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When the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens at Universal Studios Hollywood next year, it will feature an upgraded version of the attraction at its sister parks in Orlando. View the full article

See what’s happening in the world of Merchandise Special Events this June at Walt Disney World Resort! June 5 – 6: Join us as we welcome artist Joey Chou to WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Take part in a special artist showcase and signing from June 5 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and June 6 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Special Tip: Joey will also be appearing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. Learn more. June 10 – 14: Artist Greg McCullough returns this month with special appearances and signings June 10 – 14 from Noon – 8 p.m. at Art of Disney in Epcot and June 26 – July 1 from 1 – 9 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. June 11 – 22: Representatives from Precious Moments dolls will be on hand for the debut of the Patriotic Collection. Meet the representatives and see the dolls throughout the day, each day, June 11 – 22 and June 26 – July 20 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Artist Appearance Tip: Look for a special appearance by designer and artist Linda Rick, June 13-14. Learn more. June 13: Join us as we welcome back artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith to WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Take part in a special artist showcase and signing from 4 – 7 p.m. Learn more. June 18 – 21: Meet artist Larry Dotson throughout the day from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. at Main Street Cinema at Magic Kingdom Park. Learn more. June 18 – 23: Stop in and find some of the latest releases by artist David E. Doss from 1 – 9 p.m., each day, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. June 19: Take part in Trading Night from 6 – 9 p.m. in Veracruz A at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Register online now. Learn more. June 20 – 21: Humor columnist and author, Dave Barry will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his newest book, “The Worst Class Trip Ever.” Meet Dave, June 20 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and June 21 from 4 – 5 p.m. at Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. June 20: A new hand-painted limited edition Ink & Paint cel, titled Ariel and Friends, will make a splash at the Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Look for appearances by the artists from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. on the day of release. Not able to make it? A special pre-purchase opportunity will be available now through June 18, 2015. Learn more. June 24 – 27: Meet Fragrance Designer Geir Ness throughout the day at Puffin’s Roost in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. June 26 – 27: Meet artist Kristin Tercek from 5 – 8 p.m., each day at WonderGround Gallery in Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. Quick Reminder: Tickets to this year’s GenEARation D Pin Trading event taking place Sept. 11 – 12 are going quickly and are in limited supply. Don’t miss out! Find out all the details and get a peek inside the merchandise catalog for the event. Learn more. Which event are you most excited for? Walt Disney World Event Snapshot: June 2015 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

What to wear on a Disney cruise is one of the biggest topics addressed on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. For tropical destinations, we all know that swimwear is a must for daytime fun. But what is appropriate for nighttime? I reached out to the Disney Cruise Line specialists on the Disney Parks Moms Panel to find out what their family wears on nights designated as cruise casual, formal and semi-formal, and here’s what they had to say … Cruise Casual “For cruise casual nights, our family dresses in clothing that would be appropriate for a nice dinner out at a casual dining restaurant. That usually consists of khakis and a golf shirt for my husband and capris and a cute top for me. Since our kids are older, we choose the late seating for dinner. Our girls go directly to the Youth Clubs after the meal, so they prefer to wear something comfy and casual that they can wear straight to Edge and Vibe. You’ll probably find them in a cute tunic, leggings and sandals, or capri pants and a fun top.” –Diane W. “For my husband and teenage son, collared shirts are always easy to pack and go well with his khaki pants or jeans. Boat shoes are a staple in my boys’ closets, since it pairs nicely for evenings out and practically goes with everything. My daughter will usually be comfortable wearing a sundress for cruise casual evenings, paired with dressy ballet flat shoes. I’m usually comfortable with my capri pants and a nice bright colored blouse. Comfy wedge heels are a must for me in the evenings, since we like to stroll along the deck after dinner before heading over to one of the lounges for a cocktail or a nightcap.” –Dolly M. Formal and Semi-Formal “On formal and semi-formal nights, you’ll see everything from tuxedos and formal gowns to sundresses. We like to find a happy medium. My husband will wear a jacket and dress shirt (sometimes a tie), and I will wear a nice (but not formal) dress. I do enjoy seeing those who bring ball gowns and tuxedos, and that makes for a precious photo op with the Disney characters in their formal best.” –Diane W. “For formal night or an evening at Remy or Palo, I like to wear a dress with heels, and my teenage daughter wears a nicer sundress with the same ballet flat she wears on the cruise casual nights. We both bring a shawl or a light sweater to drape over just in case it gets breezy. My husband always packs a pair of dress pants and a jacket if we know we are dining at Palo or Remy, and he’ll bring an extra shirt and tie for formal or semi-formal night. My teenage son packs his Oxford shoes to match his dress pants and long-sleeved shirt. We never run out of collared shirts, since it’s our go-to outfits for the boys in the family.” –Dolly M. For other tips on what to pack for your Disney cruise, check out my previous posts: The Ultimate Disney Cruise Line Packing ChecklistSix Must-Have Items for a Disney CruiseA Mom’s Take: Packing for a Disney Cruise to AlaskaDressing for a Disney Cruise: Tips from the Disney Parks Moms Panel by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

In its early years, Gay Days was something of a lark. When Orlando resident Doug Swallow first suggested an informal show of gay solidarity at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in 1991, the gathering had the feel of that old theater cliche: "Hey kids, let's put on a show!" View the full article

Bonjour! We are popping into Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion today to take a closer look at a new-to-us pastry! Learn About: Les Halles Boulangerie PatisserieEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsYou may remember last year around Mardi Gras time when we shared with you the Beignets commemorating that time of year. They were really interesting — unlike what we normally think of as beignets. (You know, those fluffy fried pillows of deliciousness. Rectangular or Mickey-shaped — we’re good either way.) But on a recent visit to Les Halles we were intrigued to read that the Beignets seemed to be different, since they were described as Chocolate Hazelnut-filled. Wait. What?! Yeah…that’s all it took to get us there. Le Beignet at Les HallesThe previous beignets at Les Halles were Bugnes Lyonnaise, diamond-shaped with a hole in the middle, and were rolled in granulated sugar. So when I was handed this treat, it was clear that we were dealing with something completely different. Enjoying a Beignet in a Quiet Spot We took the snack to my favorite secret hide-y place in the France Pavilion. (Nope, not tellin’ ya where…OK, behind the perfume shops. But don’t tell.) It’s a wonderfully quiet and shady spot — a perfect place to dig into Les Halles loot! As you can see, it looks like a traditional filled doughnut. Actually, it reminded me a lot of the Berliner featured at the Germany Booth during last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Les Halles Beignet — Up Close Time to cut into it! I went for it, expecting to see a snug little pocket of chocolate Hazelnut filling. But this is what greeted me on the cross section. Beignet — Cross Section Well, I knew there was filling in there. It was too heavy for there not to be! And so I cut it again and the chocolate filling began to reveal itself. Beignet — Getting There… But I knew you guys would really want to see inside! So I went for one final cut. Jackpot! Here, you can see that the beignet is completely filled with what tastes a whole lot like Nutella. Beignet — Filling-Viewing Success! So how did it taste? Pretty awesome. The pastry was tender and fresh. And of course, you can never go wrong with the flavor combo of chocolate and hazelnut. This was a win for me! And since we split it four ways (and, er, may have also purchased a macaron collection), it was perfect for sharing. Everyone got just a bite or two of the pastry and filling, and the ratio was perfect. If you’re intrigued, are looking for a step up from your garden variety breakfast doughnut, or you just really love Nutella, then this one is definitely for you! Will you be trying the Beignet at Les Halles? Leave a comment and let me 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: Holiday Snack Series: Bûche de Noël from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion Review: The New Napoleon at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Review: A Lunch Stop at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France View the full article

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Monday reassigned the leader of the Transportation Security Administration and directed the agency to revise airport security procedures, retrain officers and retest screening equipment in airports across the country. View the full article

RuPaul praises the latest winner of "Drag Race" for having the "biggest charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent that I've seen in a long time." View the full article

Senior Lauren Haeger drove in all three UF runs, highlighted by a two-run home run Senior Lauren Haeger drove in all three UF runs, highlighted by a two-run home run View the full article

A six-vehicle crash blocked State Road 46 in Sorrento for several hours Monday afternoon and sent two people to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the Florida Highway Patrol said. View the full article

A 16-year-old Orlando girl died Sunday night after being thrown from a vehicle and then hit by another car on State Road 429 in Apopka, officials said. View the full article

SANFORD — When Seminole High Principal Connie Collins stopped by a morning football workout Monday, she found many players in tears. View the full article

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating a monkey breeding facility in southwest Florida after an animal welfare group said an undercover worker found sick and injured monkeys living in inhumane and unsanitary conditions. View the full article

Seminole County deputies are searching for a suspect after woman woke up to find a stranger standing near her bed and touching her leg last week. View the full article

One week after the launch of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration in Anaheim, Mickey Mouse and the “Happiest Balloon on Earth” arrived in Sacramento to celebrate as the California State Senate and Assembly proclaimed today – June 1, 2015 – as “Disneyland Day!” Disneyland has been part of the fabric of California for six decades, and marking this special milestone by bringing the magic of Disney to the State Capitol makes it all the more momentous. I’m told seeing the “Happiest Balloon on Earth” float over the Capitol lawn was pretty incredible! Disneyland Resort’s visit to Sacramento went beyond the Capitol and into the community with a visit to UC Davis Medical Center, where Mickey Mouse and Disney Ambassador Allie Kawamoto visited young patients. It also included a stop in West Sacramento, where 500 volunteers from Disney, KaBOOM! and the city of West Sacramento built Disney’s largest KaBOOM! playground ever. Following the build, Disneyland Resort made surprise donations totaling $10,000 to Club West Teen Center and Yolo County Children’s Alliance. “Disneyland Day” festivities concluded with a special screening of Disney “Tomorrowland” for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students who attend an after-school program at Club West Teen Center in Sacramento. June 1 Proclaimed ‘Disneyland Day’ at California State Capitol by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Orange, Osceola and Lake counties. The warning will last until 6:45 p.m. View the full article

Forecasters are saying the dangerous rip-current risk at Central Florida beaches should decrease during the next few days. View the full article

A Winter Park High School ninth grader was arrested last week for posting threatening messages about a teacher on Twitter, according to a report from the Winter Park Police Department. View the full article

The Supreme Court on Monday threw out the conviction of a Pennsylvania man prosecuted for making threats on Facebook, but dodged the free-speech issues that had made the case intriguing to First Amendment advocates. View the full article

Cindy Frongello and canine companion Tonx will take part in Orange County's first official courthouse dog program. The program will help victims, especially children, deliver effective testimony in court. View the full article

UCF announces kickoff time for the Stanford football game scheduled Saturday, September 12th. View the full article

Forecasters are saying the dangerous rip current risk at Central Florida beaches should decrease during the next few days. View the full article

The National Weather Service has canceled a tornado warning for northwestern Flagler County and southeastern St. Johns County. View the full article

Guests visiting Epcot can now view a clip from Disney•Pixar’s original new film “Inside Out,” playing exclusively at the Imagination pavilion. This limited-time preview of the movie comes complete with in-theater effects and an introduction recorded by the filmmakers especially for Epcot guests. When you visit Epcot, you’ll also find the “Inside Out” Emotion Garden from the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has been extended for the run of the sneak peek, so you can discover its variety of emotion-inspired flora just as Producer Jonas Rivera did on a recent visit. “Inside Out” ventures inside the mind of a young girl named Riley and introduces us to the Emotions that guide her. Based in Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else. Disney•Pixar’s “Inside Out” is directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”, “Up”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Up”) with an original score by Michael Giacchino (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up”). The film opens in theaters on June 19, 2015. See a Sneak Peek of Disney•Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ at Epcot by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – Lawmakers only have 29 days to pass a budget to avert a state government shutdown. In a special session that got underway Monday few concrete steps were made toward reaching a deal. View the full article

Jay Rasulo will step down as chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Co. effective June 30, the company announced today. View the full article