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Disney News Disney Parks

Tokyo Disneyland Considers Changing Theme of Splash Mountain

Tokyo Disneyland Considers Changing Theme of Splash Mountain Splash Mountain

Rumor has now become fact as the iconic Splash Mountain will be soon transformed into a reimagined ride at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. Instead of Briar Rabbit and friends, a theme that has been seen as problematic due to racial elements in ”Song of the South, ” guests will be greeted with the familiar faces of characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney’s 2009 animated musical. Taking their cue from the United States, Tokyo Disneyland may now follow suit and give their Splash Mountain a makeover.

The log flume ride has been a staple in Tokyo Disneyland since it’s opening in 1992. It, like it’s American counterparts, is based on a 1946 film, “Song of the South,” which has long been accused of racist stereotypes that are incompatible with modern audiences. Oriental Land Co. is the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and they have now been involved in discussions about changing the theme of their Splash Mountain as well.

While many park enthusiasts are disappointed at the proposed change to a classic Disney ride, others have expressed an understanding of the complexity surrounding cultural depictions on Splash Mountain. While the story in “Song of the South” is purely American, representing African American issues, the Japanese have seen this as an opportunity to demonstrate anti-discrimination and unity.

While the final announcement has yet to be made, it seems like it’s only a matter of time until Splash Mountain has turned a new leaf all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Disney

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Attractions, Do and See, Rides, Tokyo, Disneyland Tokyo, Splash Mountain, Splash Mountain refurbishment, Tokyo Disney, Tokyo Disney Resort

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Disney Food Disney Parks

A NEW Limited Time Champagne Margarita Has Popped into Disney Springs!

We’re about to make your Sunday Fun Day a whole lot better (and boozier)!

A NEW Limited Time Champagne Margarita Has Popped into Disney Springs!

Frontera Cocina

If you’re milking that last bit of the weekend before Monday rolls around, you can celebrate those Disney Park Passes you snagged or your return to the Disney World Resorts in Disney Springs with a brand new drink!

Frontera Cocina is debuting a fancy Champagne Margarita (!!!) that you can pair with some Chicken Flautas and all the refried beans your heart desires.

A NEW Limited Time Champagne Margarita Has Popped into Disney Springs!

Champagne Margarita

And, if you just want to stop by for a margarita or two, you can also place an online order to pick up or snag some tacos to-go!

A NEW Limited Time Champagne Margarita Has Popped into Disney Springs!

Frontera Cocina Sign

If you sip on a Champagne Margarita, maybe you can make a toast to all of Frontera Cocina’s great bartenders!

Remember, though Florida has banned alcohol at bars, restaurants that derive more than 50% of their gross revenue from food sales are still allowed to serve! So most of your favorite restaurants at Disney Springs are still open and serving.

What is your favorite thing to get at Frontera Cocina? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Walt Disney World, alcoholic beverages, Champagne Margarita, Disney, disney dining, disney drinks, disney news, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Frontera Cocina

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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Since the Disney Resorts have re-opened and Disney World will be opening for guests soon, there has been plenty of preparation on Disney’s side. Things are being completely changed to ensure guest and cast member safety, and that includes limited theme park capacity!

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Although Disney has sent out surveys to guests who have recently stayed at the Disney Resorts, many guests and readers have given us their own thoughts on the Disney Park Pass reservation system. And, if you happened to book a visit to the parks when they re-open, Disney is looking for your opinion on how well Disney Park Pass works too!

The Disney Park Pass reservation initially went live for resort guests on June 22nd, and it also opened to Annual Passholders and regular ticket holders soon afterwards. While the system has been operating well recently, it debuted with a VERY bumpy start.

However, Disney has only recently sent the survey out after many of the issues with the system were seemingly sorted out.

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

This particular survey we received begins by asking where guests permanently reside and if they were over 18 years old to confirm that they could take part in the survey. Standard stuff.

But Disney also confirmed that we recently booked Disney Park Pass reservations. Interestingly, they were ONLY asking about ONE of our park pass reservations.

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

Since there have been some varied guest experiences, Disney went on to ask about the ease of use for the new system. (While we JUST made this park pass in the last two days, it was easy to do since many of the original issues have been ironed out.)

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

In light of the varying experiences with the Disney Park Pass system, Disney went into depth with how guests feel about how their experiences at Disney World will be affected. The survey asked for opinions on how tricky the situations will be in the parks, the length of wait times, crowds, and more.

THIS is super fascinating that Disney is gauging guest perception based on their own “before you go” marketing and, we assume, opinions gleaned from public discussions on social media.

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

Disney’s trying to figure out the mindset of the guests who are coming into the parks, so that they can use appropriate language and marketing around the experience. After all, how guests perceive their vacation could feel can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. (E.g. if the majority of guests say that they believe that wait times will be longer than in the past, then Disney knows it’s their job to focus on getting the word out that they think wait times could, in fact, be shorter. I mean, maybe. I’m clearly not a marketing professional! But that’s one way they could use this information.)

Plus, Disney wanted to make sure that guests were thoroughly aware of the health and safety regulations across the parks and resorts. This stems back to checking up on their own goal to get the word out to guests as much as possible.

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

Disney went on to ask some more standard questions that we see in most Disney World surveys — checking to see if this was the guest’s first trip to Walt Disney World, and, if not, the dates of the guest’s last trip.

And although the survey did ask earlier about our upcoming resort reservation, it confirmed this fact again…

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

…before diving into more detailed questions that pertained to guests’ specific situations, like income, ages of those in the household, etc.

NEWS! A Disney World Park Pass Experience Survey Has Been Sent To Select Guests…And It’s Got Some Interesting Questions!

Disney Park Pass Survey

So Disney’s listening y’all. At least they’re trying to find out information about our experiences and about how we THINK our experiences could go down when we’re actually in the parks. Fun insight for sure.

What have your experiences been with the Disney Park Pass system? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, Disney Park Pass, disney park pass reservation system, Disney Park Pass System, disney survey, Disney World, Disney World reopening

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Disney Parks

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

The Disney World parks have remained closed since initially shutting their gates on March 16th.

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Magic Kingdom

But with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom set to reopen on July 11th, followed by Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15th, the longest closure in Disney World history will soon be coming to an end.

There will be a number of new health and safety procedures implemented upon reopening, including reduced park capacity with required reservations, limited attractions and entertainment offerings, required face coverings for guests and Cast Members, to name a few.

Despite the planned safety measures, there have still been concerns raised that the parks are reopening too soon. These concerns are heightened by the increasing case numbers in Florida, as highlighted by the closure of recently reopened bars. And since Disneyland has delayed its planned park reopening date of July 17th, some have suggested that Disney World should do the same.

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Tree of Life

So, with all of the buzz around the ever-evolving situation, we asked our Instagram followers, “Do you think it’s too soon to reopen the parks?”

Of the respondents, 57% said yes, they think it’s too soon to reopen the parks, while the remaining 43% said no, they don’t think it’s too soon.

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Pie Chart of Our Readers’ Responses When Asked If They Think It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen

Let’s take a look at some of the responses we received from our readers!

“Yes, It’s Too Soon for the Parks to Reopen.”

Many of those who said they do think it’s too soon for the Disney World parks to reopen pointed to the recent increase of case numbers in Florida. “I think when they made the plan it was fine, but now with the rising [number of] cases it’s too soon.” This was a common concern expressed by those who responded.

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance

Others also pointed out that despite the precautions Disney has taken, there is still no guarantee that other guests will follow the rules the parks have put in place. “Yes. Not because I don’t trust Disney, but because I don’t trust people.” Some respondents expressed concern that social distancing and face mask guidelines would not be adhered to.

“No, I don’t think the parks are reopening too soon.”

There were also some common trends among those who don’t think the parks are reopening too soon. Several people pointed out that Disney World waited longer to reopen than many other theme parks. “No. They waited longer to be safe. They will make the parks safe for guests and Cast Members.”

We Asked Our Readers: Do You Think It’s Too Soon to Reopen Disney World Parks? Here’s What They Said.

Magic Kingdom

A number of people also said that they’re impressed by the health and safety precautions Disney has implemented, and due to these measures, they would feel comfortable in the parks. “I honestly feel safer at Disney World than any other place we could possibly visit.”

Currently, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on July 11th, which would mark the end of a 117-day closure of all Disney World parks. However, despite the new health and safety measures planned for the reopening, some guests still have concerns about the timing of the reopening. Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, details are subject to change, so we’re keeping a close eye on any updates.

Do you think the Disney World parks are reopening too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, DFB Reader Questions, dfb readers response, disney parks reopen, disney parks reopening, Disney World Reopen, Disney World reopening, Disney World Reopening Date, we asked our readers

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Recipes

If You Haven’t Tried This Chocolate Soufflé, You’re Missing Out!

Now more than ever, we’re looking for ways to bring the magic of Disney into your home. We recently brought you a virtual viewing of one of our most popular Broadway-style shows, and in today’s installment of #DisneyMagicMoments, we are showcasing one of my personal favorites – Palo!

If You Haven’t Tried This Chocolate Soufflé, You’re Missing Out! Chocolate Soufflé at Palo

The Italian-inspired  Palo restaurant  aboard each  Disney ship offers a superlative dining experience reserved exclusively for adults. Guests are invited to indulge in a menu of delectable modern Italian cuisine, coupled with a sophisticated atmosphere and superior service. But while Palo may be reserved for adults, here is a way to bring a taste of this experience to the entire family – make your own chocolate soufflé at home!

Palo Chocolate Soufflé
Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing the soufflé cups
  • 6 tablespoons sugar, plus more for dusting the soufflé cups
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa
  • 2 ounces (2/3 cup) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • Vanilla Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Set a full kettle of water on to boil.
  3. Butter six 4-ounce soufflé cups and coat with sugar; set aside.
  4. Bring the milk to a boil in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cocoa to the butter and beat with a whisk to a smooth, paste-like consistency. Reduce heat and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Slowly add the hot milk, whisking until smooth, then blend in melted chocolate. Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in egg yolks.
  6. Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until frothy. Slowly add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir a heaping spoonful of egg whites into the chocolate, then fold in the remaining whites just until combined.
  7. Pour the batter into prepared soufflé cups. Place cups in a large baking dish and add enough boiling water to reach halfway the sides of the soufflé cups.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately, with warm vanilla sauce.

Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 small egg yolks

Directions

  1. Bring cream and vanilla bean to a low boil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Combine sugar and egg yolks.
  3. Add 2 spoonfuls of boiling cream to egg mixture and stir well, then pour back into the remaining cream and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes.

Of course, the dining experience at Palo doesn’t end with the fine cuisine. Palo is also home to a robust menu of adult beverages, including inventive cocktails and classic reserve wines. The restaurant’s wine list, with 99 percent Italian wines, includes about 90 labels from all regions of Italy, including a sparkling Prosecco, a lush red Barolo made just for Palo, and some of the best Super Tuscans.

One of my favorite beverages at Palo, especially paired with brunch, is the restaurant’s signature Balsamic Grande cocktail. This refreshing drink features vodka, a splash of 5-year-old balsamic vinegar and fresh muddled strawberries. Check out this video to see how you can make it at home.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories, recipes and other #DisneyMagicMoments coming your way from Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Parks Blog!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dining, Recipe, Video