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Now that Jeb Bush has sent his clearest signal yet that he may seek to expand his family's legacy in the White House, the former Florida governor must convince national Republicans that he is conservative enough to be their presidential nominee. View the full article

Saving your memories for a lifetime is easy by purchasing digital downloads or prints of your photos. Follow along to find out how to download or order prints of your photos by visiting http://di.s...From:Disney ParksViews:30ratingsTime:02:33More inTravel & Events

The recent arrests of two Army recruiters in Osceola County charged with having sex with a 17-year-old girl highlight a nationwide pattern of sexual misconduct by military recruiters. View the full article

So fun to ring in the New Year at the Disneyland Resort, and the culinary teams have added a few goodies to celebrate in ways grand and small. In Disneyland park, you can go for the gusto with a pan-seared New York strip loin a la Oscar with Dungeness crab, classic Béarnaise and a chive-café au lait sauce from Blue Bayou Restaurant. Another delicious steak is on the menu at Carnation Café: sirloin with skewered shrimp, mashed potatoes, fresh broccoli, sun-dried tomato butter and a rich herb beurre blanc (French butter sauce). Round out the beef ideas with a simple flat iron steak served with garlic mashed potatoes, butternut squash and green beans at Café Orleans. At the French Market Restaurant, a generous roasted pork chop is flavored with Calvados applesauce, braised greens and sweet potato soufflé. If you’re on the run, try the Jambalaya Skewer at Bengal Barbecue. Café Orleans is serving a rich pecan praline Yule Log. Or go for the old-fashioned chocolate funnel cake with peppermint at Stage Door Café, if you simply want dessert. Disney California Adventure park has two New Year’s Eve specialties: herb-roasted rack of lamb with potato rosti, fresh veggies and Zinfandel jus at Ariel’s Grotto Restaurant, and a simple New York strip steak with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies at Wine Country Trattoria. You also can sip a mulled wine at Alfresco Tasting Terrace – rich and warm with berry tones, hints of orange and aromatic seasoning spices (no to-go cups for this one). And if you’re looking for sparkling wine to ring in the New Year at Disney California Adventure park, you’ll find it at Wine Country Trattoria, Mendocino Terrace and Alfresco Tasting Terrace. If you forego the theme parks and are looking for hotel dining, Storytellers Cafe has a hefty rib-eye with garlic roasted potatoes and fresh veggies on their New Year’s Eve menu. End with their chocolate crème brûlée – who says you can’t ring in 2015 with chocolate? For reservations, visit disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-3463. Happy New Year! Special Dishes, Where to Find Bubbly for New Year’s Eve at Disneyland Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

After a GPS monitor on Orlando police Officer Paul Nixon's patrol car showed that he routinely left his post while on duty and logged hours he didn't work, he was fired from the police force this month. View the full article

SeaWorld has laid off the three mimes who for years were a popular part of the Clyde & Seamore sea-lion and otter show, according to friends and fans. View the full article

Holiday shoppers can rely on theme parks for gifts unique to Central Florida. But online sales and select retail outlets have made it possible to land some of the distinctive merchandise without storming the turnstiles. View the full article

Sprint announced Tuesday that it is dropping its sponsorship of the NASCAR Cup Series after its current contract expires at the end of the 2016 season. View the full article

If “Fantasmic!,” the popular nighttime spectacular from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park, were a video game, it might just look like this. Check out this fun video our digital team created and shared earlier today. Watch Mickey Mouse Take On Maleficent in 8-Bit Style by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Hey Pinners, have you heard the news? Disney Cruise Line is now on Pinterest! So far we have nine boards and counting, dedicated to some of your favorite things like holidays, merchandise, food, Port Adventures and insider cruising tips. One of my favorite boards is the Disney Cruise DIY, which includes “how to” instructions for crafts, recipes and more. The gift box tutorial is a great one for the holiday season… Check out our page at www.pinterest.com/disneycruiseline, click to follow us and starting pinning away! We’re also looking for our favorite Disney Cruise Line content to repin, so keep sharing your photos and articles for other Disney cruisers to see. Get Disney Cruise Line Tips, DIY Crafts and More on Pinterest by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Trillions of Google searches were performed this year, but through all the terms and trending topics people in the U.S. and beyond inquired about, one name stood out above them all: Robin Williams. View the full article

Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for your holiday gift giving needs? 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 SANTA for $5 off! We are getting down to the wire! And if you’re anything like us, you still have a few names to cross off that gift buying list before you can settle down to Peace On Earth, Goodwill Toward Men time! But with this great deal, you have a quick, easy option to finish your holiday shopping (and maybe snag something for yourself, too) from your cozy spot in front of the fireplace! (Or, more than likely, the carpool lane.) Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and Enjoy $5 Dollars 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 SANTA, you’ll save $5 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 alert you as soon as the 2015 Guide is available early next year. 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! Give the Gift of Time and Money Savings with the DFB Guide Gift Certificates!If you’re looking for an easy way to make the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining a gift for the Disney lover on your holiday list, we have the perfect solution — the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Gift Certificate! The DFB Guide Gift Certificate And of course, you can take $5 off the cost of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Gift Certificate with promo code SANTA as well. Giving the gift of good information has never been easier. Just purchase the gift certificate, and you can either print out an actual gift certificate to wrap and give directly, or you can send an email with the redemption information. No muss, no fuss! And the same deal applies to the gift certificate as we mention above…when you order the 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Gift Certificate, you’ll get the 2015 Guide as a pre-order for free! Order today and give the gift of Disney savings — all while saving time and money yourself! 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: DFB Weekly Deal: $6 Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!DFB Black Friday Sale: Our Best Deal Ever!Save! Announcing the DFB Guide 50% Off Thanksgiving Day SaleView the full article

It’s hard to believe there are only two more weeks left in 2014. Have you made your New Year’s Eve plans yet? For those of you looking to welcome 2015 at Disneyland Resort on December 31, we have quite a party planned for Disney California Adventure park. Here’s just a sampling of what’s in store: A Sneak Peek of “Frozen Fun” – “Frozen Fun” doesn’t officially begin until January 7, but you can check out “Olaf’s Snow Fest,” “For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” and “Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” throughout the day on December 31.Live Music and Dancing – Once the sun goes down, live bands take the stage at each of four hot spots across the park. From Latin and country to jazz and big band, you can dance the night away with Los Hermanos Herrera at Paradise Garden, the Kelly Rae Band in Cars Land, Tim Gill All-Stars at Carthay Circle on Buena Vista Street, and the Ellis Island Boys at Sonoma Terrace.Hats and Horns – Pick up complimentary party hats and horns, and become part of the festive celebration going on all over the park! “World of Color – Winter Dreams” – The holiday edition of this amazing nighttime spectacular will be presented three times during the evening, including a special late-night showing starting just minutes after midnight.Happy New Year! – Throughout the park, join in as we mark the final seconds of 2014 and count down to 2015, complete with fireworks over Paradise Pier. And the party doesn’t end there! Disney California Adventure park remains open until 1 a.m. with your favorite attractions and more live music on every stage.Of course, Disneyland park will also offer a mix of entertainment and fireworks, for those of you opting to spend New Year’s Eve across the Esplanade. And keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog – Pam Brandon will be sharing dining options for New Year’s Eve at the Disneyland Resort soon. Spending New Year’s Eve at Disney California Adventure Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Relive the epic battle of Mickey Mouse vs. Maleficent in this 8-bit version of Fantasmic from Walt Disney World! Come see Mickey Mouse vs. Maleficent for yourself: http://di.sn/pxg SUBSCRIBE:...From:Disney ParksViews:301210ratingsTime:00:49More inTravel & Events

You may recall that my top gift items this year from Disney Parks are retail MagicBands. We recently introduced the “link-it later” option for all retail MagicBands, making them great gifts for guests who may want to show off their Disney Side while visiting Walt Disney World Resort. This month, we are introducing some new open edition, graphic MagicBands on the dates listed below. December 12 – Sorcerer MickeyDecember 14 – Minnie Mouse’s iconic polka dotsDecember 17 – StitchDecember 22 – Disney PrincessesThese graphic MagicBands will retail at $19.95 each. Guests should look for these items in select locations at the four theme parks and Downtown Disney. You can also find solid color MagicBands and select accessories on our Disney Parks online store by visiting http://www.DisneyStore.com/MagicBands New Retail MagicBands Arriving in December at Walt Disney World Resort by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Over the years, our holiday mystery puzzlers have been reader favorites. And I think today’s will be too – but it’s our toughest yet. Scrooge McDuck can be seen somewhere at Disney Parks if you’re looking in the right place. Any guesses? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today. That’s right, our mystery image this week can be found in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Scrooge McDuck is right there in the “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”-themed window display on Main Street, U.S.A. Where at Disney Parks Can You Find … by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The Disney Holiday season is in full effect at the Disneyland Resort! I love that the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is always introducing us to new seasonal items. In fact, because I never know what I’ll find, I’ve make it a point to check in on nearly every visit to Disneyland! Jolly Holiday Bakery On my last trip there were a handful of new items that are special for the Disney holiday season. Also in the bakery cases were some returning favorites. EatsThe popular Santa Mickey Candy Cane Cupcake is back. The cupcake is chocolate, topped with a mound of red & green “sure to stain your teeth” frosting, and finished off with a candy cane. Mickey Holiday Cupcake I’ve actually never tried one of these because 1) I’m not a huge chocolate fan and 2) it looks way too messy for me to deal with in public! Holiday Cupcake Close Up There are also Snowman shaped Holiday Sugar Cookies and Holiday Brownies topped with Sprinkles & Chocolate Curls. Holiday Sugar Cookies & Brownies Soft, chewy & enormous, these yummy Gingerbread Cookies have also hit the cases! Gingerbread Cookies These Sugar Sanded guys are back for the holidays too. Mickey Holiday Cookies In addition to these returning favorites, there are some exciting new items in the bakery cases. The Pumpkin Creme Brulee was my favorite of the three new things that I tried. Pumpkin Creme Brulee Made fresh to order, the Pumpkin Creme Brulee does take about an extra 6-8 minutes depending on how busy Jolly Holiday is. Not to worry though, because it is completely worth the wait. Perfectly Torched Top The Freshly Torched Sugary Top cracks to revel a creamy center. I love a good creme brulee and I especially love anything pumpkin. This combination was really amazing. It was not an artificial pumpkin “spice” flavored dessert, but very natural tasting. The outer crust was perfect, not at all too dry. Really a fabulous dessert that I’d be happy to eat again! Ooey Gooey Center Next up is the Ginger Spice Eclair. Ginger Spice Eclair This one sold me because of its pretty Chocolate Topper featuring Wrapped Holiday Gifts. Oh So Pretty Ginger Spice Eclair Isn’t it adorable? Look at the chocolate close up! Chocolate Topper Close Up Well, I shouldn’t have judged this pastry by its chocolate. Because it was awful. I really did not like the flavor at all. I can’t even put my finger on why, maybe because I thought it would be more like a gingerbread flavor, but it was more on the spice side. The pastry part was also very dense and had an odd texture. Maybe this whole experience is a personal problem, but I didn’t enjoy this one… Ginger Spice Eclair Close Up I’ll finish off on a positive though, I give you the Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie! Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie This treat was so great! I know, I know… I said I’m not a chocolate person, but I am a mint-chip type of gal. And this delicious whoopie pie was right up my alley. The chocolate “sandwich” top and bottom were moist and cake-like, drizzled with a mint colored frosting. Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie Top View The center was filled with smooth mint flavored whipped creme. It was light, fluffy and not over the top minty. Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie Side View Generously portioned and only $3.59 the Chocolate Mint Whoopie Pie is a great deal and perfect for sharing. I only say “great for sharing” because to me it’s a little bit on the rich side. If you are a chocoholic though, you can probably finish it off yourself! OverallOverall I LOVE me some Jolly Holiday. The new treats are always fun to try, there’s plenty of seating and it’s a great people watching spot on Main Street USA. Have you tried any of these holiday sweets? Do you frequent Jolly Holiday? Do you go for the treats or the food? What’s your favorite thing to order here? Let us know in the comments below! Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts: Dining in Disneyland: New Treats at the Jolly Holiday BakeryDining in Disneyland: Saying Goodbye to Blue Ribbon Bakery…and Hello to Jolly Holiday!News! A Spoonful of Sugar and Other Limited Time Treats Come to Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday BakeryView the full article

It’s a new year and we have new events waiting for you. Here’s a look at what merchandise events we have headed your way this January at the Disneyland Resort! January 10-11: Join us as we welcome Hero Design Studio from 1–4 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. January 16-17: Join us for a special artist showcase as we celebrate the release of some of the newest pieces by artists Jerrod Maruyama and Noah that are clearly out of this world. Meet the artists from 6-8 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. January 17-18: Meet ACME Archives artist Raymond Swanland who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his latest Star Wars-inspired pieces. Raymond will appear from 1–4 p.m., each day, at D Street in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. January 17-18: Join us as we welcome The Little Red House from 1–4 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. January 24-25: Meet artist Drake Brodahl from 1–4 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. January 31 – Feb 1: Robinina will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 1–4 p.m., each day, at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. Which events have made your list of things to do? January 2015 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and that means the return of many of our favorite seasonal snacks — plus the addition of some new ones! Epcot Christmas tree ornaments For many years, Epcot has been a terrific place to spend some time during the Winter holiday season. Holidays Around the World features performances of folk stories from different countries, and the Candlelight Processional always draws big crowds. And while foods that celebrate the Winter holidays have been a mainstay of the season for years, now Holidays Around the World has joined other annual Epcot Festivals, the Food and Wine Festival and the Flower and Garden Festival, as a food-lovers destination — complete with passport to check off dishes as you enjoy them! We can never resist a stop by the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery in the America Pavilion to see what’s new! Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery One favorite has been there for years — even before the Sugar and Spice Bakery was there! Peppermint Bark! Peppermint Bark from the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop in Epcot’s America Pavilion Can’t make it to Epcot, or you don’t want to wait to enjoy some until you do? Check out this handy recipe and whip up a batch at home! Peppermint BarkSugar and Spice Holiday Bakery, Epcot’s America Pavilion Makes a 15 x 10-Inch Baking Sheet Ingredients: 12 ounces (about 2 cups) high quality semisweet chocolate, chopped, or chips, divided 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil 12 ounces (about 2 cups) high quality white chocolate, chopped, or chips, divided 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy Instructions:1. Line 15 x 10-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, smoothing on bottom and along sides. 2. Place ice in bottom of large bowl and cover ice with kitchen towel. Set aside. 3. Bring water to a gentle simmer in bottom of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Add 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips to top of double boiler, making sure bottom of bowl is not touching water. Stir continuously until about 3/4 of chips are melted. 4. Remove from heat and place on towel in ice bowl and let sit for 20 seconds. Remove from ice and gradually add remaining 3/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring continuously so that residual heat melts remaining chocolate. Once chocolate melts, stir in peppermint oil. 5. Spread onto baking sheet and chill until completely firm. 6. Once chocolate is firm, bring water back to a gentle simmer. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with white chocolate, then spread white chocolate over semisweet chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint. 7. Refrigerate until firm; break into pieces and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Cook’s Notes: For stronger peppermint flavor, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil to the white chocolate after melting, or top with more crushed peppermint candy. If You Love Celebrating the Holidays at Disney, Don’t Miss Our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays!It really is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year — of course, we’re talking about the Holidays at Walt Disney World! With gorgeous decorations, lots of special events, and tons of delightful seasonal food, we don’t want you to miss out on a single moment of merrymaking 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 making Peppermint Bark this Holiday season with this handy recipe? If so, tell us about it below in the 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 FanRelated posts: News! Peppermint Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich Debuts at Epcot’s L’Artisan des GlacesNews! A Spoonful of Sugar and Other Limited Time Treats Come to Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday BakeryPeppermint Cupcakes have arrived for the Season at BoardWalk Bakery!View the full article

Today we’re happy to share a very special Disney Parks Blog exclusive desktop/mobile wallpaper, this time created by one of our own authors, Will Gay. According to Will, he drew on his childhood memories of Christmas time for inspiration for this design. “I was inspired by the scenes of classic holiday specials I watched every year growing up,” he said. “They had these simple, soft colors that just gave it an overall peaceful feel. The holidays can get a little busy and sometimes it’s nice to slow down for a second and remember all that is good – like enjoying little moments with friends and family.” Lovely. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. For more Disney Parks holiday designs, check out our complete gallery of wallpapers here. For more holiday-inspired wallpapers, visit the links below: Celebrate the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights with Our Latest Desktop/Mobile WallpaperAdd Even More Dancing Lights to Your DesktopCelebrate the Season with this Holiday Desktop/Mobile WallpaperCelebrate the Candlelight Processional with Our Latest Desktop/Mobile WallpaperDisney Artist Will Gay Shares Childhood-Inspired Holiday Wallpaper by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Learn how to download your Memory Maker photos and other digital content from My Disney PhotoPass: http://di.sn/b01B Memory Maker is the most incredible way to capture and relive your vacation...From:Disney ParksViews:156940ratingsTime:02:48More inTravel & Events

Walt Disney once expressed an “immediate need for education and practice in using our natural resources of soil, forest, water, wildlife and areas of inspirational beauty to the best advantage of all.” Walt’s conservationist heart has led The Walt Disney Company to be a responsible environmental company from the beginning. The innovation that fuels Disney to create amazing attractions and experiences, often leads us to pave the way in those behind-the-scenes areas as well. In 2007, when preparing for the launch of “World of Color,” Disneyland Resort drained Paradise Bay in a new way. Partnering with the Orange County Water District, we drained 16 million gallons from the bay into the Orange County Water District’s groundwater replenishment system, instead of storm drains. This ensured the water was purified and stored for future use. When we refilled the bay, the water came from that same system.This innovative, water-saving solution helped earn the resort recognition by being awarded the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in 2009. Since then, all water-based attractions at the Disneyland Resort follow the same process. “World of Color” will undergo refurbishment beginning January 7, 2015, and will follow the same process that Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage underwent during its recent refurbishment, as did “it’s a small world” Holiday when it reopened in November. Take a look as Mickey and Goofy help refill Paradise Bay for the first time, back in 2009. ‘World of Color’ Refurbishment Continues Innovative Approach for Conservation in Water Attractions at Disneyland Resort by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Lee Corso is ready to Cheer on his Disney Side, are you?. Visit http://di.sn/swP to see the Four Finalists in ESPN's Cheer on Your Disney Side contest, vote for your favorite and have a chance...From:Disney ParksViews:95922ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events

This week, we're happy to share another holiday carol Mariachi Cobre is currently performing for guests as a part of Holidays Around the World celebration at Epcot. http://di.sn/h02V To...From:Disney ParksViews:167845ratingsTime:01:28More inTravel & Events

Happy (almost) First Birthday, Spice Road Table! Learn About:Spice Road Table Epcot RestaurantsDisney World Restaurants Spice Road Table hit the scene in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion almost one year ago now, so we thought it would be a great time to pay another visit to this beautiful restaurant and see how things are going. Since it’s opening, this Table Service location has offered Mediterranean tapas (small plates) and a unique wine and beer list. However, Spice Road Table recently changed its approach a bit with the addition of Advance Dining Reservations and acceptance of the Disney Dining Plan, as well as a new focus on entree-sized menu options. So now is a great time to show you what’s evolved, and what’s remained the same at Spice Road Table! AtmosphereWhile we will be discussing some of the recent changes at Spice Road Table, the atmosphere definitely falls under the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” category. Spice Road Table The decor remains stunning, from the restaurant itself to the waterfront views it provides of World Showcase Lagoon. You can get an idea of those views as you approach Morocco from the bridge that connects Epcot’s France and UK Pavilions. Spice Road Table View from the water The first thing to greet you as you step inside is the bar area, made remarkable by bold blue on the walls and the view of the water wheel outside. Spice Road Table Bar — straight ahead as you enter Spice Road Table Bar From here, you’ll be seated either indoors or outside (preferences can be stated at the check-in podium, and are honored as availability permits). While the indoor seating area is small and narrow, it is beautiful, featuring intricate woodwork surrounding the booths. Indoor seating Indoor seating Gorgeous — there’s no other word for them — Moroccan lanterns and decorative items are on display near the ceiling. Spice Road Table Indoor Lanterns Decor But the most striking decorative element is the view of the water from the large windows lining the inside of the restaurant. (It’s worth noting that most of the indoor booths, with a few exceptions, are situated facing the windows for great water views from just about anywhere in the space). Indoor seating Window seat But Spice Road Table might be best known for it’s outdoor seating area, offering prime views for the nightly IllumiNations fireworks spectacular (and likely the very reason Spice Road Table began offering Advance Dining Reservations, since the spot is in higher demand in the hour before IllumiNations begins). Outdoor seating Beautiful lighting fixtures are key decorative elements outside as well. Spice Road Table Outdoor Lanterns Hanging lantern And it’s a cool fact that the tables and chairs (as well as the lamps and lanterns), were all custom made in Morocco and shipped to Disney World for use at Spice Road Table. Spice Road Table Outdoor Table Settings During my visit, however, it was raining to beat the band, so it was great to have the option to sit inside for my meal. The rain made everything inside seem downright warm and cozy, in addition to being beautiful. Rounded booth Safe from the downpour and settled in, it was time to make my selections. EatsSince its opening, the menu at Spice Road Table has revolved around a selection of small plates. But we mentioned earlier that Spice Road Table recently started accepting the Disney Dining Plan, requiring one Table Service Credit. You may wonder how this works with a menu focused on tapas? Well, that’s where the recent addition of full entrees comes into play. Check out the new menu! (Just click on the image to enlarge.) Spice Road Table menu The new entrees include Coriander-crusted Rack of Lamb, Yellowfin Tuna, All-Natural Roasted Chicken, and a Mediterranean Vegetable Platter. The Mix Grill Skewers, previously available as a tapas option, have been transformed into a full entree dish with the addition of Rosemary-roasted Potatoes. Ditto with the Lamb Sliders, except Hummus Fries are the side option instead of the potatoes. Of course, my visit happened literally just days before this change (we got the low-down from the manager while we were there!). Still, I really enjoy tapas-style dining so it’s likely what I would have gone with anyway, even with the additions of entrees. And the good news is, everything I tried is still on the menu in some form or fashion. (I’ll be sure to note where things have changed.) So, let’s begin! Spice Road Table is a great place to enjoy a drink, and wine fans will be especially pleased thanks to the selection of Assorted Mediterranean Wines. Wine List While the Apertif Flights are popular, I went with the Spice Road Signature Sangria (Certified Organic), which my companion and I decided to try in both red and white. Spice Road Table Signature Sangrias Something good to know about the Signature Sangria: it’s nowhere near as sweet as what you’ll find with the Sangria typically served throughout Disney World bars and lounges. The flavors are more robust. Personally, I liked that aspect of it, but that’s something to be aware of if you prefer your Sangria on the more customary sweeter side. I began my Mediterranean food tour with the Hummus and Imported Olives. Two types of hummus accompany the cornichons and marinated olives you see in the center of the dish: tomato, and a standard garlic hummus. Hummus and Imported Olives Aside from the addition of olive oil and olives garnishing the top, the hummus isn’t altogether unique. What made it a little more special was the nicely spiced Za’atar flat bread it comes with — small pitas, essentially. You can see the bits of sesame and and herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) on the bread. The smell was divine!! Za’atar Flat Bread Simple, but fresh and well-made. Next up were the Rice-Stuffed Grape Leaves. Say what you will about food at Disney World, but you won’t find these on a menu at too many other theme parks. Rice-stuffed Grape Leaves This dish offers an array of flavors, topped with fried capers and raisins, and sprinkled with a very generous dose of nutmeg. But here’s the thing: the rice-stuffed grape leaves are served cold and I have to say, this was a surprise that wasn’t altogether pleasant. The rice inside is essentially a risotto, and a cold risotto just feels wrong to me. Stuffed Grape Leaves inside According to our server, it’s not uncommon for this dish to be served warm in other restaurants, and I really would prefer it served that way here, too. IMHO of course. Moving on… you all know I’m not huge into seafood, right? I think I’ve mentioned that a few times. But here’s an exception: Fried Calamari. And, yes, that’s probably because it’s fried ;). And it’s often a show stopper at Spice Road. (An aside — check out the stunning metal table top here. I so want one in my house!) Fried Calamari I found the breading on the calamari to be crisp and delicious. (Truth: I try not to think about the whole fried squid thing while I’m eating it. I mainly enjoy the breading and crunch and then move on with my day, so that’s what I’m focusing on here). The calamari has a bit of spice on it’s own from the black pepper, but the accompanying sauces (a spicy Harissa and capers aioli) add another layer of kick that I really liked. Speaking of seafood, I hope you’re proud of me for my next order: the Spicy Garlic Shrimp. I’d heard good things about this dish, and thought I’d give it a go. Spicy Garlic Shrimp I am so glad I did. I’ll say it again — I don’t care for shrimp. But thanks to a ton of butter, terrific spice (check out the red pepper) and generous amount of garlic, I walked away with this dish being one of my favorites. And that’s saying something. Now, this next dish is where I want to be sure to note a change: with the recent menu changes noted above, the Mix Grill Skewers are now offered solely as an entree, served with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. I tried the Mix Grill Skewers when they were part of the tapas menu, so that’s what you see here. Mix Grill Skewers I won’t vouch for the coriander dipping sauce, since it’s chock full of cilantro which is Not. My. Thing. But the chicken and beef skewers? Pretty great! Not over-cooked or over-spiced, but with great flavor. Again, I like tapas-style dining because it gives you a chance to try so many things, but I am kind of bummed I missed these as an entree by merely days, because I would love to make a full meal out these. It’s tender meat, well-flavored with garlic, and I especially enjoyed the marinade on the chicken. If anyone tries this dish as an entree, I’d love to hear what you think! OverallI have a mix of emotions when it comes to the recent changes at Spice Road Table. On the one hand, I was really happy that there was another space like one of my other favorites at Epcot, Tutto Gusto, with a focus on tapas where anyone could stroll in on their own timetable without concern over having an Advance Dining Reservation. I found that to be a ton of the original appeal as a very frequent visitor. That said, I can obviously understand how guests on the Disney Dining Plan would have little desire to make a special trip to visit a place where it’s not accepted. So if the addition of entrees brings more guests into this restaurant, then ultimately I can be okay with that. Because considering the quality of the food in such a uniquely beautiful setting, Spice Road Table is a place that should definitely be visited and enjoyed. Have you visited Spice Road Table? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience 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 FanRelated posts: Update! Spice Road Table Opening Soon In Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion!Confirmed! Spice Road Table Restaurant To Open in Epcot’s Morocco!News! Epcot’s Spice Road Table Now Accepting Advance Dining ReservationsView the full article