Disney4me

The Magic better hope Jacque Vaughn is the problem. View the full article

Now that Jack Skellington has given the Haunted Mansion back to its 999 happy haunts, the classic attraction is open once again for Disneyland park guests. And those with a keen eye will notice something strange when they leave the mansion and enter its spooky cemetery on their Doom Buggies … but what disquieting metamorphosis is happening in this space? Leave your guesses in the comments and I’ll tell you as soon as this specter receives your sympathetic vibrations and is ready to materialize! Chilling Challenge: What’s Hiding Inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park? by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you enjoy MagicBands and all they can do as much as my family does at Walt Disney World Resort then you’re probably not surprised that we’re already celebrating a significant milestone – 10 million MagicBands distributed. Since our original announcement, MagicBands have become a favorite way for guests to make their visit easier, more personal and magical. The colorful MagicBands link your entire MyMagic+ experience together and can serve as a theme park ticket, access to FastPass+ selections, PhotoPass card as well as a room key for Disney Resort hotel guests. You travel lighter with MagicBands at Walt Disney World Resort. 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. It received the top spot in the “Experience Design” category when Fast Company revealed the 10 best designs of the year at their annual “Innovation by Design” Awards and Conference in New York City. As regular Disney Parks Blog readers know, you receive a MagicBand if you stay at a Disney Resort hotel or you are a Walt Disney World Passholder. If you are not staying at a Disney Resort hotel and are not a Passholder, you receive a card when you purchase park admission—and you have the option to purchase a MagicBand online or at select retail locations at Walt Disney World Resort. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog in future weeks for some new ways you can personalize and show your Disney Side with MagicBands. 10 Million & Counting: MagicBands a Hit with Walt Disney World Resort Guests by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

For 25 years, Fred Guentert crafted an Egyptian-themed coffin in the garage of his Azelea Park home, planning for the day he would be laid to rest in it. He died Thursday of heart failure. View the full article

The countdown to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration is under way! I have the scoop on all of the merchandise hitting stores in May 2015 at the Disneyland Resort. Here’s your first look at the dazzling new art that will appear on three celebration collections and more than 500 merchandise items, including apparel, accessories, headwear, home décor, souvenirs, toys, pins, D-Tech, collectibles and more. When I think about a diamond, words like timeless, brilliant and eternal come to mind, which is exactly what our artists envisioned, too. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Disney Design Group Creative Manager Cody Reynolds about the 60th anniversary, their inspirations and what our Disney fans can expect to find. The ‘Character’ collection focuses on the characters, attractions and the rich history of the resort. “The palette is retro in style but has a slightly modern twist,” said Cody. “We thought about diamonds as a precious heirloom that can be passed down through generations or can be a promise of a bright new future. We wanted the art to speak to the special moments and memories that our fans have shared over the years, but we also wanted to celebrate the bright, amazing future still ahead and the generations of guests that will continue to share in the experience.” Artist Tip: The art is a timeline with each panel representing a fifteen year span. It begins in black and white (a nod to when Disneyland was first introduced), and slowly transitions becoming more and more colorful with the inclusion of notable characters and icons that denote the timeframe and their debut. The ‘Castle’ collection is quite dynamic and I think you’ll find the sparkling blue and silver hues almost hypnotizing. “We wanted to capture the heart of Disneyland and the love that so many people have for it,” said Cody. “Sleeping Beauty Castle to us is that heart. A centerpiece you can find day or night, glistening with magical diamond dust.” Accompanying this iconic symbol are none other than Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who are as beloved and precious as any diamond you can find. The ‘Diamond’ collection can be described in one word: stunning. The black, gray and silver tones are simple, classic and elegant. “We wanted to create a line based on the shape and qualities of an actual diamond, multi-faceted, unique and endlessly reflective,” says Cody, “it’s what Disneyland represents to so many of us. It gave our artists the opportunity to create rare and special pieces and provide something magical to our guests that we hope will last forever.” As you can see, there are so many things to share with you and even more stories to tell. In the coming months you’ll get your first look at some of the amazing merchandise lined up for you, including cool must-have items that I can guarantee you won’t want to live without. Also keep an eye out for glimpses of rare, limited edition, high-end items that will make your jaws drop. Join the countdown to this momentous occasion in Disney history with a special series of pins featuring memorable Walt Disney moments and quotes. These pins will release each month, beginning January 31 through July 2015. Curious to see what’s inside these diamond shaped pins or when they will be released? Learn more here. Are you excited to see more of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration merchandise headed your way? Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Merchandise Art Revealed by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’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. What’s In The Guide?As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!While our 2014 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2015 edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page 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 yearTips for scoring a Be Our Guest FastPass for lunch time diningOur suggestions for “off the menu” orders you simply have to try A 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!And the best part is: the price hasn’t changed! Our extensive Disney Dining information, fully updated and extended with extra pages and countless new details, will cost you the same amount that it did in 2014. DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page 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!Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 Grand Launch Sale! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book Grand Launch Sale: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2012 e-Book View the full article

Charcuterie, the fancy French term for preserved meats, is an age-old food preparation that’s popping up on lots of Walt Disney World Resort menus. The newest at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk made us want to try them all. We love that Trattoria al Forno features cured Italian meats on the breakfast menu with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs and cheese with fonduta (an Italian melted cheese made with Fontina cheese). What a way to start the day with a press pot of good coffee. For dinner, the restaurant pairs the charcuterie with house-pickled peppers, rich olives, caponata (eggplant) and grilled bread. On the dinner menu at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park, the charcuterie for two includes assorted cured meats and sausages with tart cornichons, pickled onions and a toasted baguette. Pair this one with a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors. Over at Epcot, we head to two spots: Chefs de France in the France pavilion, and Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. The dinner menu at Chefs de France include assiette campagnarde, a rustic assortment of French patés and charcuteries that is trés authentique. At Le Cellier, the generous platter of meats comes with grilled sourdough and buttery Italian Robiola cheese. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, stop by the al fresco Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge for the artisanal cheese & charcuterie board for two that features salami Calabrese, salami Toscano, duck rillette (similar to paté), imported prosciutto and paté de campagne. Relax with a Champagne or martini flight, or one of the craft cocktails or wines by the glass. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa features charcuterie at both Cítricos and adjacent Mizner’s Lounge, a beautiful wooden board piled with prosciutto di Parma, sopressata, dry pork coppa, beef bresaola, Palacios chorizo, domestic artisanal salame, Pecorino Romano, Medjool dates, bread-and-butter pickles and Marcona almonds. That’s dinner! At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill starts with handcrafted charcuterie with seasonal accompaniments. Downstairs at The Wave … of American Flavors, American-crafted cheeses, country-style paté and artisan cured meats are the stars of the charcuterie board. Others on our list: Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort mixes it up a bit with cured meats, olives, aged goat cheese, house-made bread and fruit compote on both the lunch and dinner menus. Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort kicks it up with suckling pig, country sausage, lardo and boar terrine on the charcuterie platter. We’ll end over at cozy Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the “Northwest Charcuterie” include cured meats such as venison and bison sausage, liverwurst; artisan cheeses like creamy Rogue River Blue, cranberry-mustard, sweet pickles and walnut bread. This calls for a Moosehead! Trend Spotting: Our Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants for Charcuterie by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

First-time Disney cruisers often ask what to pack when planning their vacation with us. Packing for a Disney cruise isn’t the same as packing for any other vacation since there’s so much fun you may not even expect, like our swashbuckling Pirate Night! We put together this ultimate packing checklist for first-time Disney cruisers, and my guess is that even some of you who have already sailed with us will find it helpful! Let me know in the comments what other items are on your ultimate Disney cruise packing list. The Ultimate Disney Cruise Line Packing Checklist by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This February, fall in love with some of the latest releases debuting at Walt Disney World Resort! February 5 – 23: Meet representatives from Precious Moments Dolls at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace as we celebrate the release of the Valentine’s themed collection. Or make a special stop February 20 – 22 and meet creator and designer Linda Rick. Learn more. February 9 – 15: Artist Greg McCullough returns this month with special appearances and signings at Art of Disney in Epcot. Be sure to stop by and see what’s ‘in store’ for you! Learn more. February 12 – 16: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson this month at The Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace and add a new piece to your collection. Learn more. February 13: Drop in if you dare, as we celebrate Friday, the 13th with a special artist showcase featuring Brian Blackmore, Tyler Dumas, Quynh Kimball and Richard Terpstra from 4 – 6 p.m. at Tower Hotel Gifts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as we celebrate the release of some of their new pieces in the Hollywood Tower Hotel authentic collection. Keep an eye out, Steven Miller will be sharing more details on this new collection on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks. Learn more. February 19 – 22: Beloved artist David E. Doss will appear at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace February 19 – 22 and again February 26 – March 1. Be sure to stop in and say hello! Learn more. Which artist are you most excited to see? Walt Disney World Resort Event Snapshot – February 2015 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image is of the lovely La Place de Rémy area at Walt Disney Studios Park (at Disneyland Paris). This quiet square houses the Ratatouille, l’Aventure Totalement Toquee de Remy attraction, which whisks guests into a crazy, culinary adventure inside Chez Gusteau. Guests begin their adventure on the rooftops of Paris before boarding ratmobiles to scurry through the restaurant. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allHave you visited this part of the park yet? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. Disney Parks After Dark: A Delicious Shot of Ratatouille by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Last night, 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, featuring a glittering parade, street-to-sky fireworks and an all-new “World of Color.” The iconic 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.” The entire resort will sparkle with Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration décor and festive banners in shades of Disneyland blue. Disney California Adventure park will present a special edition of the popular “World of Color” show. In “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney,” Mickey Mouse will take guests on a fun-filled and inspirational journey through the unparalleled imagination of Walt Disney, exploring his decades-long legacy of memorable animated moments and the dream of Disneyland park. At Disneyland park, the new “Paint the Night” parade will bring some of the most innovative floats, vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, unforgettable music and energetic performances ever presented at the Disneyland Resort. This new, state-of-the-art nighttime parade floods Main Street, U.S.A., with stunning color, fun surprises and more than 1.5 million brilliant LED lights. Also at Disneyland park, the new “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will be a sky-high celebration featuring sparkling pyrotechnics, immersive projections, and other effects that transform Disneyland park right before your eyes. “Disneyland Forever” envelops you in an enthralling, breathtaking journey like never before, leveraging the largest installation of projection mapping technology in a Disney park and surprising special effects. The new show will feature two original songs, the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman. Guests at the special presentation last night got a sneak peek at the projections now in development for this all-new nighttime spectacular. Take a look at the video below to see what else happened! We’ve got even more to share, including dazzling and delicious food and merchandise offerings especially for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, so keep following the Disney Parks Blog and join the conversation with the hashtag #Disneyland60. Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration to Begin May 22 with New Nighttime Spectaculars and More by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced that the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will begin Friday, May 22, featuring a glittering parade, street-to-sky fireworks...From:Disney ParksViews:20055308ratingsTime:01:42More inTravel & Events

As we gear up for the scheduled spring opening of phase 1 of the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, we couldn’t help but share with you a couple “sneak peek” images of what some of the rooms will look like. Currently under construction, the 360 Deluxe Studios will be the largest at Walt Disney World Resort. This flexible space will comfortably sleep up to five guests each thanks to a hidden pull-down bed tucked away in a very clever spot – beneath the television! Here’s a closer look at the adorable artwork inside. These rooms offer other great features that make them ideal for families craving space and top-notch amenities. Stay tuned as we continue to share more details and photos of this beautiful resort! A Secret Sleeper Bed at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Hello! My name is Aubrey Hang and I’m the Sports Marketing Community Manager for runDisney and ESPN Wide World of Sports. I am thrilled to be the newest author on the Disney Parks Blog, sharing updates on the amazing fashion seen during the eight runDisney race weekends and other events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. First of all, everyone has a different sports style. Guests love to show their Disney Side by incorporating a character’s style into their own fashion. We have athletes who might just add a touch of Disney, to those who are “DisneyBound” and finally those who wear full costume from head to toe. We see people of all ages dress up for the occasion with many wearing group and family coordinated outfits. The creativity put into these outfits is unbelievable and so much fun to watch cross the finish line. We’ve teamed up with Leslie Kay of DisneyBound to help put looks together for upcoming events and speak at our runDisney Health & Fitness Expos. My favorite outfit Leslie recommended so far was for the Dopey Challenge. Using pieces from Champion and New Balance, she put together a look to resemble Dopey! In this blog series, I will focus on fashion recaps from our past events as well as ideas and inspiration for upcoming ones. I’m excited to give tips on how to create fun looks for runDisney races, as well as share with you the fashion seen at our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events! Here’s a sneak peek at some of my favorites from past runDisney events: GalleryDisney Sports Style: How To Show Your #DisneySide view allHave you shown your #DisneySide during a runDisney event? Which character inspired your look? Tell us in the comments section below. Disney Sports Style: How To Show Your #DisneySide by Aubrey Hang: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Remember when we told you about the uber collectible, brand new Disney Starbucks mugs last week? Epcot “You Are Here” Mug Epcot “You Are Here” Mug Well…it seems as soon as the Epcot “You Are Here” mug debuted, it was gone. The colorful collector’s item only arrived on shelves last week. Together with similar versions depicting other parks, the mugs quickly took the internet by storm. Lots of our readers commented that they couldn’t wait to add the mugs to their collections. But if you’re in that group of eager buyers, you’ll have to wait a bit for the Epcot version, as Disney has pulled it from the shelves. The reason the mug has been yanked is the color scheme. The mug features iconic images of Epcot, including Spaceship Earth, a couple of World Showcase landmarks, and a monorail whizzing by. All are depicted in shades of blue and purple…and herein lies the problem. Epcot “You Are Here” Mug Featuring a Purple Monorail Monorail purple was one of the two trains that were involved in a 2009 fatal accident that killed Disney Monorail Pilot Austin Wuennenberg, and quickly thereafter retired from the monorail fleet (replaced with monorails teal and peach). There is no word whether Disney is just being sensitive to the issue, or if they have actually received complaints, but they did confirm that the accident was the reason for the mug’s removal. A Disney spokesperson has said that a new version of the mug will be available in March. It will still feature a monorail, but without the purple stripe. At press time, the Magic Kingdom mug, which features a blue and yellow design, is still available. Magic Kingdom “You are Here” Mug For those of you who got one of the “Monorail Purple” mugs, we suggest you guard them safely. They’ll likely be extremely collectible. How do you feel about Disney’s move to remove the mug from store shelves? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. Source: Orlando Sentinel Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Disney Park Mugs Arrive at Starbucks Locations in Disney World and Disneyland News! Downtown Disney West Side Starbucks Now Offering Starbucks Evening Menu with Beer and Wine Monorail Coffee! View the full article

Who doesn’t love a Mickey Waffle? We’ve dedicated lots of posts to this beloved treat here on the blog. In fact, it’s probably one of the only universal Mickey shaped foods that can be found throughout all Disney parks. We’ve got them here in the states at the Disneyland Resort and they’re aplenty in Walt Disney World. I’ve also had one at Aulani. I saw them at Disneyland Paris, and I’ve seen photos of them from Hong Kong. But Tokyo Disneyland? They have an entire restaurant dedicated to Mickey Waffles! I give you The Great American Waffle Co. The Great American Waffle Co. The Great American Waffle Co. is located in Tokyo Disneyland’s World Bazaar area. I fell in love with this spot the minute I saw this Mickey waffle sign hanging outside. Wouldn’t it be awesome if this sign hung above every place in the world that sells Mickey Waffles??? It really should be the universal sign for Mickey waffles. Mickey Waffle Sign The menu here is small, but I guarantee it will make you happy. You can have ICE CREAM with your WAFFLES! Great American Waffle Co. Menu We stopped at the Great American Waffle Co. for breakfast before a full day in the parks. There was a pretty long line. Apparently lots of other people had the same idea. Warm Mickey waffles make a great start to a rainy day! Not to worry though, the line moves really fast here. And there’s a reason it moves so quickly. Here is the reason: Waffle Boss Lady I’ve seriously never seen a more efficient waffle making kitchen. And with the waffle boss lady at the reigns, this place runs like a well oiled machine. The small room, with a giant glass window for spectators in line, is filled with approximately 12 Mickey waffle presses and one amazing cast member. Timers line the wall behind her and the system is flawless. It really made waiting in line pretty awesome. Waffle Window The Mickey waffle irons are super heavy duty and the cast member takes extra care when pouring the batter, I didn’t see her mess up once! Mickey Waffle Iron Up Close Here’s the line up empty and ready for a fresh batch of Mickey Waffles. Mickey Waffle Iron Line Up After each batch of waffles is cooked, they are stacked up high onto a plate. Waffle Stack After stacking the waffles, the waffle boss lady uses the tongs to pick off any excess batter that would make Mickey imperfect. Never does an imperfect Mickey make its way through the waffle portal. Perfecting Imperfection Once the decision has been made that a perfect stack of fresh Mickey waffles has been created, they are placed in the waffle portal. Really it’s just a sliding door that gives the waffle preppers on the other side access to fresh waffles. Waffles Entering the Waffle Portal Once the waffles are safe on the other side, the waffle boss lady starts over from the beginning and repeats herself over and over! This makes waffle connoisseurs very happy because fresh waffles are being made all day long. Now, let’s head on over to the other side! What you see below is the opposite side of the waffle portal. This is where the cast members who prepare the waffles for guests grab them to be “dressed.” Ready for Dressing! To the right of the waffle portal there is a preparation counter. Here, your waffles are topped to your liking. Waffle Preparation Area The menu on the inside of the restaurant has a few more items on it, really the only difference from the outside menu is the beverage list. Isn’t the “American” Christmas decor cute? Menu Board Indoors, there are plastic display waffles out so you can see what each item looks like. If you are familiar with Japan, you’ll know that nearly every restaurant has plastic versions of the food they serve on display. Most of the Tokyo Disney eateries have plastic display food too! Plastic Display of the Seasonal Mickey Waffle Since the menu is so small, ordering is very easy. Just don’t try and customize too much unless you speak Japanese, because it confuses everyone involved! We did a pretty good job and stuck to mostly to the menu. We did need help from a friend to order a “plain” waffle. Here are our waffles being prepared. Those are OUR Waffles! After preparation, your waffles are placed in these super efficient “towers” for easy transporting to your table. It’s really quite simple, but so ingenious. A circular piece of thin cardboard is placed over your waffle so that another plate can be stacked on top. Your waffle stays neat and pretty and one person can carry multiple orders. Waffle Delivery We ordered 4 different types of waffles. My youngest went for the Plain Mickey Waffle. Boring, but he was happy, so that’s all that matters! The plain waffle is 410 Yen which is approximately $3.48 US. All of the waffles here come with the plain Mickey Waffle as their “base.” Plain Mickey Waffle My oldest and my husband both ordered the Chocolate Sauce Waffle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This seemed to be the most popular waffle at our table. Both were delicious and devoured. Look how perfect that scoop of ice cream is! The chocolate sauce is like a work of art, and the dollop of whipped cream with the perfectly placed chocolate crunchies on it? Come on. Looks like we need to step up our waffle game over here in the good ‘ol US of A. The Chocolate Sauce Waffle is 410 Yen which is approximately $3.48 US.  I can’t recall the extra cost of the ice cream, but it wasn’t much at all. Maybe only 100 Yen, which is less than a dollar. Chocolate Sauce Waffle I had the Strawberry & Custard Sauce Waffle. Also a work of art. It came topped with perfect stripes of strawberry & vanilla custard sauces. It was served with a scoop of fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. I truly enjoyed my waffle, but it was really, really sweet making it impossible for me to finish it off. I gave it a good go though! The Strawberry & Custard waffle is 450 Yen which is approximately $3.82 US. Strawberry & Custard Sauce Waffle Two of our friends ordered the Seasonal Waffle, which was Apple with Caramel Ice Cream. I was able to try this one too and it was probably my favorite of them all! This waffle comes topped with caramel drizzle and served perfect scoop of ice cream, this time caramel, with a side of apples, a dollop of whipped cream and a swirl of vanilla custard. Perfection. The Seasonal Waffle is 700 Yen which is approximately $5.95 US. Apple with Caramel Ice Cream We did not try the Maple Sauce Waffle. It looked like a regular maple syrup topping, so we went with the more unique items that we couldn’t get at home. The Great American Waffle Co. also served Mini Mickey Waffles in a cup. We didn’t order them, but they sure were cute. They look a little smaller than the ones we have in the US parks. I didn’t see the mini waffle iron, so I’m not sure if these ones are made on site or not. Mini Mickey Waffles The Great Waffle Co. is a small but bustling stop. It’s got plenty of seating and because the turnover is so quick, it’s pretty easy to find yourself a table. Here are a few interior shots so you can get the general idea of the seating. You can see it’s crowded! Great American Waffle Co. Seating The restaurant says that there’s seating for 120 inside, but I honestly think that’s way too generous. It didn’t seem like that many people were in there and it was pretty packed! More Seating Overall, this was one of my favorite stops at Tokyo Disneyland. The waffles were fabulous, but the ambiance and being able to watch the waffle making in progress was really a fun experience. The efficiency & perfection was just mind blowing. Do you think they’re doing a superior job on the Mickey Waffles in Tokyo Disneyland? I sure do! Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! 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: Dining in Tokyo Disneyland: The Many Faces of Popcorn at Tokyo Disney Resort Guest Review: Snacks at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Guest Review: Eats and Treats at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea View the full article

Frozen Fun - Canada | First Time in Forever | Disneyland Resort Treat your family to a 4-day, 3-night vacation this season with a Good Neighbor Hotel and Ticket package! Starting at US$88 per person, per day for a family of 4! For more visit: http://di.sn/sza...From:Disney ParksViews:22579ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

When we set out to film an “Every Role a Starring Role” about the talented team who cares for the topiaries of the Disneyland Resort, the words “topiary engineer” did not come to mind...From:Disney ParksViews:5628119ratingsTime:02:40More inTravel & Events

It wasn’t all that long ago that we paid a visit to Herbie’s Drive-In to check out their Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño. Learn About: Herbie's Drive-InDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World RestaurantsIn that post, we included a picture of Herbie’s current menu, and it stirred up a bit of curiosity about another item on the menu: Herbie’s take on S’mores. So, we’re back at the roundabout in the Streets of America of Hollywood Studios to give them a try! You’ll find several twists on S’mores at snack stops and restaurants throughout Disney World, such as the Caramel S’more at Karamell-Küche, and the S’more served in a glass at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Sometimes you’ll even find a version tucked into the bakery case at the Main Street Confectionery. At Herbie’s, though, the presentation is different. The ingredients most replicate that of a traditional S’more: marshmallow and chocolate completely enclosed in a graham “pocket” crust (which is also dotted with bits of chocolate). Herbie’s Drive-in Menu S’mores As you might be able to gather from the photos you’re about to see, they’re a bit messy. But that didn’t really bug me since I consider that to be one of the hallmarks of a genuine S’more. Inside the S’more What’s cool about the S’mores at Herbie’s is that they’re served warm. Wait — that doesn’t make sense ;). Let me rephrase that: what’s neat and unique about the S’mores here is that they are warm — not fresh-out-of-the-fryer hot, but nicely warm, which differentiates these from just about every other take on S’mores you’ll find at a snack stop. Of course, Table Service restaurants have a few more tools at their disposal to try to duplicate the real thing (check out the blow-torched S’mores at 50s Prime Time Cafe), but options are a bit more limited at the snack stops. S’more closeup I know what I’m about to say is not some grand revelation ;), but here goes… in my opinion, the best parts of a S’more are the smokey char and general gooeyness of the warm marshmallow and how the heat from the marshmallow causes the chocolate to melt along with it. While the smokey flavor isn’t duplicated here, they’ve done a pretty decent job of replicating the gooey fun, even if it’s not quite the real deal. I’m guessing the S’mores at Herbie’s may only be around during these winter months (it’s been downright cool in Central FL a few days as of late), and they really do the trick of “warming you up” by replicating this classic campfire snack in a fun new way. Would you be up for a S’more or two on the go at Herbie’s Drive-In? 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: Review: Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño at Herbie’s Drive-In at Hollywood Studios Review: Lemon Meringue Cupcake and MORE at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Review: Nachos and Frozen Lemonade at Herbie’s Drive-In View the full article

Remember last year when we brought you pics of some of the most stunning Disney-themed cocktails we have EVER laid eyes on?? Well — apparently, that was only the tip of the iceberg!! We are back today with another round of Cocktails by Cody, inspired by some of the most legendary characters around — the universe of Disney! This man is a mixology genius, and this new round of drinks are just as fabulous as the last ones. In fact, it looks like Cody will be publishing a book in the near future! How long before we can put it on our Amazon wish list??? Check ‘em out! More Disney-Inspired Cocktails!You knew Elsa and Anna would have to be immortalized in tipsy fashion, right? Elsa’s cocktail, the Coldfront, is a gorgeous, milky-white and blue concoction that includes White Chocolate Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps, Milk, and Malibu. Elsa, it would seem, packs a punch! Coldfront On the other hand, Anna has inspired the tea-based Warmfront, a Hot Toddy that includes Whiskey, Amaretto, and Orange. Sounds like the perfect antidote for chilly weather! Warmfront The Lost Boy perfectly captures the essence of Peter Pan, don’t you think? Midori, Peach Schnapps, and Malibu make for a brilliant green Martini. Lost Boy But we can’t get enough of the sassy Fairy Dust! With Honey Vodka, Triple Sec, and Cider, this one would do Tink proud! Fairy Dust And Captain Hook gets in on the fun with the Crazed Captain. Of course, it includes a healthy dose of rum — both Spiced and 151 — with a little Midori thrown in for good measure. Crazed Captain The Princess and the Frog has also come to life in Cody’s imagination with a couple of different libations. Bayou Beauty takes its inspiration from Tiana, and includes some flavors that are really trending right now — Ginger Liqueur and fresh Cucumber. White Rum provides the base. Bayou Beauty Bad Juju, an homage to voodoo villain Doctor Facilier, is wickedly gorgeous. With a combo of Dark Rum, Passionfruit Rum, and Pineapple Juice, it will go down smooth and I bet you’ll never know what hit ya. I love the swords through the strawberry as garnish! Bad Juju Pocahontas may Paint with All the Colors of the Wind, and a velvety Martini made of Bailey’s, Frangelico, Amaretto, and Cinnamon Schnapps could be the perfect inspiration. One with Nature The film’s resident baddie, Governor Ratcliffe, gets his due with Fool’s Gold, an intoxicating mixture of Merlot, Chambord, Raspberries, and Mint. Fools Gold We have three cocktails representing Team Hercules. The Golden God himself inspires a hefty mix of Hard Cider, Apple Vodka, and Goldschlager. Berry Mio and Mango Vodka combine to create a demure Weak Ankles, in honor of Meg. Golden God and Weak Knees But stop the presses — because this one is just extra gorgeous! Check out Hades Hatred — Blueberry Mio, Hypnotiq, Black Vodka, and Bacardi 151. Set it on fire for extra fun. Hades Hatred We love that all of the cocktails are so spot on with their color combinations, you can guess the inspiration from looks and name alone! The Curious Confection, inspired by Alice, proves that curiosity may just get you into trouble…especially if you’re curious about the combo of Creme de Banana, Blue Curacao, Malibu, and Orange Vodka. Curious Confection And you just KNEW that the Mad Hatter would involve tea, right? Green Tea, Citrus, Mint, and Gin combine for a proper tea time cocktail. Mad Tea The Queen of Hearts gets her due with a blood-red cocktail bearing her name. Citrus Vodka, Blood Orange Vodka, and Blood Orange Juice create a daring Martini. The cool Cheshire Cat inspires a Curious Cat, made of Loopy Vodka, Berry Mio, and topped with Sprite. Red Queen and Curious Cat Tangled characters are also represented in Cody’s bag o’ tricks! Lily of the Sun, inspired by sweet and fierce Rapunzel, sounds delish! With a combo of St. Germain, Pear Vodka, and Champagne, this sounds just right for a Springtime brunch! Lily of the Sun On the flipside, the dark Mother Knows Best perfectly captures the spirit of Mother Gothel with Hibiscus Vodka, Rosewater Liqueur, and Sparkling Cranberry Juice. Mother Knows Best Mulan and spitfire sidekick Mushu bring us drinks from the opposite ends of the spectrum. Choose the Porcelain Warrior with sweet flavors of Cherry Sake, Lychee Syrup, and Mango Vodka. Or opt for the bold Mushu, with a fiery punch from Absolut Peppar and Sriracha. And a pepper rim! Porcelain Warrior and Mushu The Warlord is also fascinating as it takes its cues from Hun leader Shan Yu. He may be ruthless, but this combo of Sake, Ginger Liqueur, and Hard Cider sounds pretty awesome. Warlord Fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas are gonna love this one, honoring Jack Skellington. Bone Daddy includes Apple Pucker, Butterscotch Schnapps, Cider, and Hennessy. Bone Daddy Would it be appropriate to hum Hakuna Matata while sipping on a No Worries? Next time you’re hangin’ around at the oasis, try this mix of Peach Vodka, Amaretto, Orange Juice, and Mango. No Worries Scar’s drink, the False King, offers a nice, creamy contrast. Kahlua, Salted Caramel Vodka, Vanilla Bailey’s, and Coffee. Wait, what? Salted. Caramel. Vodka? !!!!!!! False King Every single one of these cocktails are amazing. But when I saw the Seeing Spots, in honor of Cruella DeVille, I thought it was perfect. Doesn’t Rasberry Vodka, Chocolate Liqueur, and Cream sound exactly like her?? Seeing Spots And finally, anyone who enjoys the antics of Stitch will LOVE the Ohana Colada, and its captivating mix of Mango Rum, Malibu, and Blue Curacao. Ohana Colada What’s a girl gotta do to get a drink around here?? And if you love what you see here, be sure to check out Cody’s Facebook page! He has even more incredible creations there! (We found all of these images on Pinterest, by the way.) So, which one of Cody’s incredible creations are you excited to try? Leave a comment and tell us your favorite! 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 Themed Cocktails!! Why Didn’t I Know About This?!??! First Look! Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Specialty Cocktails New Dessert and Cocktails at La Luce, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek View the full article

Are you pining for the holidays, or are you ecstatic to have moved on from them? Well, either way, we have a fun surprise for you today! Many of you chimed in when we wrote about the Pecan Maple Bark featured in the Canada Pavilion during Holidays Around the World. Hands down, it was our favorite snack during the holiday season! Well, the tree may be down and the bows stored away for another year, but we had to share this recipe. It was so good, we can’t wait to make it at home. Pecan Maple Bark from the Canada Pavilion Need a handmade gift for someone special? This candy, a cross between a bark and a toffee, would fit the bill perfectly! Pecan Maple “Bark” BrittleCanada Pavilion, Holidays Around the World Makes a 15″ x 10″ Cookie Sheet Ingredients: Maple Brittle 2 cups butter (4 sticks) 1 1/2 cups sugar 3/4 cup maple sugar 1/3 cup water 2 teaspoons maple extract Chocolate and Pecans 12 ounces, about 2 cups, high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped, or chips, divided 1 cup chopped pecans, divided 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided Instructions: For Maple Brittle: 1. Line two 15″ x 10″ cookie sheets with parchment paper. 2. Combine butter, sugars, water, and maple extract in 4-quart saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture registers between 270-290° F (soft-crack stage). 3. Pour mixture onto 1 cookie sheet and quickly spread as close to the edges as possible before brittle sets. Cool until hard at room temperature. For Chocolate and Pecans: 1. Place ice in bottom of large bowl and cover ice with a kitchen towel. Set aside. 2. Bring water to a gentle simmer on bottom of a double boiler over medium low heat. Add 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips to top of double boiler and place over heat, making sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Stir continuously until about 3/4 of the chips are melted. 3. Remove from heat and place on towel in ice bowl and let sit for 20 seconds. Remove from ice and gradually add 1/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring continuously, allowing the residual heat to melt remaining chocolate. 4. Evenly spread melted chocolate onto cooled brittle. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup pecans and 1 teaspoon sea salt evenly over chocolate. Allow to harden either at room temperature or refrigerated. 5. Repeat Steps 2, 3, 4, with remaining chocolate, pecans, and salt on second side of brittle. 6. Allow to completely harden either at room temperature or in refrigerator; break into pieces and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Cook’s Notes: Maple sugar and maple extract can be found online or in specialty grocery stores. Wishing You Could Recapture the Magic of the Holidays?Whether it’s January or July, the holidays at Walt Disney World are the most beautiful time of the year! We love flipping through photos to relive the best moments of the season…and planning everything we want to do for next Christmas! And if you’d like to reminisce and plan right along with us, then order your copy of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays today! Our full color guide offers detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity that happens at the Parks and Resorts. Comprehensive listings with color photos of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the magic! There’s also a full chapter dedicated to all that was new for 2014 — events, dining options, and activities, including highlights at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, The Celebrate the Magic Castle Show, and the Epcot Candlelight Processional. And with its handy e-book format, your DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays is instantly downloadable to all of your electronic devices immediately! Pick up your copy today and enjoy a look back at one of the best holiday seasons ever. Will you be making some Pecan Maple “Bark” Brittle at home? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think! 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: Holiday Snack Series: Pecan Maple Bark from Epcot’s Canada Pavilion Holiday Recipe: Peppermint Bark from the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery in Epcot’s America Pavilion Disney Recipe: Maple Crème Brûlée from Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse View the full article

Who’s up for a cupcake feast at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery?! Learn About: Kusafiri Coffee Shop and BakeryAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsA longtime favorite in regards to offering some pretty fantastic bakery eats, Kusafiri is one of those places I just have to stop every time I visit Animal Kingdom. This little shop is home to several bakery favorites (namely, the Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake and African Spice Cake), and even has a limited breakfast menu that still manages to impress with unique items such as the Warm Colossal Cinnamon Roll and Hot Breakfast Wrap, despite its size. Alongside the classics, Kusafiri is often a place to find something new, and it didn’t disappoint on a recent visit. To my chagrin, though, I discovered that some of my favorites have undergone a bit of a makeover. Kusafiri Bakery menu Let’s start with the good news… Lion Cub CupcakeThe list of Gourmet Cupcakes has expanded with the Lion Cub Cupcake. Lion Cub cupcake I showed this handsome little guy off on my Instagram a while back (‘cuz how could I not — I mean, how cute is little Simba?!), and have been excited to show him to you on the blog ever since. The fondant Simba topping the cupcake (similar to the toppers you’ll find on the Gourmet Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe) is surrounded by a mane of frosting. ROAR!! The flavor? Passionfruit. It comes through in the pudding-like filling tucked in the vanilla cake under the white vanilla frosting. Inside the Lion Cub cupcake Lion Cub cupcake filling The citrus is mellowed by the creaminess of the vanilla, which is a combo I love. Plus, you can’t argue with the added cute factor, so there’s that. If Simba just can’t wait to be king, he may have already accomplished that here at Kusafiri, especially in light of the changes to a couple of classic standbys: the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake and the Zebra Cupcake. Lion Cub cupcake and White Chocolate Elephant cupcake White Chocolate Elephant CupcakeIt was love at first site with the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake when it hit the scene years ago. A cupcake topped with a gorgeous white chocolate elephant lollipop, it was the coolest two-for-one snack EVER. But what really made this cupcake one of the greats was the buttercream frosting on top, with a surprise second batch of carmelly delicious German chocolate cake frosting tucked underneath. BAM! Here is a picture of the previous version: White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake The current version of this treat is really just a shadow of its former glory. Our white chocolate elephant still graces the top, but the base is now just chocolate frosting on top of chocolate cake — no surprises here. Current White Chocolate Elephant cupcake Inside of the current White Chocolate Elephant cupcake It’s okay, but who wants “okay” where you previously had “out of this world”? Sigh. Zebra CupcakeI hate to break it to ya, but the Zebra Cupcake differs a bit now from what it used to be, too. The basic gist is the same: vanilla cake and buttercream frosting, topped with chocolate pieces decorated to represent zebra stripes. Those chocolate pieces were the hallmark of this cupcake, and were previously a mix of both white and dark chocolate, tucked into the frosting to jut out at all sorts of fun and crazy angles. Here’s another “Back when I was your age, this cupcake looked like THIS” shot: Previous version of the Zebra Cupcake And here it is now, in front of the Cotton Top Tamarin cupcake… Current Zebra cupcake No more mix of white and dark chocolate shavings — the current stripes are decorations on pieces of dark chocolate. Sigh x 2. OverallThe Lion Cub Cupcake is really a small work of art, so we can all rest assured that Kusafiri is definitely still capable of cupcake greatness. But I’d be lying if I said I was psyched about the makeovers of two of the most legendary Disney World cupcakes. It won’t keep me from visiting Kusafiri every time I visit Animal Kingdom — one, because they’re still pumping out gems, and two, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for an un-makeover of the White Chocolate Elephant and Zebra Cupcakes. As always, we’ll keep you posted! What do you think of the cupcakes at Kusafiri Bakery? 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: Review: New Treats at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom You Won’t Believe This Snack!: Warm Colossal Cinnamon Roll at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Review: Breakfast Wrap at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

We are starting the “Tastes of Aulani” series so you can bring some of the memorable flavors of Hawai`i back with you. Today you can try your bartending skills at one of the signature cocktails...From:Disney ParksViews:362085ratingsTime:02:01More inTravel & Events

January is National Hot Tea Month! To celebrate this very merry “unholiday” we sat down with Alice and the Mad Hatter for a game of musical chairs at Disneyland park. Come join us! http://di.sn...From:Disney ParksViews:7516162ratingsTime:00:49More inTravel & Events

It’s exciting to think that we’re just a little over a month away from the start of the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! We’ve always enjoyed this beautiful special event, but now it’s right up our alley since they added Outdoor Kitchens to World Showcase. Similar to Marketplaces Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, they offer tapas-like dishes and sips of all kinds of interesting beverages. It’s super sweet to sample and stroll as you take in all of the gorgeous gardens! We’re anxiously awaiting all of the puzzle pieces to fall into place about this year’s menus, but today, we have a couple of new details! New Bonitas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Coming to World ShowcaseFirst and foremost, the FOOD! A brand new Outdoor Kitchen will debut in 2015. Bonitas Botánico will be located between the France and Morocco Pavilions. This is the area that was occupied by the Brazil Marketplace Booth during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so we’re wondering if this will be a featured gathering spot of sorts. We’re Wondering if the Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth from the Food and Wine Festival May Do Double Duty as the Bonitas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen During Flower and Garden! From the menu, we’re guessing that the influence will be South American in general, and Venezuelan in particular. At any rate, we can’t wait to see the set up! Speaking of the menu, we already have a few details. Dishes here will include Cachapas, a sweet corn cake similar to a pancake. They’ll be served in a traditional manner with a fresh Farmer’s Cheese. Seafood Ceviche featuring a mixture of Shrimp, Scallops, and Grouper will be paired with Mango and Avocado. The stand will also offer La Tizana, a punch that includes Fresh Fruit. Enjoy the non-alcoholic version, or “punch” it up a bit with the addition of Venezuelan Santa Teresa RHUM Orange Liqueur. We’re looking forward to trying it all! Keep Track of Your Eats and Sips with a Handy Festival Passport! There will be 11 Outdoor Kitchens to visit in 2015. Garden Rocks Concert SeriesAs we told you previously, the concert series that’s big draw during the Flower and Garden Festival is undergoing a name change for 2015. In the past, the Flower Power Concert Series has focused on acts from the 1960s and 1970s. Over the last couple of years, however, a few more recent acts have crept into the lineup. This year, the series has been rebranded as the Garden Rocks Concert Series. The lineup includes acts spanning many decades and genres: March 6-8: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy” (New to this festival)March 13-15: NEW! Pablo Cruise “Love Will Find a Way”March 20-22: En Vogue “Free Your Mind” (New to this festival)En Vogue March 27-29: Starship “We Built This City”April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”April 10-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”Village People April 17-19: Jon Secada “Just Another Day” (New to this festival)April 24-26: The Guess Who “These Eyes”May 1-3: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart” (New to this festival)May 8-10: NEW! Little River Band “Lady”May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”Truly, there’s an act for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Flower and Garden Festival! Stay Tuned to DFB — We’ll continue to bring you all the details about the Flower and Garden Outdoor Kitchen menus as they are released! It’s going to be a delicious Flower and Garden Festival! What are you looking forward to the most at the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Leave a comment and share 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! 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden (PLUS FOOD!) Festival Details Announced 2011 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Foodie Events News! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food Booths Are Arriving (And the Menu Has Been Updated)! View the full article