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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

Ever wanted to play Pac-Man using the streets of Magic Kingdom or the campus of the University of Central Florida Now you can. View the full article

Are you planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this April? Here are a few quick tips on merchandise events you don’t want to miss! April 3-5: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from 12-10 p.m., each day, at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of her Easter collection, among other fan favorites! Learn more here. April 4-5: Join us as we welcome Jere Dean from Urban Octopus, April 4 – 5 and 25 – 26, from 1-4 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. April 17: Prepare to assemble for the new Vinylmation limited edition set! What is it? I can simply say it’s ‘smashing.’ Disney Design Group artist Thomas Scott will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 10 a.m. – noon at D Street in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. April 17: Artists Joey Chou and Jerrod Maruyama will appear from 7–9 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Don’t miss out! Learn more here. April 18: Join us as we welcome back artist J. Scott Campbell who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 7–9 p.m.at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District as we celebrate the release of his new and out-of-this-world artwork. Learn more here. April 25: Join us as we celebrate the release of “The Hidden Mickeys of Disneyland” book by Bill Scollon. Bill will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 9–11 a.m. at Disneyana inside Disneyland park. Learn more here. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Matt Spangler. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: April 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 19, 24, 25, 26 from 6-10 p.m., and April 17–18 from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here. Which events have made your list of things to do? April 2015 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When Elizabeth and Michael Ohuche left Orlando in 2013 to head back to New York, they made sure to secure their home on Eastern Willow Avenue near the Pine Hills neighborhood. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE — There was not much left for Jameis Winston to prove at FSU’s Pro Day. View the full article

So… Frozen Fun ends in Disneyland on May 15th, and Frozen Summer Fun LIVE won’t return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios until June 17th. That’s one full Frozen-free month… What’s an Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf fan to do?!? What will we do when there’s no Frozen Fun?! Fret not, Frozen fans! In the downtime between the two events, Disney is releasing a few treats in honor of “Frozen Fever,” the film short that can currently be seen on the big screen prior to showings of the live-action “Cinderella” film. As in the film short, these treats go about the task of celebrating Anna’s birthday… and what’s a birthday celebration without a little cake? Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake with blue buttercream frosting, topped with marshmallows, snowflake candies, and a white chocolate Olaf. Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake ©Disney At Disneyland, you’ll want to check spots like the Jolly Holiday Bakery, Market House, Pacific Wharf Cafe, Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, and The Coffee House. Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe While the cupcakes are already available at Disneyland, starting April 8th, Disney World guests can check various eateries scattered across property, in parks and resorts alike. Altogether, twelve restaurants will carry the cupcakes in WDW, including Main Street Bakery and Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom, Starring Rolls Cafe and ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios, and Sunshine Seasons and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot. Resort restaurants that will carry the cupcake include BoardWalk Bakery, Beach Club Marketplace, Contempo Cafe, Gasparilla Island Grill, Landscape of Flavors and The Mara. BoardWalk Bakery Looking for something a little more frozen to celebrate the cast of Frozen? Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day features birthday-cake flavored ice cream topped with hot fudge, mint marshmallows, brownie pieces (!), whipped cream, and sprinkles. Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day ©Disney Those mint marshmallows look a lot like the ones currently available to enjoy with your Warm Hugs Hot White Hot Cocoa over at Olaf’s Snow Fest in Disneyland! At Disneyland, the Sundae is available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and Clarabelle’s. Clarabelle’s in Disney California Adventure And again, starting April 8th, Disney World guests will find it at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, Hollywood Scoops, and Beaches & Cream. Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort In a new twist, even a few Table Service restaurants are getting in on the fun! This works a little differently at Disneyland than it will when it comes to Disney World. In Disneyland’s Carnation Cafe, Wine Country Trattoria, Storytellers Cafe, and Steakhouse 55, guests can order and enjoy an individual ice cream cake, inspired by the cake used to celebrate Anna’s birthday. Storytellers Cafe At Disney World, however, the following Table Service Restaurants will offer individual slices of Anna’s ice cream birthday cake: Trattoria al Forno, Captain’s Grille, The Wave… of American Flavors, Sanaa, and Coral Reef Restaurant. For all that we’ve seen of Frozen treats over the past year or so, I do think the birthday cake idea is pretty fun, and I imagine several little visiting princesses around the parks might feel the same. Plus, I’m all for a little more ice cream cake in the world! Happy Birthday, Anna! How about you? Are any of these Frozen foods on your radar? If so, you should know they will only available for a limited time, so grab them before they melt away! Will you be trying any of these Frozen Fever treats at Disneyland or Disney World? 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: Disney Valentine’s Day Treats Make the Celebration Extra Sweet Fun Find: Frozen-Themed Treats in Disney World and Disneyland Disney World and Disneyland Thanksgiving Treats! View the full article

See what’s happening in the world of Merchandise Special Events this April at Walt Disney World Resort! April 1 – 5: Artist Greg McCullough returns this month with special appearances and signings at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace, April 1 – 5 and 15 – 19 from 1 – 9 p.m. Not able to make it? It’s okay! Greg will return April 29 – May 3 with special appearances each day from Noon – 8 p.m. at Art of Disney in Epcot. Learn more. April 6 – 14: Be sure to stop in and check out some of the latest releases by artist David E. Doss from 1 – 9 p.m., each day, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. April 10 – April 12: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand for special appearances and signings of her new Easter collection throughout the day, each day, at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. Not able to make it? No problem! Representatives from Precious Moments Dolls will be on hand now – April 12 at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, and now – April 27 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. April 16 – 18: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson is scheduled to appear April 16 – 18 and 23 – 26 at Art of Disney in Epcot. If you are unable to make it, find him, April 30 – May 3 at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. April 17: New creations take form as Disney Pins! Be among the first to ‘assemble’ at Disney’s Pin Traders in Downtown Disney Marketplace for these new releases and meet artists Tim Loucks and Erica Virgin who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – Noon. April 17: Take part in Trading Night from 6 -9 p.m. p.m. in Veracruz A at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Register online here. Learn more. April 18 – 22: Celebrate Earth Day with us! Take part in special artist showcases with Bushman (April 18-19), Just Plumerias (April 18 – 22), Elemental Nursery (April 18 – 22) and William Silvers (April 20 -22), at select locations throughout at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Learn more. April 24 – 25: Join us as we welcome artist Matt Hawkins to WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Take part in a special artist showcase and signing April 24 from 4 – 7 p.m. and April 25 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more. April 25: There’s something special happening at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Keep watching for details from fellow author Steven Miller. April 25: Meet artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith at WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace from 4 – 7 p.m. Learn more. Which event are you most excited for? Walt Disney World Event Snapshot: April 2015 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today we’re looking down Main Street, U.S.A., as work continues on bringing Walt’s dream of Disneyland to life. I’ve always had such admiration for the people who literally put hammer to nail to build the park. Looking at these photos, I can’t help but wonder what their stories were and what pride they must have had in their unique place in Disney history. Previously in the “Building the Dream” series: Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park Main Street Trolley TracksBuilding the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – City Hall Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – A Unique View of Town Square Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Street Station Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Floral Mickey Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Entrance Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Street, U.S.A. by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Big or small, there’s a way to celebrate Easter at Walt Disney World Resort. From specialty cupcakes in Magic Kingdom Park to an Easter egg parade at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and a garden party brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there’s something for everyone. From March 29-April 11, Magic Kingdom Park guests can nibble a cupcake that’s almost too pretty to eat – carrot cake with cream cheese icing and a carrot piped on top, or a vanilla cupcake with a chocolate nest of malted milk eggs. And don’t forget the delicious white chocolate rabbit cupcake from Cheshire Café! At Epcot, guests can pick up an adorable chocolate cupcake with marshmallow filling, marshmallow-buttercream frosting at Fountain View from March 29-April 11, and Sunshine Seasons April 4-5. A noon on March 31, join in the 3rd annual Disney’s Contemporary Resort Easter Egg Parade at Chef Mickey’s – the procession of pastry chefs starts in the restaurant, then their chocolate bunnies and beautifully decorated eggs are displayed through Easter on the fourth floor near the restaurant. There will also be a special cupcake April 3-5, featuring carrot cake with pineapple-coconut filling, white chocolate buttercream frosting, toasted coconut, jelly beans and a bunny macaron garnish. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, fans of Boma — Flavors of Africa will be happy to hear that hours are extended on Easter Sunday, April 5, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. And ‘tis the season for sweets, with a table laden with goodies – chocolate peanut butter eggs, jelly beans, kisses, chocolate miniatures so that breakfast guests can make a little take-home box. Over at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Palace Library at Kidani Village is being converted to “Library Lounge” during this bustling season, open from 4 p.m.–midnight and offering Sanaa appetizers and cocktails (not on the Disney Dining Plan). It’s the perfect place to beat the heat with a pretty savannah view. Guests of the resort can enjoy the Maji Pool Bar Cookout from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (weather permitting) March 28-April 12: burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst and a chicken burger by the pool (on the Disney Dining Plan). Look for some fun entertainment too. At Disney’s BoardWalk, try the Easter cupcake from BoardWalk Bakery. Vanilla cake with raspberry panna cotta filling, topped with a cute coconut “nest” with jelly beans. Three seasonal brunches are open for booking. The 1900 Park Fare Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be from 1-3 p.m. daily March 29-April 5. No Disney characters, just an enjoyable mid-day spread of delicious goodies. Hippity Hoppity, Easter’s on the Way With Fun Foodie Ideas at Walt Disney World Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the third water park to be built at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, will officially mark its 20th anniversary tomorrow. With so much fun to offer guests, the view from here sure looks sunny. (Be sure to check back tomorrow for a look back at the waterpark from our resident historian, Nate Rasmussen). It’s a Bright Day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s one of my favorite times of the year at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort! Every spring in the weeks preceding Easter, the Grand Floridian Bakery Team is given the opportunity to create some absolutely spectacular Easter Eggs for guests to enjoy. And the best part? The Eggs are made of CHOCOLATE. There are other ingredients involved, too, such as fondant, icing, and cocoa butter. But no matter what they are made of, they are all edible! 2015 Grand Floridian Easter Egg display The Easter Eggs have been a Grand Floridian tradition for 19 years, but this is just the fourth year that the eggs have been on display for every guest who passes through the Grand Floridian lobby. 2015 Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display 2015 Grand Floridian Easter Egg Display Something new this year… previously the Eggs were all displayed in one row directly at the lobby entrance. This year, the eggs are grouped in smaller displays in different areas around the lobby. Since some of the eggs are preserved from year to year (you may recognize some familiar ones from the 2014 Easter Egg display), the collection just keeps on growing! Eggs are on display in various areas throughout the lobby The Easter Eggs are on display through April 10th. But in case Walt Disney World isn’t part of your 2015 spring break plans, we wanted to bring the Eggs to you once again this year! One of the centerpiece eggs for 2015 is an edible replica of Cinderella’s Golden Coach. Cinderella’s Coach Egg The classic Disney animated version of Cinderella received a tribute as well. Cinderella Egg Cinderella Egg In an echo of the fountain in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club Villas, the penguins from Mary Poppins have come out to play! Penguin Fountain Egg Penguin Fountain Egg Penguin Fountain Egg There are no shortage of Disney characters on display, including the entire Toy Story gang. Toy Story Egg Toy Story Egg Peter Pan tops off this egg complete with a map of Neverland. Peter Pan Egg Never one to be outdone, Tinkerbell tops her own egg, too! Tinkerbell Egg And what’s a day at Disney World anymore without spotting this face ? Queen Elsa egg Nothing against Queen Elsa, but it is totally awesome to see some less-heralded characters get a little love this year, too. I think I audibly gasped when I saw the Hercules egg! Hercules Egg Hercules Egg And the last thing I egg-spected to see (I know, sorry…) was a Great Mouse Detective egg! SO awesome!! The Great Mouse Detective Egg The Great Mouse Detective Egg I think this Enchanted Rose egg representing Beauty and the Beast is simply gorgeous. Enchanted Rose Egg Enchanted Rose Egg The Rapunzel eggs make their return this year. Rapunzel Painted Egg Rapunzel Hair Egg And every side of this egg celebrates something near and dear to many of our hearts… Disney Dogs! Disney Dogs egg Disney Dogs egg Disney Dogs egg But again, the chefs are given free creative reign, so it’s not only Disney characters and film moments represented. Some designs definitely convey a more traditional Easter feel. Easter Eggs Easter Egg The details on the painted eggs are so striking. The next three images are different sides of the same egg. Painted Egg Painted Egg Painted Egg Not only are the colors on this Peacock egg beautiful, it’s almost hard to remember that those feathers aren’t real. Peacock Egg Once again, the team at the Grand Floridian has put on an impressive and beautiful display. We hope you enjoyed this tour, and wish you a very Happy Spring!! Do you have a favorite egg in the display? 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: Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World Guest Review: Grand Floridian Cafe Breakfast in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 26th, 2015 View the full article

Disney’s “Giving Side” hit a high note in Central Florida today as we awarded more than $4.5 million in Disney Grants that will positively impact the lives of more than 250,000 local children and their families. During a special ceremony this morning that culminated with a blast of confetti, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse helped recognize 102 community groups that strengthen families, bring hope and comfort to children, encourage creativity, promote economic development and meet the needs of diverse communities. Taking the stage at the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis and Walt Disney World Resort Director of Corporate Citizenship Nancy Gidusko announced the organizations receiving Disney Grants. The grant recipients, who enjoyed a serenade of hope-filled songs by Disney performers, each received a special “Mousecar” to commemorate Disney’s support. Disney also presented the Bob Allen Award — an annual honor that recognizes the creativity and outstanding service of a Central Florida charitable organization — to the Community Hope Center of Osceola County. The nonprofit will use the grant to continue serving local homeless families through case management, life skills training and living essentials. From a personal perspective, it warms my heart to know Disney has supported the work of Central Florida’s community groups for more than four decades. Each year, I look forward to the Disney Grants announcement, which gives us the chance to put the spotlight on these dedicated organizations … and all the ways they’re making our community even better. Disney Awards $4.5 million to Benefit Central Florida Community Groups by Andrea Finger: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article