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If you’ve been following our MyMagic+ updates, then you know My Disney Experience is the key to personalizing your visit. It’s one of several MyMagic+ benefits and tools now available to guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Recently, the team working on My Disney Experience added some new features, including amazing flyovers of our resorts that we wanted to share with readers. The 3-D modeling and a “camera view” from inside the animation gives you a great perspective – from birds eye to 360-degrees – at resort features (pools, recreation, monorail, amenities) and proximity to our parks. Ken Oelerich, a design director on the project, was able to layer creative over Walt Disney World Resort maps and create a 3-D environment with the unique “camera” view. Ken says the team was not limited by where a helicopter could fly to bring the resorts to life for My Disney Experience. Currently, the new flyovers are for Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with Disney’s Polynesian Resort coming soon. Go see the flyovers and other new features at My Disney Experience. MyMagic+: 3-D Flyovers of Resorts Added to My Disney Experience by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of my favorite places to shop at Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in California is the WonderGround Gallery. Opened in June 2012, the distinctive and eclectic contemporary art location showcases unique art collections by some incredibly talented artists. I have great news for fans who love this location like I do. A small assortment of WonderGround Gallery items was recently added to the Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Located just inside the main entrance of the shop, this new addition contains a handful of prints, mugs, magnets, postcards and more from various artists originally featured in the California location. You may recall that the Marketplace Co-Op was designed to be a testing space for new retail products, store concepts and guest experiences. This small addition is a great example of the flexible space inside the location. During my recent visit, I saw a new “Welcome” sign inside the shop (just look at those letters!). I love the “The Village Marketplace Co-Operative” label found on the side of the orange crates. Benches were also added to the center area between the boutiques. If you are unable to visit the Marketplace Co-Op in Florida or the WonderGround Gallery in California, you can find select items from the location on our Disney Parks online store. WonderGround Gallery Joins Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re thrilled to announce the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! With over 220 pages and multiple bonus items, it’s pretty substantial! And just in time to make your plans — general public booking begins on July 31st! In honor of our grand launch, we have a discount option for DFB readers (as always!). You can get the new mini-guide for $3 off the regular price for a limited time — just use code MENUS at the check-out! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-BookThe DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know before you attend the Food and Wine Festival this year, from what’s NEW this year to touring strategies — and a new section with top tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! And with the Epcot Food & Wine festival rapidly approaching, the time is now! Booking for festival events opens July 31st at 7AM ET, and our exclusive daily schedule of events is the most efficient way to plan your festival strategy. (Did you purchase a pre-order of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and not receive your book? Let us know at Support@DFBGuide.com!) With a detailed schedule of seminars and events for every single day of the festival, it’s a quick, easy way to decide what activities and events you want to book! Don’t waste time flipping between web pages, PDFs, and websites — just find the date you need and we’ve got it all right there in front of you. Just like that! Find Everything That’s Going On During Your Visit in our FULL Daily Schedule of Events! As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with over 220 pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars (or Disney Dining Plan snack credits) stretch all around World Showcase. And we have a fully updated FAQ section that answers questions you didn’t even know you had! This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan a rewarding Food & Wine Festival tour, or your money back — we all know that your vacation time (and budget) are limited and we want you to get the most out of your visit! Bonus ItemsThe DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that go above and beyond any other Food & Wine Festival coverage currently available. These include: A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festivalA printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festivalThemed World Showcase booth crawls (there’s even one for the kids!)Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, visits with kids, and moreA chapter dedicated to all “New for 2014″ events, menu items, booths, and moreFull food, wine, beer, winery, cocktail, and chef indexes, including dates and locations of where you can find your favoritesEpcot Food and Wine Festival recipesTop tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine FestivalAnd more!Both veterans and those new to the festival will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample wine, enjoy a craft beer, taste test an exotic dish, or find the best dessert, The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will help you discover the right strategy for you. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or ipad! Once again, celebrate the grand launch with us by getting $3 off the purchase price for the e-Book! Order your copy now for only $11.95 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code MENUS at the check-out. Want an Even Better Deal?We’ve got it! For an even bigger discount, head over to the DFB Store and check out our e-Book Bundles! “Everything Bundle,” Including Food and Wine: Planning a big trip and need the low-down on Disney Food across the board? We’ve got it all for you in this steeply discounted e-Book Bundle, which includes the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Guide and the Holidays at Disney World Guide! Food and Wine Bundle: Another chance to pick up two of our very best-selling guides! Get a significant discount on our 450-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, and the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — together! This Food and Wine Bundle offers all of our insider tips and tricks for the Festival AND the rest of your Disney World visit! For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival, head over to the DFB Store!With a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: The “DFB Mini-Guide to the 2012 Epcot Food & Wine Festival” Grand Launch (and Discount)!The “DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival” Grand Launch and Discount!Grand Launch and Discount: The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition View the full article

Rumors about Walt Disney World construction projects and attraction changes are much like turkey legs in Frontierland. Oh, they’re enjoyable to consume, of course, but you really have to wonder just what they’re made of sometimes. View the full article

In my opinion, tonight’s “After Dark” image is one of the best we’ve ever shared. It’s a snap of Tom Sawyer Island right at sunset. It’s so calm and serene that it just makes me want to visit again very soon. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: A Peaceful Night at Tom Sawyer Island by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When it comes to Disney World, sometimes I think there are morning park people and there are night park people. Learn About: Sunshine SeasonsEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsI’ve always considered myself a night park person… I’m always up for a viewing of any of the nighttime spectaculars, and I’ve never been able to pick a favorite out of Illuminations, Wishes, or Fantasmic! And the lights on the buildings on Main Street or the torches surrounding World Showcase only add to atmosphere. Plus, the blazing Florida sun has set, so you know… bonus! But even I have to admit that sometimes the early bird really does catch the worm. Check out this unbelievably peaceful atmosphere for an early morning breakfast of Croissant Berry Pudding at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons! Early morning at Sunshine Seasons Sunshine Seasons Sign Can’t you just hear the music from Soarin’ somewhere in the back of your mind ? Anyway, while the crowds are lining up for their morning java over at Fountain View (Starbucks) Cafe, Sunshine Seasons has a few great A.M. treasures (available until 11:00AM) that shouldn’t be overlooked. You can find plenty of bakery pastries alongside hot breakfast dishes, including an Egg and Bacon Breakfast Panini; a full Breakfast Platter featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and a biscuit; and – the reason for today’s visit – a Croissant Berry Bread Pudding. Breakfast Menu at Sunshine Seasons Don’t let the simple presentation in the paper bowl fool you — this unique take on a typical bread pudding has, as you know from the name, croissant pastry as its base. Croissant Berry Pudding in paper bowl The focus is on the plentiful, buttery croissant over the bursts of brightly flavored, slightly tart blueberry. You can see all the layers of the croissant when you receive your serving. (AJ’s Editor Note: “Where’s the Icing?”) Croissant Berry Pudding There is an occasional variation in the flavor when you hit a yummy pocket of cinnamon. Good morning! Cinnamon pocket! I was expecting something much sweeter from the outset, but the subtle, buttery flavor paired with the berry and cinnamon really grew on me with every bite. It’s very moist as you would expect from a bread pudding, without being weighed down and soggy. (AJ’s Editor Note: “Um…Icing?”) Bite of Croissant Berry Pudding Since the texture is so light, it caught me by surprise how soon I started to feel full, especially since I arrived good and hungry. I know, I know… I shouldn’t have been surprised – it is bread and all . Maybe it wasn’t surprise so much as disappointment, because I really wanted to keep enjoying it. I actually took a picture of the moment when I started to feel full. It may not look like much, but I still had a ways to go at this point. This much left! Still, I pressed on… it was simply too good not to! At $2.99 (it’s also a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan), the Croissant Berry Pudding is pretty much a bargain. A hefty, filling serving of something truly tasty without being overly sweet, it’s a winner on all fronts — from portion and price to taste. Not a bad way to start your day at Epcot at all… (AJ’s Editor Note: “Needs Icing.”) Have you tried the Croissant Berry Pudding? Please let us know what you thought 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: Guest Review: Sunshine Seasons in EpcotSnack Series: Key Lime Tart at Epcot’s Sunshine SeasonsReview: Sunshine Tree Terrace Lemonade with Wild Berry Foam View the full article

Last weekend, we kicked off an all-new entertainment experience at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Disneyland park. “The Music of: Nashville” is bringing the music from the ABC hit show to life every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this summer. With the help of popular headliner The Kelly Rae Band and others, this concert experience treats fans of “Nashville” to some of their favorite tunes from the show along with fun behind-the-scenes stories and more. So check out “The Music of: Nashville” for yourself every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this summer at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree, and don’t miss “Nashville,” Wednesdays this fall 10|9c on ABC! ‘The Music of: Nashville’ Gets Toes Tappin’ at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Have you had a chance to experience the “Frozen” Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios yet? Earlier this month, we shared a look at the new “Frozen Fireworks” show that light up each night. This week we’re taking a look inside Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, a location set up adjacent to Toy Story Mania! that offers “Frozen” merchandise, ice skating, a snow play area for kids, themed treats, and fun photo ops. GalleryA Journey Through Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios view allCheck out the photo gallery above for a look at the fun inside. What’s your favorite “Frozen” summer offering? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. For more on “Frozen” Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, visit the posts below: Book Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios‘Frozen’ Summer Fun Includes Treats for Cooling Down at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosFive Things To Love About ‘Frozen’ Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosInaugural ‘Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome’ Parades Through Disney’s Hollywood StudiosA Journey Through Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Last week, we began preparing for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, coming spring 2015, by inviting our fans to share your favorite memories from the past 60 years of the Disneyland Resort for a chance to win a trip to the celebration kick-off. We started by asking for your memories from the 1950s … now we want to see your memories from the 1960s! Lots of magic was made in the 1960s here at the Disneyland Resort. Were you a part of it? Do you have a photo of yourself at the opening of the Haunted Mansion? Pirates of the Caribbean? Or maybe at one of my favorite quirky Disneyland events … “Love Bug” Day in 1969? Share your swinging 1960s memories with us! Of course, you’re welcome to share your favorite memories with photos taken throughout any of the Disneyland Decades – 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000 to the present – as well. And please be sure to include the decade in your entry description! Here’s how it works: 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.)To enter, 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. For more on the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, visit the links below: Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration to Begin Spring 2015Share Your Favorite Disneyland Resort Memories from the Past Almost 60 YearsVIDEO: Celebrating 59 Years of Magic at the Disneyland ResortShare Your Favorite Disneyland Resort Memories from the 1960s by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ever wonder what it's like to arrive at Aulani? Follow along as this family starts out their Hawaiian vacation. Explore all that Aulani has to offer here: http://di.sn/gkR Make sure to check...From:Disney ParksViews:375ratingsTime:00:24More inTravel & Events

Even Santa Claus needs a vacation! He cheerfully accepted our invitation to sail this summer before he gets too busy preparing for our Very Merrytime Cruises this winter. For more info on how...From:Disney ParksViews:40ratingsTime:02:51More inTravel & Events

Ho, ho, ho! If you’re following @DisneyCruise on Twitter, you probably saw Santa Claus was spotted onboard this summer. What may have surprised you is what he was doing… But even this jolly man needs time away to recharge! His visit brought a smile to lots of faces, including some of your favorite Disney pals. We managed to capture a little of his fun on video, so sit back and enjoy this exclusive look at Santa’s summer vacation on a Disney cruise… Even if you missed Santa this summer, you have plenty of chances to hang out with him onboard this winter. Starting in early November, he’s visiting each of our ships for our Very Merrytime Cruises through the end of December. We’ll be sharing more details on these cruises soon, but in the meantime, you can learn about them on our website at this link and on Twitter with #DCLHolidays. Santa’s Summer Vacation with Disney Cruise Line by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Details are taking shape for 'Villains Unleashed,' a one-night-only separately ticketed event at Disney's Hollywood Studios. View the full article

This summer, the Disney pin team is releasing about 250 new items for guests to collect or trade at Disney Parks. It’s time to turn the spotlight once again on some new pins coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts this month. I spoke with Erin Catalano, the merchandiser behind many of these pins, about some of her favorite selections. “There are so many favorite pins we are releasing this month,” exclaimed Erin. “I love the new four-pin chalkboard art set featuring characters from Walt Disney’s ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ The set reminds me of the chalkboard art-inspired home goods found in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. I also like the vintage Mouseketeer logo as it recall watching the Mickey Mouse Club when I was younger. Finally, Disney’s ‘Hercules’ is one of my favorite animated films, so I included a pin with Hercules and Meg.” I was happy to see that Blank and Bow, the adorable Vinylmation figures from Valentine’s Day this year, will come to life in pin form. I also recently spotted the Anna and Elsa pins at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post & Frozen Funland in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Frozen Summer Celebration. Those pins are also available in a handful of other locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Speaking of Anna and Elsa, their shoe-inspired ornaments are included in a multi-pin set that contains other character-inspired shoes. Finally, I pulled together an image of Chip ‘n’ Dale pins as I thought my fiancée would enjoy seeing them (she’s a super fan of those chipmunks). I also know there are a few fans that will be delighted to see a new “Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers” pin (sing along with me … Ch-ch-ch-ch-Chip…). Look for these pins in a variety of Disney pin locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Spotlight on New Pins Arriving in July 2014 at Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

This time of the year always makes me think of summer vacation. In fact, I miss those dedicated three months of freedom watching TV, swimming, and traveling to see my grandparents. Here at Walt Disney World Resort, our world-class characters spend the summer seeing our guests while they’re on vacation, but they do find time to have some fun too! Here’s Pinocchio taking a break from autographs, hugs and handshakes in 1983 water skiing at the former Disney’s Village Resort while Geppetto waves from ashore. Let’s just hope Monstro isn’t in that water! For more from the “Vintage Walt Disney World” series, check out the posts below: Vintage Walt Disney World: Early Days of Disney Water ParksVintage Walt Disney World: Disney’s Polynesian Resort Through The YearsVintage Walt Disney World: Sunset Boulevard, Under ConstructionVintage Walt Disney World: Summertime for Disney Characters by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Shazam!! The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival FULL Booth Menus are now available! See the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Start Planning!As always, we have individual pages created for every single booth for this year’s Festival, including the menu and food photos of many of the dishes! Head over to our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus!While we wait together for the beginning of this year’s Food and Wine Festival, I’ll share some of the brand new items we can’t wait to try this year! Some things that we are most excited about for 2014 are: The NEW Patagonia Booth will merge the flavors of Argentina and Chile! We look forward to sampling Sustainable Roasted Verlasso salmon, Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri, in addition to other regional specialties! Salmon Quinoa Salad with Chimi-Churri at the NEW Patagonia Marketplace Booth After a hiatus during the 2013 Food and Wine Festival, we’re excited that the Puerto Rico Booth returns in 2014 with an all new menu! Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival And we can’t wait to try a new addition to the lineup of Grown Up Slushies in France. We’re excited to sample the La Passion Martini Slush, which replaces the Cosmo Slush for the 2014 Food and Wine Festival. We expect it to be featured at the tres popular France Marketplace Booth. This is a must-have for sure! La Passion Martini Slush is NEW at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival And Dole Whip is back too — and this time, it’s Pineapple! Dole Whip Returns to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Head over to our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus!We hope you’ll take time to click through each individual booth page to see pictures of the actual booths themselves, what’s on the menu, and actual food photos from the upcoming event! Also, don’t forget to check out our other 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Coverage; we work hard to make sure we have the most comprehensive coverage of the festival on the internet! Want More Details About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?We’ll be compiling all of the latest news and updates on the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival right here, so stay tuned for details and check out all of the info below! Be sure to join our Disney Food Blog Newsletter for the latest information and details. And keep an eye on our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for updates. 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index — and FOOD PHOTOS! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Low-Cost/Free Seminars and Activities 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule and Dining Package Information Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events 2014 Tower of Terror 10-miler Events 2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic: Menus, Booking Info available! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews, and 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival’s Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 31 at 7AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events will be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 25th at 9AM ET. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 29th at 7AM ET. A limited number of seats will be available for this booking date. News! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! The best part? By pre-ordering, you automatically get our 2013 Food and Wine Festival Guide for FREE, instantly! That means you can start planning NOW for your trip! Use code prefoodwine at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. Which booths are you excited to try out during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Join the discussion in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! FULL 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Booths Announced!News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concerts AnnouncedNEWS! 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth/Kiosk Menus Announced! View the full article

Well, if you’re a Disney Infinity fan, here’s great news out of the interdimensional realm of Knowhere. View the full article

The Muppets at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa | Disney Parks In The Muppet's new, Muppets Most Wanted, the gang is headed on a world tour visiting places like Dublin, London and even, um, Poopenbergen, but one question that remains unanswered, until...From:Disney ParksViews:00ratingsTime:01:02More inTravel & Events View the full article

“At the end of the day they don’t remember the scores….. I want them to remember the experience, I want them to remember the feeling.” With that belief at the center of his coaching, Steven Horwood of the Ajax Football Club from Ontario, Canada, has led his team to victory both on and off the pitch. The majority of his team has played together since they were 8-years-old, and now playing in their final season together, Horwood thought the Disney Cup International, Presented by AS Roma was the right thing to do for all they have accomplished. Ajax Football Club was one of 239 teams, more than 3,500 players, representing 18 countries, to play in the tournament. Teams from Canada, South America, Aruba and as far away as Australia came to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort to test their skill against international competition. But before stepping on the plane to come to Disney, before the kick-off whistle blew for their first game, Ajax FC was already a winner when it came to international sportsmanship. For more than seven years these young women have volunteered more than 3,000 hours in their community helping others. The most notable program has them literally giving away the jerseys off their backs. Through the SOS Children’s Village program the team donates jerseys and soccer equipment to kids in Ghana, Africa. To date they have donated more than 300 uniforms, and expect to send another 200 after the tournament at Disney, as well as some other Disney keepsakes. “Soccer is the sport but we really wanted to make them community leaders,” said coach Horwood. Helping fellow teammates in Africa is rewarding and raises their awareness of the world around them. Recently the girls received photographs of kids in Africa wearing their jerseys and playing with their equipment. “Growing up soccer has been kind of a lifestyle for me, something I really enjoy, giving the chance to give other kids in Africa the chance to play is fulfilling,” said Ajax FC defensive back Lauren Pugh. On behalf of everyone at Disney Soccer and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, I want to congratulate Ajax FC for their hard work on and off the pitch. Win or lose, we celebrate the fact you have all scored one of the most important goals of your lives. For more information on Disney Cup International and other Disney Soccer events, visit espnwwos.com. Soccer is the Game, Developing Leaders is the Game Plan – Celebrating at Disney Cup International by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today, we are excited to share details for the Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars that will take place during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! With not a moment to spare (whew!) we now have details on the low-cost demos and seminars that are one of the hallmarks of the Festival. Everyone is anxious to see what’s available, and to book their favorites (starting July 31st for general public; July 25th for Annual Passholders, DVC members, Golden Oak Residents, and Tables in Wonderland Members; and July 29th for Chase Disney Visa Cardmembers)! Not only do the demos and seminars represent good value; they also offer some of the most interesting educational and cultural options that guests enjoy during the Festival. Click through to our Culinary and Beverage Seminars and Demonstrations page to see links to the Culinary, Beverage, and Mixology events. All seminars and demos are $15 this year, and feature a mix of talent from the culinary world. You’ll find celebrity chefs as well as standout talent from throughout the Walt Disney World company — and beyond. And representatives from wineries and other beverage companies make learning about wine and spirits a hands-on experience with tastings. Presenter During a Mixology Seminar There will be many familiar names returning in 2014, so check the details to find out when guest favorites like Gale Gand, Robert Irvine, and Carla Hall take the stage! With demos and seminars taking place daily during the Festival, you’re bound to find options that tempt your palate! As always, stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com, the DFB Newsletter, and our DFB Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page for all the details as soon as they happen! Booking and DiscountsYou can book most of the events on July 31, at 7AM ET by calling 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). You can also book Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Buddy Valastro mixing it up at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Early Booking — Tables in Wonderland Members, Annual Passholders, DVC Members, and Golden Oak Residents can book Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars beginning Friday, July 25, beginning at 9AM ET. Early booking for these groups applies to booking seminars, demos, and mixology events only. Pre-sale reservations can be made by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Chase Disney Visa Cardholders will be able to book these events (in addition to other limited special events) on Tuesday, July 29, at 7AM ET by calling 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Champagne Tasting at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Discounted pricing ($2 off per person per seminar) is available for Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, DVC members, and Golden Oak Residents. The discount applies only to culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, and mixology demonstrations taking place Monday-Thursday throughout the Festival. Want Even More Information About the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?As always, check out all of our in-depth 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival coverage on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival page! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index – Menus Coming Soon! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Low-Cost/Free Seminars and Activities 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule and Dining Package Information Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events 2014 Tower of Terror 10-miler Events 2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic: Menus, Booking Info available! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews, and 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Reviews 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival’s Gluten Free ItemsHow to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival EventsTo book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 31 at 7AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events will be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. These members will be able to book seminars and demos July 25th at 9AM ET. Discounts are by phone at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may book select special events, demos, and seminars on July 29th at 7AM ET. A limited number of seats will be available for this booking date. News! The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! The best part? By pre-ordering, you automatically get our 2013 Food and Wine Festival Guide for FREE, instantly! That means you can start planning NOW for your trip! Use code prefoodwine at check-out for a $3 discount! Return to the Main 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan No related posts. View the full article

Just wait until you see what merchandise events we have headed your way in August at the Disneyland Resort! August 2 – 3: Meet ACME Archives artist Guy Vasilovich from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day, at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park and see some of the newest releases in his collection. Learn more. August 2- 3: Find the latest releases from artists Daniel and Dawna Davis (Steam Crow), who are dedicated to making unique odd goods with a “spookycute” aesthetic. Steam Crow art will be featured the entire month at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District with special appearances by Daniel and Dawna Davis on August 2, 3, 23 and 24 from 1 – 4 p.m. each day. Learn more. August 8 – 10: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from 12 – 10 p.m. each day, at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort as we celebrate the release of her Lady Tremaine and Stepsisters collection, among other fan favorites! Learn more. August 9: Artist Jerrod Maruyama will appear at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. as we debut his latest piece from the Happiest Hipster on Earth Collection titled Hipster Haunt and inspired by the ever-popular Haunted Mansion. Learn more. August 9: Who’s the fairest one of all? You will be, thanks to the new and delightfully dark Tangled Web collection from Beautifully Disney. For their seventh collection, Beautifully Disney pays tribute to those leading ladies who love to show their darker Disney Side. Stay tuned for more details on the Disney Parks Blog. August 14: Artist Matt Spangler will appear at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District from 6 – 10 p.m. as part of the 2014 Taste of Downtown Disney District. A separate ticket is required to attend the 2014 Taste of Downtown Disney District event. August 16: Special merchandise is materializing, but as of right now, I can’t say. If you keep watching the Disney Parks Blog, soon all will be revealed about this special day. August 16: Artists Leilani Joy, Ryan Metcalf and Miss Mindy will take part in an artist signing from 2 – 4 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District, as we celebrate the release of some of their latest works. Learn more. August 29 – 30: Are you ready for another Art Attack! Artists Jeff Granito, Liana Hee and Noah are taking over WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney with live art performances and demonstrations from 5 – 6:30 p.m. and a special artist signing opportunity following, from 7 – 9 p.m. Who will you be rooting for? Learn more. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month of August is Liana Hee. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: August 1 -3, 8 – 9, 15 – 17, 22 – 24 and 29 – 31 from 6 – 10 p.m. Learn more. Which events have made your list of things to do? August 2014 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re just one month out from August 23, the night a record number of Disney villains – more than 50 in all – will invade Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of the park’s new, separately ticketed event, “Villains Unleashed.” While some of the surprises being planned for this one-night-only party remain hidden under a cloak of mystery, other tantalizing details are beginning to emerge, and it’s shaping up to be one fiendishly fun evening! Hades Hangout - The party kicks off at 8 p.m. at the main event stage, where hosts Hades, Megara, Pain and Panic are killing ‘em with comedy. They’re joined throughout the night by the Underworld Dancers, DJ Igg Nite, live music from Bernie Briquette and Brimstone, and a rogues gallery of roaming rottens, from the Queen of Hearts and Sheriff of Nottingham to the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook.Villains Dominion – For this one special night, the Streets of America area of the park will be swarming with baddies. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet favorites like Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier and Gaston, along with more rarely seen baddies such as Shan Yu from “Mulan,” Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons,” or Captain Gantu and Dr. Hämsterviel from “Lilo & Stitch: The Series.” In addition to these dedicated villain encounters, you may spot even more wandering evildoers in the area. Look for Judge Claude Frollo, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, and more!The Dark Side – During “Villains Unleashed,” the area around Star Tours – The Adventures Continue becomes a wretched hive of scum and villainy, the place to find nefarious bounty hunter Boba Fett, Sith apprentice Darth Maul, and the ultimate villain – Darth Vader! And that’s not all! Wandering the area, you’ll stumble upon more malcontents from that galaxy far, far away: Zam Wessel, Aurra Sing, Asajj Ventress, Jango Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and others.Villainous Encounters – Visit Stage 4 (where The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attraction is seen during the day), and you can “Parlay” with the one and only Hector Barbossa. And just around the corner in the Animation Courtyard is where you’ll discover a bit of the Moors, where you can have an audience with the mistress of all evil, Maleficent!Oogie Boogie’s Freaky Funhouse Show – Over on Sunset Boulevard, Theater of the Stars presents a production of extreme performances, hosted by the original master of scare-monies, Oogie Boogie. It’s an all-new show that’s sure to thrill!Fantasmic! – Strolling up Sunset Boulevard, a gang of villainous henchmen, known as the Night Crawlers, tempt you to join them for a special pre-show to the evening’s performance of Fantasmic!, itself a celebration of the power and intrigue of some of the greatest Disney villains.“Villainy in the Sky” Fireworks – Ultimately, Hades summons Maleficent to the main event stage to close things out with a devilishly dazzling display of pyrotechnics! And there’s more! You can get a Villains ExScream Makeover with complimentary face painting at stations around Echo Lake, join in on one of the dance parties taking place in the park, and enjoy a wicked cabaret atmosphere – not to mention some delectable, small-plate menu items – at Club Evil in the Hollywood Brown Derby. For fans of Disney’s darker characters, “Villains Unleashed” promises to be a nightmare come true! It’s all happening one night only, August 23, 2014, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t want to miss it, so get your tickets now, before they all disappear! Be Prepared for ‘Villains Unleashed’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s one of our favorite souvenirs at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We line up every year to get the latest edition of the Festival Cookbook! But this year, Disney will do things a little differently. For the first time ever, the cookbook that’s released in time for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will feature all three Festivals that now call Epcot home. The 2014 version of the book will combine recipes from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, and Epcot’s latest celebration of food, Holidays Around the World. Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake From Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival — Think This Popular Treat Will Make It In to the New Festival Cookbook? While the Epcot Food and Wine Festival has always been all about food, the Flower and Garden Festival and Holidays Around the World only recently added food as a major component to their festival line ups. 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Cookbook The as yet untitled book will be available for purchase at the Festival Center and around Epcot when the Festival gets underway on September 19! Are you excited that the new cookbook will offer recipes from all three festivals? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think! 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: Latest News: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info, Taste of Africa, and a New CookbookNews! La Passion Martini Slush Debuts at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!News! Food Kiosks Return for the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival View the full article

The recipe I’m sharing today is for our Tomato Cake, the perfect appetizer for a light, summer meal. Chances are you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, so why not try it tonight? Eating like you’re on a Disney cruise is definitely the best remedy for those days when you’re wishing you could be at sea with us. Check out the full recipe below and download our keepsake recipe card here. Enjoy! Tomato Cake Serves: 4 Skill Level: Moderate Time: 6 hours Ingredients Tomato Cake 12 plum tomatoes1/3 cup tomato ketchup1 tsp. ground cardamom1/2 tsp. ground black pepperDressing 1/3 cup olive oil1 tsp. dijon mustard½ lemon, juiceGoat Cheese ½ cup goat cheese¹/³ cup whipping cream¼ lemon, juicedGarnish 3 shallots, sliced into rings and halved1 tbsp. picked curly parsley½ tsp. ground black pepperFor the Tomato Cake Make an incision in the top and base of each tomato. Blanch in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until the skin starts to loosen. Then submerge in salted ice water. Then peel the skin off each tomato, cut into quarters and remove the seeds.Season the tomato quarters with salt and pepper. Layer ¼ of the tomatoes in a 2-inch ring, adding a half teaspoon of tomato ketchup mixed with the ground cardamom between each layer. Work your way to the top of the ring and layer 2 cm over the top; cover with plastic wrap and place onto a plate. Add another plate on top, placing a couple cans over the top plate to add weight to the “press.”Refrigerate at least 5 hours.For the Dressing Place all the ingredients into a bowl and whisk together.For the Goat Cheese Mix all the ingredients together.Assembly Remove any of the tomato that has been pressed out over the side of the ring with a knife. Press the tomato cake into the center of the plate, layer the shallots around, spoon the dressing onto the shallots and garnish with the picked parsley. Top the cake with a quenelle of goat cheese and sprinkle with ground black pepper.For more summer recipes from Disney Cruise Line, click the links below: Disney 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: Tomato Cake by Stephen Walker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

UPDATE: Our “Guardians of the Galaxy” Disney Parks Blog meet-up has been has been filled to capacity. Click here for a list of official attendees. Sure, the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie hits theaters in August but the Disney Parks Blog is providing a special opportunity to see it early. On Sunday, July 27, 2014, we’re hosting a “Guardians of the Galaxy” Disney Parks Blog meet-up at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 at Walt Disney World Resort. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is an action-packed, epic space adventure where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunter after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits for a last, desperate stand — with the galaxy’s fate in the balance. Our event begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 27, in AMC Downtown Disney 24. At the meet-up, you’ll be able to watch the “Guardians of the Galaxy” in RealD 3D. Some of the meet-up attendees may be wearing Super Hero costumes (no masks) and it’d be great if you did too, subject to the costume guidelines below. RSVP now by sending us an email titled “Guardians of the Galaxy’ Meet-Up” with your name, address and if you’ll be bringing a guest to WDW.BlogMeetUps@disney.com. Only one guest is permitted. A limited number of people will be able to attend the event, so be one of the first to sign up. Also, there are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older.“Guardians of the Galaxy” is rated PG-13.Costumes should adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney including:Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Masks will not be permitted.Costumes are also subject to any rules posted or otherwise provided by AMC Downtown Disney 24 including without limitation the following AMC notice: “We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings.”Limit one guest per registrant.We will send a confirmation email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us via email before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the event.If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check in at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 West Side for access to the event. The confirmation will include those details.Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest.If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted.The event is subject to change or cancellation without notice.This post will be updated after the planned capacity has been reached. Also, here are some other things to know: This is an advance screening of the film. Closed Captioning and Descriptive Video services may not be available.Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDINGThe screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to Disney Destinations, LLC, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. Join Us for a Special ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article