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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

Mickey's Halloween Party | Disneyland Resort Enjoy Halloween thrills and chills at the most bewitching event of the year—Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort - select nights in September and October. Come join us for the party:...From:Disney ParksViews:13879116ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events View the full article

We've asked the talented Disneyland Resort Creative Entertainment team to show us their favorite parts of Jack Skellington's magical makeover of the Haunted Mansion! Have you been to the...From:Disney ParksViews:9365189ratingsTime:02:10More inTravel & Events

Escolha um pacote Magia à sua Maneira com plano de refeições Disney e aproveite as opções de restaurantes em todo o Walt Disney World Resort. Saiba mais sobre os benefícios especiais...From:Disney ParksViews:35611ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

Experience a bird's eye view of Walt Disney World Resort as you set out from Magic Kingdom park on a virtual tour of Disney's Contemporary Resort! http://di.sn/got SUBSCRIBE: http://di.sn/q7h...From:Disney ParksViews:267233ratingsTime:01:36More inTravel & Events

Today we’re celebrating Happy Hour (no matter what the time is when you read this) with a few cold sips at High Octane Refreshments at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Learn About: High Octane RefreshmentsDisney's Hollywood Studios Disney World RestaurantsThe name is a hint as to what’s on the menu, since just about everything is “fully loaded” at this little bar, tucked into the Streets of America section of the park. It’s a very close neighbor to Studio Catering Co. quick service in both location and vibe. So much so, in fact, that — at a glance — it appears to be little more than expanded seating for the location. But what High Octane offers that the Studio Catering food counter does not is a variety of specialty drinks served frozen and on the rocks, along with a full bar and an assortment of beer and wine to wet your whistle and offer a moment to refresh and refuel… in a “high octane” sense, of course . AtmosphereThe red and yellow color scheme over a large area of concrete that dominates Studio Catering Co. continues here, even down to the style of seating. High Octane Refreshments next to Studio Catering Co. High Octane Bar Seating at High Octane The only thing that really differentiates it is this small sign above the bar. High Octane sign And sometimes you’ll spot a propped up menu in the middle of the street to let you know what awaits you at this stop. High Octane Street Sign Bar and BeveragesHigh Octane’s menu features good ol’ standard bar drinks like Long Island Iced Tea, Pina Coladas, and Rum Runners. (We miss you, Stoplight Margarita!) So when it’s time to belly up ;), you likely won’t have a difficult time deciding if you’re already familiar with these basic bar beverages. High Octane Refreshments Menu High Octane Refreshments Menu I like the little seating area to the left of the bar that’s spotted with trees (it provides a wee bit of shade), so my friend and I carried our beverages there. Side area seating We decided to sample the Strawberry Daiquiri, Captain’s Mai Tai, and Blue Skyy Lemonade. The Strawberry Daiquiri (this blend of strawberry and Bacardi Rum is pre-mixed and poured from a machine, for those curious) is highly refreshing. Even with the presence of rum, it’s your typical daiquiri in that the fruity berry flavor is very much the focus. Strawberry Daiquiri Strawberry Daiquiri A little behind-the-scenes tale: I had to move this one quickly to a different location to get the shot, because the color is an exact match for the High Octane red tables. Strawberry Daiquiri on red table (See what I mean? ) Typically, I don’t order daiquiris, but in the heat of the day, this was just one of those simple, “hit the spot” things, and I was happy with how the slushy, icy consistency lasted the entire time my friend and I were enjoying it. Sweet drinks not so much your thing? You might be up for the Captain’s Mai Tai: dark and spiced rum mixed with amaretto and tropical fruit juices. Captain’s Mai Tai I didn’t pick up much from the juices, except for the burst from the pineapple wedge garnish. Captain’s Mai Tai with pineapple wedge The liquor was generously poured (to which I say, “Bravo!”), and it was easily the strongest drink of the three. Fans of sweet drinks may find it too bitter, but those who find daiquiris and the like not edgy enough for their palate will be more pleased. Finally, we sampled the Blue Skyy Lemonade, featuring Skyy Infusions Citrus Vodka, Blue Curacao, Sweet-and-Sour and Sprite. Blue Skyy Lemonade It’s somewhat difficult to see in the daytime light, but this one is a Disney glow drink (it comes with its own souvenir glow cube). Glow Cube inside Blue Skyy Lemonade I expected this one to be pretty much all sweet due to the Sprite – I just thought it might overwhelm almost everything else, depending on how the drink was poured. But I hadn’t accounted for the Sweet-and-Sour together with the Citrus vodka, which packed a really nice, tart punch and left sweet as the afterthought. OverallWhile all these beverages were good (with the Daiquiri being particularly tasty) and the relaxed vibe can be a welcome change, High Octane may not merit a special trip during your Hollywood Studios visit – especially considering the terrific atmosphere at both the Tune-In Lounge at 50’s Prime Time Cafe and the newer outdoor lounge at the Hollywood Brown Derby. The exception to this rule is the holiday season, when the High Octane menu typically gets a festive makeover, perfect for sipping while enjoying the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Still, it’s nice to know that when the mood strikes for something cold with a little kick, High Octane Refreshments may provide just the punch you seek! Is High Octane Refreshments a must-stop for you on your trip around Hollywood Studios? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: High Octane Refreshments at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosReview: Gingerbread Hot Cocoa and other Holiday Treats at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosHoliday Drinks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Horticulturists say you need three things to grow good plants: the right soil, the right water and the right sunlight. The first two can be controlled and enhanced. View the full article

A fire in a Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge storage room prompted the evacuation of a restaurant around 6:45 p.m. Monday, a fire official said. View the full article

Faced with a hefty budget gap, the City Council voted Monday evening to raise the property tax rate on Orlando homes and businesses by 17.7 percent. View the full article

 The U.S. military struck an Islamic State target southwest of Baghdad, U.S. Central Command said on Monday, in an expansion of the Obama administration's campaign against the militant group that has seized large swaths of Iraq and neighboring Syria. View the full article

So many people lined up Monday to share their opinions about a proposed apartment building in College Park that the Orlando City Council ran out of time to decide whether it should be approved. View the full article

Ocoee could become the second city in Central Florida to change its use of red-light cameras. View the full article

Last night, more than 180 Disney Parks Blog readers attended our Disney Side “Not-So-Scary” Soiree at Magic Kingdom Park, celebrating the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the debut of the Villain’s Sinister Soiree. GalleryDisney Side ‘Not-So-Scary’ Soiree at Magic Kingdom Park Recap view allThe evening kicked off with our guests enjoying the spirited fun of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, including the event’s special character meet and greets, and entertainment. We later met up for the 8:30 p.m. showing of the “Boo To You” parade and enjoyed VIP viewing of “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks. Later on in the night, our guests were among the first to experience the new Villain’s Sinister Soiree inside Cinderella’s Royal Table, which is a delicious dessert party hosted by Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters. During the party, our guests also enjoyed photo opportunities with Captain Hook, Dr. Facilier and Frollo. Be sure to check out our photo galleries and this video for more. Disney Side ‘Not-So-Scary’ Soiree at Magic Kingdom Park Recap by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

More than 180 Disney Parks Blog readers attended the Disney Side “Not-So-Scary” Soiree at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort, celebrating the return of Mickey's Not-So-Scary...From:Disney ParksViews:18423ratingsTime:02:03More inTravel & Events

Aproveite ainda mais as suas férias com as Horas Mágicas Extras! Cada dia um dos parques fica aberto por mais horas, para que os hóspedes de hotéis selecionados do Walt Disney World Resort...From:Disney ParksViews:506ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

When you head for Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, make a pit stop at Flo’s V8 Café to fill ‘er up. We’ve always been big fans of the Veggie-Tater Bake and any of Flo’s pies, but now there are new favorites vying for top spot on the menu. Fall-off-the-bone barbecued pork ribs, with house-made Coca-Cola barbecue sauce replace the pork loin, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of crisp slaw. Also new is a hearty sandwich with shaved roast beef and cheddar on a garlic-chive bun topped with sweet, caramelized onions and kicky horseradish aioli, slaw on the side. The turkey dip also debuts on a potato grinder roll, with provolone cheese and turkey au jus for dipping and a side of pasta salad. Ah, another pie joins the sweet line-up: coconut cream, making it tough to decide how to end the meal – maybe share that and the chocolate mud pie (or maybe the strawberry-rhubarb) with a friend. Flo’s also adds Grand Am Beer on tap, joining the Racer 5 Pale Ale IPA. Staying on the menu are the crowd-pleasing rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies, ditto for the Citrus Turkey Salad, but with a twist: it’s now lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and Craisins (those delightful dried cranberries) and a kicky citrus-tarragon dressing. And our favorite Veggie-Tater Bake is still there, a riff on shepherd’s pie made with bulgur wheat, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes and Cheddar cheese. Do you have a favorite dish at Flo’s? New Tastes on Flo’s V8 Café Menu at Disney California Adventure Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Tiger Woods still has the sway and the swagger, even if you could probably out-drive him today on the 15th hole at Dubsdread or any municipal golf course. Despite Tiger's wear-and-tear mileage, he remains on top of the leaderboard among iconic athletes of this generation. View the full article

Central Florida residents Jennifer E. Hoffman, Clermont, and John C. Boschert, Apopka, have been charged with fraud in a $25 million investment scheme. View the full article

A religious group called The Satanic Temple is making plans to hand out literature in Orange County Public Schools later this school year, following distributions by atheist and evangelical Christian groups. View the full article

This week, all! The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival kicks off THIS WEEK! It seems like we’ve been counting down, bringing you previews, and talking about it forever, so it will be so fun to hit the ground and begin trying all of the new dishes and returning favorites! And this year, the festival has been extended to a record 53 days. That’s more than seven weeks to experience this great event. We love showing you what you can expect from the Marketplace Booths that surround World Showcase. (For all of the Marketplace Booth Menus, be sure to visit our Main Booth Page.) Today, let’s take a closer look at a couple favorites… Hops & Barley Marketplace BoothOriginally introduced in 2005, the Hops & Barley Booth serves as the upscale taste of American food for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. You’ll find the extra large kiosk situated in the courtyard of the America Pavilion. Hops & Barley Booth While the marketplace began as a celebration of New England food and Samuel Adams beer, they’ve widened the scope a bit with food and beverages from all across the country. And, as the name implies, there are a few different beers to sample here. But while the booth has been all about Sam Adams beer in the past, now you can sample other craft brews as well as wine. 2014 Hop & Barley Marketplace Booth MenuArtisan Cheese Plate featuring Cabot Cloth Wrapped Cheddar, Purple Haze Chèvre Goat Cheese and Cave Man Blue CheeseBaked Lobster AlfredoFlorida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Pimento CheeseFresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins® and Cream Cheese IcingSamuel Adams® OctoberfestNew Belgium Brewing Company SnapshotSamuel Adams Cherry Wheat®Leinenkugel’s Seasonal ShandyLa Crema Sonoma Coast ChardonnayJulia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Cambria Estate WineryBeer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Samuel Adams Octoberfest, New Belgium Snapshot, Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat and Leinenkugel’s Seasonal ShandyWhile the Cheese Booth will be on hiatus in 2014, we’re happy to see one of its offerings pop up here at Hops & Barley — the Artisan Cheese Plate! Trio of Artisan Cheeses The trio includes some familiar faces from cheese plates around Walt Disney World, including Purple Haze Chèvre Goat Cheese and Cave Man Blue Cheese. Purple Haze Chèvre Goat Cheese Caveman Blue Cheese Also migrating from another marketplace is the Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider. The burger was previously featured at the Florida Local Booth. But for 2014, Florida Local has morphed into Farm Fresh. The Mini Burger gets new life with a fun new topping — Pimento Cheese! Creamy and spicy, this is a great addition to the lineup here! Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Pimento Cheese We’ve looked forward to Lobster dishes at Hops & Barley in the past. This year, we’re happy to say that it returns once more! Find it in the Baked Lobster Alfredo. Baked Lobster Alfredo Desserts here tend toward the homespun. For 2014, enjoy Carrot Cake studded with Craisins® and topped with a traditional Cream Cheese Icing. Fresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins® and Cream Cheese Icing And you can’t forget about the beer and wine! Choose from a selection of Samuel Adams, New Belgium, and Leinenkugel. Beer Flights are a Fun Way to Try New Things Or try four of the brews in a handy flight — a great way to compare styles and flavors. Ireland Marketplace BoothThe Ireland Marketplace Booth is a perennial favorite of festival goers. Lines can become quite long as guests line up for a taste of the Emerald Isle. Ireland Marketplace Booth Fans will be happy to note that all of their favorite Ireland dishes return in 2014! 2014 Ireland Marketplace Booth MenuLobster and Seafood Fisherman’s PieKerrygold® Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and SkelligWarm Chocolate Pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur CustardGuinness® DraughtBunratty Meade Honey WineChilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty PotcheenKerrygold Irish Cream LiqueurThe Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie is one of my favorites. Lobster and other seafood form a delicate bisque, and are topped with rich Whipped Potatoes. The individual bowl servings are surprisingly hearty. Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie Ireland produces some beautiful cheese, and it’s always fun to taste the different varieties side by side courtesy of the Kerrygold Cheese Selection. Kerrygold Cheese Selection If we took a poll of best loved festival dishes of all time, I know this one would get high marks. If the culinary masterminds at Epcot ever decide to do away with the Warm Chocolate Pudding, I have a feeling that there will be mutiny at the gate! Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Custard And who could blame them? Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s® Custard Cross-Section And you can’t pass up the chance to stroll the Promenade, Guinness in hand. It’s a rite of passage! Guinness! But Look For a Smaller Serving in a Plastic Cup at the Food and Wine Festival If you’re looking to try something a little off the beaten path where dessert wines are concerned, sample the Bunratty Meade Honey Wine. Bunratty Meade Honey Wine Or if Irish Coffee is your thing, try this chilled version, spiked with Bunratty Potcheen. Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen And new at the Ireland Booth, try a brand new player in the Irish Cream Liqueur market — Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur! Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Debuts at the Ireland Marketplace in 2014 And in just a few short days, we will bringing you coverage of these booths and more, LIVE! 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 prefoodwine at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. What are you most looking forward to trying at the Hops & Barley and Ireland Booths? Tell us your favorite 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: 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Greece and Puerto Rico2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Belgium and Brazil2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Patagonia and Canada View the full article