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We’re embarking on the high seas today! Guest Author Victoria Kabakian is taking us to the Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy. Let’s sail away…! One unique feature of Disney Cruise Line is their innovative Rotational Dining system, meaning that each night guests alternate between three main dining rooms, and their servers follow them from room to room based on the pre-scheduled rotation. The Disney Fantasy features the Enchanted Garden, Royal Court, and Animator’s Palate as its three main dining rooms. Of these three, Royal Court is the only one that serves table service options for all three meals of the day. Royal Court AtmosphereLocated just beyond the beautiful atrium on deck 4 of the ship, Royal Court is designed to capture the whimsy of nearly every fairytale princess imaginable. The vast dining room has a very regal look, and in its center, beneath a crystal chandelier, is a large round table surrounded by plush red chairs that are larger and more elegant than the others in the room. This focal point is just one of many sophisticated and regal-looking features throughout the room. Dining Room The center table The lovely red chairs The remaining chairs in the dining room have crowns engraved in the woodwork, adding another small detail to a dining room already bursting at the seams with Disney princess love. Crown detailing A major decorative element in Royal Court is the Disney princess-themed mosaics found throughout the space. They include beautiful renditions of scenes from Disney movies such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. Cinderella mosaic Sleeping Beauty mosaic Snow White mosaic Beauty and the Beast mosaic Aladdin mosaic The Little Mermaid mosaic The dining room space near the Cinderella mosaic—gorgeous lighting too! The lighting around the dining room includes small spot lights as well as large gold-accented pieces atop golden pillars. The detailing in the lights depict golden leaves as well as roses at the top of the pillars, adding to the regal look of the room. Great detailing on these lights Other accents throughout the space include Cinderella’s carriage in more ways than one. Her carriage is featured prominently on platforms around the circumference of the center part of the dining room, but it also makes up the bread baskets used at Royal Court! Cinderella’s Carriage Light Cinderella’s carriage bread basket Cinderella’s carriage on the front door to Royal Court Breakfast EatsAs I mentioned earlier, Royal Court is the only dining room on the ship to feature table service meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During my recent cruise, I made sure to visit Royal Court for each of these meals so I could share some insight on all of them. Breakfast Menu First, let’s start with breakfast. The menu categories range from Delicious Fruit Yogurts to Healthy Options, Off the Griddle, From the Cold Galley and From the Hot Galley, as well as a Children’s Menu. Typical drink options are available, but I decided to start breakfast the same as I start most my meals on a Disney Cruise, and that’s with an iced tea. It’s light and refreshing, and always hits the spot. Iced tea Our server at breakfast suggested we try one of the yogurts to start, and even though we hadn’t planned on it, the Mango Mountain Hike sounded really intriguing. It’s almost like a mango yogurt smoothie/thick soup with granola in it, giving it a bit of texture and added flavor. Holy moly! This quickly became an obsession between both my sister and I, and I’ve even emailed Disney to see if I can get a recipe. Yum! Mango Mountain Hike The bread service at breakfast features a variety of breakfast pastries that are offered tableside from a basket. I selected a pain au chocolat from the options. Although the chocolate was still soft, the pastry itself was also quite soft, not really flaky. It was tasty, but not the best pain au chocolat I’ve tried by a long shot. Pain au chocolat For breakfast, we both selected the French Toast and Pineapple Stack which features layers of French toast and grilled pineapple. It’s not a huge portion (especially compared to what you can eat at the breakfast buffet upstairs), but it’s tasty. It’s also considerably light, since the French toast portion is minimal, and there’s tons of fruit on the plate, both on the stack and on the side. I usually go for more savory breakfasts, but this is a great choice if you have a sweet tooth. French Toast and Pineapple Stack We actually also ordered the Peanut Butter and Jelly Typhoon pancake off the children’s menu to take back to the stateroom for my nephew. Our server brought us the pancake at the end of the meal, covered in a silver dome (room service style), along with a side of fruit and utensils. He loved the pancake (and so did we). Who doesn’t love peanut butter and jelly, and on top of a pancake, no less? Peanut Butter and Jelly Typhoon Lunch EatsAnother day on the cruise, I stopped by Royal Court for lunch with my mom. The lunch menu changes daily and follows the same setup as dinner, offering basic bread service, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Lunch menu (changes daily) We decided to actually skip dessert, but share all three appetizer options instead. First up is the Assorted Seafood Sampler, which includes cold crab claws, shrimp, and marinated bay scallops. It’s very light and fresh without heavy seasoning. A bit of cocktail sauce offered on the side adds some extra zing. Assorted Seafood Sampler The Vegetable Quesadilla is pretty straight-forward. I have a quesadilla obsession, so I couldn’t resist. The guacamole, sour cream, salsa definitely add more flavor to this small vegetarian-friendly starter. Vegetable Quesadilla We also tried the Citrus Fruit Cocktail, which is sweet and fresh, and features oranges and grapefruit. Consider it a nice palate cleanser before moving onto the next course. Citrus Fruit Cocktail My mom opted for the Lemon Chicken Salad, featuring a tropical Papaya and Coconut Lemongrass Dressing. She enjoyed the salad and thought it was light, fresh, and tasty. It’s definitely lighter than what I picked for lunch… Lemon Chicken Salad The Angus Chuck Burger is a ½-pound burger with your choice of toppings (mine included bacon and cheddar) with sides of French fries and coleslaw. My burger was cooked medium-rare, but even though it was nicely undercooked to my liking, it wasn’t particularly juicy or particularly seasoned. Here’s where having some bacon, cheese, and ketchup helps. This certainly isn’t the best burger I’ve had, but it hits the spot when faced with a burger craving at sea. Angus Chuck Burger We actually dined at Royal Court twice for dinner, once with the regular Rotational Dining menu, and once for one of the special menus. I’ll discuss the main dinner menu, which is French. Dinner EatsDinner Menu First off, the bread offering at Royal Court is a Warm Herb Brioche with Olive Spread. The bread is rich and decadent, and already divided to make it easier to serve. The olive spread is fantastic and adds a Provençal element to the table. Warm Herb Brioche To start, let’s begin with the Breaded and Deep Fried Brie with Orange and Cranberry Chutney. Brie is easily one of my favorite cheeses. It melts so beautifully. Imagine how magical it can be when breaded and fried! I also love sweet flavors with my Brie, honey being at the top of the list, but this chutney does a lovely job cutting through the richness of the cheese. Breaded and Deep Fried Brie Next up is the Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, another great choice for seafood lovers (it’s different from the one served at lunch and a bit more upscale). It’s nicely plated with fresh seafood flavors and a bit of sauce to compliment. Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp My appetizer choice at this meal was the Escargots Gratinee, which not only features the typical garlic butter and snails, but also finely chopped mushrooms in each cavity of the escargots dish. A soft baguette on the side is great for soaking up extra sauce. If you enjoy escargots, you will enjoy this, although I found it to be a touch on the salty side. Escargots Gratinee Moving on to the soup and salad course, the Potage Parmentier is a classic leek and potato soup. I didn’t get to try this, but my mom really enjoyed it. Potato Parmentier I elected the Onion Soup Gratinee, another classic. Like my escargots appetizer, I found this to be a bit salty as well, but my love for gooey cheese and melted onions in broth really win me over regardless. It’s probably my favorite soup of all time and I just can’t resist! Onion Soup Gratinee For the main course, we’ll start with the Oven-Baked Salmon Royale. Its horseradish crust is delicious, and along with the Swiss chard and truffled cauliflower puree, I honestly wish I had ordered this myself. I tried a couple bites and it was yummy! Next time, I’m ordering this. Oven-Baked Salmon Royale Another main course option is the Crispy Roasted Duck Breast with Cabbage, Bacon, Shallots, and Honey Parsnip Puree. I don’t remember getting a taste of this dish (just the photo), but I know my other family members enjoyed it. Crispy Roasted Duck Breast For my entrée I selected the Roasted Rack of Lamb Medium with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. The side dishes are good (although the Brussels sprouts are a little under cooked) and the lamb is quite tasty but the rack itself could have been trimmed a bit better. A lot of extra fat makes it difficult to get to the actual meat. I know Frenching the rack (removing the skin/meat/fat from between the ribs) is a lot of work, but it would have really made for a nicer presentation and less trimming that needs to be done at the table. Roasted Rack of Lamb Medium For dessert I selected the Peanut Butter Mousse, which is really dark chocolate mousse with peanut butter. It’s smooth, creamy, and hits the spot for any chocolate/peanut butter craving. Peanut Butter Mousse The Raspberry Mousse Slice with Green Tea Cream is actually one of the sugar-free dessert options, but my mom really enjoyed her selection and thought it wasn’t too rich or sweet. Raspberry Mousse Slice OverallFrom morning until night, Royal Court offers a variety of delicious options for table-service meals while cruising on the Disney Fantasy. Whether you have a Disney princess obsession or not, the elegant atmosphere at Royal Court sets the mood for a delicious meal any time of day. Victoria is a Minnie Mouse-obsessed Disney enthusiast and food blogger at Mission: Food. She’s a classically trained cook with a soft-spot for cooking up Disney favorites in her kitchen when she isn’t park-hopping or sailing away on Disney Cruises. There’s a lot of great choices here. Which dish would you first want to try at Royal Court? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Royal Court Aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship News! Royal Court Royal Tea on Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy Guest Review: Dinner at Palo Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy Cruise Ship View the full article

A teen who has often found himself on the wrong side of the law is now being hailed as a hero after he helped saved the life of a police officer who was booking him at the jail. View the full article

Two gay men from Brevard County who sued the state for refusing to honor their out-of-state marriage and change their names on the driver's licenses on Tuesday won a victory. View the full article

Magic Never Stops (Canada Spring Offer) | Walt Disney World With this great offer for spring travel, it's easier to enjoy the enchantment at the Walt Disney World Resort! For all the details on this Special Offer and to learn how to save even more,...From:Disney ParksViews:30ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

La magie ne prend jamais fin (Offres Speciales) | Walt Disney World Avec cette offre remarquable sur vos vacances printanières, il est encore plus facile de profiter de tout l'enchantement du Walt Disney World Resort! Pour consulter tous les détails de cette...From:Disney ParksViews:2075ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

One of the many reasons why Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, was voted the “Top Hotel for Families” in Travel + Leisure’s 2014 World’s Best Awards are the unique experiences you can enjoy during your stay. Today, we are starting a new series on the Disney Parks Blog titled “Discover With Me.” The series will explore Aulani’s grounds, amenities and special activities which are designed for every member of your ‘ohana (including yourself)! Today, I invite you to discover with me the breakfast offerings available at Ulu Cafe! If you’re looking for something delicious and convenient, Ulu Cafe is a great place to start your day and fuel up. Discover what’s available at Ulu Cafe in the video below. You’ll see that I personally prefer the malasadas! And, right now if you book a 4-night stay at Aulani, you’ll enjoy the 4th night free with a complimentary breakfast at Ulu Cafe! Learn more about this offer here. If you’re thinking your keiki will need more time splashing around the Ka Maka Grotto, or you’ll need an extra day floating down the Waikolohe Stream, enjoy 30% off a 5-night or more stay – plus complimentary breakfast at Ulu Cafe. Click here to learn more. You can book either of these special offers now through February 23, 2015, for most nights through March 23, 2015. Visit www.DisneyAulani.com or call 866-443-4763 for more information. *Stay 4 nights and get the fourth night free with daily breakfast offer for stays of four consecutive nights. Save 30% with daily breakfast offer for stays of five or more consecutive nights. All stays must be booked between 10/9/14 and 2/23/15 inclusive, with all nights between 1/4/15 and 3/23/15. 30% savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited, and room availability may vary by dates of stay. Package includes daily breakfast for all Guests booked per room per night of your package stay. Breakfast is only redeemable at Ulu Cafe during normal breakfast operating hours, and includes one entree and one coffee or fresh rotating juice. Breakfast entitlements may not be redeemed for cash in whole or in part, sold separately, transferred or refunded and will expire at midnight on package departure date. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offers exclude suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room. Limit two rooms per reservation and subject to room occupancy limitations. Advance reservations required. Subject to additional restrictions and changes without notice. Discover With Me: Breakfast at Ulu Cafe at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Discover the breakfast offerings available at Ulu Cafe at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! If you're looking for something delicious and convenient, Ulu Cafe is a great place to start your...From:Disney ParksViews:160536ratingsTime:01:13More inTravel & Events

If you watched “The Kitchen” on the Food Network this weekend, chances are your mouth is still watering from the eggs benedict I made with the show’s hosts. (A really fun group, by the way!) Today, I want to share with you the recipe for this special dish served during brunch in one of our adult-only fine dining restaurants, Palo. I’ve included the recipe using either smoked salmon or ham. Now that I showed you how to create it, it’s your turn to make it at home. Try it this week and let me know how it goes! Palo Eggs Benedict Hollandaise Sauce: 1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar5 peppercorns1 shallot, finely sliced1 sprig fresh tarragon3 large free-range egg yolks1 cup melted and skimmed (clarified) unsalted butter, warm1/2 lemon, juicedSalt and freshly ground black pepperPoached Eggs: 1/4 cup white wine vinegarSalt10 eggsToasted English Muffins with Smoked Salmon: 5 English muffins, split5 ounces salted butter, softened15 ounces sliced Scottish smoked salmon2 ounces American caviarToasted English Muffins with Ham: 5 English muffins, split5 ounces salted butter, softened15 oz thinly sliced, cooked rosemary ham½ bunch chives, finely slicedFor the hollandaise sauce: Place the white wine vinegar, peppercorns, sliced shallots and tarragon into a pan, bring to the boil and reduce by half. Strain and reserve.Place a large pot filled partway with water to the boil, then lower and keep at a simmer. Place the egg yolks in a bowl that will fit over the pot of simmering water but not touch the water. Add 1 tablespoon of the reduced vinegar to the eggs and place the bowl on top of the pot, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Beat the eggs with a balloon whisk, occasionally removing the bowl from the heat so the mixture does not become scrambled, until the eggs thicken and double in size.Remove the bowl from the pot, then whisk a small ladle of the warm clarified butter into the eggs. Continue to gradually add the butter while whisking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of warm water. Whisk in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.For the poached eggs: Mix the white wine vinegar, some salt and 5 cups water in a pan, bring to the boil and then bring down to a simmer. To poach the eggs, crack each egg into an individual small bowl. Use a whisk to gently stir the simmering poaching liquid in a counter-clockwise direction, and pour each egg into the water in the same direction the water is moving. Gently simmer for 1 minute. Remove with a strainer, drain and place onto a garnished English muffin half. (If you are keeping the eggs for later, remove them from the water with a strainer and place immediately in salted ice water. Reheat them in the same cooking water.)For the toasted English muffins: Meanwhile, place the English muffin halves into a toaster and toast until golden brown. While the muffins are still warm, spread the softened butter onto the open toasted side of each. Layer 1 1/2 ounces of the sliced salmon or ham on each buttered muffin half.Spoon 2 tablespoons of the hollandaise sauce over each poached egg. Garnish with 1/2 teaspoon of the caviar (for salmon) or chives (for ham).Disney Cruise Line Recipe: Palo Eggs Benedict by Stephen Walker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We love seeing all the beautiful and delicious ways that L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion celebrates the changing seasons! Learn About: L'Artisan des GlacesEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsAnd starting TODAY, they’re offering another Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich to entice us in for a visit. Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream SandwichIf you don’t call Florida home, then you may not be aware that January ushers in a very important and exciting time: it’s the beginning of Florida Strawberry Season! You’ll find bumper crops of strawberries in Florida markets this time of year. And if you visit Disney World from January to May, you’ll probably notice lots of strawberries on the menus in your favorite restaurants. But surely, L’Artisan des Glaces is offering one of the most enticing examples of a strawberry special in all the World — the Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich To make the sweet little treat, they layer scoops of the housemade Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Sorbet between layers of pink Strawberry Macarons. Looks awesome, right? If you love strawberries as much as we do, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this latest L’Artisan des Glaces seasonal creation. But hurry — they’re only available for a limited time. And when strawberry season comes to an end…well, we’ll just have to stay tuned and see what they dream up next. Will you be rushing to try the Strawberries and Cream Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think of their latest creation! 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: First Look! Pumpkin Spice Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Debuts in Epcot’s France News! Peppermint Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Debuts at Epcot’s L’Artisan des Glaces Review: NEW Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France View the full article

Because Mickey Mouse is such a huge presence in Disney Parks around the world, we just had to share this special “mouse” moment in Disney history with you. We’re sure many of you are well aware that Mickey Mouse made his big screen debut in 1928 in the short “Steamboat Willie.” But just over a year later marked another milestone for our favorite mouse — he began a longtime run in newspapers across the country in his very own comic strip. After his auspicious debut, the country—and the world—fell in love with Mickey, so it didn’t take long for the little mouse to become a big cheese. There were more Mickey shorts, character merchandise, local Mickey Mouse Clubs and—on January 13, 1930—a comic strip, which celebrates its 85th anniversary today. Written by Walt Disney himself and drawn by Ub Iwerks, the earliest comics would follow Mickey’s adventures far and wide, starting with his attempt to build his own airplane. What could go wrong with that? By the summer of 1930, the comic strip appeared in up to 40 newspapers across nearly two-dozen countries, helping to usher in Mickey’s golden age and establish the mouse as the foundation and universally recognized symbol of the Disney organization. Here on the Disney Parks Blog we have the very first Mickey comic strip for you to see. And if you’d like to see more, head over to D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, where Steven Vagnini has pulled together the entire first week of Mickey comics! Trust us, you’ll want to see how this turns out! Today in Disney History: Mickey’s Comic Debut by Jeffrey Epstein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

You may have seen our new commercial highlighting “Frozen Fun” here at the Disneyland Resort. If you haven’t, take a look below. It’s a magical melding of classic Disneyland Resort attractions and the newest member of our Disney family, “Frozen,” in which some of your favorite attraction residents are singing “First Time in Forever” and inviting you to “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park. The Disney Parks Blog had a crew on the set, as the commercial was being shot after hours here at the Disneyland Resort. This video takes you behind the scenes of the shoot and introduces you to some of the creative team behind it. Enjoy! Behind the Scenes of New Disneyland Resort ‘Frozen Fun’ Commercial by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This video takes you behind the scenes of the commercial highlighting “Frozen Fun” here at the Disneyland Resort. Enjoy the video and then come join in on the fun: http://di.sn/6006avAj...From:Disney ParksViews:488964ratingsTime:01:47More inTravel & Events

Various Disneyland Resort “locals”, are excited that Frozen Fun is coming to Disney California Adventure Park! Sing along to "For the First Time in Forever" with Anna, Elsa, the Abominable...From:Disney ParksViews:124698147ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events

From new retail MagicBands to upcoming Orange Bird products, I’ve recently been sharing previews of items coming to Disney Parks in 2015. This time, I turn the spotlight on Disney pins, which are a fun way to show off your Disney Side when visiting Theme Parks and Resorts. For years, we’ve offered various “pin-of-the-month” collections, which have new pins released monthly (or sometimes quarterly) for guests to collect. This year, the “Best Friends” collection will contains two individual pins that are great for sharing with your best friend. The “Wonderfully Wicked” collection showcases some of the most famous Disney villains. Both of these monthly collections will be found in select locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests in Florida will find the “Shields of Fantasy” collection. These hinged pins open to reveal Disney characters who reside in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. The “Piece of Disney History” collection returns this year. First introduced in 2005, these limited edition pins contain actual pieces of attractions, shows, or parades from Disney Parks. This year, we continue our “Piece of Disneyland Resort History” collection for guests in California, while guests in Florida will find a continuation of the “Piece of SpectroMagic history.” With the “Generation D” collection, we are counting down to the annual Disney Trading Event that will be held in September at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort. Each of these 13 limited edition pins will have an edition size of 500 and will be released monthly. We also have a few surprise pins planned including a collection featuring Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” for Disneyland Resort. When placed next to each other, the pins will form a complete picture. Guests in Florida will find pins celebrating the themed lands of the Magic Kingdom Park. Both of these pin collections will be released at random times throughout the year. Finally, if you are headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios I invite you to stop by our newest Disney pin destination at Sunset Market Ranch on Sunset Boulevard. This location is now the main headquarters for all things pins inside the theme park. As a reminder, new pins are typically released on Thursdays at Disney Parks. Look for one-sheets highlighting key pin releases toward the beginning of each month on the official Disney Pin Trading website – http://www.DisneyPins.com. Spotlight on New Pins Coming to Disney Parks in 2015 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

What a fun way to get a taste of the new Trattoria al Forno menu – the first-ever “food truck takeover” January 16-18 at Exposition Park at Downtown Disney. Superstar Catering food truck, which usually features tastes of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be the makeshift kitchen for the Trattoria chefs to serve three of the restaurant’s most popular dishes: an oversized beef and spinach meatball in a sourdough bread bowl (inspired by the restaurant’s Polpetta Gigante) with housemade “Sunday gravy” ($12.25); lasagna ($10.75), and tiramisu ($6). They’ll also be pouring a bright, well-rounded Sogno d’Italia Chianti from Tuscany, representing the restaurant’s all-Italian wine list and a perfect pairing for the lasagna and meatball. Exposition Park hours are noon-11 p.m., weather permitting. And look for more Disney restaurants to showcase menu favorites with upcoming takeovers! If a taste at Exposition Park leaves you wanting more, Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk is open 7:30-11 a.m. for breakfast, 5-10 p.m. for dinner, and accepts the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. ‘Food Truck Takeover’ Jan. 16-18 by New Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Congratulations to Ohio State University on winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game on ESPN! Looks like Brutus is going to Walt Disney World Resort! http://di.sn/6000xDNu...From:Disney ParksViews:25880340ratingsTime:00:32More inTravel & Events

I know, I know… we’re officially well into the second full week of 2015 already(!). Learn About: La Cava del TequilaEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsAnd that probably means it’s time for me to stop wishing everyone a “Happy New Year.” But when I think of places I like to toast big occasions such as the arrival of a brand new year (or, you know… a Tuesday), it should come as no surprise that La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion is at the very top of my list. So I’d like to take one last opportunity to toast 2015 with you here on the blog with a couple of margaritas from The House of Tequila… the Tamarind Margarita and the Maelstrom Margarita! La Cava del Tequila Sign La Cava del Tequila entrance inside the Mexico Pavilion But first, we’ve got to take care of what might be the second most difficult thing to do at this popular tequila haven… and that’s find a seat. Seating in La Cava Backs of chairs No matter where you sit, all signs point to the star of the show… tequila! From the mural on the wall depicting the tequila-making process, to the huge array of bottles of tequila spotlighted at the bar. La Cava Wall Mural La Cava Wall Mural La Cava Wall Mural La Cava del Tequila Bar So, what’s the MOST difficult thing to do at La Cava? Naming your poison. You’ve got your choice of over twelve specialty margaritas, and that doesn’t even begin to touch on the selection of straight tequilas. Now, you know I love the Avocado Margarita. Avocado Margarita Other frontrunners for me include the Horchata and the Wild Passion Fruit. But on my most recent visit I just had to start by raising a toast to a much loved (and now extinct) EPCOT Center attraction with the Maelstrom Margarita. You may recall (of COURSE, you recall  ) last October, when the Maelstrom attraction in Mexico’s neighboring pavilion of Norway closed down permanently to make way for a “Frozen”-themed ride slated to open in 2016. By way of tribute, La Cava introduced the Maelstrom Margarita (and subsequently endeared itself even further to us all): Premium Ambhar Tequila blanco, mango puree, orange liquor, and agave nectar along with blueberries, habanero peppers, basil, and a Tajin chili powder rim. Here’s the original tweeted image from La Cava: ©cavadeltequila So, in memory of (and with more than a hint of nostalgic sadness for) viking boats, trolls, and those sweet, swirling fiberoptic lights in the woods, I raised my glass. Maelstrom Margarita Purely from a taste perspective, I enjoyed it, though I can’t say it’s one I’ll order again and again. But the strong citrus flavors combined with the unexpected but not at all overpowering kick from the habanero peppers and chili powder came together well for a fun tribute that looks to be a more of a fixture at La Cava menu than a passing fad. Now, what do these specific ingredients have to do with Norway, exactly? I don’t know. I don’t care. ‘Cuz it’s the thought that counts, and clearly I’ve got to give some points for sentimental value alone. Well done, La Cava. Still — and I’m surprised to say this — I enjoyed the Tamarind Margarita more! It’s Ambhar Blanco Tequila, tamarind pulp, orange liquor and agave nectar, also with a chili powder rim. First off, it’s a beauty. Tamarind Margarita But what is most appealing is the how the agave nectar elevates the sweetness of the tamarind pulp, making it all pop with flavor. And remember, if you’re put off by the idea of the chili powder rim, you can always request it without, just like anywhere else. So, it’s another couple of winners from La Cava! I didn’t expect anything less. Before we wrap, the other reason I wanted to take this chance to celebrate the New Year with you is because La Cava did, too! Check out this tweet from the official La Cava del Tequila Twitter account: “2015 will be full of surprises, including new brands, new margaritas, celebrity appearances, who knows, maybe even new venues or expansions.” I’m sure this goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway… I, for one, can’t wait! How about you ? Do you have a favorite La Cava del Tequila margarita? 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: News! “Maelstrom Margarita” at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila Review: Margaritas at Epcot’s La Cava del Tequila Review: La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion View the full article

I’m often asked for tips from family and friends who are planning Disneyland Resort visits. They want to know what to see, what to do and how to make the most of their trips. There are so many ways that my creative and thoughtful fellow cast members have developed to help make your visit easier and even more enjoyable, so today I’d like to highlight a few of them. 1. Disney eTicket When you purchase park tickets through the Disneyland Resort mobile site, you can simply scan your Disney eTicket directly from your mobile device right at the park turnstile. No need to print anything or visit the ticket booth! Learn more about the Disneyland Resort mobile site here. 2. Online dining reservations This is one that I use all the time. Making dining reservations at the Disneyland Resort is super easy – especially when you book online at Disneyland.com. Bookmark this page and use it whenever you need to reserve a table! 3. “Fantasmic!” and “World of Color” FASTPASS and dining packages This is one that will save you a lot of time. “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park and “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland park now both feature reserved and stand-by viewing as well as several dining packages. These reserved viewing options give guests more time to enjoy other entertainment and attractions across the Disneyland Resort. Learn more about the new “Fantasmic!” viewing options here. 4. Disneyland Today Got a question? Need more tips? Disneyland Today is a social media program that answers questions and provides real-time tips and updates for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the Downtown Disney District and the three hotels of the Disneyland Resort. 5. Disneyland.com The official website of the Disneyland Resort is an incredible resource for information when you’re planning your visit. In addition to being your go-to for dining reservations (see #2), Disneyland.com has park hours, Entertainment schedules, attraction height requirements and so much more. What are your tips for visiting the Disneyland Resort? Share them in the comments! Top Five Tips for Visiting the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Go behind the scenes for the making of our "I'm Going to Walt Disney World" commercial featuring Ohio State, the University of Oregon, Florida State & Alabama! Who's going to Walt Disney World?...From:Disney ParksViews:404756ratingsTime:01:20More inTravel & Events

The votes are counted and the results are in. The winner of the ESPN Cheer On Your Disney Side contest is - Rutgers University! Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/1BdgcB9 ...From:Disney ParksViews:337849ratingsTime:01:26More inTravel & Events

Isn’t Disney Food awesome? Well, of course you think so! Or you wouldn’t be sitting here, reading this blog. Around here, we happen to think it’s pretty rad, too. There’s just so much to take in, with amazing restaurants, tons of snacks, and special events and seasonal offerings All. The. Time. It’s enough to make your head spin like a trip on the Teacups. It just won’t all fit into the blog! And that’s why we deliver the DFB Newsletter right to your inbox, twice a month. Why Join the DFB NewsletterEven though we work hard to bring you all the Disney Food News, ALL the time, there’s only so much space day to day! Sign Up, and Never Miss a Munch of the Month! Getting all the Disney News, all the time is one great reason to sign up for the DFB Newsletter. But in addition to that, you’ll also enjoy exclusive content, like recipes and our Munch of the Month Series — my personal favorite! AND you’ll be the first to know about breaking food news, like Free Dining Offers, Major Announcements, and Discounts. Don’t let another day go by without being plugged in to all the Disney Food News! Sign up today, and you’ll receive a welcome email from me and your first email soon after. Can’t wait to welcome you aboard!! 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: Know Before You Go! Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter! Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter! Join the DFB Newsletter TODAY for Exclusive Holiday Deals! 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:9577160ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

On a recent visit to Walt Disney World, I made it my mission to visit some of my favorite spots. And when it came time to dine in Magic Kingdom, I knew I wanted to visit a classic –The Plaza Restaurant Learn About: The Plaza RestaurantMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsSure, Magic Kingdom has the hot ticket, Be Our Guest Restaurant. And I have so many counter service favorites here, it’s hard to keep track of them all. But when it comes to the crossroads of nostalgia, value, and a (fairly) easy advance dining reservation to score, nothing compares to The Plaza. I bet you’ve passed it on a dozen visits and never given it a second thought. Allow me to show you around a bit, and maybe even change your mind. AtmosphereThe Plaza Restaurant occupies some primo Magic Kingdom real estate. You’ll find it at the corner of where Main Street USA joins with the bridge to Tomorrowland. Plaza Sign Its central location makes it accessible to all corners of the park, so it’s a great spot to dine, especially if you’d like to take a break from touring and enjoy your meal at a more leisurely pace. The Plaza Restaurant — Outside The restaurant isn’t very large. It’s made up of two main dining areas. The first room is pretty, comfortable, and bright, with lots of natural light. The mirrors, which feature ornate etching, also reflect the light and make the space feel larger. Atmosphere and Seating The art nouveau decor is in keeping with the rest of Main Street, and the pastel palette is pretty timeless. I especially love these delicate brass light fixtures. Lighting Attached to the main dining room is a smaller, octagonal room that’s filled with windows. It looks a bit like a conservatory (without the glass ceiling), or maybe a patio or gazebo that’s been walled in. While it is a beautiful space, the hard floors can make it a bit loud for my taste, and banquette seating means that I’ll spend my meal listening to my neighbor’s conversation. (Totally true. This visit I was seated at that little round table with two big parties on either side of me. I pretty much knew all of their plans by the time I was finished.) Sunroom Seating Here’s a nice close-up of a table in the main dining area. Kind of feels like eating in Grandma’s parlor, right? Window Table Spending time on Main Street USA means that you’re likely to run into some of the town’s most notable characters. This is one of those fun Magic Kingdom traditions that unite us with the customs of the past; we’ve enjoyed visits with the Mayor as we dined before. The Mayor Often Visits The Plaza Restaurant But this time out, it was the Fire Chief who paid a visit! He had important business to attend to, as he handed out the Mayor of the Day Badge to this Lucky Young Guest! (By the way — the prize for being chosen Mayor of the Day? One fastpass for your whole family to any ride you choose.) Main Street Fire Chief Gives the Mayor of the Day Badge to a Young Guest Usually the Mayor himself handles this important task; we are assuming he was on vacation and had left the Fire Chief in charge of things. EatsAfter a look around to see that everything was just the way I had left it on my last visit (it was), it was time to settle down and take a look at the menu. And do you know what? I found something new! Normally, the Plaza menu doesn’t change much, but right at the top, I spied something I hadn’t tried before — the Meatloaf Meal! Consider this your foreshadowing for the day… Menu — Click to Enlarge Meatloaf aside, the menu at the Plaza tends to lean heavily on the sandwich genre, with one notable Salad thrown in for good measure. We didn’t order the Chicken Strawberry Salad this time, but we’ve enjoyed it on past visits. Here’s a picture, in case it piques your interest. You can see a few more dish reviews here! Chicken Strawberry Salad I’ve already hinted at the first entree we decided to try. Yep — I couldn’t pass up the Meatloaf Meal. Meatloaf Meal Served with Red Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Whole Kernel Corn, this thing was ah-mazing!!! Meatloaf Meal — Another Angle The Meatloaf has little bits of onion and is super flavorful. The Baked Ketchup Topping provided a little sweetness, while the Beef Gravy added even more awesomeness. I know ordering meatloaf at a restaurant isn’t always a great idea. But this, like, the best idea I had all day. I’ve been craving it ever since! Meatloaf — Cross Section The Angus Chuck Cheeseburger has been a menu staple for a while, but we had to go for the newer Beef Brisket Onion Burger. Sandwiches at the Plaza come with your choice of Broccoli Slaw, Homemade Chips, or French Fries. While the chips were tempting, we decided to stick with Fries as my side. Beef Brisket Onion Burger This is one serious meatlover’s burger. The Hamburger itself is topped with a helping of shredded Beef Brisket, cooked with Onions. But it also comes with Bacon. And because that’s not decadent enough, it’s capped off with a slice of Provolone Cheese. Beef Brisket Onion Burger — Up Close How was it? Well, I’d say we have a new contender for the “What’s Your Favorite Disney Burger?” poll. Because it’s really great. (Not “meatloaf great,” but very good.) I was really surprised by the moistness of both the burger and the brisket. Beef Brisket Onion Burger — Cross Section Well, it wasn’t easy to top that, but we knew we wanted something for dessert. And when you’re at The Plaza Restaurant, dessert nearly always equals Ice Cream! With the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor right next door, it’s a no-brainer. We decided to go with a Hot Fudge Sundae. It’s nothing fancy, but it hit the spot! Hot Fudge Sundae And I also snuck in an order for the Mickey Ears Kids’ Sundae — a Mickeylodeon, if you will. This is what your kiddos can order as dessert on the dining plan, and it comes with your choice of ice cream. Pretty cute, right? Mickey Ears Kids’ Sundae And whether you call it a Beverage or Dessert, if you’re a Milkshake fan, do NOT pass up the opportunity to enjoy one of these hand-dipped babies. It’s an absolute must-have on our Milkshake Crawl Challenge! Plaza Milkshakes are Legendary! With another great Plaza meal added to our experience, off we went to enjoy the day. OverallOh Plaza. You are everything that we hope still exists when it comes to food at Walt Disney World. Even these days, there is comparative value to be found. And The Plaza Restaurant is an excellent example of that. With entrees priced just a little higher than some counter service spots, it’s hard to believe that you can eat this well, and still enjoy a table service experience. But it’s there. And it’s consistently good. And I rarely have a problem getting a table, even at the last minute. Add to that the fact that I enjoy the breathtaking views of Cinderella Castle and that feeling of history that the restaurant instills, and I’d say that The Plaza Restaurant definitely fills a niche in your Magic Kingdom dining plans. If you haven’t tried The Plaza Restaurant, make room in your itinerary to do so. I think you’ll appreciate it. Have you enjoyed a meal at The Plaza Restaurant? Join the discussion below by adding your recommendations in comments! 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: Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Guest Review: The Plaza Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Review: FastPass+ Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

This week, we shared several exciting Disney Parks updates, including the announcement of the return of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at Disneyland park. For a limited time, Disneyland park guests have the chance to stroll down memory lane and enjoy this classic Disney Parks nighttime spectacular with its familiar soundtrack, featuring classic Disney tunes, and an all-new fireworks program. Check out Erin’s story for more. Also at the Walt Disney World Resort, for a limited time starting January 17, you can head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for an exclusive preview of “Cinderella” at the park’s ABC Sound Studio. The original golden coach from the film is also on its way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where it will soon be on display outside the movie theater façade on Streets of America. Shawn’s original story has video of what happened when guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park were treated to a glimpse of the magical coach and other “Cinderella” surprises. “Cinderella” arrives in theaters March 13. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Enjoy ‘Frozen Fun’ and More at the Disneyland Resort with Return of Special Ticket Offer for Southern California Residents – Get the details on a special Disneyland Resort ticket offer exclusively for Southern California residents and “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park. What are Your Disneyland Park Must-Do’s? – Disney Parks Blog author Erin Glover shares her own personal list of Disneyland park must-do’s. Do you know what’s on your own list? Learn to Draw Mickey’s Pal, Pluto, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Brian James Fichtner from Animation Academy offers a video tutorial on how to draw Pluto! Sights & Sounds at Disney Parks: Lucie Arnaz and the Space Mountain Launch – Space Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its birthday this month —it’s 40 years young! See pictures from the grand opening festivities, with Emmy-winning entertainer/producer Lucie Arnaz and Tony-winning Broadway legend Tommy Tune. Training the Horses of the Circle D Ranch at Disneyland Park: Building Strength and Coordination – Watch this special video of Duke working on his ground driving skills with Circle D Equine Trainer Cindy Moser. Sweet Spots to Enjoy Sweet Treats at Disneyland Resort – Find out about some of the ‘sweetest’ places to enjoy the treats of Disneyland Resort’s candy kitchens! Behind-the-Scenes: Disney Cruise Line on ‘The Kitchen’ – Read all about Disney Cruise Line Chef Stephen Walker’s visit with the hosts of “The Kitchen,” an entertaining cooking show on the Food Network. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A Brazilian not winning the Walt Disney World Marathon would be like the New England Patriots not reaching the NFL playoffs. View the full article