Experience the Epcot Food and Wine Festival from Home with Italian Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

The 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner. So in honor of that I want to share with you some of my favorite recipes from past and present Food and Wine Festivals. I’m not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I LOVE chocolate! I admit it I am full blown chocoholic! And one of my favorite ways to indulge in my addiction is the flourless chocolate hazelnut cake from Italy at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. This cake combines all the gooey fudgeyness of a brownie with the rich decadence of fudge and then adds a bit of crunch with the hazelnuts, this is really a chocolate lovers dream! And this recipe is really and truly so easy. If you can whisk up five simple ingredients in a bowl, then you will be able to master this cake. Even the most novice of bakers will be able to impress their friends and family with this dessert!

Ingredients

7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

5 eggs

1/4 cup cocoa

This Just In...

The Disney Gals are over the moon with this announcement:

H2O Plus and Disney Parks have renewed and expanded their partnership!

H2O Plus & Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – NEW multi-year Amenities Partnership

Don your Mickey ears in a new way this summer, compliments of H2O Plus.   As the primary in-room amenities provider for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, H20 Plus announces a new international, multi-year partnership bringing amenity-sized Disney versions of their cult-favorite products to property guests worldwide. In addition to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club properties, H2O Plus products are available at international destinations including Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Aulani, and Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. About H2o Plus: www.H2Oplus.com

H2O Plus & Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – NEW Retail Expansion

Disney guests will also be able to purchase a variety of H2O Plus products, such as best-selling bath and body care products in Blushing Orange, Grapefruit Bergamot and Sea Salt scents at select resort retail locations, through an in-room resort catalog and online at www.Disneystore.com  

How great is this? Your favorite H2O scents at whichever Disney location you are visiting! Plus, if you are like us, and I think most of you are, you know how sad it is when our Mickey shampoo bottles from the resorts run out. Now we can soak in the scent of our favorite H2O product just by ordering online! Finally, something to carry me through until my next trip home. I can hardly wait!

To celebrate, keep your eye on the Disney Gals Facebook Page for an upcoming H2O giveaway!

Wordless Wednesday - May 29, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

Celebrate Your Country!


You can click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneygals/sets/72157633761599555/  to be taken to Flicker.

Special Thanks goes out to Deb from Focused on the Magic for hosting the weekly blog hop!

Memorial Day Tribute

In honor of Memorial Day, the Disney Gals would like to take this time to thank all military personnel that have dedicated themselves to the service of our country. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in securing our freedom and invite you to pay tribute in the comment section below.

As the Disney Gal Military Mom, (Daughter and Sister too), I wanted to take minute to thank all the military personnel for everything they do, I personally know how hard it is and we should honor the ones who, like we said above made the ultimate sacrifice and it should not be just once a year it should be everyday. Like they are taught to be polite to everyone, (I know I have seen the smile come to a waitresses face when our boys have said "thank-you ma'am".) we should show them the respect and honor they deserve every day not just once or twice a year.

Did you know every day Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom holds a Retreat Ceremony. It takes place at 5:00 PM in the square at the entrance to Main Street USA. WDW Security and a special guest conduct the ceremony. Each day Magic Kingdom Entertainment selects at random a Veteran to participate in the ceremony.  The ceremony is a wonderful experience! For the person selected, they receive a certificate, a photo taken at the event, and a pin. It is well worth it to take the time out of your day to watch, but I was recently reminded by another Disney Gal, the disrespect during the flag retreat at Walt Disney World.  People don't stop to show the respect to the American flag and to the Veterans who are participating in the ceremony.  Please remember if you are at the Magic Kingdom at 5:00 pm to stop and watch this special ceremony and try to stop and ask other people to enjoy it too, maybe they just need to be reminded.

Lots To Do In Line

As we all know, when it comes to attention to details, nobody does it better than Disney. From the story telling of each ride, to the interactive queues leading up to the ride, Disney in a class all by itself.  As great as Disney is for keeping you entertained from beginning to end, we all know that there are times when you just need a little more to do to pass the time.

Enter the Intrepid Traveler Meredith Pierce, author of the book Lots To Do In Line Walt Disney World as well as the downloadable app Lots to Do In Line Disneyland. Meredith has put together the comprehensive fun guide, which is a must have for any Disney fan. Whether is it your first visit to the Parks, or you are a season Disney pro, these must have guides have something for everyone from the young to the young at heart.

          
Set up in easy to use sections divided by both Parks as well as the Lands within the Parks, Meredith gives you everything from challenging questions to fun Treasure hunts to “pop quizzes”. She has cleverly written the book in such a way that everyone from the solo traveler, to families, to groups who want to compete with one another throughout the day can find something just for them. And let’s be honest, truth be told there’s a competitive side to all of us. Who doesn't love to hear the squeal of delight from a child as they out score their parent or the victory you feel showing your teenager that you may just know a little more than they do. Consider yourself the expert in Disney trivia-let’s sees how you fare:

Is Your Dream sailing on the Disney Fantasy?

How about sailing on the Fantasy for FREE? Well starting this Tuesday, May 28th you can enter to win a week long vacation aboard the Disney Fantasy with the "Catch Stitch Sweepstakes". You can even choose eastern or western Caribbean!

You may recall a previous DCL contest that was entered by playing a virtual board game. This new sweepstakes promises to be an amazing game as you search the Fantasy looking for the escapee, Experiment 626. Find Stitch and you and 3 friends could be lounging on Castaway Cay!

For complete rules or to begin your search, visit http://www.catchstitchsweepstakes.com/ starting Tuesday.

Good luck!

Disney Cruise Lines Bill of Rights

With all that has happened in the cruise industry of late, leave it to Disney to show us all that our safety, well-being and enjoyment is their primary and only concern,   Disney has officially adopted a International Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights.

INTERNATIONAL CRUISE LINE PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS

The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights:

Experience the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party

Experience Wishes, Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display, with a perfect unobstructed view, while comfortably sitting in a chair with plenty of room to move and walk around. A perfect view, comfortable seating, what could possibly make this any better? How about enjoying an all you can eat dessert buffet as well. The Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party is one of Magic Kingdom’s best kept secrets! The dessert party is not widely advertised. People mostly hear about it through word of mouth. Reservations are hard to come by, as this is not a regularly scheduled event. It tends to just pop up on the calendar. The Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party ranges in price of $15-$35.99, and does require payment at the time of booking.  

Reservations for Wishes sometimes only open up 60-90 days in advance. As your travel agent I am happy to make these reservations for you. If I am unable to make a reservation right away, I will personally check every day leading up to your vacation to see if anything becomes available. If I am unable to get you a reservation I can suggest getting over to the terrace around the time the dessert party begins to see if there is any empty space available. Just remember there is never a guarantee that you will be able to just walk up and get in.

Wordless Wednesday - May 22, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

Character Movie Stars!

Disney Gal Kelly

Universal Studios Price Increase ~ BUY NOW!

On May 17, Universal Studios announced  an increase in gate price admission! You can save up to $39/ticket on Universal Orlando tickets by purchasing them in advance at the 2012 discounted price while supplies last through Undercover Tourist! Remember, tickets do not expire. Act now by clicking the link below!

WANTED - Blogger with Temporary Insomnia to Cover the Monstrous 24 Hour Event

The Disney Gals are searching for a fellow Disney-lover that will be attending the all-nighters that are set take place this weekend at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. No blogging experience needed!

One of the things that the Disney Gals love most about our blog is that we've created a platform for any Disney-lover to share their experiences, even if they don't have their own blog. We love our guest authors and really enjoy hearing different prospectives, memories and experiences ~ Disney-style, of course. This is no exception and since The Disney Gals will not be attending this event, we will be turning the reins over to you to tell us, and our readers, all about it. If you are new to blogging, don't worry, we will gladly assist you in creating a professional article. All that is needed from you is your memories! Send us an email at thedisneygals@gmail.com to apply. Not going but know someone who is? Please feel free to pass this along!

Monday Memories - Heather

"Monday Memories"

We have started a new weekly post called "Monday Memories". Each week a Gal will share their favorite Disney memories, whether they happened at one of the parks, hotels or possibly not at Disney, but could still be a "Disney" memory.  We hope you enjoy our "Monday Memories" and invite you to share yours with us.

 

Memories

 

 

 

 

I have so many amazing Disney memories it really is hard to narrow it down (looks like I will be posting more Monday Memories!)

One of my more recent favorites was my son's first trip to Disney World.  He was just 9 months old but we all really had the time of our lives!  He was so happy.  He really enjoyed meeting all of the characters and really hammed it up for them!  He was actually the kid that cried because the characters walked away!

Guest Author Sunday

Disney Gals Welcome

Amy Mullins

to Guest Author Sunday

Celebrating Big 4 -0 Walt Disney World Style

 

Turning the Big 4 -0 + Walt Disney World + EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival + the Wine and Dine Half Marathon with out a doubt adds up to one fabulously magical way to spend my 40^th birthday, oh and to note this will be my FIRST half marathon. 

Godiva Iced Coffee from the Belgium Kiosk at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

A couple of years ago at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival I stopped at the Belgium kiosk and decided to try something different. I’m not a big drinker, I’m usually more interested in the food at the festival rather than the wine or beer. But, it was a pretty warm October day and I was craving something cold. So I took a look at the menu board really quick and, being the chocolate lover that I am, I immediately zeroed in on the word Godiva. I mean seriously anything made with Godiva has got to be good, right? Oh! I was so right about that. The Godiva Iced Coffee was seriously the best thing I had ever tasted! It was cold and refreshing and oh so chocolaty. Pretty much after finishing my first one, I was already craving a second. Even after I came home from Disney I would still think about how good that iced coffee was. With the 2013 Food and Wine Festival around the corner, I really started thinking about that coffee again! It was a hot night in South Florida I was craving something cold, so I got on my computer and did a little searching and JACKPOT! I found the recipe for the Godiva iced coffee from Belgium! After a quick trip to the grocery store (and the liquor store), I was ready to try my hand at making quite possibly my most favorite drink ever.

The ingredients needed for the iced coffee are:

2 ounces Godiva chocolate liquor 


1 ounce half and half 


1/2 ounce simple syrup (Simple syrup is just equal parts water and sugar boiled together until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar has completely dissolved just take the syrup off the stove and allow the syrup to cool. Or you can cheat like I did and just buy a liquid sugar like the liquid raw sugar that I used. However, the next time I make this I’m going to use a full ounce of the liquid raw sugar because I like my coffee a little sweeter.)

4 ounces hot coffee (I used a French press to make my hot coffee, but feel free to brew your coffee any way you would like.)

Chocolate sauce for drizzling 


Whipped cream for garnish

Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Cards

How Cute Are These? For the first time in Star Wars Weekends history, Disney Gift Cards will be offering four unique Star Wars-themed Disney Gift Card designs. Each week during Star Wars Weekends a new design will become available. Here's the schedule, in case you want to pick one up for me! ;)

Weekend 1: Skywalker Mickey, May 17

Weekend 2: Darth Donald, May 24

Weekend 3: Yoda Stitch, May 31

Weekend 4: Darth Goofy, June 7

Wordless Wednesday - May 15, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

 The Disney Letter "K"

 

Today we are doing all the Disney Gals together and we found the following Disney "K's": King Louie; King of the Forest; Keep Out; Kids Shirts; United Kingdom; Kilimanjaro Safaris; King; King of the Sea; the all important Keys and most important to all of us Disney Gal's our Kids!

You can click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneygals/sets/72157633497364200/with/8739302669/ to be taken to Flicker and you will be able to see our notes for each photo

Special Thanks goes out to Deb from Focused on the Magic for hosting the weekly blog hop!

Big Announcement for the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

Hang on to your Mickey ears guys and gals! The very coveted, invitation only, Disney Social Media Moms Celebration just ended in the Walt Disney World Resort yesterday and the big announcement was made that next year's celebration will be held (for the first time) in the place where it all began...the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA! The celebration will be held during the second week of April 2014 so for those of you hoping for that magical email like me, you may just want to pencil it in...ya know, just in case :)

Why we love our Disney Gal Moms

Hey everyone it's Paul, Disney Gal Judy's son. I've hijacked the Gals Page today as a surprise for them from those that love them.

Here are our favorite memories, tidbits and the reasons we love our Disney Gal moms.

Disney Gal Beth

My wife and the mother to our three wonderful boys, Beth is Elastigirl and Cinderella rolled into one. Like Elastigirl, she does everything within her super-powers to make life happy and enjoyable for her family.  Like Cinderella, she cleans a lot without complaint. OK, hopefully everyone sees that last part as a silly joke! Like Cinderella she is beautiful, graceful, and has made my life happily ever after (throw in a few magical kisses). And not to be forgotten, she is our resident expert travel agent for all things Disney!!!

Happy Mother's Day, we love you!

Ryan, Tommy, Jack, and Connor

Disney Gal Laura









I love you mommy - Connor

Now You Can Make Le Cellier’s Beef Barley Soup at Home



This photo of Le Cellier Steakhouse is courtesy of TripAdvisor


As the Disney Foodie I want to take you behind the scenes into the Disney kitchens and break down the magic behind some of our favorite Disney recipes. Anybody can be a Disney chef for a day, all you need is a little faith, trust, and maybe a pinch of pixie dust, so let’s get started.

The recipe I picked to share with you today is the Beef Barley Soup from Le Cellier at the Canada Pavilion in Epcot. The whole process of making the soup was actually pretty straightforward. I had never made beef barely soup from scratch so I admit I was a little nervous. But, it ended up being quite easy. So I promise this is not a recipe to be afraid of! Besides I’m here to take you step by step through the whole process and even share a few pointers here and there.

Dining at Kona Island

If you’ve ever been to Disney’s Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World,  you've probably seen one of my favorite “hidden” dining spots, Kona Island.  Located just inside the lobby off the monorail station and next to the larger Kona Café’, Kona Island serves coffee and pastries in the morning, then transforms from 5-10 p.m. into a dinner spot.  Seating is limited and they don’t take reservations, so first come, first served, but it is well worth the trip!  Not only do they have fresh, delicious made-to-order sushi, but you can also order anything off the Kona Café menu, enjoy a cocktail from the bar, or even choose from a limited sushi menu for carry-out.

I had a chance to dine here in late April and learned that the service options were changing slightly that very night.  There is no longer a chef preparing the sushi in front of diners at Kona Island, but instead it’s brought from the main Kona Café kitchen.  They have also added a dedicated server for those sitting down at the bar or window seats, with additional cast members helping with the walk-up/carry-out orders.  You can also get the full sushi menu at Kona Café next door.

"Archived Treasures" Return to D23 Expo

PRESS RELEASE 5/8/13:

“TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES” RETURNS TO THE D23 EXPO,
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARY POPPINS, THE ABC HIT ONCE UPON A TIME AND DISNEY’S ENDURING CONNECTION TO THE LAND OF OZ

The spectacular exhibit will feature imagery, costumes, props, set pieces and more,
many displayed publicly for the first time by the Walt Disney Archives
 

BURBANK, Calif. – May 9, 2013 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives are proud to announce the return of the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit to the D23 Expo. During the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 9 – 11, 2013, this all-new exhibit curated specifically for the D23 Expo 2013 will feature: the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, ABC’s hit television series Once Upon A Time, and a look at the longstanding connection between Disney and L. Frank Baum’s beloved series of books about the land of Oz.

“Treasures” will showcase a selection of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives Collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time by the Archives. As the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins approaches, the Archives will be presenting a wide array of pieces from the Academy Award®-winning 1964 film including concept art and matte paintings, Mary and Bert’s carousel horses, the snow globe from the “Feed the Birds” sequence, costumes worn by many of the central characters and the recently acquired carpet bag, which Mary carries with her when she arrives at the Banks’ household. Also part of the exhibit will be the Fan Art Gallery, themed to Mary Poppins. D23 Members were invited to submit their work as part of the D23 Expo Fan Art Contest, and the winners’ colorful creations will be displayed in this year’s gallery. 

Disney Gals Partner Up With Destinations in Florida

It's no secret that The Disney Gals like to travel. If you check out our calendar, you can catch at least one of us in the Disney Parks or Cruise Line during any given month...or week! Well, our fans are no different  and we have searched high and low for what we believe would be the best Authorized Disney Vacation Planners for you!! Well the decision has been made and we have decided to partner up with the Best of the Best, Destinations In Florida Travel.

Destinations In Florida Travel is a Florida based travel agency with offices in Orlando, FL and Ponte Vedra, FL.  They specialize in Disney, Universal Studios and Orlando vacations.  All of their agents live and work in the #1 family destination in the world and many of them even work at the popular Orlando Theme Parks, so they have the experience and advice you cannot get from any other company.

As part of our partnership with Destinations In Florida Travel, we have also been assigned our very own Disney Specialist Travel Agent and her name is Meghan Blair. We are thrilled to have Meghan as part of The Disney Gals team! She is a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge, Universal Parks and Resorts Specialist, SeaWorld Specialist and Orlando Expert Specialist.

Wordless Wednesday - May 8, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

Resorts & Relaxation

Disney Gal Kelly:

Free Disney Dining is Back!

For a limited time, you can get free dining when you book your Walt Disney World Resort package with you Chase Disney VISA!

Book a Magic Your Way package and check in between September 2nd through September 25th, but keep these rules in mind while making your plans:

• Package must be full price, offer not valid with other discounts
• Must include a 3 night minimum stay
• Must include a minimum 2 day base ticket
• If you plan to stay at a value resort, you will be given the Quick Service Dining Plan.
• Moderate and Deluxe Resorts will be given the Regular Dining Plan
• Both Dining Plans can be upgraded for a fee

The phone lines will be heating up soon when this offer becomes available to the general public on May 9th. Don't get caught on hold behind everyone else, check your calendars and call your Disney Travel Agent to see if this offer will work for you.

Welcome to "Monday Memories"

"Monday Memories"

We are starting a new weekly post called "Monday Memories". Each week a Gal will share their favorite Disney memories, whether they happened at one of the parks, hotels or possibly not at Disney, but could still be a "Disney" memory.  We hope you enjoy our "Monday Memories" and invite you to share yours with us.

Foodie Friday - Disney Magic Cookie Bars

Mmmmmm! How many of you just said that after seeing the picture?

If you've been a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort, chances are you have run into these little treasures. Buttery crust, a delicious dance of chocolate and butterscotch topped off with coconut and nuts...I believe I've gained a couple pounds just thinking about them. Hey, you've been walking all day, maybe even pushing a stroller or carrying a toddler, and you deserve one! But what about now? You're back at your house, dreaming of your next trip "home", got your countdown widget on your desktop, so why not bake up a batch of Disney Magic Cookie Bars to make the wait a tiny bit easier?

Disney Gal Lori invites you into her kitchen to show you first hand how easy these treats are to make. With the help of 2 of her sons and a little Disney magic, she creates the whole recipe in 3 minutes. Check it out: 

Here's Lori's recipe that you can print out and save. Remember, when you give these a try, to send any extras to us Gals :)  ENJOY!

Magic Cookie Bars Recipe

makes 24 bars

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
6 ounces chocolate chips
6 ounces butterscotch chips
1 cup flaked sweetened coconut
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup pecan halves, chopped

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan.
3. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of the pan; combine with melted butter and pat into the pan to form a crust.
4. Cover crust with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and coconut.
5. Drizzle entire contents of sweetened condensed milk over pan, covering completely.
6. Sprinkle nuts evenly over contents.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely; cut into 24 squares.

Wordless Wednesday - May 1, 2013

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS

May Calendar Shot

A picture or pictures that best represent the month of Mayl for you if you were to make a calendar.

Disney Gal Judy:

 



Happy Mother's Day to our Mom's!