Ever since we first learned that Starbucks would be taking over at Walt Disney World’s Main Street Bakery last fall, we’ve been anxiously waiting for the location to reopen in its new form. Now, the wait is over, as today marked the first day of “soft openings” at the revamped bakery.
Disney Food Blog gave a thorough first look at the renovated location, which now features Starbucks’ entire traditional drink menu in addition to a variety of food options. Guests will be able to choose from both Starbucks pastries and some …

If you haven’t stopped by the Disney Store lately, now is the time to shop at the Twice Upon a Year sale where you’ll find so many great deals on clothes, accessories, and Disney Parks merchandise.
Did you forget that’s Father’s Day is next weekend? Well never fear because you can find great gifts for Dad like this Mickey Mouse Mug!  And, it’s on sale for $3.99! You can’t beat that.
 

 
The Monsters University shop is now open too and it’s full of adorable plush dolls, T-shirts, PJ Pal sets, and even …

Fans of the hit Disney Channel series Phineas and Ferb can take a musical stroll down memory lane next month during the fan-generated event Phineas and Ferb Musical Cliptastic Countdown hosted by Kelly Osbourne.
Beginning May 24, fans can start voting for their favorite Phineas and Ferb music videos at DisneyChannel.com. The voting begins with 16 videos and each week fan votes cut that pool in half. The results of the voting will be revealed during the Cliptastic Countdown.
During the broadcast special, Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram are set to reveal …

Nearly 100 special needs and chronically ill children were able to enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World for a day on May 7 thanks to Operation Dreamlift.
A program run by the Sunshine Foundation, Operation Dreamlift has allowed over 5,000 children to visit special destinations in the Orlando area since the program began. Privately chartered planes carry the children to and from their one-day excursion. This was the foundation’s 24th trip to Disney, and the Foundation reportedly raised $300,000 in order to charter the flight for this year’s Operation …

It’s the announcement everyone waits for – free dining. And today was the day. Free Dining for Disney Visa Cardholders was announced this morning for dates in September. An announcement for the general public is expected later this week.
Guests must book a minimum three night stay between September 2 and September 25 in order to receive the Free Dining, and cannot book more than 14 nights. A minimum ticket purchase of at least a two-day Magic Your Way ticket is also required. Guests can add on the Park Hopper or …

Each spring, Walt Disney World guests get to experience the annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, a beautiful festival that brings unique topiaries, gardening seminars, and more to Epcot’s Future World and World Showcase. However, this year’s festival will bring some brand-new offerings inspired by Epcot’s other annual event, the Food & Wine Festival. The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival will feature new Marketplace booths selling food and beverage offerings.
Inspired by the gardens around World Showcase, the Festival’s new Garden Marketplaces will offer a wide variety of different food …

Now is the time to head over to Disney Store online and pick up some great deals!
Today through February 18, save 25% on your entire order when you purchase a qualified item.  Just enter promo code DISNEYPAL, and the discount will be taken automatically!
This is a terrific time to stock up on swim wear for boys and girls! In our household, I think it will be Ariel for her!

 
But  my son will want to get in on the act too, and it will be Yo Ho Let’s Go! with Jake …

Disney landed squarely in the hot seat yesterday, as the U.S. Congress demanded that the company answer questions regarding magic bands that guests will use in conjunction with My Magic+.
In a letter addressed to CEO Robert Iger, Edward Markey, (D- Mass) co-chairman of the Congressional Bi-Partisan Privacy Caucus, required that Disney provide information about the new bracelets, which implement RFID technology, no later than February 14.  Congressman Markey’s chief concerns centered around the privacy of guests and how information harvested from use of the bracelets would be put to use — …

A few months ago, we let you know about Habit Heroes, a new attraction in Epcot’s Innoventions that drew intense criticism for its portrayal of those who are overweight as “villains” that must be defeated. In response to the controversy, Disney quickly closed the attraction. This week, Habit Heroes reopened, and Disney has completely revamped the attraction to make it friendlier to all guests.
To update Habit Heroes, Disney Imagineers gathered input from national experts in weight, nutrition, and children’s health, including specialists from Stanford and Cornell University. In Habit Heroes …

On Wednesday, The Walt Disney Co. reassigned several of their senior theme-park management personnel, including appointing a new president for Walt Disney World.
George A. Kalogridis, currently the president of Disneyland Resort, will make the move to the east coast to take over as president of Walt Disney World Resort. He will take over for Meg Crofton, who will now focus on her position as president of all Disney theme parks throughout the U.S. and Europe. This position was created about a year and a half ago, when the company went through …