One goal I had on my recent Walt Disney World vacation was to try some new snacks, and, after light research, found that options abounded. With a love of Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Café was a sensible choice. The Cheshire Café is a snack location in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Specifically, it is adjacent to Cinderella Castle, just as the park splits into Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
I visited Walt Disney World in mid to late August and went to the café at least four times from early morning to late afternoon on different days. Spoiler alert: I liked this place a lot. Even in late afternoon, queues were minimal or non-existent. The menu is quite modest, so perhaps that helps move things along. Regardless, the location was always clean, cast members were incredibly friendly, and service was extremely prompt.
The menu includes a few items beyond the standard tea, orange juice, and other drinks one might expect to be available. The Wonderland Slushy is a layered combination of frozen raspberry lemonade and grape. A candy-coated straw is provided. The straw is nice to have, but can be a minor hindrance. Regular straws are, of course, also available. This drink is sweet as one might expect, but is in no way overly tart or sour. It reminds me of the Night Blossom available at Pandora’s Pongu Pongu.

What really got my attention was the Cheshire Cat Tail (pictured at top). This is a braided pastry, which reminded me of a dense croissant, and it had a chocolate filling. On top, there are chocolate chips, and pink and purple icing. It is kept warm so the chocolate on the inside is melted. The pastry has some flakiness but is not messy. As a big eater, I could easily eat one, but this could certainly be split between two people. While it is warm, it is not overpowering in the heat of August.
The Cold Brew Coffee is extremely refreshing on a hot day. There is not much more to say about the coffee, but it is certainly a convenient stop as one enters the park.
The coffee, cat tail, and slushy are all a snack credit under the Disney Dining Plan, and, in my opinion, a great use of a snack credit. The slushy is politely sweet and flavorful and provides cool refreshment as one goes about their day. The coffee is similarly beneficial. The slushy and cat tail have the high dose of sugar to be expected with Disney desserts, without being overt.
As previously stated, the Cheshire Café is located in Fantasyland. If one proceeds up Main Street, U.S.A. and makes a right at Cinderella Castle, the café is a window at which service is provided. The sign includes a grinning Cheshire Cat, with touches reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The iconic Mad Tea Party is located next door, and seating on the brick walls around the attraction provides accommodation with some shade. The Tomorrowland Speedway is also nearby, however, none of the infamous smell or noise wafts over. This makes the location a great place to enjoy the beauty of the park; as well as provide a centralized meet-up spot.

Overall, I would highly recommend this snack location. It is one of many great options in Magic Kingdom. On multiple days and times, the service was impeccable, and the café was well-stocked and prepared. When Aloha Isle or Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café had very long lines, a visit here was pleasant and convenient.

​Please consider visiting for a Cheshire Cat Tail, Wonderland Slushy, or Cold Brew Coffee on your next vacation. The Cheshire Café is great place to obtain a worthwhile snack.

UPDATE: The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass is available in limited quantities.
If you’ve already purchased your party ticket, you can modify it to a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass by calling the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 939-4295 for information or visit any theme park ticket window.

Walt Disney World has just launched a brand new ticket that will allow guests to attend 35 out of 36 of the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties this year.
​The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass includes admission to all party nights with the exception of Thursday, October 31. We’ve confirmed that guests with this pass will be able to get into sold-out parties as well.
The cost of the pass is $299 plus tax for guests ages 10 and up, and $284 plus tax for guests ages 3-9.

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First Look: Disney’s Newest ‘Cinderella Pony’ at Walt Disney World Resort
Before heading into the weekend, we wanted to share a first photo of an adorable new addition to Cinderella’s royal family –  our newest “Cinderella Pony” named Lilly.
Lilly, named after Walt Disney’s wife, was born in March and became the first white Shetland pony ever born at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.   Her mother, “Lady” and father “Ferdinand” are Shetland Ponies, but not just any Shetland Ponies.   Both are Cinderella’s ponies that pull her iconic pumpkin coach for Disney’s Fairytale Weddings and parades at the Magic Kingdom Park. 
When Lilly turns two, she’ll begin training to pull Cinderella’s magical coach and then could make her debut as part of the team a year later.  Until then, Lilly is currently making appearances in our show pasture near the barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for a few hours each day.  
A team of 35 ranch hands care for Lilly and 90 other horses and ponies that support our daily operation of carriage, wagon, pony and trail rides, along with special events that add that special sparkle across the Walt Disney World Resort.  

Today the Walt Disney Company announced it is committing $5 million to aid in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris following the devastating fire that severely damaged the historic landmark this week.
“Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Photo Credit Disney

Oga’s CantinaGuests will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages such as Bespin Fizz, Bloody Rancor, Dagobah Slug Slinger, Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, Spriran Caf, T-16 Skyhopper, and Yub Nub. Non-alcoholic drinks include Black Spire Brew, Blue Bantha, Carbon Freeze, Cliff Dweller, Hyperdrive Punch It!, Jabba Juice, Moogan Tea, and Tarine Tea; and provisions include a Cantina mix.
It’s also mentioned that drinks will be the same at BOTH Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of Galaxy’s Edge.

Smoked Kaadu Ribs – Country Sticky Pork Ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw – Image via Disney

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The Outpost Mix – A popcorn treat featuring savory, spicy and sweet flavors – Image via Disney

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Milk StandGuests will be able to grab the iconic blue milk first seen in Star Wars: A New Hope, and green milk, introduced in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Ronto Roasters’Here guests will be able to try the Meiloorun Juice, the Turkey Jerky, and the Ronto Wrap filled with spiced grilled sausage and roasted pork. Guests will also be able to choose from a variety of exotic non-alcoholic drinks, like the Sour Sarlacc or Tatooine Sunset.

​Docking Bay 7 FoodEntrees will include the Braised Shaak Roast, featuring beef pot roast with cavatelli pasta, kale, and mushrooms; the Fried Endorian Tip-Yip, a decadent chicken dish with roasted vegetable mash and herb gravy; the Felucian Garden Spread, a plant-based kefta “meatball” dish with herb hummus and tomato-cucumber relish with pita bread; the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” dish served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce; the Smoked Kaadu Ribs, featuring smoked country sticky pork ribs with blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw; the Oven-roasted Burra Fish, featuring Dijon-crusted sustainable fish with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; the Oven-roasted Tip Yip, featuring roasted chicken with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds with a creamy green curry ranch dressing; and the Yobshrimp Noodle Salad, a marinated noodle salad with chilled shrimp. Dessert options include a raspberry crème puff with passion fruit mousse and chocolate cake with white chocolate mouse and coffee custard. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo has two children’s menu options: fried chicken with macaroni and cheese; and chilled shrimp with vegetables and rice noodle salad (with sweet orange dressing).

​Ralph Breaks the Internet is set to debut in theaters this November 21st, so it should come as no surprise that guests will have new opportunities to meet the Wreck-It Ralph series’ two stars throughout the Disney Parks.
Here is where you’ll be able to find Ralph and Vanellope in the very near future:

• Disney California Adventure – Disneyland Resort: The pair will be in Hollywood Land starting November 9th.
• Epcot – Walt Disney World Resort: Beginning November 21st — the day of Ralph Breaks the Internet‘s release — guests can meet Ralph and Vanellope in Innoventions West. Disney also announced that “a new experiment will soon be underway at the Imagination Institute, creating a portal into other dimensions. This winter, that portal opens a window on the internet for Ralph and Vanellope to step through for regular encounters with Epcot guests in the ImageWorks area of the Imagination! pavilion.”

While vacation we noticed  a cast member friend at PizzeRizzo has reported that “they were told today the restaurant is closing permanently around October 20.”
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For those who are not aware, PizzeRizzo is the Quick Service restaurant near Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano that used to be Pizza Planet. The restaurant has two levels and tons of seating including a large outdoor patio which overlooks the Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

There is all kinds of speculation on the boards of what could be going on from a menu rework – which many would agree needs to happen – to a complete rehab including re-theming. Some posters have even suggested that the restaurant may somehow become a part of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, although that would involve a whole lot of changing up, so there are a lot of doubts on it too.

Earlier this year, Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom had no availability for Advanced Dining Reservations to be made between the dates of August 20 and August 24, 2018, due to a short refurbishment.
It appears as though that refurbishment was cancelled as there are now all kinds of available dining times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all of those dates.

​If you’re going to be at the Walt Disney World Resort during that week and want to give the brand new Prix Fixe Dinner Menu a try, hurry and call (407) WDW-DINE, head over to the official Disney website or your My Disney Experience app, and secure your reservations now.

According to recent job listings, restaurateur Robert Earl and chef Guy Fieri, who teamed up on the new concept for the Planet Hollywood Observatory, will be also be opening a new quick serve location at Disney Springs!
The new restaurant, Chicken Guy, is now hiring for cooks, cashiers, hosts, dining room attendants, and dishwashers. The restaurant is holding opening interviews this week at the Wyndham in Lake Buena Vista. Apply in person on June 20, 21, and 22 from 9am to 6pm each day.
The new restaurant will feature food that is “made from scratch and fresh-to-order,” with a menu that will include sandwiches, salads, wraps, and soups.
There is no word on an opening date for Chicken Guy.

After a week of testing by Annual Passholders, the Disneyland Resort has made its new Mobile Order service available to everyone.
Guests can now use the Disneyland App on their smartphone to choose from 15 participating restaurants, select their arrival time, choose their food…even customizing items, then place their order and pay using the app. Annual Passholders can even apply any discounts that are available.
Once at the restaurant, the order should be ready for pickup from a special window, saving value park time!
At Disneyland Park, Mobile Order is available at : Bengal Barbecue, Galactic Grill, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, and Red Rose Taverne.
California Adventure eateries include: Award Wieners, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Corn Dog Castle, Flo’s V8 Cafe, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Paradise Garden Grill, and Smokejumpers Grill.

Source: Disney Park Blog

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This week, The Crystal Palace and The Plaza Restaurant joined the growing list of table service locations that serve alcohol in Magic Kingdom Park.
The Crystal Palace, which features a popular character buffet, now serves a selection of beer, hard cider, wine, and a mimosa. Here’s the full list of new drink options:
Beer and Hard Cider (16 oz. can)

• Bud Light Lager  – $7.25
• Michelob Ultra Lager – $7.75
• Blue Moon Belgian White – $7.75
• Angry Orchard Crisp Apple – $8.50

Wine

Sparkling
Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut – $9 (Glass) / $39 (Bottle)
White

• Fess Parker Riesling – $9 (Glass)/$39 (Bottle)
• Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc – $9 (Glass)/$39 (Bottle)
• Cambria ‘Benchbreak’ Chardonnay – $11 (Glass)/$49 (Bottle)

Red

• MacMurray Estate Pinot Noir – $13 (Glass)/$55 (Bottle)
• F. Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot – $10 (Glass)/$45 (Bottle)

Cocktail

• Mimosa – $10.00​
• ​​The Plaza Restaurant is also offering a selection of beer, wine, and a cocktail. Here’s their new drink list, which is almost identical to the offerings at The Crystal Palace:
• Beer (16 oz. can)
• Bud Light – $7.25
• Michelob Ultra Lager – $7.75
• Blue Moon Belgian White – $7.75
• Cigar City Jai Alai – $9.25
• Wine
• Sparkling
• 
  Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut – $9 (Glass) / $39 (Bottle)
• White
• Fess Parker Riesling – $9 (Glass)/$39 (Bottle)
• Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc – $9 (Glass)/$39 (Bottle)
• Cambria ‘Benchbreak’ Chardonnay – $11 (Glass)/$49 (Bottle)​
  • Red
• MacMurray Estate Pinot Noir – $13 (Glass)/$55 (Bottle)
• J. Lohr ‘Seven Oaks’ Cabernet Sauvignon – $9 (Glass)/$39 (Bottle)
  • Cocktail 
    Sangria – $10.25 
    
    With the addition of The Crytal Palace and The Plaza Restaurant, there are now seven restaurants that serve alcohol in Magic Kingdom Park. The list includes the following:
• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Liberty Tree Tavern
• Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
• Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
• The Crystal Palace
• The Plaza Restaurant      
•         Be Our Guest was the first restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park to offer beer and wine with dinner when it opened in 2012. Other restaurants started adding alcoholic beverages to their menus in 2016.

The Green Army Men that walk Hollywood Studios were given a new look! Disney had previously reported the change was on its way in time for the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30th at Hollywood Studios.  Today they were seen outside of the Pop Century Resort meeting with guest and trying out the new uniforms.  The most obvious change to the Green Army Men’s costume is that we can now see their faces!  With green face paint and some army glasses, these soldiers are ready for action.

You can get a FREE dining plan for your kids (ages 3 to 9) when you book a non-discounted 3-night, 3-day Magic Your Way package for you and the kid(s) that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets, and a dining plan. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights from May 28 through August 30, 2018 when booked through August 1, 2018.
All 3 dining plans – Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan, and Disney Deluxe Dining Plan – are eligible with this offer, but everyone on the reservation must be on the same package.
Planning a longer stay? Check availability for packages that can accommodate other lengths of stay and party sizes!

Book between: March 21 – August 1, 2018
Travel window: most nights May 28 – August 30, 2018
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use or by 12/31/19. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Kids must be in the same room as adult. Disney dining plans exclude gratuities. Children ages 3-9 must order from the children's menu, if applicable. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase. Theme Park admission is required for some dining locations.

With Pixar Fest coming up quick, it’s no surprise that the Disneyland Monorail is also getting in on the celebration.
​The sleek mode of Disneyland transportation received a Pixar overlay featuring Mr. Incredible, Jack Jack, Dash, Elastigirl, Violet, Frozone, and of course, Edna as the theme parks continue preparation of their first Pixar Fest.

Pixar Fest is a celebration of all things Pixar at both Disneyland theme parks which begins April 13 and runs through September 3. The fun continues into the summer with the June 23rd opening of Pixar Pier.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is set to hit theatres on May 25, 2018, and to keep the Star Wars momentum going in the Disney theme parks, the Star Wars: Galactic Nights event will feature exclusive content from the film.
Actor Joonas Suotamo who plays Chewbacca in Solo: A Star Wars Story is set for a special appearance at the event. The event’s Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away presentation will feature new video bits from Solo: A Star Wars Story. The nighttime projection show, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, will present a new sequence taken right from the film.
Guests will find event-exclusive merchandise from the film and treats as well such as a Star Wars-themed cupcake with a glowing Millennium Falcon and more.
Tickets are on sale now for Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and DVC Members. Call 407-W-DISNEY or (407) 934-7639 for details and reservations.
Source: Disney Parks Blog

August 17, 24, 31; September 7, 14, 21, 25 - Advance Sale Adult $79, Child $74. Same Day Sale Adult $89, Child $84.
August 28; September 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 - Advance Sale Adult $75, Child $70. Same Day Sale Adult $85, Child $80.
September 28, 30; October 2, 4 - Advance Sale Adult $89, Child $84. Same Day Sale Adult $99, Child $94.
October 5, 12, 19, 26, 28, 30 - Advance Sale Adult $119, Child $114. Same Day Adult $119, Child $114.
October 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 - Advance Sale Adult $99, Child $94. Same Day Adult $109, Child $104. 
October 31 - Adult $125, Child $120.
2018 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party DVC and Passholder advance sale pricing. Specially priced tickets must be purchased in advance and are available to Passholders with Premier Passport, Platinum Plus Pass, Platinum Pass, Gold Pass, Silver Pass, Weekday Select or Epcot After 4 Annual Pass. Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to three guests. Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to seven guests.
August 17, 24, 31; Sept. 7, 14, 21, 25 - Adult $74, Child $69.
August 28; September 3, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 - Adult $70, Child $65.
September 28, 30; October 2, 4 - Adult $84, Child $79.
October 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23 - Adult $94, Child $89.