Happy World Wish Day! Since the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish was granted on this day 42 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make more than 145,000 wishes come true, including the very first official wish, which took place at Disneyland Resort.  And while these past few years have been challenging for everyone – wish granters included – we are so excited to announce this World Wish Day that wish granting is on its way back at Disneyland Resort.  

That’s right! Very soon, you will see the iconic blue Make-A-Wish shirts again at Disneyland Resort, as wish kids return to our park. A wish unlocks a world of possibilities, which is why we’re so honored that historically, half of all wish

Earlier today, we welcomed three wish kids to join us at the first-ever Disney Junior Fun Fest, a one-day event celebrating the entertaining and music-filled stories of the #1 preschool television network’s hit series at Disney California Adventure park. Wish kids Kemuel, Noah and Levi were invited to be the guests of honor in the parade of beloved Disney Junior characters.es Make-A-Wish has granted in the United States are Disney-related wishes.

“We have heard time and time again from wish families that their wish trips to Disneyland Resort made them feel whole again, helping to heal the trauma of dealing with a critical illness,” said Richard K. Davis, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. “It fills me with joy to know that the park is able to reclaim its place as a source of hope, joy and healing for wish families.”

We all know the incredible power of wishes for kids fighting critical illnesses – just like 6-year-old María’s wish to be a princess, which included a virtual royal visit, all in Spanish, from Princess Belle. These transformational wishes are more than just special moments in time. They can be life-changing. Their impact can stay with a wish kid – and the millions of people who make them come true – for a lifetime. 

This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning offerings across Disney parks and resorts. During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like wish granting. While not all wishes can be granted immediately, we anticipate gradually ramping up our wish-granting efforts over the course of the coming months.

So you see — wishes really do come true! Earlier today, Walt Disney World Resort made magic for two wish alumni – now cast members – and announced that the Walt Disney World Resort specialty license plate benefiting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida recently soared above half a million dollars in total contributions to help make future wishes come true!  Stay tuned for even more magical Make-A-Wish stories on the Disney Parks Blog.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Wish Granting Returning to Disneyland Resort with Make-A-Wish appeared first on WDW News Today.

If you’re as hungry as a bear this spring, head over to Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland Park for several seasonal offerings. New on the menu this year are the chili mac cheeseburger and peach honey tea slush. Everything else is returning from years past.

Chili Mac Cheeseburger – $15.49

1/3 lb Angus Chuck Patty with Homestyle Chili, Mac & Cheese Bites, American Cheese, and Fried Onions served with Cuties® Mandarin Oranges, French Fries or Onion Rings

Between the chili, fried mac and cheese bites, and standards of a cheeseburger, this is a lot.

It’s a very heavy entree.

The burger didn’t taste great; it was overcooked.

The bun wasn’t tasty at all.

Ultimately, this is a below-average burger.

Peach Honey Tea Slush – $5.99

topped with Honey sweetened Peaches and Whipped Cream

This definitely tastes like peaches.

It has a summery feeling to it and is very refreshing.

The honey sweetens the tea perfectly.

The diced peaches on top and the Mickey-shaped whipped cream are a bonus on an already great slush.

This is an excellent treat for hot California days.

Fried Green Tomato Sandwich – $11.79

Cornmeal-crusted with Blistered Tomato Relish, Frisée, and Mascarpone Spread on Toasted Sourdough, with Cuties® Mandarin Oranges, French Fries or Onion Rings

Finally, a guest favorite is back. But not only is this sandwich back; it’s even better than before.

There are a lot of different textures going on with juicy green tomatoes coated in gentle crispy cornmeal. The toasted sourdough bread is an unexpected delight. It’s crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside.

The blistered tomato relish is both cherry tomato halves and chunks of beefsteak tomatoes, for a sweet and fresh combination. The mascarpone spread adds smooth creaminess but lacks any punch of flavor.

This is a fantastic vegetarian option we will order again and again.

Chili Cheese Onion Rings – $5.99

topped with Homestyle Chili, Cheese, and Green Onions

This dish was fantastic. The onion rings are well cooked and perfectly crispy but not over battered.

The heavy seasoning was balanced by the creamy cheese sauce and bacon bits. None of it is overpowering, and the ratio is spot on. We highly recommend this savory snack.

Chili Cheese Fries – $5.99

topped with Homestyle Chili, Cheese, and Green Onions

The fries were as good as the onion rings, though they could have been crispier. You can’t go wrong with either choice, so pick your preference and enjoy.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

The post REVIEW: Fried Green Tomato Sandwich is Back and Better Than Ever, Chili Mac Cheeseburger Disappoints, and More From Hungry Bear Restaurant at Disneyland appeared first on WDW News Today.

We know this is a “what’s new at Disney World’s hotels” post, but we’ve gotta start out with an honest confession — we’ve been thinking about Halloween all week!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

We have to blame Disney for that and their Halfway to Halloween event, which brought us spooky snacks that you can get RIGHT NOW, announcements about the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party AND Oogie Boogie Bash, and a sneak peek at all the new merchandise we’ll see this year for Halloween. But it’s not all Halloween in Disney World just yet. This week, we’ve spent some time at Disney World’s hotels and there are lots of updates from these spots, including news about BEIGNET EARS?! WHAT?! Let’s go through all the news from the resorts right now!

Contemporary Resort Merchandise Updates

BayView Gifts

We first saw the Star Spangled Mickey Tee two years ago (so it’s not NEW to Disney World entirely), but now it’s back and available again for $29.99 if you’ve been on the hunt for it.

Star Spangled Mickey

There’s also a 50th Anniversary Men’s Golf Shirt here, too.

50th Golf Shirt

The shirt is $69.99.

Maleficent, Yoda, and Other Surprising Characters Disney Guests Want to Have Dinner With

Fantasia

The MagicBands and Phone Cases at Fantasia have been moved to Fantasia Market.

They’ve moved

We also found some new pins, including a Rescuers Pin for $12.99, a Gargoyles Pin for $9.99…

New pins!

…a Scarlet Witch Pin…

We can’t wait to see her in Doctor Strange 2!

…a Chip ‘n’ Dale Floating Down Main Street Pin…

They’re so cute in their balloon

…and a Donald Graduation Pin…

Class of 2022, Represent!

It looks like loads of new pins are arriving at Disney World resorts!

Disney’s New Ears are Serving Barbie Fairy Princess Realness — Click Here To See

Grand Floridian Food Updates

Gasparilla Island Grill

You can now get a Giant Mickey Chocolate Cake Pop for $8.29.

These are HUGE

Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes have returned to Disney World, thanks to Disney’s Halfway to Halloween event! We’re SO not complaining! The three cupcakes are made with rich devil’s food cake with “peanut boo-tter” filling decorated to resemble all three Sanderson Sisters and are available for $7.99.

We got some halloween goodies this week!

These cupcakes won’t be around for long, so be sure to grab them while you can!

Read Our Full Review Here

Grand Floridian Merchandise Updates

M. Mouse Mercantile

If you’re a DVC Member, there’s a new Pin Set available for you!

DVC Pins!

The pins set is $24.99.

Disney Vacation Club members will love the latest PhotoPass offering!

Basin

Okay, is it just us or do these Fish Soaps remind you of Finding Nemo? We found them over at Basin and couldn’t help but share!

Unique gift idea?

You can also buy a bag of Broken Bath Bombs at a discount.

They may be broken, but they still smell amazing

Each bag is $8.49.

Here’s The Most Unexpected Disney News From April

Fort Wilderness Merchandise Updates

Meadow Trading Post

You can get a retro Tencennial Tee for $39.99…

VINTAGE

…as well as Tencennial Shorts for $36.99.

Matching Shorts

There’s also a new Vault Collection Tee for $36.99…

Very retro

…with Matching Shorts!

More matching shorts

The shorts are $36.99.

Here’s A FIRST LOOK at a MagicBand+ Option Coming to Disney World This Year

Wilderness Lodge Merchandise Updates

Wilderness Lodge Mercantile

There’s a new Believe in Magic Sensory Sweatshirt For Kids. We actually spotted this over at Disney’s Beach Club Resort back in March, but wanted to note that they’re available at Wilderness Lodge too.

Believe in Magic

The sweatshirt is $29.99.

When Do You Break Even With Disney World’s Annual Pass?

Animal Kingdom Lodge Merchandise Updates

Zawadi Marketplace

Need a new suitcase? You can grab a fun Mickey and Castle Carry-On Bag for $159…

Adorable carry-on bag

…or a Larger Suitcase!

Matching suitcase

The larger suitcase is $199.

Coronado Springs Merchandise Updates

Panchito’s

We found two new-to-us clothing items here including a Textured Polo for $110…

New polo

…a White Pullover.

New pullover

The pullover is $115.

Don’t Want to Wait 2 Hours to Ride Peter Pan’s Flight? Buy This Disney Ornament Instead

All-Star Sports Merchandise Updates

Sport Goofy

There’s a new-to-us All-Star Resorts Hoodie for $59.99…

Fun new hoodie

…and a fun All-Star Resorts Tee for Kids!

For Kids!

The kids’ tee is $24.99.

All-Star Music Merchandise Updates

Maestro Mickey’s

There’s a cute new-to-us Minnie Mouse Cheer Shirt available.

Spirit Builds Character

The shirt is $29.99.

How Many Rides Can You Get On with Genie+? Disney World Guests Tell All

Polynesian Village Merchandise Updates

BouTiki

The 50th Anniversary Polynesian Village Resort Pin is back in stock!

It’s back!

That’s all that’s new here, though!

EXPANSION Planned for Disney World’s Polynesian Resort — Find Out More!

Beach Club Food Updates

Beach Club Marketplace

Looking for an Oreo Parfait? You can get one here!

Oreo Parfait

The parfait is $5.49.

Disney World is Asking Guests About Dining and Shopping Habits in New Survey — Here’s What They Were Asked!

Walt Disney World Swan Merchandise Updates

Disney Gift Shop

There’s been a restock on the Mickey Summer Vibes Kid’ Tee.

ALL about those summer vibes

The shirt has also been marked down to $13.99.

See How Refillable Mugs Just Got an UPGRADE in Disney World!

Port Orleans — French Quarter Merchandise Updates

Jackson Square

Disney has officially outdone itself with a new pair of Mickey Beignet Ears! Say what?! Get this, not only are these adorable, but THEY SMELL LIKE BEIGNETS!

Good enough to eat!

Grab these ears now for $39.99.

See More Photos of These Ears!

Those are all the updates we have this time around, but we’ll be back soon with more!

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Where do you like to stay when you visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post What’s New at Disney World’s Hotels: Mickey BEIGNET Ears(!), Hocus Pocus Cupcakes, and More! first appeared on the disney food blog.