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One by one, five teenagers in maroon jumpsuits were led into a courtroom Thursday afternoon at the Seminole County Juvenile Detention Center to face a judge for the first time since they were arrested on rape charges. View the full article

Myron De'Shawn May's life seemed to be the quintessential American story: He grew up poor, graduated from Florida State University with honors and worked his way through law school to build a career. View the full article

Orange County will add four new kindergarten-through-eighth-grade schools in the next four years under a plan discussed by the School Board on Tuesday. View the full article

The United States has released five detainees from its detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, including the first Yemeni detainee to be resettled since 2010, officials said on Thursday. View the full article

If you could cash in on crazy, Florida would be the richest state in America. View the full article

In Hawaiian culture, names are very important. So today, our “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series continues with a look at the meaning of the name ‘Aulani,’ and how Hawaiian culture and Disney storytelling came together to create a Hawaiian experience like no other at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Aulani has a full time Cultural Advisor on staff, Kahulu De Santos. She explained to me that when Disney started this Hawai’i project, Walt Disney Imagineering established a Hawaiian Cultural Committee which worked side by side with Imagineers to create the experiences at Aulani. Their discussions surrounded the art work, architecture and themes that would be built into the resort. “As the story is told, one morning, while the committee was working on coming up with a name for the resort, one of the members shared that he had a dream about the name ‘Aulani,’” explained Kahulu. “Aulani means ‘messenger of a chief’ or ‘messenger of a greater authority.’ So the committee quickly determined that this would be the name it would present to Disney as the name for this new resort.” The important significance of Aulani is that the resort serves as a location that shares the messages and stories of the Hawaiian culture, its chiefs and its people, while recognizing and honoring traditional and contemporary Hawaiian practices, she explained. Aulani celebrates Hawai‘i’s rich legacy of storytelling combined with the magic of Disney. The name Aulani invites guests to ponder and listen to the many-layered stories or “messages” found at this beautiful resort on O’ahu. One of my favorite examples of these unique stories at Aulani involves the significance of the kapa design in the cast member nametags. Have you seen these? What’s your favorite story found at Aulani? Tell us in the comments below. For more from the “Unforgettable Details of Aulani” series, visit the posts below: Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Bridge Unforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Menehune Adventure TrailUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Beginning a Journey at Laniwai SpaUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Imagineer Joe Rohde on Design and InspirationUnforgettable Details of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: What’s in the Name? by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

SANFORD - A jury this evening convicted Anita Smithey of murder for killing her estranged husband while she said he was raping her. View the full article

One of three people shot on the Florida State University campus early Thursday has been identified as Nathan Scott. View the full article

The nation’s largest construction companies are lining up to bid on a high-tech sensor manufacturing center near Kissimmee. View the full article

Can you believe that just a week from today, we’ll be digging into all of those familiar Thanksgiving favorites? A meal like that is worth celebrating with an installment of Disney Food Pics of the Week! If you haven’t already, check out our Flickr page — Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza — where DFB readers share all of their Disney Food Photos. Want to add to the delish? Just head over and post your pics for a chance to have them featured in our Disney Food Pics of the Week Series! Let’s take a look! Pilgrim’s Feast at Liberty Tree TavernPhotographer: Nancy RK One of my absolute favorite restaurants in all of Walt Disney World is Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom. And this time of year, who can pass up the chance to eat the Pilgrim’s Feast? Enjoy Thanksgiving All Year ‘Round with the Pilgrim’s Feast at Liberty Tree Tavern Turkey LegPhotographer: Theresa E. Like we could leave out what many consider THE way to enjoy turkey when you’re at Disney? We know that some of you can’t resist enjoying a Jumbo Turkey Leg when visiting the Parks. And given the protein punch of this snack, it keeps you going for hours and hours of fun! Turkey Leg! Hot Smoked Turkey Sandwich at Contempo CafePhotographer: Kelly Tressler When I’m hungry and want a break from the MK crowds, I love to head to Contempo Cafe. If you make the trip, you’ve gotta try the Hot Smoked Turkey Sandwich! Topped with Brie, Arugula, Green Apple Slices, and Apple Butter, it’s pretty fantastic. Hot Smokey Turkey Sandwich from Contempo Cafe Ready for Turkey Day?? BIG thanks all of our readers who share their awesome Disney food pics via Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, our Flickr page! All images are copyrighted to their photographers. Do not download or re-use without photographer permission. We’d love to see your shots, too! Just head over to Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza and sign up to share your favorite Disney Food Pics. You could be featured right here on Disney Food Pics of the Week! If you’d like to see more Disney Food Pics of the Week, just click here! What’s your favorite Disney turkey dish? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Pics of the Week: Turkey!Disney Food Pics of the Week: Mickey Snacks!Disney Food Pics of the Week: Cupcakes View the full article

As The Walt Disney Family Museum unveils its new exhibit, All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains, we look back at some rarely seen photos and a very special moment in Disney train history. On May 10, 2005, at 7 a.m., a ceremony took place before Disneyland opened for the day. On the occasion of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, about 100 people gathered at the New Orleans Square Station of the Disneyland Railroad to honor animator and Disney Legend Ollie Johnston, one of Walt’s Nine Old Men, for how he inspired Walt Disney with his love of trains. Ollie inspired Walt to build his backyard railroad, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad. Walt’s love of giving people rides on this little steam train in his backyard eventually led to the building of Disneyland. After the speeches that early May morning, Ollie was presented with a plaque from the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. Then everyone heard a toot of a steam whistle and up pulled a gleaming steam train. Ollie at first thought it was a Disneyland engine, then his son Ken leaned down and said, “Dad, that is your engine.” Ollie then realized it was his beloved Marie E. and he started to cry. And then so did everyone else. I then told Ollie that the Marie E. needed a real engineer to drive it around Disneyland and asked if he would like to do it. “Boy, would I!!” was his answer. He climbed up into the cab of the Marie E. with the help of the amazing Disneyland Railroad crew and they strapped him in with seatbelts borrowed from one of the old Matterhorn bobsleds. At 94 years old, Ollie expertly engineered his Marie E. — the only outside train ever run on the rails of Disneyland — three times around Disneyland to the cheers of everyone there. It was said that of all of the year-long events celebrating Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, the morning of May 10 was by far the most special. - John Lasseter This memory told by John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, recalls a very special moment in Disney train history. It’s one of many train tales being celebrated in All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains, a new exhibit at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, Calif. On view through February 9, 2015, this comprehensive exhibition explores the influence that railroading had on Walt Disney’s life and work. It also tells the story of how his railroading legacy lives on to this day in Disney films and theme parks around the world. The arc of this exhibition doesn’t start and end with just Walt, though. All Aboard explores the interest and passion for railroading of Walt’s friends and staff, including Ollie Johnston. The Disney Legend was able to make his Disney railroad dreams come true at Disneyland before he passed away in 2008. A Celebration of Disney Trains at the Walt Disney Family Museum by Jeffrey Epstein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I’m happy to report that earlier this week, two prestigious organizations honored Disney Parks projects with multiple industry awards. On Tuesday, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced their annual Thea Award winners. Among the honorees, TEA announced that “it’s a small world” at Disneyland park, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the recipient of the Thea Classic award, honoring attractions that have withstood the test of time and have endured for 20 or more years. TEA said in their announcement that the attraction “continues to captivate audiences around the world with pure charm, melded with a profound message deceptively hiding in a simple and astonishingly catchy song … This timeless classic continues to engage generation after generation. Surely “it’s a small world” is the very definition of a Classic.” Also, Bistrot Chez Remy, the new French restaurant at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris that is inspired by the Disney∙Pixar film “Ratatouille,” is the winner of the Award for Outstanding Achievement – Themed Restaurant. “It is a truly charming and thematically thorough dining experience, where oversized objects are reused in every possible way to create tables, chairs, architectural elements, and props … [E]verything is very well-conceived and delivered to create an illusion that is both convincing and coyly self-aware. The exterior of the attraction looks like a typical Parisian café, but on closer inspection, one realizes that this is the world of Paris from the film, where there are no straight lines – a perfect blend of fiction and reality. This venue exhibits thoroughness, conceptual clarity, dedication to narrative detail, and exceptional finish.” Finally, Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, an interactive experience that combines badge collecting, guest interaction and learning about the natural world, is the winner of the Award for Outstanding Achievement – Interactive Park Attraction on a Limited Budget. “Disney has incorporated storytelling and gaming to create an experience that is intimate and personal in its connection to the guests, yet wisely recognizes that technology would be a distraction and remove guests from nature. Guests are given a role in the story – becoming a Wilderness Explorer – that was a poignant, aspirational story of a core identifiable character from the Pixar film. This intersection point between film story world, live animals and the beautiful habitats within Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a huge part of why this attraction is effective … This unique attraction is worthy of honors as much for its craft as for the authenticity and cleverness of implementation within a unique park environment.” TEA is an international non-profit association representing the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. Thea Awards will be given out at an awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel on March 21, 2015. On Wednesday night, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Associations (IAAPA) awarded their Brass Rings Awards for Live Entertainment Excellence and “Once Upon a Time” at Tokyo Disney Resort won for Best Multimedia Spectacular. IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions, and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards mark achievements of excellence throughout the global attractions industry. Congratulations to all who worked to create and bring these wonderful projects to life! Disney Parks Honored with Several Industry Awards by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Be on the lookout for this year’s Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series throughout Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. These cards come in four different designs featuring your favorite characters from Disney Animation’s hit movie “Frozen”. Each of these Disney Gift Card designs are available with a starting balance of $75 and also comes with a Disney Trading Pin. Complete your Disney Trading Pin collection with these four new pins, which feature “Frozen” characters Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. These pins can only be found with this year’s Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series. Giving a Disney Gift Card is simple for you, and perfect for friends and family! The Disney Gift Card can be used for practically all things Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Club Penguin, Disney PhotoPass, DisneyMusicOnline.com, Disney Store locations in the U.S. and online and at DisneyStore.com. For more information or to shop for more holiday designs, please visit DisneyGiftCard.com. New ‘Frozen’ Disney Trading Pins Come with the Purchase of a Holiday Pin Series Disney Gift Card by Virginia Scanlon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Soaring 130 feet into the air with a 32,000 lb. set of Mouse Ears, the Earffel Tower has been home to Disney’s Hollywood Studios since its opening. In November 1987, the park’s logo still hadn’t been painted on the side while construction carried on around it. While the Earffel Tower is not used to hold water, it was inspired by the working water tower in Burbank, Calif. landmark at the Disney Studios since 1939. For more about the icons at Walt Disney World Resort, visit the posts below: Vintage Walt Disney World: Spaceship EarthVintage Walt Disney World: Cinderella Castle is Fit for a PrincessVintage Walt Disney World: Earffel Tower by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Welp, they’re at it again. If the Frozen cupcakes, drinks, cookies, a gingerbread castle, and an entire dessert party weren’t enough for you, there’s now an ice cream bar in the Magic Kingdom that you just might love! New Frozen Olaf Lemonade Strawberry bar This bar features Olaf — the best character from the film (except for, possibly, Sven). Frozen Olaf Bar Packaging Nutritional Info He’s a lovable snowman who’s a big fan of Summer…which he’s never actually experienced. One of his most memorable lines from the movie is featured on the treat packaging: Some people are worth melting for. Worth Melting For Inside the wrapper, you’ll find a mottled red and yellow frozen fruit bar. Frozen Olaf Bar Take your first bite and you’ll realize why they’re calling this a Lemonade Strawberry bar versus what we’d expect to be the more likely “Strawberry Lemonade” title. This thing is really super tart! This bar has bite! I’m a huge sour fan, so I very much enjoyed it! But it may be too tart for your little ones. That said, candy companies market sour candy to kids like crazy, right? So, if your kiddo tends to really like all of that sour stuff, they’ll probably enjoy this as well. Olaf Bars can be found throughout the Magic Kingdom You can find the Olaf bars throughout the Magic Kingdom, but I didn’t see them anywhere else on my adventures this week. It’s possible they’re trying them out there on a trial basis and will move them elsewhere in the new year. Is an Olaf Lemonade Strawberry Bar in your future? Let us know in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade and OrangeadeSnack Series: Frozen Lemonade SlushSnack Series: Chocolate Covered Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake at Walt Disney World View the full article

If you participate in a runDisney event, or simply come out to support a runner, one of the first the first things you notice is the variety of costumes runners wear during the race. From beloved Disney character-inspired outfits to dressing for the theme of the race, the creativity is amazing and unique to a runDisney event. And this weekend’s inaugural Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort set the bar a little higher. For several years now, I have had the privilege to stand at the start and finish lines for several runDisney events, and in my humble opinion, costumes this past weekend rank #1. Runners went above and beyond expectations in creating and designing their super hero alter ego. It was my observation that the most popular costume for men and women was Captain America, closely followed by Thor and Hulk. Thanks to our runners, I was introduced to super hero characters I didn’t know existed. It really was amazing and now I can’t wait to see what Star Wars runners do in January!! On Sunday, Disney photographer Matt Stroshane went in search of ‘super’ creative costumes. We hope you will enjoy the photo gallery featuring a few super heroes who took on and defeated 13.1 miles at the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. GalleryRunners Show Off Their ‘Super Hero Side’ at Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon view allFor more information and to register for an upcoming runDisney event, visit runDisney.com. Runners Show Off Their ‘Super Hero Side’ at Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Just wait until you see what merchandise events we have headed your way this December at the Disneyland Resort! December 5–7: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from noon to 10 p.m. each day at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District as we celebrate the release of her holiday collection among other fan favorites! Linda will return for additional appearances December 19–21. Learn more here. December 6: Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director Bo Bolanos and Executive Pastry Chefs Jorge Sotelo and Jean Marc Viallet will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of the new limited edition pins inspired by the magnificent gingerbread house creations that are on display at our Disneyland Resort hotels. Meet the creators from 9-11 a.m. at Acorns Gifts and Goods at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Learn more here. December 6: Join us for a special artist showcase as we celebrate the release of some of the newest pieces by artists El Gato Gomez, Robert Jimenez and Whitney Pollett. Meet the artists from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. December 6–7: Disney Traditions artist Jim Shore returns to the Disneyland Resort! Jim will be on hand for special appearances and signings as we celebrate the release of his Disney Theme Park exclusive piece, inspired by the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction, among other fan favorites. Meet Jim Shore December 6 from 1–3 p.m. at World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District and December 7 from 9–11 a.m. at China Closet in Disneyland park. Learn more here. December 6–7: Meet ACME Archives artist Steve Barton who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his latest releases including Mermaid’s Lagoon. Steve will appear from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. Learn more here. December 6–7: Join us as we welcome back Temecula Olive Oil Company for a special olive oil tasting on December 6–7 and 20–21 from 2-5 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. December 13: Join us in welcoming Dooney & Bourke Creative Director Ian Ray as we release two new collections (Disneyana and Body Parts) from the iconic line of handbags and accessories. Ian will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. Dec. 13–14: If you have been waiting for just the right time to order one of artist Dave Avanzino’s Custom Letter Plaques, you’re in luck! Dave will be appearing from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day at Disneyana inside Disneyland park. Learn more here. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Noah. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 27 from 6-10 p.m. Learn more here. Which events have made your list of things to do? December 2014 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

UPDATE: The Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up has reached capacity and confirmation emails are being sent. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events! It’s time to celebrate the holidays, Radiator Springs style! Registration is now open for the Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Lightning McQueen and his neighbors have decked out Route 66 for the holidays, and they’ve invited us for a special, after-hours party! The evening will begin with reserved viewing for “World of Color – Winter Dreams,” then we will celebrate the holiday season by racing through Ornament Valley, sipping cocoa, enjoying special holiday treats and more. So join us the evening of Wednesday, December 3! Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following: All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests of the participants may be younger than 18.Limit one guest per registrant.Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.Disney California Adventure park admission will be provided beginning at 7 p.m. for the event, but participants will be responsible for any parking fees.I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Register Now to Race into the Holiday Season at the Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Earlier this month the city of Nashville was buzzing with celebrities, red carpets and the glitz and glamour of the annual Country Music Awards. But I’ll let you in on a little secret – Nashville is a place that’s always alive, electric and brimming with restaurants, concert venues, honky-tonks and, yes, even street corners filled with music. Nashville is called “Music City” year round, not just during awards season, and with an Adventures by Disney Long Weekend trip to Nashville you can truly see how, and why, this town got its nickname. I recently had the chance to visit a few of the places featured on this new Adventures by Disney itinerary, including RCA Studio B, known as the “home of a thousand hits.” Although, if we’re getting technical here (and I think we should), RCA Studio B has actually been home to more than 35,000 songs and hits. I don’t want to sound like a namedropper, but I will say that a long list of music legends recorded chart-topping albums here (most recorded before the assistance of the sort of auto-tune technology that “helps” today’s artists sound their very best). As if touring RCA Studio B isn’t cool enough, with Adventures by Disney you get to go one step further and actually add to the legacy by recording your very own song! Again, no help from auto-tune, you’re on your own on this one, but I will give you a tip – they say this little blue “x” marks the spot for sounding your very best. I’d start by standing there. And if that doesn’t make you feel like enough of a music superstar, you’ll also get to make your own concert poster at Hatch Show Print, where they’ve been making concert handbills for more than a century. If you have any concert prints in your home take a look, it might just be a Hatch Show Print. Their prints have a classic letterpress look that has remained en vogue throughout the years. You’ll also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, see a show and GO BACKSTAGE (yes, I’m using all caps because it’s just that exciting) at the Grand Ole Opry, meet and learn from professional songwriters at the legendary Bluebird Café and enjoy so many other rock star style experiences on this trip. And I can’t even begin to emphasize how much music you’re really getting here. I even saw live musicians playing at the bars and lounges in the Nashville airport (Disclaimer: I can’t promise they’ll be there when you visit, but you get my point, music is everywhere). And on day 3 of the trip, when you go to the rustic Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant for breakfast, get the peanut butter and banana French toast, it’s amazing (Disclaimer: I can’t promise you’ll find it amazing. Actually yes I can. It’s amazing. And I ate it too fast to be one of those people who takes photos of their food and thus I can’t show you just how amazing it looks in person. So you’ll just have to trust me, and “The King,” on this one). Enjoy it with a chocolate milkshake like I did, because it’s never too early for a milkshake. Best of all, the Nashville vacation is one of the new Adventures by Disney Long Weekend getaway trips, which are shorter itineraries for you to enjoy, well, over a long weekend (4 days/3 nights to be exact), making this trip an easy escape for anyone looking to get away. Besides, who doesn’t need a little more music in her life? Cool Twitter hashtags to check out: #nashville #adventuresbydisney #countrymusic See How Music City Got its Name on an Adventures by Disney Nashville Vacation by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We have more delicious eats for you today from the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Disney has been lauded in the past for their commitment to serving guests who have special dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten free, vegetarian, or have other food sensitivities, your choices throughout Walt Disney World have been steadily increasing. We’ve also seen this emphasis at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. For the last few years, an entire Marketplace Booth, Terra, has been devoted to a vegan menu. But beyond Terra, you’ll also find vegetarian offerings scattered throughout the other Marketplaces. (See the full listing of Festival Vegetarian options here, and a list of Festival Gluten Free options here.) One of our very favorites was introduced this year — Vegetarian Moussaka. Vegetarian Moussaka A layered dish customarily consisting of Eggplant and/or Potatoes, a rich Meat Filling, and Béchamel, it’s a comforting dish that’s especially perfect for the cold weather months. Vegetarian Moussaka –Inside No lie — I have been dreaming about this dish since I first tasted it at the Food and Wine Preview dinner last Summer. When I had a chance to sample it once again at the Greece Marketplace Booth, it was just as amazing! It is truly one of the most delicious and satisfying vegetarian entrees I have ever tasted. And now, you and I can both make it at home! Perfect for the next time you’d like to offer a meatless meal, this hearty casserole will please even the most die-hard meat eaters. Vegetarian MoussakaGreece Marketplace Booth Serves: 6-8 Ingredients:Meatless Sauce: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 bay leaves 2 cinnamon sticks 2 large yellow onions, finely chopped 2 (11-ounce) packages meatless crumbles 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed 2 cups vegetable stock coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste Béchamel Sauce: 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 4 cups milk 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup flour 4 eggs, beaten Eggplant: 2 large eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices coarse salt 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil, divided cinnamon, for dusting coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste Potatoes: 2 large russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced crosswise 1 cup coarsely grated Graviera or Gruyère cheese, for baking Instructions:For Meatless Sauce: 1. Heat olive oil in a 6-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and onion; cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. 2. Add meatless crumbles and cook about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; cook 2 minutes or until lightly caramelized. 3. Add vinegar, sugar, tomatoes, ad vegetable stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours or until almost all liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat; discard cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside. For Béchamel Sauce: 1. Stir salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk together in large bowl. 2. Melt butter in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; cook 2 minutes, whisking constantly until smooth. 3. Whisking constantly, add milk mixture in a steady stream. Cook 8-10 minutes, whisking often, until thickened. Remove from heat; pour into blender and add eggs. Blend on low until smooth and set aside. For Eggplant: 1. Place eggplant slices in a colander and put colander in large bowl to allow eggplant to drain. Liberally sprinkle slices with coarse salt and let them rest until the salt begins to draw moisture to the surface, about 20 minutes. Rinse eggplant thoroughly, let drain, and blot dry. 2. Heat 3/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dust eggplant with cinnamon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Working in batches, fry eggplant slices for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Add additional olive oil as needed between batches. Transfer eggplant slices to paper towels to drain. For Potatoes: 1. Bring 4-quart pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook 8 to 10 minutes until just tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside. For Assembly: 1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 10″ x 14″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. 2. Spread 1 cup béchamel on bottom of baking dish; sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. Spread potatoes over cheese; top with eggplant. Pour meat sauce over eggplant; spread remaining béchamel over meat sauce allowing sauce to fill the sides and corners of the pan. 3. Smooth béchamel with spatula and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 1 hour, or until golden brown. Let sit for 15-20 minutes. Cook’s Notes: Salting eggplant before you cook it draws out any bitterness in the eggplant, as well as moisture. Drawing out some of the moisture means it won’t absorb as much oil when frying. Slightly sweet and nutty Graviera is a cheese from Greece, the country’s second most popular cheese after Feta. Want More Details About the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We are always working to bring you all of the latest and most important news and updates on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival right here, so stay tuned for details and check out all of the info below! Be sure to join our Disney Food Blog Newsletter for the latest information and details on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Will Vegetarian Moussaka be a featured meal on your Meatless Monday rotation? Let us know what you think in comments below! Recipe Credit: A Taste of Epcot: Festival Food From Around the Globe Cookbook Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies at the Poland Marketplace BoothEpcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Clam Chowder from the Hops & Barley Marketplace Booth2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto Rico View the full article

Bianca Rinaldi embarca em um cruzeiro Disney e conta como férias em família ficam ainda mais mágicas a bordo! Para mais informações sobre cruzeiros Disney clique aqui: http://di.sn/hzj...From:Disney ParksViews:38319ratingsTime:02:00More inTravel & Events

I recently shared with you some of my favorite holiday-themed gifts from Disney Parks. This time, I’m highlighting other popular gift ideas that caught my attention. Retail MagicBands and Accessories – We now offer select retail MagicBands and accessories on our Disney Parks online store at DisneyStore.com/MagicBand. I’m also delighted to share that the “link-it later” option is now available for graphic MagicBands at Walt Disney World Resort. This means that any retail MagicBand, whether purchased online or at Disney Parks, can now be given as gifts since they can be linked to a valid theme park admission at a future date. See this Disney Parks Blog article for more details about how Link-It Later works. Made With Magic – Guests can find an ear hat, a Minnie Mouse headband and, my favorite, a Sorcerer Mickey wand (arriving November 21) that light up and interact with select Disney nighttime experiences at Disney Parks. Please note the aforementioned Mickey Mouse glove will arrive in spring 2015. Merchandise from Disney’s “Frozen” – From dresses inspired by Anna and Elsa to fun toys and dolls, you can find all sorts of merchandise from Disney’s “Frozen” in Disney Parks’ locations such as Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I particularly like the decorative shoe ornaments or the Olaf hat. Disney Parks Collection By Vera Bradley – Known for their stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories, Vera Bradley has been infusing color into all aspects of women’s lives for more than 30 years. We carry several colors in a variety of styles created especially for Disney Parks. Look for them on our online store or in locations such as Cherry Tree Lane at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. Disney Tagalongs – I first discussed Disney Tagalongs during the 24-hour Rock Your Disney Side Party in May. These small character toys, such as Jiminy Cricket or Yoda, are easily added to your shoulder using a magical, magnetic power disc. Disney Infinity 2.0 – Guests have endless opportunities to create stories and fun-filled adventures with all-new characters and powers in Disney Infinity 2.0. The best place to find all things related to this game at Walt Disney World Resort is Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. You can also find items on line at DisneyStore.com/DisneyInfinity. D-Tech Electronic Accessories – Add a splash of Disney to you electronic accessories with D-Tech. Guests can create customized and personalized phone cases including cases for iPhone 6 at D-Tech on Demand in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. Cases for iPhone 6+ and Samsung Galaxy S5 will be available in late November. I also love the battery power bars which give extra boosts for your mobile devices. Puzzles and Games – As a child, my parents always gave me some kind of game for Christmas. I like the new 1000-piece Disney Signature Puzzles or the Disney Theme Park Edition of Jenga featuring the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Look for these items in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks. You can also find additional items for the holidays by visiting the Disney Parks online store – DisneyParks.com/Store. Retail MagicBands and Other Popular Holiday Gift Ideas from Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Serpents and spiders, tail of a rat, call in the spirits wherever they’re at… because Haunted Mansion Treats! I first spotted these in early October, but just recently went back to purchase and try them. Haunted Mansion Gummies & Popcorn I purchased both and brought them home to my live-in sweets specialists. Let’s start with the Popcorn. The packaging is so great. I love Gus the hitchhiking ghost on the front, and the teal and purple colors of the popcorn are so pretty! Yes, I just said that popcorn is pretty. Perfect Packaging The packaging says “Naturally and Artificially Flavored.” We were super curious to try it and see what the exact flavors were. We were guessing maybe blue raspberry and grape. But after trying it, it was really hard to decipher. Really just a generic fruity flavor. Reminded us of Fruity Pebbles cereal. Pretty sweet, but my boys devoured it. Pretty Popcorn! The popcorn is $6.95 a bag and if you don’t want to eat it, I think the packaging alone makes it display worthy. I wanted to keep it as decor in my Haunted Mansion themed office/guest room, but my boys didn’t like that idea! Nutrition Info & Pricing Next up, let’s take a look at the Gummi Spiders. Haunted Mansion Gummi Spiders More fun packaging, this time featuring the hitchhiking ghost, Phineas. We thought the spiders would be sour gummies, but in fact they were sweet and fruity. The spiders are two toned in color. We thought it was kind of funny that they only had six legs. These were actually gone before the popcorn, but we are a family that loves us some gummies! Fruity Six Legged Spiders The Gummi Spiders are $4.95. Nutrition Info Both the popcorn and gummies can be found in Disneyland at the Port Royal shop located in between the Pirates of the Caribbean exit and the Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square. They’ve also been spotted at Memento Mori at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! In fact, Memento Mori has even more Haunted Mansion snacks including cookies, cotton candy, milk chocolate bat pops, and krispy treats. I love this line of goodies. So glad that they aren’t seasonal! Have you tried and of the Haunted Mansion treats? Do you have a favorite? 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 Fan Related posts: Dining in Disneyland: Zero Premium Popcorn Bucket and Other Halloween Time Popcorn SouvenirsDining in Disneyland: Marc Davis Centennial Dinner INSIDE the Haunted MansionPhoto Tour: Memento Mori Haunted Mansion Specialty Shop in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

Walt Disney Imagineering recently installed a Springs Bottling Co. Marquee, which helps weave the turn-of-the-century theme of Disney Springs through the area. Come visit: http://di.sn/dxe...From:Disney ParksViews:838957ratingsTime:00:32More inTravel & Events

The most famous mouse in the world, Mickey Mouse, is celebrating his birthday. We decided to go old school with an 8-bit video game tribute to Mickey. Come wish Mickey a Happy Birthday at a...From:Disney ParksViews:6304299ratingsTime:00:25More inTravel & Events