Disney4me

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

Disney Interactive’s gaming platform Disney Infinity joined with Disney Parks to offer Walt Disney World Resort guests with a MagicBand a special surprise. In the recently released edition of the game, Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), only guests with a MagicBand can unlock the enchanting charm of the “it’s a small world” attraction into their very own Toy Box creation. Guests unlock the download of “it’s a small world” for their Toy Box by placing a MagicBand over the Disney Infinity Base. The Base will detect the presence of a MagicBand, and then will instantly unlock the “it’s a small world” download with no online connectivity required. Additionally, you’ll be able to enchant other players with the iconic music from the “it’s a small world” attraction in the background. Once you’ve created a saved game, you will always have access to the new content. MagicBands are part of MyMagic+, an exciting new way to experience even more of the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform that brings favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel toys to life in a world without limits. With Disney Infinity players have endless opportunities to create stories and fun-filled adventures! MagicBands are intended for use in the United States only. MagicBands Bring More Pixie Dust to Disney Infinity by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

As we shared on our News Pin Board, Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom is slated to close for a lengthy refurbishment beginning early January and extending to March 2015. Learn About: CitricosGrand Floridian Disney World RestaurantsWith the temporary closure of this royal venue, the Disney princesses will move to Citricos at the Grand Floridian Resort. Starting January 8th, a breakfast/brunch experience will be offered daily at this restaurant just a monorail or boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom! Similar to the welcoming tradition at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Cinderella will meet and greet with guests upon their arrival, while other Disney princesses mingle at each table. Cinderella greets guests in her castle As always, you can take photos and collect autographs of the Disney royals. The Magical Wishing Ceremony will also move over to Citricos — a fun, interactive experience that involves souvenir wands and swords handed out to young guests. Sword Action at Cinderella’s Royal Table Choose to have breakfast or brunch as hours will extend from 8AM to 2:20PM at a cost of $49.99 and $31.99 for ages 3-9. Guests on the Disney Dining Plan can pay with 2 table service entitlements per person. Citricos looks out over the Grand Floridian’s court yard To reserve your Citricos princess meal, call 407-WDW-DINE. Reservations will become available for Walt Disney World Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members on December 3, 2014, before opening to all guests the next day. Adult MenuAPPETIZERS OF THE COURT Bakery Basket Choice of One: Garden Salad–Artisanal Greens, Endive, Roasted Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas, and Marcona Almonds with Riesling Vinaigrette Assorted Fresh Fruits ENTRÉES ROYALE Choice of One: Traditional Breakfast–Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, and Twice-cooked Breakfast Potatoes Scrambled Egg Whites, Hot Ten-Grain Cereal, Greek Yogurt topped with Granola, Whole-Grain Bread, and Fresh Fruit Steak and Slow-Poached Eggs with Twice-cooked Breakfast Potatoes and Wilted Spinach Grilled Ham and Biscuit, Slow Poached Eggs topped with Sausage Gravy Market-inspired Fish with Angel Hair Pasta, and Aromatic Tomato Sauce Florida Shrimp with Creamy Cheddar Cheese and Smoked Bacon Grits DESSERT TRIO Beverages included: Unlimited Coffee (regular/decaf), Iced Tea (regular/decaf),Fountain Beverages, and Juices (Apple/Orange/Tomato) Choice of one Adult Specialty Beverage Selection: Mimosa Champagne Seasoned & Spiced Tomato Juice with Vodka Cappuccino Latte Espresso Glass of Wine Princess Brunch at Citricos Children’s MenuAPPETIZERS Choice of One: Bite-size Cheddar Cheese and Grapes Garden Salad with Fat-free Ranch Dressing ENTRÉES Choice of One: Turkey Pot Pie topped with a Cheese Biscuit Roasted Chicken Leg with Brown Rice Pilaf and Broccolini Children’s Scrambled Eggs Mickey-shaped Waffles Steak served with Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Corn DESSERT TRIO Beverages included: Milk and Skim Milk, Fountain Beverages, Juices: Orange/Apple/Tomato Choice of One Specialty Beverage served in a Specialty Cup: Tink Drink — Lemonade, Orange Juice and Sprite Strawberry Smoothie Please note that the menu is subject to change. Do you think Citricos is an appropriate venue for this Disney princess character meal? What’s your thoughts on the menu? 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: Guest Review: Citricos at Disney World’s Grand Floridian ResortReview: Citricos at Disney World’s Grand Floridian ResortNew! Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast at Cinderella’s Royal Table View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – Florida's two-year legal fight over redrawn congressional and legislative maps is about to provide another round of wonderful political voyeurism. View the full article

Happy Friday, Disney’s “Big Hero 6” fans! I’m excited to share the second recipe in our Disney’s “Big Hero 6” series, Wasabi’s Tuna Poke, inspired by Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Filled with lean protein, this dish will give you the energy you need to save San Fransokyo. Just try not to spill any of the wasabi sauce on your shirt. Wasabi’s Tuna Poke, Inspired by Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This weekend, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are descending upon the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim for the inaugural running of the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon. Captain America and Thor have been seen regularly at Disneyland park in the past year, but this will mark the first Disney Parks appearances for Hawkeye and Black Widow! Captain America, Thor, Black Widow and Hawkeye, along with a contingent of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, will be out in force for this power-packed weekend of fun and excitement. If you’re running, look for them on the route during both the Avengers Super Heroes 5K and Half Marathon. First Look: Black Widow and Hawkeye on a Mission This Weekend at Disneyland Resort by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Sure, gas prices are dropping. View the full article

SANFORD — A firefighter told jurors today that Anita Smithey pretended to cry in the ambulance as she was being taken from house where she had just killed her estranged husband. View the full article

The Magic have upgraded Victor Oladipo on their official injury report to "questionable," leaving open a strong possibility that Oladipo will make his 2014-15 debut tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Amway Center. View the full article

The contested race for a Mount Dora City Council race apparently will have to be decided by a coin toss or the drawing of straws after no additional votes from overseas ballots for the city election showed up in the mail by today's deadline. View the full article

Mater from 'Cars' Rings in the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Main Street, U.S.A. are decked out with holiday ornaments. Mater from Disney's 'Cars' has turned Disneyland Resort into a Winter Wonderland. Come join the...From:Disney ParksViews:00ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

Earlier this week in China, we shared some exciting updates for Shanghai Disney Resort, including a new birdseye view of the Resort, a first look at two themed hotels and what’s planned for an area called Disneytown – a spectacular shopping, dining and entertainment district. The signature hotel of Shanghai Disney Resort will be the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, an elegant Art Nouveau-inspired hotel with a touch of Disney magic and imagination. Also, our Toy Story Hotel will transport guests to a world inspired by the toys from the Disney•Pixar series of “Toy Story” animated films. “We are excited to provide guests with a glimpse of the unique hotels and the vibrant retail, dining and entertainment district we are creating as a part of the new Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “These elements, like the entire park and resort area, are designed to deliver the quality, guest service and great storytelling of Disney, and created specifically with our Chinese guests in mind.” Disneytown will be located near the two resorts and Shanghai Disneyland and feature world-class entertainment in China at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre – along with distinctive dining and unique shops. This Art Deco theatre in Broadway Plaza will host the global premiere of the Mandarin version of “THE LION KING,” the highest-grossing Broadway show ever. At the heart of Disneytown will be the Marketplace – a location filled with specialty shops with Disney merchandise, musicians and entertainers. Next to the Marketplace will be an area called Spice Alley, offering a variety of popular Asian cuisines in a casual, yet romantic environment. The al fresco dining spots are perfect for lunch with friends or a more formal date. And the intimate streets and festive lights encourage leisurely after dinner strolling. Broadway Boulevard at Disneytown will have stylish boutiques that create an upscale atmosphere. Guests will discover an exciting array of popular labels and trendsetting products. Also near Disneytown will be the resort’s central lake area, offering guests from Shanghai and around the world an opportunity to commune with nature, surrounded by peaceful greenery and a beautiful lake. The area includes a walking path and various beautiful gardens, which present guests with awe-inspiring natural views and beautiful sunsets. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates on Shanghai Disney Resort. For more about Shanghai Disney Resort, visit the posts below: Honors for Innovative Design of Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai DisneylandShanghai Disneyland’s Treasure Cove UnveiledFirst Look: Garden of the Twelve Friends to Feature Mosaic Murals at Shanghai DisneylandConstruction Begins on Shanghai Disneyland CastleFirst Look: Themed Hotels, Disneytown Announced for Shanghai Disney Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of my family’s favorite traditions each year is to visit Epcot during Holidays Around the World, where time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase. We enjoy learning about the customs of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and listening to the tales of characters like the kind-hearted witch La Befana, whom I recall from the years I spent living in Italy as a child. For the 2014 holiday season, new Holidays Around the World experiences in Mexico, Morocco, and China join returning favorites such as “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season,” the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. In Mexico, guests will enjoy the songs and traditions of “Fiesta de Navidad,” featuring colorful dancers and mariachis, who celebrate the holiday customs of Mexico in an interactive, musical performance. A Moroccan storyteller invites guests to join her on a journey to experience the gaiety of festivals, holiday traditions, and celebrations that are like the “spice of life” across Morocco. And the China pavilion bursts to life with the vibrant Chinese Lion Dance, bringing good fortune and happiness to all in honor of major holidays such as the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. I can’t wait to see it all! Holidays Around the World at Epcot starts November 28 and continues through December 29, 2014. Who else is going? New Experiences Coming to Holidays Around the World at Epcot by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I've started checking out the watering holes along SunRail's route. Here's what I've found out...so far. View the full article

It’s time to ring in the season with the famous Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays! While displays throughout various resorts are in different stages towards completion, the Contemporary Resort has debuted its brand new 2014 Gingerbread Display themed to (shocker, I know) Frozen! Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display This impressive display brings together current and classic as the Frozen characters are designed in the vintage style of Mary Blair, as is fitting for the Contemporary. And the whole thing (which looks a lot like a Norwegian Stave Church) is set against a pretty familiar looking background. It’s Arendelle meets “it’s a small world.” Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display sign Frozen Friends “It’s a Small World” design As always, there are some great fun facts regarding the ingredients that make up this enormous display! Ingredients! And those 14 Hidden Olafs? Just look among the characters to locate a few. Olaf… and teeny tiny Olaf See the sliver of silver on the bottom left? That’s one! Directly next to the display is a counter topped with gingerbread selling all manner of cookies, chocolates, and gelato (Yep — you read that last one correctly!). Let’s take a look! Gingerbread Display Treat Counter As you might anticipate, there is a Frozen-centric theme to the vast majority of this year’s treats, from Oreo Pops and and White Chocolate Silhouettes featuring everyone’s favorite Ice Harvester, Kristoff, to snowflake cookies decorated with Anna and Elsa. Kristoff Oreo Pops Kristoff White Chocolate Silhouettes Snowflake Cookies Anna and Elsa Snowflake Cookies The classic gingerbread shingles have some added “character” this year, in the forms of Elsa and Olaf. Elsa and Olaf Gingerbread Shingles “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman” made of marshmallows and candy that you can assemble on a stick? Of course you do! And they’ve got the kits to make sure it can happen. Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Frozen S’mores in a jar. Sure, why not? Frozen S’mores Frozen S’more The Elsa Snow Globe Cookie is sure to be a hit with lots of little Princesses this year. Elsa Snow Globe Cookie And the whole gang is featured on pieces of dark chocolate. Small Frozen Chocolate Bar The entire display is commemorated on a large chocolate bar. Large Frozen Chocolate Bar Even Sven gets in on the fun with some Reindeer Bark! Reindeer Bark and Gingerbread Boy You’ll notice in the picture above that the Gingerbread Boy has made his way back, as well. He’s not the only classic treat to return this year. Linzer Cookies appear alongside Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and Linzer Cookies Tea Cookies are available as a no-sugar-added option. Tea Cookies And Babycakes NYC provides this year’s Gluten-Free Gingerbread Boy. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Boy Our friend, the Five-Legged Goat Krispy Treat, is back again this year, too! Five-legged Goat Krispy Treats Mickey Butter Cookies and Brownie Pops round out the list. Brownie Pops and Mickey Butter Cookies Oh, wait… there is one more treat! But you won’t find it on the treat counter. Instead, you’ll see this sign for Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato. Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato sign And it makes perfect sense. What’s a Frozen display without a frozen snack, after all? Queen Elsa wouldn’t have it any other way! Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato The Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato is cake batter-flavored gelato topped with blue raspberry frosting. Because the frosting is frozen along with the gelato, it makes for a unique consistency of the frosting, almost like ice cream just on the verge of melting. Layers of Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato Layers of Blue Raspberry Cake Gelato The flavor is exactly that of a blue raspberry Icee beverage, though it’s somewhat mellowed by the vanilla frosting base. The very vivid blue you see is from the area along the side where the frosting thinned out and froze completely, providing extra bursts of the blue raspberry flavor along with an icy crunch and finish. Blue Raspberry is, of course, a very intense flavor, so you’ve absolutely got to be a fan of it to enjoy this treat.  That said, I liked how it paired with the cake batter gelato, which has more of a rich buttercream flavor than vanilla; and the gelato’s texture is wonderfully dense and rich. Overall, it’s a fun “Frozen” (and, well… frozen) addition to the traditional treats! So, that’s one down of several beautiful gingerbread displays to come around Disney World Resorts. The Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House is under construction as we speak in preparation for its November 21st opening, and we can’t wait for all the deliciousness to come! 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. What do you think of the Contemporary’s new Gingerbread Display? 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: 2011 Gingerbread Displays at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resorts2011 Gingerbread Holiday Display PinsGrand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House View the full article

Coyotes are highly intelligent, adaptable predators — and they're here to stay. View the full article

This week’s Disney Parks After Dark image was snapped at Magic Kingdom Park during the special holiday fireworks that guests can see during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The fireworks show, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season, is just one of my favorite parts of attending the annual Christmas parties – in addition to Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and the special character meet and greets. What’s your favorite part of the party? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. Thanks to photographer Mark Willard for the amazing shot. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: Very Merry Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Worried about facing national ridicule if a Satanic group is allowed to give out coloring books to children, the Orange County School Board moved Thursday toward preventing any outside group from distributing religious materials on campus. View the full article

It took 30 minutes of wandering, but Jamie Giffin and her group of friends finally found the unmarked elevator door that serves as the entrance to Pharmacy restaurant. View the full article