2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

The 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival just started a few days ago and the menus this year look awesome!  The festival runs each year in the springtime, this year’s dates are March 1 to May 29.  There are amazing exhibits, play structures for kids, live music, and food booths that are very similar to the Food and Wine Festival.

These “Outdoor Kitchens” are going to have local and exotic options that are made with garden fresh ingredients.  These are small plates, not full meals, so you can expect to pay between $3 and $8 for one selection.  And because this is Epcot, you’re able to imbibe in some of the specialty cocktails and beers each booth has to offer!

Let’s check out what’s on the menu!

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce – $3.75

Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream – $4.25

Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips  – $5.25

Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries – $4.00

Beverages

Hugo-Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint – $9.50

Paulaner Original Munich Lager – $4.25

Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen – $4.25

Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager – $4.25

Beer Flight – $9.50

The Berry Basket

Lamb chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique – $7.25

Field Greens with fresh Strawberries, Blue Cheese, Strawberry Vinaigrette and Spice Pecans – $4.75

Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet – $4.25

Beverages:

Founders Raubeaus Pure Raspberry Ale – $4.25

Island Grove Blueberry Moscato – $5.25

Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (also in non-alcoholic) – $8.75, $4.25

Cider House

Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Branston Dressing with Pears – $5.50

House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare – $5.25

Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries  – $3.75

Beverages

McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider – $4.50

Caribe Blood Orange Tropical Hard Cider – $4.50

Ciderboys Strawberry Magic Hard Strawberry Cider – $4.50

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, California (Non-alcoholic) – $4.75

Fleur de Lys

Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Puff Pastry Crust  – $4.75

Poulet aux Écrevisses, Riz Pilaf: Baked Chicken with Crawfish served with Rice Pilaf – $5.75

Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam – $4.75

Beverages

La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, White and Red Cranberry Juice – $9.95

Kir Pomegranate, Sparkling Wine, Pama Pomegranate Liquor – $7.95

Brut de Pêche, Natural Peach Sparkling Wine – $7.50

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blend, C’est La Vie – $5.00

Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 – $4.25

Florida Fresh

Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream – $6.50

Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn , Tomatoes and Cilantro  – $6.50

Florida Larder Board: Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles – $5.75

Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue – $4.25

Beverages

Key Lime Sparkling Wine  – $11.75

Quat Seasonal Fruit Ale – $4.25

Mirth and Merriment Golden Ale – $4.25

Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale – $4.25

Beer Flight – $9.50

Watermelon Cucumber Slush with Tamiami Florida Gin – $11.75

Watermelon Cucumber Slush (Non-alcoholic) – $4.25

Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice (Non-alcoholic) – $3.25

Hanami

Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side – $5.75

Ahi Tuna Poke Sesame Ginger – $8.00

Beef Teriyaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger – $6.20

Beverages

SapporoPremium Black Lager – $4.25

Kirin Ichiban Pale Ale – $4.00

Matcha Sake Cocktail – $7.50

Amabuki Kurenai Junmai Sake – $8.50

Ozeki Shin Junmai Sake – $8.50

Dasani Water – $3.00

Jardin de Fiestas

Chile Relleno de Picadillo: Battered Poblano Pepper filled with Ground Beef covered with Tomato Sauce and Garnished with Queso Fresco and Toasted Almonds – $6.00

Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita: Grilled Chicken with Red and Green Bell Pepper served with Salsa Chile Morita and Garnished with Micro-Cilantro and Edible Flowers – $6.00

Tres Leches: Vanilla Sponge Cake, Cajeta, Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk and Garnished with Orange Zest – $3.95

Beverages

Hibiscus Margarita – $10.25

Elderflower Pineapple Margarita – $11.25

Watermelon White Sangria – $8.75

Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater – $6.75

Dasani Water – $3.00

La Isla Fresca

Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro – $6.00

Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce – $6.50

Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions – $5.00

FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake – $3.75

Beverages

Red Stripe Jamaican Style Lager – $4.25

Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum – $9.25

Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink (Non-alcoholic) – $4.25

Lotus House

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wrap – $5.95

Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries – $5.50

Vegetable Spring Rolls – $4.50

Beverages

Oolong Peach Bubble Tea – $6.75

Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice – $8.75

Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls – $8.75

M.S.G: A cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry and Ginger Ale – $8.75

Plum Wine Cooler – $8.75

Tsingtao Beer – $3.50

Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00, DDP Snack Eligible

Northern Bloom

Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple wood Smoked Bacon – $6.25

Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables – $6.50

Nanaimo Bar – $4.25

Beverages

Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whiskey – $11.75

Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) – $4.50

Unibroue Maudite Amber Ale – $5.00

Unibroue À Tout Le Monde Saison – $5.00

Unibroue Éphémère White Ale – $5.00

Beer Flight – $11.00

Pineapple Promenade

Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips – $7.50

Pineapple Soft-Serve – $4.75

Beverages

Sparkling Pineapple Wine – $11.75

Pineapple Mana – $4.25

Pineapple Soft-Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum – $10.25

Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic) – $3.50

Primavera Kitchen

Antipasto Misto: Cerignola Olives, Sweet Soppressata and Salami, Ovolini, Mozzarella, Sweet Roasted Peppers and Ciabatta Bread – $6.00

Meatball Parmigiana: Hand-made Beef and Veal Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiana and Fresh Basil – $7.00

Strawberry Tiramisu: Ladyfingers, Mascarpone Cream and Marinated Strawberries topped with Strawberry Sauce – $5.50

Beverages

Pinot Grigio – $8.00

Chianti – $8.00

Prosecco – $9.00

Corbinello – $8.00

Moscato – $8.00

Bellini Sparkling Wine and Peach purée – $10.00

Rossini Sparkling Wine and Marinated strawberries – $10.00

Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila – $10.00

Moretti Lager – $5.50

Moretti La Rossa – $5.50

Dasani Water – $3.00

The Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews

Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw and Crispy Onions – $6.00

Smoked Pork Ribs with Black Bean and Corn Salad – $6.75

Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños – $6.25

Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans – $3.75

Beverage

Zen of Zin Old Vine – $5.25

Orange Blossom Pilsner – $4.25

3 Daughters Phantasmas IPA – $4.25

Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout – $4.25

Beer Flight – $9.50

Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine – $11.75

Frozen Lemonade (Non-alcoholic) – $3.25

Taste of Marrakesh

Merguez “Hot Dog” Sausage: Spicy Beef and Lamb with Satueed Onions and Green Peppers – $6.00

Home-Made Falafel with Pickled Beet and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce – $5.00

Baklava – $4.00

Beverages

Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur – $8.00

White Sangria – $5.00

Guerrouane Red Wine – $4.00

Casa Beer – $4.00

Dasani Water – $3.00

Urban Farm Eats

Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction – $4.00

Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes – $6.25

Crabless Cake with Crispy Vegetable Slaw, Lemon Vinaigrette and Old Bay Remoulade – $6.25

Beverages

Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine – $9.50

King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir – $5.25

Wildflower Pale Ale – $4.25

Urban Mary with House-made Pickled Green Bean – $10.75

Urban Fairy Cocktail – $11.00

Have you made a list of all the things you’d like to try this year?  Everything sounds delicious!

runDisney Playlist Part II

Ready for some more Disney music inspiration for your runDisney or Disney themed playlist?  Well look no further!  Here is part II with a new list of upbeat and fun songs to help pass the time while you are training or just doing some exercising.

 

  1. One Little Spark- Journey into Imagination with Figment
  2. I Just Can’t Wait to be King-The Lion King
  3. Kiss the Girl- The Little Mermaid
  4. You’re Welcome- Moana
  5. I’ll Make a Man Out of You- Mulan
  6. Prince Ali- Aladdin
  7. Sugar Rush- Wreck-It Ralph
  8. Topsy Turvy- The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
  9. It’s A Small World- It’s a Small World attraction
  10. Be Our Guest- Beauty and the Beast
  11. Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride- Lilo and Stitch
  12. Monsters Inc- Monsters Inc
  13. The Best Time of your Life- Carousel of Progress
  14. Dig a Little Deeper- Princess and the Frog
  15. Three Caballeros- Gran Fiesta Tour
  16. Trashin’ the Camp- Tarzan
  17. Fixer Upper- Frozen
  18. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo- Cinderella
  19. The Bear Band Serenade- Country Bears Jamboree
  20. I’ve Got a Dream- Tangled
  21. One Step Ahead- Aladdin
  22. Zero to Hero- Hercules
  23. You Can Fly- Peter Pan
  24. Almost There- Princess and the Frog
  25. We Know the Way- Moana

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed adding some new music to your playlist!  Happy Trails runners!

Did you miss Part I?  No problem, check it out here.

 

Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

ChewbaccaStein6789994If you’re a Star Wars fan and you’ve been following Disney news, chances are you’ve heard about the Star Wars fireworks show at Hollywood Studios, Symphony in the Stars.   In accompaniment with that show, Disney is also offering a dessert party you can attend.  If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to celebrate an occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, then this might just be the thing for you!

For $69 for adults (and kids aged 10 – 17) and $39 (kids aged 3 – 9) you get a special viewing location for the fireworks show as well as a fun Star Wars themed dessert buffet with specialty drinks, including alcoholic beverage options.  Check out those Darth Vader cupcakes!

Hollywood Studios park admission is required.  You must check in at Center Stage.  The venue is uncovered, but if the weather acts up, they may move indoors.  This particular dessert party does not have seating, so be ready to stand for the show.  They do accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, however.

And just so you don’t forget this occasion, each guest receives a Chewbacca stein to take with them as a souvenir!

This is a great fireworks show, and while the price might be a little steep for the average park-goer, it seems like a fun way to celebrate with someone who really loves Star Wars.

If you’ve been, let us know what you thought of the dessert party in the comments!

Refurbishments! Just out!!

Yes, it is always nerve-wracking to check refurbishment lists as you get closer and closer to your magical vacation. Will you favorite rides be running smooth or getting a paint job (or an extra track!) Though it can be disappointing to see it is a good thing. Disney keeps on top of all of their attractions to make sure they are in good, safe, and beautiful working condition. All it means to see your favorite ride is down is to start planning a future trip.

Magic Kingdom Park

Best Ride of All –

Monorail –                                                                                              Now to April 2016

According to Disney: “The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.”

Epcot

Soarin’ –                                                                                    Jan. 4, 2016 – Summer 2016

Circle of Life –                                                                                       Feb. 7 – Apr. 2, 2016

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Pizza Planet –                                                                                       Feb. 7 – Apr. 2, 2016

Toy Story Midway Mania –  1 Day Only                                                         Mar. 15, 2016

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure –  Closing Permanently    Apr. 3, 2016

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show –  Closing Permanently       Apr. 3, 2016

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

Flights of Wonder –                                                                          Jan. 25 – Mar. 31, 2016

Warung Outpost –                                                                            Jan. 25 – Mar. 17, 2016

Boneyard –                                                                                        Feb. 22 – Mar. 19, 2016

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Annual Refurbishment –                                                                    Jan. 4 – Mar. 19, 2016

 Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

None

Resorts

Bay Lake Tower at The Contemporary Resort

Bay Cove Pool  –                                                                               Feb. 1-March 18, 2016

Soft goods refurbishment –                                                        April 2-October 14, 2016

 

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Concierge Lounge –                                                                                      May 7-22, 2016

AKL- Jambo House (Soft goods rehab) –                                  January 1- May 20, 2016

 

Art of Animation

Schoolyard Sprayground-                                                               Jan. 4-March 11, 2016

 

Beach Club Villas

Soft goods and bath rehab-                                                                Jan. 1-May 20, 2016

 

Boardwalk Inn

Exterior Painting and Repair-                                                                           May 5, 2016

Flying Fish Restaurant-                                                           Feb. 1-September 30, 2016

Seashore Sweets-                                                                               Closed Permanently

 

Caribbean Beach Resort

Aruba Pool–                                                                                       Feb. 22-April 15, 2016

 

Polynesian Village Resort

General Construction through Spring 2016

East Pool-                                                                                                        Through 2016

 

Pop Century

Bowling Pool-                                                                                   Feb. 15-March 1, 2016

 

Port Orleans Riverside

Ol’ Man Island Pool-                                                                         Jan. 11-March 4, 2016

 

Saratoga Springs

Soft goods rehab-                                                                               Feb. 7-June 22, 2016

 

Wilderness Lodge

General Resort refurbishment through 2017

Cub’s Den-                                                                                           closed through 2017

Sturdy Branches Health Club-                                                             July- October 2016

 

Hilton Head Island

Beach Renourishment-                                                                            May 1-June 4, 2016

Dolphin Hotel

Guest room Renovations-                                                      June 2016-September 2016

 

Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood-                                                                              Jan. 6-Summer 2016

Mickey’s Pantry/The Spice and Tea Exchange-                          Feb. 29-March 14, 2016

Minnie’s Holiday Dine Review – Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine

IMG_2718

The newest character dining opened up, over the holidays, as a one-off for dinner at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios. It was a one-off experience because it was supposed to just be a holiday party event called Minnie’s Holiday Dine. It was so popular that they decided (because they are SMART) to make it every night and it would change themes based on seasons.

  • January 4, 2016 – March 20, 2016
    Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine

    Celebrate Hollywood blockbusters at a banquet honoring the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown!
  • March 21, 2016 – June 5, 2016
    Minnie’s Springtime Dine

    Shake off winter’s chill with a fabulous fête marking the bright and beautiful delights of spring!
  • June 6, 2016 – September 11, 2016
    Minnie’s Summertime Dine

    Heat things up at a beach-inspired bash welcoming the excitement of the season!
  • September 12, 2016 – November 6, 2016
    Minnie’s Halloween Dine

    Head to Minnie’s favorite haunt as all her pals gather for a frightfully festive Halloween feast!
  • November 7, 2016 – January 6, 2017
    Minnie’s Holiday Dine

    Deck the halls at a dazzling dinner party filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season!

IMG_2730We went on our girls trip at the end of January and got to partake in the Silver Screen Dine which was a fantastic theme and so much fun. We had reservations at 6:40pm and Hollywood Studios closed at 8pm. We did have to wait in the rain for a few because we got there early and they did not allow us to even check-in early so that was a bummer. The reason I am sharing this info is because it ended up making the experience even better because we were in the last waveIMG_2725 of diners and once it started clearing out the characters had all the time in the world to play with whoever was left. Daisy was decked out in diamonds and an evening dress and was asking all the boys to dance. The family next to me had a beautiful teenage son who had special needs. Daisy was amazing and made his trip total magic. She kept pointing to her ring finger and he figured out she wanted him to propose. Those two danced the night away as I sat there with the other girls in tears of joy watching Disney magic right in front of us.

The characters that are there are of course Minnie, our gracious host, Daisy, Mickey, Goofy and Pluto. They all were in cocktail dress and tux attire and looked very fancy! The food was good, it was Hollywood and Vine and a buffet so lots of IMG_2732options and the desserts were really quite nice. But, it was the fun with the characters that made this a favorite.

I want to go to all the different themes and smart they are because this is not the normal one and done character meal. No more been there done that until you hit all seasons!

 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Review

If you’ve listened to our podcast, you’ll know that I’ve talked extensively about how much we loved Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but I can’t quit talking about it so here we are.

If you’re not familiar, Magic Kingdom in Florida hosts this hard ticket event on certain nights during November and December.  There are special fireworks, parades, and even lots of goodies included in the price of admission.

Low Crowds

First things first, this is huge.  Are there still a lot of people there?  Yes, but the party is a hard ticket event and only so many tickets are sold so you’re guaranteed to have fewer people in the park and that really helps.  The park felt so much more open and spacious without the mass of bodies you typically encounter on a normal park day.

Once Upon A Christmas Parade 

This parade was amazing!  The floats are really well done and the characters are all in their holiday best.  They include some of the lesser known characters like Wreck It Ralph which we loved.  My youngest daughter is 4 and she just loved the parade.  Watching her during it was definitely worth the price of admission.

They run the parade twice during the party so if you miss the early show, be sure to get a spot for the later one.

Cocoa and Cookies

Another fun part of the party is the cocoa and cookies they provide as party of admission.  There are several locations set up throughout the park and you can walk up and get some treats.  We happened to get ours at Tomorrowland Terrace and there was no line.  The cocoa and cookies were both delicious.  They also had cold apple juice because this is Florida and it’s not always cold enough for cocoa!

 

No FastPasses Needed

One of the best parts about the Christmas party (and this goes hand in hand with the low crowds) is that no FastPasses are offered during the party because you don’t need them!  We walked on almost every single ride we wanted because there really weren’t any lines.  The only attraction we wanted to do and decided not to wait for was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and that wait was only 30 minutes, which is practically nothing.

Special Family Memories

At the end of the day, my favorite part of the Christmas party was the special time I got to spend with my family.  I don’t know if there was extra magic in the air or what but we just had the best time.  No one fought, no one complained, everyone was cheerful, the weather was great.  I would absolutely recommend this party to anyone looking for a special experience at Disney.  Disney at Christmas is already amazing so this is just the shining star on top.

MVMCP

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak 2015

01e4494afea253bbf33e1b06e492af9f50aa004079So for Disney guests that went to Food and Wine this year and got to play Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak I hope you had as much fun as we did. This year Food & Wine did an additional fun “game” for people of all ages.

You started by purchasing the map and stickers at a gift shop in Epcot. We bought ours for $8.00 at the World Traveler shop at the International Gateway. You receive a map and a set of Remy stickers. Each Remy sticker has an ingredient on it that goes into ratatouille and the map has a place to put the correct sticker. How do you 0124042c99e6e9fb324e52a0434f516a855e293bfbknow which is correct? You go to each spot on the map and find a statue of Remy holding the ingredient for that spot. So, when you hit the Mexico Pavillion you hunt around until you locate Remy holding a tomato. Finding Remy is not so easy but the cast members will help you.

We did the game without much internet help – we hit a problem once 0160c3de9cdd16f53dbff2d995d055e2b04b972fafor twice because it was so crowded and dark we could not get too far and could not see well. We did though set eyes on each so even with a little help we still hunted it down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best part is once over you turn it in and they give you a Limited Release Remy pin 01edb1d62fb0b2d0b86ec80b763b9ad1e50b4be072that is super cool and you do keep the map too. I was pleasantly surprised to get such a great gift in the pin for an $8.00 investment! I believe they will do more and more of these things and so make sure to ask your travel agent before you go what extras are going on while you are there!

 

 

Candlelight Processional 2015- Narrators Added

Disney has just released additional names of narrators for this year’s Candlelight Processional at Epcot. From November 27 until December 30 you can catch a lovely retelling of the Christmas story with a full orchestra and choir at the American Gardens Theater in Epcot. Showtimes are at 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm nightly.

  • 11/27 – 11/29 — Gary Sinise
  • 11/30 – 12/3 — Neil Patrick Harris
  • 12/4 – 12/5 — Whoopi Goldberg
  • 12/6 – 12/8 — Joe Morton
  • 12/9 – 12/11 — Ana Gasteyer
  • 12/12 – 12/14 — Meredith Vieira
  • 12/15 – 12/17— America Ferrera
  • 12/18 – 12/20 — Chandra Wilson
  • 12/21 – 12/23 — Daniel Dae Kim
  • 12/24 – 12/26 — Edward James Olmos
  • 12/27 – 12/28 – Blair Underwood
  • 12/29 – 12/30 — Amy Grant

Disney does have a disclaimer that they are subject to change without notice to be sure to check before you arrive.

And you can also purchase Candlelight Processional Dining Packages for lunch and dinner where there is availability.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing?

Disney News September 2015

Here is your September 2015 Disney news round up!

The biggest news this week is that this will be the final year for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. While it will be very sad to see them go the best part is that Disney is giving notice. So if you had wanted to see them one last time or for the first time this will be your last chance. The Osborne Lights start in early November and will conclude on January 3, 2016. This change is due to the upcoming Toy Story Land and Star Wars themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

nnnoojjj382012Photo via Disney Parks Blog.

If you are coming to see the lights there are two new seasonal offerings. The first is the Merry & Bright Dessert Party from November 6 to December 30. This will include holiday themed desserts. Next is the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception which is January 1-3, 2016. It will feature a selection of small bites like beef, shrimp, and turkey as well as beer, wine, and specialty beverages.  Reservations can be made starting September 16.

Let’s hop over to the west coast with news of a new Frozen inspired stage musical for Disney’s California Adventure Park. This show it due out in summer 2016 at the Hyperion Theater. Which means this show will be replacing the current Disney’s Aladdin- A Musical Spectacular” much to the sadness of many Disney fans. Aladdin will be finished on January 10, 2016.

dad930344Photo via Disney Parks Blog.

If you have ever been to Walt Disney World for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival and enjoy cooking, I have the thing for you!  A cookbook for the last 20 years of Food and Wine Festival.  Disney has even posted some of the recipes on their blog if you would like to try out a few of them before buying!  http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/09/new-cookbook-celebrates-20-years-of-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

Lastly, there is a new special event at Walt Disney World, Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise.  This cruise will take in the Wishes fireworks from a ferry on the Seven Seas Lagoon and feature plenty of sweat treats taken from resorts and the parks with the music piped into the ferry.  It finishes with a toast of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in a souvenir glow glass.  Prices are $99 for adults and $69 for children 3-9 and reservations are available.

FTWDC79731Photo via Disney Parks Blog.

 

Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary written by Guest Blogger: Danielle Brabson

IMG_20150514_085914985It’s the big 6-0 for Disneyland this year and they are setup to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary. The streets are decked out with the Disney ‘D’ and diamond banners. The castle has been given an extra dose of sparkle. If you’ve been wanting to visit Disneyland or haven’t been in a while, now is the time to go. You’ll get to enjoy an extra special Disneyland experience! I am disappointed to miss it but we just got back from a visit in May and I haven’t been able to convince the hubs that we should go experience the 60th Anniversary since we already have reservations for our usual Christmas trip in December.

The celebration started on May 22nd with a 24 hour celebration at both parks – Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks were open from 6 am on May 22nd to 6 am on May 23rd. There was an opening celebration on Main Street at 6 am to start off the 24 hours of fun!

In addition to the 24 hour celebration, they have created a new parade – Paint the Night, a new night-time show – Disneyland Forever, and a new World of Color show – Celebrate.  All geared towards paying homage to the heart of Disneyland and Walt’s dream. They are all sure to be over the top and ready to dazzle the crowds.

The new Paint the Night Parade is an updated electrical parade. The Disney Parks blog says “This dazzling nighttime procession is led by Tinker Bell flying in a magical, musical overture, spreading pixie dust along the Disneyland parade route. Right on her tail (but never growing up!) is Peter Pan, perched high atop an enormous drum inspired by a float from the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” I’ve heard that this parade is AH-MAZING! I would expect nothing less from Disney.

After the parade you’ll be able to witness a new nighttime show that is more than just IMG_20150512_142516179fireworks. It looks like they are incorporating lasers, video projections along Main Street and other parts of the park along with fireworks. Magical is the only word I can think to describe this and I haven’t even seen it! It is 14 minutes of magic that transforms the park and is complimented with a fantastic soundtrack.

Over at California Adventure, they’ve also updated World of Color. I love World of Color, the fact that they can project images on water and have it look clear and crisp if amazing to me. Maybe I am easily impressed but I think they do a great job presenting it and incorporating so many Disney characters seamlessly into the show! The Disneyland website explains it the best  I think “Filled with never-before-seen surprises and dazzling special effects, and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and the one-and-only Mickey Mouse, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to follow along on Walt’s incredible journey of imagination—from his earliest creations, to his very first visions for The Happiest Place on Earth, to today’s Disney magic… and beyond!

Featuring soaring fountains, fire and laser effects, stirring music and towering screens that come to life with new and classic Disney animation, World of Color: Celebrate! reminds us all that if we never give up on our dreams, then anything is possible!”

In addition to all the fun shows and entertainment there have added some new food and drinks to celebrate as well. Get a 60th anniversary cupcake, enjoy the yummy 60th anniversary Martini at Carthay Circle Restaurant (make a reservation for dinner you will not be disappointed!). And as a true Disney fanatic you should make sure you accessorize ” the Diamond Celebration Made with Magic Mickey Ear hat, Paint Brush and Mickey Glove—and others you know and love, including the Sorcerer Mickey Wand and Minnie Mouse Headband.

Each marvelous Made with Magic piece has been programmed to light up at key moments, matching colors and flashing to the beat during all-new nighttime spectaculars, such as:

So go and enjoy all the magic and fun for the 60th Anniversary!