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Are you ready for some football? Are your lineups set? Tonight, the 2014 NFL season kicks-off as the Green Bay Packers square off against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. While most of us are just now planning for an upcoming season of tailgating, chili and pumpkin-flavored beverages, hundreds of lucky fans kicked-off their “fantasy” season with some serious bragging rights. They had the opportunity to tailgate with ESPN’s Matthew Berry, Tim Hasselbeck and Sara Walsh, sit in on a live telecast of ESPN2′s “Fantasy Football Now”, and get some insider tips on choosing the right team. It was all capped off with a fantasy football draft coached by NFL Insiders Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen. Here are some highlights of the event: The ESPN Fantasy Football Convention is an example of the type of event you can only experience when Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN join forces. And it only happens at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. While this year’s Convention has come and gone, there’s still time to sign your family and friends up for some friendly competition with ESPN Fantasy Football. ESPN Prepares Football Fans With Inaugural Fantasy Football Convention at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Dole Whip lovers have a new outlet at Walt Disney World. View the full article

When Halloween Time begins at the Disneyland Resort on September 12, guests will have the opportunity to revisit the popular Disney’s Happiest Haunts guided tour. This year, the tour has been updated with more spooky storytelling and new eerie experiences! This year, the tour sets its focus on Disneyland park, where guests will learn about Halloween traditions through history and even trick-or-treat for special goodies along Main Street, U.S.A. Throughout the park, the tour stops to experience popular Disneyland park attractions as well as special Halloween Time attractions, Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Here are some things you should know about Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour: Tour is offered each night from September 12 through October 31 and is approximately 2 ½ hours long.Theme park admission for Disneyland park is required to attend the tour.Tour offerings are subject to availability and may change without notice.For pricing and booking information (and to find out about a special discount for Disney Rewards Visa and AAA card holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disneyland Resort Annual Passport holders) call 714-781-TOUR (8687). Also, be sure to check out the other Disneyland Resort Guided Tours at Disneyland.com/Tours. Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Returns to Disneyland Resort with New Stories and Experiences by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Saturday's edition of Night of Joy has sold out, meaning that no tickets are available for the two-day Christian-music festival at Magic Kingdom, Disney World says. View the full article

Okay, I am just going to be honest with you, this Disney First is really cute and the photos and videos below are guaranteed to put a big Disney smile on your face. What do you get when you combine adorable kids in costumes, Disney characters and a runDisney event? You get unforgettable Disney memories that will last a lifetime. Gallery#DisneyKids: First runDisney Race view allThis past weekend hundreds of kids participated in their first runDisney race at the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort. From the 400 meter run to the diaper dash, our youngest competitors lined up to challenge themselves and each other. If you or your child wants to experience a runDisney first at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort, visit runDisney.com for more information and to register. #DisneyKids: First runDisney Race by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ready for Fall? It may be 100 degrees where you are (it certainly still is here!), but we’ll soon be picking out our costumes for another fun Halloween experience at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (yep — the first night of this yearly event was Sept. 1st)! And with fun character interactions, the Boo-to-You Parade (complete with Headless Horseman), the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular, and lots of trick or treating, there’s never a dull moment! But save a little room for some extra special treats. Because throughout Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to take advantage of snacks and goodies that are exclusive to the party! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Snacks and TreatsCupcakes, Ice Cream, or Spooky Sips? Whichever you prefer, you’re sure to find something to tempt you at the party this year! And as is often the case, we’re gonna start with the Cupcake Lineup! This Candy Corn Cupcake is awesome, and we can’t wait to dive in. Candy Corn Cupcake at Main Street Bakery But if you like your cupcake a little more, say, undead, there’s a Mummy version, too! Check out those eery eyes! Mummy Cupcake Find both — and it gives me great joy to write this — at the Main Street Bakery! In New Fantasyland, stop by Gaston’s Tavern for this spirited Ghost Cupcake. The cute little Fondant Ghost is suspended on a top of fluffy Marshmallow Frosting dusted with Chocolate Crumbs. Whooooooo…Ghost Cupcake! But you know where I’ll be — at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor scoring one of my favorite treats — a Hand Made Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich! Hand Made Ice Cream Cookie Sammy Dressed Up for the Holidays The Spiced Pumpkin Waffle Sundae combines freshly-baked waffles with soft-serve ice cream. And they smell incredible! This is definitely one we’ll be enjoying again this year. Spiced Pumpkin Waffle Sundae Storybook Treats always features seasonally-colored Soft Serve. Expect to see the Candy Corn Cone back once more. And there’s an extra treat inside the Cone — it’s filled with Candy Corn! Candy Corn Cone Not sweet enough for you? Then you may want to check out Candy Corn Cotton Candy! This one is fresh for the Fall. Candy Corn Cotton Candy You can also choose from lots of creepy drinks too! Check out the Buggy Brew at Friar’s Nook. Buggy Brew From Friar’s Nook Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea will be a refreshing twist on the flavors of the season. We can’t wait to try this one! Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea from The Lunching Pad And the Wormy Apple Slush is sure to be a big hit. Wormy Apple Slush at Gaston’s Tavern So fun! We can’t wait to try all of the great new additions this year — and revisit some of our favorites that are returning! What treats are you most looking forward to at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year? 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: Review: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party TreatsNew Halloween Cupcakes at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween PartyNew Treat Trails at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party View the full article

September 5 marks the official 40th birthday of one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. We say “official” because the show got its start that summer (on June 30) as part of the Disney World Fine Arts College Workshop program, with six young actors playing the roles, says Forrest Bahruth, the original choreographer who still creates fantastic shows for Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment. “Hoop-Dee-Doo was upbeat, and guests came for the corny jokes, good food and lots of fun,” said Forrest Bahruth, show director, Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment and the original choreographer for the dinner show. “Forty years later, the heart is still in it, the energy is still there.” Of course we think the endless buckets of fried chicken and ribs play a starring role, too. The menu has only had one major change since its debut – the apple pie for dessert was changed to strawberry shortcake way back in 1979. Today, servers (who are part of the high-energy show) dish up about 900 pounds of fried chicken every night, and cooks spend about six hours each day just breading the chicken. Add 400 pounds of pork ribs, slow cooked starting at 11 a.m. daily on a big outdoor smoker. For sides, there are 120 pounds of corn, 400 pounds of potatoes to be mashed and 30 gallons of baked beans. It takes 15 gallons of strawberries and 12 gallons of whipped cream to make dessert. Add beer, wine, sangria and soft drinks, and you got a formula for fun – a show that has presented about 37,000 performances before more than 10.5 million guests. And like the food, the show, while fine-tuned, hasn’t changed much, says show director Tom Vazzana. “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue exemplifies everything that Disney stands for,” says Vazzana. “It’s interactive fun for families and stellar entertainment – six performers put on a show that’s 90 minutes of pure enjoyment.” Performers sing, dance and act their way through the timeless classic. “I love to go and hear kids squeal with delight at Six Bits, but also hear strong American ballads,” says Vazzana. “Families tell me it’s the first time they’ve seen a Broadway-style show – it’s obtainable and accessible, quintessential Disney.” Hoop-Dee-Doo presents three shows nightly, seven days a week, at 4 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or book online. Looking Back In true Disney fashion, Walt Disney Imagineers designed Pioneer Hall in authentic Wild West style with 1,283 hand-fitted pine logs from Montana and 70 tons of stones from North Carolina to recreate a look from the late 1800s. The building opened April 1, 1974. Themed entertainment is always part of the Disney story. While Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was being written and cast, a group of country-Western musicians called The Star-Spangled Washboard Band opened in Pioneer Hall, according to an historical timeline by Larry Billman, author/writer and Disney entertainment consultant, who was the author and writer of the original show. Bob Jani, the director of entertainment for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, saw the potential for a “dinner theater show” and hired Billman. After multiple rewrites (the first version was called “We’re With You, Mother McCree!”), Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was born. Students from the 11-week college workshop auditioned for the three female and three male character performers in Hoop-Dee-Doo: Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew (comic relief), Jim Handy and Flora Long (the singers), and Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune (the dancers). Fun Facts Today, one member of the original cast from the college program still works for Disney – Marilyn Kay Magness, who played the part of Dolly Drew. She’s executive creative director, Disney Parks, Creative Entertainment. An early draft of the show was titled The Whoop-Dee-Doo-Revue, which was revised to Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.Principal songwriter was Tom Adair, who also wrote words for the score for Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” and the “Mickey Mouse Club.” In 1979 the song “Apple Pie Hoedown” was replaced with “Strawberry Short Cake Walk” when shortcake replaced apple pie on the menu.The writers added a nod to Disney legacy with “The Legend of Davy Crockett” skit, complete with a coonskin cap and bear puns. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was part of the opening entertainment at Tokyo Disneyland in 1983, with Larry Billman and Forrest Bahruth directing and staging the new version. The show played there until 1995. Happy Birthday! Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Celebrates 40 Years of Food, Fun at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

September 5 marks the official 40th birthday of one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. We say “official...From:Disney ParksViews:206846ratingsTime:02:48More inTravel & Events

This Just In! We’re excited to let you know that Disney’s Night of Joy 2014 is officially “Sold Out” for both nights, Friday night (September 5) and Saturday (September 6). But if you didn’t get a ticket, you can still be a part of the action. Blue Scout Media will be webcasting the event live from Magic Kingdom Park both nights. The link is http://stagehop.com/nightofjoy. Check out artist performances including acts like Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Skillet and Matthew West who are performing under the glow of Cinderella Castle. To see the entire artists lineup and event schedule, check out my last post on the Disney Parks Blog. Feel free to let your friends know, using #DisneyNOJ Have a great weekend and enjoy the show – whether you’re here at Magic Kingdom Park with us or watching us online. Disney’s Night of Joy 2014 Update: Event ‘Sold Out’, To Be Webcast Live by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Now the Disney PhotoPass Service will enable guests with a MagicBand and an active Memory Maker who ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to receive a video of their drop to watch and share!...From:Disney ParksViews:1008ratingsTime:00:37More inTravel & Events

All summer long, the Disneyland Resort has been making Mondays happier with special surprises, both online and in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Now that our #GetHappier summer has concluded, I wanted to take a look back on some of the happiness we spread among our park guests. One of the first #GetHappier surprises here at the Disneyland Resort was a special visit from the Seven Dwarfs at Snow White Grotto. Throughout the day, they surprised Disneyland park guests, making sure that even the grumpiest guest left happy. (Get it?) Among the most popular of our #GetHappier surprises were the Happier Hours. These surprise nighttime events were an opportunity for 1,500 guests to enjoy one of the lands of the Disneyland Resort for an extra hour after the rest of the park closed. Happier Hours took place in Adventureland and Frontierland, Paradise Pier, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland. #GetHappier also featured surprise giveaways, with park favorites like Vinylmation, churros, Disney FASTPASS and more. While our #GetHappier summer may be over, the happiness it created lives on! Was your Monday made happier by one of our #GetHappier summer surprises? Tell us about it in the comments! Disneyland Resort Wraps Up #GetHappier Summer by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This week, Heather Worley from Animation Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World is here to give you a quick tutorial on how to draw the perfect Minnie Mouse. Grab a pencil...From:Disney ParksViews:215071ratingsTime:20:29More inTravel & Events

Changes in Epcot’s entertainment lineup around World Showcase are happening this month, and that’s making some Disney World fans – particularly devotees of the Off Kilter band – unhappy. View the full article

One weekend a year, Christian-music fans in Orlando may find that their cups runneth over. View the full article

We’re staring down the last of the dog days of summer as Disney World gears up for Fall… Join us on a tour around all four east coast Parks as we check out What’s New! MAGIC KINGDOMFall FunWith September upon us everyone is anticipating autumn and special seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (currently underway) and the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (more on that a little later in the post . So it’s not surprising to see Magic Kingdom all decked out for the occasion! Magic Kingdom autumn decorations (Love seeing this sign pop up every year!) Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sign Magic Kingdom Scarecrows Chef Scarecrow Frontierland FriesIn case you didn’t catch our full review of all four varieties, Waffle Fries are now dominating the menu at Frontierland’s Golden Oak Outpost! Choices are BLT, Brown Gravy and Cheese, Tex-Mex and Barbecue Pork. (Remember, this spot is seasonal, so it might not be open when you’re there.) Golden Oak Outpost BLT Waffle Fries Tex-Mex Waffle Fries Emporium FindsA few of the items previously only available at the Marketplace Co-op in Downtown Disney were spotted at the Emporium, including the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Haunted Mansion Glass Tankards. Merchandise display at the Emporium 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea glass tankards Haunted Mansion Glass Tankards Since the Marketplace Co-op is a testing location for retail merchandise, it’s fun to see some of the items starting to show up in other areas. EPCOTIt’s almost time… Marketplace Booths have popped up all around World Showcase in preparation for the 2014 International Food and Wine Festival! Australia Booth Coming Soon… HOLLYWOOD STUDIOSPeevy’s Polar PipelineEven with all the talk about Fall, Florida temps are still high, and it’s likely you’ll find yourself in need of an ice cold beverage. One place known for exactly that is Peevy’s Polar Pipeline. You can now add a shot to your frozen concoction: choose from Bacardi Silver Rum, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, or Three Olives Cherry Vodka. Peevy’s Polar Pipeline sign Peevy’s Polar Pipeline Menu These options were previously available at Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway with your Wheezy’s Breezy Freezy, but have moved to Peevy’s (this might be the first time I’ve ever included so many words that rhyme in one sentence ;). Maybe promoting alcohol shots in “Andy’s Room” wasn’t all that smart, eh? More Autumn GoodiesNot to be left out from the fall fun, Halloween-themed snacks and merchandise are popping up in merchandise shops all over Disney World, like Villains in Vogue on Sunset Boulevard. Halloween Krispy Treats Halloween Frosted Pretzels This “Just One Bite” bowl is pretty cool . We featured it last week in our Disney Store merch round-up, but you can get it in the parks, too! “Just One Bite” candy bowl Midway Mania MugToy Story Midway Mania fans will appreciate this fun souvenir cup featuring the Fab Five taking on the games! You can find it at various Quick Service locations throughout the park, including Toy Story Pizza Planet and Rosie’s All American Cafe. Note – this one is NOT refillable for free. Toy Story Midway Mania Souvenir Cup Toy Story Midway Mania Souvenir Cup Toy Story Midway Mania Souvenir Cup Mama Melrose’sNew on the menu at Mama Melrose’s is Braciola Di Maiale: an Herb-roasted Pork Chop served with creamy Polenta, Swiss Chard, and Fig Marsala Sauce. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano ANIMAL KINGDOMDawa BarThe early bird catches the new morning menu at the Dawa Bar in Animal Kingdom’s Africa: four variations of Bloody Mary cocktails are available daily from 9-11 am. Bloody Mary menu at Dawa Bar PizzafariPizzafari also changed up their breakfast offerings with the addition of some unique options: a Breakfast Burrito, a Breakfast Croissant (featuring egg whites with provolone cheese and a vegetable chutney), and Ancient Grain Hot Cereal (oatmeal, quinoa, and barley). Click here for the full review. Breakfast Croissant And for lunch, the Meat Lover’s Pizza that was previously a featured specialty is now on the regular menu. Pizzafari Lunch and Dinner Menu Local Food CafesLocal Food Cafes (the Yak & Yeti Quick Service) has undergone a menu refresh of its own. A Teriyaki Beef Bowl, Ginger Chicken Salad, and Roasted Vegetable Couscous Wrap replace the Beef Lo Mein and Mandarin Chicken Salad. Local Foods Cafe menu The Ginger Chicken Salad can also be found at Quality Beverages just around the side (best known as the counter service spot where you can grab a Yak Attack). RESORTSPolynesian Village ResortThe resort with the most news surrounding it continues to be the Polynesian Village Resort, in light of ongoing refurbishments happening all around the property. Some of the results of all that work are beginning to surface, including the reopening of the newly refurbished Captain Cook’s, featuring a refreshed look and an expanded menu. Captain Cook’s dining room Captain Cook’s main dining room And we are thrilled that Pineapple Lanai is now open! It’s the new home to Dole Whip at the Polynesian! Pineapple Lanai sign Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip in Tiki Bowl Speaking of Dole Whip… check out this fun Adventureland Tapestry Throw featuring the Aloha Isle sign, as well as all sorts of other tributes to all things Adventureland! Adventureland Throw Adventureland Throw Port Orleans ResortsThere have been changes to the food court offerings at Port Orleans, both French Quarter and Riverside. Food Court at Port Orleans French Quarter Among other items, French Quarter’s Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory added Tuna Salad and Sausage and Peppers to their list of Po’ Boy options, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese with either shrimp or chicken has joined the pasta station. A few of the Po’ Boy options A variety of Baked Potatoes brings more choices, topped with Barbecued Pork, Chili and Cheese, or Broccoli, Cheddar, and Bacon. Baked Potato menu At the Riverside Mill Food Court, some of the new items include a Fish & Chips Basket, a Vegetable Burger, and a Roast Beef Melt. Riverside Mill Food Court But the biggest change has come to the pizza station, which has added a selection of Flatbreads to the mix: varieties include Sausage and Peppers, Beef and Cherry Pepper, Chicken Alfredo, and Caprese. Flatbread Menu Art of Animation ResortAlways a standout in regards to unique Resort food court choices, Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors has several new items to choose from. Noteworthy among the additions are Turkey and Waffle Dressing, Cottage Pie, and Gluten Free Meatloaf. Landscape of Flavors menu screen Landscape of Flavors menu screen Many favorites from the “World of Flavors” Tandoori Station remain (like the Tandoori Chicken Thigh, Shell-on Shrimp and Butter Chicken), as well as hits like Create-Your-Own Pasta, Cheesy Pesto Bread, and the Surf and Surf Burger. There is a fun little twist, though… on weekends, there may be some variations. For instance, on Labor Day weekend, the Cottage Pie and Turkey and Waffle dressing were switched out for a Pork Tortierre Pie, and Pierogies and Kielbasa Sausage. Different options on menu And while it goes without saying that it’s always worth checking any bakery case at any Disney Resort , it’s especially true now with the addition of Toffee Shortbread and Seven Layer Bars/Magic Cookie Bars at the Landscape. Seven Layer Bar at Landscape of Flavors We’ll look forward to bringing you a closer look at some of these new offerings soon! Pop Century ResortOne of the best things about staying at Pop Century or Art of Animation is that you have easy access to either food court via the Generation Gap Bridge in between both properties. Everything Pop! Food Court has added several new gems of its own, including a Beef Brisket on Kimmelweck (“Beef on Weck” for all you Western New Yorkers like AJ out there) and Chicken Pot Pie. The Sandwich station has been expanded with Create-Your-Own options for burgers, chicken sandwiches, vegetable burgers and hot dogs. Create-Your-Own options The Gluten Free Meatloaf is also available at Pop as well, and some new fun Flatbreads join the club, too. Flatbread menu As we wave goodbye to summer, we look forward to bringing you the food news of fall, and wish a happy and successful school year to those in transition . Until next time, Eat and Be Happy! Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in 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: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 24, 2014What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014 View the full article

The brand-new Disney on Ice show brings the world of "Frozen" to life Disney on Ice show designers have created magical worlds from the Little Mermaid's underwater home to the African savannas of "The Lion King." View the full article

There is so much to keep on top of when it comes to planning your next Disney vacation. Stay up to date with ever-changing Disney Food Happenings by subscribing to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter! We know that you work hard and save hard for your Disney visits! With that in mind, we fill each issue of our newsletter with invaluable resources. Whether you’re spending the day or the next two weeks at Disney, we pack in all latest news and exclusive articles to make planning a breeze. And even if your trip isn’t around the corner, there are lots of extras, like Disney Recipes to bring the magic home. Why a newsletter, you ask? Because there’s SO much to tell you about, we can’t fit it all on the blog. That means you’ll get newsletter-exclusive content in our full-color newsletter delivered conveniently straight to your inbox! We’ll also keep you update with important breaking news, like free dining or big event announcements, in special mailings! There’s no better time than today — sign up now and you’ll receive an email from me welcoming you. Your regular subscription will begin mid-Month. Thanks for your support of DFB! See ya real soon! 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: Now’s The Time to Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter!Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter!Get Even More Disney Food in Your Life: Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter! View the full article

There is a shop in Disneyland park that some say is a cut above the rest. Manuel Arribas has worked there for 47 years and is part of a family of artisan glass cutters at Crystal Arts on Main...From:Disney ParksViews:4624156ratingsTime:01:28More inTravel & Events

While the hot and muggy Central Florida temperatures may show no indication of it, fall is coming. View the full article

The first evening of this year's Night of Joy event at Magic Kingdom has sold out, a Disney spokesman says. The Christian-music festival will be held Friday and Saturday nights after regular theme-park hours. View the full article

One of our favorite little Walt Disney World Resort dining gems is Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where Chef Scott Tosh can elevate any dish with bright island flavors – he knows that “spicy” doesn’t mean “hot,” but instead an infusion of fantastic flavors. We’re also fans of his crispy chicken wings, glazed in habanero-brown sugar. Pair those with the Shutters Salad (greens, jicama, avocado, tropical salsa, goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette) and a fruity cocktail for starters. But it’s really the sustainable fish where Shutters shines, like this Jerk-Seared Mahi-Mahi, with a demo by Chef Mike Reitzler, who was at the helm in the kitchen at Shutters, now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The dish may take a little time, but you can do most of the prep early in the day, then sear the fish just as your guests are ready for dinner. Shutters is open nightly at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. Dinner is on the Disney Dining Plan. Jerk-Seared Mahi-Mahi with Ancho BBQ sauce, Tropical Salsa, Caribbean Rice & Green Beans Serves 4 Tropical Salsa 1 medium, ripe mango, peeled and diced1 cup diced fresh pineapple1/2 small red onion, minced1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced1/2 orange bell pepper, finely diced1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar1 teaspoon honey1 lime, juiced1/2 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons minced cilantroAncho BBQ Sauce 1 tablespoon butter1 garlic clove, roughly chopped1/2 small red onion, finely diced1 medium tomato, diced1/2 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped2 tablespoons ketchup1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce1 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice2 teaspoons ancho chili powder2 teaspoons paprika1 teaspoon light brown sugar1 teaspoon dry mustard1 teaspoon coarse salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperPinch cayenne pepperJerk Seasoning 8 teaspoons ground allspice 2 tablespoons dry mustard4 teaspoons paprika2 teaspoons granulated onion2 teaspoons lemon pepper1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon coarse salt1/4 teaspoon dried thymeMahi 4 (6-ounce) mahi filets1 tablespoon plus 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided12 teaspoons jerk seasoning, dividedCaribbean Rice 1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon olive oil1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced1 cup jasmine rice1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric1 1/2 cups water1 teaspoon coarse salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 tablespoon minced chivesGreen Beans 1 pound thin green beans 1 teaspoon butter1/2 teaspoon coarse salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperFor tropical salsa: Combine mango, pineapple, onion, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and jalapeno in a large bowl.Whisk together rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl. Pour dressing over mango mixture. Add cilantro, gently stirring to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.For ancho BBQ sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomato and jalapeno, cooking until tomato breaks down, about 3 minutes more.Whisk in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, honey, lemon juice, chili powder, paprika, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, or until onions are soft and sauce is thickened.Carefully transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.For jerk seasoning: Combine allspice, dry mustard, paprika, granulated onion, lemon pepper, dried hot red pepper flakes, white or black pepper, cayenne, granulated garlic, cinnamon, salt, and thyme in a small bowl. Stir to combine.Store remaining jerk seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months.For mahi: Rinse mahi with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub each mahi filet with 1 teaspoon oil. Sprinkle first side of each filet with 1 1/2 teaspoons Jerk Seasoning, patting to adhere. Repeat with the second side of each fish. Transfer mahi to a large plate, lightly cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour. When ready to serve, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 mahi filets. Sear each side 3 to 4 minutes, until cooked all the way through. Repeat using remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and remaining 2 mahi filets.For Caribbean rice: Melt butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cooking until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice, stirring to coat in butter. Stir in turmeric and salt. Add water, stir a few times, then cover pan. Turn heat to low and cook 20 minutes. Remove rice from heat and keep covered 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork; add chives and fluff again. For green beans: While fish is cooking, blanch green beans in boiling salted water until bright green and just tender. Melt butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Drain green beans and add directly to sauté pan, tossing to coat in butter. Season with salt and pepper.To serve: Brush barbecue sauce on serving plates, evenly divide rice and green beans among plates. Top each with a mahi filet. Serve with more sauce and tropical salsa spooned over top. A Taste of the Islands at Shutters Restaurant at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A Taste of the Islands at Shutters Restaurant at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | Walt Disney World Chef Mike Reitzler, who was at the helm in the kitchen at Shutters at Old Port Royale in Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, share the recipe for Jerk-Seared Mahi-Mahi! To read more, visit the...From:Disney ParksViews:20ratingsTime:02:47More inTravel & Events View the full article

You know how we love our big, over-the-top cupcakes here at the DFB. Learn About: Sunshine SeasonsEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsWe take ‘em filled with cream cheese, topped with Darth Vader, sprinkled with edible glitter, and any and all combinations of the above! Cupcakes tend to take some of the top spots in any Disney World bakery case, so typically they aren’t remotely hard to spot. But there is a little cupcake gem that really hasn’t received its proper due… The Lemon Blast Cupcake can only be found in the Sunshine Seasons bakery case in Epcot’s Future World, and more often than not, it’s hidden on the bottom shelf, well below the croissants, cookies, and muffins. Here is a small batch, just waiting to be discovered like the “Charlie in the Box” on the Island of Misfit Toys… Lemon Blast cupcake on the very bottom of the case (By the way, the Lemon Blast Cupcake is $4.49 and a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.) One of our rad readers (thanks, Jessica!) reminded us of this one, and it’s high time to give the Lemon Blast Cupcake a little DFB love! Aside from the zig-zaggy, criss-cross-y pattern of lemon (!) drizzled over the top, the rest of the cupcake is pretty basic… or so it seems. Vanilla frosting covers a yellow cupcake base. Lemon Blast Cupcake Frosting and lemon closeup Before we find out what’s inside, take a look at this… Lemon Cupcake Topping Weird, right? The piped lemon gel topping is a little stringy and a little sticky. So be warned. I’m not sure how I feel about it. Physically it’s kind of gross, but it tasted fine. So, there ya go. So what is inside, anyway? A lovely center of lemon curd. SCORE!!! Inside Lemon Blast Cupcake You know how I feel about lemon curd. I hold a reverence for it that’s rivaled only by my love of plastic cheese. So whenever I stumble upon it, it’s a good day . I don’t even mind (much) that the vanilla frosting is on the thin side. It keeps the lemon the star of the show, and helps it live up to its name. The burst of lemon coupled with the vanilla makes the Lemon Blast Cupcake is everything it needs to be. So to my fellow lemonheads, I say… get on it! 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! Have you tried the Lemon Blast Cupcake? Please let us know your thoughts 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: New! Pineapple Coconut Cupcake at Epcot’s Sunshine SeasonsSnack Series: Guava Cream Cheese Cupcake at Epcot’s Sunshine SeasonsReview: Lemon Meringue Cupcake and MORE at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - It's not exactly the "Frozen" sequel, but the characters from the hit animated film will return in "Frozen Fever," a new short set to debut in spring 2015. View the full article

Disney Parks Blog Author Erin Glover recently took a ride on Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland Resort with Imagineer Lisa Girolami, who oversaw the ride's extensive refurbishment. Come take...From:Disney ParksViews:22921ratingsTime:01:37More inTravel & Events