

Downtown Disney District

April 2-3: Meet artist Ann Shen, who will be on hand to showcase some of her latest works of art at WonderGround Gallery. Ann will appear April 2–3, 23–24 and May 1 from 2-5 p.m. each day and on April 30 from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here.

April 16: Don't miss out on the opportunity to take home a special hand-printed piece from the innovative team (and husband and wife duo) of Hero Handmade Goods. Elizabeth Manos Brickey and Mark Brickey will be on hand for special appearances and signings from 2-5 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery.

April 16: Best-selling author Ridley Pearson will make one more appearance with a special signing opportunity at of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets from 2–4 p.m. at World of Disney Store. Learn more here.

Kylo Ren dArt by Chris Uminga at April's Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event 2016

April 30: Celebrate with us as we welcome Chris Uminga for a special artist showcase from 3–5 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery. Learn more here.

Tiki Bird Art by Jeff Granito at April's Disneyland Resort Merchandise Event 2016

Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Jeff Granito. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: April 8–9, 15–16, 23, 29–30 and May 1 from 6–10 p.m. each day. Learn more here.

Which event or artist showcase are you the most excited to attend?



Behind the Scenes: The Making-of Huey, Dewey and Louie Topiaries at 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

How many of you have taken your photos (selfies?) in front of the nephews topiaries at the Epcot entrance?

Our horticulture artists and experts worked almost half a year to bring Huey, Dewey and Louie to life in greens and flowers. Here's a look at how they did it:

Donald and his nephews, Mickey and friends – 70 character topiaries across Epcot – are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Your tastebuds will spring to life with offerings from more than a dozen Outdoor Kitchens. Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone hits the America Gardens Theater stage this weekend in the Garden Rocks concert series.

This weekend is also our Art in the Garden Weekend. "Plein Air" artists capture nature in their creations. One-of-a-kind Disney works of art will also be on display within the World Showcase from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To learn more about our Fun Fresh Weekends, check out FreshEpcot.com.



Bob Saget Visits Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Last week, actor Bob Saget and his daughter Jennifer Belle Saget fueled up on family fun during their visit to the Disneyland Resort.

While cruising through Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, the two made a pit stop at the Cozy Cone Motel for a fun photo with Lightning McQueen!



New LEGO Minifigures Featuring Iconic Disney Characters Debut in May

Like most of us, I grew up with a love of LEGO play. Until my now 5-year old niece came along, I had nearly forgotten how much fun it was to create a brand new world using nothing but your imagination and those perfectly crafted plastic bricks. (It all came back to me during her first visit to Downtown Disney about three years ago – The LEGO Store was among her favorite spots!)

I was thrilled when I found out that LEGO would be debuting their first-ever Disney character collection of Minifugures in May. Eighteen new Minifigures will soon be available for purchase at a variety of retailers including World of Disney and The LEGO Store here at Disney Springs with a suggested retail price of $3.99 each.

I can't decide which one I want to play with first, though Stitch, Minnie Mouse and Captain Hook are all in the running! Which of the new Minifigures tops your "must-have" list?



Download Our Space Mountain Wallpaper

Spring is in the air and no doubt many of you are already planning your summer vacations to the Walt Disney World Resort. Is Space Mountain on your must-do list?

Jason "Tiki" Tackett just shared his latest desktop/mobile wallpaper, which was inspired by the attraction. Fun!

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it.
Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here.



Monday, March 28, 2016

Moms Panel Monday: Warm Weather fun at Disney Parks

Spring is finally here, and after a long winter in much of the country, many Disney Parks guests are daydreaming about warm-weather activities. The Disney Parks Moms Panel has received quite a few questions about pools and water parks on property. We rounded up a sampling of tips from the Panelists about enjoying water activities.

Gina from Ohio is planning a summer visit with four boys of varying ages, and wants to know which water park she should check out. Our UK-based Moms Panelist Emma not only provided details about the water parks, but also recommended a couple of unique aquatic activities while there, see more here.

Karen from North Carolina was visiting Disneyland for the first time, and trying to decide which resort was the best fit for her upcoming trip. Panelist Courtney gave her personal take all three resorts, including a nod to the themed pools and waterslides at each, see more here.

Guest Sandra wanted to know if she could reserve seating at the Walt Disney World water parks, and Korliss provided details on both reserved cabanas and umbrellas at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, see more here.

Morgan from Vermont is traveling to Walt Disney World with a toddler and looking for splash pads. Panelist Rachel offered a list of every resort with a splash pad, to help make the guest's decision easier, see more here.



Dates Announced for D23 Expo 2017

D23—Disney's official fan club—has just announced the dates for the next D23 Expo: July 14-16, 2017! So mark your calendars for the Ultimate Disney Fan Event's return to the Anaheim Convention Center. All of Disney's wonderful worlds—including Pixar and Star Wars—will come together once again with star-studded presentations, dazzling exhibits, unique collectibles and, of course, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

You may remember that at D23 Expo 2015, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts gave guests an exclusive look at Shanghai Disney Resort, broke news of the Toy Story-themed land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, debuted the model for Pandora: the World of AVATAR, and—in perhaps the biggest news coming out of the event—announced that Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts would both be receiving Star Wars-themed lands.

Guests will be in for another amazing weekend when D23 Expo returns. Tickets for the event will go on sale this summer on July 14 (one year in advance of the event). Stay tuned for more details!



Happy Birthday, Steven Tyler!

Everyone's favorite rock super star, Steven Tyler, came to Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday to celebrate his birthday with friends and family. Who wouldn't want to celebrate at "The Most Magical Place on Earth"? Steven's been working on a new country music album set to release later this year. His second single, "Red, White & You," just released in January.

Thanks to photographer David Roark for the great shot!



Disney Parks Best Bites: March 2016

Spring is in the air at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts! The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is days away. Lots of exciting things are happening with Disney Parks Food & Beverage, so let's get into the March edition of Best Bites.

Malasadas from Oasis Bar and Grill Teriyaki Burger from Oasis Bar and Grill Smoked Cheddar Grits from The Smiling Crocodile

Oasis Bar & Grill has opened, serving Polynesian-inspired menus to guests of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Tasty snacks like Malasadas (a Portuguese confection coated in sugar) and delicious entrees like a Teryaki-glazed Angus Chuck Burger, Spinach and Watermelon Salad with Grilled Chicken and Grilled Sustainable Fish Tacos are served poolside. There's also a full bar offering a wide range of tropical cocktails, Hawaiian beer, wine, sodas and teas.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom, many of the kiosks have gotten new names and a few new menu items. We love the Smoked Cheddar Grits with pulled pork and bread-and-butter pickles from The Smiling Crocodile.

Also at Disney's Animal Kingdom, some tasty new menu items have been added to Flame Tree Barbecue. Look for a Full Rack of St. Louis Ribs, a Roasted Chicken with Mixed Greens Salad, a delicious salad with pecans, apple wedges and cheddar, a Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork Sampler entrée served with jalapeno cornbread, slow-baked beans and coleslaw in addition to a new side—French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese.

Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium at Disney's Beach Club Resort The World of Color Dessert Party IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot

Additional dates have been added for Afternoon Tea at Crescent Solarium at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Added dates include: March 24-29, April 14-17, May 5-8, June 16-19, July 1-4, August 11-14 and September 1-5. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Have you heard? There's a sweet new way to view 'World of Color – Celebrate!' at Disney California Adventure park. The World of Color Dessert Party takes place nightly, giving guests a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a decadent dessert plate while taking in spectacular views. Reservations are available by visiting Disneyland.com/dine or calling 714-781-DINE.

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is only days away – have you booked your premium experiences yet? Space is limited for Celebrity Kitchen and Beverage Seminars, learn more or make your reservation by visiting http://ift.tt/1Tljw7W.

IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party at Epcot has a new addition to its lineup of sweet treats and sparkling wines. In addition to traditional baklava from Morocco, pistachio cannoli from Italy and more, there is now a nacho bar.

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café in Magic Kingdom Park has added a finger-lickin' good Beef Nachos and a Southwest Burger topped with Pepper Jack cheese, served with a side of tortilla chips to its menu. Eye-Haw!

Barbecue Slaw and Chili-Cheese Dog from Casey's Corner Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios 24 Layer Cake from Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Resort D-Luxe Burger Coming Soon to Disney Springs

Also in Magic Kingdom Park, Casey's Corner has recently started serving your favorite dogs like Barbecue Slaw and Chili-Cheese which are now available in foot-long size in addition to the standard size. Batter up!

Additional dates have been added for Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios, extending Saturdays until May. Learn more about the devilishly fun experience here.

Reservations are now open for Mother's Day dining at Disneyland Resort. Look for special menus and offerings at Carnation Café, Blue Bayou Restaurant, Goofy's Kitchen, Steakhouse 55 and Disney's PCH Grill.

Did you know there are three festival-exclusive brews at this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival? Look for Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout at THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Feast to Flowers Farmhouse Ale by the Florida Beer Company and Sea Dog Acai Hefeweizen at Florida Fresh. The festival is taking place now through May 30.

New Disney owned and operated locations including D-Luxe Burger and Amorette's Patisserie are coming soon to Disney Springs. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details about these new eateries!

Are you dining at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort next month? Where are you looking forward to eating? Let us know in the comments below!