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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

What's a Disney cruise like for teens and tweens? The Disney Parks Moms Panel shows you all of the cool things to do onboard for 11- to 17-year-olds. See what other teen and tween-only locations...From:Disney ParksViews:41430ratingsTime:03:37More inTravel & Events

It may not officially be winter yet, but I’m sure plenty of you are already dreaming about escaping the cold that came so early this year! To get your mind, at least, to a warmer place, here’s a look at five tropical destinations to add to your Disney cruise bucket list … 1. Castaway Cay, Bahamas If you’ve been on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean, chances are you’ve been to Castaway Cay. It’s our private island in the Bahamas, and in my humble opinion, the most spectacular place you’ll ever visit. Here, the magic of Disney meets the beauty of the tropics, resulting in an experience words cannot do justice. 2. Tortola, British Virgin Islands Just announced as one of our newest destinations, Tortola is a picture-perfect island with lush green mountains, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. This Caribbean gem, part of the British Virgin Islands, is a stop on most of our Eastern Caribbean cruises in 2016. 3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Almost all of our Western Caribbean voyages visit Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, boasting some of the best tropical weather in the world with an average winter temperature of 75° F. Formed of limestone and surrounded by coral reefs, the island is known for its unique terrain, clear water and spectacular diving. 4. St. Thomas and St. John, US Virgin Islands St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is a call on most of our Eastern Caribbean cruises and the gateway to the equally beautiful neighboring island of St. John. Both have a unique character all their own, with St. Thomas offering excellent dining and shopping and St. John two-thirds covered by an unspoiled national park. 5. San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan is a stop on select Eastern Caribbean cruises and our homeport for Southern Caribbean voyages. An adventure in the rainforest and a stroll through charming Old San Juan, with its blue cobblestone streets, fortified walls and colorful colonial architecture, are not to be missed on a visit to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. What other Disney Cruise Line destinations are on your bucket list? Five Tropical Destinations to Add to Your Disney Cruise Bucket List by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Verizon and AT&T have been quietly tracking the Internet activity of more than 100 million cellular customers with what critics have dubbed "supercookies" — markers so powerful that it's difficult for even savvy users to escape them. View the full article

Who’s ready for cookies, cocoa, and holiday cheer? I sure am! So I’m giddy with excitement that it’s almost time for another season of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This Magic Kingdom Park tradition kicks off Friday, November 7, and this year the annual event gets an extra dose of holiday magic with “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” additions to “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” new character dance parties, and opportunities to visit with not only Santa Claus, but Santa Goofy and “Sandy Claws” too! “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” includes lots of Disney characters, along with a holly jolly cast of snowmen, reindeer, elves, and of course, Santa Claus. Ralph and Vanellope from “Wreck-It Ralph” are new to the parade this year, as is a procession of visitors from the Kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf from “Frozen.” The “Holiday Hootenanny!” boot-scoots into the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, where you can kick up your heels for some down-home holiday fun with the Country Bears, Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, and Clara Cluck. And over at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel becomes the top spot to get down when Phineas and Ferb show up. What are they going to do today? The brothers are going to rock their Christmas vacation with the holiday cheeriest dance party this side of Danville! Christmas has come to Storybook Circus, too, and some of your favorite Disney pals are all dressed up for the occasion, including Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Scrooge McDuck, and of course, Santa Goofy. And what’s this? Pumpkin king Jack Skellington has been so inspired by everything in Christmastown, he wants to be part of the holiday celebration, too. You’ll find Jack in Storybook Circus – dressed in his finest “Sandy Claws” suit and ready to meet the boys and girls of every age! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held on select nights, November 7 – December 19, and is separate from regular Magic Kingdom Park admission. Tickets are available now. Get yours before dates start selling out. It’s Almost Time for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When you’re up for Italian fare in a Bavarian setting, there really is only one place to go… The Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland! Learn About: Pinocchio Village HausMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsThe main food news from Pinocchio’s as of late has mostly revolved around a rotation of slush beverages paying tribute to various characters from the Pinocchio film, such as the Jiminy Cricket Slush, and the current Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slushes (said to be “favorites” of Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy themselves… according to the Pinocchio Village Haus menu, that is ). Other than that, the menu itself hasn’t had much of an overhaul since it changed over from pizza to flatbreads over two years ago. While that remains the case, there were a couple of changes on my recent visit, including a new side item that I couldn’t resist. The changes are so subtle that they’re pretty easy to miss on the scrolling menu, so it’s a good thing Cast Members hand printed menus to guests in order to keep things moving at this always hoppin’ spot. Pinocchio Village Haus printed menu For starters, the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread is now a Barbecue Beef Flatbread. A Spicy Chicken Sandwich has been added in case someone in your group isn’t in the mood for flatbreads or a sub sandwich, but that didn’t replace anything from the menu. (AJ tried the chicken sandwich on her last visit and will have a review of that for you soon.) I almost didn’t notice a small change to the side items: the Bread Sticks have been replaced with Pesto Knots. Since I love the Garlic Knots served at a local pizza place, I had to give the Pesto Knots a try. When I received my order, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the appearance, actually… although the braided bread does look pretty stellar. Pesto Knots No, the very first thing to greet my senses was the fragrance of all that melted butter on top of the bread, coupled with a generous amount of garlic. I was itching to dig in because they smelled so good! But — lo and behold — since I went against my own advice and arrived at noon, finding a table took some time. Ultimately I had to surrender my search for a table overlooking the Happiest Cruise that ever sailed: “it’s a small world.” (FYI: If you see a cast member standing behind a “reserved” sign on a rope, all you need to do is show them that you have a tray of food and they’ll let you sit in the “reserved” section — it’s Disney’s way of keeping people from saving seats while their family member(s) wait in line for food.) View of the Small World loading area But at long last, I found a seat and it was nothing but me and the Pesto Knots. Pesto Knots Since “pesto” is in the name, I was expecting a lot more green — something more akin to a regular pesto sauce, similar to what’s found on the Cheesy Pesto Bread at Landscape of Flavors. Instead, these knots had a rather light sprinkling of the basil, but still plenty of garlic-y goodness. So really, it’s all about that glistening, melted butter — and it is heavenly. Butter on the Pesto Knots Don’t get me wrong, the bread itself was really good — golden brown on the outside, nice and soft on the inside. Inside a Pesto Knot But much like popcorn at the movies, this whole thing is a conduit for the yummy piles and pockets of butter; or, in this case, butter and garlic. I barely registered the presence of the basil, other than the appearance, but the knots were delicious anyhow. I’d say the only thing these lack is a side of marinara for dipping. The Pesto Knots are great on their own, but slap some marinara down with these things and I would seriously consider visiting Pinocchio’s on just about every Magic Kingdom visit — honestly something I would not have considered before. That said, I’m sure I’ll be back for them at some point. Because the bread is so filling, the Pesto Knots strike me as a bit more than a snack or side; they’re almost a light lunch on their own. So, while the Blue Fairy herself may opt for a Slush, for me, it’s now all about the Pesto Knots! I guess she and I will just have to agree to disagree . Would you like to try the Pesto Knots at Pinocchio Village Haus? 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: Review: NEW Jiminy Cricket’s Slush at Magic Kingdom’s Pinocchio Village HausReview: Blue Raspberry Slush at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic KingdomGuest Review: Pinocchio Village Haus — Now With Flatbreads! View the full article

Family and food are two of the best things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, and what better way to celebrate than on a vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? In fact, Sunset Magazine recently voted Aulani as one of the “top ten warm-weather Thanksgiving getaways.” So envision your ‘ohana spending November 27 floating down the Waikolohe Stream or exploring the Menehune Adventure Trail and then enjoying a delicious array of food and fun at the Aulani Thanksgiving Feast. The Kaiona Ballroom will be transformed into a celebratory feast full of Hawaiian holiday traditions sprinkled with Disney magic. You’ll enjoy familiar Thanksgiving favorites … but with an island twist. For example, start with the heirloom tomato salad with Maui onion and micro basil and then follow that scrumptious starter with the longboard-braised boneless beef short ribs. Of course, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without turkey or ham – so be sure not to miss the guava- and pineapple-glazed ham and roasted turkey with sage stuffing, giblet gravy, and fresh cranberry-orange chutney. Also, live music from local entertainers will be featured, as well as a special Disney character greeting experiences exclusively for Aulani Thanksgiving Feast guests! This “pumpkin pie” perfect feast will have two seatings: the first seating is from 4-6 p.m. and the second seating is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Aulani Thanksgiving Feast costs $84.99 for guests ages 10 and up; $42.99 for keiki ages 3 to 9. Please keep in mind that this event has limited seating, so be sure to call (808) 674-6200 to book your reservation today. Find more information and more menu details here. What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? Tell us in the comments below! Celebrate Thanksgiving at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes, the master of all things sweet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is in the kitchen cooking up this year’s gingerbread extravaganza … well, at least we think he is. Take a look at this video – that’s Walt Disney Imagineer Joseph Konopka bringing something “Frozen” for Chef Jeff to work into his creative thinking. Joseph and Chef Jeff teamed up for the masterpiece that debuts November 13 in the fourth floor atrium of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. More details to come as Chef Jeff builds his sweet concoction – but we can guarantee there will be plenty of chocolate. Any guesses? What’s That Amazing Smell – Chocolate! It’s Gingerbread Display Time at Walt Disney World Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes, the master of all things sweet at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is in the kitchen cooking up this year's gingerbread extravaganza. What do you think he's creating?...From:Disney ParksViews:609597ratingsTime:01:05More inTravel & Events

Didn’t get your fill of Halloween fun this year? Fret not, friends! Because we’ve got one more treat for you from the season of tricks… On October 30th and 31st, Disney Resort Cast Members at resorts around the World competed in pumpkin decorating contests. I got to check out the displays at the Contemporary Resort and Port Orleans — Riverside, and wanted to share some of the fun with you today! At the Contemporary Resort, individual Cast Members showed off their pumpkin carving skills. The display was huge, including well over twenty pumpkins! Contemporary Resort Cast Member Pumpkin Carving 2014 Contemporary Resort Cast Member Pumpkin Carving display Contemporary Resort Cast Member Pumpkin Carving display Contemporary Resort Cast Member Pumpkin Carving display Contemporary Resort Cast Member Pumpkin Carving display Guests at the Contemporary placed their votes for pumpkins across a few categories. A member of the Security Team won “Best Overall” for this awesome carving of a scared Mickey Mouse. Halloween Mickey pumpkin A Bakery Team member won “Best Disney Theme” with this gorgeous “Believe” pumpkin, created to look like Cinderella’s carriage (with pumpkin wheels, of course!). “Believe” pumpkin A duo from the Banquets Team crafted the “Most Creative” Pirate Ship pumpkin. Pirate Ship pumpkin I think the “Spookiest” pumpkin was relocated during my visit (to Chef Mickey’s, I presume?), because I didn’t see it on the display, but a Chef Mickey’s Cast Member took the prize for this one (here’s a picture of a picture!). “Spookiest” Pumpkin winner I wanted to share a few more that I loved, like this Beauty and the Beast silhouette, topped with Lumiere. Beauty and the Beast pumpkin Check out this huge Mickey “Candy Apple”! Candy Apple pumpkin It’s also cool to see the monorail coming into the Contemporary on this carving, next to everyone’s best buddy, Olaf. Monorail and Olaf pumpkins Over at Port Orleans — Riverside, the carving contest had a different take (I understand that French Quarter had pumpkins on display as well). Teams rather than individuals took part, decorating plastic pumpkins. Before we show you those, however, real pumpkins were carved in a more traditional manner as well. They were on display outside by the Sassagoula River, and they were nothing to sneeze at either! Little Mermaid pumpkin Trick or Treat pumpkin Maleficent pumpkin Meanwhile, back inside… Port Orleans — Riverside pumpkin contest display How great is this intricate display by the Engineering Team? Engineering Team pumpkin Engineering Team pumpkin close-up The Merchandise Team created their very own Festival of Fantasy Parade float! Merchandise Team pumpkin The Front Office got in on the fun… Front Office pumpkin The Training Team helped the Wicked Queen-turned-Witch cast her spell… Training Team pumpkin Boo says “BOO!” on behalf of the Administration Team . Administration Team pumpkin Recreation Cast Members switched out Olaf’s head for a jack-o’-lantern. Recreation Team pumpkin Recreation Team pumpkin And what’s Remy cooking up in this pot created by the Food and Beverage Team? Food and Beverage Team pumpkin On second thought… maybe you don’t want to know . Food and Beverage Team pumpkin A huge round of applause and THANKS to all the Cast Members who make every season so special at Disney World! So with that, we say goodbye to Halloween 2014. Because ready or not, it’s a matter of days around here until the World start to change from pumpkin to gingerbread, from candy corn to peppermint, and from Not-So-Scary to Very Merry… and we can’t wait to take you along for the ride! Do you have a favorite among the pumpkin displays? 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: Dining in Disneyland: The Incredible Pumpkin Carvers of 2014The Incredible Halloween Pumpkin Carvers of Disneyland!Snack Series: Pumpkin Pecan Tart at Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors View the full article