Cast Member Pantry hit a conspicuous 1 year anniversary on March 30th, 2021. With just about 15,000 appointments for cast members in need. Cast Member Pantry makes it quick and easy to receive free food essentials once a month per Cast Member. “No Cast Member Goes Hungry!” is the mission motto!
They began this necessity after both Disney World and Disneyland shut down last year and had to furlough cast members due to the Covid pandemic and unemployment delays.
They have survived and helped fellow cast members due to donations, benefits, and celebrity endorsements. Various artists, such as The ‘All New’ Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cast and Josh Gad donated finacially. Gregory Ryan who did the Cookie Marathon, Gideon’s Disney Springs to Gideon’s East End Market a 26-mile run, and asked for followers to donate. They were just a few of the people who helped out. Along with merchandise sales and regular people who just love Disney and the Cast Members who make it a magical place daily!
We aren’t done yet! So thankful to be able to continue this journey and help our Cast Member community. The Pantry recently posted on Facebook.
One year and just shy of 15,000 appointments for groceries to cast members in need. Thank you to everyone who has jumped on board with helping us fulfill our mission, “No Cast Member Goes Hungry!” We aren’t done yet! So thankful to be able to continue this journey and help our Cast Member community. We have some exciting news in the coming weeks, keep an eye out.
Comcast is plugging the Walt Disney Co.’s Disney Plus and ESPN Plus into its X1 cable TV and Flex broadband-streaming platforms — part of the operator’s ongoing strategy to become the one-stop hub for all video entertainment. So, great news if you’re a Comcast Xfinity user who’s been wondering when you might be able to access Disney+ through your cable TV box!
Comcast is starting the rollout of Disney Plus on X1 and Flex customers. They promise their nationwide customer base will have access to the subscription streamer “in the coming days.”
In the last few years, Comcast Xfinity has been striking deals with streamers in order to make the cable service a veritable one-stop hub for all forms of entertainment. However the partnership should be mutually beneficial. Especially since the wide berth of Comcast cable TV users (18.99M residential video users; 28.35M broadband subs) now have that much more incentive to add a Disney+ subscription.
It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we invite you to relax as we proudly present a Mrs. Potts Tea Latte!
If you are not into coffee and prefer tea then you would love this new drink inspired by Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast. It features black tea, oatmilk, vanilla and brown sugar, it definitely sounds like comfort in a cup.
Shanghai Disney Resort’s 5th Birthday Celebration has promised “A Year of Magical Surprises”, and they keep delivering. Today’s magical surprise came from a fashion show that took place in the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Featuring all-new upcoming celebratory attire for its Disney Characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Duffy and his friends all showed off new costumes.
Brand-new Formal Attire for a Festive Celebration As the resort’s biggest celebration to date, and with Shanghai Disneyland’s Enchanted Storybook Castle featuring so prominently in the park, the collection was designed with royal festivities in mind. Featuring a color palette of ivory and champagne gold, the new collection was carefully stitched together using intricate fabrics and ribbons, with the menswear sporting sophisticated ties, and the womenswear exhibiting beautifully shaped bows. Created as pieces of moving art and featuring festive elements including confetti, gifts and streamers, one of the biggest wow factors about the new costumes are the 5s hidden throughout.
Guests will find a rich selection of elements, including ribbons and gifts in the costumes and accessories that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will wear. Featuring a purple, ivory and champagne gold color motif, their new outfits evoke a sense of glamor to match the elegance of the occasion.
Donald and Daisy’s outfits will feature blue as an accent color, with the creative stripes showcasing modern tailoring and the designers’ attention to detail.
Chip ‘n’ Dale will be dressed in green party outfits, adding a vibrant festive atmosphere to the big party, while also echoing the fun-loving cheeky characteristics of the duo.
Special color palettes of orange and red were specially designed for Pluto and Goofy respectively, with their exquisite cravats creating a fun yet formal look.
Duffy and Friends will appear in brilliantly colored costumes that tie together the resort’s various birthday elements with delightful Disney touches.
Magical Memories and Magnificent Merchandise In honor of the resort’s upcoming birthday celebration, starting April 8, the following selection of 5th Birthday merchandise will begin rolling out at select locations throughout the resort. Inspired by the all-new range of Disney Character outfits, the new merchandise collections will include plush, headwear, apparel, collectibles, home décor, pins, toys, and more, ranging in style from festive and classic to cool.
With fun and festive elements, the 5th Birthday Celebration Mickey and Friends Collection features dancing ribbons, magnificent fireworks and a plethora of bright colors grouped around a main golden theme. This collection will feature plush toys, collectible figures, fashionable accessories, and a variety of other stylish products. A special 5th Birthday edition of the guest-favorite Magic Passport will also be available as part of the collection, allowing guests both new and returning to explore the park in exciting new ways as they seek out official Shanghai Disneyland stamps.
The 5th Birthday Celebration Duffy and Friends Collection will launch shortly after the start of the birthday celebration and features the adorable Duffy and Friends dressed in their special 5th Birthday costumes. Comprised of plush, apparel, souvenirs, home décor, pins and more, this collection really is a must-have for guests and fans.
Guests looking for on-trend and stylish souvenirs should be sure to pick up the 5th Birthday Celebration Colorful Collection. Inspired by the latest fashions, the collection features glow in the dark and light elements, conveying the shining 5th Birthday Celebration that are set to sweep across the resort.
Delve into a Delightful Array of Delicious Delicacies! No celebration would be complete without an accompanying feast, and as Shanghai Disney Resort kicks off its 5th Birthday Celebration on April 8, the resort’s restaurants are set to be filled to bursting with delicious snacks, treats, meals, and delicacies for guests to enjoy!
The iconic “5” logo will feature prominently throughout the new food and beverage birthday selection, acting as the cherry on top of an already idyllic dish.
With more family sets than ever before to choose from, including the special “Wandering Moon Restaurant 5th Birthday Set Menu,” guests can enjoy a greater range of flavors and choice during their 5th Birthday visit to Shanghai Disney Resort.
As a highlight of the new dining offerings, 5th Birthday Limited – Mickey Chocolate Cake will soon make its debut at Shanghai Disneyland. Designed by a young award-winning Pastry Chef De Partie at the resort, the classic red, yellow and black cake will instantly remind guests of the funny and lovable Mickey Mouse.
A wide range of new and exclusive ice cream options will also be introduced at Shanghai Disneyland, including an Apple & Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Sundae, a Frozen Pineapple & Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Cone and a Sea Salted Cheese & Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream Cone. A new Disney Character-inspired selection, including an ‘Olu Mel Apple Flavored Ice Cream Cone and a StellaLou Peach Flavored Ice Cream Cone will also be available for guests to enjoy during the summer.
In the Enchanted Storybook Castle’s Royal Banquet Hall, a special 5th Birthday Five Course Set Menu will debut, inviting guests to share fairy tale delicacies with friends and family.
At Aurora restaurant in the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, guests can elevate their dining experience, enjoying an all-new 5th Birthday Five Course Set Menu served against the beautiful backdrop of Shanghai Disneyland’s new nighttime spectacular – ILLUMINATE! A Nighttime Celebration.
More surprises are set to be unveiled across Shanghai Disney Resort in the lead up to its 5th Birthday Celebration, so stay tuned for more magical surprises in the days to come!
These eco-friendly reusable bamboo utensils are a must-have for waste-free snacking and will be available at select locations in the spring – while supplies last. This cutlery set comes with a handy travel pouch and clip – so your utensils are always at the ready!
Use your new Disney Parks reusable bamboo utensils while you are eating some of the new foods coming to Disney World & Disneyland in April!
Disney Cast Members know how to create magic long after they take off their mouse ears. There’s a reason Walt Disney World is so special and it’s in large part because the people who work there are special. They are creative and talented. So it’s no surprise that many of them go on to do big things afterward. Case in point: Benjamin Ptashinsky.
Many of you already know him from the Hollywood Studios’ Frozen Sing-Along. He worked as a professional comedian for almost 20 years, also dedicating 15 of those years to Disney. He’s gained a reputation among Disney fans, under the name “Equity Ben, ” with many park-goers timing their show viewings around his schedule.
I remember the first time I saw him perform. My two-year-old couldn’t stop laughing at his jokes, even though she probably didn’t understand any of them. His delivery is just that good and he knows how to command a room. Anyone who has followed him on Instagram knows that his funny antics don’t end when the curtain falls either.
Unfortunately for all his fans, the furlough last March turned into retirement from the Disney stage. “It forced me to spend time with family and I had an Oprah ‘a-ha!’ moment and realized I needed to be home with my family”.
But Equity Ben is a performer at heart and wouldn’t stay away from giving his fans what they wanted. He started reading children’s books online every night, calling them “Ben Time Stories.” This led to another realization: “You read all of these books, they’re so much fun. They’re so silly and they’re not real. So they teach kids great and valuable lessons, but the one lesson I found missing in these children’s books is life isn’t always perfect. You can have a bad day and that is A-OK.”
So he decided to write a book for kids: “GoodyBen Makes Lemonade.” The book features his daughter and the lessons she learns about life not being perfect. It teaches kids how to deal with disappointment and consequences while still having joy. It sounds like the kind of book parents and kids can both learn from!
Having finished his “Ben Time Stories” series, Ben Ptashinsky has moved on to cooking classes online. Every Monday and Thursday, he brings a new recipe to his Instagram audience, along with a sprinkling of humor. He self-deprecatingly refers to the fact that he was thrown into being a stay-at-home dad and doesn’t know what he’s doing, but it’s endearing and relatable, much like his new book.
Maybe it’s the fact that Equity Ben is a former WDW Cast Member, maybe it’s his dedication to his family, or perhaps it’s his undying hilarity. Whatever it is, he knows how to make ordinary things magical and we are just lucky to be looking on. Be sure to grab his new book “GoodyBen Makes Lemonade” for your kids or yourself! And find him on Instagram @EquityBen.
Photos courtesy of @EquityBen / Source ClickOrlando
The Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland is a fan-favorite dining experience. Guests can enjoy their meal while watching the Pirates of the Caribbean boats pass by. Now, when the restaurant reopens, guests can also enjoy an adult beverage.
The Blue Bayou will offer beverage options that elevate the culinary experience. The new additions will complement the menu and theme of the restaurant, with beverages such as wine, beer, and a specialty Hurricane Cocktail – a New Orleans staple! Or, you may want to try the new celebration sparkling wine package. Soon, you’ll be able to pair them with the restaurant’s delicious menu items, like the popular Surf and Turf. Also, keep an eye out for new, seasonal takes on the Mint Julep non-alcoholic beverage.
There are some tasty new food and beverage options coming to the Disneyland Resort in April! Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are scheduled to reopen at the end of next month but the Downtown Disney District is currently open to guests. Take a look at the new food coming to the resort.
Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland park will soon offer new beverage options that elevate the culinary experience. This guest-favorite spot will open after the theme parks reopen, so stay tuned for a reopening date. The enhanced offerings fit right in with the story and spirit of the Blue Bayou and reflect what many of our guests have requested.
The new additions will complement the menu and theme of the restaurant, with beverages such as wine, beer, and a specialty Hurricane Cocktail – a New Orleans staple! Or, you may want to try the new celebration sparkling wine package. Soon, you’ll be able to pair them with the restaurant’s delicious menu items, like the popular Surf and Turf. Also, keep an eye out for new, seasonal takes on our Mint Julep non-alcoholic beverage.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Cart, Downtown Disney District
Pickle Corn Dog – Panko-crusted dill pickle corn dog served with a side of peanut butter
Ballast Point at Downtown Disney District is celebrating Earth Day with a special limited-time linguini dish served with their delicious house-made kale and walnut pesto.
Linguini and Kale Pesto Salad – Linguini, house-made kale and walnut pesto, sun dried tomato, arugula, and pecorino with lemon zest (available April 22-25)
For a limited-time, the Le Frenchy Sandwich is back on the menu at Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney District and Disney Springs. Stop in and order while you can!
Le Frenchy Sandwich – Smoked ham, brie, and mustard sauce on Earl of Sandwich signature artisan bread
The Cereal-sly Delicious Series 2021 at Salt & Straw brings back childhood memories of lazing on the sofa watching cartoon marathons on Saturday and spooning up giant bowls of cereal. Oh, those simpler times!
Pots of Gold & Rainbows – Whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow ‘mallows
OffLimits’ Dash Cold Brew Cocoa Crisps – Coffee and dessert all at once with this cold brew ice cream swirled with malty fudge and coffee and cocoa spheres enveloped in salty chocolate bark
Peanut Butter Captain Munch – Dairy-free, starchy oat ice cream with peanut butter-coated cereal clusters and peanut butter swirl
Snap ‘N Crackle Marshmallow Treats – Brown butter treats pressed and toasted with marshmallow into a lacy Florentine in a rich, malty graham ice cream
Cornflake Cookies w/ Marionberry Jam – Swirls of housemade marionberry jam with malty cereal-flecked ice cream and crumbled brown butter sugar cookies
What eats and treats are you excited to get at Disneyland in April?
While Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the upcoming celebration for Earth Month, our chefs and mixologists have created limited-time treats and sips inspired by wildlife and nature. And those cupcakes? Edible adorableness!
Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)
Sea Turtle Cupcake – Graham cracker cupcake, key lime pie filling, and guava gelée with vanilla buttercream topped with a fruit snack sea turtle (available through April 29)
Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)
Crave the Wave Cocktail – Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and lemon wheel (available through April 29)
Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Honey Bee Cupcake – Orange cake, honey Bavarian filling, and honey frosting with white chocolate honeycomb (available through April 29)
Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)
Kiwi Margarita – Kiwi flavoring beverage syrup with lime, sour, and tequila (available through April 29)
Isle of Java, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Cotton Top Lagoon – Frozen blend of blue raspberry and lemonade topped with a wave of cotton candy (available through April 29)
Red Crowned Crane – Frozen Coke and frozen Cherry Coke topped with strawberry cotton candy with or without rum (available through April 29)
The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)
Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
(mobile order available)
The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)
Flamingo Cupcake – Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote, guava frosting, and strawberry crisp pearls topped with a sugar flamingo (available through April 29)
Thirsty River Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
Yeti Sunset – Whiskey, strawberry, and lychee lemonade (available through April 29)
Dawa Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Lion’s Fury – Jungle Juice and black cherry liqueur–infused bourbon whiskey with a cinnamon whiskey floater and a fiery glow cube (available through April 29)
Nomad Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
Mother Earth – Gin and infused tea garnished with mint and lemon peel (available through April 29)
Dino-Bites Snacks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
(mobile order available)
Earth Day Bee Hive Cake – Buttermilk-honey chiffon cake with crunchy almond mousse covered in toasted meringue (available April 6-22)
This refreshing float at Fife & Drum Tavern at EPCOT, inspired by the Disney and Pixar’s film “Soul,” streaming on Disney+, hits the perfect note of tart and sweet.
Half Note Float – Layered Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy with vanilla ice cream and half note white chocolate garnish
The popular Olivia’s Café weekend brunch at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is back! Offered every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can enjoy all the classic brunch entrées and specialty cocktails as well as Olivia’s signature Chicken and Waffles, Banana Bread French Toast, and Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict. Yum! View the brunch menu and make reservations here.
Get ready Loungefly fans, a sweet new exclusive is launching tonight, March 31st! The new Strawberry Sundae Minnie Loungefly backpack will debut on Pinkalamode.com tonight, with a very limited edition!
This cheerful pink bag will have a limited edition of just 600! It will also be available exclusively at Pink a la Mode! This bag is just deliciously adorable too! Soft pink details are layered in different shades to recreate a melt ice cream sundae design, also complete with three-dimensional Minnie ear cutouts. Colorful sprinkles are also embroidered on the front for a cute touch. Plus a red Minnie zipper pull is the cherry on top! The lining inside is a fun sprinkled Minnie design too!
This is a small shop exclusive, so it will only be available at Pink a La Mode. Quantities are super limited too, so be sure to set an alarm! The launch goes live at 9:00 PM PST, don’t be late!
What do you think of the deliciously sweet new Strawberry Sundae Minnie Loungefly backpack coming to Pink a la Mode?
If you love limited edition Loungefly bags and exclusives keep an eye out on several small shops partnered with Loungefly!
Disney Wedding trends for 2021 bring with it new ideas, influences, and priorities that can shape couples’ wedding days. Disney’s Ever After Blog posted some of the trends we will be seeing in 2021. For instance, smaller guest count, assigned seating, mismatched seating, and coordinated guest dress code.
The wedding box, yellow gold, intimate bridal bouquets, and non-traditional registries round out the list for 2021. We break down some of these new trends for you, according to Disney Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymooners.
Yellow Gold– Yellow gold is becoming increasingly more popular and we anticipate couples will opt for this finish for their engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry.
Smaller Guest Counts– More intimate guest counts are still expected to be the norm for couples in 2021. Whether it’s experience or safety that is driving the decision to limit attendance, there are many benefits to hosting a smaller wedding. It allows couples the opportunity to customize elements of their wedding, surprise and delight their wedding guests, and foster more authentic moments throughout the day
The Welcome Box– A fun trend that we absolutely love for destination weddings, is the welcome box. And, with a smaller guest count, providing a welcome gift for guests is more doable. This is a great way to surprise and delight your guests and can be a meaningful way to share your love story or even showcase the things that are important to you as a couple.
Mismatched Seating– As you look for ways to achieve physical distancing with style, mismatched seating arrangements are a fantastic option and a rising trend. You’re able to create a cozy and intimate setting while maintaining space! It also offers another opportunity to personalize the experience for your guests. What wedding guests wouldn’t want a special seat just for them?!
Assigned Seating– non-assigned seating is a thing of the past! With smaller guest counts there’s more opportunity to customize seating charts and personalize name cards. This is a great way to make your guests feel comfortable at your event as well! No more awkwardly scanning the room for available seats, instead, you’ve created a designated space for each individual guest.
Intimate Bridal Bouquets– Delicate, small bouquets are becoming more popular. We love an oversized organic bouquet, but there’s something so romantic about an intimate floral arrangement. Find ways to plus-up your smaller bouquet – using ribbon, special jewels, or opting for a non-traditional shape to make your floral arrangement stand out.
Do you have a Disney Wedding upcoming? Drop us a line and let us know your plans.
