Disney4me

You know, for…like…forever, as Disney food fans we’ve all had our eyes on a couple of major food stories: breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant and the opening of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto have received all the attention lately (well, that, and the rumored news of a possible Jungle Cruise Restaurant coming to the Magic Kingdom). So, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s it. I guess all the big Disney food news is over for now.” Not so fast, my friends!! Because now we’re turning our attention to the next presumed restaurant opening in Disney World: The Boathouse, which is anticipated to open sometime in April in Downtown Disney/soon-to-be-Disney-Springs. While we don’t have an exact opening date just yet, we do have some news about one of our favorite Disney performers that may be joining the entertainment line-up. Concept art for The Boathouse — Outside View The Boathouse under construction You see, in addition to food, The Boathouse is also expected to offer a unique variety of entertainment, from live music to various boat-themed attractions such as Italian Water Taxis and guided Amphicar Tours. The Boathouse — Coming Soon! Word has it that Yeeha Bob — regularly seen at Port Orleans Riverside’s River Roost Lounge — may be entertaining guests at The Boathouse as well! According to the terrific Port Orleans fan site, PortOrleans.org, some of Bob’s nights off from the River Roost will be spent bringing his incredible talent to the folks over at The Boathouse! You can also visit Yeeha Bob’s site, where he mentions being tentatively scheduled at The Boathouse. Ye-Haa Bob! Don’t expect, however, the traditional singalong Yeeha Bob show we’ve come to know and love over the years at the River Roost. Rather, Bob Jackson will be bringing some of his terrific instrumental jazz skills to the folks on the Water Taxis, along with accompaniment from a saxophonist. Suffice it to say, if we weren’t excited for The Boathouse before, we sure are now! How about you ? What do you think of the potential for entertainment at the upcoming Boathouse? 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! Boathouse and Morimoto Confirmed for Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs at Downtown Disney Disney Springs Rumor! New Restaurants Planned for Disney World’s Downtown Disney News! More Popular Restaurants Possibly Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World View the full article

Earlier this year, we took a backstage look at the Tumble Monkeys from the popular stage show “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In it, we showed you the level of talent and skill that this team of gymnasts uses to add comedic fun into the show. This week, we’re back with a behind-the-scenes look at a different act in the show – the fireknife dancer. This performer adds an element of danger during villain Scar’s song, “Be Prepared.” In reality, the show’s fireknife dancers, including VJ Tiumalu, have studied the art of this traditional Samoan warrior dance for years. For VJ, fireknife is a family tradition. He decided to become a fireknife performer when he was just 5 years old after seeing his father perform in a show. VJ’s uncle even once performed the very part VJ now plays in “Festival of the Lion King.” To learn more, check out the video below. (Spoiler alert: As you’ll see, I’m apparently the most uncoordinated person on the planet and therefore will not be changing my career to fireknife anytime soon). You can see “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom several times each day. Check your My Disney Experience app for showtimes during your visit. Behind the Scenes: Learning Fireknife at ‘Festival of the Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We're back with a behind-the-scenes look at a different act in "The Festival of the Lion King" from Disney's Animal Kingdom – the fireknife dancer! This performer adds an element of danger...From:Disney ParksViews:223851ratingsTime:02:15More inTravel & Events

Watch as Cristoval's imagination soars when he takes flight on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and goes up, up, up, high above the Walt Disney World Resort on Characters in Flight. http://di.sn/6006N8...From:Disney ParksViews:237088ratingsTime:01:20More inTravel & Events

Disney Ambassador Jessica Bernard, joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, recently traveled to Japan for the first international Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration announcement, held at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. Surprise guest U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy also attended the event to share her love for the Disneyland Resort. Caroline recalled childhood Disney memories, including watching the “Wonderful World of Disney” and reenacting “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” with family members. The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off with a 24-hour celebration on May 22, 2015. Caroline Kennedy Recalls Disney Memories During First International Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Announcement by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Exciting news from Disney Cruise Line just keeps on coming! Today we announced a brand-new stage show, “Tangled: The Musical,” premiering onboard the Disney Magic this November. It is the very first time this beloved Disney tale has been adapted for the stage, and what’s more, the production includes brand-new songs by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken! “Tangled: The Musical” will immerse you in Rapunzel’s fairytale world through lavish production numbers and spellbinding music. The show will stay true to the storyline from the hit feature film—with a few special twists to create a live staged production—featuring favorite characters like Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, the villainous Mother Gothel and Maximus the police horse. Three new songs created exclusively for this show by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Glenn Slater will bring the story to life onstage. Our highly talented entertainment team has been hard at work on this production, and they’ve given us an all-access pass to take you behind the scenes. Over the next several months, I’ll be sharing with you exclusive videos of this stage show coming together. Stay tuned! Those of you on our November 11 four-night Bahamian sailing aboard the Disney Magic will be the first to see this new stage show spectacular! Which of you can I expect to see in the front row? ‘Tangled: The Musical’ Coming to Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Original music by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken headlines new stage show adaptation of Disney animated filmCELEBRATION, Fla. (April 2, 2015) – In November 2015, the endearing characters and captivating music of the animated film “Tangled” will enchant audiences once again, this time as an original stage show spectacular at sea aboard the Disney Magic—the first time the beloved Disney tale has been adapted for the stage. “Tangled: The Musical” will immerse audiences in Rapunzel’s fairytale world through lavish production numbers and spellbinding music. Three new songs created exclusively for this show by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Glenn Slater will bring the story to life onstage. The show will stay true to the storyline from the hit feature film—with a few special twists to create a live staged production—featuring favorite characters like Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, the villainous Mother Gothel and Maximus the police horse. The story follows the thrilling adventure of Rapunzel as she escapes the confines of her tower and the clutches of Mother Gothel, who wishes to shield the secret of Rapunzel’s magical golden tresses and royal roots. Rapunzel strikes up an unlikely friendship with the suave, crown-stealing bandit Flynn Rider, and together they face ruffians, thugs and a budding romance on a hair-raising journey filled with classic Disney playfulness and whimsy that will delight audiences of all ages. New Songs Debuting with Film Favorites Acclaimed composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast”) and lyricist Glenn Slater, the prolific pair behind the original soundtrack for “Tangled,” teamed up again to adapt the score and story for the stage. Complementing the score from the film, three new songs weave a delightful combination of narrative, humor and theatrics into the performance. In addition to new melodies, audiences will enjoy live performances of favorite songs from the movie, including “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I Have a Dream” and the Grammy Award-winning ballad, “I See the Light.” Adapting “Tangled” from Screen to Stage Elaborate costumes, groundbreaking puppetry and stunning set designs transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a fanciful Bavarian kingdom, immersing audiences in Rapunzel’s world and making them feel a part of her story. Disney assembled an all-star creative team to develop this extravagant production, with director Gordon Greenberg and choreographer Connor Gallagher joining Menken, Slater and a bevy of top-notch theatrical talent. Master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose extraordinary creations are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Lion King” on Broadway, is breeding a brand-new pedigree of puppetry in Maximus, the rambunctious police horse whose exaggerated demeanor becomes even more hilarious with the addition of the whinnying puppet performer within. This cleverly constructed character is sure to be the “mane” attraction of every scene he steals. Dazzling costumes created by Tony Award-winning designer Paloma Young will bring the flair and vibrancy of the animated world to life onstage in “Tangled: The Musical.” The townspeople’s bright hues and Rapunzel’s feminine florals are perfectly balanced by the bristly browns of the rugged thugs and royal regalia of the kingdom officials, creating a sensational fusion of colors, patterns and textures. Remarkable set designs by scenic designer Bradley Kaye (Disney’s “Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular”) will transport audiences to storybook locales that include Rapunzel’s tower home, the outlandish Snuggly Duckling tavern, a brightly adorned kingdom town and the resplendent lakeside setting of the iconic floating lanterns scene from the film. New Show Joining Line Up of Exclusive Stage Productions “Tangled: The Musical” complements the line-up of Disney Cruise Line-exclusive live entertainment performed every voyage aboard the Disney Magic, joining “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story” and “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic,” which will feature a new segment from the blockbuster animated hit “Frozen” beginning in summer 2015. “Tangled: The Musical” will premiere during the Nov. 11 four-night Bahamian sailing aboard the Disney Magic. The Disney Magic will sail four-night Bahamas and five-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning Sept. 30 through the new year. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

Let your geek flag fly, Orlando: MegaCon returns to the Orange County Convention Center next week. View the full article

View the full article

This week, our Learn to Draw animation series focuses on one of the most loveable characters from “Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs” – it's Dopey! http://di.sn/60062Wa0 Read more on...From:Disney ParksViews:195878ratingsTime:21:40More inTravel & Events

We think Snack Time kicks in long before the afternoon parade. In fact, Magic Kingdom snacks make great quick service meals, too! We’re really happy to announce that the 2015-16 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available. And you’ll find all of our snacking recommendations inside! And to celebrate the grand launch, we have a great discount for you! Our readers can get the new guide for $3 off the purchase price for a limited time — just use code MK15 at the check-out! It’s time to snag your copy! Here are the details! 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)! Caramel Apple Sample Page Before snack cravings hit you in the Magic Kingdom, have a list of your must-try snacks handy! We’ve made this guide instantly downloadable. It’s a PDF guide with photos, information, and advice on well over 170 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in the Magic Kingdom!This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats (even mini-meals!) for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes: Full-color photos of over 170 of our favorite snacksCurrent prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status. Don’t waste those snack credits!!Snack locations“Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely knownDisney Food Blog reviews of all snacksTips and tricks from experienced snack eatersSpecial Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving! Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad! 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. For more detailed information, head over to DFBStore.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 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 vibrantly display and review 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! Did You Purchase a Previous Edition of the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks?If you purchased a copy of a previous edition of the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks BEFORE April 2, 2015, we’ve got great news for you! Previous purchasers will receive a $4 discount off of the 2015-16 edition of the guide. Please email us at Support@DFBGuide.com and note the email address used to purchase the earlier e-Book to receive your special discount code! For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, head over to DFBStore.com!Thanks for your support of the DFB!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: Grand Launch! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition Grand Launch! The DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book, 2013 Edition The “DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book” Grand Launch! View the full article

Have you been to Disney's Animal Kingdom lately? You may have noticed a new addition at the front of the park – a giant sand sculpture that celebrates the opening of Disneynature's “Monkey...From:Disney ParksViews:358874ratingsTime:01:21More inTravel & Events

Back by popular demand, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will once again be hosting its popular Food and Wine Classic! Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31, as the Classic celebrates its sixth year! Once again in 2015, the Food and Wine Classic will take place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival — offering you two wonderful ways to enjoy the food of Disney! There’s so much to enjoy at this event. Let’s take a closer look at all it has to offer. The CausewayStroll the beautiful Causeway connecting the Swan and Dolphin as you enjoy tapas-sized plates from the resort’s restaurants. The Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to sample wine and beer from all around the world. The menu is diverse, celebrating the wide array of food that the Swan and Dolphin has to offer. Shula’s Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes We can’t wait to see what spots like Todd English’s bluezoo and Shula’s Steak House offer in 2015! And there are always a few fun surprises, like Chef Cib’s Smokehouse. Live music plays as evening falls, so bring your dancing shoes. Food and Beverage SeminarsThe 6th Annual Food and Wine Classic will also play host to several Seminars. Choose from seven different beverage events, or participate in food and beverage seminars that pair together internationally-inspired favorites with the perfect drink to complement them! Base to Bubbles Seminar For a full list of the seminars, be sure to visit our Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminar Page! The Beer GardenThe Beer Garden, which was introduced to the Food and Wine Classic in 2014, returns this year. Just a Few of the MANY Beer Garden Offerings This exclusive area of the Classic is available for an additional fee, and features international craft beers and foods that pair well with them. Look for the Beer Garden on Crescent Terrace. Food and Wine Classic Hotel PackagesWant to stay and play? The Swan and Dolphin has you covered there, too. Choose from a number of Hotel Packages that include accommodations in the resort and tickets to the Food and Wine Classic for one inclusive price. Package One, starting at $359, includes overnight accommodations and tickets to the outdoor festival for two. Package Two, starting at $385, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival and upgraded beer garden access for two. Package Three, starting at $435, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival, upgraded beer garden access and an interactive seminar experience for two Packages can be booked by phone. Call 1-888-828-8850 for more information. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Ticket InformationIndividual Ticket Options are also available and can be purchased from the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic website. Prices include taxes and fees. Tickets for Causeway-only: Advance-purchase, event-only tickets, includes unlimited tastings on the causeway — $105 per person A Shrimp Cocktail Shooter from the bluezoo Booth Tickets for the Causeway, plus Access to the Beer Garden: Advance-purchase, event-only tickets, includes unlimited tastings on the Causeway and access to the Beer Garden — $125 per person Enjoying Tastings of Beer and Wine at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Tickets for Beverage Seminars: $45 per person, per class with the purchase of a Causeway ticket Tickets for Food and Beverage Seminars: $60 per person, per class with the purchase of a causeway ticket We’ve enjoyed the Food and Wine Classic every year since it began, and we can’t wait to see what’s new this year! Will you be attending this year’s Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin? Leave us a comment and tell us what you’re excited to try! 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: WDW Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic: Packages and Tickets on Sale Now! News! 2013 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus and Seminars News! Menus and Details for the 2014 Fifth Annual Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic View the full article

Watch brothers Graeme and Corbin try to one-up each other by setting a challenge to go on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach...From:Disney ParksViews:387998ratingsTime:01:20More inTravel & Events

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows features a tropical ambiance, which will transport members and guests to a South Pacific-inspired paradise. http://di.sn/6009Nqh7 Not to mention, Magic...From:Disney ParksViews:749981ratingsTime:01:47More inTravel & Events

The murder-trial for Bryan Santana is proceeding today after a psychologist testified in Circuit Court that Santana had attempted to fictionalize an alternate personality "Michael" for personal gain. View the full article

Do you remember receiving an amazing Easter basket as a child? What did it look like? Why was it so incredible? Chances are it created a special memory because it was one of a kind. I bet it included your favorite things, too. Here at the “Enchanted Florist,” my friends and I remember as well, so we created some new Disney themed Easter baskets just for you. If you’re planning to visit Disney Parks this Easter, take a look at this: introducing the Mickey (or Minnie’s) Easter Surprise and the Mickey (or Minnie’s) Easter Cinch Bag, now available at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. Stuffed with plenty of goodies and surprises for your family, these pre-designed gifts make wonderful Easter baskets during your stay at Disney. And let’s not forget about those classic Easter treats. After all, no Easter would be complete without chocolate bunnies or Jelly Belly® jelly beans. Lastly, check out those exclusive containers. The collapsible bin and cinch bag are ideal keepsakes to be used at home again and again. Use the bin as a picnic basket or even as a reusable grocery tote, and take your cinch bag to the beach or use it to get organized at home. Back by popular demand, you can once again “imagineer” your own gifts. Exclusive to the Walt Disney World Resort, our Custom Gift Builder is an exciting tool to help you create your unique Easter memories. Simply choose an Easter basket, tote or cinch bag from our selection of containers and fill with your favorite Easter or Disney treats. You can even personalize the gift by adding your name or the name of a loved one. To get started, visit us at disneyfloralandgifts.com or call a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT for Walt Disney World Resort, or 714-781-GIFT for the Disneyland Resort. Quantities are limited so it’s ideal to order earlier rather than later. Happy Easter. Create Your Easter Memory with Disney Floral & Gifts by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Blizzard Beach celebrates a refreshing 20 years this week at Walt Disney World Resort. This watery wonderland has been a favorite way for guests to cool down when it gets warm in Central Florida. This aerial view of the park from December 1994 shows the ski resort beginning to take shape. The only place to ‘hit the slopes’ in Florida, Blizzard Beach is home to unique snow runs like Teamboat Springs, Downhill Double Dipper and of course Summit Plummet. Twenty years after its debut, I still have a little trepidation as I walk the stairs to the top of Summit Plummet. How many of you have conquered Summit Plummet? Disney Days of Past: Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World Resort Marks 20 Years by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Lufthansa's chief executive said Wednesday it will take "a long, long time" to understand what led to a deadly crash in the Alps last week — but refused to say what the airline knew about the mental health of the co-pilot suspected of deliberately destroying the plane. View the full article

Nestled in Epcot’s Italy pavilion at Walt Disney World, Tutto Italia Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner. Welcome back DFB guest author Rebecca Dolan with a review! Epcot’s Italy had long been one of our family’s favorite places to dine since we started visiting in the ‘80s. We were huge fans of the pavilion’s original restaurant L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, and were admittedly a little crushed when we heard it was going to be closed and replaced with Tutto Italia. (Yes, this happened like seven years ago, but the wound is still fresh.) Learn About: Tutto Italia RistoranteEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsWe’ve been back to Tutto a few times since with mixed experiences, so we ventured back a few months ago to give it another go. AtmosphereYou’ll find Tutto Italia off the Italy pavilion’s central piazza. Enter under the large black awning (that says Tutto Italia, of course). The understated lobby area is small, so be prepared to stand while waiting for a table if it’s crowded. The lobby also connects to the Tutto Gusto wine bar, which makes for a nice place to enjoy an early glass of wine if your wait is long. Outside Tutto Italia Off the front of the building is a patio with some seating (how very Mediterranean of them) which is great for a balmy Florida evening, though probably less so for a scorching July afternoon. In fact, Tutto Italia is one of the few full-service restaurants along the world showcase to offer outside seating. Enjoy the chance to dine full-service outside at Epcot Inside, the dining room looks much like it did in this building’s previous incarnation as Alfredo’s. Murals still decorate the walls and giant crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, otherwise it’s lots of dark wood and booths that make the room seem small and crowded. Inside the no-frills dining room EatsThe menu features a number of familiar Italian classics like fried calamari, antipasto, lasagne, ravioli, and risotto. For those not into carb-loading at lunch, there are a few meat and fish entrees as well. Appetizers Pasta Entrees Entrees and Children’s Menu Each meal starts out with a plate of pillowy focaccia bread plus olive oil for dipping and whole green olives for munching. I’m a big fan of the olive oil here, which always seems to be more fruity and flavorful than what I can get in the store. Focaccia and olives to eat while you look over the menu I also took this opportunity to order the “tropical blend” iced tea. I’m not sure how Italian that really is, but I’m a sucker for flavored iced teas and this fruity brew did not disappoint. A glass of sangria, however, had a little too much of some alcohol in the mix, which kept its fruitiness from coming out. We kept trying to ask exactly what was in it to no avail. Being an Italian family, we can never visit Tutto Italia (or any Italian restaurant for that matter) without ordering the antipasto platter. The version here came piled with cured meats, cheeses, farro salad, artichoke hearts, eggplant caponata, marinated mushrooms, and sweet peppers. It was easily enough to feed four, and could be shared by more depending on your appetites. The grande antipasto misto We also ordered the Fior de Latte mozzarella, which was accompanied by roasted sweet peppers. It was indeed creamy and delicious, but both, as it turned out, were components of the antipasto platter. So, it was unnecessary repetition. Fior de Latte mozzarella with roasted peppers After finishing our appetizers we put in our entree orders. Curiously, the orders came out less than 10 minutes after we ordered. Sure pasta isn’t exactly time intensive, but the quick turn around made us wonder how much of the meal was pre-prepared. That might have accounted for the fact that much of it was cold. So, you may want to take a bite before your server walks away. I went for the spaghetti, which came topped with beef and veal meatballs and pomodoro sauce. I rarely order spaghetti and meatballs out since they almost always fail to live up to expectations. And, while this was definitely not my grandmother’s spaghetti, it was better than most restaurant versions I’ve encountered. The sauce was thick and low on chunks (there are few things I hate more than chunky sauce) and the pasta was just firm enough. The meatballs were ok, if a little dense. Classic spaghetti and meatballs with red sauce The penne caprese, topped with tomato sauce and cubes of mozzarella, is similar to the spaghetti. The big difference (aside from the pasta shape, of course) is the sauce that’s lighter tasting and flecked with bits of cherry tomato and basil. Nothing mind blowing, but nothing to complain about. A heaping plate of penne The lasagna was pretty standard, with layers of pasta, chunky meat ragu, and creamy bechamel sauce. Carnivores will appreciate the generous amount of meat tucked between those pasta sheets, but as a cheese lover, I was disappointed that the ricotta and mozzarella cheese I’m used to weren’t there. The flavor was fine, even without the cheese, but between the too-soft pasta and too-much bechamel, the texture was mushy. Hearty lasagna al forno The Polenta Valsugana was a big letdown. The polenta (think Italian grits) was too thin and watery with little seasoning, and since it came out cold, the cheese on top had congealed into one lump. The meatball, again, was a bit dense, while the short ribs were fatty and the sausage was spongy. Polenta with sausage, meatballs, and short ribs We’d expected good things from this dish since we’ve had it (or a similar one) here in the past and it was delicious. Hopefully we just hit it on an off afternoon and the recipe hasn’t changed. Bypassing the more common cannoli and tiramisu, we settled on the lemon ricotta cheesecake for dessert. Dessert Menu Since it’s made with ricotta (and maybe some mascarpone?) it’s less smooth and more dry than a typical American cheesecake, but is no less creamy. I appreciated that it was just a hint sweet, so I didn’t feel like I was going to collapse into a sugar coma afterward. And, extra points for a crunchy graham cracker crust — there’s nothing worse than a crust that’s gone soft. Ending things on a sweet note OverallHad this been my first trip to Tutto Italia, I probably would have given it a solid “meh” and moved on to other Epcot options. But, like I noted before, we’ve had good meals here too, though mostly at dinner. So, while inconsistent, I know it has potential. My guess is that this is a restaurant that’s at its best during a busy dinner service, rather than on an afternoon when it’s only partially full. The constant turning out of dishes during a busy meal may help to keep the food fresh and warm, whereas components of ours may have been sitting waiting to be ordered due to slower demand. If you’re an Italian food fan, give Tutto Italia a chance. But try not to go in with exceptionally high expectations, just in case. As for me, the jury is still out. What’s your thoughts on Tutto Italia? Do you have a favorite dish? Share 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: Guest Review: Lunch at Tutto Italia Ristorante in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion Epcot’s Italy Pavilion: Tutto Italia Review: Tutto Italia in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion View the full article

SeaWorld has ratcheted up its offensive against former trainer John Hargrove, who last week published a book criticizing the company. View the full article

SANFORD — When out-of-town friends visited Brian Hayes last week, he took them out for alligator meat at the aptly named Gator's Riverside Grille. View the full article

Music always has been very important to the guest experience at Disneyland, creating a magical connection to the Happiest Place on Earth. During the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, music will become an even bigger part of the storytelling within Disneyland park. Beginning July 17, the 60th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, two changes are coming to our music program. First, the beloved musical acts in Disneyland park will increase the number of performances throughout the day, and second, the iconic Disneyland Band will premiere a new sound – with new musical arrangements and themed performances – along with more musicians and high-energy choreography. These enhancements will provide a new level of musical entertainment throughout the day. We’ll have more to share about the exciting updates coming to the Disneyland Band (including how Disneyland park guests will be able to join their performances!) so keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog. Live Music Expanding at Disneyland Park Beginning July 17 by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating allegations of election fraud and bribery against Eatonville Mayor Anthony Grant, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday. View the full article

Disney World has started showing off some of the changes it has made to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, one of its original on-property hotels. View the full article