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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

Disneyland park guests have been wowed by the updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ever since it re-opened this spring. I recently took a ride on the attraction with Imagineer Lisa Girolami, who oversaw its extensive refurbishment. The wildest ride in the wilderness might not be the best place for an in-depth interview, but it sure is the most fun! What do you like best about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments! See the posts below for more on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Five Things You Might Have Missed Aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland ParkThe Magic of Disney Parks Storytelling: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park Disney Parks After Dark: Big Sky Over Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Rave Reviews for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park Interview with Imagineer Lisa Girolami Aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Good news for those who were having trouble finding seats in their price range for "Disney on Ice presents Frozen": The ice show, which debuts in Orlando on Thursday, Sept. 4, has released new blocks of seats for all shows starting in the $20 range. View the full article

A few weeks ago, I announced that a new Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise shop is coming to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort this fall. This destination will carry an incredible assortment of Haunted Mansion authentic merchandise created especially for Disney Parks (you can see some of those items in this video article. As friendly spirits continue preparing the shop to open in the fall, I caught up with my Walt Disney Imagineering partners who shared some additional details about what guests can expect. The image shown above is part of the art for the yet-to-be-named location. Look carefully as you may see a familiar looking face in the artwork that is related to the shop’s storyline: “Rumors have been whispered for years about the little shop that once was the abode of Madame Leota. While she disappeared many years ago, it has been said her visage appears now and then and her voice, carried on the breeze, is sometimes heard, humming a mournful tune.” When asked about the cast members who will work at this shop, I was told: “The shop staff is a friendly, if somewhat quiet, group. They go about their duties with a calm and reverent manner but with a knowing glint to their eyes. They are well aware that the locals view the shop with a sense of mystery but come in anyway, hoping to find the perfect memento or to possibly learn about their future or past.” Speaking of mementos, I thought you may like to see some additional Haunted Mansion authentic products coming to this location. I invite you to “hurry back” to the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks for more details about this new location. Details Materialize About New Haunted Mansion-Themed Shop Coming to Magic Kingdom Park This Fall by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re big fans of Macarons around here. These wonderful little pastries are so, so addictive; and recently they’ve started popping up in Disneyland and Disney World, including Patisserie Boulangerie Les Halles. Box of Macarons from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet Shop next door even features an Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich made with them! Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich from L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Cream and Sorbet Shop And judging from your comments, you love them, too! So Disney’s giving guests even more opportunity to show their Macaron Fandom with Macaron Merch in the gift shop right outside of Les Halles! Macaron-Themed Merchandise in Epcot’s France PavilionThese are perfect for pastry lovers… Macaron Merch Display in Epcot’s France Pavilion! Leaning Tower of Macarons T Shirt The littleCosmetic Bag would make a great gift. Black Cosmetic Bag It comes with a white background, too. White Cosmetic Bag A diminutive Change Purse might be my favorite piece of the collection. Macaron Change Purse And what in the world do you put in this? Lipstick? Tiny Black Purse! Tiny White Purse Too! Although, if we are going to be practical, I think the Shopping Bags are probably the most useful. Small Shopping Bag And the larger size is perfect for carrying all those goodies from Les Halles. Large Shopping Bag There you have it! The perfect way to share your love of these little pastries with the masses. What’s your favorite item in the Macaron Merch collection? Leave a comment and tell us what tops your must-have list! 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: NEW Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s FranceNews! Beignets and Elephant Ears Debut at Les Halles in Epcot’s France PavilionReview: New Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot View the full article

From the lighting of the first grill at the “Great Tailgate” until the last seconds ticked off the clock during Sunday’s game – it was the perfect ending to a weekend of fun, football and fans as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. GalleryFans, Fun and Football Win at MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney view allAs 20,000 fans cheered, the North Carolina A&T Aggies defeated their rivals, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in Sunday’s match up between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). But the game was just part of the reason these thousands of visitors came to Central Florida. They came for the annual celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), diversity and football. As a proud member of the HBCU alumni community, I was honored to take part in events such as a college fair, an ESPN career panel for local students, the annual band showcase and the Legends reception recognizing outstanding HBCU alumni for their athletic and academic contributions. But that wasn’t the only reason I felt proud this weekend. As Sunday’s game was broadcast on ESPN network from Bright House Networks Stadium at the University of Central Florida, it highlighted our region to a national audience. It was thrilling to see my community and fellow cast members coming together for such a fantastic event. Today, we were all big winners! Fans, Fun and Football Win at MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney by Belinda Frazier: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

"From the lighting of the first grill at the “Great Tailgate” until the last seconds ticked off the clock during Sunday's game – football fans celebrated the 10th anniversary of the...From:Disney ParksViews:10110ratingsTime:01:50More inTravel & Events

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of Walt Disney’s earliest cartoon stars, has had a presence at Disney California Adventure park for the past couple of years, from those delightful rabbit ear hats to the Oswald ice cream sundaes at Clarabelle’s. Now, Oswald himself is set to come home to Disneyland Resort! Oswald made his film debut September 5, 1927, in the cartoon short “Trolley Troubles.” Walt Disney went on to produce 26 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit shorts, before losing the rights to the character in 1928. It was that experience that inspired the creation of Mickey Mouse, and the rest as they say, is history. Oswald finally returned to the Disney family in 2006 and made his first Disney Parks appearance earlier this year at Tokyo DisneySea. Later this month, you’ll finally be able to meet Oswald on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure park. Just look for the lucky little rabbit strolling along the sunny side of the street, starting September 14! Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Is on His Way to Disney California Adventure Park by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“This here is the wildest ride in the wilderness!” Guests first heard that warning on September 2, 1979, when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad debuted in Frontierland at Disneyland park. Since then, the popular runaway mine train as taken more than 225 million guests on a wild ride through 19th century gold-mining territory. The mountain was inspired by Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, and objects found inside are actual artifacts from abandoned mines in Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota and Wyoming. The opening also marked the third peak in the Disneyland park mountain range. (Matterhorn Bobsleds and Space Mountain were the first two.) Last March, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad re-opened after an extended refurbishment with new track and an enhanced audio system. Come check it out! For now, take a trip back to 1979 and watch as Mickey Mouse turns the key and boards the runaway mine train with some of his Disney friends. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Celebrates 35 Years at Disneyland Park by Valarie Sukovaty: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Since September 2, 1979 then, 225 million guests have embarked on a wild ride through a 19th century gold-mining territory known as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Resort. http://di.sn/...From:Disney ParksViews:178572ratingsTime:00:32More inTravel & Events

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on September 1, 2014. This fun Halloween-themed event runs select nights from 7:00 p.m. to midnight through October 31. I’ve attended the event a few times during my time with Disney. It’s fantastic! I love that so many guests dress in costume and the entertainment is outstanding (okay, I’m also a big fan of the candy). This year, guests should look for some commemorative items created especially for this event, including apparel, pins, and, for the first time, a limited-edition graphic MagicBand. Presented in a decorative box, the limited-edition graphic MagicBand will include the event logo. It will have an edition size of 5,000 and will retail for $29.95 (plus tax). Guests must present one of the following for the MagicBand to be linked to at the time of purchase: valid theme park admission, Memory Maker card or an active MagicBand. Guests attending the event will also find a few apparel items for adults and kids, including both long and short sleeved options plus a ladies’ cut T-shirt. A slightly altered event logo was used for the limited-release pin. Speaking of pins, guests should look for a couple of different things, including individual limited-edition pins (Chip ‘n’ Dale with Clarice is my favorite), a boxed set, a framed set, and a limited-release mystery pin set. One final item wasn’t created specifically for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party but I thought it was perfectly themed for the event. It’s a limited release, graphic MagicBand that contains the infamous wallpaper from the Haunted Mansion attraction (retail is $24.95 plus tax). This item will also have to be linked at the time of purchase just like the aforementioned limited-edition graphic MagicBand. Please visit the following Magic Kingdom Park locations to find these products: Emporium – Main Street, U.S.A. (pins, apparel and MagicBands)Frontier Trading Post – Frontierland (pins and MagicBands)Mickey’s Star Traders – Tomorrowland (pins and apparel)Please note the Haunted Mansion-themed graphic MagicBand will only be sold at Magic Kingdom Park at this time. Guests do not have to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in order to purchase it. New Merchandise Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I think the start of the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is something pretty special. Learn About: PizzafariAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsSince the entryway intentionally helps you meander a bit through the tree-lined pathways, there is an air of peacefulness about it you just don’t find in the other parks. And If you do find yourself here in the early morning hours, you’ll need sustenance to help energize you for a full day of touring. New Breakfast Menu at PizzafariPizzafari in Discovery Island (heading on the pathway towards Africa) is one of the only places that offers a hot breakfast in the park. In the past (and as recently as our last visit in June), we were unimpressed — to say the least — with Pizzafari’s breakfast options. But the morning menu recently underwent a refresh, so we were interested to give the new offerings a try. Pizzafari sign AtmosphereYes, we’re here to check out the new menu. But it’s practically impossible to walk into Pizzafari and not take some time immediately to notice and enjoy the brightly colored artwork that covers pretty much every inch of the place! Below are just a few of my favorite murals (and this barely scratches the surface). Butterfly mural in ordering area Pizzafari mural Pizzafari murals Pizzafari mural You can learn a little more about the themeing of each room by checking out one of our earlier Pizzafari reviews. I keep promising myself that one day I’ll take the time to conduct a full-on Hidden Mickey search here. It’s gotta be packed to the brim! But here is a teeny glimpse of one in the meantime… Turtle mural Hidden Mickey on bottom left of the shell The wall paintings are so bright and vivid that it’s almost easy to miss some of the other details, from the small carvings on the rafters in the individual rooms to creatures lining some of the walls. Creatures on the ceiling Creature close-up! Spider web in screened outdoor seating area Fans of Disney details know the rules: look up! Look up! Bat ceiling And down! Main hallway Snake on the floor And don’t forget your chair ;)… Pizzafari chair …especially since it’s finally time to sit down and eat! EatsThe refreshed breakfast menu adds a few new choices joining some long-standing items. The new Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Croissant, and Ancient Grain Hot Cereal find their place among classics like the Bounty Platter and a few smaller breakfast options like cold cereal and toasted bagels. Outdoor sign Breakfast menu We thought we’d give all three new arrivals a try! Breakfast Croissant, Ancient Hot Grain Cereal, and Breakfast Burrito The Ancient Hot Grain Cereal looks like a simple oatmeal, but is actually aninteresting mix that supplements the oatmeal with barley and quinoa, all topped with a salted caramel crumble. Ancient Hot Grain Cereal It is dense like a pure oatmeal, but the creamy base as well as the texture variety from the quinoa lent a nice lightness to it. That said, it is completely filling – I think you could go on this one easily until lunchtime. The base itself has a creamy, milky taste, but the burst of flavor really comes from the salted caramel crumble on top. The topping, including the caramelized sugar, helped pick up on the cinnamon spice in the cereal blend. It gave the base a nice, not-overly-sweet boost, and my only request for a change would be some more of that topping to disperse further throughout the bowl. Ancient Hot Grain Cereal The Breakfast Burrito offers the most standard fare of the new items: the tortilla is filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, cheese, and salsa. The portion is pretty good! Breakfast Burrito The bits of red, yellow, and green pepper raised and complemented the fennel and spice of the sausage enough to make it interesting and flavorful. My two critiques here would be that I didn’t notice very much cheese, and my friend and I both noticed that the tortilla itself was, unfortunately, stale or overcooked at the ends (either way, it was hard). Breakfast Burrito cross-section The Breakfast Croissant has a lot more going on than the name implies. Provolone cheese and egg whites are topped with spinach and a vegetable chutney. The croissant itself is a multi-grain, and it comes with a side of breakfast potatoes. Breakfast Croissant with side of Breakfast Potatoes Breakfast Croissant The provolone and egg whites come together in a delicious melty-cheesy blend, and I liked the choice of the more mild flavor of provolone (over, say, a cheddar), which worked well with the multi-grain. Breakfast Croissant cross-section Melted cheese But what really made this dish unique was the vegetable chutney, which included onions and yellow, red, and green peppers along with bits of cranberry and golden raisins for a sweet, tart, and spicy mix. Even though the multi-grain croissant had a nice flavor (less buttery than a traditional croissant with a focus on the grains) and made a fine sandwich bread, I ended up eating a bit of the base alone with the chutney almost like a brie. Provolone and egg white base topped with vegetable chutney And I have to give a mention to the updated breakfast potatoes – shredded potatoes and more cheese (this time, cheddar) cooked together with a nice helping of black pepper. Yum! Much better than the old version. Breakfast potatoes Breakfast potatoes New Bloody Mary Menu at Dawa BarEven though we’re spending the morning in Discovery Island, you may be interested to know about another new addition to Animal Kingdom morning options: the new Bloody Mary menu available from 9:00 – 11:00 am at the Dawa Bar in Africa. Dawa Bar Check out the various twists of the Discovery Island Bloody Mary, Dawa Bloody Mary, Asian Bloody Mary, and the African Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary menu © Disney Have any Bloody Mary fans had a chance to try any of these variations? We’d love to hear your thoughts! OverallEven though pizza is clearly the headliner at Pizzafari, I personally prefer this spot for breakfast, especially in light of the new additions to the breakfast menu. There are enough familiar options to appeal to those who prefer more traditional breakfast items, along with some more creative dishes for those who like to change it up. Add to that the fact that many guests have breakfast before entering the parks, and you get to enjoy a beautiful atmosphere in a restaurant that is often largely empty until lunchtime. Not a bad way to start your day at Animal Kingdom at all! Which new breakfast item would you like to try at Pizzafari? 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: New Menu Items at Restaurantosaurus, Pizzafari, and Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal KingdomReview: Breadsticks and Salad at Animal Kingdom’s PizzafariGuest Review: Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

101 creatively costumed dogs and their owners walked the green carpet on Main Street U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort during our first-ever Disney Side Dog's Day at Magic Kingdom Park....From:Disney ParksViews:3410183ratingsTime:01:59More inTravel & Events

There is something unique about the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel ride in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World -- and it's not that the name contains an extra "r." View the full article

If you’ve been hoping for a reason to spend a little more time at Disney’s beautiful Beach Club Resort, you just may have one now! Martha’s Vineyard Lounge is hosting wine pairings on a few select dates. Disney’s Beach Club Resort Martha’s Vineyard Sign Upcoming dates are September 4, September 25, October 2, and October 30th, from 4:00 – 5:15 pm. Guests will enjoy three wines paired with three small plates, with the added benefit of a wine expert and Disney chef present to lead the tastings. Martha’s Vineyard Wine pour Reservations may be made by calling (407) 934-3833. Each pairing is limited to 18 guests. Cost will vary within the $20-30 range, based on the wines poured — very reasonable. No specifics yet on what wineries or menus will be featured. Ask for more details when you call! Cheers! Would you like to attend a wine pairing at Martha’s Vineyard? 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: News! Menu Changes at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club ResortNews! Beaches and Cream in Walt Disney World’s Beach Club Resort Now Accepting ReservationsGuest Review: Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort View the full article

Tomorrow, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland park celebrates 35 years of taking guests on the wildest ride in the wilderness. My niece recently experienced this runaway train as her first roller coaster, and I was positively thrilled to see her beaming as we got off the attraction. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, like many of the thrill rides at the Disneyland Resort, is the perfect blend of fun and storytelling. In honor of the iconic attraction’s anniversary tomorrow, here are five things to point out to new pioneers braving Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or maybe details you may have missed in the past 35 years. 1. Wilderness creatures – Most guests know to look for the famous dynamite-wielding goat, but the runaway train also passes coyotes, skunks, possums, turtles and rattlesnakes. 2. Real mining gear – In the attraction queue and all around Big Thunder Mountain, you will see a century-old stamp mill, a hand-driven drill, press gears, picks, shovels and other artifacts. These objects are actual mining gear, purchased from abandoned mines in Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota and Wyoming. 3. Steam mules – When you’re boarding your train and while careening around the mountain, look for two steam mules. These Victorian-era portable engines were used as set pieces in the Disney film, “Hot Lead and Cold Feet.” 4. Grizzly Gulch sign – Just before passing Dinosaur Gap in the queue, look for a wooden post with signs to nearby locations. If you look closely, you may see a nod to Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland, located 11,743 km away. 5. Willard B. Bounds, U.S. Marshall (Retired), President, Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company – Willard B. Bounds, the President of Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company, has signed several notices and proclamations around Big Thunder Mountain, including a sign at the attraction entrance. This is a tribute to Lillian Disney’s father, who was once a blacksmith and U.S. Marshall on the Nez Perce Indian reservation in Idaho. Bonus fact: Did you know the sound of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains was used in the mine chase sequence in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”? Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with a trip aboard the wildest ride in the wilderness! Tell us your favorite memory aboard this iconic attraction in the comments below. Five Things You Might Have Missed Aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Walt Disney World rolled out the green carpet for dogs and their owners at the first Disney Side Dog's Day at Magic Kingdom on Aug. 30. View the full article

Can you believe Halloween time has already returned to Magic Kingdom Park? The first of 26 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties is set to scare up fun at the park tonight from 7 p.m.-midnight! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party features the popular “Villains Mix & Mingle – Live on Stage” show, “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” Disney characters dressed Halloween costumes, trick-or-treating for all ages, “HalloWishes” fireworks and more. This year’s event will also offer a new character dance party at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland. This year’s party dates are: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26 & 28 and October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31. Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings are available for select dates. Visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween for more. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns Tonight at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Aaaahhh, La Cava del Tequila… what’s a trip around World Showcase without walking inside your doors? Learn About: La Cava del TequilaEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsWell, we’re back, and we’re here to celebrate a very special birthday…La Cava del Tequila just turned five years old! For a place that’s still relatively new (in Disney World terms, anyway), it sure has earned its place on the absolute MUST list ever since opening its doors in August 2009. We’re celebrating this special occasion with a few of my favorite things (cue the song!) and branching out with a few sips I’d never tried before. As the saying goes, it may be “5 o’clock somewhere,” but we’re just happy when it’s 12 o’clock at La Cava del Tequila! La Cava del Tequila Sign “We Open at Noon” Is it noon yet ? Then let’s step in! AtmosphereSmall and cozy (and often crowded due to its well-deserved reputation), there’s still plenty for the eye to take in. Obviously, the tequila gets the spotlight – both figuratively and literally! La Cava Tequilas When you first walk in, the highlight to your left is the bar itself. If your visit is anything like mine often are, there will already be lines four people deep here. Take a deep breath and dive on in! At opening time, the lines aren’t too bad. Once you get up to the bar, you’ll be welcomed by the best in the business. We’ve always found La Cava bartenders and staff to be welcoming, knowledgable, and willing to share their expertise on what to choose. La Cava Bartenders hard at work The best in the business If you decide you don’t want to drink and dash — and we highly recommend taking a little time to chill out and relax here at La Cava — you can always have a seat and be waited on as you would be in a regular lounge. Small tables line the main wall, underneath the mural depicting the process of tequila-making. La Cava Seating You can also choose to stand if you so desire… La Cava Standing Table And while this little haven truly has its own distinct feel, it’s not without some of that famous Disney detail. Backs of chairs La Cava decor You might just catch a bit of whimsy on your visit, too ;). They brought Margarito out of hiding for us to enjoy. See a video here. Margarito de La Cava That’s the feeling in a nutshell, but we’re here for the tequila. And the experts at La Cava wouldn’t have it any other way… EatsThe La Cava menu is full of dozens of blanco, reposado, and anejo tequilas; specialty margaritas; Mezcal; flights; infused tequilas; and other drinks. On this visit, we enjoyed a cocktail we love, and sampled some new-to-us drinks as well. Here’s a (bad) pic of the menu of specialty margaritas. For the full menu, click here. Specialty Margaritas In the past, we’ve sampled and reviewed just about all of the specialty margaritas that cycle on and off the menu, including Passion Fruit, Avocado, Pineapple, Blood Orange, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Midnight Blue, Coffee, and the Skinny Margarita (you can see many of these reviews here, and here). This time, we went back to the Avocado Margarita, which was my first surprise — and my first favorite — at La Cava. The rundown remains the same: tequila, melon liquor, and fresh avocado mixed with fresh lime juice and agave nectar syrup, served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim. But the result is so creamy and refreshing that it still manages to surprise me. Avocado Margarita Next? Okay, I’d mentioned that I was going to branch out a bit on this visit, so here we go… I hadn’t yet tried the Horchata Margarita: Horchata cream rum, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, “agua de Horchata” (Horchata is a rice milk), and tequila, all topped with cinnamon powder. Horchata Margarita The first words out of my mouth after tasting this drink were, “It tastes like Christmas.” Like creamy, cinnamon-y Christmas on the rocks! I’m not a sweet drinks fan, so this isn’t one I’d order often PERSONALLY; but if you love all things Egg Nog, Bailey’s Irish Cream, etc, you’re going to really enjoy this one. This was also my first time trying the Mexican Sangria. All the fruitiness you love in a red wine sangria laced with orange liquor, with a bit of an edge thanks to the addition of… what else? Tequila! So pretty, right? Sangria This might provide an easy transition into the world of tequila for the strictly-wine folks out there. Of course, you can’t say you’ve been to the House of Tequila without sampling some of it straight. I had a little splash of anejo in my own personalized glass. (This was my first time trying out my glass! So fun! You can find out more about the personalized glasses here.) AJ Glass Now, how can you improve upon specialty margaritas? By adding a serving of chips and guacamole, salsa, and some of that ridiculous La Cava queso. Trio Combo — Salsa, Guac, Queso, and Chips Finally, I’m adding one more to my list of new experiences at La Cava. This time, I’m not leaving without dessert. That’s right, I had a chance to sample the Dessert Flight: a selection of five dessert liqueurs ranging in flavors from spicy and fruity to creamy and chocolaty. After all, what’s a birthday party without a little something sweet? Liqueur Flight Included were Agavero, a blend of aged tequila and the Damiana flower; Rumchata, a creamy rum drink; 1921 Cream, the Mexican version of Bailey’s featuring coffee and cream flavors; Patron Cafe Cocoa, tequila with coffee and cocoa; and Almond Ultimo Agave, tequila infused with almond flavor. La Cava “Dessert Flight” I was happily surprised by how flavorful and distinctive each of these were. My favorites were the 1921 Cream and the Almond Ultimo Agave. Definitely a good way to end an evening of apps and drinks, and fun to share! Oh, and for those who are interested, here’s a fun event the team at La Cava (and the other Mexican eateries in Disney World) are putting on soon. OverallFantastic beverages, killer queso, comfortable vibe, expert staff… it all adds up to a high-quality hangout in the heart of Epcot. Five years in, and they just keep adding creative and fun options to something that was already pretty awesome straight out of the gate. So, a huge thanks and Happy Birthday to La Cava del Tequila! Here’s to many more great times within your walls! Have you had a chance to enjoy La Cava del Tequila? 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: Coming Soon?? Personalized Glasses at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico PavilionLa Cava del Tequila Appetizer Menu UpdateChips and Queso “To Go” at La Cava del Tequila View the full article

One of Walt Disney World's longest-running attractions features eye-rolling one-liners and a song that salutes strawberry shortcake — but no sign of princesses or Mickey Mouse. View the full article