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As it gets closer to Halloween, we keep scaring up more and more treats at Walt Disney World Resort. Recently, I shared the ghoulish delights you can find at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, so now let’s take a look at some of the frightfully fantastic treats you can find at our other Walt Disney World theme parks. Kusafiri Bakery and Isle of Java in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are serving up creepy concoctions. I couldn’t resist this adorable demitasse mug, which combines some of my favorite things—Minnie Mouse, pumpkins and chocolate mousse. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the chocolate brownie with spooky sprinkles is to die for, while a sweet pumpkin muffin is a perfect way to start a fall morning. I adore gummy candies, so I was especially excited about the Spooky Worms ‘n Dirt Sundae from Discovery Island Ice Cream. A scoop of your favorite flavor gets topped with crushed chocolate cookies, gummy worms, whipped cream and spooky sprinkles. You’ll also find the frightful Bat Cupcake—chocolate cake topped with white icing, sprinkles and a chocolate bat. If cupcakes are your favorite, you’re not going to want to miss the bewitching offerings at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sunshine Seasons at Epcot is brewing up a chocolate Witch Cupcake with a peanut butter filling. If you’re craving carrot cake, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for their tasty take on this cupcake. Which witch will you choose? GalleryWildly Spooky Treats at Walt Disney World Resort view allWildly Spooky Treats at Walt Disney World Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In recent months, we have shared #DisneyKids videos in which our resident kid-at-heart Gary Buchanan interviews preschoolers about their experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. What we learned from these fun, unscripted conversations with little ones is that even at a young age they remember a great deal about their favorite Disney attractions, characters and experiences. For as much as our mini panel liked to talk about Disney, they are still kids, and let’s just say there were times when they got a little restless. There were so many silly moments from our shoot that we created an outtakes video that we hope makes you smile. What are your little ones’ goofiest Disney moments? For more from our #DisneyKids series, visit the posts below: #DisneyKids: First Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park#DisneyKids: First runDisney Race#DisneyKids: First Photo at Magic Kingdom Park#DisneyKids: Remembering Favorite Attractions at Disney Parks#DisneyKids: First Flight on Dumbo the Flying Elephant#DisneyKids: Remembering Favorite Disney Characters at Disney Parks#DisneyKids: First Pony Ride at Walt Disney World Resort#DisneyKids: First Water Slide at Walt Disney World Resort#DisneyKids: First Teacup Spin at Magic Kingdom Park#DisneyKids: First Ear Hat at Disney Parks#DisneyKids: Funniest Disney Parks Roundtable Outtakes by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Our #DisneyKids videos feature our resident kid-at-heart Gary Buchanan interviewing preschoolers about their experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. These outtakes features some of the hilarious...From:Disney ParksViews:594867ratingsTime:03:47More inTravel & Events

The search continues today for the teenage gunman who robbed four Westridge Middle School students walking to school Thursday morning. View the full article

The Sports Xchange View the full article

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory — it’s a long name for dining spot, and kind of a tongue twister — but it has some unique menu items and is definitely worth a visit if you’re a beignet fan! Learn About: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food FactoryDisney World RestaurantsOr a New Orleans fan. Or a Mardi Gras fan. Or just like big, giant parade float heads hanging from ceilings. Not sure what I’m talking about? Let’s take a look inside… . AtmosphereSassagoula is, of course, the river running through the resorts around Downtown Disney, including the sister Port Orleans resorts — Riverside, and French Quarter. Upon arrival at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort, a welcoming indoor courtyard complete with an ornate fountain creates a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re hungry, you’ll find Floatworks — named as such because it’s themed after a warehouse storing Mardi Gras parade props —  opposite the Registration area. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are offered throughout the day. Entrance to Float Works Look closely and you’ll see some hidden dining references in the Sassagoula sign. Utensils, seafood, lemon, asparagus… what else? Look for hidden food references A display reminds guests of their dining choices while visiting the Port Orleans resorts. Dining Choices at the Port Orleans Resorts Here’s your first glimpse of the “floatworks.” Crazy, eh? It’s Mardi Gras time! While the weird parade props have always disturbed me, some guests enjoy the whimsical decor. I understand the theme but find the decor outdated. (I’d love to see a refresh here). Of course, you’ll find whimsy around the resort — from Scales (the serpent pool slide) to jazzy tunes, the vibe is casual and relaxing. Just as it should be on vacation! I spy a yellow piece of candy! Entertain the kids with a game of “I Spy” while dining! A great snack option is ice cream! I do like the dining room’s dark wooden tables and mismatched chairs; it just feels cozy. Brick accents and lantern lighting adds to the quaint ambiance. In fact, the whole resort is a mixture of playfulness and charm. Mardi Gras props in dining room Most importantly, the dining area and serving stations are kept very tidy. (During our stay, we did not find this to be the case over at the Riverside Mill.) Artwork reflects the Cajun and Creole flavors on the menu such as the Gumbo and Jambalaya dishes served later in the day. Louisiana is known for spicy Cajun and Creole dishes Take your breakfast to the adjacent Scat Cat’s Club for a quieter meal. Additional seating at Scat Cat’s Inside the club, your morning meal can be savored with a dose of cartoons! Cartoons EatsGuests on the Disney Dining Plan can use their quick service credits to redeem meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Use your Disney Dining Plan credits Snack options are also available! Got a Rapid Fill mug? Head to the beverage island for hot and cold drinks! Hot and cold beverages At the Rapid Fill station, fill up on water, Sprite Zero, Barq’s Root Beer, Fanta Orange, Coca-Cola Zero, Minute Maid Light Pomegranate Lemonade, Coca-Cola Cherry, Sprite, Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, Hi-C Fruit Punch, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola. Cold beverages at the Rapid Fill station Breakfast Breakfast here at Sassagoula often includes their “you-can-only-get-’em-here” made-to-order beignets. Many Disney guests visit this spot solely for these doughy treats. Port Orleans French Quarter Beignets But we’d had beignets the previous day, so my husband opted for the Bounty Breakfast Platter served with scrambled eggs, a Mickey waffle, bacon, sausage, and a biscuit. For a quick service meal, he deemed all of the elements to be worthy of a thumbs up. A bountiful start to the day I love breakfast foods. My choice here was easy though, as I always enjoy the cheese omelet and breakfast potatoes served at many of the Disney value and moderate resorts. Seasoned breakfast potatoes Here, the fluffy texture of the omelet and the smooth, melted cheese were done just right. Fluffy cheese omelet Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches On a separate visit, I just had to snack on an ice cream sandwich. With your choice of homemade cookies and ice cream, these dessert sandwiches are over the top! I went with the old-fashioned chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream combo. Yum! Chocolate Chip cookies with vanilla ice cream I like my cookie with less crunch, and a chewier cookie would have made this combination perfect. Ice cream nestled between two homemade cookies OverallOverall, I really enjoyed being able to take our breakfast to Scat Cat’s. It made for a much quieter start to the day. While some of the food items here can be found elsewhere in Walt Disney World, guests with more adventurous palates will appreciate the themed food options including Po’ Boys, Jambalaya, and Gumbo. What do you think about the decor at Sassagoula? Any recommendations beyond the must-have beignets? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory BreakfastSnack Series: Beignets at Port Orleans Resort, French QuarterReview: Cherry Cobbler at Port Orleans, Riverside Resort View the full article

NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter created one last magic moment in his home finale. View the full article

The city of Apopka on Wednesday paid former Chief Administrative Officer Richard Anderson $346,665 in unused vacation time, personal days and sick leave as part of his retirement package. View the full article

This week’s Disney Parks After Dark image was snapped by Photographer Charlie Champagne – and what an ominous shot of City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park it is! GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allTaken during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this pic perfectly shows how haunting the park can look on Halloween nights. Disney Parks After Dark: A Spooky City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Mayor Jim Swan calls special meeting for noon Friday to discuss city commissioners' vehicle use. Mayor Jim Swan calls special meeting for noon Friday to discuss city commissioners' vehicle use. View the full article

Rosemary Pate and Alice Flowers were more than sisters — they were friends. View the full article

Brutally battered on a June night five years ago, Joi Partain became known as the "Golf Club Girl" for her ex-boyfriend's weapon of choice. View the full article

Driver Ramy Botros, 28, blamed incident on female passenger's attire, affidavit says. Driver Ramy Botros, 28, blamed incident on female passenger's attire, affidavit says. View the full article

Halloween Time is upon us, so we’ve scared up some new snacks and sweets at Disneyland Resort, available now through November 2. Being the perpetual snacker that I am, I’m excited to give you a taste of what’s new. While you’re experiencing Dia De Los Muertos in Frontierland, mosey on over to the The Golden Horseshoe for Ice Cream Nachos. Your choice of ice cream will be smothered in hot fudge, whipped cream and chocolate chips, with waffle cone pieces as the ‘nachos.’ A short walk away in New Orleans Square, you’ll find piping hot Banana Fritters at Royal Street Veranda. Then, stroll on over to the Mint Julep Bar and quench your thirst with the sweet Raspberry Magnolia Lemonade. While you’re there, don’t forget to order up some beignets. These must-have Disneyland favorites are made with pumpkin for the season and are to die for. Tip: Pumpkin Beignets are also available at Cafe Orleans. During a recent trip into the park, fellow Disney Parks Blog authors and friends Michelle Harker and Tyler Slater sampled and raved about the Apple Pie Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country, a tasty twist on an American classic. At Tomorrowland Terrace, celebrate back-to-school season with Monster’s University! Show your Monster’s U pride with French Fries covered in Parmesan Ranch ‘Ooze’ and a Mike Wazowski Crispy Treat. Spending the day at Disney California Adventure park? Be sure to try my top picks – the Caramel Apple Smoothie from Schmoozies and the Warm Apple Maple Cake from Taste Pilots’ Grill. As you can tell, I’m a sucker for anything apple. Still hungry for some sweet treats? You’ll find a classic Mickey Pumpkin Cupcake at Disneyland park and Disneyland Hotel, while Disney California Adventure park pays homage to everyone’s favorite sea witch with an Ursula Cupcake. During your travels through the bakery, keep an eye out for a Vampire Mickey Bat Cookie. Don’t worry, this vampire can go into the sunlight. Have you tried any of the seasonal snacks at Disneyland Resort? What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below. Halloween Time Snacks and Sweets at Disneyland Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Argentine Cristina Bianchi knows that a good mother-in-law doesn't overstay her welcome, but a good grandmother is around as much as possible. View the full article

A long-running attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios is fading to black. The Studio Backlot Tour, a significant part of the theme park's opening-day lineup in 1989, is taking its last visitors on Saturday. View the full article

Ever wonder what it's like to celebrate the traditions of Hawai'i with a modern twist at Starlit Hui? Enjoy an evening of complimentary celebration of Hawaiian entertainment at Aulani, a...From:Disney ParksViews:22614ratingsTime:00:50More inTravel & Events

So, you all know that you’re the best readers in the history of blogging. Here’s a little story sent in via email (with pictures, of course) to prove it. As many of you are aware, I highly advocate bringing your own tray to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival every year. After all, there usually isn’t a great place to sit and eat at every booth; so it can be helpful to have a method for carrying all of your goodies and drinks around with you as you’re looking for a good stopping point in the shade. As it turns out, this is true for the rest of the parks as well! Disney Food Blog Reader, Jocelyn Martins, explored the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (and other Walt Disney World parks) with her own Disney Food Blog Tray! That’s right; she took our unique bumper sticker and attached it to the food tray she brought from home. Totally L.O.V.E. that she brought it to Disney with her!!! Jocelyn reports that she loved using the tray and apparently other guests admired it, too. She was asked several times where to get one! Take a look… DFB Tray with Eats and Drinks“I had to grab just one more pumpkin ice cream macaron sandwich, but couldn’t pass on the martini either… thank goodness I had my own DFB Tray to balance on the stroller!” (We knew we loved her.) Head to L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France for your own ice cream treats. Pumpkin Ice Cream Macaron Sandwich and Coconut-White Chocolate Ice Cream Martini with Whipped Cream Vodka “Luckily I knew  from the DFB to look for the Harambe Popcorn Cart because our most-awesome-ess server, Neil, at our Tusker House Breakfast had worked there forever and had no idea where I could find the Jungle Juice Slushies.” DFB tray for Jungle Juice Slushies & Rum Jocelyn then used her homemade DFB Tray to carry four slushies back to the Dawa Bar where the bartender happily served shots of rum (and larger cups) to mix with them! Score! DFB tray for Jungle Juice Slushies & Rum – single shot! I know there are more of you out there sporting your DFB trays! Send us some pics and we’ll share your great ideas with our readers! Want your own DFB tray bumper sticker?? Get it here! In fact, I just saw that you can get 15% off today with code YOURFALLDEAL. Cool! Thanks again, Jocelyn! I loved getting your email! If you’re headed to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (or any Disney park), consider bringing your own Disney Food Blog Tray. Get your sticker 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 Related posts: Make Your Own DFB Food and Wine Festival Tray!2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: NEW Menu Item SpotlightSpotlight: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Passport Stamps View the full article

My final days in Italy with Adventures by Disney were full of exploration and hands-on activities. From seeing architectural treasures such as the Piazza San Marco and Basilica, to a private gondola tour, Venice has so much to offer. Our hotel was just around the corner from Piazza San Marco, which led to extensive shopping and gelato tasting during free time. Ending the day with some incredible wine at Café Florian, while listening to the sounds of live musicians fill the Piazza, is one of many memories from this unforgettable experience. On the last day of our trip, we visited Tragicomica, a studio where we had a private session on the art of Venetian mask making. The master artisans at Tragicomica create their carnival masks much in the same manner as they were crafted in the 15th century. While I wasn’t quite able to prefect their painting technique during our experience, we all tried our hand and created some truly unique masterpieces to take home. We ended the day with an incredible dinner where we received our completed masks (after they had been coated to preserve them for many years). Everyone enjoyed seeing – and trying on – their completed creations! It was a wonderful ending to a truly magnificent Adventures by Disney journey through Italy! Venetian Mask Making in Italy with Adventures By Disney by Mark Sadowski: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

To continue the voting for the top Disneyland Resort memory from the past 60 years, we’re moving on now to the 1970s! In preparing for the upcoming Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we asked you to submit your most magical Disneyland Resort memories from the past six decades. Now we’re narrowing down the submissions to decide which will win! And here are the top Disneyland Resort memories we received from the 1970s: From @rBc5FNoura: 70′s decade! Me and my little brother in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle. From @eilonwey28: 1970′s Disneyland. Me and Pluto on Main St. – taken by my Dad in Mar. 1977, on my 2nd birthday. From @rdpMW9qguY: 1974 standing in front of Main Street. From @rvxaOmLOX6: 1974 Grad Nite From @sIV4quTHq4 So, which is your favorite? Vote now! Vote Now for the Top Disneyland Resort Memory from the 1970sVoting will remain open until 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, October 1. Be sure to check back Thursday, October 2, when we’ll share the top five memories from the 1980s. Each decade winner will receive a special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration prize. Then, we’ll give you the chance to vote for one Grand Prize winner from among the winners of each decade. This lucky fan will win a trip to the start of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015. For complete rules, click here. No purchase necessary. 18/age of majority+, 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. See Rules for details. Vote Now for the Top Disneyland Resort Memory from the 1970s by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It may only be September, but I know all of you creative gift-givers are already scheming up some pretty wonderful holiday present ideas for your loved ones. A Disney cruise is always a popular gift, and I’ve heard stories from so many people about the special ways they’ve unwrapped this present for their family. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas for Christmas morning, or for when you give the gift “just because,” I thought you may be inspired by how some of our current and former Disney Parks Moms Panelists have surprised their families with a Disney cruise … Nancy W. “Once we surprised our kids with a scavenger hunt on Christmas morning with clues placed all around the house. Each clue was wrapped in a package with items needed for our vacation like bathing suits, sunglasses and even pirate costumes! With every clue found, the kids grew closer to the final package which was waiting for them on the front porch. When they opened it, they found “tickets” for a magical voyage on the high seas with Captain Mickey and a Disney Cruise Line Planning DVD!” Diane W. “One Christmas morning, after we exchanged gifts and ate breakfast, I suddenly “remembered” another present that we’d “forgotten.” I told the girls to look on the back porch, and when they opened the door, there were two suitcases with big Mickeys hand sewn on the front, mouse ears and giant Mickey and Minnie plush to greet them. I think my neighbors two blocks away could hear them screaming. “We’re going to Disney!” What they didn’t know (until they opened the suitcases) was that we were going on a Disney cruise! The suitcases were packed with new swimsuits, outfits and pillowcases monogrammed with our sail dates and the name of the ship.” Marcy G. “We wanted to announce our surprise Disney Cruise Line vacation to the kids in a unique way, so we sent them on a scavenger hunt throughout the house and yard for clues. Each clue they found related to the trip, such as “Do you like warm weather?” and “Did you SEA that your bags are packed?”. The final clues were our itinerary for our Disney Magic cruise and their Magic Bands for our stay at Walt Disney World Resort. They couldn’t stop screaming to know we were leaving right then for a land and sea vacation with Captain Mickey!” Have you ever given the gift of a Disney cruise? Tell us how you did it in the comments! How to Surprise Your Family with the Gift of a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Fifteen years ago, Tapestry of Nations had its soft opening at Epcot. I can’t let a milestone pass by without sharing a photo from my favorite parade. (I’m biased. Here is proof.) Here’s a look at Hammerman in front of a Millennium-themed Spaceship Earth in September 1999. Although the Sage of Time doesn’t take his great millennium walk around World Showcase Lagoon any more, I still smile every time my iPod shuffles to the parade music. Read on for more posts about Epcot in the “Vintage Walt Disney World” series: Vintage Walt Disney World: Happy Anniversary Morocco (Pavilion!) Vintage Walt Disney World: Past Epcot International Flower & Garden Festivals Vintage Walt Disney World: A Journey Into ImaginationVintage Walt Disney World: A Look Back at Tapestry of Nations by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of the lesser-known, but still pretty awesome restaurants in Disney’s theme parks is Yak & Yeti, found in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Learn About: Yak and Yeti RestaurantAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsOur experiences there have always been good when it comes to the food, but one of my favorite parts of the dining spot is the decor. It’s clear that Disney’s imagineers searched high and low for authentic props and “set dressing” for this restaurant, and I’ve always been captivated by the lighting particularly. On a visit many years ago, I snapped shots of several of lamps, light fixtures, and even chandeliers that make this restaurant so eclectic. I just came across the pics and wanted to share them with you. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know which Disney restaurant decor you’re most fond of! Yak and Yeti Restaurant Yak and Yeti Restaurant Lighting ElementsThis incredible chandelier hangs above the main staircase up to the second floor. Its tiered crystals practically drip down to the railing! Atmosphere from lighting A few old-fashioned and vintage options look like they were taken right out of the 1920s. Small light ceiling chandelier intricate beads and lights This Buddha lamp base is topped with a striking red shade — a fun contrast to the green walls. Table lamp downcast lamps medieval bare bulbs Be sure to seek out this bright red hanging lamp that casts a fun pattern on the ceiling! red light casted on ceiling Frontierland, anyone? Lantern This one is my favorite. The green glass adds a colorful, but still subdued, look. green-tinted lamp red ambiance bronze fixture beading candle bulbs with beads This one feels like it came right out of the Morocco pavilion! exotic shade Here’s another angle on that gorgeous chandelier! fancy chandelier And this stained glass lantern is different from anything else in the place! stain glass lantern So there are just a few of the fun additions — that many people never even think about — in Disney’s Yak and Yeti Restaurant! Thanks for indulging me in a little non-food show and tell! Have you found a decor element you think is particularly interesting in Disney’s restaurants? 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: Review: Yak and Yeti RestaurantReview: Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Disney’s Animal KingdomDisneyland Restaurant Details for Orange County Restaurant Week View the full article

Carey Ferrante moved to Orlando from Nashville several years ago and decided a mobile business would be better for her than a brick and mortar store. View the full article

An optical-sensor camera captures a 3-D image of Blair Barbour's face, scanning every line and crease. It instantly cross-matches the image with a huge database and determines whether he is anxious or calm; happy or angry; a possible terrorist or a missionary doctor. View the full article