This past weekend marked an exciting moment in runDisney history. During the Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend that began on February 24, one runner accomplished something truly spectacular.
Neely Gracey Makes History
On Sunday, February 26, the Disney Princess Half Marathon took place at Walt Disney World Resort. The half marathon is the culmination of the race weekend, which also includes Disney Princess Yoga, the Disney Princess 5K, and the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K. However, no event is more important than the half marathon. The race draws in runners and Disney fans from all over the country.
This weekends princess half marathon was a tough one. On top of the already grueling run, temperatures in the high 80’s did not make the race any easier for it’s participants. Despite the conditions, one woman had no problem making history.
Neely Gracey, from Colorado, was the runner that was the overall winner last weekend. This accomplishment makes Gracey the third ever woman to accomplish this feat. In addition to half-marathon, Gracey also ran the 10k the day before.
This win from Gracey is a huge for Run Disney history. She joins the female winners circle that includes Giovanna Martins, who won the 2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and Jackie Pirtlehall, who won the 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon.
Another RunDisney in the Books
Graceys win is an amazing culmination to a successful run disney weekend. RunDisney continues to become more and more popular, and the competition gets tougher. The course this year took runners on a meandering tour through the Walt Disney World Resort. Runners started near Spaceship Earth, continued to run through Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, and Adventureland. The race then ends back again towards EPCOT. The race is on mostly flat ground, and their are lots of fun interactions along the way.
The running community is so proud of Gracey for her incredible accomplishment. This Princess Half Marathon Weekend was another successful event for runDisney.
Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are the best family-friendly destinations. The Most Magical Place on Earth and the Happiest Place on Earth, respectively, each Resort is full of memories to be made.
Unfortunately, not all memories made at a Disney Park are positive ones…
Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure is home to Pixar Pier. This area includes Toy Story Midway Mania, an attraction starring beloved characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, and more.
The attraction can be described as the ultimate carnival game, as Guests don 3D carnival game goggles and shoot at virtual targets. The ride vehicles feature enough room for Guests to lean back and rest their heads against them.
The ride vehicles also zip Guests around, spinning and twirling around Andy’s Room.
This attraction and area are so popular similar areas have been erected in Walt Disney World. Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land houses Toy Story Mania, a very similar attraction.
Toy Story Midway Mania is so fun, it’s hard to imagine the magic being ruined while waiting in line…Except for this.
A fan on Reddit asked everyone to share the worst thing they’d ever seen at Disney, and this answer definitely delivered…
Although there is very little area for lice to thrive on this attraction (no carpet or other upholstery), sitting in the same seat as a lice-infested stranger is still an icky thought. It’s enough to make you itch just reading it! The next time you plan a visit to Disney with the entire family, give everyone a lice check just in case…
It’s important to note that Cast Members do all they can to keep Guests as safe as possible. But unfortunately, some things are just out of their hands.
If guests love cuisine inspired by the Golden State, then they are going to want to check out this Foodie Guide because we’ve got a first look at the full menu for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. This returning flavor favorite will start serving up can’t-miss eats and sips on March 3 and will run through April 25, 2023, at Disney California Adventure park.
From mouthwatering treats to must-try sips, there is plenty to taste across 12 festival marketplaces. With the new soon-to-be favorites BBQ Beef Brisket Slider from Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo and the Blueberry Pancake Cold Brew from Berry Patch, or the returning Mickey Mouse-shaped Macaron made with SNICKERS from Nuts About Cheese, guests will be more than satisfied. If they are looking for plant-based options, this year Paradise Garden Grill will be serving up a plant-based menu for guests to treat themselves too!
The festival marketplaces aren’t the only places guests can indulge in some delicious flavors. All throughout Disney California Adventure park and even at Downtown Disney District, guests can taste their way through California staples. If they want an enhanced feasting experience, they may consider the Sip and Savor Pass, a special, commemorative credential that lets them try up to eight different food and non-alcoholic beverage items at participating locations anytime throughout the festival. Whether guests use all eight tabs yourself – or split with a friend – they can purchase theirs at various locations throughout Disney California Adventure park.
For those wanting an even more special experience, there are unique bookable experiences available at both the Disneyland Hotel and Disney Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well! Over at the Disneyland Hotel, guests will find the Trader Sam’s Tiki Mixology Seminar where they’ll learn to make one of their legendary libations – the HippopotoMai-Tai – then enjoy some sweet-and-spicy snacks and get a souvenir tiki mug to take home with them. Meanwhile, the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Food and Wine Experience is a can’t-miss. Here, guests will be able to meet the chefs, sommeliers, and art historians from the resort as they sip on expertly paired wines and plates from the Hearthstone Lounge. Be sure to check availability for these exciting experiences offered this year.
As everyone can see, there’s limitless foodie fun to have at Disneyland Resort for the festival this year and all across our Disney Parks!
Now, let’s get to the good part, shall we? We now present to you the Foodie Guide to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Bon appétit!
Disney California Adventure Park
Festival Marketplaces
Nuts About Cheese
Petite Burrata: Grilled ciabatta with tomato and olive jam, burrata cheese, pesto, and freeze-dried balsamic (New)
Crackers & Cheese: House-made herb crackers with white cheddar fromage blanc, spicy salami spread, and cherry jam
Mickey Mouse-shaped Macaron made with SNICKERS: Chocolate Mickey macaron filled with caramel ganache and SNICKERS cookie bar pieces
Flowers & Bees: Gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey, hibiscus, and lavender syrups garnished with a purple pansy (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Uncork California
California Artisan Cheese Plate featuring Marin French Cheese Co. Jalapeño Triple Cream Brie, Fiscalini Farmstead Purple Moon Cheddar, and Craft Beer Cheddar
Celebration Chocolate Fudge Brownie: Gooey Chocolate Brownie with Pecans, topped with Chocolate Pecan Glaze and finished with Chocolate Pearls and Silver Stars
1923 Mimosa: Prosecco, white cranberry juice, white peach syrup, and lemon juice (New)
1939 Mimosa: Prosecco, pineapple and orange juices, and passion fruit and guava nectar (New)
1955 Mimosa: Prosecco, dragon fruit and rose syrups, hibiscus water, and lemon juice (New)
Century of Magic Mimosa Flight (New)
Daou Vineyards Chardonnay (New)
Meiomi Rosé (New)
Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (New)
McBride Sisters Wine Company Red Blend (New)
Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir (New)
Robert Mondavi Vineyards, Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon aged in bourbon barrels (New)
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut (New)
White Wine Flight (New)
Red Wine Flight (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Food & Wine CORKCICLE Stemless Wine Glasses (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
Berry Patch
Kenny’s Family Cheesecake topped with mixed berry compote (New)
Blueberry Buttermilk Pie
Blueberry Pancake Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Mexico Origin Coffee, brown butter, maple and demerara syrup, and oat milk with a blueberry sweet cream made with cream, oat milk, vanilla syrup, and purée garnished with cinnamon-flavored cereal crumble (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
D•Lish
Beef & Barley Poutine: Potato bites with braised beef short rib, cheese curds, stout gravy, and lager micro sponge (New)
Cubano Slider: Slow-roasted, mustard-crusted pork, and sliced smoked ham with melted Swiss cheese and pickle served on a Hawaiian roll
Sake Melon ’75: Sake, ginger liqueur, prosecco, rock melon syrup, and lemongrass citron purée garnished with an edible purple orchid
Apricot Tequila Colada: Reposado Tequila, Aperol, apricot purée, coconut cream, and orange and lime juices garnished with a lime wheel
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
California Craft Brews
IPA Sausage Dog on a soft pretzel roll with onion-pepper jardinière, cheddar cheese sauce, and malt vinegar-onion crunch
La Bodega Brewing Company Helles Lager (New)
Unsung Brewing Co. Light Ale (New)
Harland Brewing Co. Double Dry-Hopped Pale Ale (New)
Altamont Brewing Maui Waui IPA (New)
Barrelhouse Brewing Mango Fruited IPA (New)
Delahunt Brewing Co. 1924 Raspberry Blonde (New)
Brewery X Pineapple Vanilla Milkshake IPA (New)
Bottle Logic Brewing Co. Aurora Borealis (New)
Chapman Crafted Beer Zodiac Series Hazy IPA (New)
Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. The Dopest Hazy IPA (New)
Golden Road Brewing Strawberry Cart Wheat Ale (New)
Ballast Point Brewing Co. Watermelon Dorado Double IPA (New)
Russian River Brewing Company Happy Hops IPA (New)
Bright & Balanced Beer Flight (New)
IPA Beer Flight (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
BBQ Beef Brisket Slider featuring Fiscalini Farmstead Smoked Cheddar with dill pickles on salt and pepper brioche (New)
Chipotle-Pineapple Bourbon Sour: Bourbon, pineapple and lime juice, honey syrup, and chipotle sour purée garnished with a dried red pineapple wheel (New)
Smoked Cherry Mezcal-iki Cocktail: Dark rum, mezcal, cherry purée, grapefruit and lime juices, vanilla syrup, and bitters garnished with a dried grapefruit chip (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Food & Wine CORKCICLE Stemless Wine Glasses (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
Garlic Kissed
Grilled Top Sirloin with roasted garlic, gruyère smashed potatoes and black garlic chimichurri
Carbonara Garlic Mac & Cheese featuring Nueske’s Peppered Bacon
Raspberry Limoncello-Ade: Limoncello, grapefruit liqueur, house-made mint syrup, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice garnished with a white orchid (New)
Guava-Lychee Mule: Vodka, guava nectar, ginger and lychee syrup, and lemon juice topped with guava and grapefruit hard cider and garnished with a lemon wheel (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Golden Dreams
Elote Paleta: Sweet corn paleta with parm crema, chile-lime seasoning, corn crunch, and cilantro (New)
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread with basil pesto (New)
Central California Cooler: Peach purée, apple, orange and lemon juices garnished with an apple chip
Ficklewood Ciderworks Guava Grove: Grapefruit, guava, and tropical flavors with Nelson Sauvin Hops (New)
I Heart Artichokes
Artichoke Pizzetta: Artichoke and roasted garlic cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, pickled onions, and lemon olive oil-drizzled micro greens (New)
Artichoke Toast with Olive Tapenade: Toasted sliced baguette with artichoke cream cheese topped with olive and artichoke tapenade and drizzled with olive oil
Passion Fruit Rum Cocktail: White rum, Italian amaro, passion fruit nectar, orange and lime juices, and guava purée garnished with an orange wedge
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
LA Style
Glazed BBQ Pork Belly with Furikake-Togarashi mac salad
IMPOSSIBLE Gyro-inspired Naan: Gyro-inspired flatbread featuring IMPOSSIBLE ground beef with chipotle hummus, tzatziki, and spiced crispy chickpeas
Echo Park Cooler: Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. Ceylon & Raspberry Rose Tea, raspberry purée, lychee and rose syrups, and lime juice garnished with a lime wheel (Non-alcoholic) (New)
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Food & Wine CORKCICLE Stemless Wine Glasses (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
Peppers Cali-Ente
Chile Relleno Empanada with arbol pepper salsa and Oaxaca and cotija cheeses
Camarones a la Diabla: Spicy shrimp with California chile and cilantro rice (New)
Cantarito-Style Paloma: Reposado Tequila, habanero-infused pineapple juice, lime juice, rock melon syrup, and Fresca garnished with a pineapple wheel and chile-lime seasoning
Purple Glow Grapes and Green Glow Grapes (Limit 10 per person)
Locations Throughout Disney California Adventure Park
Cocina Cucamonga (Mobile order available; Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Strawberry Horchata: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage with strawberry sauce (Non-alcoholic) (Available with Spiced Rum)
Seasonal Mango Margarita
Lamplight Lounge
Cookies & Cream Donuts: Fresh, glazed donuts topped with chocolate cookie crumble, with vanilla and chocolate crème cookie dipping sauce
Ribeye for Two paired with a specially selected glass of wine: Share a 28oz bone-in ribeye with glazed baby carrots, poblano-potato bake, roasted mushrooms, cipollini onions, and bourbon-bacon compound butter with Cookies & Cream Donuts for dessert
Lamplight Lounge Food & Wine Cocktail: Gin, elderflower liqueur, peach, basil simple syrup, lemon, blue curaçao, and fresh basil
Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining
Lamplight Lounge Food & Wine Cocktail: Gin, elderflower liqueur, peach, basil simple syrup, lemon, blue curaçao, and fresh basil
Pacific Wharf Café (Mobile order available; Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Grilled Peach Toast with ricotta-mascarpone spread and arugula salad on toasted sourdough bread (New)
Berries and Cream Bread Pudding: Seasonal berry bread pudding with whipped topping, strawberry sauce, and crème anglaise (New)
Cappuccino Cart presented by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. (Mobile order available; Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Horchata Cold Brew: Creamy blend of cold brew and house-made rice and cinnamon beverage
Buffalo Mac and Cheese topped with roasted buffalo cauliflower, ranch, and a carrot and celery salad (New) (Plant-based offering)
Peach-Blueberry Cobbler (Plant-based offering)
Wine Float Cocktail: Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave and Lime & Orange Juices with a Red Wine Float
Paradise Garden Grill Beer Garden
Stereo Brewing Co. Perfect Day IPA
Stone Brewing Co. Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager
Golden Road Brewing Get Up Offa That Brown Ale (New)
Golden Road Brewing Ride On 10 Hop Hazy IPA
Mother Earth Brew Co. Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Cream Ale
The Bruery Or Xata Blonde Ale
Rincon Reservation Road Brewery Rez Dog Hefeweizen (New)
Smog City Brewing Co. Coffee Porter
Beer Flight: Create your own flight of four beers
Cocktails @ Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE (Mobile order available; Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Black Forest Ham Grilled Cheese: Sourdough grilled cheese with black forest ham, smoked mozzarella, and red wine-poached pear jam served with sun-dried tomato-cheese sauce (New)
Food & Wine CORKCICLE Stemless Wine Glasses (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
Studio Catering Co. (Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Korean Fried Chicken topped with gochujang sauce, kimchi, coleslaw, and pickled onions served on sweet Hawaiian bread
Watermelon Punch: Korean-style watermelon punch with Sprite and oat milk
Terran Treats (Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Like a Lemon-Raspberry Pie Churro: Raspberry-flavored spiral churro topped with a lemon and marshmallow glaze and pie crust crumbles (New)
Outdoor Vending Carts
Pretzel Bites with beer cheese sauce (New)
Ballast Point Brewing Co. Speedboat Salt & Lime Blonde Ale (New)
Brewery X Orange Electrolyte Hard Seltzer (New)
Churro Cart in Buena Vista Street (Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Pineapple-coconut Churro with pineapple sugar, pineapple topping, coconut cream icing, and toasted coconut
Churro Cart in Hollywood Land (Sip and Savor tasting-size portions available)
Tiramisu Churro rolled in vanilla-cocoa sugar and drizzled with espresso sauce
Downtown Disney District
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
Tomato & Burrata: California grown heirloom cherry tomatoes, California burrata, parsley, garlic, shallots red wine vinegar, and olive oil (New) (Available March 3 through 31)
Coconut Curry Shrimp: Marinated shrimp served on white rice with curry broth and nori leaf (New) (Available April 1 through 24)
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available March 3 through April 24)
Pizza Caprina: White pizza, fresh mozzarella, and bruschetta tomato mix topped with fresh arugula and goat cheese (New)
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Available March 3 through April 24)
BBQ Shrimp & Grits: Gulf shrimp simmered in a New Orleans BBQ sauce with roasted garlic, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasonings served over andouille sausage and parmesan grits
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available March 3 through April 24)
Grilled Ahi & Avocado: Seared buttery ahi tuna tossed in kimchi ponzu and stuffed into a scored and grilled avocado plated with sushi rice and drizzled with additional kimchi ponzu and spicy mayo and garnished with sesame seeds finished with wonton chips
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
As a reminder, Guests can also join chefs, mixologists and winemakers as they share their culinary expertise at mouthwatering events set in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort —available on select days during the 2023 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.
For a limited time only, Disney Cruise Line is giving away three Disney Cruise Line vacations. Here’s how to win!
This summer, Disney Cruise Line is celebrating its Silver Anniversary at Sea, celebrating 25 years of sailings. Select itineraries May through September 2023 will have special Silver Anniversary celebrations on board, including characters in brand new outfits, new food offerings, new merchandise, and limited-time entertainment like a brand new fireworks show.
Disney Cruise Line also announced a new tier of their Castaway Club, which honors repeat cruisers; the “Pearl” tier, which will receive free gifts, advance bookings for cruises and on-board experiences, and more benefits. The tier is reserved for Guests who have sailed on Disney Cruise Line over 25 times.
If you’ve always dreamed about sailing on a Disney Cruise, and have hesitated due to the price point, now’s your chance!
Today, Disney Parks Blog announced the Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary Sweepstakes. You can enter now through March 22, 2023 for a chance to win one of three grand prizes for you and up to three Guests to sail on Disney Cruise Line. The grand prizes (all for up to four people) are:
One 7-night cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy
One 5-night cruise from Miami on the Disney Dream or Disney Magic
One 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral on the Disney Wish
The itineraries include destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, and a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Each grand prize consists of roundtrip coach airfare to either Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, or Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (depending on the ship), lodging for the night prior to the ship’s departure, one standard stateroom with a maximum occupancy of four people, all meals onboard (excluding upcharges Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchanté), pre-paid onboard gratuities, and all taxes, fees, and port expenses.
You can enter the sweepstakes on the sweepstakes website, and be sure to read all rules and details for instructions on how to enter and eligibility requirements.
The Walt Disney Company has become no stranger to censorship and banning.
Disney made the decision to permanently close Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort because the story was based on the controversial film Song of the South (1946). Instead, Disney will be replacing the ride with a new log flume attraction based on Princess and the Frog (2009), titled Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
But, the company is currently in the midst of reviewing its library and it seems that more content will be joing Song of the South as “permanently banned” from ever being reposted or shared by Disney again.
This time, it’s in the form of books.
Author Don Rosa recently shared that two of his Scrooge McDuck stories have now been permanently banned by Disney. The message from the company to Rosa read:
“As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, The Walt Disney Company is in the process of reviewing their library of stories. As a result, some stories that do not align with their values will no longer be published. This applies to two of your classic stories, ‘The Richest Duck in the World’ and ‘The Dream of a Lifetime’. These stories will not be part of any reprints or new collections.”
The two stories include “The Richest Duck in the World” and “The Dream of a Lifetime.”
Rosa responded on social media to the announcement, sharing that the stories were banned because “they can’t be published without the final chapter.”
“I wonder what other Duck stories are now banned? Maybe only mine? Maybe not? But obviously all 12 chapters of my [Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck] are now banned because they can’t be published without the final chapter. I won’t even comment on what this will mean to the collector market.”
The controversial chapter features an incident first shared Carl Barks story “Voodoo Hoodoo” when Scrooge drove an African tribe off their land when he became a villain. This led to encounters with the character Bombie the Zombie, who was dispatched by the witch doctor named Foola Zoola. The character would reappear in “The Dream of a Lifetime.”
In addition to bans some older cartoons, Disney has been no stranger to having to alter its content in China. The Chinese Government has censored quite a bit of content on Disney+, most notably several episodes of The Simpsons and Winnie the Pooh, where the company chose to adhere to the censorship.