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UCF football will play NC State in the Bitcoin St Pete Bowl Dec. 26th. View the full article

Just days after the Eatonville Town Council narrowly rejected going forward with the luxury World Transportation Exchange project, its creator and developer was indicted for allegedly embezzling $29,400 in veteran's benefits. View the full article

Pakistani helicopter gunships swooped on a militant hideout in a predawn raid on Saturday and shot dead a top al-Qaeda operative who was also a former Broward County resident, according to reports. View the full article

Central Florida's tech startups still face uphill battle in investment game View the full article

It turns out FSU was good enough to make the College Football Playoff. View the full article

This week, we shared the exciting news that Disneyland Resort will celebrate the opening of spectacular new “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park, featuring magical adventures with characters from Disney’s blockbuster hit, “Frozen”. A sneak peek of many of the experiences begins Saturday, Dec. 20. The “Frozen Fun” officially launches at Disney California Adventure park starting January 7, 2015, and a new “Frozen” show makes its debut in Fantasy Faire at Disneyland park. Check Shawn’s original post for more details on the experiences and follow along with the hashtag #FrozenFun. And we also shared some fun wallpapers, especially for Disney Parks Blog readers. The first is a brand-new holiday image from Disney Artist Jeff Maurer. The second is a spectacular photo captured earlier this year by Walt Disney World photographer Kent Phillips at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park. To download, simply click on the images above. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. New ALEX AND ANI Bangles Debut in Time for the Holidays at Disney Parks – Here’s your first look at some of the new ALEX AND ANI styles headed to Disney Parks! ‘Frozen’ Winter and Holiday Celebration Underway at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort with Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink and Downtown Disney Winter Village Through February 22 – Watch the holidays take shape at Downtown Disney District in this time-lapse video. Today in Disney History: Walt Disney Was Born in 1901 – Celebrate Walt’s birthday by watching the historic announcement of Walt Disney World Resort! Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 15-June 14 – Get ready to plan your adventure to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2015, as we’ve unveiled the dates for next year’s Star Wars Weekends. This is the trip you’re looking for. By the Numbers: Holidays on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park – Ever wonder how many thousands of ribbons, lights and ornaments adorn Disneyland park for the holidays? We did! Click through to learn more. Readers Cruise into the Holidays at Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up at Disney California Adventure Park – Hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers attended the Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up on a rainy night at Disney California Adventure park. Video: Watch Highlights from “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” – Get in the holiday spirit with photos and video from this Walt Disney World tradition. Recipe: Aunt Cass’ Wings from “Big Hero 6″ – Disney Parks Blog author Rachel Brent shares how to make Aunt Cass’ “Melt-Your-Face-Off” Wings from “Big Hero 6″. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

As promised, we featured more seasonal treats this week from Walt Disney World. Splendor at the Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel And what better place to start than the Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House?! And while the Beach Club’s seasonal carousel was still under construction, we did admire the gorgeous goodies for sale at the Beach Club Marketplace. We also explored the new Food Truck Park at Downtown Disney Orlando and the updated Intermission Food Court at the All-Star Music Resort. There’s lots more fun reading so visit the links below! Disney Food NewsThe 2014 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House is now open. Take a look at the gingerbread treats for sale!Disney World’s All Star Music Resort reopens Intermission Food Court after a lengthy refurbishment.Artisan Macaroni and Cheese has hit the scene at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.The popular Star Wars Weekends dining experiences will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for 2015. Book now!Food Truck Park in Downtown Disney Orlando is now open!A Mickey Elf Premium Popcorn Bucket is for sale this holiday season in Disneyland! 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, Trattoria al Forno Desserts, Disneyland’s Holiday Waffle Cone, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. 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! I don’t know about you but I could use a Disney snack. And this Cream Cheese Pretzel tweeted by DFB Reader Michelle caught my attention. She says “@DisneyFoodBlog I went w/ your choices!” — yeah!!! Pretzel Time! And DFB Reader Barry knows how much we love Disney cupcakes. He tweeted photographs from his own cupcake crawl, including the Lemon Cupcake and Carrot Cake Cupcake from Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons. Love! Lemon Cupcake and Carrot Cake Cupcake – Sunshine Seasons What’s your favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! DFB Cyber Monday Week SALE!When it came time to offer you something truly special for our Cyber Monday Week Sale, we couldn’t think of anything better…than giving you everything. Disney Food Blog Guidebooks And that’s why we’re announcing that, for this weekend, you can purchase the DFB Everything Bundle for 1/2 off the already deeply discounted price! Just enter code Everything50 at the check-out. What does the Everything Bundle include? The name says it all — Everything! When you purchase the DFB Everything Bundle, you get all of the following DFB Guides: A Pre-Order of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 Edition, Due Out Early Next Year — AND the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadThe 2014 DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom SnacksThe 2014 DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksThe 2014 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios SnacksA Pre-Order of the 2015 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadThe 2014 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World HolidaysDFB Dining AdventuresThat’s every single book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides. And with these handy, e-book format guides at your fingertips, there’s nothing that you won’t know about food at Walt Disney World! The DFB Everything Bundle is already a terrific bargain at 40% off the individual prices of the books. But for this weekend, you can pick up the entire collection for 1/2 off the regular Bundle price. That’s nine books for less than $30.00! To take advantage of this amazing deal, just enter Promo Code Everything50 at checkout! With a 100% 30-day, money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Thanks for your support of the DFB!Disney Juice Glasses On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases fun Mickey and Friends juice glasses. An affordable gift to add to your holiday shopping list! CakeWrecks shares hilarious Mickey Mouse cakes. Scary Mickey is just SO wrong. DisZine highlights New Year’s Eve options at Walt Disney World. Cheers! DisneyCaribbeanBeach.com shops at the Calypso Trading Post and Straw Market. I love the coconut postcards!! AllEars spotlights holiday happenings at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Cooking and mixology classes, gingerbread display, and more! Theme Park Insider dines at Epcot’s Royal Akershus Banquet Hall. A great alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table! 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 FanRelated posts: Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 29, 2013Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 30, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 15, 2014View the full article

MANATEE – The manhunt is over for the triple murder suspect wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife, neighbor and a church pastor. View the full article

To many of our guests, holidays are a favorite time of year at Disney Parks. Not only are the halls decked like nowhere else, we’ve also got unique holiday experiences that you’ll find only at Disney Parks and Resorts. This week, we featured three of these celebrations. Here at the Disneyland Resort, we cruised into the holiday season at the Disney Parks Blog Christmas in Cars Land Meet-Up. At Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina, Hawai`i, musical segments were produced for Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration with stars Gavin DeGraw, Sarah Hyland and Laura Marano. And Nate Rasmussen took us back to the 1980s for a look back at the Candlelight Processional, a holiday tradition at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Unique Holiday Celebrations by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Great news for all of us Disney fans!! Now through Sunday, DisneyStore.com is offering 25% off Disney Parks merch…and there’s a LOT of it to browse! Just click here to get started! Or take a gander at a few fun items we’ve found to be hidden gems…just in time for holiday feasts! Fun Kids’ Disney Dining Accessories!We all know the typical holiday scene: the extended family is gathered ‘round for a feast, and there’s the “adults” table, and the “kids” table. But tell me… who wouldn’t want to be relegated to the kids table, with place settings and accessories like the ones we’ve found here? Of course, these items aren’t just for the holidays, they’re good for all year. So, if you’re still looking for a few things to round out the stocking for your little pirate or princess, or just add some fun to their holiday (or everyday!) place setting, you may want to take a look at these… Anna and Elsa PlacematIf this year’s wait times to meet Frozen’s Anna and Elsa at Disney World have been any indication, little girls may actually run to dinner if their place setting includes this Anna and Elsa Placemat. Anna and Elsa Placemat Anna and Elsa FlatwareThe Frozen Flatware features a spoon with Anna, and a fork with Elsa. Frozen Flatware Anna TumblerFor those who have picked their definite favorite, there is an Anna Tumbler… Anna Tumbler Elsa Tumbler… or an Elsa Tumbler. Elsa Tumbler Frozen Water BottleBoth sisters are featured on this Frozen Aluminum Water Bottle. Frozen Water Bottle Olaf Sipper CupReally, though, who are Anna and Elsa without their buddy Olaf? Even if you’re completely Frozened-out , you have to admit this Olaf Sipper Cup is pretty cute. Olaf Sipper Cup Mickey Mouse PlateBut even if Elsa is the current reigning Queen, there’s a little guy who inspires even more loyalty amongst the kiddos (and us big kids, too ;). I love how this Mickey Mouse Plate comes complete with ears (perfect for side dishes)… Mickey Mouse Plate Mickey Mouse BowlSo does the Mickey Mouse Bowl (not for side dishes in this case — just for fun . Mickey Mouse Bowl Mickey CupKids can start their morning with this winking Mickey cup. (Heck, I’d start my day with it!) Mickey Mouse Cup Mickey PlacematYou can complete the set with this Mickey Mouse Placemat. Mickey Mouse Placemat Spider-Man Place SettingLots of little guys (and gals — why not?) might want to share meal time with one hero in particular… and “who is he?” He’s SPIDER-MAN, coming forth from his web on this Spider-Man Placemat. Spider-Man Placemat A Spider-Man Plate and Spider-Man Bowl are perfect matches. Spider-Man Plate Spider-Man Bowl Disney Princess PlateIf a little girl in your life remembers that there were, oh, a few other Disney Princesses before Anna and Elsa ;), she may enjoy this set, starting with the Disney Princess Plate featuring seven Disney Princesses, including Ariel, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. It’s nice to see Pocahontas on here, too! Disney Princess Plate Disney Princess FlatwareThe fork and spoon of this Disney Princess Flatware each features different princesses. Disney Princess Flatware Disney Princess CupThis sparkly Princess Cup is great as a part of the set, or as a standalone. Disney Princess Cup Doc McStuffins TumblerAnd last but not least, we’ve got everyone’s favorite doctor for ailing stuffed animals everywhere… Doc McStuffins, with good ol’ Lambie topping the straw on this Doc McStuffins Tumbler! Doc McStuffins Tumbler Doc McStuffins PlateShe would definitely approve of this Doc McStuffins Plate, which helps divide meals into portions. Doc McStuffins Plate Doc McStuffins CupDoc gets her own sparkly cup, too, complete with a heart bandaid . Doc McStuffins Cup Congratulations to children everywhere… you’ve officially made all of us big kids jealous ;). Happy shopping, everyone! Which dish set or accessory would the children in your life enjoy? 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 FanRelated posts: Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Holiday Treats with the Kids!Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Disney Mug-a-Palooza!Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Holiday for Your Home CollectionView the full article

One of my favorite places at the Disneyland Resort is Buena Vista Street. The newly re-themed entrance to Disney California Adventure park is a walk back in time Los Angeles of the 1920s and ‘30s. This area brings guests even deeper into the nostalgia of this time period during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Here are five ways to enjoy the season on Buena Vista Street: 1. Oh! Christmas Tree! Just behind the “Storytellers” statue lies the spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree – the can’t-miss sight of the season on Buena Vista Street. (Really, you can’t miss it. It’s huge.) The tree is covered with charming, vintage-style ornaments that recall Christmas in the 1920s and ‘30s. 2. Here Comes Santa Claus Buena Vista Street is one of the places where you can find Santa Claus himself at the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season, in his classic department store setting at Elias & Co. 3. Carol of the Bells Join in a carol or two with the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers. Throughout the day, they perform renditions of classic Christmas carols, accompanied by handbells. 4. Deck the Halls In addition to the vintage-style ornaments on the Christmas tree, the 1920s and ‘30s theme continues all the way down the street, through garlands, ribbons and special decorations on the light poles, storefronts and even inside the stores. All the holiday decor combines to create the feeling of stepping back in time to Christmases gone by. 5. We Wish You a Merry Christmas What is the holiday season without friends to celebrate with? During this special time, Mickey Mouse and his friends have added some festive touches to their vintage-style attire. Stop by and say hi while you’re strolling down Buena Vista Street! What is your favorite holiday detail on Buena Vista Street? Five Ways to Celebrate the Holidays on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

As the sun sets here at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re sharing a new downloadable wallpaper especially for Disney Parks Blog readers. This spectacular image was captured earlier this year by Walt Disney World photographer Kent Phillips at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park. To download, simply click on the image below – it’ll fit all of your screens. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Wallpaper: Sunset at Walt Disney World Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

UPDATE: It appears that, for now, the breakfast information has been removed from the Disney World website. We’ll be keeping a (hopeful!) eye out for its return, and will keep you posted! Lunch, Dinner…and now Breakfast? Learn About:Be Our Guest Restaurant -- Dinner Magic KingdomDisney World Restaurants Be Our Guest Restaurant has proven to be extraordinarily popular. It’s incredibly difficult to get a dinner advance dining reservation (ADR) a full two years after its opening. And lunch continues to be such an attraction that Disney seems to be moving toward a FastPass+ System for the quick service meal — something unprecedented. But it’s looking more and more like we’ll all have another shot at dining in Beast’s Castle in the very near future. Be Our Guest Restaurant to Begin Serving Breakfast in February?We’ve been monitoring rumors forever it seems that Be Our Guest would begin serving breakfast. And it looks like that rumor is about to become a reality. Our team has been checking daily to see if Be Our Guest is offering a breakfast ADR option…and as of today, they are! Now, before you run over and excitedly jam up the Disney website , I should mention that, while the breakfast option is showing up, it’s not bookable yet. When we try to book a table, we’re told that we can’t at this time. Be Our Guest Breakfast Option on Disney World Website But here’s what we DO know: hours for breakfast are showing as 8 AM until 10 AM daily, beginning on February 25. And this is the same protocol that we saw prior to both Trattoria al Forno and Spice Road Table opening for ADRs — the option showed up before you could actually book a table. AND — since we’re talking about ADRs here, it’s looking like breakfast will be a sit down, table service option, like dinner. Ballroom Seating For Breakfast? Yes Please! We’re not sure if there will be characters there (Beast? Anna? Elsa?) or not, but we can’t wait to find out! In the meantime, keep your fingers hovering over that “booking” button folks! We imagine you’ll be able to get your February reservations soon! What do you think — are you as excited as we are about the prospect of dining for breakfast in Be Our Guest Restaurant? 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 FanRelated posts: News! Disney World To Add Cancellation Policy and Fee to All Table-Service Restaurant ReservationsBe Our Guest Restaurant Video TourNews! Be Our Guest Restaurant Currently Serving Only FastPass+ Guests, No Walk-UpsView the full article

Com a Disney Cruise Line você aproveita toda a qualidade, conforto e diversão a bordo, tendo certeza que escolheu as férias ideais para sua família e o seu orçamento! Confira. INSCREVA-SE:...From:Disney ParksViews:83122ratingsTime:03:58More inTravel & Events

Check out these photos of the new Exposition Park at Downtown Disney West Side, the permanent home of the four Disney-owned food trucks. “Guests can always find one or more of the Disney food trucks at this location, with visiting local food trucks joining the fun from time to time” says Darcy Clark, Downtown Disney marketing manager. “With nightly entertainment and extra seating, this West Side location is sure to become a favorite.” The four Disney food trucks, along with the ESPN food truck, may be there – Namaste Café with flavors from Disney’s Animal Kingdom (think butter chicken and Tandoori spiced shrimp); Superstar Catering with favorites from Disney’s Hollywood Studios like a Margarita Flatbread; Fantasy Fare with Magic Kingdom Park goodies like the corn dog, and World Showcase of Flavors with Epcot tastes from grass-fed beef sliders to Pierogies. You’ll find Exposition Park between Bongo’s Cuban Café and Starbucks – an expansive grassy area that take advantage of the pretty waterfront. Hours may vary during peak times and special events Fantastic New Home for Disney Food Trucks: Exposition Park at Downtown Disney West Side by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Last month, Adventures by Disney announced enhancements to the San Francisco Long Weekend vacation, which now includes new elements designed to give travellers an inside look at the town that inspired the fictional city of San Fransokyo (pictured below) from the Walt Disney Pictures film “Big Hero 6.” San Francisco is the latest Adventures by Disney itinerary to offer themed experiences in real-life destinations that served as a creative inspiration for popular movies and television shows. Whether you’ve been yearning to build a snowman in Norway, wield a bow and arrow in Scotland, or record a song in Nashville, Adventures by Disney offers the rare opportunity for you to step into settings reimagined on the silver screen and television screen. Norway, the Land that Inspired Arendelle The 8-day, 7-night Norway vacation takes you to the storybook village of Bergen, which served as the inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s “Frozen.” You’ll also journey past glaciers, fjords and see the stave churches that shaped the landscape and architecture depicted in the hit film. There’s no promise of seeing a talking snowman or castles made of ice, but you might want to invite your sister to come along on the journey! Scotland, Backdrop for the Disney•Pixar Film “Brave” Journey through Scotland’s ancient stone castles and lush landscapes that played a role in the creation of the animated film “Brave.” On this 9-day, 8-night vacation, you’ll take flight to the Isle of Lewis, whose people and ancient sites inspired the film. Channel your inner Merida as you step between the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones and learn the art of archery. It’s the perfect mother/daughter getaway. Nashville, Home of the Critically Acclaimed Show on ABC On the 4-day, 3-night Adventures by Disney Long Weekend to Nashville trip, fans of the show Nashville will see the city’s famous landmarks, as well as experience iconic sites featured in this musical television drama, such as The Bluebird Café, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. It’s a great vacation option for aspiring musicians, and music “appreciators” alike. Every Adventures by Disney trip allows you to see the world through the eyes of a storyteller, and with these itineraries you can truly feel as if you’ve actually become part of the story. Plus, if you’ve got Anna and Elsa fans at home, I’m pretty sure they’d agree there’s nothing cooler (pun intended) than singing “Let It Go” among Norwegian fjords! Visit the Destinations that Inspired Popular Movies and Television Shows with Adventures by Disney by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today we’re celebrating one of the most important dates in Disney history here on the Disney Parks Blog – Walt Disney’s birthdate! Walt, who was born December 5, 1901, made so many amazing contributions in the fields of art, animation, film and theme parks that it would be impossible to list them all here. Instead we’re celebrating by sharing a look back at one of our most exciting Walt memories caught on film – the day that he and his brother Roy officially announced plans to build a theme park in Central Florida. Listen to the official announcement below. Do you share a birthday with Walt? Let us know in the comments section below. Today in Disney History: Walt Disney Was Born in 1901 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This winter, Disneyland Resort celebrates the opening of spectacular new “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park, featuring magical adventures with characters from Disney’s blockbuster hit, “Frozen.” For a limited time beginning January 7, 2015, we’ll be bringing you a flurry of all-new, immersive experiences you won’t want to miss! Some of the highlights coming to Disney California Adventure park include: “For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” – The Muppet*Vision 3D theater in Hollywood Land has been transformed for this event into the beautiful Crown Jewel Theatre from Arendelle. You’re invited to step inside and join the Arendelle Historians – along with special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff – for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from “Frozen.” “Olaf’s Snow Fest” – Stage 17 in Hollywood Land plays host to an immersive winter wonderland straight out of the Kingdom of Arendelle, complete with a giant snow play area and musical performances by The Frolicking Fjords and The Tubadors. You can glide down a snow slide, build a snowman of your own and visit everyone’s favorite snowy pal, Olaf, and give him a warm hug. “Olaf’s Snow Fest” has so much to offer, from beautiful photo opportunities to scrumptious treats and special “Frozen” souvenirs. It’ll be a great spot for making memories that’ll warm your heart.Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post – Head back outside, and nearby you’ll find Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, where you can pick up the latest “Frozen”-inspired apparel, plush, toys, mugs and more. “Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome” – Anna and Elsa, the beloved sisters from “Frozen,” move from Fantasyland to an elegant new location inside the Disney Animation attraction at Disney California Adventure park, where you can meet them as part of a special royal greeting. The colorful and varied display in the Animation Courtyard will also now include scenes and music from Disney’s Academy Award-winning blockbuster hit, “Frozen,” and at Animation Academy, a Disney artist asks, “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” It’s a unique opportunity to learn how to draw your very own sketch of Olaf or Marshmallow.“Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” – Each evening, you’re invited to “chill out” in Hollywood Land with music, dancing, interactive fun and more in this new, family-friendly experience. You’ll arrive at the party through an icy archway to find wintry décor, dazzling lighting effects, cool photo spots, yummy treats and frosty beverages for all ages. Throughout the night, a giant thermometer registers the drop in temperature, as things get so cool they ultimately reach the freezing point when everyone lets it go in a spectacular “Frozen Fun” crescendo!A sneak peek of many of these exciting experiences begins Saturday, Dec. 20. Starting January 7, 2015, the “Frozen Fun” officially launches at Disney California Adventure park, and a new “Frozen” show makes its debut in Fantasy Faire at Disneyland park. The Royal Theatre’s resident storytellers, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, present the tale of “Frozen” in a fun-filled, fast-paced retelling of the story, featuring their own wacky performances in key roles, along with Anna, Elsa and the Faire Maidens. And when “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” resumes daily performances January 7, Anna and Elsa will once again make pre-parade appearances on their own special float. When Storybook Land Canal Boats returns later this month, there will be a new addition to this charming and beloved Fantasyland attraction, with excursions through the world of “Frozen” offering views of the fjord-side village of Arendelle, including the stately castle where Anna and Elsa grew up, Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and Elsa’s mountaintop ice palace. The miniature locales of “Frozen” will find a new home among the familiar scenes of some of Disney’s most enduring and timeless fairy tales, including “Pinocchio,” “Cinderella,” “Aladdin,” and “The Little Mermaid.” And don’t forget about Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink (continuing through February 22, 2015) and the new Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, both open now at Downtown Disney District. For fans of “Frozen,” there’s never been a better time to visit Disneyland Resort! Which of these new experiences are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, and join the conversation using the hashtag #FrozenFun! New ‘Frozen Fun’ Opens at Disneyland Resort January 7 by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

During our Very Merrytime Cruises, we are serving very special cocktails to get you into the festive spirit. I’ll share recipes for some of them over the next few weeks, starting today with one that’s perfect for an after-dinner treat – our Christmas Cookie cocktail. Check back next week for our holiday twist on a martini, the Poinse-tini! 1 ounce Baileys1 ounce Kahlua1 ounce peppermint schnappsVanilla ice creamChocolate sauceWhipped creamCookie shavingsBlend Baileys, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps and ice cream. Layer bottom of catalina glass with chocolate sauce. Pour drink and top with whipped cream and cookie shavings.Disney Cruise Line Recipe: Christmas Cookie Cocktail by Salah Chetbi: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

All Star Music’s Intermission Food Court reopened on Wednesday after a refurbishment that began on August 1st. Originally slated to reopen on December 21, guests at All Star Music now have a fully functioning Food Court to enjoy a few weeks ahead of schedule. And when it looks this great (aside from the obvious convenience), that’s especially good news… Intermission Food Court Entrance AtmosphereTaking its cue from the All Star Sports End Zone Food Court (which underwent a remodel of its own last year), Intermission Food Court now employs clean lines and a more neutral, somewhat muted color palette as opposed to the bold primary colors and over-the-top murals of musicians featured in the previous design. Intermission Food Court Intermission Food Court While it’s immediately pleasing to the eye, what I love is that it’s deceptively simple. There are some obvious tributes to musical instruments, such as the woodwinds surrounding the indoor window of the Singing Spirits Bar. Singing Spirits Bar Singing Spirits Bar But the more you look, the more you see. For instance, the Beverage Station appears to be simply that, with a few musical touches on the dispensers and such. Beverage Station Beverage Dispenser Hot Cocoa Dispenser But after taking a closer look, those circles on top of the Beverage Station actually form a drum kit. Beverage Station Drum Kit elements Upon entering the seating area, you’ll notice that the wall is the fretboard of a guitar. Guitar wall Booth seating The body of a violin (or perhaps a viola or cello) surrounds several animated panes featuring Disney characters in musical moments, providing touches of whimsy in the more sophisticated design scheme. Character Pane Character Pane Character Pane Hanging lamps look like trumpet bells. Hanging lamps It took my husband and me a while to understand the ceiling design. At first, we thought the alternating raised and lowered ceiling panels were merely a design choice, chosen for a cool aesthetic. We’d probably been there about an hour before it dawned on us that it’s a representation of a xylophone. Seating area Xylophone seating All over the food court, the beautiful wooden floor is decorated with whole notes (at least, I think that’s what they are. My high school choir teacher would be so disappointed in me for hesitating on that one). Wood Flooring Whole note But my very favorite touch is in the ordering station area. Ordering Stations How many people will step up to place their order without realizing that the notes above the ordering stations are those to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary Poppins? “Super-cali-fraga-listic-expi-ali… …do-cious, even though the sound of it…” Count me among the majority who would have missed it — a member of the management team shared that awesome tidbit with us. And when he did, all I could think was, “This. THIS is why we love Disney.” Because they add so many touches that ninety-nine times out of a hundred could go unnoticed, yet they’re in there anyway. By the way, those pixelated tilings underneath the ordering stations and the bakery case represent synthesized music, like the sound waves represented in a recording studio. The subtlety of the design throughout the entire food court allows for really clever results in a cohesive environment. Bakery case Speaking of the ordering stations, what are they serving at Intermission Food Court these days? Let’s have a look… EatsAlternating electronic menus still rotate above each individual station, but the new “Now Performing” Marquee at the entrance provides a great overview. “Now Performing” Marquee The popular Create -Your-Own options dominate two of the stations: first, a Create-Your-Own Pasta at the Pizza & Pasta Shop. Grill Shop & Pizza and Pasta Shop featured items Create Your Own Pasta options Second, the Create-Your-Own Burger trend continues at the Grill Shop (angus beef, chicken, or veggie burger), and is expanded with Create-Your-Own Hot Dog — an option that also arrived this past summer at the Everything Pop Food Court. Create Your OwnTopping Options at the Grill Shop The Specialty Shop alternates some of its choices between lunch and dinner. Lunch currently features items such as a Turkey & Muenster Focaccia Sandwich, a Cajun Mahi Sandwich, Taco Salad and Nachos. Specialty Shop Lunch choices Dinner options include Shrimp Creole, London Broil, Baked Chicken, and Salmon. Create-Your-Own Salad is available for both lunch and dinner. Specialty Shop Dinner choices The new Gelato Shop features not only a gelato assortment, but also a variety of smoothies, similar to the Gelato Shops at End Zone Food Court and Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors. Gelato Shop List Gelato And finally, Grab-n-Go options remain plentiful in The Market’s refrigerated cases and the bakery case (toasters and microwaves are located by the Pizza Pickup window to prepare items such as bagels to your liking). The Market Toasters by the Pizza Pickup window We were there at lunchtime, and tried the Create-Your-Own Hot Dog, and Taco Salad. Create-Your-Own Hot Dog Taco Salad We couldn’t resist capping everything off with a Mickey Gelato Sundae (that’s a cinnamon-and-sugar sprinkled Mickey Waffle under all that gelato and whipped cream!). Mickey Gelato Sundae Can’t wait to give you our full review on these items soon! Intermission Food Court exit OverallIntermission Food Court continues the pattern that All Star Sport’s End Zone Food Court started: Disney food court classics mixed with some of the most successful elements stemming from the Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors (which upped the ante for all Value Resort food courts immediately upon its debut). Paired with a cleaner design and fun features that are all its own, Intermission Food Court appears to be ready to put on a show… Break a leg, All Star Music! What do you think of the refurbished Intermission Food Court? 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 FanRelated posts: First Look and Photo Tour! Disney World’s All Star Sports End Zone Food Court Reopens after RenovationTour: Temporary Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music ResortNews: Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Close for Renovations Starting August 1View the full article

This week’s Disney Parks Blog photo takes a look at an entertainment offering that is regularly dressed up for the holidays – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” During this time of year, the show concludes with a special finale to the song “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allThanks to photographer Mark Willard for the great shot. Disney Parks After Dark: A Holiday View of ‘IllumiNations’ by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Christmas is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort and I’ve got a new popcorn bucket to prove it!!!! I recently spotted this Mickey Elf Premium Popcorn Bucket and had to add it to my collection. Mickey Elf Premium Popcorn Bucket I normally don’t buy Premium Popcorn Buckets, but during the holidays, I’m basically a sucker. I use them for decor. This is my third year getting the Holiday Mickey. I also have the Mickey Snowman & Mickey Santa. Premium Mickey Elf Popcorn Buckets can be found and most Popcorn Carts throughout the resort and are $12.50 filled with regular popcorn or $14.00 if you want caramel corn (caramel corn is only available at some popcorn stands). Popcorn Pricing I will say this… unless we just happened to get a bad one, the head latch is pretty pointless. It really doesn’t work, at all. It’s fine for the decor purpose of sitting on a shelf, but for a functioning case that you’d like to hold and carry something? Forget it. My boys devoured the popcorn, but if you are planning on carrying it around the park for very long, be ready to spill. Just eat Mickey’s popcorn brains quickly and you’ll be fine. Popcorn for Brains! These are VERY similar to the Mickey Stein found at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and you can find the full Mickey buckets in Disney World, too! It’s a little hard to see all of Mickey in that first photo, so I added another. This time taken a bit from above so you can see the adorable hat Mickey’s wearing. Love his striped stocking cap! Do you usually splurge on Premium Popcorn Buckets? Have you seen Mickey Elf at any popcorn carts yet? What are your thoughts on this year’s design? I love it! Let us know in the comments below. Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts: Dining in Disneyland: Zero Premium Popcorn Bucket and Other Halloween Time Popcorn SouvenirsDining in Disneyland: Fall Treats and Halloween Eats — Mickey Pumpkin Beignets and Skellington PopcornStar Wars Weekends: Darth Vader Popcorn BucketView the full article

Performed during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party event nights, this parade celebrates everything merry about the holiday season – friends (like Mickey, Minnie and pals dressed in holiday...From:Disney ParksViews:308786ratingsTime:02:05More inTravel & Events

We’ve got some brand new, hot-off-the-presses food news for you today from Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner in Hollywood Studios! Learn About:Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner Disney's Hollywood StudiosDisney World Restaurants Longtime home to the Frankfurter in a Pretzel Roll and Italian Sausage in a Bread Roll, there have been a few updates to the menu over the last couple years at Min and Bill’s. There are rotating seasonal shakes, the Jumbo Turkey Leg, and we were even able to get those fun bread cones here for a while. But now they’ve added even more to the menu with the recent arrival of two brand new artisan Macaroni & Cheese dishes: Barbecued Pulled Pork and Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese. And I do mean brand new… these just hit the scene yesterday, folks! So, let’s get to it… Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner These are very similar to the mac and cheese dishes served at Friar’s Nook in the Magic Kingdom, but they’re not EXACTLY the same. There are two new flavors to try! Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese You’ll spot them on the featured items sign, right under the Frankfurter and Italian Sausage (yep, they’re still on the menu — whew!). Min and Bill’s featured items Min & Bill’s full menu You all know me well enough by now — it should come as no surprise that I was especially stoked about the combo of two of my very favorite foods on EARTH: Mac and cheese AND Buffalo chicken! If ever anything had “We made this for you, AJ” written on it, it would be this. So I dove into the Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with Crumbled Blue Cheese right away. But first, I took a good look at it, and I invite you to do the same… Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese The Buffalo chicken looks really strange, right? Frankly, it’s almost off-putting. And as a result, I wasn’t wild about it from the get-go. T he blue cheese was VERY blue, and very strong, while the Buffalo chicken was kind of watery and weird. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese It was spicy, at least, so that was good. But overall, it was not really a winner for this Buffalo, NY-raised girl. It seemed like the mac and cheese and the Buffalo chicken were two dishes that needed to be eaten separately. They didn’t go well together at all. Total bummer. The Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese, on the other hand, had everything Right. As. Rain. Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese The flavors were fantastic — sweet and savory rolled into one. The pork was saucy enough on its own, but they added a bit of sauce to the top, just in case! Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese Barbecued Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese The fried onion garnish was an awesome flavor and texture addition. Put it all together, and I’d say this one ranks right up there with the beauty that is Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese over at Friar’s Nook. Maybe even better!! So, if anyone over at Min and Bill’s is reading this, the two dishes are a good example of “one works, and one doesn’t.” The Buffalo chicken and blue cheese texture was strange and wonky when combined with the mac and cheese. Whereas the pulled pork dish flavors came together exceptionally well and the whole thing was spectacular. I’d even call it a must-buy. So after all that I needed something sweet, and I could’t leave without trying Min & Bill’s current seasonal shake: Caramel Apple. Caramel Apple Seasonal Shake sign This was a great surprise (and not just because it was topped with a whipped cream Mickey!). Caramel Apple Shake I expected it to be sour and “artificial” tasting, but instead it was sweet and only slightly apple-y. And the caramel was thick and rich — a true sauce, not that light, syrupy stuff. And they sure didn’t skimp… Caramel Sauce I gotta say, I really liked this one! All in all, it was a day full of surprises at Min & Bill’s… some good, some not so much. Fortunately, the good (even great, really) outweighed the bad, and I’d definitely recommend stopping by the Dockside Diner and giving the winners a try yourself! Would you like to try the artisan Mac and Cheese at Min & Bill’s? 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 FanRelated posts: New! 4th of July Caramel Apple Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosReview: Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic at Friar’s NookGuest Review: New Earl of Sandwich Macaroni and Cheese!View the full article

A New York City grand jury has decided not to charge a police officer who killed an unarmed black man with a chokehold while trying to arrest him for illegally selling cigarettes, the local district attorney said on Wednesday. View the full article