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In a league in which so much weight is placed on every game, it can be easy to forget about the bigger picture and zoom in on the day-to-day outlook. View the full article

We are back for another visit to Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern — and this time, it’s for dinner. Learn About: Liberty Tree TavernMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsWhat’s the difference between lunch and dinner? Well, it’s major, actually. Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern is an a la carte offering — you order what you want off the menu. I’ll often go for their Angus Chuck Cheeseburger. And the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is one of the best desserts on property. (Here’s the recipe.) But dinner is a completely different deal — and still quite good. You’re treated to a family style feast consisting of roasted meats and all the trimmings. I haven’t covered dinner at LTT here on the blog for a long time…for two reasons: 1.) It’s always the same. The food rarely changes, and everyone gets the same thing, so our previous reviews are still totally valid when it comes to the food. 2.) For some reason, every time I’ve been there for dinner in the past year, something has happened to keep me from getting the photos I need to blog the post. Either a member of my party gets sick or one of the kids has a meltdown…or we’re with a huge group and the food is decimated before I can take a picture. So, I made it a focus on my last trip to get over there and make it happen! Here we go! AtmosphereLiberty Tree Tavern is a Magic Kingdom icon. It’s been there since the Park opened, and there are many Disney fans who count a meal here among their earliest Disney memories. It’s located on Liberty Square, near the Hall of Presidents and other exhibits celebrating Colonial American History. Liberty Tree Tavern Entrance Liberty Tree Tavern offers seating in six different rooms, each themed to a notable historical figure. They include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington. You can see a more in-depth atmosphere review here. A door in the John Paul Jones Room Model Ship and John Paul Jones Portrait If your kiddos are studying American history, it’s fun to take a look around each of the rooms to see some of the more well-known stories come to life. Ben Franklin’s kite and George Washington’s wooden teeth appear in their respective rooms. Kite in Ben Franklin Room And if there are any invasions or revolutions that require your help, you’re all set. Grab your cloak and three corner hat, and you’re off! Coats and Hat Hanging at the Ready Seating throughout the vast network of rooms is made up of booths and tables. Primarily you’ll find ladder back chairs that are fairly comfortable surrounding rectangular and round tables. Seating Seating If you prefer some natural light, be sure to request a seat in one of the outer facing dining rooms. But don’t plan on parade- or people-watching. The glass is bubbled and wavy, so you’ll just see blobs of color. Seating and View EatsAs I mentioned before, if you dine at Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, you’ll be partaking in a prix fixe, family style meal. That means that each person in your party will pay a set price — one price for adults, and a lower price for children. (Children under 3 are free.) Your meal includes everything listed below, including a standard beverage and dessert. The format is all-you-care-to-enjoy, so there’s no reason to ever leave a Liberty Tree Tavern dinner table hungry. Liberty Tree Tavern Menu — Click to Enlarge We began with a Bread Basket, which contained an assortment Breads, served with soft, whipped Butter. Bread and Butter When this comes to your table, be sure to dig down for the coveted Cornbread! Remember, if someone gets handsy and grabs all the CB, you can always ask for more. Cornbread Next, our server brought us a nice big Declaration Salad to share. While it’s nothing intriguing, it is a fresh, crisp way to get your veggies, and offers a nice balance with all of the hearty comfort food you’re about to indulge in. Declaration Salad And speaking of…here’s the full table of entrees and sides. The only real change here from my last review is that the restaurant has switched to some modern, wavy bowls and plates; and the corn is more of a Southwestern style. The Full Spread! Let’s take the dishes one by one. Keep in mind that we were a party of two; if your party is larger, you’ll receive a main course platter and side dishes that are larger than what we had. A platter of various Roasted Meats and Stuffing anchor the meal. You receive cuts of carved Turkey Breast, Roasted Pork, and Flank Steak. The Flank Steak is usually our favorite, but the turkey is quite good as well. Note that the food here can be VERY salty, so if you’re sensitive to that, be prepared. Patriot’s Platter — Roast Beef, Pork, Turkey, and Stuffing The Stuffing is reminiscent of the Thanksgiving table staple, with onion, celery, and herbs. Turkey, Pork, and Stuffing — Up Close Gravy seems scratch-made to me, and is served on the side, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you like. Gravy But what about the Cranberry Sauce, you ask? It’s not on the menu, but rest assured, you can get it! Just ask your server for a side. While they don’t serve it automatically (a DFB staffer was told on a previous visit that it often goes unconsumed and is wasted), it’s always available for guests who just can’t fathom enjoying this meal without it. (This is actually one of my favorite Tips from the DFB Guide. Check out this post for others!) Cranberry Sauce The Mashed Potatoes are creamy and homestyle, with potato skins adding a nice texture. Mashed Potatoes And the Macaroni and Cheese is often a favorite at the table. While it certainly pushes the envelope of authenticity, it’s usually a crowd pleaser — especially if there are kids dining with you. There’s nothing gourmet about this version; it’s basically Stouffer’s brand (Stouffer’s used to “sponsor” Liberty Tree Tavern). And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. Macaroni and Cheese Our meal also comes with a couple of Seasonal Vegetables, and these tend to change from time to time. On the day we dined here, we were served Green Beans as our first vegetable. Keep in mind that these are sauteed to a bright green, crisp consistency with garlic, rather than being cooked for a long time with seasonings. I prefer this method, so I appreciated this veggie choice. Seasonal Vegetable — Sauteed Green Beans We were also served Corn, which was roasted and mixed with peppers and onions. Very good. Seasonal Vegetable — Corn After that huge meal, we still had dessert to look forward to. Because Liberty Tree Tavern is NOW sponsored by Ocean Spray, the dessert here features Craisins. Johnny Appleseed’s Cake is a White Cake filled with Apples and the dried Cranberries. Topped with Ice Cream and a sweet Cranberry glaze kind of thing, it doesn’t totally measure up to Liberty Tree’s previous legendary dessert, the Apple Cobbler. Johnny Appleseed’s Cake With that, dinner was a wrap, and we were ready to hit the Park for more fun. OverallOne thing I didn’t mention during the review was the service here. On my past three dinner visits, which all have taken place during the last six months, the service has been…just bad. I know, I know — I’ve been complaining a lot about service lately, but we watched three groups of people sit next to us, eat, and leave, before we were done signing our check. Our drink glasses were never full. When we needed more of certain dishes we had to wait an average of 15-20 minutes to get replacements (which is appalling considering Disney servers often seem to have a goal of turning tables over at least once per hour in moderately-priced restaurants like this one) while all of our other food got cold. Maybe it’s just us? Who knows, but service has been consistently bad here for all of my recent visits for dinner (not for lunch, mind you, just dinner). Strange. The food, though standard, is decent, and this is always a fun restaurant to visit on holidays, or when you’re with big groups of family and friends. As usual, though, I do recommend going for lunch rather than dinner when you can. I just think it’s a better meal overall. Now I wanna hear from you guys! Is Liberty Tree Tavern one of your favorites, too? Leave a comment and let me know whether you prefer lunch or dinner in this historic Disney spot! 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: Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Review: Liberty Tree Tavern at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Guest Review: Liberty Tree Tavern Dinner View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – A spate of projects to clean up and preserve the environment in Central Florida were included in a deal agreed to by lawmakers in late Sunday night budget talks. View the full article

Orlando City leads D.C. United 1-0 during the second half at the Citrus Bowl after a Kaká goal. The game drew an announced crowd of 30,054 fans. View the full article

The leader of the Spokane NAACP, Rachel Dolezal, canceled a chapter meeting Monday where she was expected to speak about the furor sparked over her racial identity. View the full article

A drop in humidity, a change in wind and more flora to burn caused what was a 15-acre brush fire to develop into a blaze roughly seven times that size, the Seminole County Fire Department said Sunday. View the full article

Orlando City is hoping to finally earn a win over D.C. United Sunday night at the Citrus Bowl, with the Lions falling during the teams' two previous meetings. View the full article

Dominick Salfi and his neighbors along Markham Woods Road in Longwood are puzzled by a state plan to rebuild a nearby westbound Interstate 4 rest area for millions of dollars, even though officials are considering relocating the facility in several years. View the full article

Apopka will shell out nearly $100,000 to relocate gopher tortoises whose burrows stand in the way of an important water project. View the full article

Today's NASA astronauts may not have many of the adventures that Floridian Nicole Stott encountered when she became an astronaut in 2000. View the full article

Tropical disturbance, 5 p.m. Sunday View the full article

If you can't get to the vintage ballet slippers, the vintage ballet slippers will come to you. And so will the lacey dolls, classic typewriters, art made from old burlap sacks, and lampshades that look like postcards. View the full article

It should be a scorching hot game tonight at the Citrus Bowl. View the full article

A Florida teacher has been suspended without pay after outing a student to her father, asking students about their sexuality and using inappropriate language toward students, according to WJAX. View the full article

FIFA President Sepp Blatter stunned the world with his decision to resign from the top post of the world soccer governing body earlier this month. Now, he's apparently reconsidering. View the full article

FSU athletes appear to be treated more leniently by local law enforcement than the average college-aged student in Tallahassee, according to a report from ESPN. View the full article

Flexibility. Freedom. View the full article

Tropical disturbance, 9 a.m. Sunday View the full article

This week, we shared a first look at our plans for a “Frozen” attraction in Epcot and more of what you can expect to experience when it opens in 2016. “Frozen Ever After,” will be an adventure fit for the entire family that’ll take guests through the kingdom of Arendelle. The fantastic Disney storytelling combined with new technology and favorite moments and music from the film will make guests feel like they stepped into the magical world of “Frozen.” You can find more information about the attraction in our original story. And we shared new details about “The Edison and “STK Orlando” coming to Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort. Similar to its sister location on the west coast, The Edison at Disney Springs will be dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance. We also shared a new rendering of STK Orlando – a location that’ll be the only spot that offers rooftop dining, in a gorgeous lounge setting, at Disney Springs. Darcy has more details on both in her “coming soon” story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. New Cars Land Merchandise Cruises into Disney California Adventure Park – The collection features something for everyone in your family, and friends too! You’ll find youth and adult hats, tees, fleece, a water bottle, pins and even an engine-revving tailgate party tote and duffle bag. Top Five: Donald Duck at Disney Parks – Over the years, Donald’s been a guest favorite at Disney Parks around the globe, whether it’s meeting him during a character greeting, spotting him in “Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade” or shopping for Donald gifts. Celebrating 1 Million @DisneyParks Twitter Followers – One of the popular Twitter accounts for many Disney Parks Blog readers – @DisneyParks – just reached a big milestone – 1 million followers. And to help celebrate the occasion and thank all of our fans, we’ve gathered some of your favorite Disney characters for a special stop-motion surprise. A Mom’s Take on the Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Disney Vacation Club accommodations offer special features perfect for families of all sizes. The Deluxe Studios at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, are the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. Behind the Scenes: This Year’s Star Wars Weekends Creative Campaign – The idea behind this year’s campaign is simple: it’s as close to the Force as you can get. Everything plays out around the notion of going to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and you are literally surrounded by the Force and all things Star Wars. Behind the Scenes: Creating Our @DisneyParks Stop-Motion Film – What do you get when you take 1,000 photos, 60 lbs of confetti, seven Disney characters and one photographer with a big imagination? Something magical, of course! Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TOKYO — An Orlando woman attempting to cross the North Pacific Ocean by rowboat has ended her solo attempt because of expected bad weather. View the full article

TAMPA, Fla. — They didn't get the opportunity in 2010. Or in 2013. View the full article

It’s not often that food news from one single park completely dominates the landscape. But that’s exactly what we’ve witnessed this week with Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it looks like it will continue into this upcoming week! New Pasta Dishes Arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom We’ve been there to cover it all, but there’s been plenty happening on other fronts as well. Let’s take a look at all the Disney Food News from this week! Disney Food NewsWe share our review of the Blue Milk Milkshake at 50s Prime Time Cafe. And we find out that it may stick around (through the magic of rebranding!) as Star Wars Weekends give way to Frozen Fever at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Zuri’s Sweets Shop is set to open next week in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we have a sneak peek at the new Harambe Market shop.More details emerge about The Edison, a new restaurant opening in Disney Springs in 2016, and Vivoli Gelateria is now open for business in Disney Springs.The Tree of Life Cupcake debuts at Kusafiri Bakery.We bring you news and reviews of a brand new menu (including two new pasta dishes) at the Beastly Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.We have more news for you from the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, as we share the menu for the Tequila Pairing Lunches, that will take place in the Mexico Pavilion. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Today, we’re featuring fun finds from Hawaii — with a Disney twist! Reader Wendy shared this photo and review of the Lilikoi Cheesecake at Ulu Cafe in Disney’s Aulani Resort via the DFB Mailbag. She says, “The sweet, creamy mango cheesecake and the tangy lilikoi (passion fruit) glaze blended well together! This dessert far surpasses all other ‘premade desserts in a cup’!” Lilikoi Cheesecake from Ulu Cafe in Disney’s Aulani Resort Kanani Ashley shared this great pic of a Self Serve Dole Whip Station in a brand new drugstore that just opened in Hawaii! AAAAAH!!! Who wants one of these at home?? Spotted: Self Serve Dole Whip Machine! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 2015-2016 Disney World Vacation Must-Have E-Book Sale!Getting ready to head out for that much-anticipated Walt Disney World Trip? Woohoo!! That’s the best feeling ever, isn’t it? But, whether you like to be spontaneous or plan every detail, planning ahead is the key to less stress when it comes to Walt Disney World. And planning is even more important when it comes to dining. If you really want to dine in the hottest restaurants, you pretty much have to plan ahead. Be spontaneous, of course. But get a couple Advance Dining Reservations in place. But which ones? That’s where Disney Food Blog comes in, because we are all about the planning!! You already enjoy our reviews, news, and tips daily on our Blog. But did you know — that’s JUST the tip of the iceberg. Because we have lots more to share with you in our complete line of DFB Guides. If you’re ready for a fun, easy way to personalize eating and drinking your way through Disney, then check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book. Fully updated for your 2015-2016 adventures, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subject — Eating Your Way Through Disney! So you save time and money as you enjoy planning one of the most important parts of your trip. And to thank all of you for your support of DFB, we are offering extra savings on our most popular DFB Guide right now. Just enter promo code 2015 at checkout and you’ll save $4 off of our cover price of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! But if you’d like to enjoy even more detail, check out another great offer. DFB Everything Bundle SALE!If you’d like even more great information, pictures, and tips, then the DFB Everything Bundle is the right fit for you. And to get you ready for that next big trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for $15 off the already low price! It’s like getting an entire book for free. Just enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 EditionThe Updated DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom SnacksThe Updated DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksThe Updated DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios SnacksA Pre-Order of the 2015 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadA Pre-Order of the 2015 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadDFB Dining AdventuresThat’s every book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides. And with the convenient e-book format, you can load your books onto as many electronic devices as you want. Is Your Dad Mr. Incredible? Have them at your fingertips, ready to plan and take with you into the Parks. Just download and off you go! The DFB Everything Bundle is already a terrific bargain at well below 40% off the individual prices of the books, but we’re excited to offer you these additional savings for a limited time. Enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. Shop in confidence, knowing that all of our DFB Guides are 100% guaranteed. Thanks for your support of DFB!On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix shares this Mr. Incredible Beer Stein with us just in time for Father’s Day! Be sure to check out their best Disney gifts for Dad! WDW For Grownups offers us a glimpse into the seasonally-opened Tortuga Tavern in Magic Kingdom. All Ears shares a mini-review of Deb’s recent experience at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Disney Parks Blog highlights a new seasonal menu at Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55. Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide shares the news that Chef Roger Vergé, one of the three original owners of Les Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris (now Monsieur Paul) in Epcot’s France Pavilion, passed away this week at home in Mougins, France. He was 85. 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 7, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 17, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 26, 2015 View the full article

Hillary Rodham Clinton formally kicked off her presidential campaign on Saturday with an enthusiastic embrace of her potential to become the first woman to win the White House, asking supporters gathered at an outdoor rally to join her in building an America "where we don't leave anyone out, or... View the full article

Orange County firefighters saved 12 ducklings stuck in a Windermere storm drain Saturday afternoon. View the full article

Two Central Florida teenagers died less than 48 hours apart recently in separate crashes that have one main thing in common. View the full article