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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

Disneyland Resort guests visiting Disney California Adventure park will have an opportunity to see an extended sneak preview for Disney's all-new live-action feature, “Cinderella” http://di.s...From:Disney ParksViews:14364202ratingsTime:01:49More inTravel & Events

Back in 1988, two hot air balloons named Ear Force One (Mickey) and Zippity Doo Duck (Donald) took flight here at Walt Disney World Resort. This photo just begs for a caption. They look pretty excited for their journey. What’s on their minds? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This” in the comments section below. Caption This: Disney Characters Take Flight at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

im Tebow hosting prom night for 7,000 special needs kids in 26 states, Kenya and Uganda View the full article

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Police say they have arrested a Volusia County woman suspected of drowning a two-week-old puppy in a Nebraska airport bathroom so she could board a plane. View the full article

This past weekend was a big one for Republicans running for the White House -- with Florida's two aspirants prominently in the mix. View the full article

An Orlando-bound Delta flight from Los Angeles was diverted to Dallas this afternoon. View the full article

You’re in for a real treat today as we take in breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Kona Cafe! Learn About: Kona CafePolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsYou’ll find Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The hotel continues to undergo vast renovations, but we’re so happy to report that Kona Cafe seems to be sticking around! Meals at this spot are pretty consistently good. Lunch at Kona can offer a welcome respite from Magic Kingdom. And dinner is a hidden gem — many swear by Kona’s Steak. But breakfast offers some serious cult favorites for Disney veterans. AtmosphereKona Cafe is located off of the center atrium at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s conveniently situated for guests of both the Polynesian, and, well, anywhere! Just steps away from the Monorail, it’s a quick ride from both the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center. Entrance to Kona Cafe You may be tempted to dismiss Kona without much thought. After all, its open atmosphere makes it seem like any plain jane hotel restaurant. And I agree — it does look like a Hilton straight out of the mid-90s. The general feel of the space is supposed to be tropical. Bold colors abound on walls and carpet, while lighter-stained wood and wrought iron round out the space. Kona Cafe Atmosphere and Seating Because it’s located off of the atrium, Imagineers have made an effort to give it sort of a garden feel. As a result, some of the lights, like these large leaf-shaped glass fixtures, mimic nature patterns. Lighting Fixtures One of my favorite decorative features are the ceiling fans that run the length of the dining room. These Super Cool Ceiling Fans Keep the Air Moving Nicely The carpet is very…colorful. Big, splashy exotic blooms are scattered across it. Look closely, and you may just find a familiar shape among the flowers. Hidden Mickey, Hidden Very Well Indeed Seating is a combination of round and rectangular tables. If you’re with your whole fam, this is a nice place to settle in! Seating The mixed seating with banquettes on one side and chairs on the other are a good compromise. Booth Seating A lot of times, we make a big deal about the view of the Monorail at the Contemporary when you’re dining at Chef Mickey’s. But did you know that you can also see it when you dine at Kona? Here’s proof! View of the Monorail Coming into the Station But, it’s super not as fun since you can’t hear it, and it’s not exactly whizzing by overhead. But we’re not here for the vehicle view anyway…let’s get to eating! EatsIf you’ve been reading Disney Food Blog for any length of time, then you know that Kona is one of my favorite spots for breakfast. The biggest reason for this distinction is their selection of unique menu offerings. Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge This visit was late last Fall, and I was happy to find that, in addition to the regular menu, Kona was offering one of their seasonal treats…Pumpkin Pancakes! Breakfast Special — Pumpkin Pancakes!! We began our meal with some of Kona’s best beverages. If you visit, you have to try the Liliko’i Juice. A blend of Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices, it’s pretty much the same as POG Juice and Jungle Juice, which you’ll find at other Disney restaurants. They just re-name it depending on the restaurant’s theme. Liliko’i Juice If you’re a coffee lover, you should definitely order a Press Pot of Kona Coffee, which serves two. French Press of Kona Coffee Soon enough, our food began to arrive, and I couldn’t wait to dig into those Pumpkin Pancakes. They’re served with Maple Pecan Butter, and they come with your choice of Bacon, Ham, or Sausage. These were pretty good, but I really needed more butter! Unfortunately, my server was pretty scarce during this visit, so by the time I got the chance to ask for more, I’d already eaten what I’d wanted of the pancakes. Pumpkin Pancakes And speaking of specialty pancakes, Kona offers different versions throughout the year. Keep an eye out soon for their Red Velvet pancake special, which should pop up for Valentine’s Day. They’re served with a cream cheese icing! Valentine’s Day Treat: Red Velvet Pancakes at Kona Cafe If the specialty pancake isn’t your thing, though, we can recommend the Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes — another guest favorite at Kona. Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes with Bacon The second order of the morning was something I’d actually never tried — the Samoan. This is sorta-kinda the Hawaiian cousin of Eggs Benedict. A little. Poached Eggs sit atop a savory Pulled Pork Hash. The Samoan The stack is topped with a rich, tangy Hollandaise Sauce, and is garnished liberally with Arugula. The Samoan — Up Close The Eggs were were just you’d want when it comes to poached-ness. The whites were just set, while the yolk still slightly gooey. The Samoan — A Perfectly Poached Egg The Pulled Pork Hash was a flavorful addition to the mix. The Shredded Pork is moist and tender, and the diced White Potatoes do a great job of taking on all of the flavor of the meat. Together with the rich egg and hollandaise, it’s a great combination. The Samoan Pulled Pork — Up Close So, I’ll admit, we skipped the Tonga Toast this time — I know! But be assured, it’s still on the menu. And it still looks great! Tonga Toast with Bacon Another incredible breakfast at Kona! And fueled up for the day, it was time to see what we could get into! And just a quick hello here to the awesome family I met while I was there! (They were sitting next to me!) Mom and Dad and two beautiful little girls — it was so fun to talk to you guys! OverallIt’s so funny. There are places at Disney that are so inconsistent, so unpredictable, and then there are spots that you can count on every single time you visit to deliver in terms of food and service. Kona Cafe is on that short list. We have visited for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and honestly, it’s always good to great. It’s not the decor to be sure. There’s no immersive experience at Kona. But the meals have been worth the money on a regular basis. And with breakfast items that are delicious and original, a visit to Kona is a fantastic way to start your Disney day. Is dining at Kona Cafe for breakfast part of your busy Disney schedule? Comment below and tell us what you’d like to order the next time you visit! 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: Kona Cafe Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Guest Review: Kona Cafe Breakfast Review: Lunch at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort View the full article

"Birdman" soared this weekend, with the cast of the dark comedy taking home the 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards' top prize Sunday evening. View the full article

With a major blizzard sweeping across the Northeast, airline passengers flying out of Orlando's two major airports most likely can expect some effect here. View the full article

With less than two years to go before the election, Florida politicians are already pondering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2016. View the full article

When Courtney Haydon heard the sound of screeching tires, she peered out her bedroom window just in time to watch Ta'Von Grayson's white Toyota Camry slam into a pole. View the full article

St. Louis has the Gateway Arch. Chicago has the Willis Tower and the Bean. Seattle has the Space Needle. And San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge. View the full article

The woman who accused Jameis Winston of rape is going public with her side of the story. View the full article

This week, we featured several popular “Frozen” stories on the Disney Parks Blog, including a special announcement that Olaf is coming to all four Disney Cruise Line ships along with information about brand-new Disney Cruise experiences being planned for the entire family beginning this summer. Jonathan included highlights of some of the new experiences in his original story. And he’ll be sharing more right here on the Disney Parks Blog over the next several weeks. We also continued our “Learn to Draw” series with a special guest this week – actor Josh Gad. Josh, who voiced Olaf in the “Frozen.” film, stopped by The Magic of Disney Animation to test his own skills at drawing his animated friend. Check out Jenn’s original post to see more tutorials on drawing your favorite Disney characters. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disneyland Resort Circle D Corral Now Zero Waste Certified – Thanks to efforts begun four years ago by cast member Andrea Raney, Circle D Corral is now gold-level Zero Waste certified by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, with 99 percent of its waste repurposed, composted or recycled! Splitsville Hits a High Note with New Saturday Night Bands at Downtown Disney West Side – Have you heard the live music on Saturday Nights at Splitsville? Disney Parks Blog author Darcy Clark shares her impression, and details a number of improvements coming to Splitsville in 2015. Vote to Name Our New Baby Goats at the Disneyland Resort – See some pictures of the new kids at Circle D Corral, and don’t forget to vote for their names! Video Rewind: Caring for Classic Disneyland Park Attractions – Take a look back at some behind-the-scenes videos we showed you in years past here on the Disney Parks Blog to see how we care for our classic Disneyland park attractions. Tweens Make New Friends at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Learn all about the ways tweens can hang loose during a vacation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Nick Arciniaga Wins First-Ever Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort – Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon, and to the more than 23,000 runners who participated! A Unique Point of View: Mad Tea Party at Disneyland Park – Get a look at these unique images from Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Love the city-specific Starbucks mugs? Well, we have some exciting news for you. Disney has unveiled park specific Starbucks mugs. Find them at Starbucks locations in the parks! Epcot “You Are Here” Mug More java spots are coming to Walt Disney World. We’ve got the scoop on two new Starbucks locations, including the soon-to-open Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re more of a Dole Whip fan, you’ll want to know that Sunshine Tree Terrace is still serving Dole Whips. We’re not certain if this is permanent, but for now skip the long lines at Aloha Isle! For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsStarbucks “You Are Here” mugs now available in Disney Parks Starbucks locations!Aloha Isle has long been the only place to find Dole Whip in Magic Kingdom. But it’s now on the menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace, too!It’s the first “What’s New” for 2015! We’re exploring all four Disney World Parks and finding menu updates, new snacks, and scoping out not one, but two upcoming in-Park Starbucks locations.Five Disneyland Restaurants will be participating in Orange County Restaurant Week 2015 (March 1-7): Steakhouse 55, Naples Ristorante, Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.The latest specialty cupcake at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is a Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing. Better yet, it’s topped with a white chocolate Baymax from Big Hero 6!Check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket, available at popcorn stands throughout the Magic Kingdom!Check out the signage for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks location in Walt Disney World! 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 Rehab Dates for Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, Valentine’s Day Special at Wolfgang Puck Dining Room, 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! Celebrating your birthday at Disney World is always a great time to indulge in sweets. Let’s take a look at some fun birthday treats at Disney. First up, a birthday cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall sent in by Facebook Friend Salwa. Birthday Cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall And here’s a cutie!!! A third birthday celebration at Crystal Palace shared by Facebook Friend Raquel. Third Birthday at Crystal Palace Do you have a favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Today with a Discount!Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for the new year? Or, you know, just cause you want to start planning your 2015 Disney trip TODAY? ;-D It’s yours! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code PRE2015 for $4 off! We know that when it comes to your Disney vacays, planning ahead is practically essential these days. And if you can save time and money in the process — even better! And that’s why today, when you pre-order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and enter promo code PRE2015, you’ll save $4 off of the already low cover price! But the really cool part? You get two books for the price of one! We’ll deliver the 2014 Guide to you immediately, and email you the 2015 Guide as soon as it is available later this month. Here are a couple of sample pages for you — just click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013 What’s in the DFB Guide?The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is stuffed FULL of helpful features to help make your trip go smoothly, like: 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’re updating this edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Happy New Year!Go old school with Mickey’s Diner glasses On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases Mickey Diner Glasses. Go vintage with some help from Mickey! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups shares ice cream sundaes — big enough to share — at Walt Disney World. Dig in! DisZine announces live bands coming to Splitsville at Downtown Disney Orlando every Saturday night. The Spokesman-Review features a recipe for Apple Upside-down Cake from Chef Kevin Dundon’s “Back to Basic” cookbook. Raglan Road fans, take a look! Disney Parks Blog highlights new Frozen Treats at Disneyland. Check out the cute Crunchy Snowman Veggie Cup! Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal spotlights The Boathouse coming to Disney Springs Orlando. It will be open tip 2AM! 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 4, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 11, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 18, 2015 View the full article

While visiting the Magic Kingdom, Maria Guerrero used a "selfie stick" to take a photo of herself, her mother and her cousin with Cinderella Castle looming in the background. View the full article

Police were searching two planes at Atlanta's main airport after authorities received what they described as credible bomb threats. View the full article