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TAVARES — Families enjoying an ice-cream outing at Twistee Treat got a front-row seat to a wild police chase as a 54-year-old man hopped curbs, drove over grass and sped through a mobile-home park filled with retirees, police said Friday. View the full article

The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is underway, here are a few other events taking place in June that are sure to dazzle you! June 6: Let your imagination soar! Join us as we welcome authors Jonathan Case and Jeff Jensen who will be on the hand for a special signing of their book, Before Tomorrowland. Meet Jonathan and Jeff from 10–noon at Little Green Men Store Command in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park. Learn more here. June 6-7: Leilani Joy is back! Stop by June 6–7 and again June 20-21, from 2-5 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District to see some of Leilani’s newest releases and more. Learn more here. June 13: Your collection will dazzle with this vibrant and iconic Hipster Mickey piece by artist Jerrod Maruyama, created in commemoration of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Jerrod will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. June 13–14: If you have been waiting for just the right time to order one of artist Dave Avanzino’s Custom Letter Plaques or the new 60th Edition Series Plaques, you’re in luck! Dave will be appearing from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., each day, at Disneyana inside Disneyland park. Learn more here. June 20: Join us for a special artist showcase at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District as we celebrate the release of new works of art by Sean Chao, Joey Chou, Max Grundy, Danny Handke and Leilani Joy from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here. June 27: Take part in a Disney Fine Art showcase with Collectors Editions artist Jimmy Mulligan from 9–11 a.m. at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A., inside Disneyland park. Learn more here. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Max Grundy. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: June 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 – 27 from 6-10 p.m. Learn more here. Which artist are you most excited to meet? June 2015 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The first time Dave Sweet went surfing, in 1945, he was 16 and his wooden board weighed more than he did. View the full article

SANFORD — The man accused of shooting at George Zimmerman will use a "stand your ground" defense in an attempt to clear himself, his lawyer said Friday. View the full article

Let’s wrap up our look back at “Sixty Years of Innovation” at the Disneyland Resort with a nighttime spectacular that, in just five short years, has become an instant classic. “World of Color” opened at Disney California Adventure park in June 2010 and was immediately a fan favorite. Since its premiere, “World of Color” has been performed more than 2,600 times and experienced by more than ten million guests. Blending technology with classic storytelling, the show continues to change – with new Disney films, the holiday season, and now with the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Five years from planning to opening, “World of Color” was envisioned to be a “living ‘Fantasia,’” using music, animation, color, light and water to immerse the audience in a storytelling journey. The scale of the show is massive, and the “dancing” fountains needed to bring it to life required innovations that the creative team was told were impossible. When they were told they couldn’t have fountains with multiple heads or moving heads, they created them. When they were told they couldn’t create color and light in the fountains, they found ways. Every piece of the show involved a new innovation. The “stage” for “World of Color” was another innovation in itself: a platform composed of nearly 1 full acre of engineered superstructure, longer than a football field and capable of settling on three levels – one for the performance, one under the water surface and one for maintenance. The show features nearly 1,200 powerful and programmable fountains, and a vast underwater grid with more than 18,000 points of control. Each fountain has multiple points of control for lighting, color intensity, water angle, height and more. And now, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, “World of Color – Celebrate!” is hosted by award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris and the one-and-only Mickey Mouse, taking guests on a journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney to see how his extraordinary dreams came true. Sixty Years of Innovation: ‘World of Color’ at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Greetings from Skagway, Alaska, gateway to the Klondike! Today marks Day 4 of our first Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise to Alaska, and things are starting to get really Goofy here on the Disney Wonder. I’m joined by Disney Legend Bill Farmer, the longtime voice of Goofy and one of the many special performers and presenters who are helping make this voyage unlike any other. Bill recently earned a prestigious Annie Award from the International Animated Film Association for Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting for a Television Production – one of several Annie Awards garnered by the contemporary animated shorts that have returned Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other familiar characters to their squashing, stretching, comedic roots. We’re screening some of Bill’s favorite shorts during our voyage, including “Goofy’s Grandma,” the title that earned Bill his Annie. I asked Bill to share a few insights with our friends here on the Disney Parks Blog, and he does just that in the video below. I’ve also included the “Goofy’s Grandma” short in its entirety so you can hear Bill’s award-winning performance for yourself. I’ll be back in touch again before our voyage ends, but I need to run to get Bill back to the buffet. You wouldn’t like him when he’s hungry. Disney Vacation Club Goes Wild About Goofy by Ryan March: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney's Hollywood Studios has unveiled its new version of the Great Movie Ride. View the full article

Orlando City Soccer Club president Phil Rawlins thought Orlando was an ideal city in which to build a Major League Soccer club. What he didn't know was just how big the market could be. View the full article

Orlando City will no longer have to wait on state funding to build its soccer-specific stadium. View the full article

Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an annual event that features activities for all ages, so even the youngest family members can join in on the fun. All three of my little girls are huge fans of the characters from both the original films and the new Star Wars Rebels series on Disney XD, so it is a huge treat for them to meet their favorites in person. Parents of Padawans won’t want to miss these incredibly themed hands-on experiences, taking place weekends May 15 – June 14, 2015. Jedi Training Academy – Kids from 4 to 12 can sign up to train to be a Jedi and battle an evil Sith from the dark sideLightsaber building – Little ones can build the lightsaber of their imaginations in Tatooine TradersCharacter Meet & Greets –Get up-close with icons from both Star Wars heroes and villains at meet & greet locations throughout the park. Don’t forget your autograph book!LEGO interactive build station – Little ones can spend endless amounts of time building their own Star Wars creations at this unique hands-on stationStar Wars Droid Factory – Kids can build their own astromech droid action figure, just like Luke Skywalker in Star WarsPadawan Mind Challenge – Designed for kids ages 4 to 11, this interactive trivia event will test your little ones’ Star Wars knowledge“Symphony in the Stars” Fireworks – Kids may actually want to take a nap just so they can stay up for this finale celebration that features popular Star Wars characters#DisneyKids: How Little Ones Can Make the Most of Star Wars Weekends by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s finally here! We have more information to share with you from the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which runs September 25-November 16, 2015. The Eat to the Beat Concert line-up is in the books! There are lots of exciting returning acts like Hanson, Wilson Phillips, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And as always, a few new acts freshen up the mix a bit. We look forward to seeing Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Khan this year! Here’s the full list. Don’t forget to check out our 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for all the latest details on the festival! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Line-UpDavid Cook – September 25-27, 2015Wilson Phillips – September 28-29, 2015Christopher Cross – September 30-October 1, 2015Starship – October 2-4, 2015Smash Mouth – October 5-7, 2015The Pointer Sisters – October 8-9, 201538 Special – October 10-11, 2015Rick Springfield – October 12-13, 2015Sugar Ray – October 14-16, 2015The S.O.S. Band – October 17-18, 2015Air Supply – October 19-21, 2015Fuel – October 22-23, 2015Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24-25, 2015Dennis DeYoung – October 26-28, 2015Jo Dee Messina – October 29-30, 2015Everclear (NEW!) – October 31-November 1, 2015Boyz II Men – November 2-4, 2015Sister Hazel – November 5-6, 2015Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7-9, 2015Hanson – November 10-12, 2015Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13-14, 2015Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15-16, 2015Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat Eat to the Beat concerts are free with Epcot admission throughout the festival. You can catch up to three shows per night at at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM in the America Gardens Theater, located in the America Pavilion. Check out our Eat to the Beat Concert page for details and times. Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order! This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Pre-order your 2015 edition today, and download the 2014 guide for FREE — immediately! Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Is YOUR favorite actappearing during the 2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Series? Let us know who you’re looking forward to seeing the most! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Preliminary Dates News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concerts Announced View the full article

Tony Morris has already hired a contractor to build cars for his levitating train in Orlando, but there’s one big problem. View the full article

While World Oceans Day is recognized globally on June 8, you can join us at the perfect venue — The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot — on June 3 to get a head start on the festivities! After you enjoy the attraction with Nemo, Marlin, Dory and all your fishy friends, stick around to explore our huge 5.7 million-gallon aquarium to see and learn all about tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles and even sharks! You may already know it’s tough to be a bug, but do you know how tough it is to be a sea turtle? You can catch a glimpse into the lives of sea turtles from their very first day of life. Our replica sea turtle nest will be on display for you to get an up-close view into a sea turtle’s journey. You can also experience an interactive model of a turtle excluder device (TED) which is used on fishing boats to prevent sea turtles from getting caught in trawl nets. Sea turtles face seemingly insurmountable odds, but people all over the world are doing their part to protect these magnificent animals. Come visit The Seas with Nemo & Friends to learn what you can do to help, too. Coral conservation activities will be another highlight of our celebration. Did you know coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the ocean? That’s because while they only make up about 0.2 percent of the area on the planet, coral reefs are home to nearly 25 percent of the world’s marine life! These reefs are in danger because of the many threats to coral including ocean pollution, climate change, poor fishing practices and more, but teams at The Seas with Nemo & Friends are committed to saving them. We have been working on coral restoration, community involvement and education in The Bahamas to restore local reefs through coral transplantation and sea urchin translocation. You will be able to speak with members of the team directly involved in these projects and more! Even though not all of us may live by the ocean, everyone can play a part in protecting this essential ecosystem. Oceans play a major role in our everyday lives, and they are worth celebrating each and every day! Let’s Celebrate World Oceans Day at Epcot! by Sara Green: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Orlando City will make a “major announcement” regarding its soccer-specific stadium today at 2 p.m. at City Hall, sources with knowledge of the announcement told the Orlando Sentinel. View the full article

The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame will relocate on the Kennedy Space Center grounds to the Visitor Complex, as construction began at an announcement Friday. View the full article

Conceptual designs for rail connecting to International Drive are part of discussion at the Orange County Convention Plaza District Review Group today. View the full article

In January, we let you in on the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. One of my favorite times of the year! And this year is the 20th anniversary of the festival! Now, I have the enviable task of giving you more info on this year’s festival – the lineup for 2015’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series. Being a child of the ‘80s, I’m SUPER pumped for some of our new acts like Tiffany and Chaka Kahn. Also new to this year’s festival are the S.O.S. Band, Everclear and Maxi Priest. Here’s the full list. Hope your favorite is on there! David Cook – September 25-27, 2015Wilson Phillips – September 28-29, 2015Christopher Cross – September 30-October 1, 2015Starship – October 2-4, 2015Smash Mouth – October 5-7, 2015The Pointer Sisters – October 8-9, 201538 Special – October 10-11, 2015Rick Springfield – October 12-13, 2015Sugar Ray – October 14-16, 2015The S.O.S. Band – October 17-18, 2015Air Supply – October 19-21, 2015Fuel – October 22-23, 2015Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24-25, 2015Dennis DeYoung – October 26-28, 2015Jo Dee Messina – October 29-30, 2015Everclear (NEW!) – October 31-November 1, 2015Boyz II Men – November 2-4, 2015Sister Hazel – November 5-6, 2015Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7-9, 2015Hanson – November 10-12, 2015Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13-14, 2015Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15-16, 2015Please note: Daily show times take place at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM. Entertainment and appearances are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check back to the Disney Parks Blog for updated info on this year’s festival. Bonne ẻcoute!” (Happy Listening!) Rick Springfield, Tiffany, Chaka Kahn Rock ‘Eat to the Beat’ Concert Series at 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re nearly halfway through Star Wars Weekends 2015, and the excitement continues to build. This year’s event spreads further across Disney’s Hollywood Studios than ever before, from the celebrity talk shows at Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard to the new Darth’s Mall merchandise complex on Streets of America. If you’ve got a passion for the Force and credits to burn, Darth’s Mall is the place for you! You’ll never find a more fetching hive of fun and boutiquery (is that even a word?). In addition to the limited edition and event-exclusive items on offer, it’s also packed to the outer rim with stellar décor, props and photo opportunities. Of course, the chances of successfully navigating Darth’s Mall without amassing a Wookiee-size pile of loot are approximately 3,720 to 1! Your odds of seeing a Star Wars celebrity during the weekend, however, are significantly better. Here is who will be joining us May 29 – 31: Event Host James Arnold Taylor: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Whether you’re picking up “necessities” at Darth’s Mall, scoring an autograph from one of the Star Wars stars or just taking in the sights and sounds, Weekend III of Star Wars Weekends will no doubt provide a day (or days) long remembered. Share your favorite Star Wars Weekends memory in the comments or on social media with hashtag #SWW2015. Star Wars Weekends Take You as Close to the Force as You Can Get by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Early this morning, as I was reading Marco Rubio’s op-ed in the Sentinel -- “ Marco Rubio: New VA hospital a milestone but agency needs more work “ -- it took me a moment to figure what irked me so much. View the full article

The Cobra's Curse roller coaster will open in the Egypt land at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in 2016. View the full article

I’m delighted to share the Orange Bird is returning to the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park starting May 29. You may recall my fellow author Pam Brandon sharing in March that Aloha Isle Refreshments and Sunshine Tree Terrace swapped menus and locations. Starting Friday, guests will again find the Orange Bird figurine that was reintroduced to Adventureland in 2012. He is also being added to the marquee for the location. Finally, Orange Bird will be prominently featured in a new attraction poster found at Magic Kingdom Park. To celebrate, we are offering the poster as an adult and youth T-shirt on our Disney Parks online store from May 29 to June 4. An Art on Demand canvas wrap and print will also be available online. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery. You can order these items by visiting DisneyStore.com/ParkEvents. I think I’ll welcome him back by having a Citrus Swirl. Orange Bird Returns to Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom Park on May 29 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tucked inside the Oviedo Bowling Center is The Pinball Lounge, an amusement hall stocked with the most pinball machines for public play in Central Florida. View the full article

Guests visiting Epcot yesterday got a special treat as several volunteer torchbearers carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through the theme park for the first-ever Unified Relay Across America. Hundreds of Disney cast members and guests cheered as the volunteers made their way from Epcot to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn where where there was a ceremonial lighting of the cauldron. While waiting for the torch to arrive, I met several athletes, including a Central Florida athlete who trains everyday preparing for gymnastic events. He beamed as he told me about his daily push ups and the medals that he’s earned. I was both inspired and humbled by his commitment. Yesterday’s stop at Walt Disney World Resort was one of several happening over the course of 46 days as the torch passes in a hand-to-hand exchange through all 50 states. The torch’s cross-country journey will end in Los Angeles with the opening ceremonies of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. The Walt Disney Company is one of the sponsors of the Special Olympics World Games, with ESPN covering highlights of the nine-day event starting with the Opening Ceremony July 25. Walt Disney World Resort Hosts Special Olympics Flame of Hope by Andrea Finger: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Karibu! Welcome to the new Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Harambe Market Entrance Harambe Market This brand new Counter Service location in the Africa section of the park features four distinct serving stations offering dishes based on African street food, and plenty of beverages. Harambe Market sign Harambe Market You have to look for it a bit —it’s tucked behind Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and this new section creates a continuing path from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction to the road leading from Africa to Asia. Once you get there, the surrounding area begins pulling you into the setting and story even before you set foot past the official entrance…. AtmosphereThe new Harambe Market area is ready to welcome guests from all around the globe. Harambe Guest House outside of entrance Surrounding area Surrounding area Surrounding area Surrounding area Just outside the Market You walk into the official Market through this entryway. Harambe Market Harambe Market gate Side entrance to Harambe Market When Disney released the first info about the marketplace to come, they shared a bit of its story as well: the marketplace serves as a center of commerce serving food and goods to world travelers who have come to the town as a respite before or after their safari adventures seeking out the animals of Africa. Of course, we’ll be getting to the food , but here are a few glimpses of the market. Best Baskets Market Goods Hidden Mickey? Or do I just see them everywhere now? Market Goods The water tower stands tall as a landmark over the marketplace. Water Tower Water Tower Whenever the Wildlife Express Train goes by on its trips to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch, it’s even more believable that you’ve stepped into a place that hosts traveling guests. It’s truly transportive. Set near the train tracks My third or fourth attempt to capture the passing train If you’re like me and could spend all day checking out the detailed signs and wall art all over Animal Kingdom, get ready to have an absolute field day in here. Signs and posters Signs As always, some of the posters and bits of art make you smile while others are more thought-provoking, but all bring you deeper into the story. Wall art Wall sign Posted ad Posted sign Wall art Some signs serve as good old-fashioned cross-promotion as well. I like how Tusker House is now considered part of “Old Harambe.” Tusker House ad Oh, and a few feature someone near and dear to many of our hearts… Mickey Mouse Who doesn’t love Mister Mouse? Mister Mouse There is plenty of much-welcome seating, the vast majority of which has some sort of coverage, be it a simple overhead roof or an umbrella-topped table. Seating area sign Covered seating Covered seating One of many umbrella-topped tables Cool Tabletop There were just a couple of uncovered tables, but those got little attention. Open table Because if you’re in Animal Kingdom, the odds are good that what this sign says is true! “It Is Hot Today” I know, I know… I say this practically every time I visit Animal Kingdom. But I’m saying it again because they’ve earned it once more: you really do feel transported in this incredible setting, rich with detail. So now that we’ve checked out the atmosphere, let’s see what the Market has for in store for travelers like us on the search for a bite to eat… EatsAs mentioned, there are four distinct stations serving food and drink: Chef Mwanga’s Ribs Shop, Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausages, and Wanjohi Refreshment. Each station features a star item or two, while the dessert option and beverages — as you’ll notice in the menu pics — are the same no matter where you stop. We’ll be taking a look at them one by one starting with… Famous SausagesIt’s all in the name at Famous Sausages! Famous Sausages Famous Sausages It’s home of the Boerewors Sausage Fried in Curried Corn Batter. Famous Sausages full menu Famous Sausages specialty items Its reputation precedes it with these terrific signs peppered throughout the area . Famous Sausages poster ad Before we dive into specifics, just a note that each station is similar in its serving style. You order at one window (as shown in the building shot above), then pick up at the next. Pickup window But back to the sausages… It seems like variations of the good ol’ park favorite Corn Dog have been popping up everywhere recently! From Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace’s Corn-battered Portuguese Sausages to a more traditional take with Lightsaber Bites at the Rebel Hangar, it seems we’ve entered the new Era of the Corn Dog. But I did mention variants, and the version at Famous Sausages has two: first, instead of a more traditional hot dog, it’s a sausage link inside. Second, and possibly more unique, is the curry batter. As a side note, the portion is terrific — not quite a foot-long, but not far from it. Sausage Fried in Curry Batter The yellow curry batter is, as it turns out, a great complement to the sausage. I really like curry, but I know its very distinct flavor is not everyone’s cup of tea. But it’s really well done here — it’s definitely present and yet not at all overwhelming. I know it’s a risk, but I think the curry-averse might even enjoy it. Curry batter surrounding the sausage The side item is a Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad (you’ll also spy red onion among the ingredients). Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad This was actually quite refreshing — you can’t even see it in the picture (or in person, for that matter), but there is just the slightest hint of vinaigrette that adds a bit of sweetness to this cold salad. It managed to make the broccoli taste good ;). You’ll find the same side salad served with the entrees at our next stop: Kitamu Grill. Kitamu GrillIf I’m judging correctly from the lines I saw on my visit, Kitamu Grill spot appears to be the most popular of the three food stations. Kitamu Grill Kitamu Grill So, we were really thankful that a Cast Member shared this bit of info with us: with the exception of Wanjohi Refreshments (which serves only beverages), you can order any of the food items at any of the three food stations. Great news for families who would prefer to remain together and yet sample different items! Unlike its neighboring shops, Kitamu Grill features not one, but two different entrees: the Grilled Chicken Skewer and the Ground Beef Kabob Flatbread. Kitamu Grill menu Closeup on Kitamu Grill specialties The Ground Beef Kabob Flatbread is served gyro-style, with two thin pieces of grilled ground beef in each of the two flatbreads, topped with a simple mixture of lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, and a sauce that may have been a variation on tzatziki, but tasted more like a simple mayo to me. Ground Beef Kabob Flatbread Toppings in Ground Beef Kabob Flatbread The bit of char brought a little more depth to the flavor of the otherwise fairly simple ground beef. Ground Beef Kabob Flatbread While this one is prepared with a berebere spice blend (typically featuring spices such as cayenne pepper, chili powder, and coriander, among others), they must have been placed on with a sparing hand because I didn’t detect any of them. For that reason, I’d say it’s the safest bet for someone who wants to eat in this area but isn’t as much a fan of the curry, cumin, and turmeric-style leanings of the other dishes. Even though I like those spices, this was my second favorite entree after the Famous Sausage. The Grilled Chicken Skewer is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of dish. Grilled Chicken Skewer The chicken was moist and the berebere spices were a bit more pronounced here than in the Flatbread. Grilled Chicken Skewer All in all, though, while it was well-prepared it struck me as a bit more bland than the other dishes available for selection. Which brings us to our second to last stop… Chef Mwanga’sAccording to the story, Chef Mwanga has the most successful business in the Market, so he has the fanciest sign and best-looking establishment, somewhat set apart from the others. Chef Mwanga’s Ribs Shop Chef Mwanga’s The Chef specializes in one thing here: Dreamy Ribs!! Dreamy Ribs Chef Mwanga’s menu Chef Mwanga’s specialty items So, let’s have a look at those dreamy ribs, shall we? The Spice-rubbed Karubi Ribs are topped with a green papaya-carrot slaw with a side of Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad. Spiced-rubbed Karubi Rbs and Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad Spice-rubbed Karubi Ribs I don’t know if you can tell from the picture, but the first thing you should know is that this dish is absolutely MASSIVE. It’s easily shareable, so I’m glad I had my husband with me. Of the two of us, he’s the Jumbo Turkey Leg connoisseur, so I asked him if he thought there was as much meat here as on a huge turkey leg, and he thinks definitely yes, if not more. Spice-rubbed Karubi Ribs Of course, if you’re looking for a standard American barbecued rib, you’ll want to stick with Flame Tree Barbecue, since the spice rub here is similar to the other dishes. While the ribs boast nearly 20 spices, my husband and I both thought we picked up on coriander predominately. The other thing we agreed on was the quality of the pork, finding it to be juicy and tender. The Chickpea, Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the side dish with the ribs. Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad I think I was expecting a vinaigrette akin to the one on the Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad, but the spiced blend mixed with this salad was oddly almost savory. I didn’t care for it, even though I do like that the small dish features chickpeas, which you won’t find much outside of hummus in the parks. It was at Chef Mwanga’s that we also picked up the one dessert option at Harambe Market (you’ll find it at every food station): the African Milk Tart. African Milk Tart It’s a coconut custard inside a chocolate tart shell, topped with sugar and five-spice powder (autumn spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg among them) and drizzled with chocolate ganache. As a huge coconut fan, I was happy to see the coconut flakes immediately upon slicing the tart. African Milk Tart The chocolate shell was surprisingly soft, and you can tell by the photo that it barely crumbled. The custard was cool and creamy (closer to a pudding consistency than a creme brule type) with plenty of coconut flakes throughout. Coconut, chocolate, cinnamon… I mean, if there is only one dessert option available, I’d say this is definitely a good one to have! I’d recommend it as a snack in its own right, and not just as the add-on dessert option with the Disney Dining Plan. So, we’re done with the food, but we still have one last stop… Wanjohi RefreshmentWanjohi Refreshment focuses solely on beverages. Wanjohi Refreshment Cold Beer sign True, you’ll find most of the beer and wine at the other locations, but Wanjohi Refreshment is the only place where you’ll find Iced Coffee and its specialty cocktail, The Starr of Harambe. Wanjohi Refreshment menu You’ll see on the menu that The Starr of Harambe is served in the Souvenir Mask Tumbler, but you can also get it without the tumbler for $11.99. It’s a very simple mix focusing on just two ingredients: Starr African Rum blended with Mango Puree. The Starr of Harambe The same white rum is featured in a few drinks at the Dawa Bar, and it goes really well with the (obviously) fruity mango puree, coming through primarily in the aftertaste. Plus, on a really hot afternoon, I can’t imagine anything much more refreshing than this icy blend. It went down so smooth and easily that I gave myself brain freeze… four times. I wish that were a joke, but it isn’t. Consider yourself warned ;). And that’s our last stop at the Market, my rafikis (friends)! OverallJust in time for the busy summer season, Animal Kingdom has provided something much needed with the Harambe Market in providing new Counter Service options in the Africa section of the park. Not only that, but they’ve done it with great style and theme. And I think the food strikes a pretty good balance of offering familiar dishes with just enough uniqueness to remind you that you’re eating in a place that’s made to pay tribute to different cultures and cuisine. One missing piece, however, does stand out: in a park that typically does a great job at providing vegetarian options in spots such as Bradley Falls and Mr. Kamal’s (and even at Tamu Tamu Refreshments before it became a desserts-only stop), it’s a little surprising that there isn’t one here. One thing we do know, though, is that lots of things are changing at Animal Kingdom, so perhaps this will, too, as Harambe Market establishes itself among the Animal Kingdom eateries. In fact, we may have spotted a future change on our visit, just behind the construction walls across from the Market. It’s difficult to read in the picture, but the sign below is labeled “Zuri’s Sweets.” Hmm… Zuri’s Sweets But as far as Harambe Market as it stands right now in its first week of operation, I’d recommend anyone to stop by for a bite whether it’s for a full meal, just dessert, or simply an afternoon “refreshment” ;), to spend some time taking in the truly immersive marketplace — the newest section of an ever-expanding Animal Kingdom. Which market are you hoping to visit on your next visit? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek: Harambe Marketplace Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Late May A Tour of Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Photo Tour: Animal Kingdom Starbucks Design Elements View the full article

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