Category: News

2018 Foodie Guide For Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure
Disney Festival of Holidays returns to Disney California Adventure park on Nov. 9 with music, dance, and diverse cultural festivities. At the event, you can enjoy the Festive Foods Marketplace featuring 12 delicious destinations!

This Foodie Guide has everything you need to know about this year’s marketplaces. You can even grab a Disney Festival of Holidays Tasting Passport at any of the marketplaces to guide you on your yummy holiday journey.

As you visit each marketplace, get your passport stamped and when you’ve filled your passport, you’ll get a special completion stamp! Take a look below at some of the tasty foods you’ll encounter on your adventure.

Merry Mashups
Food:
- Turkey & Stuffing Tamale with Cranberry Relish
- Lox & Everything Bagel Nachos
- “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron
Beverages:
- Sparkling Wine Punch with Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine and Lime Sherbet
- Holiday Punch with Lime Sherbet and Sprite (non-alcoholic)
Winter Wonders
Food:
- Pumpkin Soup with Maple Cashew Cream
- Chana Masala with Grilled Garlic Naan
- Vanilla and Cranberry Trifle
Beverages:
- Pomegranate Lemonade (non-alcoholic)
Brews & Bites
Food:
- Chorizo Queso Fundido with House-made Tortilla Chips
Beverages:
- Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co., Paradise Rd, Pilsner
- North Coast Brewing Co., Blue Star, Wheat
- Brewery Ommegang, Rosetta, Aged Cherry Ale
- Deschutes Brewery, Mirror Pond, Pale Ale
- Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Boont, Amber Ale
- Aftershock Brewing Co., Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ale
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Isomerizer, IPA
- New Belgium Brewing Company, Accumulation, White IPA
- Cigar City Brewing, Maduro, Brown Ale
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company, 9 Bonfires Blazing, Golden Stout
- Legends Brewery, Cookies Galore, Chocolate Cookie Milk Stout
Festive Progressive Flight:
- Figueroa Mountain Paradise Rd Pilsner
- Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale
- Karl Strauss Isomerizer IPA
- Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale
Flavors of the Season Flight
- Ommegang Rosetta Cherry Ale
- Aftershock Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Ale
- Karl Strauss 9 Bonfires Blazing Golden Stout
- Legends Cookies Galore Milk Stout
Favorite Things
Food:
- Holiday Ham Shanks with Brown Sugar-Pineapple Glaze
- Reuben Potato Tots with Russian Dressing and Rye Toast
Beverages:
- Cranberry Sangria with Lime Garnish
- Eggnog Cocktail with Whipped Cream and Nutmeg Dusting
Holiday Duets
Food:
- Curry Cauliflower Soup with Braised Lamb and Mintchurri
- Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage
- Holiday Mickey and Minnie Cookies
Beverages:
- Ballast Point Brewing Company, Spruce Tip Sculpin, IPA
- Warm Peppermint Chocolate Float with Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream and Peppermint Crumbles
Visions of Sugarplums
Special Offering:
- Sweet Dreams and Milk – Horizon Organic Lowfat Milk and Choice of Dessert
Food:
- Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce
- White Chocolate Cranberry Blondie
- Eggnog Wreath Éclair with White Chocolate Icing
- Horchata Fudge
Beverages:
- Warm Bourbon Cider with House-made Bourbon-infused Marshmallow
- S’mores Frozen Chocolate Milk with House-made Toasted Marshmallow-infused Whipped Cream, Graham Cracker Crumble and Chocolate Drizzle (non-alcoholic)
- Horizon Organic Lowfat Milk
Blissfully Braised
Food:
- Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice
- Cornbread Cakes with Braised Collard Greens and Smoked Bacon Gravy
Beverages:
- Blood Orange Ginger Mule with a Rosemary Sprig
Grandma’s Recipes
Food:
- Beef Pot Roast on a Potato Roll with Horseradish Cream
- Candied Yams with Marshmallow Cream and Toasted Pecans
- Gingerbread Mickey
Beverages:
- Wyder’s Cider, Hard Pear Cider
- Towne Park Brew Co, Gose Fresca
- Avery Brewing, White Rascal, Belgian-Style White Ale
- Smog City Brewing Co., Snugglebug, Sour Blonde Ale
- Merry Cherry Pineapple Punch with Red Maraschino Cherries (non-alcoholic)
Tart & Fruity Flight:
- Pear – Wyder’s Cider, Hard Pear Cider
- Watermelon, Lime, Hibiscus & Cayenne – Towne Park Brew Co, Gose Fresca
- Orange – Avery Brewing, White Rascal, Belgian-Style White Ale
- Boysenberry & Raspberry – Smog City Brewing Co., Snugglebug, Sour Blonde Ale
Spicy Celebrations
Food:
- Nashville Hot Fried Turkey with Dill Pickles
- Jalapeño Latkes with Chipotle Crema
- Chocolate Chipotle Pot de Crème
Beverages:
- Pomegranate Margarita with Chipotle-smoked Sea Salt Half-Rim
A Twist on Tradition
Food:
- Pozole Rojo Beef with Hominy Polenta
- “Chicken-less” Mole with Spanish Rice
- Black Forest Yule Log
Beverages:
- Winter Michelada with Modelo Negra and Brown Sugar Rim
- Modelo Negra, Dark Lager
Winter Sliderland
Food:
- Roasted Turkey Slider with Cranberry Sauce
- Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese
- Milk Chocolate Candy Cane Pot de Crème
Beverages:
- Frosty Frosé with Fleurs de Prairie Rosé, Blue Curaçao, and White Cranberry Juice served frozen with Mint Sprig
- Oskar Blues Brewery, Old Chub, Scotch Ale
Making Spirits Bright
Beverages:
- Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
- Baileyana, Firepeak, Chardonnay, Edna Valley
- Bartenura, Moscato, Italy
- MacMurray Ranch Estate, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
- Joel Gott, Zinfandel, California
- Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
- Chandon, Sparkling Wine, Brut, California
Mimosa Flight:
- Pomegranate Mimosa
- Pear Mimosa
- White Cranberry Mimosa
White Wine Flight:
- Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
- Baileyana, Firepeak, Chardonnay, Edna Valley
- Bartenura, Moscato, Italy
Red Wine Flight:
- MacMurray Ranch Estate, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
- Joel Gott, Zinfandel, California
- Rodney Strong, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
In addition, available for all guests is the Sip and Savor Pass, which gives you the opportunity to taste your way through your choice of eight different dishes or non-alcoholic beverages from participating Festive Food Marketplaces. This pass can be purchased at various locations throughout the park, including Festival Merchandise Carts, Seaside Souvenirs, Kingswell Camera Shop, and Rushin’ River Outfitters.

This special holiday festival runs through Jan. 8.
November 1, 2018
Mickey Mouse ABC TV Special Airs This Weekend Celebrating 90 Years

Mickey Mouse is turning 90 this year and the iconic character is getting his own prime-time TV special that will air this weekend on ABC.

You can celebrate 90 years of the one-and-only Mickey Mouse in a two-hour, prime-time special airing this Sunday, November 4 starting at 8:00 p.m. EST. From the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, the elegant affair will feature star-studded musical performances, moving tributes and never-before-seen short films.

You can watch the dazzling special on the ABC app from your smartphone and tablet (iOS and Android), computer on ABC.com and connected devices (Roku, AppleTV and Amazon Fire TV). Take a look at the trailer below.

Superstars from music, film and television will join the festivities to celebrate the birthday of the internationally beloved character, including Kristen Bell, Sofia Carson, Tony Hale, Sarah Hyland, Sklyar Astin, Kelsea Ballerini, Miles Brown, Anna Camp, Josh Gad, Wendy McLendon-Covey and Sage Steele. There will also be special musical performances by Josh Groban, NCT 127, Leslie Odom Jr., Meghan Trainor, Zac Brown Band, Luis Fonsi and Tori Kelly.

Since his big-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on Nov. 18, 1928, Mickey has been the global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company. From the beloved Mickey Mouse Club to today’s Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, Mickey’s optimistic outlook and endearing personality continue to delight fans around the world every day.

Disney Parks will continue the celebration with special in-park activations at all six Disney resorts around the world, bringing the party well into the New Year for all things Mickey Mouse.

November 1, 2018
Ribbon Cutting of the Re-Imagined World of Disney at Disney Springs

As we previously reported, World of Disney in Disney Springs opened to the public after a year of renovations. Saturday, October 27th, was their official Ribbon Cutting celebration and we can report we have found the Magic everyone has been looking for!

As Disney Imagineers began to work on re-imagining the old World of Disney they uncovered even more hidden Disney magic. You see, this used to be an old Farmer’s Market. After being abandoned for many years, it was taken over by young designers and artists who turned it into a bustling Disney animation studio. They moved on to Hollywood Studios, but this remodel has uncovered all the magic they left behind!

Vintage line drawings from the Disney vault hang on the wall, and come alive before your eyes. The exposed brick you’ll see throughout the store is all reclaimed from old buildings. Jars of paint left over from the artists decorate the shelves, and if you wait and watch you might even find a little pixie dust was left behind with the jars that helps other paintings dance and play. (Check out the video on Instagram: @MerlinsCauldron) If you look closely you’ll even see a subtle nod to Mickey in the jars of paint.

Look out for moving projections on the floors and walls. We were informed by Disney Cast Members that these will updated with the season’s, holiday’s, and when new Disney movies come out. So there will always be something new to see! The wall behind Belle is a montage of classic and new Disney Princesses, with a fireworks show at the end. If it’s quiet in the store you can even hear the fireworks going off!

The chandeliers above Cinderella are made of tiara’s and wands sold in the store, and Cinderella and Belle’s dresses are made up of hundreds of princess dolls.

There’s even magic at the registers, which are made from Imagineering desks. They’re full of classic movie references, and are covered with Disney doodles.

Stay tuned for an upcoming video walkthrough to be posted on the Disney Dorks Facebook page. On your next visit to the re-imagined World of Disney take time to look for any hidden details I might have missed, and let us know in the comments what you think of the big reveal!

October 30, 2018
Pirates Of The Caribbean May Reboot Without Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp may have walked the plank as Jack Sparrow for the last time according to some reports. A “Pirates Of The Caribbean” exec hinted recently that the actor would not appear in the newly planned reboot of the franchise.

The 55-year-old has played Jack Sparrow in the films for the past 15 years, but he will reportedly no longer be part of the films as Disney Studios plan a reboot.

As Disney Studios confirm they are planning a major reboot for the franchise, script writer Stuart Beattie revealed in an interview with DailyMailTV that they were planning on reworking the whole franchise – and implying that Johnny Depp might not appear in the reboot.

“I think he’s had a great run”, the writer said of Johnny Depp’s 15 years playing Jack Sparrow. “Obviously, he’s made that character his own and it’s become the character he’s most famous for now. And kids all over the world love him as that character so I think it’s been great for him, it’s been great for us, so I’m just very, very happy about it.”

He went on to say that playing the pirate will be Depp’s “legacy” as “it’s the only character he’s played five times”, adding that it was the franchise that helped him to establish himself as an actor.

Screenrant reported back in August that, Disney is keen to bring Joachim Ronning back to direct a sixth Pirates movie, which would likely focus on the new, younger cast members; Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner, and Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth.

According to Deadline, Disney has had early talks with Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick about writing a script.

It is not known why Depp has been dropped from the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, but Depp’s private life has been seriously marred recently by allegations of abuse from ex-wife Amber Heard, of substance abuse, of his treatment of cast and crew, and his general behavior on set.

At this point, it’s unclear if the statements would mean the end of Depp’s role as Jack Sparrow. Only time will tell.

October 28, 2018
Disney-Inspired Dream Home With Mickey Mouse Pool Hits the Market for $850K

If you can’t live in Disney World, then this is the next best thing! A Disney-themed home located in Palm Bay, Florida went up for sale this week and it is absolutely magical.

The 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home is listed for $849,000 and sits about an hour away from the Orlando theme park. The estate is situated an eight-acre lot and is every Disney lovers dream home.

The front yard has a lagoon in the shape of a classic silhouetted Mickey. The backyard has a massive Mickey–shaped, resort-style pool and hot tub, complete with a stone-enclosed waterfall, a tiki-style hut, a grotto, and a walking bridge.

On the inside, the home has Disney touches from corner to corner. Multiple rooms throughout the house feature large character murals on brightly colored walls.

Other rooms, like the kitchen, include tasteful touches such as small character paintings above the stove, or a mouse-shaped mirror in the bathroom.

The home’s front door even pays homage to The Mouse with a stained glass window adorned with an image of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The entryway shows even more Disney artwork. From a floor-to-ceiling mural of Cinderella at her castle with Mickey, Donald and Goofy near a moat, to another of Snow White and her woodland creatures painted directly on the wall near the stairs.

The magical Mickey Mouse house is listed with Dave Settgast with Treasure Coast Sotheby’s International Realty. After just over a week on the market, the home is already under offer.

October 27, 2018
New Vintage Mickey Mouse Club Collection Debuts at Disney Parks

If you’ve been a fan of the Mickey Mouse Club, then you’re going to love this new collection. Inspired by the classic show, the new line features tees, jackets, and accessories that feature the iconic logo and everyone’s favorite hat accessory.

You’ll love these Mickey Mouse Club Hat wristlets! I’m just in love with the sequined one!

This letterman jacket is the perfect vintage style to match the Mickey Mouse Club logo.

You can find the collection at the newly reimagined World of Disney at Disney Springs and soon at Downtown Disney!

October 26, 2018
Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party Coming to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the season takes place on November 8th and now the party just got a little bigger. Today, Disney announced an all-new dining package called Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party which will offer appetizers, desserts and drinks to guests at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.

At this new and special experience beginning at 9:30 p.m., you can pop in and out at your leisure and indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony’s famous meatballs, mini hand-tossed pizzas, boursin-stuffed artichoke and more! And if you’re wanting to satisfy that sweet tooth, then you can snack on pumpkin tartlets, Yule Logs, cannoli, Christmas cookies, and red velvet cupcakes.

To go along with this festive array of dishes, raise a glass to the spirit of the season with a selection of complementary beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. While you eat, enjoy a holiday atmosphere and views of Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A.

The party doesn’t stop there! At 11:00 p.m., you’ll have access to a special reserved viewing area for the truly enchanting Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. The festive procession includes dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney characters in their holiday finery. And the party continues until 12:30 a.m., even longer than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party is available for $99 per person every Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event night at Magic Kingdom Park. Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend.

Reservations will be available to everyone beginning October 30. Annual Passholders and DVC Members will be able to enjoy a 1-day exclusive early booking window on October 29.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

October 26, 2018
New Parking Lot Entrance for Hollywood Studios Opens on November 8

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been undergoing its largest expansion in decades with the recent opening of Toy Story Land and the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. To accommodate all the new additions, a new entrance for vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening and it will change how guests arrive and access parking at the theme park.

Disney is currently reimagining Disney’s Hollywood Studios and preparing for the park’s exciting 30th anniversary in 2019. Along with the work, they are also transforming the park’s arrival experience to make it easier and more convenient to come and go.

Looking at the map you’ll see the transportation change you need to be aware of. Beginning November 8, guests driving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will use the new entrance and exit located off of Osceola Parkway. The current main entrance off World Drive and Osceola Parkway will be repurposed for Disney cast members only and the satellite entrance on Buena Vista Drive will be dedicated to buses.

When the new entrance opens, drivers will just need to spot one of the many updated roadway signs throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to easily navigate to the Disney Hollywood Studios parking lot. Vehicles coming from southbound Victory Way will also find a connecting road leading to the park.

Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for future updates on work to improve the arrival experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including expanded parking, adjusted tram lanes, additional bus parking and the Disney Skyliner.

October 25, 2018
Guide to Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Worldwide Celebrations
It was all started by a mouse. Now 90 years later, we are in party-prep mode for the birthday of the one and only Mickey Mouse and there are going to be celebrations all over the world.

With a milestone as big as 90 years, one party simply will not do! That’s why Mickey’s birthday celebration will span across the globe with a series of events at all Disney Parks sites around the world, including the previously announced World’s Biggest Mouse Party – a limited-time, global celebration of Mickey and Minnie.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will celebrate Mickey’s birthday from November 16-18 with special merchandise and food & beverage items as well as the chance for guests to celebrate. Sing “Happy Birthday” along with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A., and join in a special birthday dance party at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Then in 2019, Walt Disney World will continue celebrating when World’s Biggest Mouse Party comes to the resort.
- Disneyland Resort in California will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse on November 18, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. The party continues when World’s Biggest Mouse Party begins at Disneyland Resort in 2019.
- Disney Cruise Line will join the celebration when World’s Biggest Mouse Party takes to the seas in 2019.
- Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first to kick off World’s Biggest Mouse Party with a brand-new Mickey-themed float at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Tourism Festival on September 15 to commemorate the Shanghai launch of World’s Biggest Mouse Party. At Shanghai Disneyland, a giant birthday card will be installed next to “Storytellers” statue, featuring birthday wishes from Mickey’s pals. From November 16-18, guests will enjoy themed food and merchandise offerings as well as the opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mickey just before the nighttime spectacular show each evening, all culminating with a special nighttime birthday spectacular at Enchanted Storybook Castle on November 18.
- Hong Kong Disneyland will begin its World’s Biggest Mouse Party activations on Mickey’s birthday, November 18, with commemorative park tickets, special food & beverage and merchandise, a hotel room overlay and “We Love Mickey” projection show through February 2019. And Hong Kong Disneyland guests will receive special birthday stickers, available only on November 18.
- Tokyo Disney Resort will join the celebration this fall with special decorations and merchandise.
- Disneyland Paris will celebrate the World’s Biggest Mouse Party this fall and into winter with new holiday season entertainment and special surprises.
“As Walt said, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse’,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “From ‘The True Original Exhibition’ to a year-long celebration in our parks around the world, we are honoring the deep connection that families and fans have made with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for nearly a century.”

Mickey’s 90th is definitely a “mouse”-do this fall! With so many birthday parties to choose from, one question remains: which will you be a part of?
October 23, 2018
New Cheshire Cat Slushy Will Be Blowing Up Your Instagram Soon

We’re all mad here… Mad for a good slushy that is. Disney is debuting a new tasty Cheshire Cat slushy at Magic Kingdom Park next month.

This one comes with layers of purple grape and pink raspberry lemonade slush and a pink rock candy straw.

It looks delish and will surely make a great selfie op and certainly it’s going to make for some great Instagram posts when you’re decked out in your Alice in Wonderland swag riding the tea cups!

The Wonderland Slushy will be available starting November 7 at Cheshire Café.

Cheshire Café is a quick service restaurant in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It serves juice drinks, frozen lemonade, snacks and breakfast cereals.

October 21, 2018