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Welp, boys and girls — it’s time to head into Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and take in lunch at Crystal Palace! This is a beloved character spot for many Disney fans, and a must-do character experience for lots of you. Learn About: Crystal PalaceMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsMe? I hadn’t been to Crystal Palace in foreva…not since an ill-fated late-night visit a couple of years ago when the food was AW-FUL! Yep, it was the end-of-the-night dregs of the buffet and we were pretty much just grossed out. (Have you ever seen a buffet about 15 minutes before a restaurant is about to close? Not pretty.) We ate very little and left as soon as we could. Sad, since we do love dining with Pooh and friends. But it was time to revisit the 100 Hundred Acre Wood — after all, we’d had lots of great meals here previously — and I made reservations with some friends for lunch. We have tons of shots to show you, so let’s get started! AtmosphereYou’ll find Crystal Palace to the left of Main Street USA’s end, just as you approach Cinderella Castle. The beautiful glass building, inspired by ornate conservatories of the late Victorian Age, is a slice of Disney history as well. The restaurant has been around since opening day in 1971. Entrance to Restaurant And here’s a tip if you’re looking for an extra-special experience during your Disney vacation: try and book Crystal Palace for an early breakfast. You’ll be one of the first guests into the Park when you do this, and visiting a nearly empty Magic Kingdom is an event to remember. Once you step inside, you’ll see whitewashed walls that carry the bright, light decor throughout. Artwork depicting inspiration for the architecture as well as photos of lush palms cover the walls. Artwork and Framed Photos The soaring atrium above is gorgeous — especially on a sunny day! Crystal Palace Atrium After you check in, you’ll wait for your table outside on the shaded veranda. But once you step in, pause a moment to take it all in. Dining Rooms Tons of windows and glass domes allow for plenty of natural light in the two dining areas. Dining Room from Another Angle And really — look up. Because the windows are really stunning. I love the beautiful stained glass detail. Stained Glass Windows The decor puts you in mind of a Victorian conservatory, with its outside-but-inside feel. Lush flowers and what reminds me of patio furniture finish the area. Afternoon Light Crystal Palace is, of course, a character dining experience, and you’ve stumbled onto a party! Center Atrium — Up Close In fact, visit here, and you’ll take part in a Friendship Day Celebration with Winnie the Pooh and his friends. It’s Friendship Day! Just check out these gorgeous flower topiaries of the whole gang! Pooh and His Hunny Pot Eeyore Topiary The sweet little figures appear to be made of dried roses, and foreshadow the characters you’ll meet while you dine. Piglet Topiary Bouncing Tigger Topiary And beautiful hanging arrangements of tropical flowers complete the classic conservatory feel. Fresh Flowers Seating is standard and fairly comfortable. Heavy, padded chairs share the space with booths, but some tables are situated a bit too closely for our comfort. Seating for Two Seating along windows gives you a glimpse of guests waiting to be seated! But beyond them, you’ll also see a beautiful view of Cinderella Castle as you dine. Seating And look! Real napkins! You may need those when the celebrations begin. Seating — Up Close Crystal Palace is an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet set up. All-American flavors are the feature here. Buffet During morning hours, the central area of the buffet plays host to an omelet station. At lunch and dinner, you’ll find Rotisserie Meats, hand carved while you wait. Both sides of the main buffet are mirror images of one another, so don’t worry about missing anything; if you hit one side, you’ve seen everything. Close Up of Buffet Area There are also several dessert offerings. Save room for a sweet ending to your meal! Dessert Buffet And you know that meats on the Carving Station are fresh, because you can see them prepared right before your eyes! Spit-Fired Meats Are Prepared Behind the Carving Station Now that we’ve looked around a bit, let’s meet the company you’ll be keeping. CharactersAs we’ve seen, you won’t find Mickey or Princesses here. But you’ll find a gang of classic characters that fit into the vintage setting perfectly — Winnie the Pooh and some of his friends from Hundred Acre Wood. Now, Crystal Palace is a pretty busy place, and the four characters are kept active making rounds in the two seating areas. So be prepared with cameras and autograph books! It usually takes about an hour to see everyone. Seating and Character Interaction There’s Pooh Bear, all stuffed with fluff! Winnie the Pooh… And everyone’s favorite extrovert, Tigger! …And Tigger Tooooo! Since Tigger’s never met a stranger, you’re guaranteed some pretty awesome shots with this guy. And Tigger… Tigger, Mugging for the Camera! Eeyore could probably be prevailed upon for a hug or two as well. He’s so cuddly! Eeyore Eeyore And then there’s sweet little Piglet! (Well, he’s kind of giant version of the little guy. But you know.) Piglet Periodically during your meal, characters will lead a fun parade through the restaurant. Encourage little ones to join in the fun! It’s a great photo op. Piglet Leading the Parade! And here’s where those napkins may come in handy…there may be twirling involved. EatsDisney buffets are extensive affairs with lots of choices! To break it up and make sense of it all, we’ve organized things into groups. Time to take a tour of your food choices! The traditional American menu features plenty of familiar choices, but you’ll also find some unique items to spice things up a bit. Breads and SaladsStart with a selection of breads, like Yeast Rolls, Multigrain Rolls, and Cornbread flavored with Jalapeno. (Sorry, no regular cornbread. I was sad to find this out, as I’m not a huge jalepeno cornbread fan.) Yeast Rolls with Butter Multigrain Rolls Jalapeño Cornbread And then you’re off to sample a selection of cold dishes. There are Deli Meats and Cheeses as well as Butter for your bread. For purists, there are plain Apple Slices and Carrots, and you can add a Pickle to your plate, too. Once you pass those selections you’ll find a large variety of prepared Salads. Cheese, Butter, Apples and Carrots, Pickles, and Moroccan Couscous Salad and Edamame Salad The day we visited, lots of international flavor was on display. We found Moroccan Couscous Salad, Edamame Salad, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, Cucumber Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula. Morocco Couscous Salad, Edamame Salad, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, Cucumber Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula You’ll also find Mixed Fruit. Mixed Fruit and Other Salads Down a little further, you can choose from Green and Caesar Salads as well. Lettuce, Caesar Salads, Other Salads, and Salad Toppings Toppings and Dressings round out the offerings. Sides and VegetablesNext we’ll move on to Sides and Veggies! Like most buffets at Disney, Crystal Palace does have a few signature standout dishes that you should try if possible. At breakfast, it’s the Breakfast Lasagna that garners rave reviews. And at lunch and dinner, be sure to try the Fire Roasted Corn Spoon Bread. It’s similar to dressing/stuffing, with a slightly sweet flavor. Fire Roasted Corn Spoonbread The Stir Fry Vegetables with Rice Noodles would make a hearty vegetarian option. Stir Fry Vegetables with Rice Noodles Creamy, fluffy Mashed Potatoes are always a welcome menu item. These are sort of rustic, with a few lumps and peels, proving they’re the real deal. And they don’t skimp on the butter, either! Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes We also spied plain Basmati Rice. Basmati Rice Healthy Broccoli gets an extra boost of flavor from Roasted Garlic Oil. Broccoli with Roasted Garlic Oil And Sauteed Green Beans are bright and slightly crunchy. Sauteed Green Beans You can eat a full rainbow of colors here with Carrots too! Sauteed Carrots Pooh’s Corner Kids’ Menu ItemsEvery Disney buffet has a special section for kiddos, and Crystal Palace is no exception. Look no further than Pooh’s Corner for foods that will please the pickiest of palates. The counter is also lower here — don’t you love that? — so kids can see the selections and help themselves. Pooh’s Corner — Selections for the Kiddos And if you sneak and get some Macaroni and Cheese — well, we won’t judge. Pooh’s Corner — Macaroni and Cheese There’s a selection of kid-pleasing veggies, like Corn and Peas. Pooh’s Corner Veggies –Corn and Peas Meatballs with Marinara and Multigrain Pasta are also an option. Pooh’s Corner — Multigrain Pasta with Meatballs Corn Dog Nuggets come in a Turkey variety. Pooh’s Corner — Turkey Corn Dog Nuggets I assume this is part of Disney’s measure to provide healthier dining options. Main Dishes and MeatsBeyond the bounty of side dishes, there are several main dishes to tempt you as well. We found Chipotle Pasta, a cream-based penne dish accented with Veggies. Chipotle Pasta Mediterranean Chicken takes its inspiration from the addition of Feta Cheese, Olive Oil, and Tomatoes. Mediterranean Chicken with Feta and Tomatoes For a completely different flavor profile, you’ll find German-inspired Sausages and Braised Red Cabbage. Mixed Grilled Sausages with Braised Red Cabbage Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Chicken is a hearty dish that’s Spanish-inspired. Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, and Chicken In addition to the dishes that feature meat, there are also several standalone options. For guests who prefer a more straightforward approach, there’s Roasted Chicken. Roasted Chicken And would it be a Disney buffet without a bountiful supply of the World’s Best Chicken Nuggets?? I think not. Chicken Nuggets There are condiments to complement your Nuggets — or anything else you find that needs embellishment! Condiments — Honey Mustard, Ketchup, and Barbecue Sauce Fish lovers can choose from a couple of selections. Atlantic Salmon was finished with an Herb Topping during our meal. Salmon Tilapia was topped with a Creamy Sauce and colorful Vegetables and Olives. Tilapia But the highlight of the buffet is always the Carving Station. Meats change up regularly, but we found Beef Strip Loin and Turkey Breast the day we visited. Carving Station — Strip Loin Strip Loin — Up Close Chunky Cranberry Sauce makes for a tangy, colorful touch! Cranberry Sauce Nothing says celebration like a meal that reminds me of the holidays! Carving Station — Roast Turkey And who can resist Turkey and Cranberry Sauce any day of the year? Desserts and SweetsAre you still with me? Good! Because now it’s time to visit the Dessert Spread! You’ll find a mixture of large desserts interspersed with individually-sized options. There’s always a Fruit Cobbler, and during our visit, Apple was the featured flavor. It’s nothing to write home about, but it serves as a decent stand in for a comfort food favorite, especially when you top it with a little Vanilla Soft Serve. Apple Cobbler White Chocolate and Raspberry Bread Pudding is a super sweet take on this crowd pleaser. It’s doesn’t equal my favorite ‘Ohana version of the dessert, but if you enjoy extra rich and sugary desserts, give it a try. White Chocolate and Raspberry Bread Pudding We also spied Coconut Flan. I’m not a big fan of the flan/panna cotta genre of desserts — milk flavored jello just isn’t my thing — but kudos to Disney for providing something a little off the beaten path here. Coconut Flan Brownies and Cookies are a good go-to option, and are always fresh. Brownies Cookies And you know I can’t pass on Key Lime Pie! This version offers no surprises, but that’s not a bad thing, right? And the little portions mean you can try a few other desserts as well…or just go back for more of these! Key Lime Pie It’s the perfect two bites of sweet and tart. Crystal Palace tops theirs with Meringue. But I don’t hold that against them. Key Lime Pie — Up Close Raspberry Tarts were the Sugar-Free Dessert offering the day we visited. Sugar-Free Raspberry Tarts The Turtle Cheesecake Squares were impossible to resist! Turtle Cheesecake Cheesecake meets Chocolate and Caramel? Sign me up! Turtle Cheesecake — Up Close And hooray for never ending Soft Serve Ice Cream! Soft Serve Ice Cream Choose from Vanilla, Chocolate, or swirl the two together! Soft Serve Flavor Options — Chocolate, Vanilla, or Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl And of course, there are a variety of Sprinkles to dress things up a bit! Ice Cream Sprinkles For me, the real brilliance of the soft serve offering is that you can add it all of the other desserts for the win! OverallCrystal Palace — what is there to say? You must. You must at least once. And there are many reasons for that. To begin, there’s history. As much as I love new stuff, there’s that sense of nostalgia from dining in a spot that opened with Magic Kingdom. You remember gazing at this beautiful restaurant during every visit to the Park, just like I do. Eating here is as much a part of the Disney experience as donning Mickey Ears. But add to that good food with varied offerings and interesting character interactions, and you have the makings of a beautiful tradition. Even though I had a bad food experience here on my last visit (now I know not to go to a buffet during the last 30 minutes that the restaurant is open), this lunch excursion has brought the restaurant back up in my opinion. To be sure, it’s an expensive meal. And there are more interesting buffets at Disney. But there is a magic about Crystal Palace that is unrivaled. The combination of location, decor, and menu come together in a way that prevents it from feeling overrated. And don’t forget — if you’re here during Wishes and can grab a window table with a view of the castle, you’ve got an awesome vantage point! If you haven’t dined at Crystal Palace, give it a try. And if you’re on the fence about an Advance Dining Reservation, well…I think you should go for it. Is Crystal Palace one of your favorite Disney dining destinations? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Crystal Palace Restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Magic KingdomGuest Review: Crystal Palace Breakfast in the Magic KingdomCrystal Palace and Magic Kingdom Refurb Pics: 1/16 View the full article

Disney Parks Blog author Steven Miller caught up with Cody Reynolds, Creative Design Manager with Disney Design Group, to talk about the new art program we're calling “Haunted Mansion Authentic...From:Disney ParksViews:5528244ratingsTime:03:36More inTravel & Events

This week, we were thrilled to announce that due to popular demand, “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” is being extended through September 28. Yes, you can enjoy “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!” for an additional four weeks. Shawn also shared that most entertainment and other features will continue daily, while the “Frozen Fireworks” Spectacular will be presented each night through September 1 (with the exception of August 23), and then switch to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 5-28. Check our original Frozen story for more details and while you’re there, let us know what you’re most looking forward to doing – or doing again – when you visit. And regular Disney Parks Blog readers know we’re looking for fun memories from the past 60 years of the Disneyland Resort for a chance to win a trip to the kick-off of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015. This week, we’re searching for memories from the 1980s. Check out Erin’s original story to learn how it works. No purchase necessary. Entries must be received by 8/27/14. 18/age of majority+, 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. See Rules for details. Here are some of the other stories we’re working on this week. Celebrating 45 Years of Ghoulish Delight at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park – Read up on some of the haunting history behind this classic Disneyland attraction. Every Role a Starring Role — Disney University Traditions Assistant – Watch how Disney University Traditions Assistant Alyson Clancy welcomes new Disney cast members on their first day. VIDEO: A Closer Look at Haunted Mansion Authentic Products Coming to Disney Parks This Fall – See some of the spooky new “Haunted Mansion Authentic” merchandise available at Disney parks this fall. A Model Day at Tokyo Disneyland – Disney Parks Tilt-Shift Video – Take a look at our latest tilt-shift video, capturing the magic at Tokyo Disneyland! Three Fun Ways to Stay Fit at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – If you’re looking to stay in shape during your stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, don’t miss these fun fitness activities. Dateline Adventureland: Tasty Treats and Tonics Part of the Adventure at Disneyland Park – Fuel up on your expeditions for Juju in Adventureland at Disneyland Resort with Pineapple This-Side-Up Parfait, Venomade & more! Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you’re headed to Disneyland, grab one of the new treats now available at Jolly Holiday Bakery. Love the Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaron! Raspberry Rose Mickey Macaroon Fans of Sanaa’s Bread Service at the Animal Kingdom Lodge should check out the Namaste Cafe Food Truck in Downtown Disney Orlando. Yum! Click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News! Disney Food NewsDisney’s Hollywood Studios is extending the Frozen Summer Fun events through September. More dates for the Premium Package!Check out some fun new treats at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday bakery!The Namaste Cafe Food Truck in Downtown Disney Orlando is serving up Naan Bread, Samosas, and new “Dipping Safari” sauce!Walt Disney World’s Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music Resort is closed for renovations. Check out the temporary quick service option. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, Kona Island Sushi/Coffee Bar Closure at the Polynesian Resort, Limited Edition Sketch for Disneyland Annual Passholders, and more! DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We’re always amazed by the creations that our readers send in. Let’s take a look at two fabulous homemade cakes. First up, fantastic treats from Facebook Friend Lori. She shared: “Here’s the dessert table from my daughters 2nd birthday party this weekend. It was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, and I made everything. The whole cake is edible. I made the Mickey rice crispy treats using homemade marshmallow, homemade cake pops from the cake crumbs after carving the cake, and egg free mickey cupcakes for a little boy with egg allergies!” Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cake And here is a Wall-E Masterpiece from Facebook Friend Shonnel. Wow! Wall-E Cake Thanks for sharing your birthday celebrations! DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalLast week, we announced the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! With over 220 pages and multiple bonus items, it’s pretty substantial! As we continue our celebration, we have a discount option for DFB readers. You can get the new mini-guide for $3 off the regular price for a limited time — just use code MENUS at the check-out! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-BookThe DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know before you attend the Food and Wine Festival this year, from what’s NEW this year to touring strategies — and a new section with top tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! And with the Epcot Food & Wine festival rapidly approaching, the time is now! Booking for festival events opened July 31st, and our exclusive daily schedule of events is the most efficient way to plan your festival strategy. (Did you purchase a pre-order of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and not receive your book? Let us know at Support@DFBGuide.com!) With a detailed schedule of seminars and events for every single day of the festival, it’s a quick, easy way to decide what activities and events you want to book! Don’t waste time flipping between web pages, PDFs, and websites — just find the date you need and we’ve got it all right there in front of you. Just like that! Find Everything That’s Going On During Your Visit in our FULL Daily Schedule of Events! As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with over 220 pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars (or Disney Dining Plan snack credits) stretch all around World Showcase. And we have a fully updated FAQ section that answers questions you didn’t even know you had! This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan a rewarding Food & Wine Festival tour, or your money back — we all know that your vacation time (and budget) are limited and we want you to get the most out of your visit! Bonus ItemsThe DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that go above and beyond any other Food & Wine Festival coverage currently available. These include: A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festivalA printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festivalThemed World Showcase booth crawls (there’s even one for the kids!)Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, visits with kids, and moreA chapter dedicated to all “New for 2014″ events, menu items, booths, and moreFull food, wine, beer, winery, cocktail, and chef indexes, including dates and locations of where you can find your favoritesEpcot Food and Wine Festival recipesTop tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine FestivalAnd more!Both veterans and those new to the festival will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample wine, enjoy a craft beer, taste test an exotic dish, or find the best dessert, The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will help you discover the right strategy for you. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad! Once again, celebrate our updated guide with us by getting $3 off the purchase price for the e-Book! Order your copy now for only $11.95 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code MENUS at the check-out. Want an Even Better Deal?We’ve got it! For an even bigger discount, head over to the DFB Store and check out our e-Book Bundles! “Everything Bundle,” Including Food and Wine: Planning a big trip and need the low-down on Disney Food across the board? We’ve got it all for you in this steeply discounted e-Book Bundle, which includes the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Guide and the Holidays at Disney World Guide! Food and Wine Bundle: Another chance to pick up two of our very best-selling guides! Get a significant discount on our 450-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, and the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — together! This Food and Wine Bundle offers all of our insider tips and tricks for the Festival AND the rest of your Disney World visit! For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, head over to the DFB Store!With a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Look at those popcorn carts! On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix features an adorable Mickey & Minnie Dooney & Bourke bag. We just love the popcorn carts! disZine highlights new Joffrey’s coffee flavors made for the Disney Parks and Resorts. The Disney Blog spotlights a Disneyland Paris Chef and his move to Shanghai! All Ears dines at Shutters in the Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World. Yummy Crumble makes Pineapple Dole Whip Cupcakes. Oh, my, GOODness! Pineapple Sage enjoys dinner at the Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. 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 Food Post Round-Up: August 3, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 27, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: August 12, 2012 View the full article

We’re doing something a bit different for this week’s post to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. You might have noticed the rotating banners we have at the top of the page this weekend, many of which are unique angles on the exterior of the classic attraction. I loved these photos so much, I wanted to show them to you (to borrow a phrase) as they appeared in their original, uncropped state … I love this imposing view of the entrance, with the mansion looming behind, framed perfectly between the iron gates. Continuing through the gates, we get this ominous view of the mansion, with the pet cemetery to our left and the ghost-horse driven hearse on our right. Drawing closer, we can see the gorgeous iron of the mansion’s wrap-around porches (a must for any southern estate, you know). One of my favorite areas of the Haunted Mansion is the pet cemetery guests wander past on their way through the queue. I particularly love Rosie, who – sadly – “bought the farm.” I hope you have enjoyed our celebration of 45 years of grim, grinning ghosts at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. What are your favorite memories of this iconic Disney Parks attraction? Tell us in the comments! This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Celebrating 45 Years of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We are ramping up for another fantastic Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Today, we’re reviewing a fun Special Event from the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Learn About: Tokyo DiningEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsWe are heading over to Tokyo Dining in the Japan Pavilion for the Food and Beverage Pairing experience. The light meals feature beverages paired with tasting-sized portions of the restaurant’s cuisine. I’ve enjoyed dinner at Tokyo Dining as well as lots of fun meals at Teppan Edo, so I was pretty sure I was in for a treat! While we’d done the Morocco food and beverage pairing event, we’d not yet experienced the Japan version. Here we go! AtmosphereWhen I arrived for the Food and Beverage Pairing, I checked in at the stand that serves both Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining. The cool, sleek waiting area features simple, modern decor and comfortable low lighting. Waiting Area Serves Both Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo This area is also shared by the two restaurants. Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo Waiting Area from Another Angle Step into the Tokyo Dining seating area, and the same modern Japanese vibe is prevalent throughout. A sushi show kitchen takes up space along one wall. Tokyo Dining Seating and Open Sushi Kitchen The other side of the restaurant is dominated by natural light and large picture windows featuring excellent views of World Showcase. The indirect lighting here is especially nice in the evening hours. Additional Tokyo Dining Seating Views from these windows make Tokyo Dining a great place to take in a late supper — with a view of Illuminations. View of World Showcase Lagoon We were here in the afternoon, but there was plenty to grab our attention with the presentation of the meal that we were about to enjoy. To begin our pairing journey, the restaurant’s manager acquainted us with the program, explaining a little about what we were to experience during the event. The Restaurant Manager He also took the opportunity to introduce the staff who would be assisting us throughout the presentation. The Manager Introduces the Staff And with that, we were ready to explore the menu before us. EatsI am a bit of a sake novice, but I know that I enjoy it! So it was a real pleasure — and very educational — to sit down to a meal specifically planned to enhance the enjoyment of this traditional Japanese beverage. And our menus were gorgeous! Menu for Pairing — Click to Enlarge As we arrived and were settling in, we were served Frozen Kirin Beer as a starter, which paired with the Edamame that was placed in the center of each table. Frozen Kirin Beer I found the ice cold beer and the salty edamame to be really enjoyable together. Table Setting Next, I surveyed the beverages before me. On a curved wooden board were three glasses with different types of Sake. Just below the glasses were some points about each variety and a place to take notes and jot down impressions. I love this! Sake Pairings For our first pairing, we enjoyed the Yaegaki Nigori Sake. This particular sake is unfiltered, and is typically lighter and sweeter in flavor. It was paired with a fun first course with a Sunshine State twist — Menchi-Katsu. This traditional Japanese preparation features ground meat, shaped into a cutlet and deep-fried. And the meat was — you guessed it! — Alligator! (And more enjoyable than I expected!) First Pairing — Mench-Katsu with Unusual Florida Twist It was finished with a rich Mushroom Demi-Glace and Sukiyaki Rice. And, well…it really did taste a bit like chicken! Gator! — Cross Section To complement our next course, we enjoyed Kurosawa Premium Reserve Sake. The flavor is floral and delicate, with a buttery note that went well with the fish dishes we would enjoy in this course. Our second pairing featured two different plates. The first dish made use of another Florida ingredient — Gulf Shrimp stuffed with Tofu Cream Cheese, which was finished with a taste of Citrus Fruit. Served on a bed of Lettuce, it was fresh and beautiful. Second Pairing — Florida Gulf Shrimp with with Tofu Cream Cheese Our next plate included three pieces of Temari Sushi, which were almost as much art as they were food. Temari Sushi is formed into a sphere, as you can see. Our plate included Smoked Salmon with Edamame and Creamy Salmon Sauce; Avocado and Creamy Yuzu; and Sea Scallops Marinated in Ginger and Tosazu Vinaigrette. Second Pairing Continues — Temari Sushi Chef Noriko was on hand to walk us through each course, and explain a little about them. This is my favorite part of the special events during the Food and Wine Festival. It’s almost as much fun to learn as it is to eat! And she was really an incredible presenter! She was so much fun to watch — very animated. And she was eager to answer everyone’s questions about the cuisine and preparation. The Chef Speaking Throughout the Course Presentation Our third and final sake selection came next. The Otokoyama was the dryest of the sakes we tasted, with a crisp quality owing to the acidity. It was paired with the Rack of Lamb marinated in Miso, and served with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes. We also enjoyed a flavorful Noodle Soup of Florida Blue Crab and Miso. Third Pairing — Rack of Lamb and Florida Blue Crab Miso Noodle Soup Even though we all know that Japanese cuisine doesn’t typically end on a sweet note, we did enjoy a fun take on dessert — a Green Tea Piña Colada. Dessert — Green Tea Piña Colada The frozen drink is beautiful, sweet, and refreshing. Sprinkled with Matcha Powder (ground green tea), it offers a nice balance between the grassy green tea and the rich coconut flavor. Green Tea Piña Colada — Side View I was so excited to see this creamy cocktail featured at the Japan Marketplace Booth for the Food and Wine Festival last year! OverallI really enjoyed this event. I’m a fan of the atmosphere and food at Tokyo Dining anyway. And it was fun to attend a dinner focusing on food and beverage pairings with something other than wine. I also found it a valuable twist to include so many local ingredients. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or sake, it would be an entertaining and informative event. You can find out how to book it this year on our Epcot Food and WIne Festival Special Events Page. Want Even More Information About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?As always, check out all of our in-depth 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival coverage on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival page! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — MENUS AND FOOD PHOTOS NOW AVAILABLE! 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 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! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews, and 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 31. 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. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 25th. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 29th. A limited number of seats will be available for this booking date. News! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! The best part? By pre-ordering, you automatically get our 2013 Food and Wine Festival Guide for FREE, instantly! That means you can start planning NOW for your trip! Use code prefoodwine at check-out for a $3 discount! For more on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, check out our Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. 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: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Tequila Pairing Lunch at La Hacienda de San AngelGuest Review: Tutto Italia Food and Wine Pairing at the Epcot Food & Wine FestivalGuest Review: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Pizza and Beer Pairing Event at Via Napoli View the full article

Can you smell those freshly sharpened pencils and hear the crack of newly opened notebooks? The unwrapping of brand new supplies like these signal one of my favorite times of the year … back-to-school season in Central Florida. And I’m not the only one who relishes a new notebook or pristine set of crayons. Today, at A Gift For Teaching (AGFT), Mickey Mouse joined VoluntEARS from Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the success of their annual back-to-school drive and assist in the nonprofit’s first day of teacher shopping at its Free Store. In recent weeks, Disney cast members collected 2.5 MILLION school supplies to benefit 70,000 children around Central Florida. They also devoted 2,000 hours to collecting, sorting and organizing donations such as paper, pencils, composition books and markers. Cash donations were particularly helpful, since for every dollar AGFT receives, the nonprofit can provide up to $10 in school supplies. Besides their donations, Disney VoluntEARS earned a little extra credit with local teachers by helping them gather supplies at today’s Free Store shopping event. As they shopped, the teachers probably didn’t have trouble spotting the Hidden Mickey in the colorful mural created by Disney cast members and recently donated to AGFT. Part of Disney’s longstanding commitment to supporting local students from early learning through college, Cast Members’ annual back-to-school drive has been a tradition at Walt Disney World Resort since 2003. As the wife of a Central Florida teacher, I really do know how much this drive helps our community’s educators and students stock up on essentials. It also gives school supply buffs like me a reason to relive the thrill of new pencils and notebooks. Disney VoluntEARS Celebrate 2.5 million Back-to-School Donations with Day of Service at A Gift For Teaching by Andrea Finger: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park is one of the most treasured theme park attractions at Disney Parks around the world. It’s almost hard to believe, but this week those 999 happy haunts celebrate 45 years of welcoming foolish mortals to their beloved estate in New Orleans Square. To mark the anniversary of these grim, grinning ghosts, I’ll be your host as “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” series shares the story of how Walt Disney’s masterpiece materialized. As my fellow Disney Parks Blog author, George Savvas, explained in his excellent post this morning, the Haunted Mansion was years in development. Then, when Walt Disney passed away in December 1966, the team was at a loss for inspiration. Without their captain, conflict arose in the development team. One camp believed that the attraction should be atmospheric and scary, and the other felt that the experience should be fun and lighthearted. A compromise was reached by the show’s writer, Disney Legend X Atencio. He structured the attraction into three acts: Act 1 focuses on the creepy environments, without actually showing any ghosts. When guests are asked “Is this haunted room actually stretching?” they are given a hint at the frights that wait for them around each corner.Act 2 begins as Madame Leota summons up the ghostly spirits, who would soon be visible. “Rap on a table,” she says, “it’s time to respond.” And soon, they do.The tour of the Haunted Mansion culminates in Act 3, where the happy haunts gather in the graveyard for a swinging wake and “grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize!”With this storytelling design, the entire team of Imagineers felt their visions were fulfilled. Within one week of the attraction opening, Disneyland park celebrated what was then the highest single day of attendance. Even after 45 years, the Haunted Mansion continues to blend horror with humor – filled with exquisitely detailed environments and memorable characters. For more from “The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling” series, visit the links below: The Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Splash Mountain at Disneyland ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Starting Saturday, August 9, through October 31, Disneyland Food & Beverage gets in on the fun of the Haunted Mansion 45th anniversary at Disneyland park with some really fun collectibles. Start with these four charming prints on canvas: Minnie Mouse at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante; Mickey Mouse and pals at River Belle Terrace; Daisy Duck at Plaza Inn; and Goofy at French Market Restaurant. The Disney characters are in their finest Haunted Mansion attire in an ode to the stretching room at the beginning of the attraction. The prints are just $5 with each single purchase of $30 or more (before tax). Supplies are super limited and available during regular operating hours. Our favorite eats at each spot? Give us the enchiladas, tacos or the classic Caesar salad at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, featuring authentic Mexican food. At River Belle Terrace, it’s Huck’s slow-roasted beef with horseradish or the Messy Mississippi barbecued pork sandwich. We head to Plaza Inn for that perfectly fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a buttermilk biscuit. At French Market Restaurant, give us the Boudin Bakery sourdough boule with chowder or the Na Awlins Salad with yams, apples, caramelized pecans, lentils and tart cherries with a citrus vinaigrette. More Haunted Mansion fun is the souvenir popcorn bucket with all four prints, available at the New Orleans Square popcorn cart. And the souvenir travel mug, available at all New Orleans Square locations – this one shows Mickey Mouse as the famous Hatbox Ghost and Minnie Mouse as Constance the bride, while “grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize.” Limited-Edition Prints to Celebrate the Haunted Mansion 45th Anniversary at Disneyland Park – It’s a Meal ‘To Die For’ by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Incantations were said, s̩ances were had and with the help of all of you spirited guys and ghouls, the newest wallpaper to be added to the Disney Parks Blog is Mickey Mouse in the Stretching Room from artist Joy Lynch Рcelebrating the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park! To download for your computer or mobile device, simply click on the image above. Remember to check out the terms of use for using wallpaper before you download it. A huge thank you to all who took the time to vote on these fantastic creations! If you are looking to make any of the images you voted on part of your own haunted mansion, then be sure to stop by Disneyana in Disneyland park to check out these Haunted Mansion Park Icon sketches and others in the collection. Download the Winning Disney Parks Blog Haunted Mansion 45th Anniversary Wallpaper by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney Cruise Line is getting into the spirit of the holidays with recent announcements of Halloween- and Christmas-themed cruise offerings. Â View the full article

“When hinges creak in doorless chambers, and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls … Whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion.” As a six-year-old boy, hearing those words spoken by Disney Legend Paul Frees as the “ghost host” became an indelible Disney memory for me – and don’t get me started on the stretching room, Madame Leota or the ghost that was sitting next to me on the way home! For me, there was no turning back then – or now – from one of the most uniquely entertaining Disney Parks attractions ever created. The 999 happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion have been throwing a swinging wake for 45 delightfully frightful years, and they’ve received the sympathetic vibrations of millions of Disneyland park guests who have come out to socialize. The disquieting tale of the Haunted Mansion actually began more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney approved the creation of a riverfront mansion even while he hadn’t yet decided exactly what would go inside. Walt insisted, however, that the house appear well kept on the outside and not look dilapidated. This rare concept drawing from Ken Anderson, courtesy of our friends at the Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library, was made in 1957. The library also provided this color artwork created by Sam McKim in 1958. In 1962, construction began on the beautiful southern plantation-inspired home, and in the years that followed, as Imagineers developed (sometimes competing) themes and stories of a Haunted Mansion attraction, a sign was placed in front of its closed gates to tease what was (possibly) to come. The idea for the sign was reportedly sparked by a comment Walt made upon returning from a trip to London when he remarked that he had been searching castles and old English countryside estates for ghosts looking for a new place to haunt. The sign would remain in place until the Haunted Mansion opened its gates more than six years later, in August of 1969. During those years, with their combined talents, Imagineers, including Marc Davis, Claude Coats, X Atencio, Rolly Crump, Bill Justice, and Yale Gracey, Disney Legends all, developed the attraction we know today. Near the time of its completion, some publicity photos were taken to help illustrate the attraction’s unique blend of macabre humor and to celebrate the artistry of those responsible for bringing it to … life. Here, special effects designer Yale Gracey tries to keep the lid on one of his latest creations. In this photo, Bill Justice tries to celebrate some of his technological accomplishments with a grim grinning ghost. Finally, cameras captured a sighting of the elusive Hatbox Ghost with Yale Gracey. “There’s a little matter I forgot to mention. Beware of hitchhiking ghosts!” Whether your first “doom buggy” ride was today, or 45 years ago, the Haunted Mansion is what it has always been: a true original that’s pure Disney magic. Hurry baaaaaack… Celebrating 45 Years of Ghoulish Delight at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Do you want to hear something cool (pun totally intended )? Frozen Summer Fun has been extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!! This immensely popular event based on the beloved hit film, Frozen, was originally scheduled to run through September 1st. However, guests can now join in the celebration through September 28, 2014! Frozen Fun! That’s one more month to enjoy Frozen Funland, Anna and Elsa’s Welcome Processional, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration! And let’s not forget all the specialty treats! Elsa and Anna Letting It Go! Take-Along Olaf with Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake But wait, there’s more! The Frozen Premium Package has been extended, too (for select dates)! This add-on package sold out entirely for the original dates. Now guests have the opportunity to book the Premium Package for the following dates: September 5 – 7; September 12 – 14; September 19 – 21; and September 26 – 28, 2014. As a reminder, the Frozen Summer Fun Premium package includes refreshments and reserved viewing for Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome Procession, as well as reserved seating for a showing of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Additionally, Premium Package guests will enjoy an exclusive dessert party from 8:30-10:00 p.m. The party takes place in a reserved area where guests enjoy VIP viewing for the “Frozen Fireworks Spectacular” set to music from the film. (Please note: the Fireworks Spectacular will only be shown on weekend dates during the extended period for all guests). The updated pricing for the Premium Package is: $69 for adults, and $39 for children (tax and gratuity included). To book, call (407) 939-1939. So, grab your Take-along Olaf! Take-Along Olaf Raise a glass of Arendelle Punch… Arendelle Punch … and get ready for your chance to join Anna and Elsa for even more Frozen Summer Fun! Elsa and Anna Hope to see you there! Will you be joining the citizens of Arendelle for more Frozen Summer Fun? 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: News! Enjoy the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package — Complete with Dessert Party!New! “Frozen” Food Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Summer!Review: Frozen Summer Fun and Food at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

We’re just six weeks away from our brand-new Southern Caribbean voyages, departing for the first time ever from beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico! As we count down the weeks until the start of this spectacular itinerary, I’ll be sharing insights on all you can see and do when we visit ports on the islands of Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and St. Kitts. Today I want to start with the activities in San Juan you won’t want to miss before or after your cruise. With so much history and beauty in San Juan, it’s difficult to narrow down my favorite places to visit, so here’s just a glimpse of what your family can experience … Old San Juan Think blue cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings and a history that stretches back to the Conquistadors. You could spend the entire day walking around the old city of San Juan, browsing unique shops and eateries, shopping for arts and crafts in the plaza and exploring the grounds of the fort, Castillo San Cristóbal. Make sure you set aside some time to taste the savory flavors of Puerto Rico’s “Créole” cuisine, called “cocina criolla” by the locals, at one of the many charming cafés. El Yunque Rainforest A lush tropical rainforest, the Caribbean National Forest known as El Yunque is less than an hour away from the city. From high atop the mountains, you can enjoy scenic views of the east coast of Puerto Rico, hike to water falls, explore rugged terrain on horseback or ATV, and more. Keep an eye and ear out for the singing coqui frogs and tropical birds that inhabit the trees. Beach and Water Adventures There are several great beaches near San Juan where you can relax on the warm sand and take a dip in the sparkling Caribbean waters. Isla Verde is one of my favorites for its wide beach, palm trees and close proximity to restaurants and facilities. Adventure lovers can take advantage of the many fun water activities offered in the area, like snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing and scuba diving, just to name some. Stayed tuned next week for my recommendations on what to do in Antigua. And remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! Exploring San Juan and the Southern Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line by Arnaldo Zanonato: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In recent months, I’ve been sharing exciting news about new Haunted Mansion merchandise coming to Disney Parks and the Disney Parks online store this fall. These items are part of an art program we’re calling “Haunted Mansion Authentic” that was designed especially for Disney Theme Park Merchandise. I caught up with Cody Reynolds, Creative Design Manager with Disney Design Group, at the Haunted Mansion attraction in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Cody is part of a team that includes artists, merchandisers, planners and others who have worked on this program for the past two years. He shared stories of his favorite things with me in this short video. I’ll admit that the first 10 seconds of this video is something I’ve always wanted to do at Disney Parks! Look for these items and more this fall in select locations at Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World Resort, including at the Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise location coming to Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom Park. Select items will also be offered via the Disney Parks online store later this year at http://www.DisneyStore.com/HauntedMansion. VIDEO: A Closer Look at Haunted Mansion Authentic Products Coming to Disney Parks This Fall by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The uber-popular restaurant, Be Our Guest, serves a quick service lunch and table service dinner at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Sharing her dinner experience, guest author Rebecca Elliott takes us inside the Beast’s Castle! Learn About: Be Our Guest Restaurant -- LunchMagic Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsAtmosphereMy family and I have always been big Beauty & the Beast fans. Which made it such a surprise that, prior to the grand opening of the new Fantasyland in 2012, Disney World didn’t have a whole lot of Beauty & the Beast attractions. All that changed with the opening of Be Our Guest, a spectacularly themed restaurant set in the Beast’s castle. It’s almost as if Disney is trying to make up for its previous lack of Beauty & the Beast material by creating this over-the-top, lavish dining experience. A View of the Castle from Across the Bridge As you can imagine, dinner reservations are hard to come by. Guests staying on site are able to make advance dining reservations (ADR) 180 days in advance. Since our plans came together rather spur of the moment, we attempted to make a reservation about 60 days out. Of course, none were available. However, we kept trying several times over the next week and, unbelievably, someone must have cancelled and we got our reservation for 6:30pm. Gargoyle Outside the Castle AtmosphereHats off to the designers and Imagineers that brought the Beast’s castle to life. Every nook and cranny of this restaurant makes you feel like you’re in the movie. We checked in at the desk at the foot of the bridge outside of the restaurant, then crossed over and waited outside the castle until our buzzer went off. It was fun to take in the details even the exterior of the building had to offer. Giant lion statues flanked heavy wooden doors with a tile mosaic above the threshold featuring the famous enchanted rose. (Roses became almost like Hidden Mickeys; they are featured consistently throughout the décor. It was fun to find them everywhere, from the napkins, to the chairs, to the sculptures and more). The Entrance of Heavy Wooden Doors with Rose Tile Work Even the Napkins Carry Out the Rose Theme Entering the castle is truly like entering the movie. Theming in Disney restaurants has always been ambitious, but Be Our Guest is their best interpretation of a film in real form. Don’t rush to the restaurant – you’ll want to take a closer look at the gargoyles holding up the archway. Even more, you don’t want to miss the tile mosaic of Belle and the Beast dancing, which is a re-creation of the very last scene in the movie. This Guy’s Got a Tough Gig – Holding Up the Castle Belle and the Beast Tile Mosaic in the Entry We were greeted by a cast member at the inside host desk who informed us we would be eating in the West Wing. I nearly fainted. I had no idea where our reservation would be, and I certainly didn’t think it would be in the West Wing. We were very, very excited! It is perpetually evening in the castle, no matter what time of day you go. To get to the West Wing, the cast member guided us through the Ballroom. Holy smokes! Stepping in there was like stepping into the scene of Belle and the Beast dancing, with Mrs. Potts singing, “Beauty & the Beast” in the background. The ceiling is painted with cherubs and clouds, the crystal chandeliers let off a soft, warm glow, and when we looked out the windows overlooking the terrace, it was snowing! We had read about this, but until we saw it, we didn’t realize what a truly magical effect it was. The Dramatic Ballroom The Hand Painted Ceiling in the Ballroom Takes Your Breath Away! Snow Falls Outside the Windows, Setting the Scene for an Enchanted Night in the Castle We made our way to the West Wing, which was equally dramatic. The setting is a dark and stormy evening. Thunder and lightening can be heard and seen in the background. There is the painting of the Beast as a young man, complete with claw marks, just like in the movie. (Tip: Keep an eye on the portrait; it changes into the Beast himself with a flash of lightening!) The Beast’s Portrait in the West Wing, Appropriately Scarred The most dramatic element of the West Wing is the enchanted rose. It floats beneath a glass dome, its petals falling. I have no idea how they created this effect (hologram?), but again, it is just like the movie. The Enchanted Rose in the West Wing Was Truly a Sight to See My daughter and I decided to take in the Rose Gallery. Here is where things got a little confusing. The Rose Gallery is huge – not as big as the Ballroom, but certainly bigger than the West Wing. And it was empty. There were a couple of tables with guests, but the rest of the dining room remained unseated. This was perplexing, because reservations were so hard to come by. It looked as if the few tables that were seated were overflow from the main dining room. The rest of the tables weren’t even set. I understand this room is typically full at lunch. Why not utilize it at dinner? (Editor’s Note: At dinner, the Rose Gallery is often used as a food preparation area instead of a seating area.) Belle and Beast Take Center Stage in the Rose Gallery Tapestries Depicting Scenes from the Movie Hang in the Rose Gallery More Tapestries I should mention here another feature of the dining room. About every 15 minutes or so, a clock chimes and you can hear the Beast being introduced. Because we were seated in the West Wing, we saw him make his entrance into the dining room. He walked out, waved to the diners, and made his way to the picture taking spot at the other end of the restaurant, greeting guests along the way. We thought this was a fun touch. The picture area is the quick service ordering spot during lunch. On our way out, we had our picture taken with him. He was very kind and accommodating. Beast Making His Way Through the Dining Room Guests exit the restaurant through a hallway lined with suits of armor. I was reminded of the scene in Beauty & the Beast when Cogsworth gives Belle a tour of the castle. They walk through a similar hallway. Make sure you listen closely – some of the suits of armor talk! Suits of Armor Line the Exit Hallway Some of the Suits of Armor Were a Little Chatty! EatsWe were seated and promptly greeted by our server, who informed us that Be Our Guest offers beer and wine, the first restaurant ever to do so in the Magic Kingdom. We don’t drink, but noticed several guests were taking advantage of this new offering. Instead, all three of us ordered the all-natural lemonade sweetened with organic cane juice and topped with wildberry foam. It was delicious. (FYI, even though this drink is non-alcoholic and we didn’t order it in the commemorative chalice, there were no refills and it is not considered a fountain beverage.) All Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam The menu at Be Our Guest is French themed, thought not authentic French. Still, it was one of the better meals we experienced on our trip. We were participating in the Disney Deluxe Dining plan, so each of us ordered an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. To start, I selected the assorted cured meats and sausages. Please note, this dish serves two, but I made a pretty good dent in it all by myself! It is served with a whole loaf of bread, some delicious pate, cured meats (prosciutto, ham), sausages, mustard, cornichons, some tart jam, and cheese. I truly enjoyed this dish. A lot of Disney food tends to the mildly seasoned. This dish was bursting with savory flavors and a variety of textures. It was very satisfying, and could easily serve as an entrée. Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages My daughter tried the French onion soup, which was also very flavorful. Rich, beefy broth, with a toasted French bread crouton floating on top, smothered with ooey gooey cheese that had been browned under a broiler. It’s hearty and delicious dish. French Onion Soup Topped with a Crouton and Gruyere Cheese My husband chose the Mussels Provencal. White wine, tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, and butter… mmm…. This is one of our favorite flavor profiles. If you like shellfish, give it a try. There’s plenty to share. Mussels Provencal with White Wine, Tomato, Garlic, Onion, Basil, and Butter If I have one complaint it’s this: we were still eating our appetizers when our entrees arrived. I was a server for many years, and this is a definite no no, especially with this meal. The appetizers are huge, and so are the entrees. We definitely needed a break between courses and unfortunately didn’t get one. My daughter selected the sautéed shrimp and scallops in puff pastry as her entrée. I was impressed with the amount of seafood in the dish. Restaurants typically skimp on the seafood and load up on the vegetables, but this dish had the opposite proportions. The puff pastry was tender and flaky, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. She enjoyed it. Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops with Seasonal Vegetables Served in Puff Pastry I selected the thyme scented pork chop. I was stunned at the portion size. That’s a lot of pork! But I was impressed that they got the temperature right. There was a hint of pink towards the center of the chop. I also enjoyed the macaroni and cheese, (or as Disney calls it, au gratin macaroni) with its homey yumminess. French green beans rounded out the dish. It was served with red wine jus on the side. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Thyme Scented Pork Rack Chop wit Au Gratin Macaroni, Seasonal Vegetables and Red Wine Jus My husband ordered the herb crusted lamb rack. If I thought the pork portion was big, the lamb was huge! It looked like something Fred Flintstone would eat. But again, I was impressed that they got the temperature right, and it was butchered beautifully. The crust was savory and offered an interesting texture. The demi-glace was full of flavor and there was plenty of it. We love mashed celery root, so we all took a bite of this sweet, creamy side dish. Sautéed broccoli was also served on the side. This was another delicious plate that we all enjoyed. Herb Crusted Lamb Rack with a Stone-Ground Mustard Demi-glace with Buttered Celery Root and Seasonal Vegetables On to dessert! Because it’s perpetually evening in the West Wing, the room is rather dark, and when our server brought the dessert cart over, he had to use a flashlight to illuminate the treats. Still, who doesn’t love an old-fashioned dessert cart? A Very Dark Dessert Cart We couldn’t eat at Be Our Guest without trying the Grey Stuff. The line, “Try the grey stuff, it’s delicious!” sung by Lumiere in the movie has been belted out in my home many times, and I was dying to see how the Disney chefs would interpret it. I t was tasty! A cake-like brownie base is topped with a whipped cookies-and-cream flavored panna cotta and sprinkled with what I call the “silver ball garnish.” (What is this? Freeze dried tapioca? Dried cake crumbs? I would love to find out!) The Grey Stuff Really Was Delicious! My husband enjoyed the triple chocolate cupcake for his dessert. It was rich and delicious, and as my husband said, “super chocolate-y.” OverallBe Our Guest Is Best! Be Our Guest pulls out all the stops and delivers at every turn. It is the most immersive experience I’ve had at the park – you truly feel like you’re a participant in the movie. I have no idea how they do it so consistently, but Disney definitely delivers on this four-dimensional experience. I highly recommend this dining experience to everyone! Rebecca Elliott writes and hosts the food blog Home Cooks Unite! She is a dedicated foodie and Disney enthusiast whose latest trip to the Magic Kingdom included some incredible dining experiences. Have you had the chance to dine at Be Our Guest? What’s your favorite menu item? 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: Guest Review: Be Our Guest Restaurant Dinner at the Magic KingdomGuest Review: Be Our Guest Restaurant Lunch in the Magic KingdomGuest Review: New Dish at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

Happy Thursday! Check out this week’s “After Dark” image, which was shot in the New Fantasyland area of the park just after the Magic Kingdom Park closed. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allAnyone else fancy a late-night ride on the carousel? Disney Parks After Dark: New Fantasyland After Hours by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When attractions cast member Alyson Clancy isn’t sending guests on adventures in Frontierland or Adventureland, she welcomes new cast members to the Disneyland Resort as a Disney University Traditions Assistant. In this role, Alyson teaches the Traditions course, our version of first day orientation. See how Alyson inspires new cast to create happiness and bring magic to our guests in this episode of “Every Role a Starring Role”! Every Role a Starring Role — Disney University Traditions Assistant by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Officials with runDisney revealed Thursday the inaugural collection of Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend finisher medals. View the full article

Greetings, adventurers! Local Adventureland businesses are getting into the fun with Adventure Trading Company at Disneyland park, offering treats created for visiting traders. And these delicious delights even come with adventures of their own. Traders collecting artifacts known as Juju may want to indulge with these delectable delights. My favorite is the Pineapple This-Side-Up Parfait, a mix of fresh and crushed pineapple layered with pineapple yogurt mousse and pound cake with a cherry on top. But this parfait is more than a tasty treat … it’s the start of a very important ritual. Everybody knows that the pineapple is a symbol of goodwill and hospitality; therefore, those who eat this treat will become Goodwill Ambassadors of Adventureland. When you receive your Pineapple Juju, you also receive a pair of cards to help you spread the goodwill of Adventureland among other guests. The cards hold a sticker that recognizes the wearer for possessing certain adventurer traits. The cards I received recognized The Adventurous Spirit of Friendship, which I gave to my fellow explorer, Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tyler, who purchased the Pineapple This-Side-Up Parfait for me to enjoy. There’s also Venomade at Bengal Barbecue, a cool concoction of snake venom and snake eggs. The venom has a real bite, and there’s nothing tastier than when a snake egg pops in your mouth! Anybody brave enough to finish the cup will receive the Snake Juju, a true sign of courage. The last Juju isn’t available in Disneyland park, but at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. Unfortunately, the skippers at the bar have lost the recipe for Trader Sam’s JujuJuice! Pick up your free telegram in Adventureland and find the ingredients. You won’t be able to order the drink and acquire the Tiki Mask Juju without it. I’d also like to remind you that supplies are limited for each item, so make like a rhino and charge on over to Adventureland soon! For more from the Dateline Adventureland series, visit the stories below: Dateline Adventureland: Hunting for Laughs with Skip and Birdwatching with Tiki KikiDateline Adventureland: Adventure Trading Company Now Open at Disneyland ParkDateline Adventureland: Adventure Trading Company Opening Soon at Disneyland ParkDateline Adventureland: Tasty Treats and Tonics Part of the Adventure at Disneyland Park by Tallahassee Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Last year, we had the pleasure of introducing our readers to Jane Labowitch, known by many online as “Princess Etch A Sketch.” True to her nickname, one of Jane’s amazing talents is her ability to create intricate pieces of art using Ohio Art’s famous Etch A Sketch® drawing toy. In last year’s post, we commissioned the Chicago-based artist to “etch” Cinderella Castle and Sleeping Beauty Castle. We made those available to you as downloadable desktop and tablet wallpapers. Since then, we’ve been working with Jane on several exciting projects. In June, she was the featured artist at our Disney Social Media Moms “On the Road” conference in Chicago, where she not only displayed her art but even etched portraits of a few lucky attendees. (She can create a person’s portrait on an Etch A Sketch® in approximately 12 minutes.) With today’s exciting announcement about “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE!” being extended four more weeks through September 28, we asked Jane to use her talents to draw Anna and Elsa at our park. It took her approximately one hour to create this piece on a Pocket Etch A Sketch®. That hour of work has been condensed into this short video. This video shows how Jane takes a single line (without the chance to erase anything) and creates an artful homage to Arendelle royalty. The Etch A Sketch® product name and configuration of the Etch A Sketch® product are registered trademarks owned by The Ohio Art Company. ‘Princess Etch A Sketch’ Draws Anna and Elsa to Celebrate ‘Frozen’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Gary Buchanan: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The talented Jane Labowitch creates “Princess Etch A Sketch” using Ohio Art's Etch A Sketch® drawing toy. Watch as she draws Anna and Elsa at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Come see Anna...From:Disney ParksViews:6455158ratingsTime:00:54More inTravel & Events

One of the most popular videos on the Disney Parks Blog continues to be one of our first projects – A Model Day at Magic Kingdom Park. Since introducing readers to tilt-shift at Disney Parks, we’ve featured Epcot, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland park and even a special Disney Cruise Line adventure. Take a look at our latest tilt-shift video highlighting the beauty of Tokyo Disneyland. A Model Day at Tokyo Disneyland – Disney Parks Tilt-Shift Video by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be here before you know it! If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for September 19 through November 10! And around here, we think that making plans for the festival is big fun! We don’t want to miss a thing, and we know you don’t want to, either. There are endless numbers of Special Events and Low Cost Demonstrations and Seminars. But our favorite draw continues to be the Marketplace Booths throughout World Showcase. So today, we are kicking off our previews of this year’s Marketplace Booths with two that you’re sure to love — The new Patagonia Booth and a returning favorite, Canada. Patagonia Marketplace BoothThe Patagonia Marketplace Booth, new for 2014, will combine the flavors of Chile and Argentina. While we are still awaiting our first pictures of what the new Patagonia Marketplace Booth will actually look like (soon!), we are excited to see some returning favorites from the 2013 Argentina Booth join some brand new dishes! Fan Favorite Beef Empanadas Will Take Up Residence at the Patagonia Booth! In addition to past favorites like the Beef Empanada, guests can enjoy wines selected from both Chile and Argentina. 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Patagonia Booth MenuBeef EmpanadaGrilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée (gluten free)Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri (gluten free)Pascual Toso Sparkling BrutTerrazas Reserva MalbecCono Sur Bicicleta ViognierCono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir RoséWe’ve tasted the Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri. It’s sure to be a hit with guests this year! Salmon Quinoa Salad with Chimichurri at the NEW Patagonia Marketplace Booth And the Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée is always a crowd pleaser! Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée Canada Marketplace BoothThe Canada Marketplace Booth is a mainstay of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Stop here for classic dishes that are must-have dishes on your trip around the World Showcase Promenade! Canada Marketplace Booth We couldn’t be more excited about the return of the “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce! Since this dish debuted at the festival two years ago (due to popular demand, we’re sure), it’s become one of the top-selling dishes of the festival! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Canada Booth MenuCanadian Cheddar Cheese SoupSeared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette (gluten free)“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce (gluten freeMoosehead LagerLa Face Neige Apple Ice WineLa Face Neige SparklingMission Hill Family Estate SyrahAnd we’re so excited that one of the festival’s most well-loved dishes, the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, is returning in 2014! Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup For a lighter option, try the Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette. Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette And sign me up for the Ice Wine, too! Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We continue to compile all of the latest 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 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! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews, and 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items 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 prefoodwine at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. Are you excited to stop by the Patagonia and Canada Booths? Leave a comment and tell us what you’ll be trying! 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! Patagonia Booth Debuts, and More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details!2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Preview: Canada and Ireland Booths2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Scotland and Brazil Booths View the full article

Now that Santa is refreshed from his summer cruise vacation, planning for this year’s Very Merrytime Cruises is in full force! Our holiday fun kicks off in November, which means our team of elves is already busy preparing festive decorations to add a little (okay, a lot of!) sparkle to each ship. What does it take to decorate a Disney ship so it’s decked to the “raft-ers” with holiday cheer? Take a look at this video full of fun facts about all we’re bringing onboard to make our Very Merrytime Cruises so very merry! Fun Facts About Very Merrytime Cruises with Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article