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Everything posted by Disney4me
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Once in a while we find a place that’s “near” Disneyland and worth a mention. Orange County’s Donut Bar is one of those places. Why you ask? Because donuts. Disney donuts. Free. Disney. Donuts. Disney Themed Donuts! Orange County’s Donut Bar is located in Fountain Valley. Right off the 405 freeway between Euclid and Newhope, it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive to or from Disneyland. This donut hot spot has been open since March, and they continue to sell out of their specialty donuts every single day. Mickey and Minnie Donuts They have some very unique and amazing flavors, but they do something especially unique and amazing on the weekends! Free donuts for kids. And guess what? More often than not, they’re Disney themed. Really a fun treat. Perry the Platypus Donuts I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of their fabulous creations here on the Disney Food Blog, especially since the closest thing to a donut the Disneyland Resort has is a beignet or a fritter. Jesse and Woody Toy Story Donuts Mrs. Potato Head Donuts Jack and Sally Nightmare Before Christmas Donuts Cars Donuts Featuring Sally, Mater and Lightning McQueen Captain America Donuts Up Donuts Monsters Inc. Donuts (LOVE the Sulley “Fur”) Monster’s University Donuts Winnie the Pooh & Tigger Donuts Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Donuts Olaf Donuts MORE Olaf Donuts! Not a donut fan? Or looking to satisfy a craving for a Disneyland Monte Cristo? Donut Bar can help with that, too. They have their own Monte Cristo that is sometimes on the ever-changing menu. I haven’t tried it yet, but one of these days I hope to make it happen! Donut Bar’s Monte Cristo Thirsty? They’ve got Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Milk and Strawberry Milk on tap. Perfect beverages to go with those perfect donuts. Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Milk & Strawberry Milk on Tap I’ve been to the Donut Bar a few times. Although the Disney donuts are adorable, my favorite flavors are Blueberry Meyer Lemon and Samoa. Yep, just like the cookie! Blueberry Meyer Lemon Samoa Donuts My recommendation? Pick a weekend, grab a kid, and head to Orange County’s Donut Bar for a fun treat. The next day’s menu is always posted on Instagram, so if you’re looking for a particular flavor, be sure to check the menu first. In order to prevent disappointment, get there early. Donuts sell out between 1:00-2:00pm daily during the week, and by 12:00-1:00pm on the weekends. Once they’re out, the doors are locked. I’d hate for you to drive up and see this: SOLD OUT! If you’re really worried about missing out and you want to be sure you get what you want, you can place an order online the day before and reserve a dozen for yourself here. Have you been to the Donut Bar yet? Do you have a favorite flavor? Do you have a Disney donut you’d like to see made? I vote for Little Mermaid donuts! Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns 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: Donuts! The New Interactive Dessert!Dining in Disneyland: Award Wieners Serving Up OZ Themed Menu ItemsReview: Drunken’ Donuts at The Wilderness Lodge’s Territory Lounge View the full article
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The United States and several Gulf Arab allies have launched air and missile strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, U.S. officials said, opening a new, far more complicated front in the battle against the militants. View the full article
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TAMPA — Florida authorities were warned repeatedly about problems in the home of a 51-year-old felon who shot his daughter and her six children before killing himself last week, according to records released on Monday by the state child welfare agency. View the full article
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Pumpkin beer. Pumpkin lattes. Pumpkin vodka. View the full article
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Five people were treated then transported to local hospitals following a carbon monoxide leak at a grocery store near Pine Hills, Orange County Fire Rescue officials say. View the full article
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Welcome, foolish mortals, to the eighth collection from Beautifully Disney. This fabulously fearful collection materializes at Disney Parks later this month. I will be your host — your ghost host — along this tour. If you are you looking for something to awaken the spirits, channel the ethereal color waves in our mini nail polish set. The subtle shimmer brings to life colors like ‘Wall to Wall Creeps,’ ‘Hurry Back,’ ‘Doom Buddies’ and ‘Three Thumbs Up,’ while the nail appliques feature iconic symbols and characters from the Haunted Mansion. They are simply to die for. After conducting a mock color séance with the help of my good friend, Beautiful Disney fan and fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Rachel Brent, look what materialized. The nail in the coffin for me — I mean, my pick from this collection — is the eye shadow palette and accessory case. Create the perfect neutral eye for fall with ease. The light beige ‘Tomb Sweet Tomb’ is the perfect pearlescent to use as a highlight under the brow bone. Dust ‘Find A Way Out!’ over your lid using your favorite Beautifully Disney brush before defining the crease with ‘Ghoul’s Night Out.’ Then, to line and define the eye, try the shimmering, smoky black ‘Hurry Back.’ The palette comes tucked inside a ghoulishly delightful accessory case, inspired by the famous Haunted Mansion wallpaper. Ghouls, take note — put a little ‘life’ in your look by trying one of the colors in the mini lipstick set. Packed with paranormal pigmentation, you’ll find them chillingly colorful. The names say it all: ‘Ball & Chain,’ ‘Look Alive,’ ‘Bride & Doom’ and ‘Ghost Host.’ Unearth this new collection at the following Disney Parks locations: Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure Park – Elias & Co. Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 Walt Disney World Resort Downtown Disney Marketplace – Marketplace Co-Op Aren’t you dying to try this new collection? First Look: The New Beautifully Disney Haunted Mansion Collection at Disney Parks by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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Florida should spend $45 million next year on college financial aid to make up for deep cuts to its popular Bright Futures scholarship program, university officials say, or many disadvantaged students might be shut out of a higher education. View the full article
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JACKSONVILLE Fla. - Jury selection began on Monday in the retrial of a middle-aged white man charged with killing an unarmed black teenager during a dispute over loud rap music. View the full article
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Early this morning, musician and composer Danny Elfman stopped by Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park to record this special reading from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.†A longtime collaborator with Tim Burton, Elfman created the film’s music and also provided the singing voice for Jack Skellington. Elfman, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be performing in the Los Angeles area in just a few weeks, live in concert featuring music from the films of Tim Burton. The Disney Parks Blog video team was able to catch up with Elfman during his visit – check back soon for our interview with him at Haunted Mansion Holiday. Danny Elfman Reads from ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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The Nightmare Before Christmas Special Reading | Disneyland Resort Danny Elfman, musician, composer and collaborator with Tim Burton on The Nightmare Before Christmas stopped by the Disneyland Resort for a special reading in front of Haunted Mansion Holiday....From:Disney ParksViews:301132ratingsTime:01:41More inTravel & Events View the full article
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One of my favorite experiences on my recent Adventures by Disney journey through Italy was spending time in Tuscany. The landscape is filled with vineyards that produce some of the world’s finest wines, as well as small medieval Etruscan towns that dot the surrounding hillsides. You can’t take a trip to Italy without learning how to cook like the locals. And that’s exactly what our group did at Fattoria Poggio Alloro, a working farm and winery located in the Chianti wine-growing region. As someone who enjoys cooking (I grew up working in my family’s restaurant), I really got into the immersive pasta making activity with our own personal chef. In fact, so did everyone on my adventure as we mixed, rolled, shaped and even tossed our pasta creations until they reached perfection! After making pasta our group toured the family winery, complete with wine tasting and lunch on the terrazzo overlooking the medieval towers of San Gimigano. Adventure Guide Landon even left his co-guide Marco with a hidden “floury†souvenir from the day’s adventure. Our Adventures by Disney group also spent a day in Florence, where we said “hello†to Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo, before enjoying a truly unique experience – a VIP tour of Palazzo Vecchio that took us through secret passageways straight out of a Dan Brown novel. In my next Adventures by Disney Italy post I’m headed to the canals of Venice for mask making, gondola rides and so much more! Pasta Making Classes in Tuscany with Adventures By Disney by Mark Sadowski: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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A federal judge ruled in a wrongful death suit that a Lake County deputy was justified in his use of deadly force when he shot a man who answered the door at 1:30 in the morning with a gun in his hand. View the full article
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The man who scaled the fence and ran into the White House on Friday night had more than 800 rounds of ammunition in his car and had been arrested in July with a sniper rifle and a map marking the executive mansion, a federal prosecutor said on Monday. View the full article
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Happy Friday from the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We are LIVE in Walt Disney World, bringing you all the food, photos, and details from what promises to be the best Festival yet! Just in time to celebrate opening day of the Festival, Disney and Dooney & Bourke have some pretty awesome news for foodie fashionistas. Today, we’re sharing with you pics of their brand new collection — and like everything else right now — it’s all about the food! Dooney & Bourke Food and Wine Festival Pattern The understated collection, featuring colorful depictions of Chef Mickey on a black background, celebrates the much loved Festival, which kicks off it’s 19th year today! Your favorite chef is busy whipping up something extra special in the kitchen! The collection will be available for purchase beginning September 29 at the Festival Center within Epcot. Choose from four different styles, including the on-the-go Wristlet and the practical Crossbody. Or go bigger with the Satchel or Tote. The Dooney & Bourke Food and Wine Festival Pattern Will Be Available in Four Styles Unfortunately, the collection will not be available for ordering by phone or online at DisneyStore.com at this time. Be sure to check out all of the other Disney Dooney & Bourke collections that are available online, though! Will you be adding one of these fun Food and Wine Dooney & Bourke bags to your collection? Leave a comment and tell us about it! 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: Exclusive New Wines to Debut at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival to Debut Chocolate SeminarsNews! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cookbook Will Combine All Three Epcot Festivals View the full article
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Just a flight of steps down from the beautiful lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Victoria Falls Lounge is a fun spot for cocktails or a great glass of South African wine. A new menu adds flavors of Africa and India from the resort’s various restaurants – substantial bites to pair with beverages. The lounge’s name, by the way, comes from Africa’s breath-taking Victoria Falls, sighted in 1855 by David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer who named the magnificent falls in honor of Queen Victoria. (For a little trivia, the indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders.â€) A sumptuous plate of artisanal cheeses features Valdeon blue cheese, Petit Agour sheep’s milk cheese & Cabot Clothbound Cheddar with Marcona almonds, honeycomb, Egyptian flowers & wild strawberry gastrique. Messy-but-delicious tandoori-spiced chicken wings are flavored with garam masala, garlic, ginger, lemon, cloves, cinnamon and served with kicky sambal sour cream. Ditto the pork “wings,†served with tamarind barbecue sauce, crispy onions and cilantro. Peri Peri Scallops features four pan-fried scallops with mealie pap (we Southerners call this grits), bacon lardons, coriander and chile butter. Another hot tapas is crispy chickpea bites, bite-sized fritters served with sag dahl, Tunisian olive oil, lemon balm, roasted eggplant salad and sautéed feta cheese. Perfect for sharing, the African-inspired tapas is a generous assortment of dates, cumin green olives, sambal Calamata olives, Bresaola, sea salt pistachios, preserved lemon artichoke hearts, with dried banana and pumpkin seed crisps. One of our favorites is the breads & spreads: oak-grilled pappadam, South African sea salt crisps, wheat pita and house-made lavosh served with hummus, mango chutney, lentil spinach and citrus spread. It’s easy, no reservations, just stop by and grab a seat at the bar or a table. New Menu for Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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We are excited to return to the big blue world once again when Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland park reopens September 27, following an extended refurbishment. Quite a bit of work has been done over the course of this year to renew this favorite attraction. Many of the attraction’s scenes, rockwork and coral have been refreshed and repainted; as a result, guests will see a more colorful and vibrant underwater experience than ever before. To accomplish this work, 5 million gallons of water had to be drained from the lagoon and later replaced. The Disneyland Resort began working with the Orange County Water District (OCWD) in 2009, when Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure park was drained to prepare for “World of Color.†This partnership allows the water we drain to be treated and stored, instead of being released to the ocean through storm drains. Now, every time we must drain a large body of water, it is sent to the OCWD’s Groundwater Replenishment System, where it is purified and added to Orange County’s underground water supply. The water is then refilled at the Disneyland Resort from the same system. This process works so well, the Disneyland Resort was recognized in 2009 with the state of California Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for this and other earth-friendly efforts. So enjoy this sparkling, like-new guest favorite when Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage reopens September 27. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Ready to Dive Again September 27 at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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This week’s “Caption This†image was shot at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park. Looks like this fella is in for quite a surprise when this train rushes by. What will be his reaction? Tell us in the comments section below! Caption This: A Surprise At Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article
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It’s been a looong time since we reviewed 50s Prime Time Cafe, which is strange as it’s one of my favorite restaurants! Learn About: 50’s Prime Time CafeDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World RestaurantsIf you have ever wanted to escape into a 1950s sitcom, then you must give this spot a try. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a fun hybrid of good comfort food with immersive entertainment. And you’re one of the stars (of course)! I don’t get to dine here as much as I would like, but Wendy and I managed to squeeze in an advance dining reservation on a recent trip to Walt Disney World. Come along while we take a tour, and stick around to see what’s for dinner! AtmosphereAnd we will get to dinner soon enough. We have lots to show you! But first, let’s take a look around. The retro, Mid-20th Century vibe comes across as soon as you lay eyes on the sign. Check out the antennae! 50s Prime Time Sign Head in to the podium and let the hostess know that you’re there, and prepare yourself to be embraced like kin. Because you’ve just acquired a whole bunch of new cousins. Why? Well, when you step into 50s Prime Time, everyone here is a family member! Mom’s in the kitchen, and you’re usually being served by one of your cousins, aunts, or uncles. Really cute concept. When your table is called, listen for your last name: “Wolfe Kids! Time for dinner!” (And don’t dilly-dally; you WILL get a talking to if you take your sweet time to come to the table.) Before that happens though, have a look around. There’s TONS to see. The waiting room is fashioned after Dad’s Domain. You can practically see the slippers and smell the pipe smoke. Waiting Area…Dad’s Living Room 50s Prime Time also plays host to The Tune-In Lounge. This is a great bar. Beyond the vintage feel, I love that you can sit here and order from the 50s Prime Time Cafe menu! So if you can’t get an ADR, don’t despair; the digs here are pretty comfy and the bartenders are always great. The Tune In Lounge There’s additional seating allocated to The Tune-In Lounge as well if all the bar seats are full. Another Living Room for Dad — and Additional Tune In Lounge Seating But…the stuff! It’s everywhere. I know you have a relative somewhere who holds onto all manner of knick knacks — that person clearly decorated 50s Prime Time. Be sure to look at it all — the vintage appliances, the tchotchkes. There’s such a sense of the familiar here, and I figure it’s because if you look long enough, you will find something you recognize from childhood if you’re as old as I am. Just Like Your Grandparents’ House, Right? See what I mean? 50s Prime Time Cafe Decor Seating areas continue the throwback feel, and of course you’re sitting in the kitchen, not the dining room. There’s formica and vinyl everywhere! One of the 50s Prime Time Cafe Dining Rooms Even in the kitchen you’ll find TVs, however. And they play some cool stuff, so be sure to request a seat beside one! The Best View — Be Sure to Ask for a TV Table! But if this is your first timing dining here, I’ll give you The 50s Prime Time Cafe Primer. As I mentioned, this restaurant is a fully immersive experience; it’s nearly as much entertainment as it is dining, and you’re part of the story! Your server will be giving you a hard time throughout your meal — after all, you’re just kids comin’ in for supper! It’s all part of the act, and lots of fans book tables here during every visit because it’s such fun. Want to be really prepared? Check out a few of our readers’ favorite 50′s Prime Time Cafe experiences here! But as always, participation is strictly voluntary. If you don’t want to play along, just let your server know from the beginning. Dude! Elbows!! That way you can watch the antics, rather than being part of them. Care to see what we ordered from Mom’s Kitchen? I thought you might. EatsThe cool thing about the menu here is that, at its core, it doesn’t normally change all that much. That’s good, right? I mean, a spot that celebrates nostalgia really shouldn’t mess too much with a good thing. We did have a chance to try a few new-to-us things this time out though. Stay tuned! The first page of the menu is entirely taken up with beverages. Check out the fun options from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet! Menu — Click to Enlarge As for food, the menu is pretty compact, taking up just one page. Menu — Click to Enlarge Old-Fashioned Handmade Milkshakes are a specialty of the house here, and we had to try a couple! Milkshake Menu — Click to Enlarge The Red Velvet Cake Milkshake was calling my name for sure! Cupcake + Milkshake? What?? Pouring the Red Velvet Cupcake Milkshake Incredible. Right down to the CHUNKS OF CREAM CHEESE FROSTING. I’m not even joking. They clearly had my number with this one. Red Velvet Cupcake Milkshake In addition to regular flavors, they also have specials, so be sure to ask about them. During our visit, we also took advantage of the Blue Milk Milkshake, which obviously had a Star Wars theme. Blue Milk Milkshake The Blue Rasberry flavor was good, and well, I mean, it’s just cool, isn’t it? To be sitting down to Blue Milk. Luke would approve. There was even Blue Whipped Cream! Blue Whipped Cream! And of course, you can also still get the famous Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake as well. This is a long-time fan favorite. Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake While we enjoyed the milkshakes, I can never resist ordering something from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet. On this visit, it was an Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea. It certainly lived up to its name. Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea On a previous visit, I really enjoyed Dad’s Electric Lemonade though. Dad’s Electric Lemonade We started off the meal with a few appetizers. Of course, I can’t visit here without having the Fried Herb and Garlic Cheese. It’s probably my favorite app anywhere. I hate sharing it. (Don’t tell Wendy!) Fried Herb and Garlic Cheese When my husband and I visit this restaurant, we just get two so we don’t have to share. ;-D Fried Herb and Garlic Cheese — Cross Section Grandpa’s Crab Cake has been on the menu with one name or another forever, so we finally decided to give it a try. Grandpa’s Crab Cake The name is deceptively simple, but the plate actually has many more components than you’d probably find if you were enjoying crab cakes at the family potluck. The Lump Crab Cake itself is a decent size, although two would have been better, of course. The Chili Sauce was more of a mayo-based Remoulade, which always works well with Crab. Grandpa’s Crab Cake — Inside The appetizer portion is served with a hearty helping of vegetables, of course. The Succotash has many of the classic ingredients, like Corn and Lima Beans. But you also find Bacon in there at the moment. But if that wasn’t decadent enough for you, there are also loops of Crispy Fried Onions. Succotash Served with Grandpa’s Crabcake — Up Close We didn’t have them on this visit, but we’ve enjoyed the Beer-Battered Onion Rings previously. And we especially like the rich Horseradish Sauce for dipping. Beer Battered Onion Rings As we turned our attention to our entrees, we decided to sample Dad’s Pork Chop. Although it’s been on the menu for a couple of visits now, it was new to us. The dish comes with two sides: Arugula, Fennel, and Apple Salad and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You should note that the salad is sautéed and served over the Pork Chop — good to be aware of if you were expecting something raw and on the side. Dad’s Grilled Pork Chop And so you could see the cooked-ness of the pork, I pushed the green off to the side. (Yeah. That’s why I did it. For YOU! Sure… . ;-D) The Bone-In Pork Chop itself was a teensy bit overcooked for me (as most pork is). I know it’s super dangerous to serve less-than-completely-cooked pork, but I think I’m going to request it a little less done the next time I’m in a Disney restaurant. The Garlic Mashed Potatoes, which are always wonderfully homestyle here, were a great side. Although I didn’t eat much of the salad, the pan juices from the combination of Fennel and Apple were a nice match for the meat. I definitely enjoyed the dish. Dad’s Grilled Pork Chop — Up Close We can never pass up the chance to order Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast. And so we didn’t! If you’re craving Pot Roast just like you had at Sunday dinners of old, you’ll want to give Mom’s version a try. Fork tender meat, thick gravy, and a garnish of savory vegetables, all served over Garlic Mashed Potatoes. It’s a tried and true favorite, and it never disappoints. Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast While we didn’t enjoy either on this visit, 50s Prime Time also offers a couple of homestyle Chicken dishes. Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie and Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken have also impressed during previous meals. (I usually always order the fried chicken.) Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken Having begun our meal with Milkshakes, we decided to skip dessert. But we’ve tried several in the past. Fun and homespun are always the theme here. Go for Dad’s Sundae if Brownies and Ice Cream are your thing. Dad’s Sundae The S’mores are a fan favorite, although they always seem a little burnt and boring for me. Chocolate sauce just doesn’t do the job, you know? S’mores While we haven’t really found anything to write home about, they’ll all provide a sweet ending to your meal if that’s what you’re looking for. Boston Cream Parfait If a dessert experience is what you’re looking for, stick with those Milkshakes. They’re the star dessert here in my opinion. OverallSo 50s Prime Time isn’t the BEST food I’ve had in Disney, but the combo of comfort food and a fun, unique atmosphere is what keeps bringing me back — and recommending it to others. The staff do a great job with their roles. They aren’t just servers — they’re actors! And it’s so fun to see what they come up with. They’ll keep you on your toes for sure. The attention to detail — from the setting to the food — keeps this experience from getting stale. It’s worth a try, whether you’ve been to Disney World 50 times or are going for your first visit. Is 50s Prime Time Cafe one of your favorite Disney spots for dining? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts! 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: Chicken Pot Pie From 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood StudiosReview: 50s Prime Time Cafe (The Cheese is Back!!)Review: 50s Prime Time Cafe View the full article
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JACKSONVILLE Fla. (Reuters) - Jury selection is due to begin on Monday in the north Florida retrial of a white, middle-aged man charged with killing an unarmed black teenager during a dispute about loud rap music. View the full article
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A fisherman's body was found Sunday afternoon in Lake Heiniger in Apopka, police say. View the full article