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As Jenn Fickley-Baker shared earlier, this week is the anniversary of the opening of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park here at Walt Disney World REsort. How well do you know this park? Test your knowledge below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668{background-color:#f0f8fb;color:#565656;border-color:#dce4e7;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-section h1{color:#8bb428;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-title{color:#10628b;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-header-image{text-align:right;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-section{border-color:#ffffff;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-embed{border-color:#dce4e7;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-158668 .quiz-result{background-color:#dce4e7;} Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park by mkilwein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog How long is Castaway Creek at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? 1,500 feet 1,700 feet 2,000 feet Which of the following is NOT the name of a “fruit chute” at Crush ‘n’ Gusher? Strawberry Chute Pineapple Plunger Banana Blaster What is the name of the group raft ride at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? Keelhaul Falls Gang Plank Falls Mayday Falls How many stories do you slide down on Humunga Kowabunga? 3 stories 4 stories 5 stories How many gallons of salt water fill the Shark Reef at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? 362, 000 gallons 399,000 gallons 427,000 gallons Share your score: Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="158668" data-site-url="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A 911 call from one of the injured passengers in the rollover crash that killed Osceola High football star Dominic Lee may contain vital clues about what possibly caused the accident, according to Florida Highway Patrol. View the full article

Lightning go Little League in childish Stanley Cup ticket policy, while dictating what fans can wear as well View the full article

Get ready for an exciting 53 days for the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, celebrating two delicious decades from September 25 – November 16. Now noted as one of America’s top food festivals by the Travel Channel, the 20th rendition promises plenty of celebrity chefs and new marketplaces, but also traditions that guests look forward to each year. Look for favorite chefs such as Cat Cora, Jamie Deen, John Ash, Robert Irvine and Buddy Valastro onstage for demos and premium events (John Ash was at the very first Epcot fest back in 1996, and returns for 2015.) In all, more than 270 Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the U.S. will be showcased. And for those who can’t wait to take a trip around the world at the 25-plus Marketplace kiosks, look for both new dishes (pepper bacon mac ‘n cheese at Farm Fresh Marketplace, seared venison loin in New Zealand) and returning classics (yes, the pierogies are still there in Poland, as well as Belgian waffles and kalua pork sliders in Hawaii). Wines, beers, Champagne, cocktails and mocktails are paired with good eats at each stop. Eat to the Beat concerts are already lined up (see Charles Stovall’s blog post last week) with favorites such as Tiffany, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And the favorite Party for the Senses grand tasting events are back every Saturday night in October featuring more than 50 wines and beers with tempting bites from eminent chefs. Other fun stuff: the Ocean Spray cranberry bog is back. And Chase cardholders can chill out, grab a complimentary soft drink and try some interactive fun at the Chase Lounge in American Adventure. For kids of all ages, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak takes you on a scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes (maps, stickers and prizes are involved). New premium events includes “French Family Meal Traditions” lunches on Fridays and Saturdays, a “Rockin’ Burger Block Party” on select dates, and new beverage events including “Exploring Wines from 1996 to Now.” Happy 20 years, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! We can’t wait to celebrate. More details to follow. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, you can call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com. First Look at 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Three different times Josh Duggar confessed to multiple acts of molestation against four sisters and a family friend, according to a report obtained by In Touch Weekly from the Washington County Sheriff's Office. View the full article

Orlando-based Red Lobster, along with The Cheesecake Factory and Sonic, are among the restaurants nutritionists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest singled out for extreme calorie counts in menu offerings in the 2015 Xtreme Eating Awards. The full list was published today in the June... View the full article

What’s a walk around World Showcase these days without stopping in Germany’s Karamell-Küche? Learn About: Karamell-KücheEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsAfter all, it’s the one place where every single item is built around the same awesome ingredient: caramel. Werther’s Caramel, to be specific. In fact, you can even take a moment or two to check out the wall to your left upon entering the Caramel Kitchen (once you’re past the window, that is). It’s a mural depicting the timeline of the company, which had its start in the German village of Werther. It’s quite the history lesson. Of course, you probably won’t. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be entirely distracted by all the choices held inside the bakery case (not to mention the buttery fragrance of caramel wafting through the air)! Karamell-Kuche bakery case That bakery case full of caramel goodness is one reason I don’t mind the typically long lines here. It gives me more time to peek over shoulders and heads in front of me to decide what I want. It takes some time! But having sampled just about everything in that case (and some more than a few times — I’m lookin’ at you, Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bar), I decided to go with something I hadn’t tried before. Or two things, because… well, do you really need a reason why here ;)? Anyway, one item I hadn’t chosen previously was the Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan; which, I’m guessing, should probably be called the Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cluster…but that’s just splitting hairs. Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan At first glance, you think you have it pretty much figured out: a dollop of hardened milk chocolate over a layer of caramel covering the pecans. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing… Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan And just so can have one more look at that layer of caramel, uninterrupted, here’s the back of the treat: Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan (sans chocolate) Still, I hadn’t selected it previously because I just figured the emphasis would be on the pecan. Give me a Caramel Bacon Square or a Chocolate-covered Sea Salt Caramel… you know, basically a pile of caramel with some other stuff tossed in for good measure (and, yes, depth of flavor, too… but you get my drift). Well, guess what? I was mistaken. Just have a look at this! Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan That is NO JOKE, right there. It’s practically ALL caramel down to the bottom. I know the picture really speaks for itself, but allow me to confirm what you’ve already guessed: the caramel is once again allowed to steal the show, while the chocolate and pecan add some more sweet-and-saltiness — and a nice bit of crunch — to intensify the already sweet-and-salty goodness of that delicious pile of caramel. While I had knowingly overlooked that one for some time, the cookies at Karamell-Küche rarely escape my attention. The Caramel-filled Chocolate Cookie and the Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookie (so, SO good) are tried-and-true favorites, so this time I went with the German Chocolate Chip Cookie with Pecans. I’d had one good run with pecans already today, so why not give ‘em another go? The gist here is that the key ingredients you associate with German Chocolate Cake are included here (coconut, pecans, and chocolate in the form of chips), with the added bonus of a gorgeous drizzle of caramel — the signature of every cookie at Karamell-Küche. German Chocolate Chip Cookie with Pecans I’m all for the flavor combo here — it comes together well and really does bring to mind the classic cake. Just like a German Chocolate frosting (mmm…. frosting!), the pecans here are very finely chopped so they provide nutty flavor but simply blend in regarding the texture. German Chocolate Chip Cookie with Pecans Speaking of texture, though, overall it just didn’t do the trick this time. I found the cookie to be uncharacteristically dry. For that reason, I’m still giving my top cookie pick to the Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookie. Still, it helped me knock off one more in my quest to sample everything in that case. At this point, there’s not much left… but I’m still open for recommendations . What’s YOUR favorite thing at Karamell-Küche? Please chime in and let me know! What gets your vote for top choice at the Caramel Kitchen? 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: Review: Caramel Bacon Square and Caramel S’more at Epcot’s Karamell-Küche Review: NEW Menu Items at Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion Review: Chocolate Caramel Grapes at Karamell-Küche View the full article

President Barack Obama has signed legislation reviving and reshaping surveillance laws that expired temporarily Sunday night. View the full article

One person was killed Tuesday in an accident on US 192 in Kissimmee, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. View the full article

The first big 2016 Republican presidential event in Florida saw seven potential candidates call for tax reform and less government Tuesday with only the state's former Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pushing economic ideas outside the GOP mainstream. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE — Even as Republican members of the House and Senate bashed each other Tuesday over health care, leaders in both chambers began trimming their wish lists in an effort to come to a budget compromise and avert a government shutdown. View the full article

Dominic Lee had a promising future in football, according to his coach and fellow players. View the full article

As a graphic designer, Imagineer Kirstin Makela visually communicates Disney stories throughout the Disneyland Resort, even designing many of the graphics for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Appropriately enough, we are featuring her in our 60th episode of Every Role a Starring Role! Which graphic design in this video is your favorite? Every Role a Starring Role – Walt Disney Imagineering Graphic Designer at the Disneyland Resort by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The white dry-erase board of "specials" on the wall remains enticing: A fried catfish dinner, with three sides, is $11.50. Or have your pick from the value menu: beef stew, rib tips or turkey necks. View the full article

The latest American Consumer Satisfaction Index revealed that pay-TV and internet businesses are among the most hated industries in the country. View the full article

At a GOP economic forum at which seven potential presidential candidates called for less taxes and government and most blasted Democrats, Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush called for "conservative principles applied the right way" and cautioned against angry rhetoric. View the full article

Your evening commute will likely be a wet one. View the full article

Heads up, all! A few select Disney World Resorts have rolled out an updated pricing structure for the Rapid Fill Mugs — refillable mugs that provide guests the option to purchase one mug and reuse it for fountain and other drink station beverages throughout their vacation for a pre-designated amount of time. Rapid Fill Mugs The price for a Rapid Fill Mug has been $17.99 for length of stay, with lower pricing options available for 1, 2, and 3 day visits since the Rapid Fill drink program debuted in August 2013. And it remains in effect at several Disney resorts currently. Rapid Fill Price Sign BUT…at Pop Century, the All Star Resorts, and Port Orleans – Riverside, the price is currently $16.49 plus tax for length of stay. Rapid Fill New Length of Stay Pricing — Refillable Mugs However, the 1, 2, and 3 day options are not currently available to guests, so essentially it costs $16.49 plus tax for guests to purchase the Rapid-Fill Mugs, no matter the length of their trip. Rapid Fill Mugs At this time, it is unknown whether any other Resorts have — or will — follow suit, and if so, in what time frame. If you are a current or recent Disney World Resort guest and have noticed any pricing structure changes to the refillable mugs at your resort, we’d be interested to hear about your experience (and we hope you have or had a great vacation, while you’re at it!). What do you think having one pricing option for the Rapid Fill Mugs? Please let us know with 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! Update on Disney’s New Rapid Fill Refillable Mug News! Redesigned Refillable Mugs at Disney World Resorts! News: Disney World Refillable Mug System Experiment View the full article

An estimated $5 billion in U.S. travel deals and sales will be negotiated in the five-day U.S. Travel Association IPW convention. View the full article

An anonymous telephone call led to the arrest last week of a Winter Park High School student, who was charged with posting threatening messages to her teacher on Twitter, officials said. View the full article

The chairman of the Orange County school board is warning the town of Eatonville not to play politics over developing the 100-acre Hungerford school property. View the full article

Earlier this year, thousands of you voted to name our female baby rhino Kiama. She has been growing rapidly – gaining about three or four pounds a day – and now you can see her during your next adventure on Kilimanjaro Safaris! The young white rhino just stepped on to the savanna for the first time. Kiama weighs about 400 pounds, while her mom Kendi is closer to 4,000 pounds! Kendi was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1999. Kiama stays close to her mom, and sometimes breaks away to play in the dirt or investigate different noises. Then, she playfully runs back to the safety of her mom. They are a joy to watch, and I hope you have the opportunity to see them exploring the savanna soon! You can help rhinos in the wild by purchasing only “wildlife-friendly” products and never buying products made from rhino horns. You also can support organizations like the Disney Conservation Fund and the International Rhino Foundation, which are both active in rhino research and conservation. Learn more about rhinos and other animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot at DisneyAnimals.com. Rhino Kiama Makes Her Big Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you’ve ever had the good fortune to travel to Florence, Italy, chances are you’re familiar with Vivoli Gelateria. I’ve never been myself, but when I searched “Florence Must-Dos” online, Vivoli appeared on every list; wedged between art galleries and chapels, it was the only food venue mentioned in National Geographic’s City Guide to Florence, so you know it must be pretty spectacular! No immediate plans to visit Italy? No worries. The family-run gelato shop will open its second storefront – and the first outside of Italy – later this month at The Landing, the newest neighborhood to debut as part of the future Disney Springs. I recently had the chance to connect with Silvana Vivoli, the granddaughter of Raphael Vivoli, one of the company’s founders, to learn more about the gelateria. Founded in 1932 by Raphael and his two brothers, Vivoli Gelateria started out as a dairy – at that time, it was not easy to find raw materials such as milk, eggs and sugar and there were no gelato machines and freezers. After World War II, technology enabled the brothers to follow their passion and produce gelato every day – a far cry from the early recipes that relied on barrels filled with ice and snow from the nearby mountains to keep their concoctions frozen. Silvana’s father, Piero, learned to make gelato from his father. Silvana learned the craft from him, “keeping the same old tradition,” she shared. When I asked Silvana why they decided to open a location at Downtown Disney, the answer flowed freely, “Good gelato. In a fantastic place. With fun and family and a sunny destination? It’s a nice combination. Like vanilla and chocolate!” According to Silvana, the gelato at Vivoli is made with fresh, top-quality ingredients using the exact same recipes from the original shop. The artisans plan to use local and seasonal products, with cocoa powder, hazelnut and pistachio imported from Italy. “There are ingredients not easy to buy,” muses Silvana, “these are love and passion … when you fall in love with your job, you have these for free – they’re the final ingredients that make everything so special.” For a special gelato experience that will give you the “feeling of being in Italy for ten minutes,” make plans to try Vivoli Gelateria during your next visit to Downtown Disney. Not sure which flavor to order? I asked Silvana one final question: which is her favorite? “It depends on how I get up in the morning! But really, I cannot do without rice pudding gelato.” In addition to their signature gelato, Vivioli Gelateria will also serve traditional Italian panini, biscotti, espresso and tarts. For a mouth-watering look at what you can expect, check out the gallery below. GalleryVivoli Gelateria to Open Soon at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort view allVivoli Gelateria to Open Soon at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A local woman received about 100 robocalls over four months from Orange County schools, alerting her about everything from an absent child to lockdowns and fundraising campaigns. View the full article

It was a dog-meet-dog day at California’s State Capitol yesterday when Sutter and Colusa Brown, Governor Jerry Brown’s canine companions, met and shook paws with Pluto and his pal Mickey Mouse. Disneyland Resort President Michael Colglazier and Governor Brown also were there to celebrate the pups’ pow wow. Read more here about the Disneyland Resort visit to Sacramento. Governor Brown’s Dog Sutter Meets Mickey Mouse’s Dog Pluto at California State Capitol by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article