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We will be featuring suites at Walt Disney World Resort that have something special in common – a spectacular view. See what makes the Contemporary Resort so magical: http://di.sn/e00J ...From:Disney ParksViews:111474ratingsTime:00:59More inTravel & Events

As we say goodbye to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for another year and anticipate the eats at Holidays Around the World, we welcome news of more fun to come at Epcot this Spring! Details have been announced for the 22nd Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Mark your calendars for 75 days full of flowers, fun — and food! The 2015 Festival will run from March 4 until May 17. What can we expect from the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Read on to find out! Outdoor KitchensFor the third year running, the Festival will feature Outdoor Kitchens situated around World Showcase. The Smokehouse in the American Adventure Pavilion The Outdoor Kitchens have been a welcome addition to the Festival, drawing a whole new crowd for the mammoth event. Reminiscent of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the kiosks feature flavors of many of the World Showcase Pavilions. Think the Piggylicious Cupcake Will Return for 2014? Appetizer portions make it easy to experience lots of variety, and the smaller scale of the event — there are only about half as many Booths as you find at the Food and Wine Festival — makes it easier to try all of your favorites. Duck Confit with Garlic Potatoes Was a Must-Have at the 2014 Flower and Garden Festival! We’ve really enjoyed strolling the Promenade, taking in the international array of food and drink! We’ve Loved This Violet Lemonade! 2015 promises plenty of brand new items added to the menus, featuring the flavors of Spring with an emphasis on Garden Goodness. And just like Food and Wine and Holidays Around the World, you’ll be able to track your culinary adventure with a Garden Passport! Don’t forget to grab your Flower and Garden Festival passport and keep track of all the eats! ConcertsOnce again, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival will feature a weekend concert series by some of your favorite artists. While we are still awaiting announcement of the full lineup, the Gin Blossoms, Pablo Cruise, and the Village People are some of the acts that are slated to appear. We expect the roster to include lots of familiar favorites spanning four decades of popular music. Featured TopiariesBut another huge draw to the Flower and Garden Festival? All of those incredible Topiary Displays! Cinderella and Prince Charming Topiary In yet another move that proves Frozen is taking over the world of Disney, you’ll see Sisters Elsa and Anna in a topiary tableau recalling the film’s finale. Another brand-new addition to the lineup will include Chip and Dale! The lovable duo will appear alongside other Disney classic characters in the Festival’s Front Entrance topiary display. Special Garden DisplaysThe Festival will also feature plenty of new gardening exhibits, too! Ten New Mini-Gardens will offer exciting themes. Check out fun spots like a Pepper Garden, a “Health Garden”, a Shakespeare Garden, and more! Ahhh, Epcot in the Spring Weekend guests will once again enjoy Gardening Seminars, held inside Festival Center. And be sure to stick around for nighttime at the Festival, when the topiaries and play gardens will be illuminated. With so much to look forward to, we can’t wait for next Spring! What are you most excited to experience at the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Leave a comment and tell your thoughts! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items AnnouncedNews! Food Kiosks Return for the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden FestivalNews! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food Booths Are Arriving (And the Menu Has Been Updated)! View the full article

Anticipating your first visit to Disney's private island? Hear from Dolly with the Disney Parks Moms Panel as she chats with host Danielle Bellini about planning for a day at Castaway Cay....From:Disney ParksViews:49828ratingsTime:02:51More inTravel & Events

Ready for another trip around the World? We’re heading to three parks and a few resorts to check out holiday treats, gingerbread feats, and new menu eats! And which Counter Service location is now serving up steak? Just read on to find out and see What’s New! HOLIDAY TREATSRed and green aren’t the only colors taking over Disney World now that the holiday season has launched around here… hues of blue decorate the festive snacks at this year’s brand new “Frozen” Gingerbread Display at the Contemporary Resort! Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display We tried the Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato… Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato Read our review and see all the other treats available at the new display here! Get ready for all your favorite Disney World bakery items (we’re talking Krispy Treats, Candy Apples, and Mickey Macarons) to be dressed up for the holiday season in spots like the Main Street Confectionery, Seashore Sweets, and Big Top Treats. Holiday Bakery Case Ornament Candy Apples More candy apples! Holiday cupcakes Red and Green Mickey Macarons And now let’s look into some ways the Parks are getting into the spirit of the season in their own unique ways… HOLLYWOOD STUDIOSEven though all eyes are on the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights to celebrate the holidays, there are a few spots that haven’t entirely abandoned autumn just yet . Quick Service locations around the park including Starring Rolls Cafe, Studio Catering Co., and Pizza Planet are serving the Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing. Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing You can read our review of this cupcake, which we anticipate will be around through Thanksgiving. But the winter holidays are indeed all the rage already, as evidenced by several other items around the Park! If you find yourself on the Streets of America to see the Osborne Lights in the evening, snack carts are once again offering festive fare. Streets of America Snack Cart Menu And Joffrey’s Coffee Carts all over the World, such as this one on Pixar Place, have added Egg Nog Lattes to their seasonal offerings. Seasonal Joffrey’s beverages Speaking of Pixar Place… Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway is where we spotted this souvenir holiday mug absolutely covered in a bajillion Disney characters, all the way from the Fab Five to some unexpected classics! It takes three pictures to show them all! Holiday souvenir cup Holiday souvenir cup Holiday souvenir cup Other locations such as Rosie’s All American Cafe and Catalina Eddie’s had this mug featuring the Fab Five and Chip and Dale. Fab Five holiday mug Fab Five holiday mug Haven’t had enough holiday souvenir items yet? Good… ‘cuz here’s the popcorn bucket! Holiday Popcorn Bucket Holiday Popcorn Bucket Holiday Popcorn Bucket Olaf has been given a holiday makeover, with his typically white sprinkles now being red and green. Find him at Starring Rolls Cafe and Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post. Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake But it’s not all holiday news… do you remember a few weeks ago when we gave you a sneak peek of some new dishes coming to Mama Melrose’s? Well, they have arrived! Seared Fennel-Crusted Tuna joins the appetizer list, while Saltimbocca (a Pork Tenderloin dish), a Fish of the Day option, and Pappardelle Pasta are now among the entree choices. New desserts include Tiramisu, Cannoli, and a “Chirardelli” Chocolate and Cherry Tort. Mama Melrose Entrance Mama Melrose menu We’ve come to the conclusion that Mama Melrose is a hidden gem when it comes to serving up a steak. But there’s another place you can grab one, and it’s a rather unlikely suspect… ABC Commissary has added a New York Strip Steak to their menu, along with a Roasted Salmon dish. ABC Commissary Entrance Also behind those Commissary doors is the Big Hero 6 “Personal Beverage Companion” Souvenir Sipper. Big Hero 6 Souvenir Sipper MAGIC KINGDOMMickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is in full swing at the Magic Kingdom, along with some very merry treats specific to the party, like the Holiday Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern, and the Peppermint Sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. “Celebrate the Season” with Mickey and Minnie! Holiday cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern Peppermint Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Check out our review of these special snacks here! At Be Our Guest Restaurant, the Tropical Fruit Cream Puff dessert has been replaced with an Éclair à l’Orange. Be Our Guest Restaurant Sign Offerings change rather frequently at Liberty Square Market, but now that the cooler months are here you may have more of a chance to try their Tomato Bisque Soup, which would be a nice accompaniment to one of their Baked Potatoes. Liberty Square Market I loved this little Fantasyland Standby Entrance kitchen timer magnet at the Emporium… Standby Entrance kitchen timer And check out these Jack Skellington Mood Magnets! Jack Skellington Mood Magnets EPCOTAt Future World’s Coral Reef, a Baked Cheese Manicotti with Griddled Lobster Tail, Rustic Tomato Stew, and Basil Oil has replaced the Lobster and Shrimp Orecchiette Pasta. Coral Reef sign Guests dining like (and with!) royalty at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall now have a new choice in the form of House-made Butternut Squash Ravioli. And now, unique to the Dinner Menu, guests can choose from Roasted New York Strip, a Grilled Pork Chop, and Vilt Lapskaus (Venison Stew). Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Snow White at Akershus In Morocco, Spice Road Table is accepting Advanced Dining Reservations for dining times starting December 2nd. Spice Road Table They also have a few menu changes in store. More on that soon! RESORTSThe Grand FloridianNot to be outdone by the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian chefs are hard at work preparing this year’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House, getting ready for its official opening on November 21st. Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Building the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House It’s been announced that Citricos will offer a Princess Dining Experience for breakfast and brunch while Cinderella’s Royal Table is closed for refurbishment from January 8th extending to March 2015. The gates to Citricos Florida Fish Tacos have made their way to the Grand Floridian Cafe Lunch Menu. Grand Floridian Cafe Entrance I don’t know if those will tempt me away from my beloved Grand Floridian Burger, but perhaps I could be swayed… Animal Kingdom LodgeAt Sanaa, lunch options now include a Peri Peri Sandwich (Roasted Chicken Breast on Ciabatta) and Grilled Beef Sirloin Steak. Sanaa check-in For dinner, Tinashe Scallops can be found on the appetizer list. The “Slow-cooked in Gravy” options (yum!) now include Lamb Curry. Also new to the entree menu are Tandoori Lamb, Surf and Turf Braai (Grilled Beef Sirloin and Tandoori Shrimp), and Tandoori Marinated Pork Tenderloin. And there you have it, folks! Another round of What’s New has come to an end… but all the fun of the holiday season is just beginning! Until next time… Eat and Be Happy! Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014Walt Disney World Steak Gallery View the full article

We asked the Disneyland Resort Entertainment team to show their favorite holiday enhancements; only this time they are creating “it's a small world” Holiday at Disneyland park: http://di.sn/i...From:Disney ParksViews:5711100ratingsTime:01:44More inTravel & Events

Once again, visions of gingerbread houses will become reality at select Walt Disney World resort hotels! Gingerbread Mickey Cookie The holiday season is underway as Mickey and his elves (and some talented chefs!) get busy filling the resorts and parks with seasonal decor, merchandise, and treats. Plan to stop by the resorts to see the displays, purchase a pin, and/or meet one of the fabulous chefs! Contemporary ResortAnd how cool is it that the Contemporary’s NEW gingerbread display showcases characters from Disney’s popular film, “Frozen” in the artistic style of Disney Legend Mary Blair! We reported on all the details last week. Check out all the details (including festive treats!!) on the Frozen Gingerbread Display here. Frozen Gingerbread Display Grand Floridian ResortThe impressive gingerbread house churns out baked goods made from a classic Austrian recipe. Holiday treats for sale include cookies, shingles,ornaments, and houses — all made from gingerbread. Other freshly made items include Stollen Bread, chocolate peppermint bark, and truffles. Gingerbread decorating tips are given in free demonstrations! Opening date: November 23, 2014. Life-size! After 400 hours of baking, the chefs spent 160 hours decorating the house. This unique 80 square feet of retail space is 16 feet high by 17 feet wide and constructed with 1,000 board feet of trim, 60 sheets of plywood, 40 window panes, 100 square feet of display, and 10,000 pieces of gingerbread used. Looking Down on the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House The immense amount of gingerbread was made with 700 lbs. of chocolate, 1,050 lbs. honey, 600 lbs. powdered sugar, 35 lbs. spices, 800 lbs. flour, 140 pints egg whites. and 180 lbs. apricot glaze. Wow! BoardWalk InnInside the gorgeous lobby of the BoardWalk Inn, the Sweet Treats gingerbread display conjures visions of a Jersey Shore concession stand. We love the whimsical decor! Gingerbread Shingle from Disney’s BoardWalk Beach ClubOnce again, a life-size carousel will be the centerpiece of the Beach Club’s lobby. Look for the seven Hidden Mickeys! Take home treats including small gingerbread kits will be available for purchase at the Beach Club Marketplace. Watch for inspiring demonstrations by pastry chefs. Opening date: November 25, 2014. Carousel Horse at Disney’s Beach Club Think your holiday baking list is long? It took 36 lbs. of honey, 96 lbs. of bread flour, 100 pints of eggs, 10 lbs. of spices, 10 quarts of simple syrup, 100 lbs. of icing, 50 lbs. of dark chocolate, 10 quarts of egg whites, and 100 lbs. of confectioner sugar to make the carousel! Beach Club Carousel from Above Yacht ClubThe Yacht Club will stick to tradition with a New England-style train display. Watch the train chug past a candy-coated village and through a rock mountain made of sugar. Yes, it’s edible! Part of the Yacht Club Train Display Limited Edition pinsTo commemorate the inspiring gingerbread houses, NEW limited edition pins will be for sale. Look for four new pins at select resorts this year, including the Contemporary Resort’s gingerbread display pin! Gingerbread Display Pin Visit our Walt Disney World Holiday page for more information! What’s your favorite gingerbread display at Walt Disney World? Tell us your top pick in the comments below! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!We’ve been hard at work, updating the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2014 e-Book with all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! With 310 pages of detailed information and multiple bonus extras, it WILL save you time and money during the busiest season in Walt Disney World! And it’s here just in time! And since we want you to save some cash right NOW, we have a special discount for DFB readers (as always!). Get the brand new guide for $3 off the regular purchase price for a limited time! How? Use code JINGLE at the check-out. The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book features 310 pages of all the info you need to know (and not JUST food!) before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, plus over 250 photos. Don’t forget to pick up your copy for a $3 off using code JINGLE at the check-out! Happy holidays from all of us here at DFB. 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: 2012 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday DisplaysWalt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays for 2011Gingerbread Displays In Disney World 2010, Part 1 View the full article

Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Olaf and the rest of your favorites from Disney's "Frozen" are ringing in the holidays with 'A Frozen Holiday Wish' at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World: http://di....From:Disney ParksViews:15576199ratingsTime:02:36More inTravel & Events

Watch this time-lapse video on the creation of the 'Frozen' Gingerbread Holiday Ice Castle at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World. http://di.sn/i00R Watch more videos from...From:Disney ParksViews:19380141ratingsTime:01:08More inTravel & Events

Zayn Malik of the London-based pop group One Direction isn't performing alongside his bandmates at their live CityWalk concert today because he missed his morning flight to Orlando, officials said. View the full article

As he tiptoed through the woods in pursuit of a rabbit, Elmer J. Fudd was cautious to be "vewy, vewy quiet." View the full article

We are heading to one of my favorite Walt Disney World restaurants today — Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom! Learn About: Liberty Tree TavernMagic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants“This place is awesome, why?” you ask? Because it’s FOOD and LEARNING all in ONE! Shazam!!! Beat THAT, Be Our Guest!!! ;-D OK, so I clearly have a soft spot in my heart for LTT, and it really is a bunch of comfort food with a hearty side of history blended in. Ready to take a peek? Time to board the learning train! Woo-woo! AtmosphereLiberty Tree Tavern is situated in Liberty Square, just a stone’s throw from Cinderella Castle. While the main focus of Liberty Square and the restaurant itself is a celebration of Colonial American History, it’s also an important spot in Disney History; Liberty Tree opened with the park on October 1, 1971. See? Staying power. Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom Enter the lobby and check in at the podium just to the left of the door. The lobby itself is cozy and rustic, with wood paneling and wrought iron chandeliers. A huge fireplace — the kind used for cooking and big enough to stand in — is the focal point of the room. But soaring, two-story ceilings and all of those hard surfaces can make for a lot of noise. Be prepared! Be sure to arrange an advance dining reservation if you’d like to eat here, as it’s usually a pretty busy place. And keep in mind that lunch and dinner have different menus and service styles. More about that in a bit! Liberty Tree Tavern Lobby Once your table is ready, you’ll be announced by a cast member — Town Crier style! Talk about an entrance. But get your head out of the clouds, already; we have learning to do! En route to your table, have a look around; there are some interesting details here and you don’t want to overlook them. Within Liberty Tree Tavern, you’ll find six distinct rooms or seating areas, each named for a notable historical figure. See if your favorite Colonial American hero numbers among them; the list includes Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington. This spot with hats and coats hanging by the door has always been one of my favorite details. There’s John Paul Jones to the right! Coats and Hat Hanging at the Ready! Walls in all of the seating areas are covered with Colonial-Era paintings and portraits, and you’ll also find super detailed decorative touches, like this model ship. Portrait and Model Ship You’ll know Betsy Ross’s Room by the flag, of course! Flag in Betsy Ross Room Founding Father Benjamin Franklin’s portrait hangs in the room commemorating his life and work. Benjamin Franklin Room You’ll also find his famous kite! I love this. You’re SO going to impress your friends by knowing about all of these details. You can see your kids’ “what I learned on my vacation” report writing itself, can’t you? Kite in Ben Franklin Room Here’s more from the John Paul Jones room. John Paul Jones Room — Inside When it comes to seating and surroundings, you may find yourself feeling like you’re dining in someone’s home. Tables and chairs look like they’re straight out of your grandparents’ (great grandparents’? great great grandparents?) dining room. Seating While chairs comprise most of the seating, you’ll also find some mixed banquette and chair seating. Another Seating Area Time to turn our attention to the food! Let’s take a look at what we enjoyed during our most recent visit to Liberty Tree. EatsIf you’ve never dined at Liberty Tree Tavern, you should be aware that Lunch and Dinner are different types of meals. While dinner is an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal (Thanksgiving!!!), served family style, lunch is an a la carte situation. You’ll choose each of your courses from the menu and pay for everything accordingly, rather than a set per-person price. The good news is that if you’re trying to get a dinner ADR but can’t manage to swing it, you can still get some of the dinner options on the lunch menu — you just can’t get seconds and thirds. Lunch Menu — Click to Enlarge I decided to start off my meal with Today’s Soup Kettle option — the Soup of the Day. The hearty Vegetable Beef Soup featured a rich Broth, and was loaded with Roast Beef and a ton of Vegetables. Very satisfying. Vegetable Beef Soup My friend decided to give the Freedom Pasta a try. The dish includes Farfalle Pasta tossed with Vegetables, Mushrooms, and Chicken in a Cream Sauce. The dish came topped with a spinkle of grated Parmesan Cheese. While it’s nothing fancy (or particularly colonial ), it IS very good. I can remember when this one was new on the menu (using a different pasta) and how much I liked it! It was better back then (a thicker cream sauce, more flavorful chicken-with-skin, etc), but it’s still a filling, very comforting option. Freedom Pasta Now, my favorite thing to order when I come to Liberty Tree is their Angus Chuck Cheeseburger. I hardly ever miss a chance to enjoy it — it’s one of my favorite Disney Burgers! Cheeseburger at Liberty Tree Tavern But during this visit, I decided to try another dish that Liberty Tree is known for — the Pilgrim’s Feast. Craving Thanksgiving Dinner in the middle of July? No problem. Whether you visit Liberty Tree for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a Traditional Turkey Dinner with many of the trimmings! You can see from the photo — this is the real deal, with real Roasted Turkey Breast Meat, complete with Skin! Pilgrim’s Feast There’s also mashed potatoes, green beans, and STUFFING!!!!!! Herb Bread Stuffing This one’s tough to photograph as there’s so much hidden beneath the stack of turkey…and the gravy tends to get a little skin on it, so it looks weird…but it is a delicious meal. Even for people like me who don’t LURVE Thanksgiving dinner. With a delicious meal under our belts, it was time to check out our options for a sweet ending. I can never resist a Fruit Crisp, so that was our first choice. Topped with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, this classic combo of peaches and cream, and hot meets cold, didn’t disappoint. Johnny Appleseed’s Cake But while it was just as delicious as it looks, it couldn’t steer me away from ordering one of my most favorite desserts in all of Disney — Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake! Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake So pretty, right!? Warm, sweet, gooey, and delicious, this one is the perfect vacay indulgence. And if these pics are causing you to crave this treat like I am, check out our handy recipe! OverallIf you’re looking for surprises…you’ve probably come to the wrong place. I have loved Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch in the past, and I continue to love it. Its terrific track record holds, and I’m happy to continue recommending to anyone who will listen! It’s the complete package: the food, while nothing particularly fancy, is always good and fresh. The decor does just exactly what it’s supposed to do — it immerses you in another time and place. And with every delicious meal I have here, I recount countless memories of good times with friends and family from years past. Plus, I often (not always, but often) have great service here. I think a lot of the servers have been at LTT for a long time, and they really know how to handle a tired, stressed park-goer who just wants some good food fast. ;-D And so, I’ll continue to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern (especially for lunch), and I’ll keep recommending that you do the same! Is Liberty Tree Tavern one of your Disney favorites as well? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of this beloved Disney World restaurant! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch in Disney’s Magic KingdomGuest Review: Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Disney’s Magic KingdomNew Dishes at Liberty Tree Tavern (And We Tried One!) View the full article

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart are blood brothers. View the full article

GAINESVILLE — Will Muschamp's inaugural game as the head coach of the Florida Gators was the first non-sellout at the Swamp in 137 straight games dating back more than two decades. View the full article

On any other given Sunday, evangelist Thomas Gaines would be ministering to the adult Sunday school class at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church before attending his home church. View the full article

The Gators are hunting for a new head coach after firing Will Muschamp Sunday. View the full article

 A cruise ship with 172 passengers and crew members suffering from a gastrointestinal ailment caused by norovirus was met by public health officials when it docked in California on Sunday, authorities and Carnival Corp said. View the full article

U.S. aid worker and Indiana native Peter Kassig, beheaded by Islamic State militants who captured him in Syria last year, was remembered on Sunday for his courageous devotion to helping people whose lives were upended by civil war. View the full article

Broadway received top billing for good reason when the Walt Disney Theater offered its grand premiere Saturday night at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. View the full article

Joe Clark of Orlando demonstrated how social media can be marshaled against illness. His battle against cancer inspired the #JoeStrong movement and the blog "Cocktails and Chemo." View the full article

This week, we shared even more holiday experiences happening this season at Disney Parks as well as a special behind-the-scenes peek at how we transform Magic Kingdom Park for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you missed it, take a look at what happens while you sleep. Our Holiday Services department works year round to make sure everything is ready to be installed at each park and resort at Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of other stories we worked on this week. Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Entrance – We continued our “Building the Dream” series on the Disney Parks Blog with a special look at the making of the Main Entrance of Disneyland Park. First Look: Black Widow and Hawkeye on a Mission This Weekend at Disneyland Resort – Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Black Widow and Hawkeye, are descending upon the Disneyland Resort for the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon! First Look: Themed Hotels, Disneytown Announced for Shanghai Disney Resort – Get a peek at some exciting updates for Shanghai Disney Resort, including two themed hotels and an area called Disneytown – a spectacular shopping, dining and entertainment district. Cinderella’s Dining at Cítricos–Breakfast and Brunch with the Disney Princesses at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Starting January 8, 2015, the Disney princesses will welcome guests to Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Dateline Adventureland: Lost Holiday Shipment Found Aboard the Jingle Cruise at Disneyland Park – See how these lost yule tide trappings are now being appropriated by the animals of Jingle Cruise at Disneyland Park. Trust Your Training – The Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend presented by Sierra Nevada Corporation Finisher Medals Revealed – These ARE the medals you’re looking for … see the finisher medals to be be presented at the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend! First Look at runDisney Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Merchandise – Create your own hero identity with merchandise debuting this weekend as part of the runDisney Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. Disney Parks After Dark: Very Merry Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park – See this spectacular image, captured by photographer Mark Willard during the fireworks show, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. First Look: Train, Trisha Yearwood, Lucy Hale, Trey Songz and More at the Disneyland Resort for Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration on ABC – Earlier this week we gave our readers the first look at what’s in store Christmas morning from the Disneyland Resort on ABC. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney Parks and Resorts are busy decking the halls with magical holiday decor. Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display And this year, there’s a new gingerbread display featuring Frozen characters at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! The character depictions received a Mary Blair transformation and they are simply adorable! Of course, we really love the Frozen themed treats. Click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News… Disney Food NewsDisney World’s Contemporary Resort debuts its 2014 Gingerbread Display featuring the characters from Frozen!Disneyland has announced dates for the 2014 handmade candy canes!Epcot will be celebrating the Holidays Around the World with special treats to be found around World Showcase throughout the season!The Disney World standard Bar and Lounge Menu has received a recent makeover.Disneyland Fantasmic! Dining Packages begin December 12th. 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, Chef Kevin Dundon Award Nominations, 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! There’s a chill in the air! Let’s take a look at some Reader Finds featuring Frozen-themed cakes… First up, a birthday cake from Facebook Friend Stephanie. Awesome! Frozen! And here’s another masterpiece sent in by Facebook Friend Amelia. Absolutely gorgeous! Do You Want To Build A Snowman? And here’s an extra: A sneak peek at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn tweeted by Daniel. Thanks, Wanderman!! Take a peek! Do you have a Favorite Find? Share, please! 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 a 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 Here!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 grand launch with us by getting $3 off the purchase price for the e-Book TODAY!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!Star Wars Gingerbread Cookie Cutters On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases Star Wars cookie cutters. Go ahead and geek out your holiday cookies. It’s time to bake! Daveland highlights Disneyland’s Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant in Fantasyland. Great vintage photographs! Cake Wrecks features Mickey Mouse cake wrecks. Hilarious — and a bit scary! The Daily Meal shares popular Disney snacks. Candy apples, Dole Whip, and more! Mouse on the Mind visits Disney World coffee spots. Take a look at some favorite and not-so-favorite places for coffee! 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 Post Round-Up: November 9, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 10, 2013Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 2, 2014 View the full article

This week, some of the most compelling images we shared on the Disney Parks Blog were of some iconic buildings guests have enjoyed at our parks for years, specifically the train station and entrance to Disneyland park and Spaceship Earth at Epcot. George Savvas shared these amazing construction images of the Main Entrance turnstiles and Main Street Station earlier this week. Nate Rasmussen also gave a look at the early construction of Epcot’s theme park icon – Spaceship Earth. Which other attractions or areas of our parks are you interested in seeing early construction photos of? Tell us in the comments section below. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: The Building Of Park Icons by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Could you use a little help from The Force with your gift-giving this holiday season? Well, we might have a few ideas to get you started… And the best part is you don’t have to go to a galaxy far, far away to nab them! Star Wars Baking Accessories’Tis the season for all things gingerbread men… but what about the oft overlooked gingerbread sith lord, hmm? These Star Wars Gingerbread Cookie Cutters include Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, Boba Fett, Chewbacca, Yoda, and (the cutest ever) C-3PO. Star Wars Gingerbread Cookie Cutters What could be more helpful than having a droid in the kitchen while baking up all those cookies? This R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set includes 4 measuring cups and 4 measuring spoons. R2-D2 Measuring Cup Set This Darth Vader Apron is for the cook who really likes to be in control of their kitchen or grill. Darth Vader Apron Star Wars Chopsticks and More“Your feeble skills” may be no match for the Dark Side, but if you can use chopsticks, you’re still one up on lots of opponents. Light up Chop Sabers come in blue (for Luke Skywalker) or red (for Darth Vader). Light Up Chop Sabers And what will you eat with your Chop Sabers? Something that would be mighty tasty with some soy sauce, no doubt, poured straight from an R2-D2 Soy Sauce Dispenser. Indeed. R2-D2 Soy Sauce Dispenser Star Wars Barbecue AccessoriesA Lightsaber may indeed be an “elegant weapon for more civilized days.” But why should that mean it can’t come in awfully handy at the grill? The Lightsaber Barbecue Fork could be just the thing for the Grill Master in your corner of the galaxy. Subtle. Lightsaber Barbecue Fork And there are even Lightsaber Barbecue Tongs to match! With lightsaber sound effects, no less!! Lightsaber Barbecue Tongs And while we’re on the topic of outdoor cooking, the Grill Master might need some help keeping cool by the flames. This R2-D2 Can Cooler could surely help with that! R2-D2 Can Cooler More Fun on the Dark SideI don’t know how Darth Vader would feel about being associated with something as cozy as tea time, but this one sure makes me laugh. Infuse your tea with just a touch of darkness using this Death Star Tea Infuser. Death Star Tea Infuser Okay, so I can’t claim this “Come to the Dark Side, We Have Bacon” T-shirt as a kitchen accessory, but C’MON! The Dark Side Has Bacon T-shirt May the Force be with you this holiday season! Do any of these items speak to your inner-Padawan? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Friday Fun: Star Wars and Marvel Kitchen Goodies!Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Star Wars Food Fun!Star Wars Kitchen Accessories View the full article

Last night, guests and media gathered for what has become a Disneyland Resort tradition: the official lighting of “it’s a small world” Holiday at Disneyland park. Special guest Maya Gallardo and her family joined Disney Ambassador Sachiko White to flip the switch on the more than 300,000 lights that will illuminated the iconic attraction through the holiday season. Maya was diagnosed with leukemia when she was less than one year old, and a bone marrow donation from her older brother, who was five years old at the time, saved her life. She is now an 11-year-old cancer survivor. Take a look at this special night in the video below. Thank you, Maya, for helping us kick off the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort! ‘it’s a small world’ Holiday Lighting Kicks Off Holidays at the Disneyland Resort by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Guests and media gathered for what has become a Disneyland Resort tradition: the official lighting of “it's a small world” Holiday. This is just one of the many traditions of the Holidays...From:Disney ParksViews:552997ratingsTime:01:17More inTravel & Events