Hello, sunshine! Sweet, sweet summertime is here in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, where the vibes are cool, the trends are hot and the treats will have you smiling ear to ear! Here’s a handy list of some fan favorites created just in time for your next visit:

Eat! From innovative and delicious snacks to delectable meals, Downtown Disney District has got your cravings covered!

• Soak up the California sunshine dining al fresco at one of the welcoming outdoor patios including La Brea Bakery Café, Tortilla Jo’s, and recently reopened Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Splitsville Luxury Lanes is offering a refreshing Watermelon Smash cocktail and the Ninja Crunch sushi roll, while Tortilla Jo’s is featuring a Baja ceviche, a strawberry-mint margarita and pineapple mojitos. Catal has a Skuna Bay salmon dish and Naples presents a lovely caprese salad. And let’s not forget the Cuban sandwich at Earl of Sandwich. Delish!

Insider tip: Many locations offer dining reservations seven days a week including Naples Ristorante e Bar and Catal Restaurant. Check restaurant reservation availability on the Disneyland app or Disneyland.com.

• Snacking is kind of a big deal here! Sweet choices range from handmade ice cream from Salt & Straw, seasonal beignets from Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express, S’more cupcakes at Sprinkles, and the adorable watermelon caramel apple dipped with chocolate and marshmallows at Marceline’s Confectionery.

Most items are for a limited time, so you may just need to try them all!

Shop! Looking for the latest summer styles that are easy and breezy? Summer shopping is plentiful in the Downtown Disney District.

• Make a splash with these cute charms from Pandora Jewelry, while you shop for the latest in footwear at California Sole, beachwear at Curl Surf and Resort fashion at The Disney Dress Shop.
• Discover an exciting array of PRIDE merchandise offered at Curl Surf, Sugarboo & Co. and World of Disney, or checkout the latest nuiMOs plush character release.

Explore! In search of an outdoor family-friendly activity or a photographic scavenger hunt? From anamorphic art installations to photo opportunities, there is a lot to discover!

• Come on down to see how things are “lining up” for Mickey Mouse and his pals. These popular anamorphic art installations have been updated and are back this year for guests to enjoy throughout the summer. Check out the pieces from certain vantage points and you’ll see the whole picture!
• Or, pop into the picture with selfie stops including Spider-Man celebrating the opening of Avengers Campus and “Love, Victor” celebrating PRIDE month. Both of these photo opportunities are located near Star Wars Trading Post. There is also a limited-time photo stop of the Cruella-mobile available through August 1, 2021 located toward the east end of the district.

Summertime brings so many great things to see and do in Downtown Disney District. Where will you eat, shop or explore first?

Walt Disney World Resort has even more reasons to get excited about visiting in May and beyond! You’ll be able to see beloved characters when Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort reintroduces an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner starring the Fab Five. Over at the EPCOT Resort area, you’ll be able to once again enjoy seaside meals when Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens, and, get your taste buds ready for the re-opening of Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Chef Mickey’s Dinner

Starting May 16, Chef Mickey’s will offer an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner that will include “no touch” appearances like snapping a selfie or waving hello as Mickey Mouse and some of his favorite pals make surprising appearances in each of the dining rooms. Similar to other character dining locations, Guests will take home a souvenir with character signatures and colorful artwork.

Seeing your favorite characters isn’t all you can look forward to at Chef Mickey’s! The dinner menu will include items for the whole family, like starters of “Chef Mickey’s Caesar,” citrus-poached shrimp salad, and assorted breads; main courses of gnocchi, roasted garlic potato Gratin, plant-based faro wheat fried rice, prime rib, roasted turkey, and salmon; and an assortment of sweets to top off the meal. Little ones in your family can enjoy mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, turkey corn dog nuggets, and more!

Cape May Café 

If you ever dream of escaping to the beach and enjoying all the delicious food of an oceanside town, you’ll be happy that Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopens on May 18! The New England-style restaurant is a perfect location to refuel before and after a day of adventure at Walt Disney World.

Guests returning to Cape May Café will find old favorites and new changes, along with its signature service and quality. The restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner, but Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not return at reopening.

That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of treats in store! The all-you-care-to enjoy family-style breakfast menu will feature popular staples like pastries (including the layered crispy, cream-filled “Lobster Tail”), omelets, and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waffles. Highlights from dinner will include house-made Parker House rolls and corn bread, a seafood boil with a variety of fresh seafood, The Turf Platter with steak and chicken, and – my personal favorite – lobster mac and cheese.

Bookings for Cape May Café and dinnertime at Chef Mickey’s open on May 7.

Tusker House Restaurant

The guest-favorite character dining location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant, will reopen this summer! During the modified character experience, guests will enjoy delicious family-style entrees inspired by the flavors of Africa and can snap photos of Donald Duck and friends, dressed in their safari best as they promenade through the restaurant. We will share more about the menu and reservation information soon.

Disney looks forward to welcoming you back to Cape May Café and for dinnertime at Chef Mickey’s later this month. And they can’t wait for you to savor the delicious African-inspired fare at Tusker House Restaurant in the coming months. Stay tuned for more scrumptious details and foodie news in the coming weeks!

This Walt Disney World Resort edition of Best Bites is jam-packed with a new opening announcement, fun menu offerings, and, of course, all things to celebrate a favorite day of the year for fans of Star Wars – May the 4th Be With You! Read on for all the delicious details.

Counting down to May the 4th Be With You! Check out all the creative tastes and sips.

Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs

• The Child Mini Dome Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with cookies and cream mousse (available April 30-May 5)

The Ganachery at Disney Springs

• Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop – Milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls (available April 30-May 5)

Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

• Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft Serve Sundae – Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon chocolate accent piece (available May 2-5)

For guests that have reservations to Disney Hollywood Studios May 4 and 5, you can find these fun galactic treats!

Churro Cart, Anaheim Produce, and Grand Ave. Cart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Lightsaber Churros – Red or blue churro lightsabers served with chocolate sauce for dipping (available May 4 and 5)

Epic Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Galactic Swirl Funnel Cake – Black and white funnel cake with strawberries, space dust, and candy rocks (available May 4 and 5)

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Oi-Oi Puff – Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (available May 4 and 5)

Hyperion, Animation, and Hollywood Popcorn Carts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Interstellar Sweet and Crunchy Popcorn (available May 4 and 5)

The Trolley Car Café, PizzeRizzo, and Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Dark Side Chocolate Creation – Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse topped with slivered almonds sitting on a chocolate shortbread cookie (available May 4 and 5)

Oasis Canteen, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Sunshine Day Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Cosmic Rum Punch – Coconut rum, rum, pineapple juice, Minute Maid Lemonade, and grenadine served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)

Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Jettison Juice – Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon beverage syrup served with a glow cube (available May 4 and 5)
• Darth Vader Stein served with fountain drink (available at all locations May 4 and 5. After May 4, Backlot Express, ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American will continue to offer)

They have two new over-the-top shakes you have to try! One comes with a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cake and another with three cake pops! What???!!!

Hollywood Scoops at Disney’s Hollywood Studio

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Explosion Shake – Chocolate ice cream layered with peanut butter sauce topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate peanut butter crumbles and a chocolate-dipped peanut butter cake

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

• Wildberry Shake – Wildberry shake striped with pink and purple marshmallow and topped with whipped cream and three cake pops

The Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues through July 5, and the food is fabulous … and the flowers are beautiful, too! Hard to pick favorites, but right now, folks are craving these delicious bites from the Festival.

• Fleur de Lys (France) – Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel
• EPCOT Farmers Feast (World Showplace) – Herb-crusted spring lamb with marble potatoes, spring vegetables, and red wine-butter sauce
• Taste of Marrakesh (Morocco) – Moroccan seafood couscous with shrimp, mussels, olives, preserved lemons, and anchovy breadcrumbs
• Northern Bloom (Canada) – Griddled maple pound cake with warm peach compote and sweet corn gelato

Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has not one but two “hidden Mickeys” in their Kids’ All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Breakfast Skillet! This hearty and delicious kids’ breakfast skillet includes a Mickey-shaped waffle AND, new to the skillet, Mickey-shaped scrambled eggs! In addition to the Mickey-shaped scrambled eggs and waffle, the kids’ skillet also comes with:

• Country potatoes
• Hickory-smoked bacon
• Breakfast sausage links
• Buttermilk cheddar biscuit
• Sausage gravy

Check out two new offerings at Disney Springs – one savory and one sweet. The best of both worlds!

D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs

• Double Bacon Stack Burger – Two-pressed signature blend patties, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and grilled onions on a house-made Parker House roll

Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs

• Orange slushy topped with vanilla soft-serve

Head over to the Banana Cabana Pool Bar at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, to try the Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding with caramel sauce and ice cream. The best kind of bread pudding – delicious!

We have some sweet goodness to announce! A new gelato location is opening in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT – Gelateria Toscana. Opening in May, this walk-up window will offer gelati, sorbetti, gelati floats, and much more!

• Gelati in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, cookies ‘cream, stracciatella, strawberry, or tiramisù
• Sorbetti in a Waffle Cone or Cup – Lemon, raspberry, mixed berry, or mango
• Gelati Floats – Fior di Latte gelato with your choice of root beer or Coca-Cola
• Coppa del Nonno – Fior di Latte, chocolate, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and amaretti cookies
• Coppa Amicizia – Fior di Latte, cookies ‘n cream, and strawberry gelati with whipped cream
• Coppa Delizia – Fior di Latte, strawberry, and cookies ‘n cream gelati with strawberry sauce and whipped cream
• “Affogato” Espresso Gelato – Fresh Italian espresso poured over Fior di Latte gelato with an amaretto cookie
• Cannoli al Cioccolato – Crisp pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange
• Zeppole –  Soft fried Ricotta cheese fritters dusted with powdered sugar
• Mocha Tiramisù – Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuits, and chocolate
• Specialty non-alcoholic beverages along with cocktails, beer, and wine are also available

Dustin and I get asked all the time “how do you do Disney with Kids?” It’s simple – we don’t, we leave them with Grandpa and Grandma…ok, ok. When we do take the monkeys with us we do have a few tips to make “Traveling to Disney with kids” more enjoyable! 

Tip One 

Invest in a good travel backpack. The one we take happens to be a hiking one, but the purpose is similar. Look for something lightweight, lots of storage capacity, and a plus for us is dual mesh pockets on the sides for water bottle storage. 

Tip Two 

Speaking of water bottles, you’re going to need ‘em. Between the Florida heat and the amount of walking you’ll be doing, you’ll want a good water bottle. Lots to choose from a high-end Yeti that keeps everything cool and crisp to a filtered one that helps remove that (ahem)  unique to Florida flavored taste 😉 

Tip Three 

Snacks! Lots of them! Our kids seem to always be hungry –  like all.the.time. Mom and Dad would go broke if we bought Mickey bars and popcorn every time a mini-Checketts is hungry. So we bring each of our kids their own gallon size ziploc baggie filled with their favorite treats. Think – uncrustables, fruit pouches, string cheese, goldfish crackers, etc. I love that Disney is so family-friendly on this issue and allows outside food & drinks into the parks. 

Tip Four 

Rent a stroller! Not the crappy one from the parks. But a top of the line “City Mini” from our friends at Kingdom Strollers. I can’t tell you how much I love Kingdom Stroller! They have the best selection, excellent customer service, and are just an all-around great company to work with! Easy scheduling on their website or over the phone, then set up a time to meet at your hotel or MCO for pick up & return. 

Tip Five

This one is a no-brainer for us, but we practice what we preach and use MouseDining to get ALL of our Disney dining reservations. It only takes a moment to set a dining alert and saves so much time and all the hassle of checking back, over and over, hoping to find an opening.  Give it a try and you’ll become a believer!

A Disney vacation is truly one of the most memorable things you can do with your family! I hope a few of these insider “Checketts Family” tips come in handy and help make for a magical stay! 

X0X0

-Emily 

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Guests planning ahead for their next Disney Springs visit will not want to miss these sweet new additions!

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Celebrating its grand opening just last weekend, Gideon’s new flagship location is already a popular destination at Disney Springs. Nestled in the heart of The Landing is where Guests will find this incredible bakery packed with handmade, almost half-pound cookies, double frosted cakes, and delicious iced coffees. Not only is the menu amazing, but the dark and mysterious atmosphere themed to an old bookshop creates an unforgettable experience as soon as Guests walk through the door including some interactive elements inside. (Not to give too much away!) Gideon’s Bakehouse carries the same popular menu from their original East End Market location with a few Disney Springs exclusive offerings like the ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie (previously only available one month a year) and hot cookie hour each evening. Due to popular demand, Gideon’s does offer a virtual queue each day so we recommend that Guests arrive early so they can grab their spot in-line and do a little shopping while they wait.

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Open for just a few weeks now at Disney Springs West Side, there is no better foodie destination for any and all donut-loving fans. The menu boasts an impressive selection of both classic donut flavors and over-the-top gourmet creations like Peanut Butter Explosion, Maple Double Bacon and Oreo Supreme just to name a few. And what’s a donut without an awesome cup of joe? Everglazed also specializes in cold brew coffees and even spiked coffees. Other noteworthy items on the menu include their hand-crafted flavored milks, savory breakfast sandwiches, and loaded fries.

Wondermade

Guests will have to make room for “s’more” treats at the new Wondermade pop-up shop located in The Landing just outside of Paddlefish. A local Central Florida brand, Wondermade specializes in hand-crafted marshmallows including flavors such as S’mores, Key Lime Pie, Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel.  Guests ready to indulge in some real luxury can ask about their Gold Champagne flavor hand-covered in 24 karat edible gold.

Coming Soon — M&M’S

As we enter 2021, Guests can get ready to play in a whole new world of color at M&M’S opening soon at Disney Springs West Side! This beloved brand is a guest-favorite and we’re thrilled to share there’s even more to love about M&M’S. Be on the lookout for new Mickey and Minnie Mouse M&M’s designs and packaging sold exclusively at Disney Springs. If that’s not exciting enough, the new store will be filled with their signature chocolate wall and feature a vast assortment of whimsical merchandise, including apparel and accessories.

The wait is finally over! Cast members will begin returning soon to prepare Disney’s Blizzard Beach for its scheduled reopening on March 7, 2021. First opened to the public on April 1, 1995, this spring will kick off Blizzard Beach’s 25^th season. In honor of this exciting news – here are seven fun facts you may not have known about Disney’s wintry-themed water park.

1.Blizzard Beach has a special story all its own 

A ski resort in Florida? You heard that right! As the story goes, a legendary snowstorm in Florida prompted local opportunists to build a ski resort. When Florida’s climate returned to normal temperatures and the snow began to melt, Blizzard Beach was born.

 2. Blizzard Beach is home to one of the fastest waterslides in the world

The ultimate water park thrill ride, Summit Plummet is a 120-foot-tall waterslide with a near-vertical drop. Guests accelerate up to 65 mph on the slide, making it one of the fastest attractions at Walt Disney World.

3. There’s no shortage of tasty treats

From churros to Mickey ice cream bars, you can discover many of your favorite snacks at the Disney Water Parks. There are plenty of menu options to choose from, including these loaded nachos from Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments.

4. The first chairlift in Florida was built at Blizzard Beach

Want to know a Disney secret? This colorful chairlift, built to ferry guests to the top of Mount Gushmore, was the first of its kind in the state of Florida. The chairlift offers a scenic bird’s-eye view of Blizzard Beach and easy access to Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher and Teamboat Springs.

5. There’s a full-service beach bar serving Blizzard Beach-inspired cocktails

Piña CoLAVA anyone? How about a Blue Blizzard Margarita? The Polar Pub serves as Blizzard Beach’s own full-service beach bar and offers specialty cocktails inspired by the park’s stories.

6. Cross Country Creek is one of the longest lazy rivers in the U.S.A.

At 3,000 feet, Cross Country Creek ranks among the longest lazy rivers in the country. It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete one journey around the waterway – depending, of course, on how lazy you want to be!

7. Teamboat Springs is one of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride

One of the world’s longest family whitewater raft ride is none other than Teamboat Springs at Blizzard Beach. Along the winding rapids of Teamboat Springs, guests encounter remnants of the fabled snowstorm in the form of snowshoes, snow shovels, melting icicles and a snow mobile.

Christmas week is here and we’re sharing more #DisneyMagicMoments with a virtual Santa’s workshop of last-minute Disney DIY projects, gifts and inspiring ideas to help create a magical holiday for everyone at home.

Today, we’re reaching into our holiday archives to unwrap some favorite tutorials of the season, including a dazzling DIY Princess Tiana wreath and gorgeous handmade holiday cards from Walt Disney Imagineering.  Our yuletide list of holly-jolly how-tos begins with Mickey Mouse!

Mickey Mouse Snowflakes –  Whether it’s snowing or not, you can create a winter wonderland with this easy DIY project on making Mickey Mouse snowflakes.  Use our special template to make different-sized snowflakes and create your own festive flurry! Find step-by-step instructions here.

Disney Parks Hot Chocolate Gifts – With our special DIY Hot Chocolate Kit tutorials, we’re offering a clever way to gather and display all the ingredients you’d need for Cocoa, Holiday Cocoa, Spicy Cocoa and Salted Caramel Cocoa.  Download step-by-step instructions here and ingredients for each.

Disney Scarves – This dazzling Disney scarf DIY is sure to warm you up this holiday season.  How-to instructions show techniques for adding Disney magic to your own scarf.  Download the stamps and stencils template and the DIY instructions and get your craft on!

Holiday Hostess Gifts- Our friends at Disney Floral & Gifts have several tutorials on how to create heartwarming hostess gifts for the holidays.  Watch the videos above for step-by-step instructions.

Mickey Mouse Inspired Ornament/Gift –  In one of our recent tutorials, Maggie Tompkins, of Jet Plane Mommy, showed us how to make festive Mickey and Minnie mason jar ornaments.  These projects are practically perfect for hanging on your tree or giving as a present. Click here for instructions.

Princess Tiana Wreath & Gingerbread Mickey Ornaments – Our popular #DisneyCreators at Home series is adding to the festive fun with several DIY projects with a Disney twist!

• Follow Nneka Mosley’s (One Handy Momma) step-by-step directions to create a Princess Tiana Wreath that will be the envy of the neighborhood this holiday season.
• With this Gingerbread Mickey template, Leslie Brignac (Minnie Van Mom) created a holiday keepsake that will no doubt become a family treasure. Inspired by her daughter’s Disney themed tree, this can be created at home in six easy steps!

Disney Holiday Cards – Sending and receiving holiday cards is one of the best parts of the season! Add extra flair to your holiday greeting cards with video tips from Walt Disney Imagineer Alisara Tareekes.

Alisara is also sharing instructions on how to add Disney Magic to your holiday thank you notes as well. For more drawing tutorials, check out the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.

Disney Inspired Gift Wrap –  To bring more dazzling Disney Magic to your gifts as well, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide! Download instructions here and templates.

Disney Vacation Countdown – And if you’re planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, we’re sharing a craft that adds even more excitement to counting down the days to your vacation.   It’s easy to create -just print out your favorite themed numbers for a Walt Disney World Vacation Countdown or Disney Parks Holiday Vacation Countdown.

We hope you enjoyed our winter wonderland of projects, gifts and inspiring ideas to add Disney Magic to your celebration.