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Executives at Skyline Attractions are talking about a revolution. View the full article
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The amount of lung-damaging ozone inhaled by Orange County residents in recent years would exceed new limits for the pollutant that were proposed recently by the federal government. View the full article
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Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks Live at Magic Kingdom Park
Disney4me posted a topic in Disney Blogs
Our exclusive series of Disney Side holiday live events at Walt Disney World Resort wraps on New Year’s Eve with a special surprise from Magic Kingdom Park. We’re live streaming a special New Year’s Eve eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky†fireworks right here on the Disney Parks Blog. At 11:40 p.m. EST on Wednesday, we’re hosting coverage of the special New Year’s Eve presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky†fireworks. To see it live, just visit the front page of the Disney Parks Blog beginning at 11:35 p.m. on December 31. See you then. Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks Live at Magic Kingdom Park by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article -
This week our holiday content hit a high point, with two new videos that showed the wonder of a child’s first Christmas spent at Walt Disney World Resort. In one, we take a look at child’s first visit with his grandparents, and learn just how special and memorable that moment can be for everyone. And in another, we see that Disney characters can make a special memory for our youngest guests during the holiday season. Here are some of the other holiday stories we worked on this week. Video Rewind: Holidays at Disneyland Park, 2009 – Look back at some of the holiday videos we shared here on the Disney Parks Blog way back in December 2009. Every Role a Starring Role – Dapper Dans of Disneyland Park – The Dapper Dans are an iconic part of the Main Street, U.S.A., experience at the Disneyland Resort. In this episode of “Every Role a Starring Role,†hear from Jim Campbell about what it is like to bring magic to our guests through song. Christmas Trees at the Resorts of Walt Disney World – We thought Christmas Day would be the perfect day to continue our ongoing series featuring beautifully decorated trees from around Disney Parks. It’s a Holiday Hoedown at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree at Disneyland Park – Where can you see Santa Claus, play holiday games, enjoy holiday treats and meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their holiday best? At the Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland at Disneyland park! Check out all the fun we’ve been having this year. Learn to Draw Scrooge McDuck from ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ – This week, our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw a character from a classic Disney holiday film, Scrooge McDuck from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.†Jingle Cruise All the Way at Disneyland Park – Whether you’re into ugly sweaters or you’re more of a fruit cake, you’ll be “sleighed†by the hilarious, holiday highlights during this yuletide ride along the river with the Jingle Cruise at Disneyland park. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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Looking for an exciting and delicious way to start 2015? IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party will delight your senses. Savor a confectionery assortment of delectable desserts and sparkling wines from around World Showcase. This sparkling soiree will take place select Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at Epcot’s Showcase Plaza — an exclusive setting perfect for viewing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.†Sample sweets from around the globe, such as traditional Moroccan baklava, Italian tiramisu, French chocolate ganache tarts and more. IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party reservations are now open for January and February. Cost to attend is $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-9. For reservations, visit Disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party Reservations Now Open for January and February 2015 by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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Are fireworks a must-see for you on New Year’s Eve? Here at Walt Disney World Resort, our holiday spectaculars have been lighting up the night for weeks in anticipation of Christmas. Check out the gallery of images below for a look at the latest fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: Fireworks Around Our World view allFor details on what our parks have planned for New Year’s Eve, click here. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Fireworks Around Our World by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas! We hope that the season is treating you well, and that you’re taking time out to enjoy all of the little blessings it holds. And speaking of treating…why don’t we chat about some Disney treats! See? I can bring anything right back to the Disney and the eating. Who Can Resist Soft Serve in Seasonal Colors?!? Today, we’re sharing another fun installment in our Disney Food Pics of the Week Series, which features you, our wonderful readers, and all of the great images you capture and share with us! If you’d like to get in on the fun, we’d love to see your photos, too! Just head over to the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza — our Flickr Page — and join up to share! Since we’re enjoying the holidays at present, I wanted to share a few more shots that you’ve captured from the season of Merry and Bright. Let’s take a look! Holiday Tamales from Rancho del ZocaloPhotographer: jingorokitty Isn’t it awesome when we get to enjoy our holiday favorites? In some parts of the country, tamales are a beloved holiday food, and I love that Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland honors that. Now I know what I’d like to have for dinner… Holiday Tamales from Rancho del Zocalo Snowman Marshmallow PopsPhotographer: Kirsten Marie Hutton These Snowman Marshmallow Pops, which were spotted at Marceline’s, are crazy cute! If the little scarves around their neck don’t charm you, I know their Mickey Ear Hats will! Snowman Marshmallow Pops from Marceline’s Holiday Cupcakes with Mickey Flair!Photographer: Hilary JW Sometimes, nothing but a big, frosting-topped Disney Cupcake will do! And if you can sneak in Mickey Ears AND a Santa Hat — score! Holiday Santa Mickey Cupcakes at Walt Disney World A BIG thank you! To all of our readers who post their great pics over at Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza! All images are copyrighted to their photographers. Do not download or re-use without photographer permission. And we would super LOVE to see your shots, too! To be part of the fun, just head over to Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza and sign up, and start showing us your favorite Disney Food Pics. You might be featured right here on Disney Food Pics of the Week! Be sure to click here to see lots more Disney Food Pics of the Week! 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 FanRelated posts: Disney Food Pics of the Week: Chocolate Desserts On the Go!Disney Food Pics of the Week: Holiday Treats!Disney Food Pics of the Week: Mickey Snacks!View the full article
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I have been waiting all year for the return of the delicious and oh-so-sweet gourmet apple for January. Now with less than a week to go, the countdown is officially on. Disneyland Resort candy kitchens, I’m ready for you … are you ready for me? The January gourmet apple has been covered in creamy caramel, enrobed in sweet milk chocolate and rolled in crushed chocolate and cream sandwich cookies. How do you top that? Well, if you’re our candy makers, you drizzle a little peanut butter and a little dark chocolate, and you add a small garnish of roasted, chopped peanuts on top. It’s almost too good to eat. But rest assured, I’ll make the sacrifice. Look for it beginning January 1 at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District. What’s on your list of things to try in the New Year? January’s Gourmet Apple Makes a Sweet Return at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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I recently spotted some new 2015 merchandise during a visit to Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. This time of year is usually when the new dated merchandise (that is products that have a specific date) arrives at Disney Parks. I noticed something different about the artwork for these items this year – Sorcerer Mickey was nowhere to be found. When I returned to the office, I caught up with Disney Design Group Artist Thomas Scott to learn more. “For the 2015 artwork, we imagined the Disney characters were showing off their Disney Side just like our guests do when visiting Disney Parks,†explained Thomas who was one of the lead designers for the 2015 artwork. “We dressed the characters in products we carry such as the Buzz Lightyear costume tee-shirt that Goofy is wearing. Sorcerer Mickey has been included in the dated art program for a few years. This time, we put a Sorcerer’s hat on Mickey Mouse that resembles the hat we carry in our merchandise shops. I thought it was a great nod to that artwork tradition.†Work on the 2015 artwork began about 18 months ago. Thomas told me that several Disney artists collaborated on the style guide. Different product categories use the style guide artwork to create a consistent look for all items. I particularly love the artwork by Disney Design Group Artist Mike Sullivan that shows the characters doing things I do when visit Disney Parks (the selfie photo made me laugh as I have taken many of those). The dated merchandise is some of our most popular items sold at Disney Parks (a great way to remember the year you visited). We offer apparel items, seasonal ornaments, souvenirs, pins, plush, home goods and much more that uses this artwork. I love the propeller cap, and I thought the scrapbooking kit was pretty neat too. These items are available in a variety of merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests can also find select 2015 items on our Disney Parks online store. Disney Characters Showing Off Their #DisneySide in New 2015 Merchandise by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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This holiday season, Disney VoluntEARS continued the 60-year tradition of supporting the Toys for Tots campaign by collecting gifts for children around the globe. Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort VoluntEARS supported the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual drive. These cast members donated more than 6,000 hours of service to help sort donations and distribute toys to families in need. Disney Cruise Line hosted toy drives onboard their ships, at their homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida and in their shore-side offices. VoluntEARS at Disneyland Paris hosted “Mission Noel.” At this event, they wrapped gifts for children from local communities who were invited to the park for Christmas Eve brunch. In total, our cast members donated more than 40,000 toys, books and games. Toys for Tots is just one example of how we at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts enrich the lives of kids and families around the globe. Through contributions, collaborations with local organizations, in-kind gifts and volunteerism, we help make lasting and positive change in the world. To learn more about citizenship at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit http://aboutdisneyparks.com/citizenship. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Supports Toys for Tots by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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The countdown to the New Year has begun! Today, I’m sharing two of our adult beverages created especially for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Countdown and Fireworks cocktails. I hope you’ve enjoyed my posts this month about the new drinks we’re serving during our Very Merrytime Cruises. Cheers to 2015! ‘Countdown’ Cocktail 2 OZ Midori1 OZ Absolut Citron1/2 OZ Elderflower St.Germaine1/2 OZ fresh lemon juice1/2 OZ agave nectarSugarMix Midori, Absolut Citron, Elderflower St.Germaine, fresh lemon juice and agave nectar.Moisten the rim of a martini glass and dip it in sugar.Pour drink into martini glass. ‘Fireworks’ Cocktail 4 OZ Prosecco1/2 OZ pomegranate syrup2 raspberriesMix Prosecco and pomegranate syrup.Pour into Champagne flute and top with raspberries. See the posts below for more recipes from Disney Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line Recipe: Poinse-tini Disney Cruise Line Recipe: Christmas Cookie Cocktail Disney Cruise Line Recipes: Spooky Halloween Drinks Disney Cruise Line Recipe: New Year’s Eve Cocktails by Salah Chetbi: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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As excitement builds for the inaugural College Football Playoff on ESPN, Disney Parks is launching a series of fun TV spots on ESPN and ABC-TV created in the same vein as our iconic “I’m going to Disney World†commercials. If you haven’t seen the spot yet, mascots from the University of Alabama, Florida State University, The Ohio State University and the University of Oregon are passing the time at an airport, hoping their team wins the National Championship so one of them will get to fly off to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to represent their school for a celebratory parade similar to how countless marquee sports heroes have celebrated after the big game. Check it out – it’ll make you smile. Watch for new versions of the TV spot after the College Football Playoff semifinals. Until then, we’d love to hear what Disney Parks Blog readers think. Who wins and gets to go to Walt Disney World Resort? Who Will Win the College Football Playoffs?Be sure to check the Disney Parks Blog after the College Football Playoff semifinal games on ESPN on January 1, 2015 for more. ‘Who Goes to Disney World?’ TV Spot Features Mascots in College Football Playoff by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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Actor Blair Underwood is set to narrate The Candlelight Processional at Epcot December 26 – 27, and he just can’t wait to hit the stage. “Being a narrator for The Candlelight Processional really is the highlight of my Christmas and my family’s Christmas,†he says, speaking of wife Desiree, and their kids Paris, Brielle and Blake, who eagerly accompany him on his holiday trip. “If you want to get into the holiday spirit – the Christmas spirit – there’s nothing like coming into The Candlelight Processional to feel and be transported into the greatest story ever told.†Blair, who has appeared in the show as a narrator for several years, says for him The Candlelight Processional is not only a chance to participate in a beautiful musical performance, but it also enables him to take part in something very meaningful for him during the holiday season. “What I notice more than anything during the show is a sense of peace, a sense of traditional holiday spirit, and a sense of love,†he says. “[The show] is always magical and that’s what Disney World was created to be. [instead] it’s people coming into that moment and celebrating the birth of Christ, which is very important to me, as I am a Christian.†In addition to celebrating the season at the show, Blair and his family are also looking forward to spending some fun family time together in the theme parks during their visit as well. This year, they’re also looking forward to trying out the latest things Walt Disney World Resort has to offer, such as “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade†and seeing the technology of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. “Our tradition is to try to cram in as much as possible,†he laughs. “When our kids were younger, we spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom. Last year we spent more time at Epcot, which has been an eye-opener. We as a family love to travel and it’s fun to go to those different countries in Epcot and see the similarities between the pavilions and the actual countries. The food is always a big part of that, too.†Blair Underwood ‘Thrilled’ To Narrate The Candlelight Processional Dec. 26-27 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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We’re welcoming Alex Freeman today as she shares a review of one of our favorite spots – Jiko in the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Learn About:Jiko Animal Kingdom LodgeDisney World Restaurants AtmosphereJiko – The Cooking Place, a signature dining restaurant, is located at the Jambo House at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Before you even walk into the restaurant, you are enchanted by the expansive lobby. The minute you walk into Jambo House, you definitely feel as though you have entered into an African savanna lodge. The best part of the lobby is the huge window at the back where you can see the savanna and the walk leading to the African animals. To get to the restaurant, you must go downstairs. On the way down the stairs, you will walk right past Victoria Falls, a bar/lounge that overlooks Boma, Flavors of Africa. Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you can either turn left and enter Boma or if you go right, you will come to Jiko. Jiko is a breathtaking restaurant with an open kitchen, a wall of different varieties of wine, and a memorable ambiance. My favorite part of the interior design is the light fixtures. Love Jiko’s Ambiance! Dining Room. Escape to Jiko! EatsWhen we checked in at the front desk, we only had to wait a few minutes before we were seated. The hostess that led us to our table was extremely friendly and polite. I wish I remembered her name because she was absolutely wonderful. Once we were seated, I could not wait to start reviewing the menu to see what had changed and what had stayed the same since the last time I was at the restaurant. While deciding upon which entrees to order, we enjoyed a delicious bread basket which consisted of Dabo Bread and Flaxseed Focaccia. The bread came with a Tandoori butter. I absolutely love the Dabo bread with the Tandoori butter. The honey taste of the bread and the garlicky flavor of the butter is a perfect mixture. I was not a huge fan of the Flaxseed Focaccia. I found the bread to be too salty to mix with the butter. Dabo Bread and Flaxseed Focaccia. I was eating with my entire family, so I was able to review four different entrees. We decided to order Guinea Hen, Maize-crusted Atlantic Black Grouper, Oak-grilled Filet Mignon, and the West African Braised Beef Short Rib. Let’s start with the Guinea Hen. The Guinea Hen was described as a “’Doro Wot’ Braised Leg and Berbere Roasted Breast†with “sweet potato, wilted greens, and ancho glaze.†Both of my sisters ordered this entrée and they both greatly enjoyed it. They said that the guinea hen was delicious and spiced perfectly. The meal consisted of a perfect combination of white and dark meats. I had to take a bite of the sweet potatoes and I agreed with my sisters that they were very smooth with a buttery texture! The wilted greens were flavorful and the sauce was the perfect match with this entire entrée. Guinea Hen. Next up — Maize-crusted Atlantic Black Grouper. Accompanied by Vegetables of the Moment and a Tomato-Butter Sauce, the grouper was described as being very good. Cooked perfectly, the fish was flaky. While the sauce had a wonderful red tomato color, it did not have a lot of flavor. The root vegetables were not as delicious as they could be. Also, my mother thought that some type of starch should have been paired with the grouper. Maize-crusted Atlantic Black Grouper. My father ordered the Oak-grilled Filet Mignon. On the menu, it comes with Ancient Grain Pilaf, but my Dad decided to order it with a prior (and guest-favorite) menu item, the Macaroni and Cheese. He said that the Filet was slightly overcooked, but tender and flavorful. As always, the Macaroni and Cheese was excellent and a wonderful pairing with the Filet and the Red Wine Sauce. The accompanying vegetable seems to change all of the time. This time, it came with Brussels Sprouts, which was described as tender with a wonderful bacon flavor. Overall, my Dad always recommends this entrée to anyone that is going to Jiko, but he says that you have to order it with the Mac and Cheese! Oak-grilled Filet Mignon. Finally, I ordered the West African Braised Beef Short Rib. I have ordered this entrée before, but this year they have changed it. This time, the short rib came with roasted peanuts, roasted vegetables, and a spicy Tomato-demi glace. The short rib was cooked perfectly and the vegetables were a perfect compliment. The vegetables were carrots, pearl onions, and other root vegetables. The tomato demi glace also worked very well with the short ribs. But, most years, they have made mashed potatoes the side dish, which I think are a necessary accompaniment with short ribs. Yet, even without the addition of some type of potatoes, the dish was cooked perfectly and very flavorful. West African Braised Beef Short Rib. For dessert, we ordered the Peppermint Crème Brulee and the Cheesecake. I wish I had taken pictures of the desserts, but we started digging in before I remembered to take the pictures. So, I will describe them as best as I can. The peppermint crème brulee was the perfect size. It had a wonderfully creamy texture like you expect with all crème brulees. This though was different than a normal crème brulee. It was served with a chocolate bottom that was very rich and a wonderful peppermint flavor. The Cheesecake had a spice cake crust with warm sautéed apples in a caramel sauce. While the crème brulee was a great size, the cheesecake was abnormally small. Even though it was small, it had a nice flavor and the sautéed apples were a nice touch. But, the size of the cheesecake was definitely not worth the $9.00. OverallOverall, this trip to Jiko was absolutely delicious. On the whole, the entrees and the desserts were well-composed. And, the restaurant is beautiful and a must-see if you haven’t already done so. I would definitely recommend trying Jiko for the food and the atmosphere. Have you dined at Jiko? What’s your recommend dish? We want to 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 FanRelated posts: Review: Jiko at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom LodgeDisney Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese from Jiko at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom LodgeNews! Jiko Wine Dinners in May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom LodgeView the full article
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Merry Christmas Everyone!!! I hope you’re having a fantastic day! Here at DFB, we couldn’t let the day pass without showing you one more stop on our Holidays Around the World tour! Today’s stop takes us back to Promenade Refreshments. Holidays Around the World Menu at Promenade Refreshments — Click to Enlarge There are some fun holiday options available at this stop just outside of World Showcase, including Seasonal Beer, special Hot Chocolate, and even Frozen Yogurt dressed up for the festivities. But we are, of course, here for the Waffle! Let’s take a look. Savory Turkey Waffle at Promenade RefreshmentsLast year, Promenade Refreshments featured two different holiday waffles — a Stuffing Waffle with Turkey, Cranberries, and Gravy, provided savory flavors. A Sweet Potato Waffle with all of the ingredients of the popular holiday casserole served as a dessert option. This year, they (sadly) decided to simplify and offer only one waffle, but with elements of both. (Don’t worry. They left out the marshmallows.) Why do we say sadly? Well, because we really liked both of the holiday waffle entries last year. Holiday Waffle from Epcot’s Promenade Refreshments And this year’s is a decidedly different animal, with both good and not-our-favorite components. The 2014 version features a Sweet Potato Waffle with Turkey, Green Bean Casserole, and Crispy Fried Onions. So — Sweet Potato Waffle: Really Awesome. Turkey — Awesome. Green Bean Casserole — Ummmm? Holiday Waffle — Another Angle I can think of many, many ways Disney could have gone with this. The Cranberry Relish on last year’s waffle was brilliant. And there’s always Stuffing (!!!!) or even Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. So who invited Green Beans to the party? I know, I know. They’re often on the holiday table in casserole form. But they just don’t make sense to me in a waffle format. Holiday Waffle — Close Up All I could think of when I looked at this was the Willy Wonka Violet Beauregard “Thanksgiving Dinner Gum” — sans blueberry pie. And…there are just SO MANY BEANS here! It’s hard to get past them…literally and figuratively. Holiday Waffle — Inside Still, I’ll reiterate, the Waffle and Turkey were fantastic. I’ll just know to ask for my green beans on the side if this one shows up on menus again next year. Can’t Get Enough of the Holidays and Disney? Check Out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays!It’s such an awesome time of year — of course, we’re talking about the Holidays at Walt Disney World! With so much to do, see, and EAT, we don’t want you to miss out on a single experience this holiday season. And so, we’ve put together the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays! Our full color guide offers detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the Parks and Resorts. You’ll enjoy a clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events, so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. And 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 before you ever step foot through the Purple Gates! There’s also a full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2014″ events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new 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! Will you be stopping Promenade Refreshments for a Savory Turkey Waffle this holiday season? Share your thoughts in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts: Epcot Debuts Sweet and Savory Waffles for the Holidays!Holiday Snack Series: Bûche de Noël from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France PavilionHoliday Snack Series: Pecan Maple Bark from Epcot’s Canada PavilionView the full article