Disney4me

Next Sunday I'll be doing the same thing I love to do every Sunday morning — sitting with a great cup of coffee, reading my local newspaper, checking the opinion pages, ensuring the correct placement of ads, watching my Twitter feed and tweeting stories from the paper's columnists and... View the full article

Tis the season to eat, drink, and go to Walt Disney World! And that means it’s time for the Grand Launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014 e-Book! We’ve been busy updating all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! (Yep — we cover EVERYTHING in this one — not just food!) 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 steep discount for DFB readers (as always!). Get the brand new guide today 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 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!Both veterans and those new to the Walt Disney World holidays will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample treats, enjoy a show, savor a holiday meal, or find the best activity for your family, The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 will help you discover the right strategy for you. 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!Start planning now with our Holiday Bundle! 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! 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: The “DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2012″ Grand Launch and Discount!The “DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2013″ Grand Launch and Discount!Grand Launch and Discount: The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition View the full article

You may have heard of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, but did you know we have our own goat version almost every day at Disneyland park? The Disneyland goat herd, numbering 13 goats, spend their days at the Petting Farm at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. Between naps, they welcome guests with their calm demeanor and somewhat bewitching eyes. But when “quitting time” comes, the energy level goes up quite a bit. With dinner on their minds, they scoot over the hill to Circle D Ranch, where supper awaits them. Next time you’re in Disneyland park around sunset, be sure to stop by and witness this adorable bunch scamper home! In the meantime, you can catch the “goat running” in the video below. The Running of the Goats at Disneyland Park by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

You may have heard of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, but did you know we have our own goat version almost every day at Disneyland park? Next time you're in Disneyland park around sunset,...From:Disney ParksViews:326557ratingsTime:00:51More inTravel & Events

I wanted to share a few more details about the upcoming PANDORA Jewelry Showcase that will be held at Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida on November 7-8, 2014. The showcase events will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. each day. We will be featuring the PANDORA Jewelry created specifically for Disney Parks, which includes items inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters. You may recall reading about the new Disney jewelry collection in a previous Disney Parks Blog story. At this event, we will be offering the 16 items found only at Disney Parks, including a Parks-exclusive bracelet engraved with the castle logo. We will also have the additional 25 charm designs from the Disney jewelry collection, which can found at PANDORA stores throughout North America and online at http://www.DisneyStore.com/Pandora. There will be a purchase limit of three of each style of charm. Guests will also have an opportunity to meet Brenda Green, the stylist for PANDORA Americas. Since joining PANDORA in 2009, Brenda has helped shape the identity of PANDORA Americas through her innovative approach to jewelry styling. Her unique interpretation of each of the products has made the PANDORA story relatable and accessible to all guests. Brenda and her fellow PANDORA representatives will be helping guests create unforgettable Disney charm bracelets from 10:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m. each day. I hope to see you there! Additional Details About PANDORA Jewelry Showcase in Marketplace Co-Op at Walt Disney World on November 7-8, 2014 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Craving some of those awesome dishes that you’ve enjoyed at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! It’s one of my favorite parts of the Festival — tasting my way around World Showcase, and then going home to try my hand at a few new recipes! Today, we’re visiting the Poland Marketplace Booth for a taste of traditional fare. This year, Poland offers two varieties of Pierogies. Similar to dumplings, you’ll find them stuffed with sauerkraut or potato at the Festival, depending on which dish you choose. Today, we’ll take a closer look at Potato Pierogies served with Kielbasa. Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream If you’ve ever wanted to make your very own pierogies from scratch, here’s your chance! Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour CreamPoland Marketplace Booth Ingredients:Serves 4 (16 Pierogies) Kielbasa: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 pound boiled Polish smoked Kielbasa sausage Pierogies: 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 large egg, slightly beaten 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk For Serving: 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped chives Instructions:For Kielbasa: 1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking until onion i soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Add sausage, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until sausage is heated through. Set aside and keep warm. For Pierogies: 1. Cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and add milk, butter, salt, and pepper; mash until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese. Set aside to cool. 2. For dough, put flour in a large shallow bowl and make a well in the center. Add egg, salt, and milk to well. With your fingers, slowly draw flour into the liquid to form a soft, smooth dough. Knead well. Cover the dough and let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 3. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough as thinly as possible (about 1/8-inch thick) and cut into 3-inch circles. Spoon a generous teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Wet edges of dough with fingertip dipped in water, then fold over and crimp edges with a fork to seal completely. Transfer to a lightly floured kitchen towel and cover with a damp towel. 4. Bring a 6- to 8-quart pot of salted water to a boil. Add pierogies, gently stirring to keep them from sticking together, and cook about 5 minutes — they will float to the surface when cooked. Drain on paper towels. To Serve: 1. In a large sauté pan, melt butter and cook pierogies for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and brown. 2. Serve with kielbasa and top with a dollop of sour cream sprinkled with chopped chives. Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We are always working to bring you all of the latest and most important news and updates on the 2014 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. And keep an eye on our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for updates. 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — and FOOD PHOTOS! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Low-Cost/Free Seminars and Activities 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule and Dining Package Information 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events 2014 Tower of Terror 10-miler Events 2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic: Menus, Booking Info available! How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 31 at 7AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events will be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. News! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! Start planning NOW for your trip with our expert advice, plus information on all of the Special Events, Low Cost Seminars and Demonstrations in a handy take-along format. Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. Are the Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies at the Poland Marketplace Booth one of your favorite dishes? Tell us if you’ll be trying this hearty recipe at home 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: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Clam Chowder from the Hops & Barley Marketplace Booth2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Warm Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Updates: Craft Beer Moves Into Odyssey Center, and More View the full article

Adventures by Disney recently announced an exciting lineup of Long Weekend itineraries that allow your family to enjoy an unforgettable getaway together on a shorter timeframe. These trips take you to New York City, Wyoming, Nashville or the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco, which served as the inspiration for the fictional town of San Fransokyo (pictured below) from the Walt Disney Pictures film “Big Hero 6” (coming to theaters November 7). “Big Hero 6″ is an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends to help uncover the mystery. On the Adventures by Disney Long Weekend vacation to San Francisco, you can explore the city that inspired “Big Hero 6″ filmmakers, while also enjoying visits to landmarks such as Muir Woods, a privately guided tour of the Walt Disney Family Museum, a special trip to Lucasfilm, wine tasting at Silverado Vineyards in Napa and so much more. Plus, now this trip also includes exciting enhancements that are sure to delight fans of “Big Hero 6″, including: Exclusive videos featuring interviews with the directors and producers of “Big Hero 6″ not seen anywhere elseA visit to the Angel Island military base, which plays a significant role in the filmA trip through San Francisco’s Japantown, which served as a great inspiration for the filmmakers when designing the animated look of San FransokyoOther fun surprises and activities related to the filmThese enhancements to the Adventures by Disney San Francisco vacation will allow you to see this magnificent city through the creative lenses of Disney’s award-winning team of animators and filmmakers. The first departure of the Adventures by Disney Long Weekend vacation to San Francisco, now including special “Big Hero 6″ enhancements, begins May 2015. For more from Adventures by Disney, visit the posts below: Go Down Under to Australia with Adventures by DisneyEnjoy a Sleigh Ride Together with Adventures by DisneyCelebrate the Holidays with Adventures by DisneySee the City that Inspired the Creators of ‘Big Hero 6′ on an Adventures by Disney San Francisco Vacation by Heather Killingbeck: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Mater Bells - Cars Land | Disneyland Resort | Canada Mater from Disney Pixar's 'Cars' is ringing in the holidays at Disneyland Resort. Treat your family to a 4-day, 3-night vacation this season with a Good Neighbor Hotel and Ticket package! http://di...From:Disney ParksViews:5592107ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

Banana Toffee Mousse | Disney's Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant The Banana Toffee Mousse on Cocoa Crunch is one of our favorites from The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios. See what else is on the menu: http://di.sn/qsA ...From:Disney ParksViews:54428ratingsTime:02:27More inTravel & Events View the full article

Disney restaurants tend to have that little something extra that make them a magical experience for us and our families instead of, say, just another night at the local diner. The red carpet at Cinderella’s Royal Table, the aquarium at Coral Reef, the stage show at Biergarten…they all make these restaurants a more interesting, and more compelling, place to dine. Proximity of Animals to Diners at Coral Reef That’s why today, atmosphere is taking center stage instead of playing a supporting role. I want to know: What’s your favorite Disney World restaurant for its atmosphere? The place that you go, without fail, almost without thought to the food. (Almost. But not quite.) Here are three of my favorite spots that I hit up as often as possible when I’m in town. I can’t wait to hear about your favorites in the comments! Sci-Fi Dine-In RestaurantIf you A) pine for the days of drive in movies, or B) have heard about such days and you’re completely fascinated, then you’ve gotta check out Sci-Fi Dine-In with me. Dining under the stars while watching ridiculous B movies on the big screen is just too much fun to pass up. After all, this is the only place in Disney that you can eat in your car! Dine in a Convertible at Sci-Fi No time to wait for a car table? Check out the cool picnic table option, and you can still dine in the Disney “open air!” Sci Fi Picnic Tables Thankfully, Walt shows up every now and again to make sense of it all. Walt and His Vision I personally love the house specialty, the Picnic Burger! But they feature some pretty delicious drinks, too. Get one with a Glow Cube for extra fun! Glow Drink at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant 50s Prime Time CafeBut I also enjoy feeling like I just escaped into a rerun of The Dick Van Dyke Show! And that’s when I head to 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 50s Prime Time Sign Almost all Disney restaurants have some level of themeing. But this place really takes the cake. You have just travelled back in time when you walk through the doors. Even the lobby is super-themed to feel like your grandmother’s living room! Waiting Area There is just so dang much to see here! Sometimes, I really have a hard time settling down to focus on my food. Don’t forget to ask for a TV table on your visit to 50s Prime Time Cafe! And keep your elbows off the table… Fortunately, Cousin Tommy (my favorite server) usually comes along just in the nick of time to quiz me on the restroom soap colors and fork-feed me any leftover veggies so I can join the Clean Plate Club! Ah, those cousins. Always looking out for us. Jiko — A Cooking PlaceIf you haven’t visited Africa recently, here’s one of the next best things — Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The restaurant was designed by famed restaurant designer Jeffrey Beers. And where my other two favorites evoke kitschy fun, Jiko is all elegance. Channeling the rich, natural colors of the African continent, I relax instantly as I enter this tranquil space. The space is replete with symbols of Africa everywhere you look. Be sure to ask your server about the unique design elements at Jiko. I Love the Birds Above and the Wheat Sheaths Below! Water provides a soothing backdrop when your table is window side. But keep your eyes peeled for Hidden Mickeys even here! Water is Another Design Feature at Jiko My favorite feature is the lighting, though. As the evening wanes, the light fades gradually to mimic the African sunset. Gorgeous. The Lighting Here is the Best All I need is their awesome Oak-Grilled Filet, and I’m good to go! Now It’s Your Turn!Now, I really want to hear from you! What are your top spots in Disney that win on atmosphere alone? What places are you going every trip just to look around? What restaurants do you recommend to friends visiting the ‘World with the opening line “Ya just gotta see…!” Tell us all about it in 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: What’s Your Favorite Restaurant in Each Walt Disney World Park?My Three Favorite Desserts in Disney WorldDisney Food Pics of the Week: Restaurant Atmosphere View the full article

A vote to extend a property tax for Orange schools is winning big tonight. With two-thirds of the county's precincts reporting, the tax renewal had 76.5 percent of the vote. View the full article

A Vatican bioethics official on Tuesday condemned the death by assisted suicide of American Brittany Maynard, a terminally ill 29-year-old who ended her life over the weekend, as an undignified "absurdity." View the full article

A drama-free congressional campaign season ended Tuesday with Central Florida incumbents U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson easily defeating Republican challenger Carol Platt and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster turning back a Democratic challenger Michael "Mac" McKenna. View the full article

Sen. Mitch McConnell was elected to a sixth term Tuesday, putting the veteran Capitol deal maker on track to achieve his longtime goal of becoming the Senate’s majority leader. View the full article

One of the most expensive and hotly contested elections in Florida history was conducted Tuesday with only a few problems in Broward County, including a ballot mix-up in Plantation. View the full article

Getting a "roomie" has become an increasingly popular way to share expenses in a region where rents have continued to increase as wages have generally flattened. View the full article

For Danielle Sampson's parents, Tuesday's stunning jury award was a triumph on many levels. View the full article

FSU has set a date for Jameis Winston's code of conduct hearing in connection with a sexual assault allegation. View the full article

At Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, we rejoice in fall’s dip in temperature – nothing dramatic, but the perfect excuse to bring out the soup recipes. Paradise Garden Grill is offering this classic Mexican soup as part of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! at Disney California Adventure park. It is also offered at Rancho Del Zocalo Restaurante in Disneyland park on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Since it’s not always there, here’s the recipe for you to try at home. And it’s even better the second day. Pozole (or posole) is a hearty hybrid of soup and stew with chewy hominy and tender pork – the fresh garnishes add crunch and freshness. Pozole Serves 8 to 10 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch cubes6 garlic cloves, peeled, and split lengthwise2 bay leaves1 large yellow onion, diced 1 teaspoon ground cumin2 tablespoons coarse salt, divided6 dried Guajillo chiles2 dried ancho or New Mexico chiles1/2 medium sweet onion, cut into large pieces3 medium or 2 large plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise and cored2 garlic cloves, peeled1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon Mexican oregano1 (15-ounce) can white hominy, drained and rinsedGarnishes 1/2 small head green cabbage, finely shredded6 radishes, sliced thinly3 limes, quartered1 bunch fresh cilantro, large stems removed, leaves roughly chopped1/2 medium onion, finely dicedRinse diced pork under cold water until water runs clear. Transfer pork to a large stock pot over medium-high heat; add 8 cups cold water. Bring to a simmer; skim off and discard foam and solids that float to surface.Stir in garlic, bay leaves, onion, cumin, and 1 tablespoon salt. Turn heat to medium to keep soup at a light simmer. Cover and simmer 90 minutes (do not boil). Periodically skim foam from surface.Meanwhile, remove and discard stems, seeds, and large veins from dried chiles. Break into large pieces in a medium saucepan and add 3 cups water. Top with sweet onion, tomatoes, and garlic cloves, keeping chiles submerged. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside 15 to 20 minutes.Working in 2 batches, puree chile mixture with cooking liquid in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into soup pot, pressing solids with back of spoon to extract liquid. Simmer soup for 90 minutes, then stir in black pepper, oregano, and hominy. Taste and season with additional salt, if desired.Remove a piece of pork and taste for doneness. If meat is not tender, simmer 15 to 20 minutes more.Serve hot soup with garnishes for topping.Hearty Pozole Soup, the Perfect Fall Supper from Paradise Garden Grill at Disney California Adventure Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Hearty Pozole Soup from Paradise Garden Grill at Disney California Adventure Park Pozole (or posole) is a hearty hybrid of soup and stew with chewy hominy and tender pork – the fresh garnishes add crunch and freshness. Here's the recipe for you to try at home. Read more...From:Disney ParksViews:243ratingsTime:02:17More inTravel & Events View the full article

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. With new decor coming to the Marketplace this holiday season, there’s even more to celebrate! Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the Holiday Services Warehouse to get a sneak peek at what’s coming. Can you imagine a giant treasure trove of holiday magic, filled from top-to-bottom with sky-high trees, larger-than-life snowmen and thousands of ornaments in every size and shape imaginable? I couldn’t, until I saw it for myself! I was able to get permission to share some early photos of the new enhancements coming to Downtown Disney. The new look and feel is tied to the idea of a ‘uniquely handcrafted’ Christmas. Many of the elements use found objects such as yarn, spools, buttons, burlap and the like. Remember making felt stocking ornaments as a kid? Or creating reindeer keepsakes out of clothespins? These ornaments are similar, but on a much grander scale. Keep in mind that many of these images showcase works in progress, so what you see in the gallery below is just the start of what’s to come. GalleryNew Holiday Decor Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort view allAs you visit Downtown Disney this holiday shopping season, be sure to keep an eye out for all that’s new. With over 70 venues open for your enjoyment, plus the opportunity to meet Santa during Festival of the Seasons (November 14 – December 30, 2014), Downtown Disney is a ‘must-do’ during this festive time of year! Tips for visiting during the holidays: Arrive earlier in the day for a more leisurely shopping experience.If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, take complimentary transportation, as parking may be limited.Follow the signs to available parking, which may be located in adjacent lots across the street.Allow extra travel time for reservations or showtimes; we suggest 60 minutes in advance.When driving via I-4, take exit 67 for the most efficient route to property.I love the holidays … the shopping, the music, the and yes, the peppermint lattes from Starbucks! Luckily, I can enjoy all that (and much more) right here at Downtown Disney, which makes me a happy little elf. What’s your favorite part of the holiday season at Downtown Disney? Please share in the comments below – I’d love to know! New Holiday Decor Coming to Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TAMPA – Charlie Crist dropped in on a cramped East Tampa hair salon that helped elect Barack Obama president, and thanked the volunteers sitting in hair-curling chairs and using smart phones to call voters who still hadn’t cast ballots. View the full article

Great news for a LOT of our DFB readers today. We’ve been keeping tabs on the construction at Downtown Disney as this dining and entertainment district at Walt Disney World is transformed into the new Disney Springs. Recently, we shared updates on The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia — two new restaurants with anticipated opening dates in 2015. The latest trademark discovery out of Orange County? The potential return of BabyCakes NYC, which closed its doors in the Marketplace earlier this year. We’ve missed the BabyCakes NYC Cupcakes in Downtown Disney Of note, the popular gluten-free, vegan bakery is likely to be revitalized as Erin McKenna’s Bakery Valentine; Erin McKenna is the founder of BabyCakes NYC, so we’re hoping to see the return of some amazing gluten-free, vegan goodies. Babycakes NYC chocolate chip cookie frosting sandwich This potential shop will include not only a bakery, but also a retail area selling cooking utensils. While still in the concept phase, we can’t wait to see how this space develops! Source: Orlando Business Journal What do you think about the return of BabyCakes bakery items to Downtown Disney? 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: Babycakes Vegan Cupcakes Now Available in Orlando’s Downtown DisneyNews! Closing Date Announced for Pollo Campero and Babycakes NYC at Disney World’s Downtown DisneyNews! New Menu at “Allergy” Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (And You Can Still Get Babycakes!) View the full article

I have great news for guests who love wonderful Disney art. On select weekends in November and December, we will be hosting a Disney Artist Showcase at the Art of Disney location in Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. Events will be held on Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. These events will feature works from several talented Disney artists from Disney Design Group, Yellow Shoes Creative Group, Walt Disney Imagineering and others. Guests attending the showcase events will also have the opportunity meet these talented individuals and purchase original works of art. Below is a schedule of which artists will make appearances at the events. Please note that all appearances are subject to change without notice. November 14-15 – David Buckley, Joe Kaminski, Will Gay, Don “Ducky” Williams, Mark SeppalaNovember 21-22 – Darren Wilson, Tim McCloskey, Joe Kaminski, Alex MaherDecember 5-6 – Brian Blackmore, Tim McCloskey, Jason Grandt, Costa Alavezos During the December events, we will also have available “The Magic Kingdom Storybook” written and illustrated by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt. You may recall from this Disney Parks Blog story that I’m in love with this 128-page hardcover book. It was on the top of my gift list last holiday season. Jason will be signing his books during the events. I hope to see you at Art of Disney! Disney Artist Showcase Coming to Art of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace in November and December by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park on November 7, and this year’s event-exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card will be “Elsa’s Icy Shield” and will let players harness some of Queen Elsa’s special “Frozen” powers. In case you haven’t played Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom yet, this interactive game allows you to join Merlin’s quest to defeat Disney Villains who are trying to take over Magic Kingdom Park. You use maps to find villain hideouts throughout the park, visit magic portals and use spell cards (like this one) to spoil a villain’s plan. Cards feature different Disney characters with unique powers. You can also use multiple cards to enhance your attack on the villains. The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom quest begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up complimentary key cards, spell cards and maps (additional cards can be purchased at select merchandise locations). The “Elsa’s Icy Shield” card will be distributed in addition to the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs. Guests must present their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one. Will you pick this up during your party visit? Tell us in the “Comments” section below! ‘Elsa’ Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card To Be Released At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article