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Are you looking for one of the greatest stars of the Star Wars saga? Well, fear not. After all, fear is the path to the Dark Side. You seek Yoda. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Yoda you shall find! Our very special guest this weekend is none other than Frank Oz, the man who brought to life the most powerful Jedi Master of all time. Beyond his portrayal of Yoda in Star Wars, Frank Oz is also a noted director and the award-winning performer behind lovable Muppets Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and more. This weekend, you’ll be able to see Frank Oz in the “Legends of the Force” celebrity motorcade on Hollywood Blvd. and at Theater of the Stars, where he’ll share stories of his illustrious career during “A Conversation with Frank Oz.” For this year’s final weekend, you will find yourself among a galaxy of Star Wars stars. Here’s the full list of those scheduled to appear: Event Host James Arnold Taylor: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars: The Force Awakens)Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Adventure! Excitement! A Jedi craves not these things, but Star Wars Weekends fans sure do! And this weekend promises to be the most adventurous and exciting yet. Who is planning to join us as we “iris out” and bid farewell to Star Wars Weekends 2015? Let us know in the comments, and may the Force be with you. Always. A Guest of Star Wars Weekends, Frank Oz Will Be by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Welp, it’s been all Animal Kingdom all the time around here, so why not share one more little bit of news! Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Remember a couple weeks ago when we visited the all-new Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom’s Africa for the first time? Harambe Market Harambe Market entrance There was a sign peeking just over some construction walls across the way, painted with the name “Zuri’s Sweets.” At least, that’s as much as we could read from behind the walls at the time ;). Zuri’s Sweets Shop sign We’ve now learned that the official name for this new stop is Zuri’s Sweets Shop, and it will be opening its doors as the newest addition to Harambe Market on June 17th! It seems that Zuri’s Sweets will offer plenty of familiar Disney confections… but with an Animal Kingdom twist… ©Disney Altogether we can expect about 80 items including specialty candy apples and popcorn, many of which will be unique to Zuri’s Sweets Shop. Disney shared that the African Spice Popcorn will be flavored with a “hint of cardamom.” ©Disney Keep an eye out for some of your favorite Lion King characters to appear on some of the package decorations. And note the paw-shape of the Simba lollipop! I don’t think I’ve ever seen an apple-flavored one before. ©Disney The packaging, though, will vary throughout the lines available in the shop, revolving primarily around three different art styles. ©Disney Despite the “Sweet” in the shop’s name, savory and spicy flavors will be available as well… including bottles of Flame Tree Barbecue sauce to enjoy even after your vacation ends! Pretty awesome. ©Disney The African Spice Rubs are intriguing, too. I’m already planning on picking up a tin, especially if the Afritude Spice Blend is the same used on the Potatoes with Afritude at Boma. Even so, I think I’m most curious to check out what sort of “wild” Animal Kingdom candy apples they’ll have available! How about you? Which items are you most excited to see at Zuri’s Sweets Shop? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek: Harambe Marketplace Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Late May Photo Tour and Review: The New Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom A Tour of Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

In my last post, Sleeping Beauty Castle was well under construction in the spring of 1955. Today, we’re even closer to opening day as construction enters the final phase in these rare images. These photos were taken only two months before opening. In this final construction image of Sleeping Beauty Castle, it appears to be very nearly complete. Look closely on the drawbridge and you’ll see the portcullis, set upside down, presumably awaiting installation. Six decades after these photos were taken, Sleeping Beauty Castle debuted special diamond enhancements for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, including more than 100,000 glass crystals that shimmer on the rooftops. Previously in the “Building the Dream” series: Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Sleeping Beauty Castle – Part OneBuilding the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Street, U.S.A.Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park Main Street Trolley TracksBuilding the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – City Hall Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – A Unique View of Town Square Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Street Station Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Floral Mickey Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Main Entrance Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Sleeping Beauty Castle – Part Two by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

For the second year, Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is using augmented reality to give guests a “virtual” experience on top of their real-world fun. Aurasma is a mobile application, free at the Apple App Store or Android Market for a smartphone or tablet. Thanks to Aurasma and official technology provider HP, park guests can interact with the Star Wars Weekends logo and other locations around the Darth’s Mall shops. You open Aurasma and point your camera at special images, bringing them to life in surprising ways. Star Wars Weekends host (and voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and the animated series “Star Wars Rebels) shows how to have fun with Aurasma in this video. Tip: When you first open Aurasma, it will prompt you to register. If you choose, you can click “skip” on the final welcome screen. Star Wars Weekends Host James Arnold Taylor Checks Out Augmented Reality App Aurasma by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I’m excited to give you a first look at delicious treats coming to a new shopping experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom called Zuri’s Sweets Shop. This location will be found at Harambe Market starting June 17. I caught up with Patrice Guy, a merchandiser at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, to learn what guests can expect. “We have created approximately 80 new items that range from decorative candy apples to uniquely flavored chocolate bars to delicious popcorn,” explained Patrice. “With Zuri’s Sweets Shop, we wanted to offer highly-themed goods inspired by the sights, sounds and flavors of Africa. Many of the items will be unique to this location making them delicious gifts for loved ones, or something special to enjoy during a visit to the park.” Guests will find three distinct art programs for these new treats. The first program uses characters from Disney’s “The Lion King” including Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa. Guests will find a lollipop shaped like Simba’s paw, animal crackers, and, my favorite, chocolate mini crocodiles. Colorful patterns and whimsical animals inspired the second art program. Items will include Rice Krispies treats with nods to the animal world, or Mickey Mouse-shaped creamy, chocolate-dipped coconut patties. The five chocolate bar set includes flavors such as milk chocolate with spicy cinnamon and banana chip. Patrice let me try African Spice popcorn that has a hint of cardamom. It was fantastic (she had to take the bag away from me). Finally, the location will offer African spice rubs and a gourmet cocoa set. The item I can’t wait to use is a bottle of Flame Tree Barbeque sauce at home! Patrice worked with chefs from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in order to correctly capture the sweet and spicy flavor. Stay tuned for additional looks inside the shop in the coming weeks. Delicious Treats Coming to Zuri’s Sweets Shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom This June by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Well, we knew things would be changing at Animal Kingdom in short order, but I don’t know if we quite expected this… Learn About: Beastly KioskAnimal Kingdom Disney World RestaurantsAs the park revs up for the much-anticipated (and delayed) reopening of Flame Tree Barbecue later this month, the kiosks that have been serving as temporary locations for Flame Tree items are starting to change again, too. That includes Beastly Kiosk, which you’ll find in Discovery Island just outside of the entrance to Asia. This small snack stand has been serving up three Flame Tree entrees, which was a definite departure from its typical menu of Mickey and Jalapeño Cheese-stuffed Pretzels (along with the occasional appearance of Corn Dogs on peak crowd days). Well, the pretzels have indeed returned (woot!), along with two brand new items. Beastly Kiosk is now serving Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella and — wait for it — BAKED LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE! Beastly Kiosk What?!??! New Beastly Kiosk menu Why delay? Let’s dive right into that Lobster Mac, shall we? Lobster Macaroni and Cheese Let’s talk portion first: if you’ve visited any booths at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival or Flower and Garden Festival, you’ll be familiar with this size dish. They’re definitely on the smaller size and not full-sized entrees, which is why you’ll see them listed as a snack credit (!!!!!!!! LOBSTER MAC IS A SNACK CREDIT!!!!!!!) on the Disney Dining Plan. If you’re not familiar with the size, hopefully that picture of my fork near the dish will give you some perspective. With a dish this rich, the size actually worked out pretty well (though I should note I ate every. single. last. bite.). I was for sure pumped about the lobster, but we gotta check out that cheese, too! CHEESE! There was a very good balance of lobster and cheese flavor — the entire dish was delicate and creamy. There weren’t any big chunks of lobster, but there were definitely nice pieces throughout. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese As far as snacks go, it’s an awesome, filling choice. The Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella shares two things in common with the Lobster Mac. Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella First, the cheese is a major part of the story with this one, too. Baked Pasta Marinara with Mozzarella Second, it uses the same style of pasta — that nice, “hand-rolled” kind. Macaroni This one definitely had good flavor, and was also creamy and cheesy. It’s similarly filling as well. It’s just not quite the showstopper that the Lobster Mac and Cheese is. So that’s one I didn’t see coming… the Beastly Kiosk as an Animal Kingdom dining destination ;). But there you have it! I’m not sure that these dishes necessarily make for great mid-day-during-a-super-hot-humid-Orlando-summer snacks…but I really don’t know how to NOT eat Lobster Mac and Cheese when it’s a snack credit on the dining plan. By the way, since Flame Tree Barbecue is not yet reopened (look for it around June 26th, per latest reports), you may want to know that the entrees that Beastly Kiosk was serving on behalf of Flame Tree — 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs, the Rib and Chicken Combo, and the 1/2 Chicken, as well as the Baked Drumstick Kids’ Meal — can still be found at the Gardens Kiosk. We can’t wait to see what’s next! Has the Beastly Kiosk suddenly become “Must-Do Dining” for you with these new dishes? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! New Menu at “Allergy” Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (And You Can Still Get Babycakes!) Where to Find Food from Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue During Refurbishment Review! New Vegetarian Fare and Allergy Kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark image was snapped at the Canada Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allThe colorful Florida sky sure makes the pavilion even more beautiful, doesn’t it? Which pavilion is your favorite to visit after the sun goes down? Disney Parks After Dark: Sunset at Epcot’s Canada Pavilion by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono” – the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. This is our Hawai’i state motto, and it holds special meaning for all of us here in the 50th State. Through it, we have a glimpse of the importance that Hawaiians put on the land and environment. With our recent celebration of World Oceans Day at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, we wanted to share a little bit more about how we celebrate mauka to makai – from the mountains to the sea – perpetuating our environment. From guest activities to our VoluntEARS programs, caring for our island home remains a focal point in all that we do. Enjoy this video, and aloha! VIDEO: World Oceans Day at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Todd Apo: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

While the new Disney•Pixar film “Inside Out” doesn’t hit theaters until June 19, guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can already learn to draw a handful of the characters from the film at the park’s Animation Academy. © 2015 Disney-Pixar The film takes a look at the life of Riley, a young girl who moves from her life in the Midwest when her father gets a job in San Francisco. Riley’s emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – live in Headquarters, the control center of her mind, where they help guide her through her daily life, including the challenge of taking on a new school and friends. “Inside Out” is rated PG. Today we’re sharing a tutorial on how to draw Joy, the happy optimist of the team. Want to learn how to draw another Disney character? Check out our full list of tutorials below. Anna from ‘Frozen’ Baymax from ‘Big Hero 6’ Buzz Lightyear from ‘Toy Story’ Donald Duck Dopey from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Flynn from ‘Tangled’Fred from ‘Big Hero 6′Genie from ‘Aladdin’GoofyGrumpy from ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Hiro from ‘Big Hero 6’Jack Skellington from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’Olaf from ‘Frozen’ Olaf from ‘Frozen’ Special Edition Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Pascal from ‘Rapunzel’PlutoScrooge McDuck from ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ Stitch from ‘Lilo and Stitch’ Sorcerer Mickey from ‘Fantasia’ Tinker Bell from ‘Peter Pan’Winnie the Pooh Learn to Draw Joy from Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

He wants to raise the retirement age for Social Security, limit immigration reforms, toughen the Cuban embargo and replace Obamacare. View the full article

The jury in the murder trial of David Damus has begun deliberating his innocence or guilt. View the full article

Remember your first summer job? I remember mine. It might have been a lot more fun with these guys. Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful and Dopey head to work at Magic Kingdom Park in 1978 getting ready to dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig, dig in the mine the whole day through. Disney Days of Past: A Summer Job at Magic Kingdom Park by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

More and more information continues to “spring” forth (hee hee!) regarding the future dining venues for Disney Springs. However, “dining” might be too limited a word for it, when you consider the newly-released details specifically regarding The Edison. Concept Art for The Edison at Disney Springs ©Disney While this “Industrial Gothic” style restaurant and bar isn’t slated to open until 2016, it seems entertainment will play a HUGE role alongside the American food and craft cocktails. Early informational releases informed us the venue would feature cabaret and live music. But a fuller picture is emerging as we are now learning that contortionists, palm readers, and DJs are all anticipated be part of the scene. According to Disney, the theme of the upcoming Disney Springs location will revolve around an electric company in the 1920s and will reflect the original Los Angeles location’s dedication “to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance.” Additionally, underneath The Edison’s 35-foot ceilings the restaurant will be divided into themed areas such as “The Tesla Lounge,” “The Patent Office,” and “The Radio Room.” (Does that final name make anyone else harken back to the Radio Broadcast hosted in the Library of the Adventurer’s Club?) The divisions follow in line with the building footprint of The Edison’s Los Angeles location. Layout of the original The Edison location in LA. Copyright The Edison The Edison will operate under the Patina Group (you may recognize the name, as it’s the same company that runs Via Napoli and Tutto Gusto). While we’re on the topic of Disney Springs (as we often are these days!), you may also be happy to know that NOW is the time to head over to Vivoli Gelateria, which JUST OPENED in The Landing! Vivoli Gelateria NOW OPEN in The Landing Area of Disney Springs We can’t wait to bring you a full review from this location soon! In the meantime, stay tuned… because it’s never quiet for long when it comes to the future Disney Springs! What do you think of the latest news coming out of Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment! Sources for The Edison:Eater.com, DisneyParksBlog 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! Vivoli Gelateria Coming Soon to The Landing in Downtown Disney News! The Edison, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and More Coming to Disney Springs News: Patina Group Restaurant Opening in Disney World’s Downtown Disney Springs View the full article

Virgil Runnels, known by by his ring name "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, died Thursday at the age of 69. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – Top House and Senate budget negotiators met Thursday and finalized spending plans for the courts and most state agencies, but major differences still need to be resolved to get to a final budget deal and avert a partial government shutdown by June 30. View the full article

Today you may have noticed that the Disney Parks Blog looks a bit different today. That’s because we’re celebrating the fact that today is the anniversary of the debut of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” here at Magic Kingdom Park! To celebrate, we’ve pulled together a list of our must-read, must-watch blog posts and videos of this fan-favorite parade from over the years. Take a look! Behind the Scenes: Float Driving in the Main Street Electrical Parade – Get a behind the scenes look at how our float drivers bring characters to life. Step In Time: Main Street Electrical Parade Lights Up Magic Kingdom Park in 1971 – Take a step back in time to when the Main Street Electrical Parade debuted at Magic Kingdom Park on June 11, 1977. The Unusual Return of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” in 1999 – Watch a Walt Disney World archive video of when the Main Street Electrical Parade traveled from California to Florida. Disney Parks After Dark: Main Street Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom Park in Fast-Forward – Check out some photos of the Main Street Electrical Parade. A Main Street Electrical Parade Preview – Take a look at a few of the floats in the Main Street Electrical Parade. Top Five: Main Street Electrical Parade Moments by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TALLAHASSEE -- The state's largest electric utilities, Attorney General Pam Bondi and a number of influential business groups want the Florida Supreme Court to block a proposed solar-energy ballot initiative. View the full article

After a multi-year legal battle, the Florida Supreme Court ruled today in favor of third-party online travel agencies, such as Expedia, saying they don't have to pay taxes on the marked-up prices they charge customers. View the full article

Five years ago today, “World of Color” opened for Disney California Adventure park guests, after dazzling media at a special premiere the night before. Take a look back at the star-studded event: Also on June 11, 2010, Silly Symphony Swings opened – take a look back at the construction of this attraction in the video below. Have you seen the new “World of Color: Celebrate!” yet? Tell us about it in the comments! Today in Disney History: ‘World of Color’ and Silly Symphony Swings Open at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A Central Florida pharmacist accused of threatening Florida Gov. Rick Scott has been indicted on a charge of making threats against President Obama. View the full article

Three Sandbar sharks that survived a crash on I-95 in Volusia County have been taken in by the SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team. View the full article

FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and his wife, Candi, have separated and are working with attorneys to mediate terms of a possible divorce, according to the Tallahassee Democrat . View the full article

What do you get when you take 1,000 photos, 60 lbs of confetti, seven Disney characters and one photographer with a big imagination? Something magical, of course! When we thought about how we wanted to celebrate our @DisneyParks Twitter account hitting the milestone of 1 million followers, we called on the talent of Yellow Shoes Photographer Chloe Rice to come up with something special. Check out the video below to learn how what started as a simple Twitter graphic turned into a very detailed and intricate stop-motion film clip – and how the team pulled it all together. Want to follow @DisneyParks on Twitter? Click here. Behind the Scenes: Creating Our @DisneyParks Stop-Motion Film by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today in Disney history, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” stepped off for the very first time at Magic Kingdom Park. Which float in the procession is your favorite? Vote below: Which float in the Main Street Electrical Parade at Magic Kingdom Park is your favorite?Disney Days of Past: Main Street Electrical Parade Debuts at Magic Kingdom Park by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ready are you? We sure were. All of a sudden I look around and I am in the middle of the TV commercial shoot for the upcoming launch of this year’s Star Wars Weekends. This is one of those moments that I just think, “Are you kidding me? How did I get here in the middle of all this awesomeness and where did all these troopers come from?” It is a little surreal to say the least. Maybe it really did all start “A long time ago in a galaxy” … well you know. You see, my Jedi Master creative teammates and myself are huge Star Wars fans ourselves. We grew up watching the original trilogy and playing with everything Star Wars. So working on the creative for the latest campaign here at Yellow Shoes really was a dream come true for us. After editing this great footage we shot right here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then adding in all the cool special effects, it was finally complete. And we are very excited to share with you today the finished spot we call, “Lit”. Oh, and did you notice some very familiar footage in the beginning of the spot? How cool is that? Not to mention that iconic soundtrack that comes up at the end that can make a grown man get a little misty-eyed. The idea behind this year’s campaign is simple: it’s as close to the Force as you can get. Everything plays out around the notion of going to Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and you are literally surrounded by the Force and all things Star Wars. Behind the Scenes: This Year’s Star Wars Weekends Creative Campaign by Will Gay: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article