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Spirits awaken! It’s time to for you to join me and the Grim Grinning Ghosts and come out to “social”-ize. Our Disneyland Resort Artist Sketch teams have been hard at work creating new images which pay homage to the beloved Haunted Mansion attraction, celebrating 45 spooky years at Disneyland park next week. These will be added to the portfolio of offerings currently available as part of the Park Icon Artist Sketch Collection at Disneyana in Disneyland park. But here’s the question … which one would you like to see appear as a downloadable Disney Parks Blog desktop wallpaper? Vote Now to Select a Disney Parks Blog Wallpaper Celebrating 45 Years of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland ParkVote now until 5 p.m. PDT on Monday, August 4, and let us know which of the four artist sketch designs is your favorite! Be sure to check back August 8 to see which one will be featured as an official Disney Parks Blog wallpaper. So, rap on a table; it’s time to respond. Send us a message from somewhere beyond. Look alive and vote now … and don’t forget to … hurry back! Vote Now to Select a Disney Parks Blog Wallpaper Celebrating 45 Years of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ever wonder what it's like to twist down a waterslide at Aulani? Launch into Waikolohe Stream with this tube adventure & explore the pools of Aulani here! http://di.sn/rgz Make sure to check...From:Disney ParksViews:20ratingsTime:00:29More inTravel & Events

When the Four Seasons Orlando opens to guests Aug. 3, visitors to Walt Disney World Resort will have a new option when it comes to luxury accommodations. View the full article

Disney World has added an after-hours event to the lineup of the upcoming Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. View the full article

It’s time again to share your favorite memories from the past 60 years of the Disneyland Resort for a chance to win a trip to the kick-off of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015! This week, we’re looking for your memories from the 1970s! We had a lot to celebrate in the 1970s at the Disneyland Resort … our 20th anniversary, the United States Bicentennial, the openings of two new Disneyland mountains – Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! What were you celebrating here at Disneyland in the 1970s? Show us with the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest, and please be sure to include the decade in your entry description! How to enter: Each week, we’ll be asking for your special photo memories from a specific decade. (Regardless of the weekly decade inspiration, you can share a favorite photo from any of the decade periods between now and August 27, 2014.)Post your photos on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #Disneyland60Contest by August 27, 2014, and make sure to let us know the decade in which the photo was taken in the description or tweet.When the submission period is complete, we’ll select the top five photos from each decade, and Disney Parks Blog readers will vote for the top photo from each of the Disneyland Decades. Each decade winner will receive a special Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration prize. Then, we’ll give you the chance to vote for one Grand Prize winner from among the winners of each decade. This lucky fan will win a trip to the start of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in spring 2015! For complete rules, click here. No purchase necessary. Entries must be received by 8/27/14. 18/age of majority+, 50 US/DC only. Void where prohibited. See Rules for details. Share Your Favorite Disneyland Resort Memories from the 1970s by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

How about an after-hours street party, and an Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package to make the 19th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival even more fun? Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE! street party will run from 9:45 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday during the festival between the United Kingdom Pavilion and World Showcase Plaza. The event includes six tastes (food and beverages) from select marketplaces, live music, entertainment, and a DJ. Cost is $79, plus tax. Bringing together the love of food with the love of music, it’s the perfect destination for a delicious final bite. Party is subject to capacity and advance reservations are recommended; to book a spot, call 407-939-3378. We know that Greece, Hawaii and Desserts & Champagne will be showcased, along with others that will change throughout the festival. *Note: Admission to Epcot is not required after 9 p.m. for guests who have purchased credentials to the event. However, if the guest wants to visit Epcot before 9 p.m., valid theme park admission is required. Alcohol will only be served to guests 21 and older. Now for some brand-new “Premium” fun! From noon-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday during a select festival period (September 22-November 6), the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package is an opportunity for guests staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (or the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels) to sip and savor in style. The package includes an in-room gift with wine for guests 21 and older, a festival wine glass, truffles and credential for the Premium Package Areas at the festival – plus an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival MagicBand and a $50 Disney Gift Card to start the fun. The credential gives access to 10 VIP “Premium Package Areas” around World Showcase Promenade where you can order items from Marketplaces and have them delivered to you – no waiting in line. You can also bring your favorite marketplace treats into the Premium Package Areas and just relax. The package also includes one admission to Epcot Food & Wine Festival – Late Nights LIVE!, which you can attend on Tuesday or Thursday night. Cost is $199 per guest, plus tax, plus Epcot admission. For the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package, call 407-939-1889. For more general information on the festival, go to epcotfoodfestival.com. For more about the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, visit the posts below: Ready, Set, Dial! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Premium Event Reservations Open July 31More Details to Make You Hungry For Fun at 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Announced for Epcot International Food & Wine FestivalTwo New Ways to Enjoy Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We caught up with one of our Disney Cruise Line specialists from the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Diane, to get her take on what a family can look forward to on a Disney cruise. Come join us for...From:Disney ParksViews:50ratingsTime:03:26More inTravel & Events

Details for the 2015 Disney Dining Plans are starting to emerge! 2015 Disney Dining Plans We’re not seeing many changes so far in the 2015 plans, but take a look at a few updates that we want to share with you. 2015 Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan ChangesDisney has added the new Starbucks at Downtown Disney West Side to the plan for 2015. Only breakfast can be redeemed as a quick service meal. 2015 Table-Service Disney Dining Plan ChangesLas Ventanas at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has been added to the line-up. Breakfast and lunch can be redeemed for a table-service credit.Photos are no longer included at Cinderella’s Royal Table and will now have an extra charge.Cinderella’s Royal Table Sign 2015 Premium and Platinum Disney Dining Plan ChangesHere’s an update: Two tours — Wild by Design and Backstage Safari — are no longer offered.The cost has increased; figure an additional $5-$10 per person per night.No longer include preferred viewing locations for Illuminations and Wishes.Read more about the Premium Dining Plan here and the Platinum Plan here! Jump on board the Characters in Flight Balloon! 2015 Disney Dining Plan RestaurantsSee an in-progress list of the 2015 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants here. Remember, many Disney World restaurants do not re-register with the Dining Plan until the end of the year. Package ExtrasLook for new benefits such as food and merchandise discounts and a 15% discount on some Walt Disney World tours. Will a Dole Whip Still be a Snack Credit in 2015? We hope so! More Updates to Come“Why isn’t Restaurant X listed on the plan?!???!?!?” While some restaurants are already listed on the plans, it’ll take some time before all eateries are finalized. (Usually restaurants not owned by Disney wait until the last minute to re-up their status in the Dining Plan). For instance, you’ll notice the absence of many Downtown Disney and Epcot restaurants. These (and others) will likely be added throughout the remaining 2014 months. Our recommendation is to book your Advance Dining Reservations for 2015 based on the 2014 Disney Dining Plan Restaurant list. If, for some reason, a restaurant that you’ve booked does not continue on the Dining Plan in 2015, you can then make other plans. Stay tuned for more Disney Dining Plan information as it is released. Please understand that this is all subject to change. Thanks to Sue at Small World Vacations for the heads up! 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! Participating Restaurants for the 2013 Disney Dining Plans UpdatedFree Dining at Disney World Announced for 2010Disney World Free Dining in 2011 Announced View the full article

If you are thinking about cruising with us for the first time, you probably want to know more about what it will be like for your family. Who better to ask than another parent? You may have heard about the Disney Parks Moms Panel, a super helpful resource for planning your Disney vacation, but did you know that there are three Disney Cruise Line specialists on the panel? These moms have sailed with us multiple times over the years and have so many good insights for families. We caught up with one of our panelists, Diane, to get her take on what a family can look forward to on a Disney cruise. Check it out! See below for more from the “Mom’s Take” Disney Cruise Line series A Mom’s Take: Experiencing Europe Before You Even Step off the Ship with Disney Cruise LineA Mom’s Take: Packing for a Disney Cruise to AlaskaA Mom’s Take: Magical Port Adventures in VeniceA Mom’s Take on Cruising with Disney by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Universal's grand opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley is behind us. So, what's next on the calendar of events for Central Florida theme parks and attractions? Here's what's coming for August and September. View the full article

Okay, Food & Wine Festival fans, IT’S ON… Booking for the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Events is officially open to the public! Have you perused the menus? Are you busy booking your Demonstrations and Seminars? Well, guess what? Now you’ve got two BRAND NEW EVENTS to consider: Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights LIVE! AND the Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package! Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights LIVE! Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights LIVE! is an after-hours street party, running every Tuesday and Thursday (beginning September 23rd) throughout the Festival. From 9:45 pm – 1:00 am, guests will enjoy the late-night atmosphere of World Showcase between the United Kingdom Pavilion and Showcase Plaza! The cost is $79 (plus tax), and includes music, entertainment, and a live DJ to add to the festive atmosphere, along with six items from several of the Festival marketplace booths. If you are entering Epcot for the event only (after the park closes) Epcot admission is not required. Epcot Food & Wine Premium PackageRunning Mondays through Thursdays throughout the Festival, the Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package gives guests the opportunity to “sip and savor dozens of unique, fresh flavors from six continents.” The Premium Package is offered exclusively to guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts, the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, and Golden Oak. Seafood Fisherman’s Pie from Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival There is a LOT going on here, so be sure to read all of the inclusions below! The cost is $199 (plus tax) and includes an in-room gift bag with a select bottle of wine, a Food & Wine Festival wine glass, truffles, and a “Premium Package Area credential.” A themed Food & Wine Magic Band and a $50 gift card is also included, as well as access to Premium Package Areas around World Showcase where Premium Package guests will order items from select marketplace booths and have them delivered directly. No waiting in line! Additionally, the Premium Package includes admission to one Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights LIVE! event. Epcot admission is required for the Premium Package. “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce Remember, booking for all special events is open as of 7:00 am ET TODAY! Visit www.epcotfoodfestival.com to book your choice of special events and seminars and demonstrations. Or dial (407) WDW-FEST (939-3378) to book those, or either of the two new events. And don’t forget to order your copy of the The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! In addition to all the best Food & Wine Festival tips and information, you’ll also be able to check out exactly what’s happening at the Festival during your stay! So… are you ready? Happy planning, everybody!! 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! Chase Disney Visa Cardmembers Can Book These Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events on July 29thNews: Pricing Released for New Epcot Food and Wine Festival EventsNews! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events, Dates, and Prices; Booking Begins July 31st! View the full article

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland soon, you can take in another kind of Disneyana-themed excursion through a unique art show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles. View the full article

Have you ever wanted to take a trip around the world to visit our Disney Parks & Resorts? Join me on a whirlwind shopping trip as we take a look at what is happening in the world of Disney Theme Park Merchandise as we continue the “Window Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World” series! The mystery of who has been painting the art in the Mediterranean Harbor area of Tokyo Disney Sea has finally been solved. Tokyo Disneyland Resort recently introduced Gelatoni, a Disney friend of Duffy. This cool cat has an artistic flair for creating new masterpieces for all to enjoy. Our Disney fans were very eager to scoop up anything with Gelatoni on it including a tote, shopping bag, memo pad, writing pen and more. Those of you visiting the Tokyo Disneyland Resort will even find a special Gelatoni plush to add to your collection. As you may know, Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its 9th anniversary this year. Here’s a look at some of the commemorative merchandise that has been created in honor of this special celebration including souvenirs, apparel, memorabilia, accessories, dolls, limited edition pins and more. This month Disneyland Paris introduces PhotoPass+ containing everything you need to access high resolution digital image files of your vacation memories. All of the photos taken by our Disney PhotoPass photographers, or on attractions equipped with Image Capture, may be linked to your PhotoPass+. In addition, for the first time at Disney Parks, Disneyland Paris has debuted a new Disney PhotoPass App that allows you to download all of the pictures taken by our photographers and attractions photos directly to your mobile device. Where will our next shopping trip take us? Keep watching the Disney Parks Blog to find out. For more from the “Window Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World” series, visit the posts below: Window Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World: Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates Chinese New Year and Valentines Day with Special MerchandiseWindow Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World: Celebrate the HolidaysWindow Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World: Boo-tiful Merchandise Materializes at Hong Kong DisneylandWindow Shopping at Disney Parks Around the World: Meet Gelatoni and More! by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It may be July, but the time has come to get ready once again for Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland park! Tickets are on sale to the general public here, and there’s so much to look forward to. Here are my top five can’t-miss favorites at Mickey’s Halloween Party. Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade – this is an exclusive, for Mickey’s Halloween Party guests only.Disney Villains make special appearances at Mickey’s Halloween Party in a series of must-see moments in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. Trick-or-treat stations throughout Disneyland park, stocked with candy and healthy goodies.Halloween Screams, fireworks spectacular – another exclusive just for party guests.Monsters U Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, featuring Mike & Sulley and the Monster Scare-Off.What are your Mickey’s Halloween Party must-do’s? Let us know in the comments! Five Things You Can’t Miss During Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney cruisers have been savoring the flavors of South America while sailing throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. One of my favorite Latin America-inspired dishes is our zesty Orange Cilantro Marinated Flank Steak. If you’re looking to grill up something different for your next summer barbecue, this recipe is absolutely one to try. The flavors of our citrus marinade, complemented by our spicy chimichurri sauce, will no doubt leave your mouth watering to be back on a Disney cruise! Check out the full recipe below and download our keepsake recipe card here. Enjoy! Orange Cilantro Marinated Flank Steak Serves: 8 Skill Level: Moderate Time: 24 hours Ingredients Whole 6lb flank steakMarinade 1 bunch cilantro (finely chopped)5 oranges (juiced and zested)
4 tbsp. brown sugar
2 bay leaves2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. ground pepper
1 onion (roughly chopped)1⁄2 cup distilled white wine vinegar1/3 cup vegetable oilChimichurri 2 tbsp. bunch parsley (finely chopped)
2 tbsp. picked oregano (finely chopped)
2 garlic cloves (crushed)1 white onion (finely chopped)2 tbsp. olive oil
1/3 cup mil red wine
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp. saltFor the Marinade Place all the ingredients in a blender except the vegetable oil.Once blended, place in a mixing bowl and whisk in the vegetable oil.Cover the flank steak completely with the marinade.Marinate for 24 hours.For the Flank Steak Remove the flank steak from the marinade.Sear both sides on a griddle or pan, place on a baking tray and place into a preheated oven* at 320 degrees for 10 minutes or until medium rare.Remove and rest before carving.*Can also be done in a covered barbecue grill. For the Chimichurri Mix all the ingredients together and serve as a side with flank steak.For more summer recipes from Disney Cruise Line, click the links below: Disney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Tomato CakeDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Cajun Shrimp SlawDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Guava Glazed Barbecue RibsDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Summer PuddingDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Seafood PaellaSavoring the Flavors of the Mediterranean with Disney Cruise LineDisney Cruise Line Summer Recipe: Orange Cilantro Marinated Flank Steak by Stephen Walker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When was the last time you looked at a billboard — I mean really looked? Ever spot a facet of one that you missed at first glance? Something that made it pop? When it comes to Disney theme park billboards, bet you didn’t realize all that’s entailed into making them so exceptional, filled with sly references and artfully hidden gems. Well, those creative whizzes at Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group know how to ensure they don’t just look amazing and enticing, but also tell a story. But why go the extra mile? “We hope to remind guests of how much fun they had on the attractions or that they create a sense of anticipation to want to go on them if they haven’t,” explains Yellow Shoes Senior Art Director Steve Carsella. “Having all the details in the billboards is in line with a Disney theme park experience by adding something special wherever you look.” For instance, on one of the latest Expedition Everest billboards, subtle yet oh-so-clever tidbits include the Yeti’s footprints in what looks like random texture in the snow, an authentic Tibetan carving embedded in the “T” in the word “EVEREST” and the Yeti’s shadow disguised as a rock cropping. Meanwhile, a new Twilight Zone Tower of Terror board includes a falling brick that is actually an old-timey radio that’s a prop from the attraction’s queue and a Hidden Mickey stamped on another brick. When designing and implementing billboards, there are general creative tenets that are taken into consideration, of course. Does it accurately depict the attraction? Is it readable? Does it feel cinematic? Are there strong details that don’t impede the message? But it takes that Disney magic of adding just enough originality and ingenuity that assures they are always surprising, dynamic and uncommon. “I think it follows in the steps of Walt himself to pay attention to the details and to offer our guests something out of the ordinary,” Steve says. So now that you know, maybe next time you’ll take the time to appreciate all the thought and effort that go into Disney billboards. Just wait until it’s safe to check them out! Disney Billboards: More than Meets the Eye by Russ J. Stacey: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Frontierland or Rainbow Ridge – Have you chosen your alliance in Frontierland at Disneyland park? “Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!” lets you become part of a Wild West story – and you know there’s food involved. With stations throughout Frontierland like the Sheriff’s Office and Jail, the Hideout, the Trading Post, a Telegraph Station and a game of cards and more inside Golden Horseshoe, you can create a character (are you a peacekeeper or an outlaw?) and interact with cast members in really fun ways. (See Erin Glover’s earlier post on the Disney Park Blog.) All that running about works up a thirst, and L.B.’s Extraordinary Elixirs includes three soft drinks worth a sip: Knowledge, a tea infused with lime, passion fruit, vanilla and a “zap of pureed ginger – for smarts”; Luck, a tea infused with apple, cotton candy, lime, lemongrass and mint, all stirred with a lucky horseshoe; and Charm, lite lemonade infused with desert pear, blackberry and “Tabasco for personality plus.” We’ve heard that they each grant mystical power to citizens of Frontierland and Rainbow Ridge. Over at the Golden Horseshoe, there’s a new “secret” menu (wink, wink) and they’ve doctored up the root beer in three flavors – one with wild raspberry (Wild style), one with toasted marshmallow flavor (Campfire style), one with vanilla (Plain Jane) and one with caramel (Eureka style). And if you really want to live life on the edge, go with “Outlaw Style” toppings for chili fries, the chili bread bowl or the crispy chicken salad – that means you add a mixture of black beans, roasted white corn, red onion, serrano chiles, tomato, green, red and yellow peppers, garlic, cilantro, Tabasco, olive oil and lime. (It’s worth a taste.) That’s plenty of Wild West grub to keep you fired up for all the Frontierland fun! Delicious New Tastes for ‘Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!’ at Disneyland Park by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

There’s so much going on in the world of Disney Food, and we don’t want you to miss out on any of it!! Whether you’re planning your next vacation to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or you’re just dreaming about the Happiest Place on Earth, we want you to have all of the Disney Food News that’s important to you. In every color issue of the Disney Food Blog Newsletter, we share highlights of all the latest news as well as the reviews that you rely on Disney Food Blog to bring you. And here’s a reminder, we’re giving away this must-have Ceramic Dole Whip to a DFB Newsletter subscriber TOMORROW! If you’re subscribed to our newsletter, you’re automatically entered into our drawing! Ceramic Dole Whip! But hurry — today is the last day that you can subscribe to be entered into the drawing! And as news continues to break about the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, you’ll be first to know all the updates! Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog Is Back at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Don’t wait — sign up today and you’ll receive an email from me welcoming you. Your regular subscription will begin with our next issue tomorrow. Sign up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter right here! 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: Don’t Miss Out! Subscribe to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter!Now’s The Time to 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

Themed after New England-style Resorts, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts combine casual elegance and formal grace along the waterfront. See yourself at the Disney Beach Club? http://di.sn/rge...From:Disney ParksViews:30147ratingsTime:02:57More inTravel & Events

A look at the classic seaside comforts of the guest rooms at Disney's Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World. Come see the resort for yourself: http://di.sn/hm8 For a video tour of the entire...From:Disney ParksViews:30125ratingsTime:00:49More inTravel & Events

Superheroic, with a side of schlock Marvel's 'Guardians' adds a little more snark to the studio's collection Like the '70s cassette mix tape so dear to its hero, "Guardians of the Galaxy" scavenges all sorts of "greatest hits" precedents, from "Iron Man" on down, to come up with its own summertime fling. It's looser, scruffier and more overtly comic than the average Marvel action fantasy. And despite the usual load of violence, not all of it properly handled, the film owes its relative buoyancy above all to Chris Pratt as the wisecracking space rogue at the helm. View the full article

The Disney chefs love to tinker in the kitchen, and especially enjoy creating new tastes for guests with allergies. One of our favorite new tastes is the gluten-free naan bread at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—you won’t find it on the menu, but when guests with gluten allergies ask to speak to the chef, it’s one of the options for Indian-style bread service (for those fabulous chutneys and sauces), open-faced naan sandwiches at lunch and the kid’s meal cheese pizza. “Chef Jonathan Dove has a great passion for creating items to accommodate special diet needs, as his wife has a gluten allergy,” says Chef David Njorge. Creating a gluten-free naan became a priority, and Chef Jonathan worked with Chef Amanda Lauder to come up with their delicious version of the classic Indian flatbread. “As culinary cast members, we leave our legacy daily in the way we interact with our guests and our fellow cast members, go above and beyond, and sprinkle pixie dust,” says Chef David. A couple more new gluten-free menu items we’ve recently discovered: the angel food cake with seasonal fruit compote at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (which is always on the menu, not a special order), and the hot beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. At Sassagoula they fry the beignets separately, so it’s a rare opportunity for guests with celiac disease or gluten allergies to have those hot, fresh little squares of fried dough. And if you’re too far away for a hot order from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, here’s the recipe so you can try at home. Gluten-Free Beignets Makes 20 beignets Ingredients 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (100°F)1 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple juice1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce3 tablespoons sugar2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gluten-free egg replacer1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon canola oilPinch ground cinnamon1 pound gluten-free pizza crust mixConfectioners’ sugar for finishingFor the beignets Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl; set aside 5 minutes.Combine apple juice, applesauce, sugar, egg replacer, salt, oil, and cinnamon in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix until well combined.Add pizza crust mix, 1/4 cup at a time, until soft dough forms (you will not use all of mix). Turn dough out onto a work surface dusted with remaining pizza crust mix. Knead until dough is no longer sticky but still soft.Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and cut into 2×3-inch pieces. Set aside at room temperature for 20 minutes.Pour enough oil into a deep-sided pot until it reaches 2 inches up sides; heat oil over medium heat to 350°F.Lightly press beignets to flatten slightly.Add a few beignets to oil; fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once.Remove from hot oil with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.Dust with a generous amount of confectioners’ sugar before serving.Chefs Add More Gluten-Free Goodies to Walt Disney World Menus by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney's Vero Beach Resort hosts the Sea Turtle Conservancy's annual “Tour de Turtles” event which allows sea turtle fans to follow the marathon migration of 12 sea turtles. Want to visit...From:Disney ParksViews:11124ratingsTime:03:43More inTravel & Events

This past weekend, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort hosted the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s annual “Tour de Turtles” event which allows sea turtle fans to follow the marathon migration of 12 sea turtles from their nesting beaches to their foraging grounds. This year, Olaf’s summer dream in the Academy Award winning Disney Animation Studios film “Frozen” inspired us to feature him in our event and name the turtles after his friends Anna and Elsa. The morning began as each loggerhead sea turtle was outfitted with a satellite transmitter. Now that the females have finished nesting for the season, it is time for them to head to their foraging grounds so that they can begin feasting on those tasty crustaceans. The transmitters allow us to track the path to Anna and Elsa’s favorite foraging grounds. As the “turtle safe” adhesive dried, guests had the opportunity to participate in various activities as they learned more about sea turtles and earned stamps for completed activities in their nature journal. Guests watched as Disney’s Animal Programs cast members conducted a nest inventory and counted the number of eggs in a recently hatched sea turtle nest; discovered ways they can help hatchlings including knocking down sand castles after they leave the beach, and realized how difficult it could be for a sea turtle to free itself if tangled in plastic debris. Each sea turtle involved in “Tour de Turtles” acts as an ambassador to raise awareness about a specific threat to sea turtles. Sea turtle ‘Anna’ (sponsored by Disney’s Animal Programs and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort) is swimming to raise awareness about light pollution. Many don’t realize that bright beachfront lighting from buildings and flashlights from people walking on the beach can deter nesting turtles, draw hatchlings inland and prevent them from safely reaching the ocean. It’s important to close your curtains to prevent light from shining on the beach or using sea turtle-friendly fixtures that shield the light from the beach and never use a flashlight during sea turtle nesting season at night! Sea turtle ‘Elsa’ (sponsored by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund) is focused on the troubling amount of plastic debris in oceans around the world. The debris breaks into small pieces that are eaten by sea turtles and other marine wildlife, which causes the animals severe digestive troubles. Over the years, the consumption of this plastic debris has caused the deaths of over 100 million marine animals and floating marine debris can also lead to turtles becoming entangled in plastic, fishing line, nets and more. You can help by picking up litter, purchasing reusable grocery bags, recycling, and not releasing balloons. Youth from the local Boys & Girls Club learned all about how scientists develop tracking devices to monitor sea turtle migration pattern in the ocean and had a front row seat to watch Anna and Elsa’s return to the ocean. Everyone wished Anna and Elsa well on their ocean journey and we look forward to their return when they are ready to lay more eggs in two years. Check out the gallery below for more photos from the event! GalleryWildlife Wednesday: On Your Mark, Get Set… Let Them Go! – Sea Turtles Set Off On Migratory Journey view allYou can cheer on Anna, Elsa and other turtles that are part of Tour de Turtles by logging on to http://www.tourdeturtles.org/. You can track the migration paths of 4 species of sea turtles and learn more about sea turtle conservation. For more from the “Wildlife Wednesday” series, check out the posts below: Wildlife Wednesday: It’s Lovely Weather To Book A Sleigh Ride Together With You at Walt Disney World! Wildlife Wednesday: The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Is Helping Preserve Hisssss-tory Wildlife Wednesday: When You Think of Elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. . . Think Big! Wildlife Wednesday: Get Outside This Weekend by Participating in the Great American Backyard CampoutWildlife Wednesday: On Your Mark, Get Set… Let Them Go! – Sea Turtles Set Off On Migratory Journey by Anne Savage, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A national search is under way for the cutest video celebrating the Disney Side of pets – and I know Disney Parks Blog readers are up for the challenge. The popular Animal Planet America’s Cutest TV show is producing a special Disney Side edition for a Howl-O-Ween Pet-acular that’ll air later this year and they want to hear from you. Whether you dress your dog as a jungle cruise skipper or build a hamster-sized Splash Mountain, your pet could become bigger than the Astro Orbiter by appearing in Animal Planet’s Howl-O-Ween Pet-acular. It’s easy to share your pet’s Disney Side video. Just visit the Animal Planet entry page and add your clip. Here are a few tips: Hold your camera or phone horizontally instead of vertically.Film in the highest resolution possible and please don’t compress.No music, radio or TV in the background.Please include the pets face in the clip.After you’ve shared your video, watch America’s Cutest: The Disney Side Edition in October to find out if your pet’s Disney Side is one of America’s cutest. Also, let us know about your pet’s Disney Side in the comments. Show Your Pet’s Disney Side on Animal Planet’s ‘America’s Cutest’ by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article