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Too much leftover Halloween candy? You can sell it to dentists to be donated to troops overseas. View the full article

Our Halloween celebrations at Disney Parks around the world finally came to a grand finale last night, on October 31. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: What a Halloween! view allFrom Mickey’s Halloween Party and Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park and Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Walt Disney World Resort, this year’s festivities had a lot of fun to offer guests. Be sure to click through the gallery above for a full look at the fun! The pumpkin carvers at the Halloween Carnival in Disneyland park continued creating Disney Side-inspired masterpieces. Check out some of Paul Hiffmeyer’s favorites in this slideshow. And now…it’s onto the holidays! This Week in Disney Parks Photos: What a Halloween! by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With a full week plus a weekend, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, going on right now at Walt Disney World! Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Today, I’m back to tell you about one of the Food and Wine Festival Special Events I had the opportunity to attend recently. While I love spending time strolling the Promenade around World Showcase and taking in all of the fantastic food and drink, there’s so much more to the Festival than the International Marketplace Booths. Each year, I also enjoy attending a sampling of the Low Cost Demonstrations and Seminars as well as Festival Special Events. And one of the biggest highlights is enjoying time with chefs whom we’ve admired in an up close and personal way! Recently, I was given the opportunity to attend Food For Thought, a Festival Special Event that’s new for 2014. Replacing the Kitchen Memories series from past years, Food For Thought events allow guests to hear the story of a favorite chef before he or she walks the audience through a demonstration of dishes. Food For Though at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival I was so excited when I learned that one of my favorites, Chef Rick Bayless, would be rejoining the Festival line up after an absence of several years! Bayless is the Chef and Owner of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago, in addition to a collection of quick casual dining spots. In addition, he’s about to begin the tenth season of his critically acclaimed PBS cooking show Mexico — One Plate at a Time. You can also find his line of Frontera Food Products throughout the country. My Place Setting Join me as we listen into his conversation with Disney’s Pam Smith, and watch as he puts his apron on and provides us with a dose of kitchen wisdom via authentic Mexican flavors. Food For Thought with Chef Rick BaylessMy husband and I have followed the career of Rick Bayless for a while. We were first inspired to explore authentic Mexican cuisine by cooking our way through his books. Having the opportunity to hear more about his journey in such an intimate setting was a great way to spend the morning. Food For Thought with Chef Rick Bayless and Disney’s Pam Smith If you’ve watched his PBS series Mexico — One Plate at a Time, then you know that Chef Rick excels at telling a good story and conveying the excitement of an experience. That combination, along with his wry sense of humor, made for an interesting chat session. Having grown up working in his family’s restaurant, his passion for Mexican cuisine was born out of his study of and love for that country’s rich culture. Chatting with Chef Rick Bayless Soon, however, it was time to turn our attention to the food! At that point, Chef Rick and Pam made their way to the exhibition kitchen for a demonstration of the food and drink we’d be sampling. Cooking DemonstrationWhile a big draw of Food for Thought is getting to hear the backstory of a culinary notable, the event also makes for a delicious morning, as the featured chef shares a few of his recipes. Menu It’s always fun to see what the suggested pairings are for courses during an event. Typically, guests enjoy a few different wines with tasting portions of dishes, but on this occasion, we had the chance to enjoy a beer pairing instead. A glass of Negra Modelo stood at each place setting. Negra Modelo Beer Normally, servings are tasting portions, but we enjoyed a full glass of beer as we’d be pairing it with each of the three courses. In addition, we learned how we might use the beer to create a delicious Fall-themed drink! Let’s check it out. Mexican Snakebite CocktailAs we were shown to our seats, Cast Members passed out Mexican Snakebite Cocktails. While we began enjoying them long before Chef Rick took the stage, showing us how to prepare them was his first order of business. Recipes for each of the dishes as well as the cocktail were provided as part of our event program. Here’s a shot of the Mexican Snakebite Cocktail recipe so you can make the goodness at home! Mexican Snakebite Cocktail — Ingredients and Method Historically, a snake bite is a beer cocktail made with a mixture of lager and cider. Hard, or alcoholic cider, is typically preferred. However, we were after a lighter drink that showcased the complexity of Mexican flavors rather than high alcohol content, so Chef Rick opted for Fresh Pressed Cider. He suggested that you might want to use a local, unpasteurized variety if you live in an area where you can find such a wonderful thing. He gave the cocktail a Mexican twist by adding Tamarind Pulp, which has a bright, refreshing fruit flavor. You can find prepared tamarind pulp in the frozen section of some large grocery stores and Mexican markets. But he also demonstrated how to make your own, starting with how to choose the right Tamarind Pods and prepare the pulp from scratch. Discussing Tamarind Working on the Tamarind Pulp I love that Disney has these handy overhead cameras and monitors to display just what the chef is doing. It really is like being on set for a cooking show. A Chef’s Eye View! He then blended the pulp together with Apple Cider. Blending Tamarind Puree and Apple Cider To serve, he added the Cider Mixture to a glass and added the Negra Modelo. And behold — the finished product! This cocktail has terrific balance, and it’s light enough to serve your guests as soon as they arrive. The tamarind brightened up the flavors, and the caramel notes in the Negra Modelo really complemented the fresh apple cider. If you prefer a sweeter mix, or would like to bring out more of the apple flavor, Chef Rick suggested that you add a little sugar to the mix. Mexican Snake Bite Cocktail Made with Negra Modelo Beer We will definitely be making this one at home! It’s a perfect Fall apple drink, especially for warmer climes like Florida. Grilled Corn and Poblano GuacamoleIt wouldn’t be a Mexican party without a little guacamole, right? And that’s the dish we turned our attention to next. For the event, we sampled Grilled Corn and Poblano Guacamole. Incidentally, be sure to read through these recipes. You get a sense of Chef Rick’s writing style, which I just love. It’s conversational yet educational, and really makes his books a joy to read, even if you aren’t looking to cook. They have literary merit on their own. Grilled Corn and Poblano Guacamole — Ingredients Grilled Corn and Poblano Guacamole — Method This also is a great time to discuss ingredients. A cooking demo with Rick Bayless is peppered with practical information. Earlier, as we showed you, we were given the run down on how to prepare tamarind, and the difference between tamarind in Mexican and Asian or Indian dishes. Here, Chef Rick is discussing different types of Avocadoes, and how this fruit is grown and handled. Discussing Avocadoes Next up, he demonstrated the proper way to use a juicer — by flipping the lime half upside down. That way you won’t get so much juice in your eye, down your shirt, and so forth. (C’mon. We’ve all been there.) How Not to Squeeze Lime Juice In Your Eye He also demonstrated how to grill the Corn and Poblano Chile and explained that Cilantro can be substituted for Epazote if you can’t find the latter. Grilled Corn and Poblano Guacamole The finished Guacamole was delicious, with an earthy bite from the roasted Poblanos. Chicken Tinga Tostadas with Avocado and CheeseNext, we were treated to a demonstration of Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Chicken Tinga Tostadas — Ingredients and Method A mixture of Shredded Chicken, Tomatoes, and Chipotle Chile Salsa, it’s a versatile filling that can be thrown together in a snap for tostadas, tacos, or just about anything you’d like! As he prepped onions for the dish, Chef Rick took the opportunity to impart more fundamentals of Mexican cooking. Use White Onions when cooking Mexican cuisine. The flavor of white onions is sharper and cleaner than their yellow onion cousins, which tend to impart a somewhat “muddy” flavor to dishes. Slicing White Onions Again, that handy “Chefcam” saves the day, as ingredients come together to simmer. Preparing Chicken Tinga The finished dish was mildly spicy, smokey, and full of flavor. Chicken Tinga Tostadas It’s a great recipe to add to your repertoire — quick and easy for weekday home-cooked meals! Frontera’s Chocolate Pecan Pie BarsFinally, we came to the sweet ending of the meal. We were treated to Frontera’s Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars. What, you were expecting churros? Chef Rick explained that, although Pecan Pie is pretty much an American thing, you’ll find versions of it in Mexico. This particular recipe, or some variation of it, has been a staple of the Frontera Grill menu for more than 20 years. Frontera’s Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars — Ingredients Frontera’s Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar — Method Isn’t it gorgeous? And it’s every bit as delicious as it is beautiful. And I was really surprised at just how perfectly it paired with the beer! I hadn’t given much thought to pairing beer with sweets, but the caramelized flavors matched the brown sugar sweetness of the dessert perfectly. Frontera’s Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar After the presentation concluded, guests lined up to meet Chef Rick and have pictures taken. His latest book, Frontera — Margaritas, Guacamoles, and Snacks, was available for purchase to autograph. Rick Bayless’ Latest Cookbook He was also happy to sign the publicity pictures that were made available. OverallI thoroughly enjoyed this event. Although I’m fairly familiar with his style and many of his recipes, I really enjoy seeing him in a setting like this; he’s very personable and passionate about his craft. I always leave an experience with him feeling like I’ve learned something, but it’s more than that. I haven’t just learned — I’m excited about what I’ve learned. The pairing choice of beer with the entire meal was also interesting to me. While we’ve enjoyed our share of Modelo Especial here at DFB, I hadn’t experienced Negra Modelo before (though I know AJ’s husband likes it!). I really enjoyed the body and deeper flavor of the darker beer, especially this time of year, as days shorten and temperatures begin to dip. I’m glad that Disney continues to offer events like Food for Thought to round out the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. It’s always a good day when you can learn something. And when the lesson is delicious as well? Even better. Will you be making any of these fantastic recipes from Chef Rick Bayless and Food for Thought? Leave a comment and tell us which ones sound good to you! DFB author Brooke Fehr attended this event on behalf of Disney Food Blog courtesy of the event’s sponsor, Negra Modelo. However, she was not obligated to report on the event or provide a positive review of the experience. Read more about our Disclosure Policy here. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan No related posts. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida GOP raised more than $65.2 million over the last two months, including more than $12 million collected from Gov. Rick Scott's personal wealth. View the full article

A Mexican judge on Friday ordered the immediate release of a Marine held behind bars since April 1 on weapons charges. View the full article

Running off at the typewriter … View the full article

On Saturday, October 25, the city of Anaheim presented its 90th annual Halloween Parade. The Disneyland Resort was well-represented in the festivities by Disney Ambassador Sachiko White and Donald Duck, resplendent in his wizard costume. Pulling their carriage were two of Circle D Corral’s finest steeds. Take a look at our video, which shows the preparations necessary to get parade-ready as well as shots from the parade itself. Disneyland Resort Horses Star in Anaheim Halloween Parade by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

On Saturday, October 25, the city of Anaheim presented it's 90th annual Halloween Parade. The Disneyland Resort was well-represented in the festivities by Disney Ambassador Sachiko White...From:Disney ParksViews:122ratingsTime:01:32More inTravel & Events

Earlier this week, we shared the latest in our series of amazing free hand “light painting” artwork in the air with colored LED penlights. The Halloween-inspired art was so popular, we’re sharing a special wallpaper created especially for Disney Parks Blog readers. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. There are more great “light painting” images to see in our original post. Celebrate Halloween with a Disney Parks Blog ‘Light Painting’ Wallpaper by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It sure looks like a Happy Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland, where guests are enjoying “Disney’s Haunted Halloween” celebration. GalleryIt’s a Happy Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland view allAll month long, guests have been meeting Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes, attending spooky stage shows, enjoying special menu items and snapping up special Halloween merchandise. For a look inside the celebration, be sure to click through the gallery above. It’s a Happy Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Happy Halloween! If you didn’t get a chance to visit Frontierland and enjoy the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, check out the amazing pumpkin carvers and see their fantastic creations in the slideshow below (these are some of my favorites). Which pumpkin is your favorite? Happy Halloween from Disneyland Park by Paul Hiffmeyer: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Happy Halloween! If you didn't get a chance to visit Frontierland and enjoy the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, check out the amazing pumpkin carvers and see their fantastic...From:Disney ParksViews:518ratingsTime:01:21More inTravel & Events

Pirate Party Recap | Disney Side | Disney Parks Mom's Disney Side made it the best birthday party ever. Tell us about your Disney Side in the comments below. Or show us your Disney Side: http://di.sn/ixV Show Your Pirate Side: http://di.sn/dv...From:Disney ParksViews:380ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

Memento Mori, the new Haunted Mansion-themed shop, recently opened in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom Park. This location is the destination for new Haunted Mansion Authentic products at Walt Disney World Resort. In recent weeks, I’ve enjoyed hearing guests’ reactions and seeing photographs from their visits to the shop. Since it’s Halloween, I caught up with my Walt Disney Imagineering partners to dig up a few interesting details about the shop that you may not know. You may recall that it is rumored the little shop was the abode of Madame Leota. While she disappeared long ago, many of her belongings are still located in the shop such as a beautiful portrait that was possibly created during the time she lived in the area. The shop’s name was inspired by a gravestone found in the graveyard scene inside the attraction. The Victorian-era phrase “Memento Mori” reminded people of that age “to live life to the fullest as everyone is mortal.” There are two different signs found outside the shop. The larger sign has an eyeball-like graphic that looks like it follows you when passing by the location. Merchandise cast members wear costumes that are slightly different than the maid and butler costumes from the attraction. I love the unique Madame Leota-inspired broach that female cast members wear (yes, the merchandise team is considering making it a retail item in the future). The broach also inspired a mirror found on a wall inside the shop. The mirror’s frame is basically a larger replica of the broach. One of the coolest new things in the shop is Spirit Photography, which is another way for Guests to pursue the mysteries of life. This special kind of photography has been known to touch the spirit world, revealing the secrets that lie beyond. Outside the Spirit Photography room, you will find some recreations of the earliest form of photography known as “daguerreotype.” I also liked the wallpaper found inside the photography area. While visiting the shop to get photographs for this story, I had my portrait taken. After a few moments, I was presented an 8-inch by 10-inch, lenticular image that revealed my spirited Disney Side. No reservations are needed for this experience. Digging Up Details About Memento Mori Shop in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today, we’ll celebrate the Halloween holiday with our final look at one of the Haunted Mansion residents. Today, we’re heading inside the Grand Hall area of the mansion to learn more about the Organist. In the Grand Hall, a collection of spirits have materialized for a grand celebration with music provided by an Organist at the far left of the room. (Art by Garrett McGill) This character plays a waltz version of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” while ghostly couples dance nearby. Did you ever notice that there are skulls floating out of the organ instead of musical notes? For more Happy Haunts, check out the posts below: 999 Happy Haunts: Here Comes The Bride999 Happy Haunts: The Hitchhiking Ghosts999 Happy Haunts: Meet Madame Leota999 Happy Haunts: Meet The Hatbox Ghost999 Happy Haunts: The Organist Pipes A ‘Swinging Wake’ by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of this spooktacular holiday, we thought it would be fun to keep with the tradition of sharing some fabulous Disneyland Pumpkins with you. The Incredible Pumpkin Carvers are back at the Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Carnival and they’ve been busy! Jack Skellington Shares a Spot with the Haunted Mansion Hat Box Ghost Carved and decorated by a small handful of Disney artists, I noticed two incredible talents that were at the ranch on several occasions during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Both Disneyland carving veterans, Bridget McCarty and Joe Yakovetic can turn a pumpkin into a masterpiece. Mickey Mouse with Mini Pumpkin Ears Some pumpkins are carved, some are painted, some are carved and painted. There are sparkly pumpkins, embellished pumpkins and even pumpkins on pumpkins. Anna, Elsa & Olaf They’re all so unique, but what they do have in common??? Their awesomeness. Let’s take a look at some of these amazing creations! Jack and Sally Pumpkin Jack Skellington with Spider Ornament Pumpkin Zero Pumpkin Oogie Boogie Pumpkin Pirates of the Caribbean Pumpkin Elvis Stitch Pumpkin Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin Minnie with Mini Pumpkin Ears Jiminy Cricket Pumpkin Mary Blair Inspired Small World Pumpkin Mickey About to Board the Tower of Terror Elevator A Grand Portrait of Mr. Toad Maleficent Pumpkin Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum Pumpkins Alice in Wonderland Doorknob Pumpkin Hades Pumpkin Groot Pumpkin Hitchhiking Ghosts Pumpkin Ursula and Ariel Pumpkins Splash Mountain Pumpkin Featuring Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox 3D Mickey Profile Carving Smee Pumpkin Baymax Pumpkin Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar Pumpkin Wicked Queen with Mask Pumpkin Flick and Dot Pumpkin Oswald Pumpkin Jack Sparrow Pumpkin Jafar “Double” Pumpkin And last but not least, the Mary Poppins animated band with pearl embellishments pumpkin. My favorite! Have you visited the Incredible Pumpkin Carvers at the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch? Which pumpkin is your favorite? It’s so hard to choose! Did you carve a Disney inspired pumpkin this year? Let us know in the comments below! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 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 Incredible Halloween Pumpkin Carvers of Disneyland!Dining in Disneyland: Fall Treats and Halloween Eats — Mickey Pumpkin Beignets and Skellington PopcornDining in Disneyland: Pumpkin Beignets & Maleficent Sipper from the Mint Julep Bar View the full article

Planejar uma viagem para o Disney World Resort é mais fácil do que você imagina e agora você pode curtir ainda mais as suas férias com o serviço FastPass+! INSCREVA-SE: http://di.sn/q7h...From:Disney ParksViews:237144ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is a Hawaiian experience with that touch of Disney magic that makes your island vacation unforgettable. TodayÊ»s exciting news highlights that touch of Disney magic here in paradise. For the first time in history, Aulani will have a Disney Ambassador to represent our Disney resort and engage our guests, cast and communities. For those of you who may not know the role of a Disney Ambassador, the tradition dates back to 1965 when Walt Disney first selected a cast member to serve as the official spokesperson and representative at Disneyland park. Janelle Sanqui, Aulani’s first Disney Ambassador, currently works in Workforce Management at the resort and was born in Hawaii. She lived in California before returning to to the islands nearly 10 years ago. Her previous experience includes two years as a parade performer at the Disneyland Resort, and she was part of our Aulani entertainment team when we opened in 2011. Our announcement was recently made along with news of the first-ever Disney Ambassador selections for Shanghai Disney Resort. Also earlier this month, new 2015-2016 Disney Ambassadors were named at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Disney Ambassador Program. Please join me in saying hoÊ»omaikaÊ»i, congratulations, and giving a warm “e komo mai” to Janelle! Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Announces First-Ever Disney Ambassador by Todd Apo: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

November is bustling with events at Walt Disney World Resort, take a look! Have you taken part in this year’s 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? There’s still time. Here are a few special guest appearances you won’t want to miss. Learn more. Festival Center – William Silvers (Nov. 1) Art of Disney – Tim Rogerson (Nov. 7 – 9)Heritage Manor Gifts, American Adventure Pavilion – The Fabulous Beekman Boys (Nov. 8) November 1 – 2: Be among the first to get Disney Infinity 2.0 during our special launch event at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. November 3 – 6: Meet artist Larry Dotson who will be on hand for special appearances each day at Art of Disney in Epcot. Learn more. November 6 – 9: Beloved artist David E. Doss returns to Walt Disney World Resort this month. Look for appearances by David at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. November 7: “Drop” in to Tower Gift Shop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a special Game Night with Disney Design Group Artist, Quynh Kimball. From 4 – 6 p.m. you can challenge Quynh to a game of Jenga or Clue, both inspired by The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction, as he tells you about how he designs these Disney Theme Park Exclusive games. Learn more. November 7 – 8: Excited for PANDORA? Be sure to watch for a special post from Steven Miller on a special jewelry showcase scheduled to take place at Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace. November 7 – 8: Join us as we welcome artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith who will appear for the very first time at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Meet Jasmine from from 5 – 7 p.m. each day. Learn more. November 7 – 9: Representatives from Precious Moments Dolls will be on hand at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace for the release of the Villains Collection inspired by Maleficent, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen. Not able to make it? No problem. Representatives will be on hand throughout the holiday season, beginning November 20. Learn more. November 10 – 13: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for special appearances and signings this month at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Meet Greg (November 10 – 13, 16 – 20, 26 – 28 and November 30 – December 4). Learn more. November 14 – 15: Meet Disney artists David Buckley, Will Gay, Joe Kaminski, Mark Seppala and Don “Ducky” Williams, November 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. and November 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. November 14 – 16: ACME Archives artist William Silvers will be on hand for a special showcase as we debut some of his newest pieces inspired by Star Wars. William will appear November 14 – 15 from 5 – 9 p.m. each day and November 16 from Noon – 4 p.m. Learn more. November 21 – 22: Take part in a Disney artist showcase with Joe Kaminski, Alex Maher, Tim McCloskey and Darren Wilson, November 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. and November 22 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. November 21 – 23: Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick will be on hand for the debut of her Holiday Princess Collection. Look for special appearances by Linda, November 21 – 23 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace and November 27 – 30 at Santa’s Village at American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. Learn more. November 29 – 30: Meet Disney Traditions artist Jim Shore and see some of his latest releases November 29 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace and November 30 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Heritage Manor in Epcot. Not able to make it? Take advantage of a special pre-purchase opportunity. Learn more. There’s just one last thing to note before I go. Holidays Around the World kicks off November 24, I know Steven Miller is planning to share all the details with you but here are a couple of events worth noting on your holiday calendar. Precious Moments Dolls (Nov. 24 – Dec. 30)Reinhard Herzog (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23)Which event are you most excited about? Walt Disney World Event Snapshot – November 2014 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

How old was your “baby” when you first heard, “Mom, I’m not a kid anymore!” Chances are, if you have a teen or tween, this line is one you’ve heard a time or two. We know that your “little ones” may not be so little anymore, which is why we’re focused on making a Disney cruise a super cool experience for everyone in your family – even for those who may seem harder to impress these days! Dolly from the Disney Parks Moms Panel has both a teen and tween, so she can certainly relate to parents of 11- to 17-year-olds. In the video I’m sharing today, host Danielle Bellini chats with Dolly and her kids about sailing with teens and tweens. Want a glimpse at what cruising with us will be like for your family’s Mr. or Miss Independent? Check it out! What do your teens and tweens say about their last Disney cruise vacation? For more about cruising with Disney from a mom’s point of view, visit these posts: A Mom’s Take on Cruising with DisneyA Different Way to Do DisneySomething for Everyone Including Parents on a Disney CruiseSailing with Teens and Tweens with Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We're back with another Halloween treat (and a trick) for fans of the Haunted Mansion. All of this trickery is done without the use of any video special effects. Happy Halloween! http://di.sn/qrS...From:Disney ParksViews:856696ratingsTime:00:48More inTravel & Events

Is the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room your home away from home while you’re in Disney World? If so, you might enjoy knowing there are a few ways to take a piece of the Pub back home with you! Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room We’d enjoyed seeing some of the merchandise dedicated specifically to the Rose & Crown during a tour of the Food & Wine Festival Center, but I had no idea how extensive the line was until a recent visit to the Sportsman’s Shoppe in Epcot’s UK Pavilion (just across the path from the pub itself). How long has it been there? Honestly, I don’t know. It’s been a while since I’d paid a visit to the Sportman’s Shoppe in particular. But it was fun to check out all the goodies dedicated to the place “Where Jolly Good Times Happen on This Side of the Pond,” and we thought fans of the pub might enjoy a glimpse, too! Rose & Crown merchandise display “Where Jolly Good Times Happen on This Side of the Pond” From barware to clothing, this stuff runs the gamut. If you’ve enjoyed a pint (or two!) at Rose & Crown, you might like any of the collection of glasses, from pints to Pilsners! Rose & Crown Pint Glass Glass Beer Steins Pilsner Glasses Irish Coffee Glass Or maybe just go for the ol’ Half-Yard of Ale? Half Yard of Ale set Half Yard of Ale glass Logo on Half-Yard glass Bar towels and coasters can take care of any condensation as you tend your own bar, complete with a Rose & Crown pub sign! Bar Towels Coasters Rose & Crown pub sign And you could wear this apron, while you’re at it… Apron I was pretty impressed with the array of clothing options, featuring both men’s and women’s cuts. The “Established 1982” note featured on several of the pieces is a nice nod for all retro-EPCOT fans (or maybe I’m just partial because Rose & Crown is one of the only places I can remember eating at on my first trip to Disney World as a kid, a year after EPCOT opened). Starting with the women’s line, there were a couple of t-shirts to choose from, in pink and light green. Women’s pink t-shirt Women’s green t-shirt There’s also a black hoodie for the cooler temps (which are on the way! Hooray!!). Women’s hoodie Men’s t-shirts come in a variety of colors, and also a cool selection of logos, fonts, and sayings (I like the “Are you going for a pint?” tee!). Men’s red t-shirt Men’s t-shirts Men’s green t-shirt Men’s gray t-shirt A gray hoodie is available as well. Men’s hoodie A mix of accessories such as bags, hats, and smaller items like keychains and bottle openers – but, of course! — complete the assortment. Rose & Crown bag Crest cap Cap Keychains Bottle opener What a bunch of fun tributes to a special spot… Just thing to help you remember all the “Good Times with Great Friends” at the Rose & Crown! Be sure to stop into the pub and say Hello to Carl while you’re at it! Enjoy a pint at Rose & Crown Cheers ! Do you have a favorite item from the Rose & Crown collection? 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: Disney Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK PavilionReview: Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK PavilionDisney Recipe: Cottage Pie from Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room View the full article

Even if medical marijuana becomes law in Florida, employees with debilitating medical conditions could be fired for using it – regardless of whether they have a doctor's approval. View the full article

Heather Worley from Animation Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios shares a lesson in how to draw the trouble-making creature, Stitch. Come to Walt Disney World to learn how to draw your...From:Disney ParksViews:3216129ratingsTime:20:02More inTravel & Events

It’s almost time! The Fifth Annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is just around the corner! This event, which takes place concurrently with the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, is a fantastic evening for food and wine lovers. This year’s Food and Wine Classic will take place on Friday, October 31 (yep! Halloween!) and Saturday, November 1. The two-day event consists of food and beverage tasting booths set up on the resort’s beautiful causeway each evening. And new for 2014, a Beer Garden experience has been added for even more great food and drink. Guests can also take part in a number of special food and beverage seminars for an additional fee. Seminars take place at 4:30PM both days, and the Causeway booths are open from 5:30 until 9:00PM on Friday and Saturday. We’ve enjoyed the event every year since it began, and 2013 was no exception! We thought a look back at last year’s event was the perfect way to get excited about what’s in store for 2014. Let’s head out to the Causeway for a delicious evening. Dining al fresco on the Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! AtmosphereWhether you’re staying at the Swan and Dolphin or you’re arriving from another location, head to the Promenade that connects the two resorts — that’s where the evening’s festivities will take place. We stopped by the Will Call Booth to pick up tickets. As far as admission goes, you have options. Purchase an all-access ticket, and it’s an all-you-can-eat-and-drink pass to the booths. If you prefer, you can choose a la carte tickets instead, which are sold in books of 25. Will Call Booth The Check In Table provided us with handy plates and plastic wine glasses. Check-In Table These would come in handy as we juggled plates and drinks on the Causeway. Food and Wine Classic Tray and Glass Booths line the walkway leading from the Swan to the Dolphin as well as the path directly behind the Swan. There’s a lot to take in! The Promenade Hi-Top tables are scattered throughout the middle of the Causeway. You’ll also find large tables with chairs off to the side directly behind the Swan. High Top Table At the end of the Causeway closest to the Dolphin, a stage is set up for musical performance. While you sip and stroll, you can listen to live tunes! Stage In addition to the food and beverage booths, last year’s Classic featured a large retail outlet. Here, guests could purchase bottles of the wine we sampled. Wine Store Entrance There was also an assortment of logo wear and a few food items. Merchandise Display Food and Wine Classic T Shirt Logo Aprons It is a food and wine event, so expect to see lots of wine-themed merch here, like corkscrews and wine glasses. Corkscrews Glasses Even More Glasses In 2013, the Food and Wine Classic also had an emphasis on Breast Cancer Awareness, so there were a few retail items with the pink ribbon logo as well. Glasses with Breast Cancer Awareness Emblems Breast Cancer Awareness Merch And of course — wine! Like a particular bottle? Conveniently, you can find it for purchase so that you can enjoy it at home! Bottles for Purchase One of the most popular booths, Cib’s Smoke Shop, also had a few barbecue sauces and rubs available for purchase. Cib’s Smokehouse Sauces Cib’s Smokehouse Rubs and Sauces Soon, it was time to take up our plates and glasses and get started! Time to check out the spread. EatsNavigating the sea of white-tented booths is best done with a map! My recommendation? Get your bearings by taking a look at what’s available before you strike out. And pace yourself! Beverages and Drink PinkTo begin, there is a LOT of wine at this event. I mean a LOT. In 2013, there were 35 different booths, mostly comprised of wine. We tasted wines from all over California, Oregon, and Washington. The international wine community was well represented too, with booths highlighting wines from Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain. Wine Tents I had to snap a few pictures of my favorites! Chateau Ste. Michelle Mimi Chardonnay Francis Ford Coppola Claret In addition, there was a booth featuring Ty Ku Sake. Ty Ku Sake Booth Sake Beer lovers will want to head straight to the Beer, Please! booth, where a number of different craft beers are featured. Beer, Please Booth Craft Beers In 2014, the Food and Wine Classic has added a Beer Garden to its offerings. For an additional fee, enjoy access to Crescent Terrace, where more beer will be featured alongside freshly prepared food items, like German-style sausages and soft pretzels! In 2013, this area was “pinked out” in recognition of breast cancer awareness, and to celebrate those who have battled the disease. Pinked Out Terrace On offer were several rose wines to sample. A Glass of Rose for Drink Pink After a quick tour of the beverage booths, it was time to start sampling some food! Kimono’sKimono’s offers some of the best sushi available at Disney! It’s a fun spot for karaoke as well. Kimono’s Booth The Spicy Yellow Fin Tuna Roll on offer was fresh and delicious. Sushi Sushi — Up Close Cib’s Smoke ShopCib’s Smoke Shop is the handiwork of the Swan and Dolphin’s Executive Chef, Robert Ciborowski. Lines get long here for smokehouse specialties, handcrafted by Chef Ciborowski’s staff just for this event. Cib’s Smoke Shop Booth We tried the Handcrafted Bacon, Black Eyed Pea Puree, Maple Fluid Gel, and it was outstanding! Handcrafted Bacon, Black Eyed Pea Puree, Maple Fluid Gel Fresh Mediterranean MarketFresh offers quick casual dining with market fresh flavors inspired by the cuisine of the Mediterranean. Fresh Booth Their Blackened Fish Sandwich was served with Butter Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onion, and was topped with a tasty Old Bay Remoulade. Blackened Fish Sandwich Fish Sandwich — Under the Bun Garden GroveOpen for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, Garden Grove is your spot to enjoy Disney character dining at the Swan and Dolphin. Garden Grove Booth For the Classic, they served up what was possibly my most favorite dish of the evening — a fun riff on Fish and Chips! The dish came together with Beer-Battered Sustainable Bass; and in place of thick cut, fry-style chips, they served it with Vinegar Potato Chips. Fish and Chips So good! I am STILL thinking of this one, and I’m so excited to see that it’s back in 2014! Fish and Chips — Inside bluezoobluezoo is the brainchild of Celebrity Chef Todd English, and focuses on coastal cuisine and fresh seafood. Bluezoo Booth One of our favorite dishes on their menu is Shrimp and Grits. They reproduce the dish here on a smaller scale, and pair it with Pickled Okra and Organic Tomatoes. Shrimp and Grits Paired with a glass of Chardonnay and some Jazz — it was great! Shrimp and Grits with Wine PicabuPicabu is truly a hidden gem among Disney area eateries. No matter what time you’re working up an appetite, you’ll find this spot serving — it’s open 24/7! Picabu Booth The booth at the Classic featured a Taqueria for everyone — Corn Tortillas stuffed with your choice of Barbacoa of Beef, Braised Pork, or Organic Veggies. Tacos — Pork, Vegetable, and Beef After you choose your tacos, spend a little time at the garnish table, topping them with extra veggies, cheese, and an endless array of hot sauces! Garnish Table for Tacos Garnishes for Tacos I wanted to go back for seconds…and thirds. My Taco — Yum! FountainThe Fountain is one of our most favorite stops for homestyle food and killer ice cream treats. Their Caramel Apple Sundae is not to be missed! Fountain Booth During our evening at the Classic, they were offering a classic Lamb Gyro that featured Braised Lamb on a Toasted Pita with Tzatziki Sauce. The ingredients were fresh and it was the perfect three bites — enough to taste without filling up on it. Lamb Gyro Il MulinoIl Mulino offers guests delicious Italian dishes in an upscale atmosphere. It’s always fun to see what they bring to the Classic. Il Mulino Booth This time around, it was a delicious Ravioli with a buttery Yukon Gold Potato Filling garnished with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Truffle, and Charred Onions. It was a nice departure from traditional ravioli offerings. Ravioli Todd EnglishAs Chef and Owner of bluezoo, Celebrity Chef Todd English has had a presence at the Classic for the last several years, and he continued the tradition in 2013. In addition to the fun food at the bluezoo booth, we could also taste a few additional dishes crafted at the Todd English booth. Banner at the Todd English Booth Guests could choose from a Tuna Tartare dish (sadly, no picture of this one), or go with something even more exotic — an Oyster Shooter topped with Huckleberry Champagne Vinegar. The briny flavors of the oyster paired really nicely with the fruit and acid of the vinegar. Oyster Shooter Chef English also offered a Rock Shrimp Taco, garnished with Huckleberry Foam. I thought the handmade Corn Tortillas made the dish really special. Rock Shrimp Taco Cabana Bar and Beach ClubCabana Bar and Beach Club was one of the few booths offering a vegetarian option. Cabana Booth The Vegetarian Bao was a steamed bun with crisp tender Vegetables and a savory sauce. Vegetarian Bao While it wasn’t my favorite dish of the evening, I appreciated the attempt to offer something lighter; and it was really fun, watching the staff pull the buns out of bamboo steamers set up in woks right there. Vegetarian Bao — Inside Shula’s SteakhouseShula’s Steakhouse is one of the best spots in all of Disney when you’re craving a steak. We’ve enjoyed meals here many times, and we always have a great experience. So it will come as no suprise that this booth always draws a big crowd. Shula’s Booth You can nearly always bank on a “meat and potatoes” pairing here. Last year, it was Carved Prime Rib, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Horseradish Creme Fraiche. Really, how could you go wrong?? Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes Pastries by Chef Laurent BranlardIf you’re after something sweet, head to the Pastry Booth, which showcases the talents of the Swan and Dolphin’s Executive Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, and his team. In 2013, Chef Branlard added an unexpected surprise to the assortment of pastries — Ice Cream Panini Sandwiches! Fans of L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion will recognize these presses. They’re just like the ones that are used to make some of our favorite Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches. Brioche Sandwich Presses The hot-meets-cold treat came in two flavors — Vanilla or Chocolate with Hazelnut Crunch and Raspberry Coulis. They were marvelous! Brioche Sandwich — Inside In addition to the sandwiches, guests could choose from an assortment of incredible sweets. Of course, I had to sample all three! My Pastry Plate The BLA Shot Glass consisted Blueberry Compote, Lemon Creme Fraiche Panna Cotta, and Almond Pound Cake. I love the combo of blueberries and lemon, so this was a hit for me. BLA Shot Glass Next, we sampled the Dome, a combo of Milk Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Cream Center, a Hazelnut Dacquoise Sponge, and Milk Chocolate Glaze. Milk Chocolate Dome Finally, guests could also choose a Raspberry S’more. The beautiful two-bite dessert included Raspberry Marshmallow, Raspberry Compote, and White Chocolate Cream on a Cinnamon Sable Dough. So interesting! Raspberry S’more OverallStrolling the Causeway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is a fantastic way to spend a fall evening in Florida! With food from every Swan and Dolphin restaurant, the sheer variety of flavors that you can sample is astounding. And with so many wines, plus beer and sake, to choose from, there’s definitely something for everyone! Come for the Causeway only, add a Beer Garden experience, or book a food or beverage seminar for even more food fun! Book Your Tickets Now!Book your stay, causeway tickets, and seminar tickets now before your favorites sell out! Contact the Swan and Dolphin at 888-828-8850! One Night Room and Event Includes 1-night room accommodations for 2 adults and 2 causeway event passes at check in to enjoy unlimited food and wine tastings and entertainment offered on the causeway. Seminar tickets and Beer Garden tickets may be added for an additional fee. Two Night Room and Event Includes 2-night room accommodations for 2 adults and 2 causeway event passes for each night at check in to enjoy unlimited food and wine tastings and entertainment offered on the causeway. Seminar tickets and Beer Garden tickets may be added for an additional fee. Are you looking forward to the 2014 Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin Resort? Leave a comment and let us know! 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 and Preview: The Causeway at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine ClassicReview: The Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine ClassicReview: Champagne Seminar at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic View the full article