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Today, you’re in for a real “treat”. In day 9 of our 14 Days of Love series, I’m announcing something “fresh” and new that should make quite a few wishes come true. Because you kept asking, we listened. How could Disney say no to you, right?! And, for those following us in our series who have loved ones with character traits that make others feel so very special, this post is for you. Here’s an idea to create a magical moment just for them. If you’re just joining us and wondering what the excitement is all about, check out last Sunday’s post to take the “Discover Your Disney Side” quiz to learn more. In the past, you’ve asked if Disney Floral & Gifts could deliver a fresh cake to your resort. Until today, we only offered a variety of candy cakes. But today, that changes! So, if you’re coming to Walt Disney World and celebrating a birthday or special occasion you can now select from three fresh cake surprises that includes two cake flavors for each. Announcing… Mickey’s Celebration Cake Mickey’s Magical Celebration And the ultimate? Mickey’s Grand Birthday Party. And, even though this image below only shows one very large singing balloon … this gifting experience comes with a very very large bundle of balloons too. In fact, there were so many we couldn’t fit them in the image below. Let’s talk about these decadent fresh cakes for a moment. Yum! These 6”, two-tiered round cakes serve about 4-6 people depending on the size of the slice. You have two flavors to choose from in all three offerings, either chocolate or vanilla. Along with the piping at the bottom and top of the cake, there are two adorable Mickey and Minnie chocolate ears on top. And what’s written on the top? It says, “Celebrate!” So, for those celebrating other occasions such as an anniversary, cheerleading competition or marathon of sorts, you can choose the Mickey’s Celebration Cake and embellish the gift with additional personalized keepsakes to really “sing” to their special moment here at Disney World. Like I said earlier, these gifting experiences can be delivered to all Walt Disney World resorts. Once created, we will take your surprise to the resort and the resort will take it up to your room, after you’re checked in of course. So, here’s one more “magical” idea to add to make this cake experience a jaw dropping moment for the little ones. Take a look at our 4’ Mickey’s In The House air walking balloon. Imagine bringing the little ones in your room to see your choice of cake celebration and this over the top Mickey? It could appear just as if he came to the party! Because he’s an air walker…he’ll move around the room all on his own too. And if you’d like to take him home with you, simply insert a straw into the balloon and let out the helium. Then you can have him re-inflated once at home. Clearly there are ideas here … lol. To get started, just click on to any of the links above and you can begin creating your surprise. So, while you’re busy “imagineer-ing” your birthday surprise, I’m preparing to share even bigger birthday news tomorrow. So stay tuned! #Disney14DaysOfLove. Day 9 – Fresh Cake Magical Moments with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and love is in the air… and in the current seasonal cupcakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! If you’re stopping by Starring Rolls Cafe or the brand new Trolley Car Cafe (not to mention other Quick Service locations around the park such as Backlot Express and ABC Commissary), you’ll be able to spot the latest cupcake creation celebrating Valentine’s Day with a tribute to a much-loved Disney couple: Lady and the Tramp. Lady and the Tramp Cupcakes Cinderella has received her own tribute of baked goodness as well. And while she’s certainly no stranger to romance herself, this cupcake has as much to do with the upcoming March 13th release of the live-action Cinderella film as it does Valentine’s Day. (And don’t forget, if you visit Hollywood Studios from now through April 11th, you can see the Golden Coach used in the film on display in the Streets of America!) Cinderella Cupcakes It’s a classic chocolate versus vanilla showdown between the two: the Lady and the Tramp Cupcake features red velvet cake with dark chocolate ganache, while the Cinderella Cupcake is vanilla cake with vanilla frosting. Cupcake sign and descriptions The fun factor is obvious upon spotting each cupcake. Starting with the Lady and the Tramp Cupcake, the fondant art on the white chocolate heart topper celebrates a Disney film moment we all know and love. It just doesn’t get much more iconic than the “Bella Notte” spaghetti scene! Lady and the Tramp Cupcake White Chocolate Heart with fondant art The chocolate ganache is more of a detail than a main feature of the icing on top, but the richness of it makes for plenty to go around (it’s tucked underneath the icing as well as drizzled on top). I thought the chocolate icing was the most unique component here, since it was like a heavy mousse of sorts. I know that sounds contradictory, but I mean that it was somehow airy in texture, yet dense and rich in flavor at the same time, with a hearty helping of candy sprinkles (see what I did there? ). Icing and sprinkles with ganache drizzle No filling in the base — just a basic red velvet, which unfortunately I found to be rather dry. The more subtle cocoa flavor of the red velvet, though, was helped along by the rich topping. Red Velvet Cake base Like many treats that pop up across the country around Valentine’s Day, this one’s made with chocolate lovers in mind. Vanilla fans will be drawn more to the Cinderella Cupcake. Cinderella’s white chocolate slipper sits on a small cushion of pink icing topping a huge, thick blue frosting base. Cinderella cupcake White Chocolate Slipper Despite the blue color, the flavor of the frosting is entirely true to its vanilla description on the sign, and it comes heavily sprinkled with sugar and edible glitter, which bring to mind the shine and sparkle of Cinderella’s slipper. Frosting closeup Sugar rim and vanilla cake base Again, no surprise filling inside — simply a vanilla cake, though this time the cake was nicely moist. Vanilla cake base I must say, for all of the fun flavor combos to be found in Disney cupcakes across property, there are few things I like more than a good ol’ basic vanilla cupcake, and this one fit that bill exactly. The only exception to that statement was the heavy sprinkling of sparkly sugar that added a fun, unexpected crunch to the whole thing. I really liked this one, and for me, it was the winner of the two. If over-the-top flavors are what you’re looking for, remember that you can always find those in the likes of the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake at Starring Rolls, and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake and Butterfinger Cupcake found at Starring Rolls AND The Trolley Car Cafe. But if you’re in the mood for simple and classic cupcake flavors, either of these two seasonal cupcakes should do the trick just fine — each with the added bonus of Disney character heart. Would you like to try the Lady and the Tramp or Cinderella Cupcake? 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: New! Mini Cupcakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: “Big Hero 6″ Baymax Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Treat: Bunny Cupcakes and Other Favorites at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas was once the Guinness World Records holder for largest cruise ship in the world. While that title has been handed off since its debut in 2006, it's still the largest cruise ship sailing out of Port Canaveral and it recently got a few nips and tucks as... View the full article

This week, we went behind the scenes at Magic Kingdom Park and shared an exclusive view of the new interactive queue at Peter Pan’s Flight. The queue, which just opened at the park, puts you right in the storyline of “Peter Pan” by allowing you to enter the English home of the Darling family. You then head into the children’s nursery, passing the beds of Wendy, John and Michael, which are surrounded by their belongings and personal treasures. Visit Jenn’s original story for more details and photos from the attraction. And to kick off the week, New England Patriots fans lined Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park to celebrate Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler, stars of the Super Bowl XLIX victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Erin shared a special behind-the-scenes look at their visit in her original story. Here are some of the other stories we shared this week. Luigi’s Flying Tires to Become All-New Experience at Disney California Adventure Park – Luigi’s Casa della Tires will reopen as a completely new attraction in early 2016. We are excited to tell you more about this ride technology, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates as work progresses! Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Pu‘u Kilo – Learn about Pu‘u Kilo, the large volcanic remnant that serves as the Waikolohe Valley’s visual centerpiece. Learn to Draw Buzz Lightyear from ‘Toy Story’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Heather Worley from Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios shows us how to draw the perfect Buzz Lightyear. Golden Carriage from ‘Cinderella’ Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – The exquisite golden carriage used in the production of Disney’s all-new, live-action “Cinderella” is on display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns March 4 – Learn about the theme of this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, “Fresh Epcot”! Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Well my friends, we’ve made it half way through Disney 14 Days of Love! Welcome to day eight, where you’ll be “wagging your tail” for this do-it-yourself idea. If your pal’s character traits are loyal, someone who loves unconditionally and is known as everyone’s best friend, this post is for you! If you’re just joining us in this celebration and wondering what the excitement is all about, check out Sunday’s post to take the “Discover Your Disney Side” quiz and learn more. In the spirit of Disney 14 Days Love, I wanted to share some fun ideas that you and your loved ones can experience at Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort and especially right at home! Disney is known for magical moments because we create the unexpected, so think how wonderful your family, friends or a special someone would feel if you surprised them! They are use to giving to others, so how ‘bout creating a moment that takes them by surprise? Today I’m excited to let you in on magical tip: here’s the secret to how we create one of our sweet gifts. Recently, Disney Floral & Gifts launched Mickey’s Happy Surprise Cake at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, a fun twist on the traditional birthday cake. This is the perfect gift to show you how it’s made, and offer you the opportunity to make your own “do-it-yourself” cake at home! Because, after all, who wouldn’t want a cake made of candy? Now that looks fun to make! And more importantly, it looks scrumptious! So let’s create a sweet expression of your affection with a Disney “DIY” candy cake. Follow these six simple steps to create your own Disney magical moment right at home. Supplies10 of your favorite chocolate or candy barsSizzle, confetti or anything you’d like for the “filling” of your cakeTapeRibbonYou choice of a cake topper. Lollipops, candy, a hat or even a Disney plush would look great on top of your cake! Apply tape, or any adhesive you have at home, to the candy bars as shown. Attach the candy bars to form the cake. Stuff the center of the cake with your sizzle, confetti, extra treats or any other fillings you can dream of. Next, tie the ribbon around the outside of the candy bars as shown. Finally, top your cake with anything you’d like! Use lollipops, candy, a hat or even a Disney plush. The possibilities are endless!See, it’s that easy! Think of how special your loved one will feel when you present them with your homemade creation. Throughout Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, magical moments like this are created daily. Knowing these secrets, now you can create a Disney magical moment for someone special. And speaking of cakes, make sure to join us tomorrow for day nine, when I’ll be revealing new “sweet” offerings that you’ve been asking for! So now that I’ve shared a secret to creating a surprise at home…would you share your DIY candy cake photos with us? Then tell us how this experience has impacted you and your loved one. Remember to use #Disney14DaysofLove! See you tomorrow! Day 8 – Create Sweet Expressions of Affection with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This was a BIG Disney Food news week! No worries though — we’ll get you caught up now. First up, you’ll want to know that Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant will start accepting Advance Dining Reservations for lunch starting February 25th. No more FastPasses for your afternoon meal at the Beast’s Castle. Trolley Car Cafe sign Now, let’s move on to the newest hot spot in Walt Disney World. Trolley Car Cafe, a Starbucks location, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now serving up your favorite beverages. For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsBe Our Guest Restaurant will begin accepting Advance Dining Reservations for lunch starting February 25, 2015. And Lunch FastPasses will end.The Trolley Car Cafe is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Here’s our photo tour of the new Starbucks location in Disney World. We also gave you a sneak peek before our first review.See the drinks that will be served at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village!Afternoon Tea packages at the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge have recently been updated. Take a look at the new menu!More Frozen Treats — Snowberry Twists debuted in Disneyland at Maurice’s Treats. 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 restaurant closures, menu updates, 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! It’s always a great time for chocolate, right?! Check out the Mud Pie shared by Facebook Friend Wendy. You can pick one up at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Mud Pie at Flo’s V8 Cafe Frosting lovers — do not walk by Cheshire Cafe in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Stop and get a gourmet cake cup like this Mad Hatter Mocha version sent in by Facebook Friend Jacki. Mad Hatter Mocha Cake Cup Do you have a favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015We recently launched The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World. The fully updated 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 subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World. It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!! For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings! Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts. Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and loungesAn updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2015NEW Disney food and restaurant photosAn updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top Must-Have Snacks for 2015A comprehensive chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2015, including new restaurants, menu updates, and moreDetails about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planningOur picks for Great Snacks you must try this yearOur suggestions for “off the menu” orders you simply have to tryA fully updated for 2015 list of the must-do restaurants for Disney World first-timersRecommendations for the best restaurants to book when you have babies and toddlersScavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updatesBingo CardsUpdates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openingsAll new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiencesAnd much more!But, of course we’re offering a discount for our loyal readers!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBStore.com and use code: 2015 for your discount! Should I buy the 2015 Guide if I have the 2014 Guide?The 2015 Guide has entirely updated information, an updated Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, an updated chapter on snacks, a 10-page “what’s new this year in Disney World” section, extended scavenger hunts, Disney Food bingo, added trivia, and more. If you purchased the 2014 Guide and would like to purchase the 2015 Guide, we’ve got a special discount for repeat purchasers. Email me here to get a limited-time, one-use, exclusive discount code to purchase the 2015 Guide at a $6 discount. Please include the email address you used to purchase the 2014 Guide in the body of your email. For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBStore.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!Great three 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 the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some 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! Thanks for your support of the DFB!Mickey Mouse Sandwich Maker On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases a Mickey Mouse Sandwich Maker. Sammies just taste better with Mickey! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups seeks out romantic quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World. Romance doesn’t have to be expensive! Daveland meets up at the Refreshment Corner Cafe at Disneyland. Grab a Coca-Cola! Communities Digital News feature tips for affordable dining at Walt Disney World. Yes, it’s possible. USA Today names the top 10 gin bars. Congrats to Carthay Circle Lounge at Disney California Adventure! Yummy Crumble makes a Star Wars Wampa cake. Get the recipe! 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: February 1, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 25, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 3, 2013 View the full article

Ready to dine around Epcot? Yep, me too! Join me in welcoming guest author Anita Theiss with her review of some great Epcot eats! My husband and I recently spent a day at Epcot celebrating our anniversary. While there, we decided to taste a little something from each of the nations represented in the World Showcase. An “Eat Around the World” challenge, so to speak. It was a lot of fun, and we really enjoyed discussing which foods we liked best and which we liked the least. We followed a few simple rules for our self-assigned challenge. Eat Around the World RulesRule One, choose one country-specific food item (no generic cookies or fries) to order from each nation and share it. (We had a slight breech of etiquette on this rule when we got to France, but more on that later.) Sharing meant that we could discuss what we thought of the item, and it kept us from eating too much. Rule Two, go to counter service restaurants, kiosks, or food stands only. It just didn’t seem right to take up a reservation spot for just one item. Rule Three, rate each food item on a scale of one to ten, with one being not quite so palate pleasing, and ten being the best thing to ever grace your taste buds. Nachos in MexicoOur digestive expedition started in Mexico at La Cantina de San Angel with an order of nachos. The nachos come with ground beef, beans, cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream. We ordered them with the tomatoes and jalapeños on the side -— my husband loves them, but I am not a fan. Nachos I enjoyed the nachos, but we both found them to be a little heavy on the cheese (if food can be too heavy with ‘plastic cheese’) and not heavy enough on the meat and beans. They had just the right amount of spice, and the chips were crisp. The portion was perfect for a meal, but these nachos are a great shareable snack as well. My husband gave them a 4, and I gave them a 6. Troll Horn in NorwayWe moved on to Norway and stopped at the Kringla Bakeri Og Kafé. There were several items on the counter that looked good, and I could not decide between the Troll Horn and the Viking Mousse. I asked the cast member behind the counter which of the two she recommended, and she suggested the Troll Horn, which is filled which cloudberry cream. Troll Horn The cloudberry cream was smooth and sweet, but not too sweet, and the pastry was tender but a little bland. The sugar crystals sprinkled on top added a nice sweetness and crunch, but overall the Troll Horn was just meh (how do you like that technical culinary term?). We both gave it a 4 on our grading scale — not horrible, but we won’t be rushing back to Norway to get one during our next trip. Egg Roll in ChinaAfter a ride on Maelstrom (RIP), we headed to China. We stopped at Joy of Tea to place an egg roll order. An order of egg rolls actually includes two nice-sized pork and veggie egg rolls, which was a pleasant surprise considering how very delicious they were. (My husband had already snagged his and started munching when I took the picture which is why there is only one pictured.) Egg Roll The egg roll wrapper was both tender and crunchy, and the filling was flavorful with seasoned pork and crisp veggies. There were packets of soy sauce (and other condiments) which just added another layer of fabulous flavor. We both gave the egg rolls an 8.5; we would definitely get them again and feel that they would be an excellent use of a snack credit if you are on the Disney Dining Plan since they are easily shared. Bratwurst in GermanyWe moved on from China to Germany for a stop at Sommerfest. To be honest, I had my heart set on wrapping my lips around a Nudel Gratin for days, but I was starting to get full and knew that such a dish would be both rich and heavy. So, I passed on the Nudel Gratin (which I now regret — I really should have persevered) while my husband ordered a bratwurst. He loves a brat, and this one did not disappoint. Bratwurst Bratwurst Cross Section with Mustard The bratwurst comes on a very large crusty bun topped with loads of sauerkraut. He said the sauerkraut was alright and the bratwurst itself was delicious, but he felt that there was just too much bread. The bun was quite large and had a pretty tough and crusty consistency. He still enjoyed it and gave it a score of 6. Gelato in ItalyAfter a quick shopping break in Germany, we headed to Italy, which had me a little worried because there is no counter service restaurant. But as we were walking into Italy, I spotted Gelati — a nice little gelato stand, so I stopped for a cup of chocolate gelato. Gelato It was smooth, thick, creamy, quite tasty, and reminded me of a cold version of hot chocolate. It would definitely hit the spot on a hot summer day in Florida. My husband had a taste or two of it, but he is not much of a chocolate fan and didn’t like it as much as regular ice cream. I, on the other hand, much prefer the thicker consistency of gelato to its thinner American counterpart and gave it a 7. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel in American AdventureAfter Italy, it was time for a return to our homeland of America. Now during our last trip to Disney a few months ago, I fell in love with the Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel at the Fife and Drum Tavern and knew I had to get my hands on another. My husband and I were shocked to find it missing from their menu, but the cast member sent us to the Block and Hans kiosk on the other side of the pavilion where they offer this sweet delicacy along with Mickey Shaped pretzels, Jalapeño Cheese Stuffed pretzels, and various drinks. Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel It was almost as good as I remembered, but I was feeling pretty full at this point, so I only ate about three bites. The pretzel itself is just the right amount of soft, bready inside and chewy outside, while the sweet cream cheese filling is smooth and just perfect. It is another great use of a snack credit and is easily shared by two people. We gave it a 7 and will probably be on the prowl for another cream cheese pretzel next time we are at Disney. We stopped to enjoy some time in America listening to the Voices of Liberty and taking in the American Adventure Show which is not to be missed, but I digress . . . we were on to Japan. Shogun Teriyaki Combination at Katsura GrillWe stopped at the Katsura Grill for a Shogun Teriyaki Combination. I love chicken, and my husband loves beef, so this seemed to be the best of both worlds. Shogun Combo I hate to say it, but this was a disappointment to me. As far as appearance, it just didn’t look appetizing. The beef was not the slices of beef normally found in Japanese food; it was more like shaved beef from your local grocery store deli. There were also some pieces of chicken that seemed discolored and just not suitable to eat. The rice was decent, veggies were crisp, and the teriyaki sauce had a pretty good flavor, but I would not get this again. My husband gave it a 5, but I gave it a 3. Cashew Baklava in MoroccoMorrocco was next, and this nation was the most difficult for us. We are not big Mediterranean food people. Falafel, shawarma, feta . . . it’s just not for us. But, I couldn’t pass it up completely, so we stopped by the bakery section of the Tangierine Café where among other treats, they were offering three different types of baklava: walnut, pistachio, and cashew. I asked the crew member behind the counter which of the three he recommended, and he answered cashew with no hesitation. Baklava If you like baklava and cashews, you will enjoy this. The cashew flavor was subtle but tasty, and the pastry was flaky as expected. It wasn’t too sweet, but we didn’t finish it. My husband gave it a 1 (he really is not a baklava fan at all), but I gave it a 3. This is another one that I am glad I tasted, but I won’t be pining for it between Epcot visits. As this point we took a little break from eating to ride the monorail, take in a couple more park rides, and then we headed back out for more food. This time we headed in the opposite direction and went to the United Kingdom. Sadly, we had to completely bypass Canada. The only restaurant there is Le Cellier, and I can’t imagine the Maleficent-esque glares we would have gotten from cast members and fellow patrons after ordering a bowl of Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, sharing it, and then leaving. I am sure it would have been ridiculously tasty, but I just couldn’t justify taking up a coveted Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) spot there just for an appetizer. Fish and Chips at Yorkshire County Fish ShopSo, we stopped at Yorkshire County Fish Shop for a basket of fish and chips and let me just say right now, Heavens to Betsy, it was yummy. Fish & Chips Now, I am not a fish person. I literally NEVER order fish when we go out to eat unless you count shrimp. But this was absolutely phenomenal. The fish was fresh, flaky, and piping hot, and the batter was crisp and perfectly seasoned. The chips (or fries as we Americans normally call them) were delicious and plentiful. My husband gave it a 7, but I gave it a 9. This is the counter service meal dreams are made of — or at least my dreams until my next jaunt to the World Showcase. Chocolate Mousse and Fruit Parfait in FranceWe finished up our time eating around the world in France at Boulangerie Patisserie les Halles which is one of only two places where we actually had to stand in a long line to order (the other being Sommerfest). Oh my, the choices behind that display glass all looked delicious. This is the one place where we strayed from our rule of ordering one item to share. As I mentioned earlier, I am a chocolate lover, but my husband is not. So I ordered the chocolate mousse, and he ordered the fruit parfait. Mouse au Chocolat Mousse Parfait aux Fruits Fruit Parfait The mousse was light, fluffy, perfectly chocolate, and just as rich as I expected. The little white sprinkles on top had the consistency of Rice Krispies and added a nice crunch to the smooth, creamy mousse. I gave it a 7. My husband found the parfait to be satisfying and gave it a 6. I asked him what was in it, and he said he wasn’t really sure if it was custard, cream, or just whipped cream, but it was good. OverallSo there you have it, 10 out of 11 countries in one day. I would not advise this strategy to anyone on the dining plan as it might not be the best use of your credits, but we were able to do it for under $80 out of pocket not counting the occasional Diet Coke or bottle of water. This challenge is not for the gastrointestinally faint of heart, but it is a lot of fun especially if you have a partner in crime like I did. And I got to check a big item off of my Disney bucket list. What snacks do you look forward to most around World Showcase? Share your favorites in the comments below! Anita Theiss is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom to her two Disney-loving children and wife to her Disney-tolerating husband. When she isn’t homeschooling her kids, she can usually be found day-dreaming about her next Disney vacation. Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in Epcot!Epcot is a snack lovers dream! Where else can you find delicious dishes from all four corners of the world, all gathered in one spot for your snacking pleasure? But with so many choices, deciding what to spend your dollars, calories, and snack credits on can become challenging. And that is precisely why we came up with The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book! With over 290 pages of information and advice on over 200 delicious snacks, you can see at a glance all the best that Epcot has to offer. And with our convenient PDF format, there’s no waiting — download your copy right now and start planning! We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. We’ve kept most of the snacks in the $1-5 range, but there are a few big spenders in there. (Yep, that turkey leg or frozen mojito is gonna cost you!) Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! 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: Seafood Dine-Around at Walt Disney World Epcot’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop Guest Review: “After Hours Wind Down” at Rose & Crown Pub in Disney World’s Epcot View the full article

Frozen Fun” has become a huge hit with Disney California Adventure park guests, because there's so much to do! http://di.sn/6004INB8 Read more on the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/16qhyN...From:Disney ParksViews:15521213ratingsTime:01:27More inTravel & Events

Are you looking forward to an Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian? Learn About: Garden View Lounge Afternoon TeaGrand Floridian Disney World RestaurantsThe Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian hosts Afternoon Tea each day with Advance Dining Reservation opportunities starting at 2:00 pm. I mention Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) because this has become quite a popular experience, so planning for your tea in advance is becoming more of a must. In order to help you with your Afternoon Tea plans, we wanted let you know of some very recent changes to the Tea Packages available for purchase. The previous menu featured packages ranging from $25 (the Buckingham Tea) to $45 (Princess Kate Tea), with the $13 “Mrs. Potts Tea” package for children ages 3-9. Packages on the new menu start at $30 and go up to a pretty penny for a big vacation splurge. Here’s the full rundown: The Garden View Lounge Afternoon Tea menu The Bedfordshire Tea includes finger sandwiches accompanied with berries, cheese, and lavosh; a buttery scone and jam tart; and a dessert course with the guest’s choice of pastries, strawberries and creme, or English trifle. And, of course, a pot of tea. The cost for this package is $30 per guest. Bedfordshire Tea package For a comparison to the previous menu, it closely resembles the former Buckingham Tea package which was $25, but with the addition of berries, cheese, and lavosh. The Derbyshire Tea features all the inclusions of the Bedfordshire Tea with the addition of a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne at $45 per guest. Derbyshire Tea package The Cheshire Tea is priced at $48 per guest. No champagne with this one; rather, it has an additional course beyond the Bedfordshire package, which is a selection of “exotic fruits and imported cheeses.” Cheshire Tea package Please note: the following packages are created for two guests to share. The biggest splurge on the new lineup is The Yorkshire Tea. It is enhanced with a First Course of North American Caviar and two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. The tab? $175 for two guests to share (breaking down to about $88 per guest). The shared packages include two pots of tea — one for each guest. Yorkshire Tea Package The Berkshire Tea is essentially the Yorkshire Tea minus the champagne. The price is $150 for two guests to share. Berkshire Tea package For children, the Mrs. Potts Tea has the addition of a Jam Tart from the previous version of the package, but the price remains the same at $13. Mrs. Potts Tea package And while we’re at it, here is the current listing of tea selections at the Garden View Lounge. Tea menu Tea menu For a full review of Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian, you can read about the experience here. What do you think of the new tea packages at the Garden View Lounge? 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: Guest Review: Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Lounge Guest Review: Grand Floridian’s Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge Review: Tea at Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa View the full article

In summer 2015, we're charting a magical new course to Norway! Check out the first video in our new series, "Helpful Norwegian Phrases for Your Disney Cruise" to prepare for your adventures...From:Disney ParksViews:359865ratingsTime:00:44More inTravel & Events

Some of the most popular creators on YouTube, including Stampylongnose, ShayCarl, Charisma Star TV, Alphacat (Iman Crosson) and Bratayley joined us at the Walt Disney World Resort to show their.From:Disney ParksViews:224940350ratingsTime:01:07More inTravel & Events

Many of us have been there. We’re all set to go to Walt Disney World for the trip of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our kiddos! But even though Disney is the Happiest Place on Earth, navigating its vastness with a toddler can be challenging at best, and a nightmare at worst. And few parts of the trip are more challenging than meal times. While we all agree that certain spots are inappropriate for small children — Victoria and Albert’s restricts patrons to the over 10 crowd — there are some choices that are better than others. And you may be surprised to know…it doesn’t all come down to characters. Below, we offer you a few choices from our picks for Best Spots to Eat with a Toddler – a brand new section in our just-released DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015. Pick up yours today for $4 off using code 2015 right here! We Love Him — But There’s More to Eating at Disney with Kiddos Than Just This Guy! Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom LodgeOne of my favorite spots to dine no matter who’s with me is Sanaa. Located in Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the restaurant is known for its exotic menu of African and Indian Fusion. And when I dine here, you know you’re gonna spy some incredible Butter Chicken on the table! Tandoori Trio with Butter Chicken and Spicy Chicken While the menu makes it a must-visit spot for guests who enjoy out of the ordinary cuisine, the restaurant is also quiet and rarely crowded — great features for guests who have a small fry in tow. But the real attraction for toddlers is the view! Forget animatronics on the Jungle Cruise — look out the windows at Sanaa’s sweeping vistas and you’ll see the real deal! View from Sanaa Sanaa overlooks Sunset Savanna and spying a zebra, giraffe, or other exotic animal is practically guaranteed! You Just Might View Some Animals While You Take in Lunch at Sanaa Here’s another TIP: Keep in mind when you make your advance dining reservation that the animals tend to retire early, and it may get dark on the savanna earlier than you think. Planning lunch or an early dinner at Sanaa during daylight hours is your best bet for seeing the wild side of the restaurant. Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosAlthough there are puh-lenty of Character Dining options at Disney, some are better than others when it comes to entertaining babies and toddlers. We’ve chosen two in the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015, and Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant is one of them. So, what sets Hollywood and Vine’s Play ‘n Dine apart? The characters! While practically all other Character Dining options at Disney involve either some subset of the Fab Five or Disney Princesses, Hollywood and Vine’s Play ‘n Dine features the original characters from the Disney Junior lineup! That means that your kiddo will come face to face with friends like Pirate Jake, Doc McStuffins, and Princess Sophia! Jake the Pirate Just May Try to Join You for Lunch! Seeing these beloved characters up close and larger than life is completely magical for most kiddos. And the buffet menu features lots of kid favorites, too. Even picky eaters will enjoy the spread! I Have Two Words for You: Chocolate. Fountain. Here’s another TIP: If you’re interested in sharing a meal with the funner-than-fun Disney Junior Gang, be sure to book your advance dining reservation for breakfast or lunch. Dinner offers a bountiful buffet — but no characters. (Maybe it’s past their bedtimes or something.) Coral Reef Restaurant in EpcotFinally, we come to another of our favorite spots for Disney dining with our small humans — Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant. Coral Reef Dining Room Coral Reef shares its view with neighboring attraction The Seas with Nemo & Friends, and the star of the show is the largest inland saltwater environment ever built! As you dine, you’ll experience the ever-changing waterscape of a thriving coral reef. (Check out a review of our recent lunch here.) How Would You Like to Share Lunch with This Dude? And thanks to the souvenir Fish Guides, a visit here can be as educational as it is fun! Besides, trying to identify all of the sea creatures will make the wait time go by in a snap. Use Your Souvenir Fish Guide to Keep Kiddos Busy Until Their Food Arrives For more Disney Restaurant suggestions that are great for Toddlers, be sure to order your copy of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015! We’ve got lots of suggestions that are guaranteed to keep your kid busy enough for you to shovel a bite or two of food into your mouth. Maybe even three! Ready for All of Our Best Tips?We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips in our big, bold, 490-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! What’s your favorite spot for sharing a meal with a toddler in Walt Disney World? Join the conversation in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Tips from the DFB Guide: How to Avoid Crowds When Dining in Disney World Tips from the DFB Guide: Expert Reviews of Walt Disney World Restaurants Tips From the DFB Guide: Our Top 3 Tips for Late Night Disney World Dining View the full article

Hillsborough County woman complains her former male colleagues were paid more and files class-action lawsuit in U.S. District Court. Hillsborough County woman complains her former male colleagues were paid more and files class-action lawsuit in U.S. District Court. View the full article

The University of South Carolina says there is no longer a threat on campus after shots have been fired at its new School of Public Health in a busy section of downtown Columbia. View the full article

The Orlando Magic fired coach Jacque Vaughn on Thursday, ending his two-and-a-half-year tenure with the franchise, the team announced today. View the full article

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, in a rare moment of contrition, acknowledged Thursday that he mishandled the way he forced out the head of the state's law enforcement agency. View the full article

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs has been named Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Co. View the full article

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Joins Kaká, Orlando City SC Officials and Local Leaders to Kick-Off #FillTheBowl Campaign. View the full article

Once again this year, we’re bringing our popular Happy Lunar New Year celebration to Disney California Adventure park. From February 19–22, we’ll celebrate the “Year of the Sheep” with a joyous tribute to the Lunar New Year, bringing the Paradise Gardens area of the park to life with music, dancing, vibrant red and gold décor, hanging lanterns and more. Lunar New Year is a multi-day annual tradition observed within the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. For those who celebrate it, it is the customary time to reflect on the past and step into a new life of hope, prosperity and happiness. To commemorate the occasion, guests of all ages are invited to share in a colorful, enriching experience that includes live performances, kid-friendly activities, a daily procession and special appearances by Mulan and Mushu, along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed in their Lunar New Year costumes! You can also look forward to delicious food and event-specific merchandise – including an exclusive T-shirt, pin and set of traditional red envelopes. This Happy Lunar New Year celebration is going to be filled with joy and community togetherness. It promises to be an event you won’t want to miss! Happy Lunar New Year Celebration Returns to Disney California Adventure Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A few days ago we found out that FastPass+ testing for Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant would end on February 24th. FastPass+ testing has been available to Disney Resort guests through email invitation for some time, and it was indeed a test, allowing guests to try out systems such as the first time use of FastPasses for a restaurant as well as methods for pre-ordering food for their entire party. Be Our Guest Restaurant! Now that FastPass+ opportunities for lunch are coming to an end, this relatively new system (in regard to restaurants, anyway) is giving way to a tried-and-true: the opportunity to make Advance Dining Reservations for lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant will be available for all Disney World guests beginning February 25th. Guests can use the My Disney Experience app, website, or call 407-WDW-DINE to obtain their reservations — exactly the way they would make their reservations for lunch or dinner at any Disney restaurant that accepts Advance Dining Reservations. However, lunch guests will retain the ability to pre-order their meals! While Advance Dining Reservations can be made 180 days out from the desired dining date, the window for pre-ordering meals using My Disney Experience will open 30 days prior to the reservation date. Pre-Ordering Meals at Be Our Guest Restaurant for Lunch The ordering kiosks will still be available inside the restaurant for those who do not wish to pre-order. Kiosk Where You Place Your Order Pre-ordering will affect lunch only, and dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant will operate as usual. We look forward to bringing you updates on any further developments! What do you think of making Advanced Dining Reservations for this popular lunch spot? 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: Starting Oct. 27th: Make Your Disney Dining Reservations 180 Days in Advance News! Be Our Guest Restaurant Reservations Can Be Made Starting August 20th! News! Lunch FastPass Testing to End at Be Our Guest Restaurant View the full article

Orange County deputies have identified the 22-year-old man shot and killed inside an apartment complex near the University of Central Florida late Wednesday. View the full article

Gunfire on an Apopka roadway early Thursday led to the arrest of a wanted suspect in an earlier shooting that wounded an 11-year-old girl, police confirmed. View the full article

The five-star recruit from Baker County has yet to seal the deal with UF The five-star recruit from Baker County has yet to seal the deal with UF View the full article

Brian Williams, how do you misremember a war story involving yourself? View the full article

This week’s animation tutorial will take you “to infinity and beyond!” Heather Worley from Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is prepped and ready to show you how to draw the perfect Buzz Lightyear. For previous animation tutorials on some of your favorite Disney characters, check out the list below: Learn to Draw Special Edition: ‘Frozen’ Voice Actor Josh Gad Tests His Skills at Drawing OlafLearn to Draw Mickey’s Pal Pluto at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Learn to Draw Hiro from ‘Big Hero 6′ Learn to Draw Baymax From ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Learn to Draw Rapunzel’s Buddy, Pascal, at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Stitch at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Winnie the Pooh at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Jack Skellington at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortLearn How to Draw ‘Frozen’s’ Anna at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Disney Characters at Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosDo You Want to Draw a Snowman? Learn How at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosLearn to Draw Buzz Lightyear from ‘Toy Story’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article