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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

We look forward to the change of seasons – along with milder weather, we anticipate new tastes on the menu at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. The sweets are such a treat, but the seasonal sandwiches are also on the top of our lunch list – start with the hearty pastrami Reuben on rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and classic sauce. Or try the cold roast beef on a baguette topped with arugula, pickled onion and tomato with a slather of mustard aioli. The chicken Waldorf comes on buttery brioche, a mix of chicken breast, green apple, celery, Craisins and mango chutney. Salad fans will appreciate the Mediterranean Chicken Salad, a bowl of greens, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, tomato, sweet red peppers, pepperoncini and feta with balsamic vinaigrette. Save room for dessert, because there are 11 new sweets to sample. Chocolate is the center of four: classic chocolate brownies; rich red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and strawberry-chocolate shavings; decadent chocolate-peanut butter whoopie pies, and s’mores bars that start with chocolate tarts filled with caramel-chocolate ganache, finished with a topping of graham crackers and toasted marshmallow fluff. Pumpkin is the star in both the cheesecake with spiced whipped topping and muffins with cream cheese filling. Add French caramel éclairs, maple crème brûlèe in tart shells and spiced bundt cake with cream cheese glaze and a flourish of candied orange rind. Last, but certainly not least, a seasonal selection of dainty French macarons – raspberry and chocolate hazelnut. Oh my! Seasonal Delights at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Will Radcliff, who made his fortune selling Slush Puppie drinks, cherished a spread of Florida wilderness so much he sold it a decade ago for preservation but at a discount so he could hang out there until his death. View the full article

Tony Stewart is cleared by grand jury in investigation of racing accident that killed Kevin Ward Jr. View the full article

Argue that physical education is not a replacement for recess Argue that physical education is not a replacement for recess View the full article

Have you seen “Muppets Most Wanted” yet? The latest film in the Muppets franchise takes the entire gang on a global tour through Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London. But of course mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves tangled up in an international crime caper headed by Constantine, the World’s Number One Criminal and Kermit lookalike. It just so happens that Constantine himself recently stopped by Disney’s Hollywood Studios – and talked with our very own John Graham to share what he loved about his visiting Disney Parks. “Muppets Most Wanted” is now available on Blu-rayâ„¢ Combo Pack and Digital HD. ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ Star Constantine Visits Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

"Muppets Most Wanted' star Constantine, the World's Number One Criminal and Kermit lookalike, recently visited Disney's Hollywood Studios to celebrate the Blu-ray Release of the latest Muppets...From:Disney ParksViews:12616ratingsTime:03:30More inTravel & Events

Seminole County commissioners Tuesday approved a larger budget for the upcoming fiscal year that keeps the property tax rate the same and includes pay raises of 1.8 percent for county workers. View the full article

We are continuing our LIVE coverage from the first week of the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We’ve been busy eating at the various Marketplaces and attending events to bring you lots of good information. And today, we’re ready to offer you the first in-depth look at two booths that are crowd favorites — Brazil and Puerto Rico. Let’s go! The Brazil Marketplace BoothThe Brazil Marketplace returned last year after a brief hiatus, and wasted no time establishing itself as a favorite stop on festival guests’ trip around the World. And this year, it’s back again on a big ol’ plot of World Showcase land all its own (with a WATERFALL! and LIVE MUSIC!). 2014 Brazil Marketplace Booth This is the old Belgium location (Belgium has been booted next door), so there’s a seating area set up covered with colorful flags. Gorgeous Seating Area for Brazil There’s a little waterfall (which the Cast Member made sure I knew about; they’re super proud of it). And if you’re lucky, you might catch some live Brazilian music while you’re there. Brazil Marketplace Scenery The food is pretty much all new, except for the pork belly. And the drinks include some good offerings. 2014 Brazil Menu We were interested to see a new seafood dish debut at the Brazil Marketplace. The Moqueca de Pescado features responsibly farm-raised Regal Springs Tilapia. It’s flavored with a Coconut Lime Sauce and is served on a bed of steamed Rice. You guys know I’m not a HUGE seafood eater, but some of the festival’s offerings this year have made a liar out of me…including this one. I really enjoyed it! The dish is light with good flavor. But I was shocked that after I took my first tentative bite of fish, I actually went back for more. Red-letter day for me, my friends. ;-D Moqueca de Pescado Regal Springs Premium Tilapia with Coconut Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice One of 2013′s most popular dishes, Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Cilantro, returns this year. While the 2013 version also featured Avocado in the mix, we aren’t really missing it. The Pork Belly stands on its own just fine! Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Cilantro One of our early favorites this year is the Pao de Queijo, or Brazilian Cheese Bread. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Brazilian Cheese Bread And it really is. Break it open, and you can see that it’s pretty much just soft cheesy bread stuffed with more cheese. This version is much better than the varieties that I’ve had at my favorite churrascaria back home. Cheese Bread — Cross Section And finally, we had no idea what to expect when we read that Cocada — Brazilian Coconut Candy — would be included in the line up here. But this simple dessert also turned out to be one of our early favorites! Cocada — Coconut Candy at the 2014 Brazil Marketplace Sweet and full of coconut flavor, the texture reminds me of those no-bake “haystack” cookies that I loved as a kid. Super-sweet, but pretty awesome. Coconut Candy – Dig in! Does anyone have a Brazilian grandmother they’d like to share with me? And you know we’re getting the Frozen Caipirinha here. Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça The Puerto Rico Marketplace BoothThe Puerto Rico Marketplace is back in 2014 after a brief hiatus, also with a brand new booth and a big chunk of real estate. And the petite, two-story structure is pretty cool. (These booths keep getting bigger and better each year. Maybe by 2025 they’ll have an entire park dedicated to the Food and Wine Festival year round. Hint, hint, Disney.) 2014 Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth The marketplace is actually one of the first that you come to in your journey around the World if you choose to begin your trip on the Canada side. Just like Brazil, Puerto Rico enjoys a larger seating area with plenty of room to mingle. And that definitely came in handy opening weekend, as crowds swelled quickly. The menu for the 2014 Marketplace is completely new. Puerto Rico 2014 Menu You find a nice array of flavors here. Conch, enjoyed throughout the Caribbean, has the spotlight in the fresh Ensalada de Currucho — Caribbean Conch Salad with Onion, Tomato, and Cilantro. The conch meat is steamed and served over steamed Rice in a paper cone. Easy to eat, although not so easy to photograph. Ensalada de Currucho — Caribbean Conch Salad with Onion, Tomato, and Cilantro I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Carne Guisada con Arroz Blanco, or Slow-Braised Beef served over Rice, but the flavors reminded me of the “Spanish Rice” my dad used to make when I was a kid! (I know; that totally helps you to imagine what it’s like, right? ;-D) It’s got some great spice to it, with that tomato/olive savory flavor. The meat was a bit overdone, but overall, the dish was absolutely worth buying. (Good-sized portion, too.) Carne Guisada con Arroz Blanco OK, so here’s the weirdness about the Food and Wine Festival. We’d been reporting all Summer on the Frituras that we had seen at previews for the Puerto Rico booth, but the day before the Festival opened, they switched up the menu to say they were now serving Tostones instead. You never know what you’re gonna get, eh? Well, regardless, the Twice-Fried Green Plantains are served traditionally with a side of Mayo Ketchup for dipping. And I was bowled over! I figured I’d take a small bite and move on, but that Mayo Ketchup was out of this world. What the heck? Why hasn’t anyone told me about this before! (And I don’t even like mayo…at all…not even a little bit.) And, no, it didn’t taste like bananas with ketchup. Which, I’ll be honest, I thought it might. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains with Mayo Ketchup) And don’t skip dessert. The Flancocho, with its flavors of Caramel, Vanilla, and Coffee, was pretty good. I was worried that it would be more “milk jello” like panna cotta or flan, but it was much more custardy than jello-y. Flancocho There are several beverages to choose from as well. While a Medalla Light Beer may be the perfect crisp option for a hot Florida day, there are some other interesting flavors to tempt you. I had to try the Frozen San Juan Breeze. If there is one quintessential Puerto Rico flavor, this must be it! They didn’t have Don Q Limón Floater ready when I was there, so I just got the non-alcoholic version. Pretty awesome. I drank much more than  I should have. Frozen San Juan Breeze with Don Q Limón Floater And the Gasolina Sangriiia Cocktail is like fruit punch for grown ups! Seriously! It tasted a little like grape juice, but with a zing. I really liked it. Probably too much. Sangriiia Cocktail We’ll be looking forward to seconds of many of these dishes throughout the coming weeks! Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We are always working to bring you all of the latest and most important news and updates on the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival right here, so stay tuned for details and check out all of the info below! Be sure to join our Disney Food Blog Newsletter for the latest information and details. And keep an eye on our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for updates. 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — and FOOD PHOTOS! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Low-Cost/Free Seminars and Activities 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule and Dining Package Information 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events 2014 Tower of Terror 10-miler Events 2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic: Menus, Booking Info available! How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 31 at 7AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events will be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. News! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! Start planning NOW for your trip with our expert advice, plus information on all of the Special Events, Low Cost Seminars and Demonstrations in a handy take-along format. Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. What dish from the Brazil and Puerto Rico Marketplace Booths looks the best to you? Let us know by leaving 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: 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto RicoEpcot Food and Wine Festival Food Pictures: Puerto Rico, Hops & Barley, Poland BoothsEpcot Food and Wine Festival Food Pictures: Brazil and Mexico Booths View the full article

The University of Central Florida, the state's largest university, is in "excellent" shape, "aggressively moving forward" with plans to expand facilities, faculty rosters and scholarships for needy students, President John Hitt said Wednesday. View the full article

When you’re on the run, it’s fun to find creative quick-service eats – and two Epcot restaurants are upping their games with diverse new menu items. In World Showcase, American Adventure’s Liberty Inn has four new dishes. The Red, White and Blue Salad features field greens, Ocean Spray craisins, pecans, apples and blue cheese with a sherry vinaigrette ($7.99). The burger gets an inspired makeover with “Surf and Turf” flavors: 1/3-pound Angus burger stacked with a house-made crab cake and spicy tartar sauce ($11.49). Or keep it simple with the Maryland Crab Cakes with a side of Old Bay fries ($10.99). Louisiana-style Shrimp is served in a creamy Cajun tomato broth with roasted green peppers and onions and served over hot rice ($9.99). In Future World, the popular Electric Umbrella adds a French Dip Burger – a hefty 1/3-pound Angus burger topped with beef brisket, crispy onions and Muenster cheese ($10.99). The Sausage and Pepper Sandwich is another generous meal with slowly-stewed Italian sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes and Provolone cheese ($9.49). The lighter Veggie Naan Wich features broccoli slaw and edamame with a drizzle of tofu wasabi dressing on warm naan bread ($9.49). And for chocolate fans, there’s a new chocolate cupcake, just simple and sweet. Have you tried any of these new quick bites? New Quick Bites at 2 Epcot Restaurants by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“This is Halloween, everybody make a scene!” With fall settling in and the Mickey Pumpkin welcoming guests to Disneyland park, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is in full swing! Between Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (my favorite seasonal attraction overlay) and all the delicious seasonal food offerings, fall is providing some fair competition to my favorite time of year, Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. The first Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland park is just days away and today I wanted to share some tips for planning your visit to the special ticketed event. As always, I love reading your tips in the comments below! Show your Disney Side with your Halloween costume: Everyone attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume! Your costume should be child-friendly, with no sharp objects. It also should not be obstructive, offensive or violent. Keep in mind you’ll be walking around at night, so be mindful of a costume that may drag along the ground. In addition, masks must not obstruct your vision or cover your eyes. Mickey’s Hide and Go Treat Trails: It wouldn’t be a Halloween party without the opportunity to trick-or-treat! Be sure to pick up a trick-or-treat map at the Main Entrance to Disneyland park to guide you to the numerous Halloween treat stops! You especially won’t want to miss Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Treat Trail at Innoventions in Tomorrowland and the Piratepalooza Treats in Frontierland! Exclusive Mickey’s Halloween Party Entertainment: My favorite part of Mickey’s Halloween Party is the exclusive entertainment offerings. Don’t miss the Cadaver Dans floating along the fog-filled Rivers of America! Also, if you’re a Disney Villains fan, stop by Main Street, U.S.A., to see these wicked tricksters conjure up some spooky surprises. You can also celebrate Halloween with some of your favorite Disney characters during Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade. For me, the highlight of Mickey’s Halloween Party experience is always “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, hosted by none other than Jack Skellington, taking place at 9:30 p.m. Keep in mind that all entertainment offerings are subject to change without notice.Still need to grab tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party? Purchase them here and get ready for a screaming good time! Planning for a Spooktacular Time at Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Jameis Winston’s attorney offered to pay the woman who accused the quarterback of rape to stay silent, according to a statement released by one of her lawyers Wednesday. The statement contradicts claims made earlier Wednesday that the accuser sought money from Winston to remain... View the full article

‘Ni kijana!’ is Swahili phrase that means ‘It’s a boy!’ This exciting exclamation was heard on September 3rd when we celebrated the arrival of a new baby in the gorilla family troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Our avid Disney Parks Blog readers might be thinking, “Didn’t you just announce a new gorilla baby?” Yes, we did! This is the second gorilla birth this year, and the fifth in the park’s history. The first gorilla birth at Disney’s Animal Kingdom occurred in 1997 before the park opened, the second baby arrived in 1999 and the third was born in 2010. Western lowland gorillas are born with dark brown to black hair, black skin, and brown or reddish hair on their head. Mature males of breeding age develop silver or gray coloring on their backs and are consequently known as “silverbacks.” Juvenile and young-adult male gorillas are called “blackbacks” because they have yet to develop the silver markings. The diet of Western lowland gorillas is very diverse, including over 200 distinct species of plants, mainly leaves, buds, shoots, roots, bark and fruit. In the tropical rainforests of western Africa where they live, termites and ants are also great snack options. Unfortunately, West African rainforests are shrinking due to human encroachment and land clearing connected to agriculture and other pressures. Coltan is a mineral used in the production of cell phones, and mining for this mineral makes habitats unsuitable for gorillas and other wildlife. Recycling old cell phones and other electronics is a great way to reduce the need for coltan mining and, in turn, help conserve these amazing animals and their habitat. All Western lowland gorilla babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have been a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures long-term survival of species by helping AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums manage species’ genetic diversity through detailed records of individual animals. Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species that face threats that include disease and illegal bushmeat hunting in the wild. In addition to supporting the gorilla SSP, Disney also contributes to gorilla conservation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), which has provided more than $700,000 in conservation grants to 14 nonprofit organizations focused on research and conservation of Western lowland gorillas, cross-river gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas and mountain gorillas. While we celebrate and welcome the newest baby gorilla here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, remember that you can join us in taking action to help gorillas and other wildlife. Recycle old cell phones to protect gorillas’ habitats from mining, and visit Disney.com/conservation to learn more about Disney’s conservation efforts and discover new ways to support conservation near you! If you missed the last gorilla baby announcement, click here to view the story and catch up on all the excitement! Wildlife Wednesday: Welcome a New Western Lowland Gorilla to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! by Rachel Daneault: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article