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You know how I’m always going on and on about the huge variety of food, drinks, and cuisine around Epcot’s World Showcase? I mean, you can find just about anything and everything, which is why I talk about it ALL the time, like it’s my job or something. Oh, wait… it IS my job. I guess somebody’s gotta do it! Anyway, I really do mean that you can find everything… and here’s my proof (ha ha — PROOF! I crack me up). Did you know that you can stock up on your supply of Moonshine at Epcot? Backwoods Moonshine Yep! The Port of Entry and Disney Traders gift shops (those are the two gifts shops at the entrance to World Showcase between the Canada and Mexico Pavilions) carry an assortment of the whiskey beverage. They’ve actually been available for some time now (and are, of course, being incorporated into many a cocktail around property due to the popularity of moonshine right now), but I only recently paused to take a look at the assorted flavors. Aside from the Backwoods brand pictured above, you can also find Firefly Moonshine in Strawberry, Peach, and Apple Pie. How great are these mason jars?! Firefly Moonshine A little White Lightning and Blackberry are up for grabs as well. Firefly Moonshine I feel a special connection to Firefly since it’s out of South Carolina, where my brother and his family currently live! They’ve actually been to the distillery! Fancy yourself a jar or two? Aside from the entryway gift shops, you can also find a similar assortment at Heritage Manor Gifts in the American Adventure Pavilion. And in the event that you do pick some up, Cheers! Do any of the moonshine flavors appeal to you? Please let us know with a comment! 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: Review: Flavored Popcorn in Epcot Fun Find: Tim Horton Products in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion New! Epcot World Showcase Drinks and Eats T-Shirts View the full article

The Avengers have taken over theaters this month, and they’re currently starring in some pretty awesome treats over at Disneyland’s Pizza Port. Pizza Port These Heroic Treats are currently available for a limited time. Heroic Treats I am a sucker for anything sparkly, so after seeing a photo of the Mark V Iron Man Waffle Cake online, I had to get over there and try it for myself! SO SHINY!!!! Sparkly Iron Man Waffle Cake For $6.99, you can dine on your very own Tony Stark! The waffle cake is a blend of red velvet cake and waffle batter. The eyes and mouth are made of cream cheese frosting. Iron Man Waffle Cake The edible gold glitter is gorgeous. ALMOST too pretty to eat. Here’s a close up of it! Super Shiny Edible Gold Glitter What the sign doesn’t tell you is quite simply the best surprise of the waffle itself. Underneath, there is a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Below you can see it peeking through. Cream Cheese Frosting Surprise! I have to say, I am not a red velvet fan. But you know, I’m usually willing to take one for the team. I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor. I think that mixing the red velvet with waffle batter is what did it for me. The red velvet flavor was not overwhelming and the fact that is mixed with waffle batter gives it a more mild flavor with vanilla hints. Cooking it in a waffle iron gives it some great texture; a semi-crisp outside with a moist cake-like inside. Cross Section AND just so you can see proof that it was cooked in a waffle iron, here’s the backside of Iron Man (sorry it’s not Robert Downey Jr.’s actual backside). Also, notice that glorious cream cheese frosting. The frosting was amazing. Perfect cinnamon roll type, thick, cream cheesy goodness. The Backside of Iron Man To complete your iron man meal, pick up one of these souvenir mugs. Iron Man Souvenir Mugs Pop into Pizza Port ASAP to try some of these goodies for yourself! Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! 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: Dining in Disneyland: Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port The Story of Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland Disneyland’s Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port View the full article

We know… if you were able to bring Fido on your Disney World vacation, you totally would. You would probably even sneak him a bite of your Mickey Waffle under the table at your resort food court as you start out each day before heading into the parks. After all, you love nothing more than starting the day with a Mickey Waffle, so why wouldn’t he? Well, now your dog can have one of his very own! Our friends at Mickey Fix let us know about this awesome Mickey Waffle Pet Chew Toy, and it can be yours (well, Fido’s, really!) from the new Disney Tails line found on DisneyStore.com! ©Disney But why stop there? Wouldn’t he just love his own Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar Chew Toy, too? ©Disney There are actually several chew toys available, though not all of them feature food. How about a classic Mickey Ear Mouseketeer Hat Chew? ©Disney Or, for the little Fidettes, a Minnie Bow Chew Toy? ©Disney While you can purchase any of the times above on DisneyStore.com (just click on any of the links to visit the site), items such as dog bowls, leashes, and dog tags (shaped like Cast Member name tags!) will complete the line in the parks. I gotta say… it all sounds pretty doggone cute to me! Which chew toy would you pick for your favorite furry friend? Please let us know with a comment! 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: Mickey Waffles Spotted! Mickey Waffle Magnets and MORE! Chocolate Chip Mickey Waffles?! The Future is Here. View the full article

The warm summer months of cruising mean even more time to enjoy top-deck activities on the cruise ships. While for many years that meant lounging by the pool, recent years have brought on more thrilling experiences including the proliferation of the water park. View the full article

A lit cigarette tossed from a car in east Orlando led to a police chase, heroin bust and the arrest of a gang member, court records show. View the full article

Candace Rodriguez stumbles upon the perfect gold-colored dress for her daughter in a shopping plaza on Semoran Boulevard. View the full article

Simultaneous and unexplained departures by four executives from the agency that protects Central Florida's wetlands, rivers and aquifer triggered complaints Wednesday that the moves were orchestrated to weaken the region's environmental safeguards. View the full article

A 25-year old has been charged with breaking into a Meadow Woods home and stabbing a 26-year-old man Tuesday evening, Orange County Jail records show. View the full article

WASHINGTON — Hoping to stave off a state budget crisis, Gov. Rick Scott pleaded for federal spending on Wednesday to renew an expiring health care program that covers the cost of care for more than 800,000 low-income Floridians. View the full article

Episcopal Bishop Greg Brewer is scheduled to meet Thursday evening with two gay parishioners whose son was denied baptism at a downtown church. View the full article

Pixie Power is in the air! Can you feel it? We went inside Pixie Hollow to bring you all the details on the runDisney 2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend presented by PANDORA Jewelry, which is just days away, May 7–10 at the Disneyland Resort. You won’t believe the selection of merchandise this year. So let’s get started! Themed Tinker Bell Half Marathon apparel will include the ever-popular “I Did It” T-shirt, performance shirts, a tank, shorts, fleece hoodie and of course, the ladies zip jacket. One of my favorite features on this collection is the clever saying “Tink Happy Thoughts” and the screened floral wings that appear on the back of several items. It certainly makes me feel as if I could fly to the finish line. Tinker Bell 5K fans will have some extra support this year from the Lost Boys, while the “I Did It” Tinker Bell 10K fans will be filled with pixie power. Are you participating in the Inaugural Pixie Dust Challenge? Short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, performance wear, a tank, fleece hoodie and ladies jacket have made the list of this particular spirited sprite. Take a look! Other items to race in for include the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend shirt and jacket, runDisney and Coast-to-Coast merchandise, hats, magnets, clings, pins, headbands, special artist sketches and an array of drinkware. Here’s a look at the water bottles, tumbler, glass stemware and mug, in case you’re thirsty for more. What about Dooney & Bourke? Don’t despair, Tinker Bell fans! The satchel, backpack, letter carrier and wristlet are sure to make your heart soar. So get a jump on your shopping list and be ready when the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo takes flight beginning Thursday, May 7, at the Disneyland Hotel. To all of you participating in the race, I wish you all the best of luck with a touch of pixie dust! 2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Merchandise Flies in for Mother’s Day Weekend at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I have exciting news for Disney pin collectors! Starting May 14, we will release the first Disney Park Pack – Trading Edition on the Disney Parks online store. This Online exclusive box of pins includes a limited edition 500 pin that is only available in the Disney Park Pack, as well as two open edition pins guests will receive before they are available in locations at Disney Parks. “We wanted a way for guests to continue collecting unique Disney pins before or after their Disney vacation,” explained Jeanne Lewis, merchandiser for Disney pins. “I love that the Disney Park Pack will contain a low edition size pin which is something we know guests love collecting. We included two open edition pins to give guests some additional trading power.” Jeanne told me the limited edition pins are part of a series and may include characters from animated features or attractions at Disney Parks. The limited edition pins will also have two embellishments (like pin-on-pin or special fills) making them a great collectible item. I tried to get a sneak preview of the pins but she said the Disney Park Pack pins will be a mystery each month. A new Disney Park Pack will be released on the first Thursday of every month. Retail price at introduction is $39.95 and includes shipping. Due to the unique nature of this item, there are no refunds, exchanges or returns. For more information, please visit DisneyStore.com/ParkPack. Happy Collecting! New Disney Park Pack – Trading Edition Coming to the Online Store Starting in May by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

May is National Salad Month (who knew?). One of our favorite ways to eat is with a big bowl of deliciousness that doesn’t always involve romaine. Here are 10 of our favorite salads from the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Salad bars don’t count – we love the ways the chefs create a taste sensation with a little bit of this and that. At Disneyland Resort: “Smiling Tiger Salad” at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. What’s not to love about Chef Andrew Sutton’s tempura fried lobster, spicy beef, Asian greens and a drizzle of coconut-lime vinaigrette? Relax over lunch with the Roasted Chicken and Strawberry Salad at Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure park, a mélange of warm asparagus, avocado, arugula, toasted ancient grains and roasted chicken breast filled with strawberry butter.Also at Disney California Adventure park, we discovered the Greek Salad at Paradise Garden Grill – grab a seat in the shade and dig in to this generous bowl of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, pepperoncinis, marinated olive and feta flavored with a lemon-oregano dressing and pita bread for scooping. You might want to share. Over at Disneyland park, a longtime favorite is the Caesar at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante. This is the real deal, as the Caesar was invented in Mexico City – though a staple in Italian restaurants, the Caesar generally is attributed to Caesar Cardini, an Italian who created the salad at his restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, where it became a hit with Hollywood stars. Rancho serves the Hacienda Caesar, romaine tossed, sweet peppers and cotija cheese in housemade dressing with pepitas seeds, radishes and crisp tortilla chips. Top it with grilled chicken or carne asada. At Walt Disney World Resort: Heading to the East Coast, The Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort has an entrée salad that’s never left the menu – the chicken strawberry salad with greens, grilled chicken breast, cucumbers, fresh strawberries and gorgonzola tossed in a lightly sweet white zinfandel vinaigrette. A classic. Over at Sunshine Seasons at Epcot, try the trendy Power Salad – a bowlful of protein with quinoa, oak-fired chicken, almonds and honey vinaigrette. You’ll have plenty of energy to power walk World Showcase Promenade.Quinoa is the star of another favorite at ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – the Couscous Quinoa & Arugula Salad, tossed to order. We top it with grilled salmon for extra protein and Omega 3s. Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, who doesn’t love the Cobb Salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby? Chopped delightfully small and tossed tableside, it’s a classic with ham, bacon, turkey breast, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado and chives, all mixed with dressing still made from the original recipe when the salad was invented in Hollywood in the 1930s. Delightfully different is the Jiko Salad at Jiko—The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. A lovely plate of poached pears, heirloom spinach, kabocha squash in a pear vinaigrette topped with a brittle of pumpkin seeds and black lentils. Instagram worthy. And finally, another longtime favorite we always have to order: the Crispy Rock Shrimp Salad at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This one stays on the menu, though Chef Brian Piasecki may mix up the ingredients. Right now it’s crispy rock shrimp (a Florida delicacy) with spicy baby greens, Subarashii pear, red onions, soy reduction and addictive wasabi cream. You won’t want to share this one. Top 10 Disney Salads, Coast to Coast by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Happy Birthday, Princess Anna! All over Disney World and Disneyland, guests are invited to celebrate the birthday of Frozen’s Princess Anna (she’s a princess, right?). This goes hand in hand with the Frozen Fever film short where our Arendelle friends attempt to throw her a surprise party, and Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake is one of three Frozen Fever treats brought out for the occasion. Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake I grabbed mine at Epcot’s Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Norway, but this is just one of the spots where you can find it. From parks to resorts, you can grab it at several locations including the Beach Club Marketplace and Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons in Disney World, and Jolly Holiday Bakery and The Coffee House in Disneyland (find the full list of locations here!). When I mention our “Arendelle Friends,” that clearly includes Olaf, who tops this treat. (Incidentally, you’ll also find this white chocolate piece topping Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day.) Olaf Topper The cupcake is a simply a basic yellow cake— which, when I think about it, goes along pretty well with most birthday parties I’ve ever been to. Inside Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake And that blue frosting is your standard buttercream. Not that there’s anything wrong with that! And it is, in fact, beautifully presented with the swirls of blue. Little Frozen fans will likely be perfectly thrilled. But I’m just sayin’, if you’re looking for something outside the norm from a flavor perspective (we’ve recently enjoyed the Black Forest and Apple Spice Cupcakes at Sunshine Seasons, for example, and the Tiramisu Cupcake at Captain Cook’s), you may want to continue your search. Personally, though, I’d rather celebrate anyone’s birthday — including my own! — with the chocolate-y, fudgey, decadent Frozen Bundt Cake (and check out that snazzy Anna ring on top) also found in Norway’s Kringla Bakeri. Unlike the Frozen Fever treats, you can only find this one at Kringla. Frozen Chocolate Bundt Cake Ever since I tried it last summer, it has seriously become one of my favorite snacks at Kringla Bakeri. When you consider that Kringla is home to favorites such as School Bread, the Berry Cream Puff, and Sweet Pretzels, that’s no small feat for this little treat! As for the cupcake, though, the Frozen Fever treats are around for a limited time. I’m guessing, though, you’re safe to grab one until Frozen Summer Fun Live rolls around again at Hollywood Studios starting June 17th, when we’re bound to have a whole new batch of Frozen-themed treats to explore, since — let’s face it — the Frozen fun never seems to let up around here . Have you tried any of the Frozen Fever treats this spring? Please let us know with a comment! 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: “Frozen Fever” Sweet Treats at Disneyland and Disney World Spotted! Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day at Disney World’s Beaches and Cream Fun Find: Frozen-Themed Treats in Disney World and Disneyland View the full article

When the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off May 22, you’re invited to take a trip down the Rabbit Hole and experience the Diamond Mad T Party, a splendiferous new version of the popular nighttime entertainment experience at Disney California Adventure park. Diamond Mad T Party will feature heart-pounding live entertainment, interactive fun and delectable delights all wrapped in sparkling décor and seasoned with some unique tributes to 60 years of Disneyland Resort. During the Diamond Mad T Party, the main stage explodes in a swirling kaleidoscope of sparkle, shine and sound. The Mad Hatter has assembled the most amazing and talented band this side of Wonderland, featuring live contemporary and classic rock favorites as well as newly mashed-up Disney tunes given a rare Mad T Party twist! And when the band is not onstage, the White Rabbit DJ takes over and plays the latest and hottest dance tunes around. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, our whimsical and mischievous hosts for the party, have taken a trip down the Rabbit Hole and back in time, where they found themselves inside the magical Disney Vault. Eager to share where they have been and what they have seen, Dee and Dum have loaded their trunk and brought back some fanciful artifacts to add to the Hatter’s Diamond Mad T Party! Nearby at the House of Cards, Mad T Party guests have opportunities aplenty to dance and play along to interactive activities or just chill out with a cold drink from the Drink Me Bar or Chiller truck. New this go ‘round is a fantastical photo location created in the spirit of the Diamond Mad T Party while paying tribute to Disney past. In addition, fans of the Hottest Deck in Town will be dealt an extremely lucky hand, as the Hollywood Backlot Stage becomes the dazzling new location for this talented dance crew. They will be bringing their high-energy and infectious performances to the party with a brand new look on their brand new stage. So get practicing your Futterwacken and other dance moves. We’re just a couple weeks away from all the muchness that will be the sparklingly, spectacularly delightful Diamond Mad T Party! It’s Almost Time for the Diamond Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with some feathered friends this Saturday at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Become an “honorary bird” and “migrate” around Rafiki’s Planet Watch as you discover how your wing span and feather color (that’s bird talk for arm length and clothes) matches up among nearly 350 species of wild birds. Learn about the great lengths we go to at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with help from the Disney Conservation Fund, to care for not only the birds we have here, but for birds all over the world! For example, as you walk through the park, keep your eyes to the skies because you might just spot a purple martin. These tiny birds (weighing in at approximately two ounces) with purple, glossy feathers come to Walt Disney World Resort every year to enjoy some vacation time and raise their young. They enjoy world-class “resorts” (the birdhouses we provide) and indulge in the best food around. Purple martins are aerial insectivores, which means they eat flying insects they catch right out of the air! In the eastern United States, purple martins rely exclusively on humans to build their birdhouses and prepare their sheltered nests, tucked away in what’s referred to as a “cavity.” Without birdhouses like those at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot and other locations around Walt Disney World Resort, the purple martins would simply have nowhere to nest. This is a unique phenomenon among all bird species and represents an incredible opportunity for people to engage in a direct conservation experience with these charismatic little songbirds! When all their chicks have fledged, or grown the feathers necessary for flight, purple martins embark on an incredible migration down to the Brazilian Amazon. What’s truly amazing about this journey is that one purple martin can make the nearly 3,000-mile trek in fewer than three weeks! We want to understand where these birds spend their time, how they are affected by climate change and the factors that influence their choices along their migratory routes so we can better protect all the wild places they call home We also have many questions about purple martin nesting behavior, including how these birds raise their young and if pairs stay together both while they are here at Walt Disney World and also once they depart for Brazil. How do we begin to answer these questions? The first step lies in a lightweight accessory called a geolocator. While the adult purple martins are here, we outfit each of them with a little backpack that they will wear for the next year. The geolocator backpack will gather location data for the bird during its migration to Brazil and during its return to Disney the following spring. The geolocators aren’t cumbersome for the birds, and the tracking data give us important information about their migration, including all the important migratory stop-overs (i.e. rest stops) the martins utilize during their journey. Check out this quick video to see how our cast attaches the geolocators to the birds and release them into the wild! We cannot wait to download the data from the birds that have returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this year! Whooping cranes, a majestic, large bird have been through quite the roller coaster in their population numbers and are another species we will honor as part of our celebration of migratory birds. Whooping cranes can grow up to 5 feet tall with a wing span of nearly 7 feet, making it the tallest bird in North America. They get their name from the resounding “whooping” sound they make that can be heard over several miles. In 1860, there were about 1,400 cranes—a pretty troubling number. In 1941 however, numbers dwindled to merely 15 birds! Hunting, feather trade and negative human impacts on their habitat hit the birds hard. The whooping crane was listed as an endangered species in 1967 and has held that status ever since. Since then, several organizations, including the Disney Conservation Fund and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, have banded together to help increase the population size. One such program used is to raise these birds and teach them to migrate with the help of a special plane called an ultra-light. Operation Migration is the organization who coordinates this program and they work with the chicks from the day they hatch to their release into the wild. The birds travel from Wisconsin to Florida every year following this plane, which you can see for yourself at International Migratory Bird Day. You may even catch a glimpse or carry on a conversation with one of the original and current crane pilot Joe Duff, who first led the whooping cranes along their migratory path and have helped boost whooping crane numbers to just over 400 cranes! Join us this Saturday, May 9, to learn more about purple martins, whooping cranes and more migratory birds that you may recognize from your own backyard! We hope to see you there! And stay tuned for more information about our conservation efforts with migratory birds! Wildlife Wednesday: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Erin Gallagher: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s official: Universal Orlando is going ape again. A King Kong-themed attraction will open at its Islands of Adventure theme park in the summer of 2016, the company announced today. View the full article

Everywhere you look at Downtown Disney, signs of the future are popping up as the area transforms into Disney Springs. The latest can be seen in the parking garage. As the first of two planned parking garages for Downtown Disney, the Orange Garage at West Side opened late last year and continues to introduce enhancements to surprise and delight guests. My favorite addition thus far? The smart technology that clearly shows how many spaces are available at each level and even identifies open spaces with an easily recognizable green light above the spots. If you’ve parked in the garage recently, you know how awesome those little lights are. This week, we’re celebrating another milestone – the opening of two new walkways that give guests a direct connection to the West Side promenade in two locations: adjacent to Splitsville Luxury Lanes and near Planet Hollywood. These new bridges to the property are accessible via the second level of the garage and give guests the option to use stairs, elevators or escalators (my go-to mode of arrival). With lush landscaping and new hardscape finishing out the space, the walkways are a beautiful new addition to what will eventually be Disney Springs. To experience these enhancements for yourself, park in the Orange Garage during your next outing to the Downtown Disney Area and make your way to level two – with so much new to explore, hopefully your next visit is just around the corner. New Garage Walkways Now Open at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525 appeared to have practiced a controlled descent on his flight into Barcelona just two hours before he intentionally crashed the A320 jet into a mountainside on the return flight to Duesseldorf, air accident investigators said Wednesday. View the full article

On a Disney cruise, you’ll not only feel like royalty yourself with our legendary service and first-class accommodations, you’ll actually be in the company of true royalty with several Disney princesses sailing the high seas. Throughout your voyage you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be graced by their presence, but here’s what I’ve selected as the top-five enchanting princess encounters on a Disney cruise. Princess Gatherings: The magnificent three-deck atrium lobby on each of our ships is the perfect setting to meet with Disney royalty. A dazzling chandelier and a grand staircase set the stage for an elegant experience as you have the unique chance to greet and take photographs with three or more princesses. Royal Court Royal Tea: Royal Court Royal Tea on the Disney Fantasy is truly a one-of-a-kind affair that celebrates the “royal” in everyone. During this afternoon tea event, you and your children are transported to a fairytale world where storytelling meets reality as classic Disney princesses dance and visit around the room. Magical Port Adventure: When the Disney Magic sails to Ã…lesund, Norway, Anna and Elsa accompany Disney cruisers for a traditional Norwegian summer celebration on a Port Adventure like only Disney can do.The festivities culminate with the grand arrival of the beloved sisters and their ice-loving companion, Kristoff, who join in the lively revelry. Story Time for Kids: Just for little cruisers, Once Upon a Time is a musical story time where a beloved princess shares tales of her adventures in a faraway kingdom. This special youth activity takes places in Disney’s Oceaneer Club on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Live Stage Shows: With some of the most elaborate musicals presented at sea, it’s no wonder Disney princesses take center stage in the Walt Disney Theatre. Whether she is the star of the show or a leading role in one of the production numbers, there’s a good chance you’ll spot your favorite heroine singing and dancing in her fairytale world. Tell us, what’s your most magical memory of a Disney princess onboard one of our ships? Top-Five Enchanting Princess Encounters on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – With the prospect that one day astronauts may be aboard as something goes terribly wrong with a rocket, SpaceX jettisoned its Dragon capsule from a launch pad Wednesday, sending it to safety thousands of feet into the air, then parachuting to a gentle splashdown. View the full article

A central Florida woman who says her boyfriend was holding her and her children hostage sent a secret message asking for help in an online pizza order. View the full article

Time for another visit to the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom! Learn About: Main Street BakeryMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsIt’s long been a DFB tradition to stop by Main Street Bakery first thing to kick off the day with a morning pastry. In the past, I’ve also loved popping into this spot to see what’s new in the way of cupcakes. While things aren’t exactly the same as they were in the days before MSB became a Starbucks location, you will still find an assortment of breakfast offerings in the morning and sweet treats throughout the day. (Check out our recent review of the Bacon and Gouda Artisan Sandwich.) And a sweet snack was what my friend and I were after during our late night stop into the coffee shop recently. Let’s check out what we found. Mocha CupcakeWhile many (MANY) of my sentimental favorites, like their amazing cinnamon rolls, are no longer available at Main Street Bakery, the spot has continued to offer some cupcake options that you don’t find at your neighborhood Starbucks. That’s cool, right? I mean, it’s not as awesome as that cinnamon roll, but still. (And if you’re missing the cinnamon roll as much as me, head back to Gaston’s Tavern, where you’ll find a very similar model. Or make it at home with this recipe.) But back to cupcakes. On our visit, we decided to give the Mocha Cupcake a try. Mocha Cupcake This is mostly chocolate on chocolate. We didn’t really discern much in the way of coffee flavor, although the garnish of Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans would indicate there’s some java there. (You’ll have to excuse my lighting. I got this cupcake at around 9:00 at night while the parade was passing by and the Starbucks was PACKED. It was tough to jostle my way to a good location without weird yellow nighttime light.) Mocha Cupcake — Cross Section Ultimately, while this was fine, I’ve had better. Unless you’re just dying for a chocolate cupcake, I’d probably pass this one up in favor of something more interesting… Salted Caramel Square with Pecans…Like the Salted Caramel Square with Pecans. Ok. Maybe I’m just a sucker for anything that combines the words “salt” and “caramel”. This was very good, but the pretzel game is strong in here; so it was much more crunchy and less creamy than I expected. Salted Caramel Square with Pecans Salted Caramel TartBut it was this final option that truly converted me to Starbucks’ sweets. Let me introduce you to the Salted Caramel Tart. And I know what you’re gonna say — you can find this one at your Starbucks down the street. Well, true. And now that I’ve tried the one at Magic Kingdom, I have a hard time not steering my car over to my local S-bux on my way home from the grocery store!! While we didn’t get much of the Salt Flavor we were expecting with the Tart, it still offered a lovely Chocolate Shortbread Crust and a nice soft Caramel Filling. And that caramel filling? Ah-mazing. Salted Caramel Tart And while it may seem small, don’t let that fool you. This is a rich dessert, and was more than enough to answer my craving for something sweet. Want More Great Magic Kingdom Snacks?Magic Kingdom Snacks are some of our favorite treats in all the World! And in fact, many of them can just about amount to a meal. And those are just a couple of the reasons we are so excited to announce that the 2015-16 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available! The Disney Food Blog Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-BookThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog! Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2015-16 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks (about 30 more than the 2014 edition)! Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in the Magic Kingdom!To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $3 off its already discounted purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $9.95 (regularly $12.95). To secure the discount, use code MK15 at the check-out. Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!Get four awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only… Bundle for greater savings! Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015, PLUSThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, ANDThe DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksAll three are being sold together — for $10 off. Use code BUNDLE10 at check out. Our Snack Guides give you tons of pictures and reviews of over 550 Disney World snacks, but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! Are you a fan of the Starbucks bakery items? Tell us what you think in 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: Review: Starbucks Brownie at Main Street Bakery in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Review: Main Street Bakery Starbucks in Walt Disney World Review: Bacon and Gouda Artisan Breakfast Sandwich at Main Street Bakery Starbucks View the full article

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