Disney4me

Bonjour mon ami! It’s the season for amour. So, let’s talk about creating a romantic surprise for someone whose character traits “light” you up. If your sweetheart is suave, debonair and romantic and you want to “fan the flame,” then this post is for you. If you’re just joining us, and wondering what the excitement is about, check out yesterday’s post and take the “Discover your Disney Side quiz.” So, your loved one has a way of making those around them feel special, huh? From candlelit dinners to dancing the night away, they make you feel like you are the only one in the world! The challenge is, how do you create a memory for them when they are so good at creating a moment for you? When creating a special moment, a gesture from the heart can go a long way. It can be as simple as an “out of the blue” candlelit dinner where they can “be your guest.” We tend to place higher expectations for gifts and experiences on holidays, but when an expression of affection is shown apart from a holiday … now that’s romance. So the key here is surprise your loved one apart from a holiday with a gesture from the heart. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort, then I have ideas for you. Here’s what to do – first, make reservations at a romantic Disney dining location (407-WDW-DINE) to set the stage. There are so many charming locations to choose from and our friends at DINE can offer a variety of ideas for you. Once you’ve secured the restaurant, surprise them with a unique experience. Right before dessert, have a surprise gift delivered to your table to enhance the moment. Why then? After a meal, we’re full, relaxed and we think the moment is starting to wind down, right? Receiving your gift before dessert will create an unexpected surprise AND give your magical moment the spotlight in the setting of a romantic Disney restaurant – now that’s charming. What would I recommend? At Walt Disney World Resort, surprises can be as simple as You and Me, and as elaborate as A Magical wish – Romance Your Love. Create a Fairy Tale. And there are so many other options as well. The Magical Wish and Create a Fairy Tale gifts also set the stage for a one-of-a-kind memory by making a wish, or having the glass slipper engraved at one of several Disney Parks locations. While you’re charming your sweetheart at dinner, our dream makers at Disney Floral & Gifts can sprinkle your Disney resort room with rose petals. For a more elaborate surprise, we can set up a romantic In-Room Celebration, “From Mickey and Minnie with Love.” Picture this- imagine walking up to your resort room door after you’ve charmed your loved one at dinner. You open the door to your room, turn on the lights and right there in front of you is a romantic set up personalized just for you. Imagine their reaction – and how simple it was to create romance by letting us do the work. If you want to learn more about the gifts and pricing, click on the links above. There is a cost for these surprises and delivery, but it is an amazing experience – one they will definitely remember and talk about. What about the Disneyland Resort? Delivery to Disneyland Resort dining locations are not available at this time, but they do offer the Mickey and Minnie with Love In Room Celebration which is similar. It’s a different experience than at Walt Disney World Resort. Go ahead and make dining plans for your special dinner and enjoy the meal in confidence, knowing Disney is preparing a surprise for your resort room. To help with planning, you can always speak with our dream makers at Walt Disney World Resort, 407-WDW-GIFT or at Disneyland Resort 714-781-GIFT. Speaking of planning, tomorrow I’ll share ideas for the hero in your life – perhaps creating a memory for someone who is “worth melting for.” Meanwhile, would you like to help our blog friends who are still making Valentine’s Day plans? If you were going to receive a romantic surprise at a Disney dining location, what gift and restaurant would you recommend to them? Share your ideas below or use #Disney14DaysofLove. See you tomorrow! Day 2 – Create a Romantic Surprise with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TALLAHASSEE Â -- Â Gov. Rick Scott's office continued pushing back Monday against claims his staff forced longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to resign immediately in December. View the full article

Scoring a Lunch FastPass from the crazy popular Be Our Guest Restaurant has turned into an epic feat of sorts. Learn About: Be Our Guest Restaurant -- LunchMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsWe (and countless others of you) have spent the better part of the last year trying to figure out how to get an elusive FastPass for lunch at Be Our Guest. It’s turned into a a full time endeavor for some guests. And while those staying at Disney Resorts had a glimmer of hope for getting one, Annual Passholders and guests staying off property were shut out of the system altogether. But change is clearly on the horizon. Today, we’re getting official word that Lunch FastPasses will no longer be available as of February 25, 2015. Be Our Guest Restaurant Lunch FastPass Testing Will Be Ending Soon According to this banner message that we’ve just discovered on the Be Our Guest Lunch Website given to resort guests, Lunch FastPasses have always and ever been tests. Lunch FastPasses will officially come to an end on February 24. The messages goes on to state that, beginning February 25, “Guests should log on to MyDisneyExperience.com for more information about dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch”. And so it seems that lucky guests who’ve managed to book their FastPasses by February 24 are golden, but if you’re looking to have lunch at Be Our Guest on February 25 or after, it’s a stand by game at this point. Or maybe they’ll open reservations for lunch? We really have no idea! Whatever You Do, Disney — Please Keep the Braised Pork Coq Au Vin Style on the Lunch Menu! So…what does this mean? Well, your guess is as good as ours. We can tell you that Be Our Guest Breakfast Rumors continue to abound, and that when we spied some online indication that BOG Breakfast may soon become a reality, the first date to book was February 25. Be Our Guest Breakfast Option That Was Briefly on Disney World’s Website We know that you are just as eager to learn what the future holds for Be Our Guest as we are. Be assured that we’ll bring you all the latest news as soon as it breaks! Now we want to hear from you! What changes to Be Our Guest Restaurant’s offerings do you hope to see on February 25? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts! 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! Be Our Guest Restaurant Currently Serving Only FastPass+ Guests, No Walk-Ups Disney World Tests Be Our Guest Restaurant FastPass+ and Pre-Order System Review: FastPass+ Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

From red velvet funnel cakes at Stage Door Café to a four-course menu inspired by St. Valentine at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Resort is adding lots of special ways to woo your sweetheart on February 14. In Disneyland park, along with those indulgent funnel cakes, you can start your day with a sweet touch at River Belle Terrace with red velvet pancakes – linger under the umbrellas and watch the Mark Twain Riverboat paddle down the Rivers of America for a romantic morning. Lunch and dinner add a savory side. Plaza Inn is featuring pan-seared salmon with rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables with a Chardonnay dill cream sauce. Blue Bayou Restaurant continues the “heat” theme with a “Sweet Heat Duet”: bacon-wrapped filet mignon and halibut atop tomato croutons with sautéed baby spinach and roasted potatoes, served with a rich Chardonnay dill, Cognac peppercorn and café au lait sauce. Carnation Café’s hearty surf and turf will please hearty appetites with sirloin, shrimp, mashed potatoes and sautéed broccoli with a sun-dried tomato butter and herb beurre blanc sauce topping the duo. Café Orleans takes a light approach with angel hair pasta with sautéed shrimp, zucchini and yellow squash tossed with a cream shrimp fumé. Heading to Disney California Adventure park, you can sip a cherry-apple smoothie at Schmoozies, have a Valentine sugar cookie at Pacific Wharf Cafe or enjoy a Valentine’s Day Sundae at Clarabelle’s. For dinner, Wine Country Trattoria is offering a three-course menu with a choice of lobster or beef tenderloin with shrimp for the main course. Or just keep it sweet with Alfresco Tasting Terrace & Cove Bar’s dessert sampler: vanilla fruit tart, raspberry macaroon and tiramisu served in flight glasses with a sparkling wine pairing. And to carry home, the popular, freshly baked heart and teddy bear-shaped breads from Boudin Bakery are for sale at Pacific Wharf Café, Mortimer’s Market and the Boudin Bread Cart. For date night, Steakhouse 55 and The Lounge at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel and Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa both are featuring prix-fixe menus. Steakhouse 55 features elegant renditions of Maine lobster bisque, surf and turf with a filet mignon and bacon-wrapped jumbo prawn and a fancy White Chocolate Baked Alaska for dessert. The four-course Napa Rose menu, “inspired by St. Valentine,” will be available with an optional wine pairing – we can’t reveal the courses, but promise it ends with a grand finale. Happy Valentines’ Day! For reservations, visit Disneyland.com or call 714-781-DINE. Sweet, Savory Valentine’s Day Specials at Disneyland Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Walgreens announced Monday it will cut 252 jobs in Orlando, about one quarter of the current workforce at its pharmacy fulfillment center for Florida. The cuts come as several other pharmacy centers have added local jobs. View the full article

One of my favorite morning sights in all of Walt Disney World Resort is the early morning sunrise at Magic Kingdom Park (which usually means I’m off for a day of fun with my son at the park). This terrific shot is a close-up of Cinderella Fountain, which was designed by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson. Enjoy it and have a great day today! A Sunrise View From Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s hard to believe we’re already one month into the New Year! Just after the start of the year, I shared with you some of the ways a Disney cruise vacation is a solution to your New Year’s resolutions. Whether your goals are for more family time, to get fit, to try something new or simply to have more fun, we’ve got you covered with activities that help you do just that. Over the past month, we’ve posted infographics on Pinterest with more ideas for you. Today I want to share the one that’s at the top of my list because I think it will inspire you, just as much as it did me, to stay active on your next Disney cruise vacation. To check out the other infographics in this series, head on over to our Pinterest page: More Family TimeEnjoy LifeTry Something NewWays to Stay Fit on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The annual tradition of winning the Super Bowl and shouting into the camera, "I'm going to Disney World" didn't happen this year. The New England Patriots game-changing players Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler instead shouted "We're going to Disneyland." View the full article

These tikis, found inside Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom Park, have been hanging around for quite some time. After more than 40 years of shows, what are they laughing about now? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This” in the comments section below. Caption This: Thinking Tiki Thoughts at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Earlier tonight, we told you that wide receiver Julian Edelman and cornerback Malcolm Butler of the Super Bowl XLIX champions, New England Patriots, are scheduled to celebrate their victory Monday at the Disneyland Resort. After the 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Phoenix, Edelman and Butler stood on the field and shouted, “We’re Going to Disneyland!” The scene will be featured in Disney Parks’ annual Super Bowl commercial, airing for the next several days. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog Monday afternoon for photos and video from their celebration on Main Street, U.S.A.! ‘We’re Going to Disneyland!’ Super Bowl Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler Join Disney Parks Tradition by Darrell Fry: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s heeeeeere! Yep, Trolley Car Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been holding soft openings for the past few days, with a grand opening rumored for Tuesday! Trolley Car Cafe sign The newest Starbucks in Disney World features a Golden Age of Hollywood theme (natch), but this takes a little turn from what you might expect… Trolley Car Cafe doors Inside, there aren’t glamorous regency fixtures and photos of starlets. Instead, it’s pretty industrial, featuring open metal beams, brickwork, exposed pipes… Trolley Car Cafe Inside Yep — it’s a Trolley Car Station! Starbucks products are served here. DFB reader Anna took some time to snap these pics when she was invited into the Cafe by a Cast Member. For the past few days, getting into the Cafe has been by invitation only. Lines at Trolley Car Cafe She mentioned that the big promotion currently is Starbucks new “Flat White,” which is steamed milk poured over ristretto shots of espresso and finished with a Starbucks signature dot. Flat White As is the case with other Starbucks locations in Walt Disney World, this one will serve Starbucks’ drinks and La Boulange food line, along with a few Disney parks items. We’ll be back after Tuesday’s opening with many more pics and some food reviews for ya! Keep an eye out for these guys, too… Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” Mug Hollywood Studios has, arguably, the most competition when it comes to good java and baked goods joints (Starring Rolls and Writer’s Stop are both in this park, after all). Will you head to these other locations, or are you going Starbucks all the way? Which Disney’s Hollywood Studios coffee and baked goods shop will you frequent? Let us know 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: News! Starbucks Signage is Unveiled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Confirmed! Starbucks Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in February 2015 News and Sneak Peek: Special Food and Beverages Coming to the Villains Unleashed Event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

After months of speculation and prognostication, we finally know this season’s Super Bowl XLIX champion: the New England Patriots. Well, I’m happy to reveal one other exciting piece of juicy information: star players of the big game – wide receiver Julian Edelman and cornerback Malcolm Butler – are going to Disneyland! Immediately after the 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Phoenix, Edelman and Butler stood on the field amid a sea of confetti and screaming fans and shouted those classic words: “We’re Going to Disneyland!” The scene is the centerpiece of Disney Parks‘ annual Super Bowl commercial that is airing for the next several days. The TV spot is the 48th edition in the beloved series that began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms first blurted out those words in front of a TV camera after Super Bowl XXI. This year it was Edelman and Butler’s turn after remarkable performances Sunday night at University of Phoenix Stadium. Edelman had nine catches for a team-high 109 yards, including the game-winning touchdown reception in the final minutes of the game. Butler sealed the victory with a game-saving interception in the final seconds. They are scheduled to celebrate their performances and their team’s victory with a hero’s welcome parade Monday down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, which just last week was the site of the unveiling for the upcoming Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, marking the resort’s 60th anniversary. If you can’t make it out to Disneyland park to celebrate with them, then check back here Monday afternoon to see photos and video from the festivities and get a look at the TV commercial here. Super Bowl Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler Coming to Disneyland Resort by Darrell Fry: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Have you ever seen a magical moment? It’s the best! It’s a one-of-a-kind surprise or experience that you just have to see. It’s that amazing first time meet and greet with the characters, a creative engagement, emotional family reunion, or special birthday surprise that helps make wishes come true. And if we’re honest here, when watching one, you just might get a little choked up inside (not that I’m speaking from experience at all) because it’s so – what’s the word for it – Ah yes, so “Disney.” We’re so happy for those who experience this privilege right? Then after the moment is over, there’s something inside of each of us that wishes WE could do something just as special for someone we love. Can you just imagine their response if you surprised them – eyes lighting up – that jaw-dropping reaction, and best of all, knowing that you created a lifetime memory. That would be amazing! And, what if you went one step further? What if you could create a special memory for yourself? Would you do it? Of course you would. And so would I. If you’re interested in creating moments like in the images above, then you’re in for a treat because I’m going to share how to do it. And it’s not just one tip…there will be many. So let’s have fun and make a memory out of it. How about we meet every day here on the Disney Parks Blog for the next 14 days so I can share tips, and ideas so you can learn how to create a memory for someone you love, appreciate or admire. Whether you’re at home, at Walt Disney World or Disneyland I’ll share a range of concepts so you can be “Disney” for someone else. Ready to get started? Ok, first, to create “the” moment, you’ll want to discover your or your loved one’s “Disney Side”. I created a fun quiz for you below that when completed will identify your or your loved ones “character traits”. Then over the next 14 days, I’ll reference those characteristics to help you create your surprise or celebration. And by the way, for my first tip, once you know what character traits you or your loved one are most like, you may want to save or share your results for future reference. After all, you never know when a magical moment might be in the making for you too. So go ahead and start with the quiz. See you here you tomorrow. Powered by Interact Discover your Disney Side with 14 Days of Love – Quiz by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This week at Disneyland park, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration marking the resort’s 60th anniversary, will begin Friday, May 22. Erin shared that the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland park and Carthay Circle Theatre in Disney California Adventure park will glisten and gleam, each with its own diamond medallion featuring the letter “D” for the celebration. Disney California Adventure park will present a special edition of the popular “World of Color” show and a new “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will be featured at Disneyland park. Check out Erin’s original story for more details and images, as well as a special video. Also this week at the Walt Disney World Resort, we celebrated a significant milestone for MagicBands – 10 million distributed. Since our original announcement, MagicBands have become a favorite way for guests to make their visit easier, more personal and magical. Recently, MagicBand was named one of Fortune Magazine’s “26 Coolest Gadgets of 2014.” MyMagic+ was also honored with an “Innovation by Design” award by the popular magazine and website, Fast Company. Visit our original story to read more. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Exciting Ways to Explore Italy with Adventures by Disney – Planning a visit to Italy? Here’s a snippet about what each Adventures by Disney Italy vacation offers to get you started. Wildlife Wednesday: 11 Facts That Show There’s Something for Everyone on the ‘Treks & Trails’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! – Check out some of the sights from Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail in Africa and last, but certainly not least, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, all at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Hollywood Tower Hotel Authentic Merchandise Drops Into Disney Parks on February 13, 2015 – Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller reveals new Hollywood Tower Hotel apparel, glassware, pins and other souvenirs coming to Disney Parks on Friday, February 13. Governor Awards Disneyland Resort California’s Highest Environmental Honor – The Disneyland Resort was recently honored with a Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for waste reduction efforts. Click through to learn more! Get a Sneak Preview of ‘Cinderella’ at Disney California Adventure Park – Find out how you can get an extended preview at Disney California Adventure Park of Disney’s all-new live-action feature, “Cinderella,” arriving in theaters March 13. Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Topiary Engineer – Watch Topiary Engineer Sarah Day at work and learn where you can spot all the animal topiaries at Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We love the cupcakes at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this week’s fun find was the new Simba Lion Cub Cupcake! Lion Cub cupcake In other news, find out why the Starbucks Epcot mugs were pulled from shelves, details on the Flower and Garden Festival, and more! For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsKusafari Bakery in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is home to some pretty memorable cupcakes. We’re trying the Simba Lion Cub Cupcake while seeing what’s become of some old favorites!We have some new details today about the 2015 Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World’s Epcot — including a new Outdoor Kitchen, menu details, and the Garden Rocks Concert Lineup!If you’re looking to complete your collection of Disney Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs, you may be in for a wait, as Disney World pulls the Epcot version off of shelves. Find out why here.We’re trying a campfire classic at Herbie’s Drive-In at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios: S’mores! 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, 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! Disney vacations offer some of our favorite hearty meals. Let’s take a look at savory plates sent in by our Facebook Friends. On the Disney Fantasy, Narda enjoyed this turkey and dressing entree. Turkey and the fixings on Disney Fantasy Or maybe we should throw in a sweet with our savory?! Yep, I think so too. Darren sent in a picture of the Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler from Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom. That cobbler looks ah-mazing!!! Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler Do you have a favorite sweet or savory? Share your Disney food photos! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 Grand Launch and DiscountWe’re celebrating the grand launch of 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 450 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 yearTips for scoring a Be Our Guest FastPass for lunch time diningOur 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 Grand Launch week!! 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!Star Wars Darth Vader Toaster On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases a Darth Vader toaster. Star Wars fans — take your toast to the Dark Side! HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups names the best quick service spots for breakfast at Disney World parks. Daveland dines at The Blue Bayou in Disneyland. Love the atmosphere! Disney Parks Blog features the royal princess breakfast at Citricos in the Grand Floridian. Visit this temporary brunch location while Cinderella’s Royal Table is being renovated. Florida Today highlights Orlando as a top wine destination. Named by Wine Enthusiast magazine! Orlando Business Journal spotlights an upcoming “Orlando” episode on Emeril’s Florida TV show. 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: January 18, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 4, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 11, 2015 View the full article

This was a big week at the Disneyland Resort, with the unveiling of our upcoming Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration! During a special after-hours presentation at Disneyland park, Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will begin Friday, May 22, and will include an amazing new fireworks spectacular, “Disneyland Forever”. Event guests got a sneak peek at the new projection technology that will be featured in the show. Also at Disneyland park, the “Paint the Night” parade will electrify the streets with innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects and unforgettable music. And Rachel shared a peek at the colorful new popcorn buckets, coming this May for the celebration. There’s still more to come! Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog as we continue to unveil more of what’s to come for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With an open kitchen and whimsical decor, Flying Fish Café boasts an impressive menu where diners enjoy a relaxing, “seaside” setting at the BoardWalk Resort in Walt Disney World. Learn About: Flying Fish CafeBoardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Join us in welcoming back Guest Author Paul Kuconis! His latest review features a steak dinner (that’s right, landlubbers!!) at this restaurant. The Epcot Resorts provide a very nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Future World and World Showcase, not to mention awesome restaurants and watering holes. My travel agent’s favorite restaurant is Flying Fish Café. Every time they visit Walt Disney World they book an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR). So, I figured, why not, let’s try it. This trip we decided to give it a whirl! Using the My Disney Experience app I made a 4:30PM dinner reservation for two. Rather early, but given the temperature, humidity, and heat index, it turned out be a good move. The Long, Hot Walk We decided to walk over rather than take the boat. Either way, both involved no air conditioning! We Hit the Boardwalk We reached the Boardwalk and stepped back in time. After a quick stop at the ESPN Club for a soft drink, to cool off, and to kill some time, we ventured on. Flying Fish AtmosphereThere it is! Nicely tucked away. The setback pulls the restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk and provides a little quiet. Depending on your approach, the Café can be easily missed. After checking the posted menu we headed inside. Flying Fish Door Pulls The flying fish theme begins right at the front door. But, before we head inside, a question; why the name ‘Flying Fish’? It fits with the Boardwalk theme and evokes the roller coaster ride of yesteryear at Coney Island called Flying Turns. While we waited to be seated I took in the décor. Ferris Wheel Fish Hook Light Fixture Murals of Yesteryear Fun Roller Coaster Motif Seating Area The Bar Flying Fish Light Fixture It was at this point I started to think of the name ‘café’ and how it contrasted to the structure itself (I don’t want to call it a ‘restaurant’). Dictionary.com defines café as: 1) a restaurant, often with an enclosed or outdoor section extending onto the sidewalk (nope, didn’t see that), 2) a restaurant, usually small and unpretentious (not from my view), and 3) a barroom, cabaret, or nightclub (not really). Maybe more of an oxymoron? Or just a play on words? Something to ponder. As we waited by the reception desk I scoped out the seating area and determined where I wanted to sit. Kitchen This spot looks good to me. Now, can I convince the Cast Member to seat us here? Reception Desk I asked, and was granted, seating at the Chef’s Counter, the closest thing to the Chef’s Table you can get. (Editor’s Note: Flying Fish does do a “Chef’s Counter” meal, but outside of that seating, other guests are able to have their meals here at the Chef’s Counter.) My View From the Chef’s Counter My Place Setting Disney does it up well. Granite counter top and linen napkin with the Flying Fish motif embroidered. Nice touch! EatsFirst off, we looked over the wine list. Black Stallion Chardonnay Menu Item We selected the Black Stallion Chardonnay. Black Stallion 2012 Chardonnay We enjoyed it very much, noting a lovely nose of green apple, lemon zest, and vanilla followed by flavors of citrus, brown butter, pear, and flint. The 2012 Chardonnay is soft and round on the palate with bright fruit and creamy notes that lead into a long, elegant finish. Now we get down to the business of the menu and what to order. The Menu During my visits to Walt Disney World, I always check out Cast Member name tags. I want to know their name and am curious as to where they moved from. Tim, our server for the evening, grew up in the city next to where we live. In fact, he is familiar with our neighborhood. How cool is that! Potato Bread Tim brought us Potato Bread to munch on while we perused the menu. A very interesting bread with a nice, airy texture with pieces of potato throughout. That’s the cool thing with many Disney restaurants. They do not serve just ‘bread’ or ‘rolls’; at least at the restaurants I have visited. Choosing the appetizer was rather easy. I like to try different offerings where possible to enjoy the Chef’s take and development of the ingredients. So I selected the crab cake. Flying Fish Café Crispy Crab Cake Menu Item Wow! Look at the plating! We eat with our eyes as we ‘see’ the food before we taste it. If it is visually appealing it enhances the experience. My Crab Cake Appetizer Almost too pretty to eat. Nah! Because of the extreme heat, humidity, and heat index I wanted to eat light tonight. This was not a heavy appetizer. No Filler Here The slaw was made with cabbage, red and yellow peppers, carrots, and finely shredded cucumber and the light vinaigrette provided a nice amount of acidity to balance the crab cake. Mix that with the dots of roasted tomato coulis (adding a little sweetness) along with the slight hint of heat from the ancho chile remoulade (WOW!), that makes for a nice, balanced bite, with no single flavor overpowering the other — especially the crab cake — the star of the dish. Topped with micro basil, it brings the whole thing together. Nicely done! Oh, and there was more crab than filler in the cake — can’t beat that! Now for the entrée. A tough choice. All offerings looked sooooo good. What they need to do is offer a ‘menu sampler’. Tiny bites of everything. Why not, they do it with beer! Where is the suggestion box? Char-Crusted Angus New York Strip Steak Menu Item and more! Well, this is a first! This was supposed to be a picture of the daily quote. I neglected to take a full, clean shot of my menu item. But you can get the general idea of the entree. I settled on the steak over Panzanella Salad. One of Those Steaks is Mine One of the advantages of sitting at the Chef’s Counter is watching the meal prep. The chef manning the wood-fired grill in front of us was kept busy grilling steaks, chicken, shrimp, and salmon. All done in a very calm, controlled manner. No ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ theatrics here! And one of those steaks is mine! Char-Crusted Angus New York Strip Steak Looks good, huh? Well, let’s see how it is prepared. Grilled Medium Rare Medium rare-as ordered. I consider this entrée lighter fare given the bed of Panzanella Salad rather than a heavy starch. The thyme-roasted garlic dressing was a nice complement to the local greens, red onions, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. The croutons were a perfect size, matching the chop of the peppers and tomatoes in size. The steak was topped with a sauce foyot. A what? It is definitely good. Foyot Sauce is a variation on the classic Béarnaise sauce (consisting of butter, egg yolks, vinegar, black peppercorns, shallots, tarragon, parsley, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice) made by adding meat glaze (a concentrated reduction of brown stock), to the basic Béarnaise. This gives the sauce a deep, meaty flavor that complements the tanginess of the Béarnaise. Like Béarnaise, the Foyot Sauce is typically served with grilled steak. Works perfectly here! What a nice touch. We split a side of Creamy Risotto di Carnaroli. Creamy Risotto di Carnaroli Can’t wait to try this. Normally, risotto is made with Arborio rice. Arborio rice is a variety of short-grained rice used primarily in the classical preparation of risotto. Originally cultivated in Italy, today it’s grown in California and Texas, too. Because it undergoes less milling than ordinary long-grained rice, it retains more of its natural starch content. Cooking releases this starch, giving risotto its creamy consistency. Carnaroli rice is a type of Italian rice sometimes used in risotto dishes. While Arborio rice is the best known type of rice used in risotto, particularly in the United States, many cooks prefer carnaroli. Carnaroli rice contains more starch than other rice varieties. It also retains liquid and holds its shape better than arborio rice and has a larger grain, making for a more textured dish. It is often described as “the king of rices”. The risotto is topped with fresh tomatoes and crispy artichokes and contains mascarpone, plus yellow tomatoes as well as a nice chiffonade of basil to add some color and super nice flavor contrasts. Yum! As I noted earlier, the menus contain ‘Quotes of the Day’. Chef Tim Keating told us there is no particular theme — just ‘whatever strikes us as interesting’. Here are a few. Billie Burke Quote of the Day M.F.K. Fisher Quote of the Day Another nice, subtle touch. OK, what to order for dessert. ‘El Sol Single Village Peruvian Chocolate Trio Menu Item We decided to split the Chocolate Trio. Oooh, here it comes! Dessert Left to right. Chocolate sorbet-filled candied orange-scented chocolate profiterole. Nice contrasting flavors from the sweetness of the chocolates, the citrusy tang of the orange and the texture of the profiterole (cream puff). In the middle is a chocolate sable Breton with thai chile raspberry sauce and a raspberry truffle ganache lollipop. Don’t worry; it’s just a mild touch of heat from the chile contrasting with the dark chocolate-like cacao mix. And finally, on the right is a ganache pudding with salted chocolate caramel. Inside is a surprise == gelatin pearls that just explode in your mouth. There are also some chocolate crunchies tucked away in at the top of the dish. A nice balance of flavors; a perfect cap to a great meal! Time to head out. After-Dinner View We were greeted with this view as we left the restaurant. OverallFinal thoughts. If you haven’t tried this restaurant, add it to your list of ‘must eat’ places. You will enjoy the experience. Janine, thanks for the tip! What’s your favorite menu item at Flying Fish Cafe? 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: Review: Dinner at the Flying Fish Cafe on Disney’s BoardWalk Entree Duo and PB&J Creme Brulee at Flying Fish Cafe on Disney World’s Boardwalk Guest Review: Flying Fish Cafe Chef’s Counter View the full article

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