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The exquisite golden carriage used in the production of Disney’s all-new, live-action “Cinderella” is on display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! If you’re visiting the park between now and April 11, head down to the movie theater façade on Streets of America, where you’ll find the blue carpet rolled out for this special photo opportunity. It’s your chance to get a picture or snap a selfie with this stunning set piece from the upcoming film. When you do, be sure to share it with #Cinderella. The carriage, created under the direction of Academy Award-winning Production Designer Dante Ferretti, was custom built for “Cinderella.” Decked out in gold leaf and measuring 10 feet tall and 17 feet in length, the carriage weighs nearly two tons – although it looks light as a pumpkin! Inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece in a visually dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay by Chris Weitz, the film stars Lily James in the title role, Richard Madden as the Prince, Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett as the infamous wicked stepmother, and Academy Award-nominee Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. While at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can also catch an extended sneak peek of “Cinderella” in the ABC Sound Studio. You can catch the entire film in theaters, beginning March 13. Golden Carriage from ‘Cinderella’ Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

There’s lots of cool stuff happening at Walt Disney World this year. But one thing that we are crazy excited about is the opening of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Soon! While there’s still no official word on exactly when this Spring we’ll be able to belly up to that bar, we do have a few more details about some of the drinks they’ll be featuring! We’re hearing that beverages will be “hand crafted”, so we’re expecting delicious fresh flavors with a tropical twist! We can’t wait to get our hands on the Castaway Crush. And it won’t be long before we can indulge in a Polynesian Pearl, a Tahitian Torch, or a Nautilus. But personally, the first drink I’ll be enjoying here is the Dark & Tropical Stormy! Could That Be a Polynesian Pearl?? In addition to a whole bevy of new drinks, Trader Sam will also bring a couple of tried and true favorites from his Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland to the Grog Grotto. The menu will include the Shrunken Zombie Head, Uh-Oa!, and Krakatoa Punch, in addition to others. We’re still awaiting word on whether we’ll be able to get a Kungaloosh! Surely, we will, right! (Check out our review of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar here!) Uh Oa!!! And if you don’t indulge in alcoholic beverages, no worries — there are some great non-alcoholic options as well! We’ll look forward to telling you all about Skipper Sipper and Schweitzer Falls, and trying the Polynesian Punch, which will be served in a souvenir sipper. Will it look like any of these featured in a post we did a while back, we wonder? Schweitzer Falls at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar I. CAN’T. WAIT!!!!!!! Ok, Guys — time to weigh in! What’s the very first drink you’ll be ordering when Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto opens its doors at the Polynesian? Tell us what’s your poison 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: News! Trader’s Sam’s Grog Grotto is Coming to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort! More Details of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Revealed at…Disneyland!? News: Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s to Open in Disneyland Hotel View the full article

Whether you are shopping for your sweetheart, BFF, family member or friends, we have some great tips for you on how you can add a personal touch to your Valentine's Day gifts this year from...From:Disney ParksViews:202555ratingsTime:01:11More inTravel & Events

What fan of the film “Peter Pan” hasn't dreamed of being one of the Darling children, visited by Tinker Bell and Peter Pan, and then swept off to Never Land for a grand adventure? Take...From:Disney ParksViews:22510236ratingsTime:01:37More inTravel & Events

It’s officially official… The Trolley Car Cafe is your Starbucks stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Trolley Car Cafe Trolley Car Cafe sign Starbucks logo Set right on the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, the architecture brings to mind the Golden Age of Hollywood and fits right in amidst its surroundings. Side of Trolley Car Cafe as seen from Sunset Boulevard Side exit of Trolley Car Cafe It’s all in the name, of course! The Trolley Car Cafe, in story, is the place that houses the Big Red Cars you might’ve taken down Hollywood Boulevard back in the day, as depicted on this billboard sign at the park entrance. Big Red Cars billboard So, let’s step in! Trolley Car Cafe entrance AtmosphereThe theme is depicted in the details all over the shop. There is a definite industrial feel, helped along by the exposed pipes and light fixtures mingling with the machinery and mechanical tools set high above you. Inside Trolley Car Cafe Trolley Car Cafe Inside Ceiling and light fixtures Gadgets and gizmos aplenty More wall details Upstairs at the Trolley Car Cafe Upstairs continued The Superintendent of Electric Lines keeps office here. Superintendent “Office” The switchboard provides another reminder of your Tinsel Town location, noting stops in Santa Monica, Venice, and even a subway transfer to Culver City. (Notice the 1920s – 30s repair dates written next to some of the signal lights! They’re admittedly easier to see in person, but you can click the images to enlarge.) Switch and Light boards Switch and Light boards Switchboard closeup Photographs of trolley cars in their heyday adorn the walls behind the counter. Trolley photos Vintage photo Pacific Electric Railway map And the map above isn’t the only place you’ll see mention of the Pacific Electric Railway. You’ll also find the map pictured below across from the patio at Starring Rolls Cafe. Pacific Electric Railway map outside Back inside, hot beverages get a nod in the storage crates and boxes of coffee and tea above. Tea boxes Cast Member costumes are pretty sharp, and play a terrific role in transporting you to another time. Cast Members If you’ve visited the Main Street Bakery or Fountain View (the Starbucks locations in Magic Kingdom and Epcot), then you’re already familiar with the setup. Upon entry a Cast Member will direct you to the right or left, so you can peruse the bakery items and ultimately place your food and drink orders (items available for purchase are identical on either side). The main menu hangs high above, reflecting the choices you’ve come to know if you frequent the ‘Bucks at home. Trolley Car Cafe setup Inside the Trolley Car Cafe Also prominently displayed in a few areas is the Hollywood Studios version of the “You Are Here” Disney Parks mug collection. Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” mugs Here’s a roundabout view, for those interested. Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” mug Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” mug Hollywood Studios “You Are Here” mug We also got to check out the Ceramic Travel Tumbler that exactly mimics the Disney Parks cup you receive with hot beverages. Travel Tumblers Travel Tumbler Bags of Starbucks blends are available for purchase as well. Merchandise display And now that we’ve had our look around, let’s get what we came for… EatsHmm… is there anything to drink in this place? Well, there’s coffee, among other things . Beverage menu Beverage menu As with Starbucks nationwide, a wide range of the La Boulange food line items are available (cake pops, breads, muffins, and scones), as well as grab and go goods. Breakfast sandwich offerings include a Bacon, Egg, and Gouda Artisan Sandwich; a Roasted Ham and Swiss Croissant; a Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Sandwich; and a Spinach and Egg White Breakfast Wrap. Bakery case Bakery and grab and go As always, we were on the hunt for some Disney specific items, and we found them. You’ll spy a couple of cookies that you won’t see at your local Starbucks: a Toffee Cookie and Chocolate Chips (you will, however, find similar cookies at the other Disney Parks Starbucks locations). Toffee and Chocolate Chip Cookies Unique to the Trolley Car, though, is that it plays host to an assortment of Hollywood Studios cupcakes and snacks. To be clear, these cupcakes aren’t specific to The Trolley Car Cafe, but rather to Hollywood Studios as a whole. In the bakery case on opening day were two new seasonal gems: the Cinderella and Lady and the Tramp Cupcakes. Also up for grabs were the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake and “Chocolate Toffee Cupcake.” (I put that in quotes for reasons you’ll read later…) Cupcakes The Fruit Tart, Napoleon, and candy-topped Brownie from Starring Rolls have made the bill, too. Disney specific treats Rest assured, though, that all of those goodies and so many more are still available and waiting for you at Starring Rolls . We grabbed the new Cinderella and Lady and the Tramp Cupcakes there, and will have a review for you soon! We chose three items: the Toffee Cookie, that Chocolate Toffee Cupcake, and a Venti (huge!) Flat White for our beverage. Flat White sign We wanted to try the Flat White as it’s served, so we passed up the chance to doctor it with sugar, more cream, and the like, but there is a station to do so if you wish. Cream and sugar station Cream and sugar station A note on seating before we dig in: there is none, either inside or outside of the Trolley Car Cafe. However, this doesn’t pose anywhere near the issue that it does on a busy Main Street, U.S.A., thanks to the close proximity of Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and oodles of benches nearby. Min and Bill’s typically doesn’t open until 10:30 am or so, so that early morning Starbucks rush isn’t much of a problem in regards to seating, thanks to scenes like this: Outdoor seating at Min and Bill’s Benches in the area Onto the food! And drink! The Flat White is new to Starbucks everywhere. It’s like a hybrid between a cappuccino and a latte. With a cappuccino, the espresso sits on the bottom of the cup and is topped with a huge layer of foamed milk. With a latte, espresso and steamed milk blend together throughout the whole drink. The Flat White is steamed milk (rather than foamed) layered on top of espresso, with a signature white dot of foam on top. Disney Parks Starbucks coffee cup The Flat White (taken indoors) I’ve never claimed to be a coffee connoisseur, and I won’t start to now. I left the taste test to my husband who said it was, indeed, both stronger than a latte and more substantial than a cappuccino. I’ll take his word for it! Next is the Toffee Cookie which is, first of all, huge. Toffee Cookie There was no shortage on buttery toffee or chocolate bits in every bite, and it was nicely crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, just like you want. At $2.59 it’s big enough to share, and we enjoyed it. You can find similar cookies at Sweet Spells and Writer’s Stop. And now, to the cupcake: the Chocolate Toffee Cupcake is — in actuality — the Butterfinger Cupcake we know and love from Starring Rolls, right down to the fudge-y center (you can check out a full review of this legendary cupcake here!). I mean, once I saw it, I simply had to get one to verify… strictly for research purposes, of course ;). Chocolate Toffee/Butterfinger cupcake Chocolate Toffee/Butterfinger cupcake I kind of like, though, that Starring Rolls is the only place that has retained the right to call it the Butterfinger Cupcake. Why? I don’t know, exactly. I just do. OverallThat said, I’m pretty keen on The Trolley Car Cafe. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the fun Cast Members, and — to be honest — I’m pleased with the fact that it took the spot of a former merchandise location as opposed to another eatery. And even though I may never entirely understand a “Flat White,” the coffee’s not too bad, either! A few details before we wrap up our time at Trolley Car Cafe: just like at Main Street Bakery and Fountain View, Starbucks cards are accepted, and card holders can earn stars with their purchases but cannot redeem rewards such as Birthday Beverages. On the Disney Dining Plan? You can see on the menu pics above that all drinks — from Tall to Venti — are covered with snack credits, and you can use one quick service credit for breakfast (which includes a breakfast sandwich and a beverage, OR a pastry, one whole fruit, and a beverage). And with that, I’m off to catch the next Big Red Car! See you on the rails…  Will you be stopping by the Trolley Car Cafe on your next trip to Hollywood Studios? 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: Sneak Peek: Trolley Car Cafe Starbucks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios News! Starbucks Signage is Unveiled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Confirmed! Starbucks Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in February 2015 View the full article

It had been a while since I’d stopped by The Tea Caddy in Epcot’s UK Pavilion. I’m not much of a tea drinker — although, that might be my own fault. I haven’t ever invested much time in learning about or developing a taste for tea, mostly relying on the occasional box of whatever is on my supermarket shelf when I have a cold. (Although the Mad Hatter Tea available for Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room almost made me change my ways. But I digress…) Display at The Tea Caddy So, I don’t often make it a point to check out this shop dedicated to all things tea, but I had some extra time before meeting up with some friends for an Advance Dining Reservation at the Rose & Crown, so I popped in. And I’m glad I did. I was struck by these little works-of-art-in-a-teapot immediately upon entering the shop. Since I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to tea, I have no idea how long these beautiful James Sadler Teapots have been available at The Tea Caddy. But I enjoyed looking at them so much that I thought I’d share them here. The first one that caught my eye was right in the front of the shop, paying tribute to London. London Teapot Top of London Teapot London Teapot spout On that same display, but tucked on the opposite side, was the Village Store teapot. Village Store Teapot Village Store closeup The world famous Beefeaters are featured on the Tower of London teapot. Tower of London Teapot Tower of London Teapot lid Tower of London Teapot lid In the second room of The Tea Caddy, I spotted two more among a collection of the group. First, the Parliament teapot (I’d call it the Big Ben teapot, except you can’t actually see the famous bell itself): Big Ben Teapot And finally, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. (No, not THAT Anne Hathaway.) Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Teapot Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Teapot The teapots retail for $39.95 each at The Tea Caddy, and reside alongside a huge assortment of Twinings Teas, more collectible teapots, and tea accessories. Tea drinker or not, this last visit reminded me how charming it is. So don’t follow my example ;), and be sure to stop by The Tea Caddy the next time you find yourself visiting the UK… in Epcot, that is! Do you collect teapots or tea accessories? 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: Fun Find: Must-Have Teapots in Epcot’s UK Pavilion Fun Find: Tea and Teapots in Epcot’s China Pavilion Collectible Disney World Gingerbread House Pins View the full article

You’re planning your first trip to Walt Disney World. Or your 50th. Or your 100th. And you reeeeeeeally want to know what NEW dishes you MUST try? Weeeeeeelllllllllll, we’ve got a few suggestions for you! We’ve got about nine of our favorite you-HAVE-to-EAT-this dishes and snacks featured in our brand new DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015 e-Book, which you can pick up today for $4 off using code 2015 right here! But I wanted to take a second to share just a few of those must-eat treats here with you as well. Must-Eat Walt Disney World Treats in 2015Yep — here at DFB, we always like to kick off each new year with some of our favorite treats spotted during the last few months. But when I sat down to brainstorm this post…well, at first it seemed like 2014 didn’t offer a whole lot of new stuff. That said, when I started scrolling back through everything we ate this past year, I realized there was a lot to be said for 2014 and its culinary prowess. There is one really big difference between this year and previous years, however. Most of our crave-worthy dishes are savory this time around! I know! WUT?!??!?!?!?!? Don’t worry, though — I’ve got a few sweeties thrown in. Here’s the New Food I Want to Stuff My Face with at Disney Parks in 2015! Barbecue Pulled Pork Mac and CheeseWe thought that Mac and Cheese, that king of comfort foods, was enough. But little did we know what we had been missing, until Disney started putting additional delicious food on top of its cheesy goodness. We first saw the dawn of Gourmet Mac and Cheese — we’re just gonna call it that if that’s all right with you — a while back. Friar’s Nook introduced the concept, and we were smitten with their Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese and Blue Cheese Mac right away. BUT THEN — this happened. Barbecued Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner Creamy Mac and Cheese layered against Rich, Shredded Pork and covered with a tangy Sweet and Sour Barbecue Sauce…pure cheesy yummo. Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese — Up Close Don’t try to finish it yourself. On second thought, yeah. Go ahead and try. Waffle Fries at Golden Oak OutpostLike I said before, savory trumps sweet in our must-have list in 2015. To that end, one stop we’ll make every time we are in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will be at Golden Oak Outpost. Assuming it’s open. And still serving the same menu. All big assumptions. That said, if you’re suuuuuuper lucky and they’re open when you’re there, be sure to stop by and take advantage of their full line of smothered Waffle Fries. And with four different varieties, there are flavors to please everyone in your party! The Tex-Mex Waffle Fries are buried under all kinds of sauce toppings — including Plastic Cheese (!!!!!) and Salsa. They get a fresh pop from Black Bean Cucumber Relish and some heat from Sliced Jalapeños. Sour Cream tops this decadent vegetarian dish. Tex-Mex Waffle Fries Pork Barbecue Waffle Fries, on the other hand, are a carnivore’s delight. With Barbecue Pork and Coleslaw, this one could definitely serve as a meal, no problem! Pork Barbecue Waffle Fries We know that fans of Canada’s Poutine are passionate and very precise about their favorite food. But we were happy to see this version stateside. While it’s prosaically referred to as Brown Gravy Fries, all the makings are there — Gravy and the absolutely required Cheese CURDS. Sadly, this is a food that never looks awesome in a photograph. You’ll have to trust me. It totally is. Brown Gravy and Cheese Fries Grab a knife and fork and dig in! All of the versions we’ve shown you thus far are pretty awesome. But we’ve saved the best for last. Because when we repeat our visit to Golden Oak, we’ll be ordering the BLT Waffle Fries. Again. And again. Because here’s the deal: BACON. BLT Waffle Fries That the fries bear more than a passing resemblance to Figaro Fries (FIGARO FRIES!!!) — that most beloved extinct snack that you could find in days past at Pinocchio Village Haus. Sure, they’re technically not the same, what with the absence of cheese and the presence of bacon. And of course, these are waffle fries, not plain old stick-shaped fries. But the Ranch Dressing and Shredded Lettuce get them into the same ballpark. BLT Waffle Fries And I’ve never in my life complained about the inclusion of bacon in something. Crema de Elote (Corn Soup) at La Hacienda de San AngelAnd then, one day I decided to have dinner at Epcot’s La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion. And my life was changed forever. Yeah. I’m super not being dramatic here. If you’ve ever had their Crema de Elote, or Cream of Corn Soup, then you know where I’m coming from. Corn Chowders and Bisques always rate high in my estimation. But this is the One Soup That Rules Them All. Pouring the Crema de Elote I mean, it’s not evil (unless you consider a bowl of Cream and Butter with Sweet Corn thrown in a bad thing). But the combination of the Ultra Creamy Soup and the Spicy Tortilla Strips and Sauce makes this…I can’t even. Crema de Elote — Up Close This soup easily makes the list of foods that I’d eat every single day of my life if I could. Naan Bread with Dipping Sauces at Landscape of FlavorsWe know that the word value isn’t one that comes up all that often when you’re talking about…well, anything Disney. But especially food. But we were bowled over on a recent visit to Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort when we made a startling discovery by sheer accident: you can order a Side of Naan with Dipping Sauces for far less than, well, a Snack of Naan and Dipping Sauces! Side of Naan and Dipping Sauces The pillowy Flatbread is fresh and perfectly soft and chewy. And the day we enjoyed it, there were also not one…not two…but THREE Dipping Sauces! It’s hard to decide which was best between the Coriander, Tandoori, or Mango Chutney. Coriander Dipping Sauce on Naan Maybe more research is warranted… Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Kona Island Sushi BarWith all of the recent changes at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we are super-psyched to see a brand new sweet treat addition (see? I said we had something sweet.)– Hawaiian Shaved Ice. And guys, we’re gonna say it: this one is destined for Legendary Cult Status. Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Cherry and Pina Colada The magic is in the consistency of the Shaved Ice — a process that makes all the difference. This is not a county fair snow cone. It is much, MUCH better. Think sweet, fruity snow, and you’re starting to get there. On our first visit, we sampled Cherry and Pina Colada with the Sweet Cream, which made it all the more amazing. Hawaiian Shaved Ice Consistency I’m not even kidding — I cannot WAIT to get back to the Kona Island Sushi Bar at the Poly for another one of these. And I figure that craving will only intensify as Summer nears! Ready for All of Our Best Tips?Yep — we shared five of our must-eat treats here today, but we’ve got even more in the book (including some of my favorites!). In addition, we’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips, photographs, and more in our big, bold, 493-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining e-Book, 2015 Edition — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! Now we’d like to hear from you! Which of these snacks will you be enjoying on your Disney visits in 2015? Leave a comment and tell us what looks irresistible to you! 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: News! And Review: Waffle Fry Menu Debuts at Magic Kingdom’s Golden Oak Outpost The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013! Disney Food for Families: Condiments Make the World Go Round View the full article

Just hours after shouting, “I'm going to Disneyland!” Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler flew to the Disneyland Resort in Southern California to celebrate their team's Super Bowl win....From:Disney ParksViews:28358296ratingsTime:01:12More inTravel & Events

Groveland Police are investigating allegations that two of its officers, responding to a burglar alarm, entered the bedroom of an 11-year-old girl, pointed a gun at her and ordered her on the ground. View the full article

Former hip-hop music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight was charged Monday with murder and attempted murder after he struck two men with his pickup truck last week. View the full article

Ride-sharing service Uber promised its drivers that it has "your back 100%" as Orlando's controversial new regulations took effect Sunday. View the full article

Pastor Terry Howell came close to dying five weeks ago, close enough that gun powder burns peppered his face and neck. View the full article

When Kody Roach woke up in a bed at Orlando Regional Medical Center, he could barely recall the chain of events that put him there. View the full article

Hall of Fame defensive tackle Warren Sapp was arrested and charged with soliciting a prostitute and assault in Phoenix following the Super Bowl, according to TMZSports.com and other media outlets. View the full article

Five of Orange County's 13,000 teachers have been named the best of the best -- finalists for the district's Teacher of the Year contest for the 2016 award cycle. View the full article

Bonjour mon ami! It’s the season for amour. So, let’s talk about creating a romantic surprise for someone whose character traits “light” you up. If your sweetheart is suave, debonair and romantic and you want to “fan the flame,” then this post is for you. If you’re just joining us, and wondering what the excitement is about, check out yesterday’s post and take the “Discover your Disney Side quiz.” So, your loved one has a way of making those around them feel special, huh? From candlelit dinners to dancing the night away, they make you feel like you are the only one in the world! The challenge is, how do you create a memory for them when they are so good at creating a moment for you? When creating a special moment, a gesture from the heart can go a long way. It can be as simple as an “out of the blue” candlelit dinner where they can “be your guest.” We tend to place higher expectations for gifts and experiences on holidays, but when an expression of affection is shown apart from a holiday … now that’s romance. So the key here is surprise your loved one apart from a holiday with a gesture from the heart. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort, then I have ideas for you. Here’s what to do – first, make reservations at a romantic Disney dining location (407-WDW-DINE) to set the stage. There are so many charming locations to choose from and our friends at DINE can offer a variety of ideas for you. Once you’ve secured the restaurant, surprise them with a unique experience. Right before dessert, have a surprise gift delivered to your table to enhance the moment. Why then? After a meal, we’re full, relaxed and we think the moment is starting to wind down, right? Receiving your gift before dessert will create an unexpected surprise AND give your magical moment the spotlight in the setting of a romantic Disney restaurant – now that’s charming. What would I recommend? At Walt Disney World Resort, surprises can be as simple as You and Me, and as elaborate as A Magical wish – Romance Your Love. Create a Fairy Tale. And there are so many other options as well. The Magical Wish and Create a Fairy Tale gifts also set the stage for a one-of-a-kind memory by making a wish, or having the glass slipper engraved at one of several Disney Parks locations. While you’re charming your sweetheart at dinner, our dream makers at Disney Floral & Gifts can sprinkle your Disney resort room with rose petals. For a more elaborate surprise, we can set up a romantic In-Room Celebration, “From Mickey and Minnie with Love.” Picture this- imagine walking up to your resort room door after you’ve charmed your loved one at dinner. You open the door to your room, turn on the lights and right there in front of you is a romantic set up personalized just for you. Imagine their reaction – and how simple it was to create romance by letting us do the work. If you want to learn more about the gifts and pricing, click on the links above. There is a cost for these surprises and delivery, but it is an amazing experience – one they will definitely remember and talk about. What about the Disneyland Resort? Delivery to Disneyland Resort dining locations are not available at this time, but they do offer the Mickey and Minnie with Love In Room Celebration which is similar. It’s a different experience than at Walt Disney World Resort. Go ahead and make dining plans for your special dinner and enjoy the meal in confidence, knowing Disney is preparing a surprise for your resort room. To help with planning, you can always speak with our dream makers at Walt Disney World Resort, 407-WDW-GIFT or at Disneyland Resort 714-781-GIFT. Speaking of planning, tomorrow I’ll share ideas for the hero in your life – perhaps creating a memory for someone who is “worth melting for.” Meanwhile, would you like to help our blog friends who are still making Valentine’s Day plans? If you were going to receive a romantic surprise at a Disney dining location, what gift and restaurant would you recommend to them? Share your ideas below or use #Disney14DaysofLove. See you tomorrow! Day 2 – Create a Romantic Surprise with 14 Days of Love by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TALLAHASSEE Â -- Â Gov. Rick Scott's office continued pushing back Monday against claims his staff forced longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey to resign immediately in December. View the full article

Scoring a Lunch FastPass from the crazy popular Be Our Guest Restaurant has turned into an epic feat of sorts. Learn About: Be Our Guest Restaurant -- LunchMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsWe (and countless others of you) have spent the better part of the last year trying to figure out how to get an elusive FastPass for lunch at Be Our Guest. It’s turned into a a full time endeavor for some guests. And while those staying at Disney Resorts had a glimmer of hope for getting one, Annual Passholders and guests staying off property were shut out of the system altogether. But change is clearly on the horizon. Today, we’re getting official word that Lunch FastPasses will no longer be available as of February 25, 2015. Be Our Guest Restaurant Lunch FastPass Testing Will Be Ending Soon According to this banner message that we’ve just discovered on the Be Our Guest Lunch Website given to resort guests, Lunch FastPasses have always and ever been tests. Lunch FastPasses will officially come to an end on February 24. The messages goes on to state that, beginning February 25, “Guests should log on to MyDisneyExperience.com for more information about dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant for lunch”. And so it seems that lucky guests who’ve managed to book their FastPasses by February 24 are golden, but if you’re looking to have lunch at Be Our Guest on February 25 or after, it’s a stand by game at this point. Or maybe they’ll open reservations for lunch? We really have no idea! Whatever You Do, Disney — Please Keep the Braised Pork Coq Au Vin Style on the Lunch Menu! So…what does this mean? Well, your guess is as good as ours. We can tell you that Be Our Guest Breakfast Rumors continue to abound, and that when we spied some online indication that BOG Breakfast may soon become a reality, the first date to book was February 25. Be Our Guest Breakfast Option That Was Briefly on Disney World’s Website We know that you are just as eager to learn what the future holds for Be Our Guest as we are. Be assured that we’ll bring you all the latest news as soon as it breaks! Now we want to hear from you! What changes to Be Our Guest Restaurant’s offerings do you hope to see on February 25? 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: News! Be Our Guest Restaurant Currently Serving Only FastPass+ Guests, No Walk-Ups Disney World Tests Be Our Guest Restaurant FastPass+ and Pre-Order System Review: FastPass+ Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

From red velvet funnel cakes at Stage Door Café to a four-course menu inspired by St. Valentine at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Resort is adding lots of special ways to woo your sweetheart on February 14. In Disneyland park, along with those indulgent funnel cakes, you can start your day with a sweet touch at River Belle Terrace with red velvet pancakes – linger under the umbrellas and watch the Mark Twain Riverboat paddle down the Rivers of America for a romantic morning. Lunch and dinner add a savory side. Plaza Inn is featuring pan-seared salmon with rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables with a Chardonnay dill cream sauce. Blue Bayou Restaurant continues the “heat” theme with a “Sweet Heat Duet”: bacon-wrapped filet mignon and halibut atop tomato croutons with sautéed baby spinach and roasted potatoes, served with a rich Chardonnay dill, Cognac peppercorn and café au lait sauce. Carnation Café’s hearty surf and turf will please hearty appetites with sirloin, shrimp, mashed potatoes and sautéed broccoli with a sun-dried tomato butter and herb beurre blanc sauce topping the duo. Café Orleans takes a light approach with angel hair pasta with sautéed shrimp, zucchini and yellow squash tossed with a cream shrimp fumé. Heading to Disney California Adventure park, you can sip a cherry-apple smoothie at Schmoozies, have a Valentine sugar cookie at Pacific Wharf Cafe or enjoy a Valentine’s Day Sundae at Clarabelle’s. For dinner, Wine Country Trattoria is offering a three-course menu with a choice of lobster or beef tenderloin with shrimp for the main course. Or just keep it sweet with Alfresco Tasting Terrace & Cove Bar’s dessert sampler: vanilla fruit tart, raspberry macaroon and tiramisu served in flight glasses with a sparkling wine pairing. And to carry home, the popular, freshly baked heart and teddy bear-shaped breads from Boudin Bakery are for sale at Pacific Wharf Café, Mortimer’s Market and the Boudin Bread Cart. For date night, Steakhouse 55 and The Lounge at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel and Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa both are featuring prix-fixe menus. Steakhouse 55 features elegant renditions of Maine lobster bisque, surf and turf with a filet mignon and bacon-wrapped jumbo prawn and a fancy White Chocolate Baked Alaska for dessert. The four-course Napa Rose menu, “inspired by St. Valentine,” will be available with an optional wine pairing – we can’t reveal the courses, but promise it ends with a grand finale. Happy Valentines’ Day! For reservations, visit Disneyland.com or call 714-781-DINE. Sweet, Savory Valentine’s Day Specials at Disneyland Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Walgreens announced Monday it will cut 252 jobs in Orlando, about one quarter of the current workforce at its pharmacy fulfillment center for Florida. The cuts come as several other pharmacy centers have added local jobs. View the full article

One of my favorite morning sights in all of Walt Disney World Resort is the early morning sunrise at Magic Kingdom Park (which usually means I’m off for a day of fun with my son at the park). This terrific shot is a close-up of Cinderella Fountain, which was designed by Disney Legend Blaine Gibson. Enjoy it and have a great day today! A Sunrise View From Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s hard to believe we’re already one month into the New Year! Just after the start of the year, I shared with you some of the ways a Disney cruise vacation is a solution to your New Year’s resolutions. Whether your goals are for more family time, to get fit, to try something new or simply to have more fun, we’ve got you covered with activities that help you do just that. Over the past month, we’ve posted infographics on Pinterest with more ideas for you. Today I want to share the one that’s at the top of my list because I think it will inspire you, just as much as it did me, to stay active on your next Disney cruise vacation. To check out the other infographics in this series, head on over to our Pinterest page: More Family TimeEnjoy LifeTry Something NewWays to Stay Fit on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The annual tradition of winning the Super Bowl and shouting into the camera, "I'm going to Disney World" didn't happen this year. The New England Patriots game-changing players Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler instead shouted "We're going to Disneyland." View the full article

These tikis, found inside Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom Park, have been hanging around for quite some time. After more than 40 years of shows, what are they laughing about now? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This” in the comments section below. Caption This: Thinking Tiki Thoughts at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Earlier tonight, we told you that wide receiver Julian Edelman and cornerback Malcolm Butler of the Super Bowl XLIX champions, New England Patriots, are scheduled to celebrate their victory Monday at the Disneyland Resort. After the 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Phoenix, Edelman and Butler stood on the field and shouted, “We’re Going to Disneyland!” The scene will be featured in Disney Parks’ annual Super Bowl commercial, airing for the next several days. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog Monday afternoon for photos and video from their celebration on Main Street, U.S.A.! ‘We’re Going to Disneyland!’ Super Bowl Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler Join Disney Parks Tradition by Darrell Fry: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article