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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

Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants. View the full article

There's Christmas music playing in the background. From the kitchen comes the smell of fresh-baked chocolate-chip cookies. The aroma flows through the open doorway and fills Emma's Sweets with the fragrance of a mother's love. View the full article

Brek Shea is coming back to MLS, and this time he’ll be wearing Orlando City purple. View the full article

Comedian Bill Cosby, besieged by a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, has praised his wife for supporting him and criticized the media for its coverage of a scandal that has already compromised his career. View the full article

It's no longer enough to entertain theme-park guests. You've got to make them part of the action. View the full article

The holidays at Walt Disney World fill our spirits with extra magic. From showstopping decor to heartwarming seasonal treats and beverages, the parks and resorts are at their very best. Winter Berry Margarita And we always enjoy seeing the adult drinks that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has available before we tour the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. And we have a sneak peek at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort!! Craving more news? Dig in below — just click on the links! Disney Food NewsCheck out the specialty festive beverages available at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!We also reviewed the Frozen Holiday Premium Package and Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!A holiday dining picnic package is now available for Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Check out the Add-On Princess experiences that will be available at Cinderella’s Dining Experience at Citricos in the Grand Floridian during the refurbishment of Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom.We have an exclusive recipe for Sweet Corn Cheesecake served at the Mexico Pavilion at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival!!We returned to the newly refurbished Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music. Check out our food review!New details revealed about Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto coming to the Polynesian Village Resort!Read our latest What’s New in Walt Disney World article! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, Field to Feast, Starbucks West Side Holiday Menu, Frozen Yogurt at Storybook Treats, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We always love to see the seasonal treats that the Disney chefs dream up. This week, our fabulous readers show us their holiday finds. Let’s start with this gorgeous seasonal cupcake featured at the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant. We have this photo to share with you courtesy of reader Claire. She told us via email “This was from about 3 weeks ago. It was a seasonal offering at Be our Guest in addition to the other regular cupcakes for dessert. It was very cutely designed to look like a cup of egg nog, with chocolate handle on the cup and everything. It had a nice soft, moist texture to the cupcake which was a spice cake. But holy nutmeg Batman!!! I love spice as much as the next person, but the nutmeg seemed really pronounced. If you really like the Christsmas-y flavours, then this is for you.” Egg Nog Cupcake DFB Reader Rick tweeted “Cupcake, Gingerbread & Mickey. Who could ask for more!?!” We love this one, too, Rick! Gingerbread Cupcake What’s your favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014Tis the season to eat, drink, and go to Walt Disney World! And that means it’s time to pick up your copy of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014 e-Book! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book is Fully Updated!The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book features 310 pages of all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 250 photos, and an informative FAQ section. It includes: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting!A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants.New chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations.New chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season.A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you.Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displaysOur recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season.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.Updated Scavenger Hunts Disney Cruise Line ChapterA Preview of the 2015 Holidays in Disney WorldAnd more!Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!You’re probably paying a lot of money for your Disney holiday vacation…and we’re here to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck! And with the holiday season already here, the time is now! Holiday Guide Sample Pages Booking early for holiday events and dining is critical, and our exclusive holiday dining and event information is the most efficient way to plan your holiday strategy. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars stretch all around Disney World. As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience. It’s easily installed on your mobile devices. And this guide is guaranteed to help you better plan a memorable holiday trip, or your money back — we all know that your vacation time (and budget) are limited and we want you to get the most out of your visit! DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays Bonus ItemsOf course, the guide includes customized bonus items that go above and beyond any other holiday season coverage currently available. These include: Themed holiday crawls (there’s even one for seasonal beverages!)Customized Holiday Touring Strategies for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, gingerbread displays, and moreOur suggestions for the best restaurants to visit when you don’t have a reservation…on the busiest days of the yearA full section on great holiday activities and events for kidsAnd more! We even have an updated and expanded FAQ section that answers questions you didn’t even know you had!Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad! Once again, celebrate the holidays with us by getting $3 off the purchase price for the e-Book!Order your copy now for only $11.95 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code JINGLE at the check-out. For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014, head over to the DFB Store! BUNDLE FOR SAVINGS! And if you want an even BETTER deal, snap up our DFB Holiday Bundle! This includes the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays AND our original DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014! With a 100% 30-day, money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Thanks for your support of the DFB!R2D2 Nutcracker On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases our favorite droid — in nutcracker form. Always useful, R2D2 will bring holiday cheer to your home this season! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups names the top quick service restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. What’s your favorite?!! Disney Parks Blog highlights the backstory to the NEW Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk resort. Opening December 18th! Disney Hipsters stop by High Octane Refreshments at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Cheers! Orlando Business Journal speculates about a possible NEW restaurant being opened by Raglan Road at Downtown Disney Orlando. We’ll keep our eyes and ears tuned for more information! 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 Post Round-Up: December 7, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 8, 2013Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 2, 2012View the full article

This week, we were excited to share a new rendering of the amazing Disney Vacation Club Bungalows coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The 20 Bungalows will sleep up to eight guests each in a home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific. The re-imagining of the resort includes a plunge pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, and the view of the fireworks over Magic Kingdom Park. The first phase of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is scheduled to open in 2015. You can learn more by visiting Rebecca’s original story. And we continued our “Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park” series this week with a few very rare photos of Main Street Station, the popular starting point of your “grand circle tour” aboard the vintage trains of the Disneyland Railroad. The image above was taken as the framing of the building was far enough along to recognize the train station we know today. Check George’s original post for another rare photo of Main Street Station. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Announcing the Top Disneyland Resort Memory from the Past Sixty Years – Click through for a video recap of all our photo finalists from each Disneyland Decade and at the end you will see which photo won! Gingerbread House Wows at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort – Take a look at some photos to see what went into this gargantuan gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Five Amazing Sights You’ll See at Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure Park – Find out what captivates guests during Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, now in its second year at Disney California Adventure Park. Special Edition Wildlife Friday: Cold Sea Turtles Cared for By Disney Animal Programs Cast Members – Eight cold-stressed Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were treated in recent weeks by Disney Animal Programs cast members. Click through to learn more about the rescue effort. Learn to Draw Hiro from ‘Big Hero 6′ – Brian James Fichtner from Animation Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw Hiro from the new Disney film, ‘Big Hero 6′. ‘Tis the Season at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Plan your vacation to this Hawaiian winter wonderland, with temperatures averaging 78 degrees. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Auburn Tigers tight end Jakell Mitchell was shot and killed early Sunday, according to multiple media reports. View the full article

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Janet Pandrea died on April 2, 2002, from complications due to the chemotherapy she received for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. View the full article

Few powerhouse programs have relied on true freshmen this season as much as FSU and Oregon. View the full article

Creed singer Scott Stapp's life is even more complicated than it seemed two weeks ago when he posted a video declaring he was homeless, broke and under "attack." View the full article

Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, says whites do not understand the protests about the deaths of young black men. View the full article

This week on the Disney Parks Blog, we shared many great photos of the different holiday celebrations that are taking place now at our parks around the globe. For example, “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” is underway during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park. Disney Parks Blog author Jonathan Frontado gave us a look at the holiday fun guests are having aboard Disney Cruise Line this month during their Very Merrytime Cruises. Erin Glover also shared a look at the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! celebration that’s taking place at Disney California Adventure park, which features live music, appearances by the Three Caballeros, the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party,” folk dancing, food and fun. And who can take their eyes off of this gingerbread masterpiece at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa? Read all the details about this 7 ½ feet-tall sweet structure in Erin’s original post. Which holiday celebration interests you the most? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Holiday Scenes from Our Parks by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The newly refurbished Citrus Bowl is holding an open house for the community Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. There will be self-guided tours, entertainment, interactive games, commemorative keepsake giveaways and Monster Trucks on display. Free popcorn and soda are available too. View the full article

Is there someone on your holiday gift list who loves Dole Whip more than life? (Wait… is there anyone on your list who doesn’t?). Well, what could be better than giving them a way to enjoy their favorite Disney snack all year long? It may not be exactly the same as a personal delivery of the real deal, but these t-shirts, mugs, totes, and phone cases might just be be the next best thing! This Peace, Love, and Dole Whip t-shirt pretty much sums up all the best things in life, doesn’t it? Peace, Love, & Dole Whip tee Those who don this Please Stand Clear of My Dole Whip Tee can pay homage to the monorail and their beloved Dole Whip at the same time. Please Stand Clear of My Dole Whip tee Simple and classic, here’s a Dole Whip Mug. Dole Whip Mug Okay, here’s one you don’t see every day… I am loving this Lapu-Lapu tote bag for fans of this Tambu Lounge beverage! Lapu-Lapu tote Do you heart School Bread? Well, so do we! Help someone proclaim their love of this Kringla Bakeri og Kafe treat with the I Love School Bread t-shirt. I Love School Bread tee For fans of the Jumbo Turkey Leg, this Turkey Leg iPhone case might be just the thing. Turkey Leg iPhone case Mickey Waffle: Breakfast of Champions? I’m all for it, and for this Mickey Waffle t-shirt. Mickey Waffle tee As always, happy shopping, everyone! But in the meantime, would you please stand clear of my Dole Whip ? Which item would you choose to share the love of your favorite Disney snack? 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 FanRelated posts: Favorite Ice Cold Snacks at Disney ParksIntroducing: Disney Food iPhone and iPod Cases!2014 Disney Gift Guide: More Disney Gift Ideas!View the full article

Muschamp was the Tigers defensive coordinator in 2006-07 Muschamp was the Tigers defensive coordinator in 2006-07 View the full article

On a visit to Kissimmee, you can skim the surface of Lake Toho in an airboat, taking in the area's natural beauty. View the full article

Central Florida's last frontier, a vast expanse of ranchland from near Orlando to central Brevard County, could be crisscrossed with superhighways leading to the creation of a new metropolis if blueprints for the region's future get traction. View the full article

What started as a childish prank Wednesday night has ended in a possibly paralyzing gunshot wound for a 15-year-old boy and attempted-murder charges for four young adults. View the full article

Earlier this year, we asked you to help us get ready for the upcoming Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by sharing your favorite Disneyland memory from the past 60 years through Twitter and Instagram. The top entries were presented here on the Disney Parks Blog and you – the fans – chose the top photo from each decade. Then, you stepped in once again to select the top photo overall and today I am excited to announce our winner! Take a look at the video below for a recap of all our finalists from each Disneyland Decade and at the end you will see which photo won! Congratulations to our Grand Prize winner! They have won a trip to the start of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, @Disneyland on Twitter and Facebook.com/Disneyland as we draw even closer to our 60th anniversary celebration next year. Announcing the Top Disneyland Resort Memory from the Past Sixty Years by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We asked you to help us get ready for the upcoming Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by sharing your favorite Disneyland memory from the past 60 years. Come visit the park during this magical ...From:Disney ParksViews:44667ratingsTime:02:40More inTravel & Events