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We’re headed in to the “soft opening” of the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival today, and we’re gathering some v. cool news that we want to share with our readers! Stay tuned the rest of this week for fun news and live updates as well as updated food pictures from the World Showcase Marketplace Booths! And speaking of those Booths, there are a few updates that we have to share with you that are NEW for 2014. Let’s start with beer… Craft Beer “Booth” Moves Into Odyssey CenterRemember, like, two years ago when Disney said they were going to do a “lounge” in the Odyssey Center during the Food and Wine Festival…and it never happened? Well, this may be the year! The Odyssey Center is typically only open for private events, but we’ve seen it used as an event space during past Festivals. This year, they’ve moved the entire Craft Beer booth into the massive space! Craft Beer Sign We’ll have more details (and inside photos) for you soon, but in the meantime, plan to stop at this “booth” for a little A/C and some brew before continuing on your way around the “World!” More signage Odyssey In case you’re new to Epcot, you’ll find this location between Future World and the Mexico Pavilion. (You can see Test Track and Mexico in the background in this photo.) Odyssey Center In addition to a new locale, the booth adds food this year as well! Check out the new menu here. Updated Puerto Rico and Brazil Marketplace BoothsThe Puerto Rico booth has a new design — it’s two stories tall! In fact, it has a whole new “area” to call its own! Here’s the entrance arch. 2014 Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth Everything was still behind scrims as of yesterday, but here’s a glimpse at the new booth! 2014 Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth The new structure is in the middle of an immersive space (similar to the beer garden area in Germany) showcasing tropical plants. Puerto Rico Expansion And for those of you who have experience with the old Belgium “beer garden” area from past festivals, that spot is now home to a hip and happening Brazil booth — complete with seating area. (Belgium is still here for this year’s festival, it’s just been moved to a “downgraded” spot.) More to come! Stay tuned to our updated 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Coverage for even more news and details! Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We are always working to bring you all of the latest and most important 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 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items 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! 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 Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the 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: More Menu Updates for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto RicoNews! Patagonia Booth Debuts, and More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details! View the full article

Ciao! I recently came back from an unforgettable journey through the Old World country of Italy with Adventures by Disney. Throughout my nine-day, eight-night stay in “the boot” of Europe, I was completely immersed in the rich traditions, flavors and landscapes of the region as I traveled from Rome to Tuscany and Florence and lastly to Venice. We spent the first few days exploring Rome’s glorious past and some of the amazing landmarks that have made Rome the birthplace of modern civilization. I was in a foodie’s paradise with the outstanding restaurants within walking distance from our hotel. Pizza lovers like me can never go wrong with a slice from ReCafé! We were even within walking distance of the Vatican! Our time in Rome afforded us quite a few special experiences. Most spectacular of all was our private, after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. Led by our Adventure Guides Landon and Marco, along with local expert Stefano, this private experience allowed our group of travelers to have these popular Vatican City locales all to ourselves to explore and admire. With Adventures by Disney there was no waiting in line or crowding to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece! We also enjoyed a special, VIP experience at the Colosseum. Here we even got access to the 3rd—and highest—level, which is reserved exclusively for groups such as ours. While we savored breathtaking views of the Eternal City, Junior Adventurers had their own interactive tour of the Colosseum that provided insight on life in ancient Rome. Our tour of Rome included many other special features, such as private access to St. Peter’s Basilica and a private tour of Castel Sant’Angelo. We also explored the Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and, of course, the legendary Trevi Fountain. Of course I couldn’t help but throw my own coin into the fountain in the hopes this tradition will ensure I’ll visit Rome once again. All that touring definitely made me hungry, so stay tuned to my next post, which takes my Adventures by Disney group to Tuscany to learn the art of pasta making and taste some of the finest wines in the region. Buon appetito! Private Experiences in Rome with Adventures By Disney by Mark Sadowski: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tech startup companies are popping up regularly in Orlando these days, but there’s still a feeling among some entrepreneurs that the broader business community isn’t as involved. View the full article

This past July, I shared a fun video about D-Tech on Demand, one of my favorite boutiques at the newly opened Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. This location combines rapid printing technology with great artwork to create personalized electronic accessories for guests. Today, I have great news for guests who want to add a splash of Disney to the latest technology. Beginning September 20, D-Tech on Demand will offer cases for the recently announced iPhone 6. D-Tech on Demand now offers more than 170 different art styles for select phones. The image at the top of this story shows three iPhone 6 cases with some of my favorite new artwork. In addition to the iPhone 6, guests can design and personalize cases for other phones including iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 5C, Samsung Galaxy SIII and Samsung Galaxy S4. Coming in October, the D-Tech on Demand team will offer select iPhone 6 cases in additional Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort merchandise locations. These cases will not be offered on our Disney Parks online store at this time. Guests should also look for iPhone 6+ cases coming to D-Tech on Demand in the Marketplace Co-Op later this fall. I would love to see which case you select. Use #DisneySide if you share an image of your phone case on a social network like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Cases for iPhone 6 Coming to D-Tech on Demand at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace on September 20 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Scare zones will be back on the streets of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights tonight after a two-year absence. View the full article

Here are some suggestions of where to celebrate National Cheeseburger Day in Central Florida. View the full article

“Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go!” That song brings up such great memories from my childhood favorite, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” We’ve been busy working on top-secret enhancements to the Disney PhotoPass Service and the Memory Maker product, and we’re excited to announce a new “gem” today. What would you say if I told you that you could take home a special gem that would have you reliving all the fun and excitement of your moments aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction … your race through the diamond mine as you whisked across the rolling stone bridges, through diamond pass and into the forest to the Dwarfs’ cottage? Just released today, we are excited to add a photo and video memento at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Now, when you ride the attraction with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement you will have your photo and video automatically associated to your My Disney Experience account. You’ll also be able to view, download and share the photo and video of your Family & Friends Connections and Managed Guests who also experienced Seven Dwarfs Mine Train while wearing a MagicBand. So, hop aboard Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with fellow miners and begin collecting your magical memories with your MagicBand and Memory Maker. Photos, Videos Capture Your Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride at Walt Disney World Resort by Kelly Glassburn: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We have been busy working on top-secret enhancements to the Disney PhotoPass Service and the Memory Maker product, and we're excited to announce a new “gem” today, your own Photos and...From:Disney ParksViews:30135ratingsTime:00:42More inTravel & Events

Tomorrow officially kicks off the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We’ve been walking the park and catching glimpses of all of the preparations, and I can’t wait! So what better way to celebrate the longest Epcot Food and Wine Festival ever than to offer you an extra-special deal on The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! If you don’t have your copy yet, NOW’S the time! With over 220 pages and tons of special features, it includes everything you need to prepare for this year’s event. And to kick of the Festival the right way, we have a deep discount option for DFB readers. You can get the new mini-guide for $4 off the regular price for a limited time — just use code OpeningDay at the check-out! You can also apply the savings to the DFB Food & Wine Bundle. Enter code OpeningDay at the check-out, and enjoy $4 off the price of two of our most popular books — The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book and the The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014! 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, 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 opening of the Festival, there’s no better time than the present to get your copy. Our exclusive daily schedule of events is the most efficient way to plan your Festival strategy. 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 check out! 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! 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 plan a rewarding Food & Wine Festival tour, or your money back. We all know how valuable your your vacation time and dollars are. 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 money. 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 tablet! So enjoy our special offer of $4 off the purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $10.95 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code OpeningDay at 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 deeply 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! And remember — use code OpeningDay at checkout to receive $4 off the already-discounted bundle price! 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! 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: Countdown to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival: Opening Week Sale!News! Epcot Food and Wine Festival Adds an Extra Week in 2014!Disney Food Pics of the Week: Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Survey shows Hispanics pessimistic about economy Survey shows Hispanics pessimistic about economy View the full article

You never know what you will encounter while on safari. See what Paul and Kezia discover on their first safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Experience Animal Kingdom for...From:Disney ParksViews:118340ratingsTime:01:47More inTravel & Events

Fall is one of my favorite times of year at the Disneyland Resort. The warm, sunny Southern California summer has given way to the slightly cooler but still just as sunny Southern California fall. And with Halloween Time, through October 31, and Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, from November 13 through January 6, added to the mix it’s the perfect time of year to plan a weekday getaway! Beginning today, you can save 20 percent on premium rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel for stays on select Sunday through Thursday nights, from October 26-December 18. To take advantage of this offer, book travel through November 19. So plan your fall getaway now! Click here to book. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for select Sunday through Thursday nights between 10/26/14 – 12/18/14. Book from 9/17/14 through 11/19/14, with travel completed by 12/19/14. Blockout dates of 10/31/14, 11/1/14, 11/7/14, 11/8/14, 11/13/14 through 11/16/14 and 11/21/14 through 12/13/14 apply. 20% savings available on Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Paradise, Artisan and Regal suites. Ask about savings in other room types. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. Plan Your Fall Getaway with New Disneyland Resort Hotel Offer by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

See how Alyssa gets dressed up & lives out her own fairytale at the Magic Kingdom inside Walt Disney World Resort. Bring your little prince or princess to Disney World: http://di.sn/ft0 SUBSCRIBE:...From:Disney ParksViews:30198ratingsTime:01:02More inTravel & Events

Today, we’re excited to bring you some news from China. On Saturday, Shanghai Disney Resort made its first appearance in the Annual Shanghai Tourism Festival parade. The colorful float, called “Happy Dream,” featured Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and many other popular Disney characters. And Disney dancers added to the fun by performing a Mandarin Chinese version of Disney’s classic “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” from “Cinderella.” “Our performance at this year’s Shanghai Tourism Festival is the result of an international collaboration between Disney experts and talented Chinese artists. We are excited to demonstrate our commitment to bringing the best of Disney experiences to the people of China, even before we officially open Shanghai Disney Resort,” said Laurie Jordan, Vice President, Shanghai Disney Resort Entertainment. “We are thrilled to support the Shanghai Tourism Festival for the first time and to help promote the city as an international tourism destination.” Shanghai Disney Resort Debuts ‘Happy Dream’ Float at Festival by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Marc Davis’ Disney career goes all the way back to “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” He animated Alice, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, Maleficent and Cruella DeVil. He designed characters for Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and the fondly remembered America Sings attractions. He was an accomplished painter and a caring, unforgettable teacher. Marc dreamed up enough major works to fill several lifetimes. Yet he was definitely not one of those “look at me, I’m so great, blah, blah, blah” kind of people. He was devoted to his wife, Alice (also a Disney Legend who was also a major contributor to Disney history as costume designer for many attractions), dedicated to Disney art and imagination, and, across the board, remembered as a genial, unassuming fellow. His admirers include some of the most accomplished individuals in the art and entertainment industry, who along with many of us, were waiting a long time for such a magnificent book as “Marc Davis: Walt Disney’s Renaissance Man” to come along. This book is their opportunity to reminisce about Marc for us, and our opportunity to look for hours at each and every vivid image in this new book—many of which seem to jump off the page. Imagineering and Disney Legend Marty Sklar expresses his awe at Marc’s work for Disney Parks. Peter Docter, Oscar-winning director of Disney•Pixar’s “Up” and “Monsters, Inc.” presents an extensive portfolio of Marc’s concept art and pencil drawings. “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King” producer Don Hahn elaborates on Marc’s fine art. Veteran Disney animator and historian Andreas Deja takes us on a tour of Marc’s animal studies. Glen Keane, acclaimed animator of Ariel, the Beast, Tarzan, Rapunzel, Aladdin and others, guides us through Marc’s vast collection of sketchbooks. And there’s so much more. Walt Disney Family Museum Creative Consultant and historian Paula Sigman-Lowery explains Marc’s fascination with the art and people of New Guinea. Author/filmmaker Mindy Johnson helps us get acquainted with the wondrous Alice Davis. Renowned animation historian and critic Charles Solomon presents a look at the unproduced animated feature, Chanticleer. Award-winning animation director Bob Kurtz recalls Marc’s skill as a teacher. There are even selections from Marc’s unpublished book on how humans and animals move (Parents’ alert: some tasteful nudes in this section.) You can find “Marc Davis: Walt Disney’s Renaissance Man” at select Disney Parks shops now (even though it will not be available to the general public until October 7). Call Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477) to locate it at either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort. Sights and Sounds of Disney Parks: Celebrating One of Walt’s Major Magic Makers by Greg Ehrbar: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A former print journalist, Michelle Ertel is a Republican analyst and News 13 personality who lives in Geneva and isn't afraid to show off her shooting skills. View the full article

Welcoming Guests ages 3 to 12, Aunty's Beach House at Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa is a kids club where younger Guests explore Hawaiian culture, art and music: http://di.sn/fst SUBSCRIBE:...From:Disney ParksViews:133929ratingsTime:00:47More inTravel & Events

I bet we caught you by surprise with the title of this post ;). Learn About: Katsura GrillEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsAfter all, here at the DFB we’re known for our love of all things fried, frosted, or otherwise fixed up in the name of vacation indulgence! It’s not that we’re opposed to veggies, believe it or not. (I love ‘em!) It’s just that in the Vacation Kingdom that is Disney World, we enjoy showing you all sorts of decadent vacation treats you might not typically encounter. But sometimes maybe you just feel the need to switch things up for whatever reason… to counteract overindulgence, or just fulfill a sudden craving for more simple, natural foods.  For such times, I’d like to introduce you to one of my (surprisingly, I know!) favorite finds in Epcot: Steamed Vegetables and Rice at the Japan Pavilion’s Katsura Grill. Katsura Grill Now, the Steamed Vegetables and Rice aren’t sold as a combo – they are each items that are ordered separately. You’ll find them under the Side options on the menu. Katsura Grill Menu Therefore, each item is served in its own bowl as well. Steamed Vegetables and Rice The Steamed Vegetables are exactly that – solely steamed veggies. You won’t find any sauce or added seasonings here. What you will find is a simple and colorful blend of steamed vegetables including carrots (orange and yellow), broccoli, zucchini, and sugar snap peas (the only way I can ever deal with peas). I’ve never had an over-steamed, mushy batch. Mine have always been nicely prepared. Steamed Vegetables Steamed Vegetables I don’t always get the white sticky rice, but it’s a great addition if you’re looking for something a little more filling. Side of Rice Together, I think both items make a nice, light lunch. And coming in at $4.50 ($2.50 for the veggies, $2.00 for the rice), that’s not too bad for a small meal! So, there you have it… a post about Steamed Vegetables from your friends here at the Disney Food Blog. Never thought you’d see the day, did you ? Yeah, we’re not all bad. Want Even More Epcot Snack Details?Let’s face it: snacks are a big deal during your Disney vacation. And we’ve got all the info you need to get the biggest bang for your buck! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition helps you to make the most out of your trip. Our fully guaranteed, convenient e-Book format is available for instant download and use on any mobile device, so you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately! Inside the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book you’ll find full-color photos and reviews of over 250 of our favorite Epcot snacks, pricing and dining plan info, bonus items, and more! And for a limited time only, we’re thanking you for supporting this blog by offering the Guide for a $3 discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at check-out. And all of our DFB Guides come with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! Would you try Steamed Vegetables and Rice on vacation? 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: Review: Green Tea Cheesecake at Katsura Grill in Epcot’s Japan PavilionKatsura Grill, Rogue Food & Wine Booths, and More Changes in Epcot’s Japan PavilionReview: Katsura Grill View the full article

There’s nothing better than strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park during the fall with a piping hot mug of hot chocolate, especially if you can bring the magic home in a souvenir mug. I love being able to enjoy my morning coffee in a favorite keepsake. Recently, I got a sneak peek at some of the spooky souvenir novelty items coming to Disneyland Resort. One of my fall traditions is to watch classic Walt Disney cartoons like “The Haunted House,” “The Skeleton Dance” and “The Mad Doctor.” I was excited to learn that the design for this year’s Halloween mug and popcorn buckets, which are available throughout Disneyland Resort, feature artwork inspired by these shorts. And as a special treat, available at popcorn wagons throughout Disney California Adventure park, the Ghost Mickey souvenir bucket filled with hot, delicious popcorn is a great place to stash your candy – after you eat the popcorn, of course! Well, well … fans of the infamous Disney Villains can enjoy a refreshing drink from a Maleficent Dragon Sipper – it’s positively wicked. Thirsty for more? Keep an eye out for a Poison Apple Glow Cube coming soon to the Fantasyland Fruit Cart. Don’t worry, the Evil Queen hasn’t cast her spell on this one. Last month, fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Pam Brandon, shared the artwork for the Haunted Mansion 45th anniversary travel mug and popcorn bucket – and if you’re a fan of the Haunted Mansion like I am, you’ll be ghoulishly delighted to learn these items will be available through the run of Haunted Mansion Holiday. You’ll find a specialty popcorn bucket featuring Mickey as one of our favorite Grim Grinning Ghosts: the Hatbox Ghost. Boys and girls of every age, wouldn’t you like to see something strange? The Pumpkin King has a few tricks up his sleeve this Halloween. Look for a Zero popcorn bucket or add a Jack Skellington glow cube into one of your favorite New Orleans Square drinks. Several Disney Parks Blog readers asked what special sweets would be coming to Disneyland Resort, so here’s something to soothe your nightmare—a Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Mousse Coffin Cake featuring Sally. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more Halloween Time treats. Which souvenir item are you excited to take home? Halloween Time Novelty Items to Materialize at Disneyland Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off this week! Get ready for 53 days of food and fun, starting this Friday, September 19! We know that you are just as excited as we are! But it’s a pretty big undertaking. With Special Events, Low Cost Demonstrations and Seminars, and of course, International Marketplace Booths, it can quickly become overwhelming. Today, we thought we’d lend a hand by giving you a few of our tried-and-true Top Tips from our DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book. We’ll help you make this the best Epcot Food and Wine Festival yet! 1. Plan AheadIf you don’t read or heed any other tip in this post, pay attention to this one: it pays to plan ahead when mapping out your visit to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. It’s a good idea to check out all of the Marketplaces and their Menus before you ever set foot inside of Epcot. After all, the portions may be appetizer-sized, but visits to just a couple of spots could mean you’re stuffed before you’re finished exploring! Will the Mushroom Filet at the Canada Marketplace Be Part of Your Plan? If you have an idea about what’s offered at the kiosks and how much things cost, then you’ll be better equipped to make decisions and stick to a budget. Be sure to keep an eye on DFB’s 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival main page for links to booths, menus, prices, and more. Disney also gives you some great tools to plan ahead. This year, they’ve published ahead of time a full listing of gluten-free items. We also expect that vegetarian dishes will be marked on the menus. And don’t forget to pick up a Festival Passport at the Festival Center! It’s a fun way to keep track of the dishes you’ve tried! Collect Those Awesome Stamps in Your Food & Wine Festival Passport! Worried about your budget? You may want to pick up a Food and Wine Festival Gift Card and have it pre-loaded for convenience. Food and Wine Festival Gift Card Not only is this a quick way to pay at the booths, but it also makes easy work of tracking how much you’ve spent. 2. Know How to Beat the CrowdsThere’s a reason that the festival is celebrating its 19th year — it’s kind of a big deal! So don’t be surprised when you encounter larger crowds than you might expect during the Fall at Disney World. But there are ways to deal with the crowds. First, know that the weekends are prime time to stroll the promenade. Not only are out of town guests checking out the festival, but lots of locals plan day visits or event overnight stays on the weekends as well. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, plan to hit your favorite Marketplace stops during weekdays, and earlier in the day if possible. Crowds swell in the evening as Eat to the Beat Concerts get underway. Plan to Hit the Booths When They Open to Avoid Lines Chase Cardmembers also have another option for taking a break from touring: the Chase Lounge. Chase Lounge in the America Pavilion An exclusive perk for Chase credit and debit members, the lounge (located upstairs in the American Adventure pavilion) offers guests a place to grab a drink, recharge their phones, and enjoy some air conditioning! 3. Be AdventurousLooking to expand your palate? The festival is a great place to work on that goal. With more than 25 kiosks offering authentic flavors from around the globe, you’re sure to run into something new! Be sure to take advantage of this easy way to try new things. You may just find a favorite dish! Try the Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce And while you’re at it, why not get the kiddos in on the fun?? We all know that getting kids to try new things isn’t always the easiest thing to do. But can you think of any place better to attempt the feat than at a Disney park (it’s Mickey-approved, after all)? Getting them involved in the selection process just may pique their interest. And appetizer portions are the perfect size for smaller appetites. 4. Take Advantage of Low Cost Demonstrations and SeminarsExperiencing all of the great food and drink at the festival is awesome, but it’s Epcot, and you’ve got to make room for learning. And that’s why the Low Cost Demonstrations and Seminars are such a fun aspect of this event. Mixology Seminar at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival For $15 per person, you can choose from culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, or mixology seminars. The events offer up-close learning, as experts in each field talk you through through making a dish, tasting wine, or crafting cocktails with quality ingredients. Cat Cora’s Dish From a Culinary Demonstration And best of all — you get to taste the final product! It’s a fun way to learn, and with the cost of premium events continuing to climb, it’s a fairly inexpensive way to enhance your festival experience. 5. Use Those Snack Credits Wisely!But we’ve saved the best tip for last! If you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, remember that many of the Marketplace food menu items are available for a snack credit. So while it may be tempting to snag that krispie treat or Mickey Bar to tide you over between meals, we LOVE to hoard our snack credits this time of year to Dine Our Way Around the World! Enjoy Dishes Like the Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise at the Hawai’i Booth — for a Snack Credit! Where else can you get lobster or steak for a snack credit? Want Even More Great Tips For Making the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Your Best Trip Ever?The Epcot Food and Wine Festival is a big deal! And with so much to do, see, experience, and EAT, it can be a little overwhelming. And that’s why we’ve written the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book. Our guides has everything to help you enjoy your time at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival to the fullest! Inside, you’ll find: Full pages dedicated to every single Marketplace Booth, including menus and photosA daily schedule of events detailing every single thing happening at the Festival on your visitA full listing of Low Cost Seminars and DemonstrationsA printable Booth Menu ChecklistTips for budgeting and saving at the Food and Wine FestivalFun suggestions for enhancing your Festival experience, like Food and Drink CrawlsPlus so much more! And to help you get started with your planning, we’re offering the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book at a savings. Use code CHEFS at check-out for a $3 discount! And now, we’d love to hear from you! Share your top tips for enjoying the Epcot Food and Wine Festival with us 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: Tips For Visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto Rico9 Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths View the full article

What’s better than Eating and Drinking Around the World? How about enjoying the sounds of some of your favorite musical acts from the 80s and 90s while you’re doing it? The Eat to the Beat Concert Series showcases great sounds from these decades as you enjoy the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival includes an awesome way to stay entertained while you’re planning for your trip! Just one of the great extras in the book is this fun list of hits from all of the featured performing acts. In addition to the playlist, the book features a full, day by day schedule of every event at the Festival; touring strategies so you don’t miss a thing no matter how long you’ll be at the Festival; full menus (with hundreds of food photos) for each Marketplace Booth; and more! Pick up your copy today using code CHEFS at the checkout for a discount! So, whether you’re training for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler — or just a marathon session of tasting your way around World Showcase, download this playlist to get the party started! 2014 Eat to the Beat Playlist 1. Bring on the Rain – iTunes – Amazon 2. Heads Carolina, Tails California – iTunes – Amazon 3. Burn – iTunes – Amazon 1. I’m So Excited — iTunes — Amazon 2. He’s So Shy – iTunes – Amazon 3. Jump (For My Love) – iTunes – Amazon 1. Easy – Amazon 2. Lady (You Bring Me Up) – Amazon 3. Nightshift – Amazon 1. Sailing – iTunes – Amazon 2. Ride Like the Wind – iTunes – Amazon 3. Best That You Can Do – iTunes – Amazon 1. MMMBop – iTunes – Amazon 2. Where’s the Love – iTunes – Amazon 3. I Will Come to You – iTunes – Amazon 1. All Out of Love – iTunes – Amazon 2. The One That You Love – iTunes – Amazon 3. Making Love Out of Nothing – iTunes – Amazon 1. We Built This City – iTunes – Amazon 2. Sara – iTunes – Amazon 3. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – iTunes – Amazon 1. Every Morning – iTunes — Amazon 2. Fly – iTunes – Amazon 3. When It’s Over – iTunes – Amazon 1. Shimmer – iTunes – Amazon 2. Hemorrhage (In my Hands) – iTunes – Amazon 3. Bad Day – iTunes – Amazon 1. All For You – iTunes – Amazon 2. Change Your Mind – iTunes – Amazon 3. Champagne High – iTunes – Amazon 1. Right Here Waiting – iTunes – Amazon 2. Hold On to the Nights – iTunes – Amazon 3. Don’t Mean Nothing – iTunes – Amazon 1. There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) – iTunes – Amazon 2. Loverboy – iTunes – Amazon 3. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going – iTunes – Amazon 1. Sister Christian – iTunes — Amazon 2. Don’t Tell Me You Love Me – iTunes — Amazon 3. When You Close Your Eyes – iTunes – Amazon 1. Walking On The Sun – iTunes – Amazon 2. All Star – iTunes – Amazon 3. I’m A Believer – iTunes – Amazon 1. Valentine – iTunes – Amazon 2. Beautiful – iTunes – Amazon 3. Simple Things – iTunes – Amazon 1. Heaven – iTunes – Amazon 2. More Than Love – iTunes – Amazon 3. Diamonds – iTunes – Amazon 1. Hold On – iTunes – Amazon 2. Release Me – iTunes – Amazon 3. You’re In Love – iTunes – Amazon 1. Come Sail Away – iTunes – Amazon 2. Babe – iTunes – Amazon 3. Lady – iTunes – Amazon 1. Hold On Loosely – iTunes – Amazon 2. Caught Up In You – iTunes – Amazon 3. Back Where You Belong – iTunes – Amazon 1. End of the Road – iTunes – Amazon 2. I’ll Make Love to You – iTunes – Amazon 3. Motownphilly – iTunes – Amazon 1. Time of My Life – iTunes – Amazon 2. Laying Me Low – iTunes – Amazon 3. Light On – iTunes – Amazon 1. You & Me & the Bottle Makes Three Tonight – iTunes – Amazon 2. I Wanna Be Like You – iTunes – Amazon 3. Go Daddy-O – iTunes – Amazon Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We are always working to bring you all of the latest and most important 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 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items 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! 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 Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. Who are you most looking forward to seeing in concert during the Eat to the Beat performances? Let us know below in 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 NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concerts AnnouncedNews! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert ScheduleNews! Discounts, Early Booking Dates, Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, and Sneak Peek at Menu Items From the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

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