A Monstrous Summer Preview
Photo Credit: EH
I had the pleasure of attending Disney Park’s Monstrous Summer Media Preview. I was so excited to hear about upcoming events and attractions. The theme “Monstrous Summer” was fitting due to the many things that will be taking place over the summer from savings at the Walt Disney World’s Resort hotels, a new Discover Disney ticket for Florida residents, upcoming Limited Time Magic surprises, dining, and new enhancements to the Disney Magic.
Photo Credit: EH
The event started on Thursday, April 25th with a “Peek Behind the Wall” Experience. I had the opportunity to go on the construction site of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to hear an exclusive update from Walt Disney Imagineers about the attraction and Princess Fairytale Hall. A 2014 opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is still being projected for this family themed coaster. There will be a height restriction. At the time of the tour it was unknown what would be the minimum height to ride. Princess Fairytale Hall is set to open late 2013. Cinderella and Rapunzel will always be present in the hall. A third princess, who will be called their friend, will change on a daily basis.
Later in the evening, I had dinner at Monsieur Paul restaurant located in Epcot. I had a wonderful experience and will do a separate post about my meal.
Photo Credit: EH
After dinner, I attended an IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth dessert party located at the Mexico Vista.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
After the laser show, the group was escorted to the front of Epcot for a wonderful announcement. Since this announcement was so big, we needed assisted from Mike Wazowski. Mike informed us The Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Park, and California Adventure Park would be open from 6am May 24th to 6am May 25th.
Yes, you read it right…24 hours in a Disney park.
Per the media release, in Florida, the Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshalls of the Celebrate a Dream Come True day parade. In California, guests can party away at a Monsters University “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland to name just a few events. All three parks will have limited-edition merchandise, food & beverage offerings plus other surprises. I plan on attending and I’m very excited about that.
Photo Credit: EH
On Friday, April 26th, an “Around Our World” breakfast presentation was held. Presentations were made by George Kalogridis, Walt Disney World Resort President; Karl Holz, Disney Cruise Line President, and Joe Lanzisero, Senior Creative Vice President for Walt Disney Imagineering. Some highlights were:
-Star Wars Day on May 4th – a day where you may hear “May the Fourth Be With You!” This will be a one-day-only celebration featuring special Star Wars entertainment, shows, characters, exclusive merchandise, a Star Wars dance party and a Star Warsthemed fireworks show at the end off the day. A special edition of Jedi Training Academy, where parents join their children for the training and finale with villains from the Galactic Empire.
-The Disney Magic cruise ship will relaunch with redesigned areas and new spaces including the AquaDunk is a three-story body slide. You will be dropped from a trapped door in a tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.
-A new parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, will begin in the Spring of 2014.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
After breakfast, the Monstrous Summer Showcase was held giving those in attendance the opportunity to interview several experts in Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line, Disney merchandising, Disney entertainment, Imagineering, Disney dining, runDisney, many more.
This wonderful preview event ended with lunch at Kona Cafe located at the Polynesian Resort.
Photo Credit: EH
I will be doing more posts about the Monstrous Summer event and even planning some giveaways. So stay tuned!!
I would like to give a very special thank you to Disney Parks for hosting such a wonderful media preview.
Welcome to Diz Thru Brown Eyes YouTube Channel
I have decided to venture into the world of YouTube. Here is the Introduction to Diz Thru Brown Eyes YouTube Channel. I can not wait to bring you more videos taped through these brown eyes of mine.
Kitchen Memories with Chef Robert Irvine
Photo Credit: VW
Each fall Epcot comes to life and celebrates the Culinary Arts as it presents the International Food & Wine Festival. This year was the 17th annual festival, which is presented by Chase, and runs from September 28th until November 12th. During the festival there are many culinary experiences, one of which is the Kitchen Memories series. This 3-course lunch evokes joyful kitchen memories. A celebrated chef demonstrates how to prepare an appetizer, main course and dessert, while a winery representative pairs each course with a selection of wines. These demonstrations are premium events and require an additional fee and reservations which are not included in park admission.
One of the celebrity chefs who did a demonstration this year was Chef Robert Irvine. Chef Robert has over twenty-five years in the culinary profession cooking all over the world. He has cooked in Europe, the Far East, the Caribbean and the Americas. He has worked in hotels and on the high seas, but most people know him as the host of the hit television show on Food Network “Restaurant Impossible”. On the show he changes the lives of restaurateurs who are in severe debt and have failing restaurants by showing them the proper way to run a business and redesigns the restaurant in two days and only using $10,000. The show is amazing, but people may not realize that he also has two very successful restaurants of his own. Robert Irvine’s nosh is located in Bluffton, SC, and features his take on southern cuisine by utilizing regional ingredients with classic preparation and a chef driven twist while Robert Irvine’s eat! is located in Hilton Head Island, SC and specializes in great American dishes… with a twist!
Photo Credit: VW
On October 26th, Chef Robert conducted his Kitchen Memories demo keeping those in attendance laughing at his stories about cooking in the British Royal Navy all the way thru his wedding to his wife professional wrestler Gail Kim all along not burning the food he was preparing.
The menu that Chef Robert prepared during his demonstration was as follows:
Appetizer
Shrimp and Grits
(paired with a Monterey Chardonnay)*
Main Course
Slow Roasted and Quick Fried Chicken Mac and Cheese
(paired with a Monterey Pinot Noir)*
Dessert
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Tabasco Ice Cream
(paired with Anderson Valley “Sweet As” Late Harvest Gewurtztraminer)*
*All wines were by La Crema Winery
Photo Credit: VW
After the wonderful demo and meal Chef Robert prepared, he even took time to sign his cook books and take pictures for his fans young and old spending time talk to each person like they were the only one in the room. Chef Robert truly believes that he is still just a cook and wants to make sure everyone eats good, healthy food and takes care of each other. There are many ways you can keep up with him. You can check out his official website at chefirvine.com, his Facebook page , or by following him on Twitter at @robertirvine1.
- Post written by HC
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s mug represents Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. It is a light-up tumbler. This cup was first brought to my attention by my sister due to her placing it on her “list” of items she wanted back from the festival. It retails for $9.95.
Photo Credit: EH
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email a picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s coffee mug was purchased at Epcot during my September 27th – October 2nd trip. Since I was taking part in the Epcot 30th Anniversary, I thought it was only fitting to purchase an Epcot mug. It retails for $14.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email a picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
The Disney Food Blog (DFB) Guide to Walt Disney World Dining
As a frequent traveler to Walt Disney World, I must say that I still do not know all of the dining options offered. When The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining was released last year, I downloaded it immediately. This e-Book has over 300 pages of tips and guidance to assist you in planning your meals and money-saving advice. Dinning at Walt Disney World is an experience in itself that is as exciting as seeing Mickey Mouse for the first time. I do like the fact it is an e-book because it can be downloaded immediately, it can be read from your Smartphone or iPad, and easier to carry around than a bulky book. Searches can be done quickly by clicking on links and using the “find” function.
If you order today, you will get the following FREE bonuses:
Downloadable worksheets
Seven sample one-day dining itineraries
A comprehensive index of bars and lounges
Four brand new, food-themed scavenger hunts
Disney Dining Trivia to play while waiting in line for an attraction or a table for that matter
Click here to view more details about The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining.
With the Fall approaching, that means Epcot Food & Wine Festival time!!! The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book is available in a downloadable PDF. Once you purchase, you will receive a link immediately to download a PDF file with over 160 pages of information about the Festival. This mini guide has a click-able Table of Contents and links to web resources. The benefits of having this guide on hand are you get to chose in advance what you would like to eat and drink in advance which will save time and money. The guide also includes times, locations, and price details for every single event, seminar, and concert for the Festival.
If you order today, you will get the following FREE bonuses:
Full, comprehensive daily schedule of events
Index of everything new at the Festival in 2012
Eleven World Showcase Booth Crawls
Food & Wine Festival Customized Touring Strategies
Eat to the Beat Mp3 Playlist
Food, Wine, Beverage, Winery, and Beer Indexes with dates and locations
Chef Index and Chef Spotlight Bios
Click here to view more details The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book.
Other Guides and bundles are below:
Click here to view more details for the Bundle package of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book.
Click here to view more details for the DFB Snack Bundle.
Click here to view more details for the DFB Epcot Bundle.
Click here to view more details for the DFB Dining Adventure.
The author of the above guides is AJ Wolfe. She writes The Disney Food Blog and has been writing about the food at Walt Disney World for years. Her blog has been recommended by Redbook Magazine, MSN.com, the OC Registar, the Orlando Sentinel, and others.
Disney Traditions
Photo Credit: EH
As for a traditional first park, I really do not have one. I am a go-with-the-flow type of person when it comes to what park to visit first. If I am with my 6 year old godson, he likes to go to Magic Kingdom to ride Dumbo and Splash Mountain. Sara likes to go to Magic Kingdom first as well because she must sing and dance to the parade. I tell her she needs to apply for a role due to her knowing the moves. One of my best friends, Stacie (@scook522), likes to go to Epcot first but will negotiate with her son, my 6 year old godson, to see if he will allow a quick stop to Epcot before Magic Kingdom.
Photo Credit: EH
When addressing traditional park food, I must have a churro and a Mickey ice cream bar. I have noticed it has recently become a tradition to eat breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café at The Wilderness Lodge. My parents stay at Fort Wilderness due to them having a RV. They love to eat at Trail’s End Restaurant.
I am looking forward to my late September 2012 trip with my family and friends. This trip will include my nephew, who will be one in November. I cannot wait to see his face when he meets Mickey Mouse for the first time or try sweets that I will sneak to him when my sister is not looking. Most important, what collection will I start for him – pins, Vinylmation, any suggestions? With him being a new edition to the Disney trips, new traditions will begin.
I would love to hear what some of your Disney traditions are.
Tasty Thursday – Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? I haven’t met a person who did not. They go great with various main dishes and they can be prepared a variety of ways. At the Garden Grill in Epcot’s The Land, they include caramelized onions. You have the choice to peel the skins off of the potatoes or not. This went perfect with the Mom’s Meat Loaf.
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Adapted from Allears
Ingredients:
1 1/3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ rounds
1 oz. canola oil
4 oz. shallots, julienned
3 oz. butter, separated
4 oz. fat free milk
Kosher salt and white ground pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pot, bring enough water to cover potatoes to boil and add salt. Add potatoes, and boil potatoes until tender.
2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and caramelize. Season with salt and pepper. Add 2 ounces of butter and continue to sauté until golden brown.
3. Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mix on low speed until smoth. Add in milk and remaining butter slowly. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. Stir in caramelized shallots. Pour into serving dish and add parsley for garnish.
Tasty Thursday – Butterfinger Cheesecake
Welcome back to another Tasty Thursday! Are you ready for some dessert? Well, that’s what I have for you today: Butterfinger Cheesecake. This is a dessert that can be found at Sunshine Seasons in The Land in Epcot. I have eaten here before, but never had this. Epcot is my favorite place to visit and Soarin’ is one of my favorite rides so I should eat here more often!
My father loves Butterfinger candy so I made this for his birthday. This was only my second time making a cheesecake so I was a little nervous but I think it turned out great and plenty people had a slice to validate that. Even Easter Bunny Micky stuck around for a slice.
The original recipe uses a cake pan for the cheesecake, but I used a springform pan because I had one on hand. I did get a crack in the cheesecake, but the smooth taste made up for it.
Butterfinger Cheesecake
Adapted from Allears
Cheesecake Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Confectioner’s sugar, sifted
2 1/2 lbs. cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
5 eggs
1/4 cup Butterfinger, crumbled
1/4 cup caramel
1 sponge cake round (see recipe below)
Butterfinger pieces for garnish
Caramel for garnish
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Spray a 10″ springform pan with cooking spray. Cut parchment paper into a 10″ round, and line the bottom of the pan; spray cooking spray over the parchment. Cut sponge cake into 1/4″ thin layer and place on bottom of pan.
2. Place sugar in mixing bowl with cream cheese and sour cream and mix until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time; mix until smooth.
3. Add Butterfinger pieces and caramel and mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture on top of sponge cake layer.
5. Fill a roasting pan with about 1/4″ of water. Place springform pan in the water and bake for about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Determine if it is done by inserting an instant read thermometer into the middle of the cheesecake. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees.
6. Cool overnight under refrigeration.
7. Remove cake from pan and garnish top of cheesecake with drizzled caramel and Butterfinger pieces.
Sponge Cake Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour or 1 cup cake flour (I used cake flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
Confectioner’s sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut parchment paper, aluminum foil, or waxed paper into a 10″ round and line a 10″ cake pan. Spray pan with Baking cooking spray.
2. Beat eggs in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed about 5 minutes or until very thick and light yellow in color.
3. Gradually beat in granulated sugar. Then, beat in water and vanilla extract on low speed. Slowly add flour, baking powder and salt, beating just until batter is smooth.
4. Pour into pan, spreading to corners.
5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Immediately loosen cake from edges of pan and turn upside down onto towel generously sprinkled with Confectioner’s sugar. Carefully remove paper round. Trim off stiff edges of cake if necessary. Cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s mug is from Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I love the color and how it fits into the festival’s theme. The mug retails for $11.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Fabulous Find Friday
The item I am presenting this Friday is Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Reusable Garden Tote Bag. While doing this post, I now wish I would of grabbed more than two to use as gift bags. The bag retails for $4.95.
Side One - Photo Credit: EH
Side Two - Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s Fabulous Find Friday was found in Mouse Gear at Epcot located at Walt Disney World. In walking through the store last weekend, I stumbled upon….jeans!! I thought they would be plain in design. However, I was surprised. Mickey Mouse was embroidered on the back pockets and the lining of the front pockets have Mickey Mouse printed on them. I was told they were new and were put out during the weekend. The style appears to be boot cut and run a little long on me. I love the patch that says “House of Mickey”. The jeans retail for $49.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
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