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Ample Hills Creamery arrived on Disney’s BoardWalk in May of this year. Learn About: Ample Hills Creamery Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants And here’s something you should know: the new Disney location for this Brooklyn-based ice cream company is pretty nice about letting you try samples of their sixteen house-made flavors. Which is almost a problem. Because choosing between Peppermint Pattie, Cotton Candy, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, PB Wins the Cup, and the rest (including the BoardWalk’s exclusive flavor, Sally Sells Seashells) almost gets MORE difficult after you taste them. You just kind of want them ALL. And that’s where the spot’s Ice Cream Flights come in awfully handy! So we’re back to check out those Flights along with a couple of Hard Floats that hit the scene a little while back. The Ice Cream Flights are $10.19, and you get to choose six flavors per Flight. It’s a fun way to try several when you just can’t decide. (I mean, sure, they are keen on the samples, but they gotta draw the line somewhere !) Ample Hills Creamery sign My friend and I grabbed a couple flights so that we could try twelve out of the sixteen flavors. Here are some mini reviews to go along with these mini scoops! (By the way, while “bite-size” is obviously different for everyone, I’d estimate that each scoop gives about four-five bites of ice cream.) Ice Cream Flight We’ll start right around 1 o’clock in the picture below with Flight Number One. The Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream is a MUST for chocolate-mint fans. It’s cool and incredibly refreshing, and the mint flavor is very intense. FYI — those are house-made peppermint patties in there. First Ice Cream Flight Moving clockwise, Chocolate Milk and Cookies Ice Cream is that sole chocolate-based scoop next to it, and it’s essentially your typical cookies and cream with even MORE chocolate (and packed with Back-to-Nature sandwich cookies). Next, PB Wins the Cup is the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo in vanilla ice cream; only the peanut butter cups are really fresh because, like many of the shop’s mix-ins, they’re house-made. The same can be said of the Butter Pecan Brittle with its homemade pecan brittle. Butter Pecan Brittle The highlight of the Baked/Unbaked next to it is the chunks of brown butter cookie dough: sweet-and-buttery meets rich-and-chewy. The Sweet Cream n’ Cookies Ice Cream is simply an ultra-packed version of cookies and cream, so you’re not going one teeny bite without a chocolate sandwich cookie. Our second Flight is starting at about 11 o’clock with the very light yellow Lemon Sky. It’s a lemon ginger sorbet where the ginger is present as just a hint that comes through more in the aftertaste (the sorbet also withstood the heat a little better than the creams). Second Ice Cream Flight Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (1 o’clock-ish) is a staff favorite for a reason. When they say “GOBS of St. Louis-style Ooey Gooey Butter Cake,” they mean it! Ooey Gooey Butter Cake I thought the Cotton Candy (that’s the blue one in the Flight), would be uber-sweet, but it was mellowed out with lots of vanilla. The end result — to my tastebuds — is that it tastes EXACTLY like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal. Cotton Candy The Coffee Toffee Coffee is insanely good, because of the authentic coffee flavor; it’s not artificial tasting at all like some coffee ice creams can be. There are several ENTIRE mini pretzels covered in chocolate in the Malty Salty Pretzel Punch. And Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace is packed with cinnamon spice and reminds me of a holiday cookie. Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace Obviously, Ample Hills carries many unique flavors; but even the ones that are similar to ice cream flavors that you may have already tried — like Cookies and Cream — seem to be a step above due to the the quantity and quality of the mix-ins. But here’s some advice if you choose a Flight: DO NOT do what my friend and I did, which was purchase two at once. First, this super-rich ice cream is more filling than you might think, even though the scoops are small. Second, there is no seating inside Ample Hills so your ice cream is left to defend against the — quite often very warm — elements. Our mini scoops were melting quickly, which probably wouldn’t have been as big a deal if we had just purchased one to enjoy at a time. If you want more, you can always go back. And speaking of going back in, we did exactly that to try two of the Hard Floats (just for adults) that are in line with a trend we’ve seen all over Disney World lately… and restaurants everywhere, come to think of it. We chose the Hard Black Cherry Float and the Lemon Sky Prosecco, with the third choice being a Hard Root Beer Float. Lemon Sky Prosecco and Hard Black Cherry Float The Hard Black Cherry Float is made with Dark Chocolate Ice Cream and McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider. I really like McKenzie’s Seasonal Reserve Hard Cider for the fall, but I’d never had the Black Cherry. Now, having tried it in the float, I can see where on its own it would be a great drink, but combining it with the rich Dark Chocolate ice cream gave it a real wow factor with the blend of the two tasting like a chocolate-covered cherry cordial. Hard Black Cherry Float I was surprised at how close the flavor resemblance was, due to the intensity of chocolate and the more authentic taste of the Black Cherry Cider as opposed to a syrupy-sweet cherry flavor. And for a price breakdown, for $10.00 you’re getting the scoops of Dark Chocolate Ice Cream (a small cup of the same runs $5.79), plus a pretty good amount of the McKenzie’s. Finally, the Lemon Sky Prosecco (also $10.00) is a flight-sized mini scoop of Lemon Sky topping a glass of Prosecco. Lemon Sky Prosecco It’s sweet and refreshing, with a nice tart hint from the sorbet. And it always feels like a fun indulgence to be sipping from a champagne flute… even if it’s plastic . Lemon Sky Prosecco While very pleasant, it ultimately wasn’t as memorable as the Hard Black Cherry Float, and it has a lot less ice cream. And if you’re here, I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re going to want a fair bit of that ice cream! It’s starting to seem like whether you go for a Flight, a Float, a cup, or one of those unique house-made cones, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with a trip to Ample Hills Creamery! Oh, and if you want to see a little more of this spot, be sure to check out our DFB Video Review! Have you tried Ample Hills Creamery? If so, what are your thoughts? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Ice Cream Flights Now Available at Ample Hills Creamery on Disney’s Boardwalk First Look and Review! Ample Hills Creamery Soft Opens on Disney’s Boardwalk New DFB Video Review: Ample Hills Creamery in Disney World View the full article

Only seven days remain until Christmas, as our friends, The Seven Dwarfs, remind us in today’s Holiday Countdown. We’re sure they have the inside track on gifts for the holiday season, working in a mine “where a million diamonds shine” and all. View the full article

Hi from DFB! We hope you’re having a great weekend and that you’re staying warm! Brew yourself a cuppa tea or cocoa and get ready to check out this week’s Food Post Round-up! Red Velvet Cupcake Holidays Around the World is in full swing at Epcot and we recently had a chance to check out all the food! We have all the booth menus and food pictures for you! Speaking of holiday food, Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays is in full swing, featuring 14 food booths with themed menus! Check out all the menus here!! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Alcohol will be served at four Magic Kingdom table service restaurants beginning this week! We reviewed the Mickey Mousse and Snowball Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. Disney California Adventure expands the Lunar New Year celebration and adds three marketplace booths! Check out the 2016 Disney World Gingerbread Displays! Disney After Hours returns to the Magic Kingdom in early 2017 with free treats! Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Disneyland? Check out the special holiday menus! We checked out the treats at Goofy’s Candy Company in Disney Springs. Check out our newest YouTube video: A review of the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor at the Magic Kingdom. 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 menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! The Disneyland Candy Canes are legendary and you can only get them on certain days during the holiday season! DFB fan Monique was lucky enough to snag a couple of the hand-crafted candy canes recently! Aren’t they gorgeous?!? Just like this picture! Perfect shot, Monique!! Candy cane perfection! We love visiting the Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and one of the great items on the menu — aside from the drinks — is the Tiffins Bread Service! DFB reader Penny Stephens recently had a chance to enjoy this delicious appetizer. We love the Nomad Lounge! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 with code CANDYCANE! We’re celebrating the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2106! We’ve been busy updating all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 380 pages, 350 full-color photos, and an informative FAQ section. Save 20% off the cover price! Just use code CANDYCANE at checkout! The guide includes: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting! A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2016″ events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, and Epcot’s Holidays Around the World. A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants. NEW! Holiday cooking tips and recipes straight from Walt Disney World chefs Updated chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations. Updated chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season. A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season. Scavenger Hunts for every theme park Disney Cruise Line Chapter A Preview of the 2017 Holidays in Disney World Expanded Epcot Holidays Around the World section Expanded Disney Springs holiday offerings Expanded Disney’s Hollywood Studios holiday offerings New! Religious services chapter New! Hotel discounts chapter Expanded “tips” chapter Updated What’s New section Updated and Expanded Holiday Dining sections Updated holiday activities/events chapters New and updated crawls and touring strategies Updated Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event and dining information And more! Both veterans and those new to the Walt Disney World holidays will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample treats, enjoy a show, savor a holiday meal, or find the best activity for your family, The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 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 the grand launch with us by getting 20% off the purchase price for the e-Book TODAY! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found this fun Mike Wazowski Toast Cutter. WDW for Grownups enjoyed lunch at Mama Melrose’s at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for Red Mint Marshmallows from the Festival of Holidays. Disney Family shared a recipe for Mickey Mouse Peppermint Cookies. Merlot Mommy shared a recipe for ‘Moana’ Cupcakes. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 4, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 11, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 13, 2016 View the full article

This week, several experiences inspired by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story began at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the debut of the film’s AWR Troopers in a new scene in the “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show. Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was also updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, and more. And “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s joining our holiday “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park. For more details on all of the new additions, please check our original story. And along with this week’s holiday content, we kicked off a new daily series to help spread some cheer – our first-ever Christmas countdown. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog this week for more beautiful holiday art leading to Christmas day. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Lunar New Year Celebration Expands to 17 Days, Jan. 20 through Feb. 5, at Disney California Adventure Park – The biggest Lunar New Year Celebration yet at Disney California Adventure park is coming soon! Expanding to 17 days this year – Friday, Jan. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 5 – the festivities will feature delicious food, colorful live performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful decor, special limited-time merchandise, Disney characters in their Lunar New Year best and more. Disney Floral & Gifts December Design of the Month – Disney Floral & Gifts is happy to introduce signature bouquets from our Disney Designers! Our Disney Design of the Month program features a different Disney Designer each month, creating spectacular pieces using the season’s choicest flowers and freshest color palettes. Five Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit A Walt Disney World Resort Hotel During The Holidays – Some of the most impressive holiday sights and photo ops can be found at our many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Each resort is decorated in its own themed decor, from Christmas trees and garland, to wreaths and gingerbread creations. First Impressions of ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’ on the Disney Wonder – We captured some of those reactions when we debuted “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” aboard the Disney Wonder, and it came as no surprise that there were smiles all around. Check out this video to hear what guests loved most about this awesome production. Main Street Electrical Parade Makes a Splash at 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Disneyland Resort made its debut in the 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with our Main Street Electrical Parade-inspired boat. Appearing nightly during the Southern California holiday tradition through Dec. 18 in Newport Harbor, Calif., this specially decorated boat brings the magic of the parade to the water! Retail MagicBand 2 and MagicKeepers Coming to Walt Disney World Resort – My fellow author Tom Smith recently announced MagicBand 2 is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Today, I have a first look at new retail MagicBand 2 items and accessories arriving soon to select Disney merchandise locations in Florida. View the full article

Last month we shared the exciting news that Wine Bar George was confirmed for Disney Springs, and a while back a groundbreaking was held for the new wine bar. Artist rendering of Wine Bar George ©Disney Wine Bar George will be headed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes — one of only 230 Master Sommeliers in the world — and will be located across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and next to Raglan Road’s Hole in the Wall. The 210-seat wine bar will be built to resemble a winemaker’s home estate, and the featured wines will represent established wineries as well as “up-and-coming growing regions and wineries.” Wine Bar George will also serve small plates, with 7-12 items on the menu. At Wednesday’s groundbreaking the Master Sommelier even took part in the inaugural champagne sabering! Inaugural champagne sabering In addition to enjoying wines and small plates, guests at Wine Bar George can also expect special events featuring visits from renowned winemakers. Wine Bar George is slated to open in the fall of 2017. Are you looking forward to Wine Bar George? Let us know in the comments. 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Confirmed: Wine Bar George by George Miliotes Coming to Disney Springs in Fall 2017 News: Wine Bar Reportedly Coming to Disney Springs News! 2nd Annual Field to Feast Dinner to be Held on March 14, 2015 View the full article

Rare Lion-Tailed Macaques Join Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Guests at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort — a Disney Vacation Club destination in Vero Beach, Florida — have some new dining experiences to look forward to on their next trip! Disney’s Vero Beach Resort sign These include a new restaurant, market, and bar, with updated menus to match. The Wind & Waves Grill allows guests to dine in a casual beach atmosphere at this Table Service restaurant featuring an onstage grill and brick oven. But the real focus is on local cuisine, with an emphasis on Florida seafood and locally-sourced produce. ©Disney The result includes dishes like brick-oven-roasted Florida Clams in local IPA broth with fennel and garlic, an oak-grilled Grouper dish, and a signature Shrimp with Cheese Grits. ©Disney The wood-burning oven will produce a variety of Flatbreads with Cheeseburger, Barbecued Chicken, and BLT among the choices. ©Disney “Interactive desserts” will be available specifically for the kiddos. And on Saturdays, the spot will feature Goofy’s Beachside Character Breakfast from 7:30 – 11:00 AM. The Wind & Waves Market offers Quick Service options along with grab-and-go selections throughout the day. Hot breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and specialty coffees are available for breakfast, while burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads make up the lunch and dinner choices. And for dessert (or an anytime snack) at the Market? Dole Whip! Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream Finally, the Wind & Waves Bar will feature a selection of cocktails and craft beers as well as light snacks for a poolside treat. Interested guests may book reservations for the Wind & Waves Grill by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Have you ever visited Vero Beach Resort? What are your favorite eats? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: The Green Cabin Room at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Guest Review: Shutters at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort News! A la Carte Menus at Pepper Market in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort View the full article

Some of the best photos we shared on the blog this week were snapped during our screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The event, which took place Thursday night, gathered together 400 Disney Parks Blog readers at AMC Disney Springs 24 to celebrate Star Wars and enjoy the new film. Our readers not only enjoyed the latest Star Wars film, but enjoyed special photo opps in the lobby, received T-shirts and a few got to show off their own Star Wars-inspired outfits. Check out the Disney Parks Blog on Monday for a full recap of the event. View the full article

This holiday season, guests at Disney California Adventure park have fallen in love with our all-new, nighttime water spectacular, “World of Color – Season of Light.” The Creative Entertainment team worked on the show for months, including several weeks of overnight programming sessions to get everything just right. In this behind-the-scenes video, Steven Davison, Executive, Parades & Spectaculars, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, gives us a glimpse at some of the efforts that went into creating what we hope will become a new holiday tradition at the park. “World of Color – Season of Light” is now showing nightly through January 8, as part of Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

Holidays at Downtown Disney District in the Disneyland Resort mean even more opportunities for all ages to play, shop, dine and enjoy live entertainment. And a Downtown Disney District live entertainment holiday tradition returns at noon tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 16, with the annual Tuba Christmas concert. Hundreds of musicians from the greater Southern California area will gather in the Downtown Disney District entry plaza to perform their own unique versions of favorite holiday melodies and to Wish You a Merry Christmas. View the full article

The Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, a plaza across the street from Walt Disney World that's a popular destination for tourists, could some day be no more. The Florida Department of Transportation plans to eventually reconfigure an Interstate 4 interchange at State Road 535 with a design that would... View the full article

First Impressions of "Frozen, A Musical Spectacular" | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

If you are anything like me, the holidays have snuck up on you. The countdown to Christmas is almost in single digits and I’m not ready! There’s still so much shopping, wrapping, and baking to do. We are not alone. Santa Mickey and his pals are also busy preparing. Designer, Jeff Maurer, gives us a window into Santa Mickey’s activities as he gets ready for the big day. Take a close look at this “storygraphic”…it sparkles! Hoping you enjoy the holidays! View the full article

With the arrival of the Winter Solstice next week, our days will again start to stretch with sunshine. And while that means the promise of more Mickey bars, sunscreen and shorts for most of us, it also means a burst of solar power. All those rays add up faster than you’d think – especially when you’ve been collecting them for nearly 40 years. We first installed solar panels back in 1978, making Disneyland Hotel’s Bonita Tower the first hotel building in the U.S. with a solar water heating system. The classic Universe of Energy was a natural fit for our second solar project in 1982, this time with 2,200 photovoltaic panels across two acres of rooftop. We even took our bright ideas to the most sun-soaked Disney property – Castaway Cay. To this day, Disney Cruise Line uses solar power to heat water for our crew on the island. Just last month, we also announced in a Disney Parks Blog post our newest completed project: 1,400 panels helping to rev up the engines at Disney California Adventure’s Radiator Springs Racers that can generate enough power for 100 Anaheim homes each year. But our biggest endeavor into the solar-powered game has even more character than the rest – to the tune of 48,000 panels in the shape of our very own Mickey Mouse. This five-megawatt solar farm, the result of a partnership with Duke Energy and Reedy Creek Improvement District, is hiding in plain sight near Epcot producing enough power equivalent to 1,000 residential rooftop systems. As part of our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will continue to find new ways to savor the sun and preserve nature for generations to come. Lucky for us, sunshine isn’t as rare as pixie dust. View the full article

So far this week we’ve celebrated the countdown of the 12 days until Christmas with: 12 Monorail cars, 11 Epcot Countries, 10 Dogs a Barking – and today we continue with Nine Villains Plotting. I spy Cruella De Vil, Dr. Facilier, Ursula, Mother Gothel and more. They’re sure to bring mischievous adventure into the holiday season. Which Disney Villain is your favorite? CLICK BELOW TO SEE PREVIOUS ‘COUNTDOWN’ POSTS Holiday Countdown: Ten Disney Dogs-A-Barking Holiday Countdown: Eleven Epcot Countries Holiday Countdown: Twelve Monorail Trains View the full article

My fellow author Tom Smith recently announced MagicBand 2 is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Today, I have a first look at new retail MagicBand 2 items and accessories arriving soon to select Disney merchandise locations in Florida. On December 16, we will a release a limited edition retail MagicBand 2 that celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the “it’s a small world” attraction. This classic Magic Kingdom Park attraction opened in 1971. Presented in a decorative box, the MagicBand 2 will have an edition size of 2,500. On December 19, we will introduce two retail MagicBand 2 designs for 2017. These designs incorporate the dated 2017 program artwork you will find on select merchandise items in the coming year. Finally, I’m excited to share a preview of new MagicKeepers for guests who prefer an alternative way to wear their MagicBand 2. MagicKeepers will include two Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse-themed lanyard clips and a carabiner. The images above show how MagicKeepers will be sold (without a removable icon) and how they appear with removable icons. The MagicKeeper accessories will be released at a future date, so keep watching the Disney Parks Blog for updates. View the full article

The holidays are here and I don’t know about your house, but the holiday baking is well underway in my home making all kinds of wintery treats. And speaking of winter treats, we recently stopped by the Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs to learn how to make one of their most adorable candy apples – Olaf! Here’s what you’ll need: one Granny Smith apple, one candy apple stick, melted caramel, melted white chocolate, a small amount of melted dark chocolate, two chocolate candies, orange sugar, and one funnel-shaped corn chip. Check out the video above for step-by-step directions from Confectioner Matt. For more DIY holiday treat ideas, check out the list below: Holiday How-To: Make Snowman Candy Apples Holiday How-To: Making Olaf Marshmallow Treats View the full article

So many tastes, so little time. But you have until Jan. 8 to try the new Festive Foods Marketplace Kiosks at Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park. Diverse tastes take guests around the globe – we counted 40 different small bites in 14 marketplaces, and that doesn’t include classic sweets treats like peppermint bark and walnut fudge. We took the challenge of choosing our Top 5: 1) The braised beef short rib with smashed potatoes and sauerbraten sauce at Heritage Cottage, a nod to the traditional German dish with a classic sauerbraten sauce – a little bit of zing to the rich gravy. 2) Asian flavors at Good Fortune’s Feast include a refreshing chilled papaya shrimp salad with crispy noodles and a chili-garlic vinaigrette to kick up the crunch. We paired it with the smoked duck & vegetable spring roll. 3) For true comfort food, stop at Abuelita’s Kitchen for the chicken cilantro tamale with roasted tomatillo salsa verde. Sip the pomegranate margarita for a perfect pairing of savory and sweet indulgence. 4) We had to pick a drink (so many cocktails, beers and wines to choose from), and ours is the holiday eggnog cocktail with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg at Mistletoe Morsels. ‘Tis the season! 5) And a favorite sweet? Has to be the praline & bourbon whoopie pie at Winter Sliderland. A close second: the frozen chocolate milk with whipped cream and sprinkles at Yuletide Yummies. Enjoy the holidays! View the full article

The cast of Disney’s upcoming “DuckTales” reboot has been announced. David Tennant, Danny Pudi, Ben Schwartz, Bobby Moynihan, Beck Bennett, Toks Olagundoye and Kate Micucci were assembled for a video reveal with the stars of the new series singing the fan-favorite “DuckTales” theme song. Tennant... View the full article

According to the Orlando Sentinel, four more Magic Kingdom restaurants will begin serving wine and beer starting December 23, 2016. Cinderella Castle Starting next week, guests dining at Tony’s Town Square, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Skipper Canteen, and Liberty Tree Tavern will be able to indulge while dining. Magic Kingdom made headlines in 2012 when Be Our Guest Restaurant, home to the Beast and continually one of Disney World’s toughest reservations to book, became the first location ever to serve alcohol in the park. Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant Why such a big deal? Walt Disney himself famously prohibited alcohol in his original park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California (which is still a dry park, save for the ultra-exclusive. members-only Club 33); and it was his wish to not serve alcohol in the Magic Kingdom, either. So many Disney traditionalists protest the addition of beer and wine to the menus in these parks. Cinderella’s Royal Table As was the case with Be Our Guest, Disney will introduce alcohol that suits the themed menus in the four no-longer-dry Magic Kingdom restaurants. Tony’s Town Square will offer Italian wines and beers to complement its Italian menu; Liberty Tree Tavern will showcase American products like New England lagers, ciders, and domestically-produced wines; Skipper Canteen sticks to its explorer-themed menu with wines and beers from around the world; and Cinderella’s Royal Table stays regal with champagne and sparkling wines. Jungle Skipper Canteen Sign According to Disney, beer and wine will be sold only in these table-service restaurants for lunch and dinner, and will not be sold at any pop-up or external locations in the parks. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about this unprecedented expansion of alcohol options in the Magic Kingdom. 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen Now Accepting Full Advance Dining Reservations Our Favorite Magic Kingdom Restaurants News: Same-Day Dining Reservations for Skipper Canteen in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

A new Star Wars Guided Tour, perfect for the ultimate Star Wars fan, is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting January 2. And reservations open now! This brand-new, seven-hour tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” guide and will include: reserved viewing for “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,”; a journey on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (for guests age 4-12); a guided exploration and character greetings at Star Wars Launch Bay; dinner at a quick-service restaurant featuring Star Wars-themed items; the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; fireworks viewing and more. The tour costs $129 per person (tax & gratuity included), Tours will be offered Mondays and Saturdays. Reserve your spot by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Star Wars Guided Tour is another magical addition to our Enchanting Extras Collection at Walt Disney World Resort. You can learn more by visiting this link. View the full article

Just as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story officially opens in theaters today, several exciting offerings inspired by this new film will also debut to the delight of guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today! First, AWR Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a new scene in the park’s existing “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show. AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor, and serve as the bodyguards and enforcers of Director Krennic of the AWR division of the Empire. The park’s Star Wars Launch Bay was also updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-wing gunship and more. Making-of footage has also been added to the the behind-the-scenes film in Launch Bay Theater. Guests visiting Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disneyland park in California on December 16 and until supplies last only may receive a complimentary Rogue One: A Star Wars Story button. Starting tonight, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to the park. (The show will join the nightly holiday “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park now through December 31). Please check the park entertainment schedule for showtimes during your visit for more information on any of these offerings. View the full article

Four more restaurants at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will begin serving wine and beer Dec. 23. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner. They will join... View the full article

Four more restaurants at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will begin serving wine and beer Dec. 19. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen and Cinderella’s Royal Table will serve the beverages daily during lunch and dinner. They will join... View the full article

We are stopping into Amorette’s Patisserie today to see what’s new! Learn About: Amorette's Patisserie Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants The high-end pastry shop has showcased classy pastries from the beginning. Combining classic flavors with new and creating some of the most beautiful sugary confections we’ve ever seen, Amorette’s has been an interesting addition to Disney Springs. Why “interesting?” Well, the DFB team is split on whether or not we love this place. Some of us think it’s great; others aren’t impressed. While the eats are extraordinarily beautiful, I, personally, am not necessarily sure that they’re worth the extraordinarily high price tag. But on a recent visit we simply had to try out the brand new — and gorgeous — Mickey mousse, introduced in honor of Mickey Mouse’s birthday, and the holiday Snowball. Mickey Mousse and a Snowball When Mickey Mouse celebrated his most recent birthday, some pretty awesome treats debuted in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. But this Petit Mickey Domed Cake at Amorette’s was a showstopper. Originally the cake was reported to feature Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Milk Chocolate Mousse, and Orange Blossom Pâte de Fruit. Mini Mickey Dome Cake ©Disney I was a bit afraid that the sweet little treat would disappear soon, since it was a special offering for Mickey’s special day. But the cast members told us that the cake is here to stay! Oh — and since we first told you about it, the cake has received an updated name, and a slightly simpler ingredient. Behold: The Mickey Mousse. Pretty much the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, yes? Mickey Mousse Inside, we found a slightly different ingredient line up: Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Dark Chocolate Mousse, and White Chocolate Mousse. There was no Pate de Fruit in sight. But since I’m not a huge fan, I’m totally fine with that. We really enjoyed the two different mousses. The consistency was nice and creamy, and the flavors of the chocolate came through nicely in contrast to one another. Mickey Mousse — Cross Section This one’s a winner, and even I think it’s worth your while (and your wallet). We also couldn’t pass up the chance to try the Snowball. It’s one of the seasonal offerings you’ll find at Amorette’s right now, in addition to a Christmas Ornament Dome Cake and the seasonal Petit Cake. (We’ll be showing you pics of those selections soon, when Wendy shares her “What’s New” December post.) This one proved irresistible though, when I found out the filling was Red Velvet Cake and Cream Cheese Mousse! Snowball And that’s just what we found when we cut into it. While it doesn’t look all that interesting, again, the flavors were lovely and delicate, and we really enjoyed this fun twist on one of my favorite cake combos. Snowball — Cross Section I do have to say, however — we had a little trouble distinguishing much of a flavor difference between the White Chocolate Mousse in the Mickey Mousse and the the Cream Cheese Mousse in the Snowball. I’d like to have tasted a little more of that characteristic cream cheese tang. Still, we enjoyed both. The treats will set you back $8 a piece, the same as Amorette’s other poetically-named specialty desserts, like 49th and Broadway (NY Cheesecake) or Viennese Waltz (a Sacher Torte). And while there are other great dessert options in Disney Springs, if you’re looking for a classy, high-end option, I’d say these are good choices. Amorette’s Announcements… Now, for a little housekeeping when it comes to Amorette’s. When we visited last month, we were surprised to see that the spot wasn’t opening until 3:00PM. That may not be the case every day, but we wanted to let you know about it, just as a heads up. Also, the menu has undergone some changes. Recently, we told you about the move at Amorette’s relatively nearby neighbor, AristoCrepes, to expand their menu in some ways, and contract it in others. Signs point to the possibility of AristoCrepes closing after the holidays, but we’ll just have to wait and see. What does this have to do with Amorette’s? Well, in addition to the patisserie’s whimsical pastry creations, the kitchen is also cranking out a few crepes now as well. Crepe Menu Find a couple of hearty savory option here, like the Caprese and Ham & Cheese Crepes. Of course, there’s a sweet version offered as well, and a combo of Banana, Nutella, and Salted Caramel fit the treat bill nicely. Now, let’s hear from you! Will you be making a stop into Amorette’s this holiday season? Tell us which treat you look forward to trying the most! 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Fall Petit Cake and Mickey Pumpkin Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs Review: Parfait aux Fruits and Duo Mousse Cake at Epcot’s Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie First Look and Review: Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs View the full article