Disney4me

Greetings from somewhere between Ketchikan and Vancouver! Today marks the final day of our first Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise to Alaska, where our adventures through the Wild West have included a bit of time travel. Two of my very favorite people – Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline and Disney author and historian Tim O’Day – are taking members on an irreverent journey through “Disney’s Wild West,” one of several unique entertainment experiences created for this special charter voyage. Their fast-paced presentation uses filmed treasures and rare artifacts from the Walt Disney Archives to illustrate “8 Simple Rules for Enjoying Life in Disney’s Wild West.” If history class had been this entertaining, I would’ve paid far closer attention. Becky and Tim asked if they could share some artifacts with all of you, and I always do what historians tell me. I’ll leave them to show off their treasures while I go grab seats for “Broadway and Beyond: Songs We’re Wild About,” a new finale concert created by our friends from Disney Theatrical Productions. Man I’m going to hate seeing this voyage come to an end. By this time tomorrow, the artifacts will be back in their vault, the celebrities will be back doing whatever celebrities do, and my bed will be in the same zip code every night. Good thing there’s another Member Cruise in August! Disney Vacation Club Explores Disney’s Wild West by Ryan March: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One person is dead and three were injured in a single-car accident Sunday morning on the Orange Blossom Trail. View the full article

Disney World guests utilizing the Disney Dining Plan will want to be aware of some rumored changes taking place to the popular plans available for Disney Resort guests starting today, May 31, 2015 (though it is rumored that Disney will not post the changes officially until June 4th). Please note that at this time we have not received official confirmation from Disney regarding any of these changes. We just wanted you to be aware of the rumors in the case that you’d be able to put them into practice this week in the parks. Participants on the Dining Plan will be able use their dining credits in the typical ways (i.e. guests on the standard Disney Dining Plan will still receive 1 Table Service Credit, 1 Quick Service Credit, and 1 Snack Credit per night of stay and can use those credits accordingly at designated locations); however, there may be additional opportunities that will allow for more flexibility. Snack EntitlementsThe most commonly rumored change says that a “snack credit” will now include all single-serve items and beverages such as Caramel Apples — not including Character designs — and large Mickey Cookies among other previously ineligible items. Also included may be Quick Service restaurant side items and breakfast items, like sides of bacon or sausage. Caramel Apples These may include: – Non-alcoholic single-serve beverages (not including souvenir cups) – All ice cream novelties – Hand-scooped ice cream including sundaes not exceeding two scoops (not including any souvenir bowls) – All side items on Quick Service restaurant menus – Soups at Quick Service locations – Dipping sauces or toppings that were previously available for an additional charge (such as the $1.00 extra for cheese sauce to go with a Mickey Pretzel) can now be included in the snack credit – Certain Quick Service breakfast items (that have been previously considered only as part of an entree) including: sides of bacon, sausage, eggs, or potatoes, cereal with milk, French Toast Sticks, oatmeal, quinoa, grits, biscuits & gravy, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s important to note that “Dining Plans Not Accepted” text has popped on on several kiosk/restaurant pages on the official Disney website, as seen in these screen shots below: Screen shot of Aloha Isle webpage via the Disney World website Screen shot of Sleepy Hollow webpage via the Disney World website However, we want to stress that as of the time of this writing, our reporters indicate that Aloha Isle and other kiosks are indeed accepting snack credits for the Disney Dining Plan. We’ll keep you updated. Quick Service EntitlementsQuick Service meal credits may now be traded for up to three snack credits at select locations. It’s important to note that the conversion must take place within the same transaction. Also in the list of rumors, guests at Quick Service restaurants will officially be able to select adult entrees for their children if they so choose (and vice versa, an adult can select a kids’ entree). This has been a loophole in the dining plan for years, but apparently now it will be officially allowed. Guests may also exchange the Quick Service dessert or non-alcoholic beverage options for any eligible snack on the menu within the same transaction. Disney quick service chocolate cake. Table Service EntitlementsSubstitutions will be allowed — by request only — for the dessert option that comes with a Table Service entitlement, with guests now having the option to exchange dessert for a side salad, cup of soup, or fruit plate (where available). Exchanging a dessert for an appetizer will still not be an option. French Onion Soup Guests participating on the Deluxe, Premium, or Platinum Dining Plans can select adult OR children’s entrees for their Table Service meal credits; so if junior wants an adult entree, he can have at it. Please note this change does NOT apply to the standard Disney Dining Plan. Once again — these are all rumored changes. Disney has not yet announced anything officially about these updates. Please stay tuned to DFB as we continue to explore the changes that may be happening. We would greatly appreciate if any of you could share your experiences that you’ve had using your Dining Plan credits in a recent park visit. Please let us know if you’ve been on the receiving end of any of these rumored changes. And thank you! Sources: Touring Plans, WDWInfo.com 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! 2013 Disney Dining Plan Pricing and Updates 2011 Disney Dining Plan Disney Dining Plan FAQs: Kids and the Disney Dining Plan View the full article

Florida legislators are heading back to the state Capitol promising to do what they couldn't during their 60-day regular session — pass a new state budget. View the full article

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is trying a new tactic in its campaign against SeaWorld. View the full article

Orlando attractions do a great job selling themselves, so Visit Orlando is launching a new marketing campaign this summer to hear about individual stories and memories from tourists. View the full article

This week, we shared details of an all-new show coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park – the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” During this Castle Forecourt Stage show, the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, held select nights at Magic Kingdom Park from September 15 – November 1, 2015. Check Shawn’s original story for more details. And we shared the lineup for 2015’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series during this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. We’re kicking things off with David Cook on September 25 and will feature new acts like Tiffany and Chaka Khan. Charles has the complete list in his original story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Memorial Day Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disneyland Park Honors Fallen Soldiers – On Memorial Day, Disneyland park guests lined Main Street, U.S.A. during the daily flag retreat ceremony to pay respect to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Additional ‘Decades’ Details and Art Revealed for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – Learn where you can find Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration “Decades” collection merchandise! Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Truffles Debut at Signature Restaurants – Looking for a dazzling way to complete your meal? Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Truffles will be offered at select signature restaurants throughout Disneyland Resort — Blue Bayou Restaurant, Carthay Circle Restaurant and Steakhouse 55. New Made With Magic Items Debut for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration – Nighttime at Disneyland Resort is now a little brighter with the release of new Made with Magic items. Created especially for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we have introduced a celebratory ear hat and a magical paintbrush! Disney Parks Blog Readers Enjoy #Disney24, ‘Tomorrowland’ Screening – The Disney Parks Blog team held a special event for 500 of our readers, which included breakfast at Magic Kingdom Park and a special opening-day screening of the new film, “Tomorrowland.” The Ultimate Land and Sea Family Vacation with Disney Cruise Line – Disney Parks Blog author Jonathan Frontado shares five reasons why sailing with Disney Cruise Line to a tropical destination before or after a stay at Walt Disney World Resort is the ultimate family vacation. Learn to Draw Fred From ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – This week our Learn to Draw animation series continues with a lesson on how to draw another member of the “Big Hero 6” team – it’s Fred, the fun-loving, comic-book aficionado of the group! Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Beau Biden, who followed his father, Vice President Joe Biden, into politics and was twice elected attorney general of Delaware, died Saturday of brain cancer less than two years after he was diagnosed. Beau Biden was 46. View the full article

Her electronic waste is someone else's treasure. View the full article

No news was going to upstage Bob Schieffer's departure from CBS' "Face the Nation." View the full article

Wow! There is just so much going on in the world of Disney Food this week that I bet you’ve had a hard time keeping up! Not only did we publish the first big news about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — in its 20th year!! — but we also now have the complete line up for the uber popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series! Well, the good news is…that’s what we’re here for! And after a busy week covering the latest and greatest in California, Florida, and Ireland, we’re back, sorting through all of the biggest stories to keep you informed. We have a ton of stuff to share. Let’s get right to it! Disney Food NewsWe have our first big news about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, including new dishes that will debut!We have a FIRST LOOK Photo Tour and Review of the brand new Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!The full Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has been announced!We offer a review of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Cake Pop.Cooking Classes and Demos for kids and grownups are coming to Downtown Disney Orlando (soon to be Disney Springs).In news from our trip to Ireland, we learn that Raglan Road will soon be adding Irish Grass-Fed Beef to its regular menu!We review some fun specialty Star Wars drinks at Star Wars Weekends!The Orange Bird is back in Magic Kingdom, and to celebrate his return, OB merch is making a comeback for a limited time!Bacon Mac and Cheese in a Bread Cone is BACK — but this time, you’ll find it in Disney California Adventure instead of Hollywood Studios, as it was last summer. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! In honor of Star Wars Weekends, happening now through June 14, we’re featuring some treats commemorating all the fun! Jacqueline Melanson kicked her day off right with a Darth Vader Waffle at Sci Fi Drive In. Darth Vader Waffle at Sci-Fi Dine In Restaurant But Disneyland fans — you aren’t left out of the fun! JD Boo-won grabbed himself a Hans Solo Popcorn Bucket in front of Pizza Port at Disneyland! Han Solo Popcorn Bucket in Disneyland Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 2015-2016 Disney World Vacation Must-Have E-Book Sale!Do you have a Walt Disney World Trip on the books for this year? Woohoo!! There’s nothing more exciting than counting down the days to your next Walt Disney World Trip! But, even the most spontaneous Disney fan knows that planning ahead is the key to a stress-less vacay. And that mantra is absolutely true when it comes to dining. If you really want to dine in the hottest restaurants, you pretty much have to plan ahead. Be spontaneous, of course. But get a couple Advance Dining Reservations in place. But which ones? That’s where Disney Food Blog comes in, because we are all about the planning!! You already enjoy our reviews, news, and tips daily on our Blog. But did you know — that’s JUST the tip of the iceberg. Because we have lots more to share with you in our complete line of DFB Guides. If you’re ready for a fun, easy way to personalize eating and drinking your way through Disney, then check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book. Fully updated for your 2015-2016 adventures, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subject — Eating Your Way Through Disney! So you save time and money as you enjoy planning one of the most important parts of your trip. And to thank all of you for your support of DFB, we are offering extra savings on our most popular DFB Guide right now. Just enter promo code 2015 at checkout and you’ll save $4 off of our cover price of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! But if you’d like to enjoy even more detail, check out another great offer. DFB Everything Bundle SALE!If you’d like even more great information, pictures, and tips, then the DFB Everything Bundle is the right fit for you. And to get you ready for that next big trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for $15 off the already low price! It’s like getting an entire book for free. Just enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 EditionThe Updated DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom SnacksThe Updated DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksThe Updated DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios SnacksA Pre-Order of the 2015 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadA Pre-Order of the 2015 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate downloadDFB Dining AdventuresThat’s every book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides. And with the convenient e-book format, you can load your books onto as many electronic devices as you want. Have them at your fingertips, ready to plan and take with you into the Parks. Just download and off you go! Haunted Mansion Apron from Mickey Fix! The DFB Everything Bundle is already a terrific bargain at well below 40% off the individual prices of the books, but we’re excited to offer you these additional savings for a limited time. Enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer. Shop in confidence, knowing that all of our DFB Guides are 100% guaranteed. Thanks for your support of DFB!On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix — You get me. This Haunted Mansion Ghost Host apron is a must have for any HM fan! DisZine highlights some special merchandise that’s being released in honor of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary. Check out the plates and mugs that celebrate Disney through the decades. WDW For Grownups takes a closer look at Sprinkles Cupcakes, coming to Disney Springs. Daveland in Part 13 of his Disneyland 60th Anniversary Series, turns in some beautiful shots of the interior of Cafe Orleans, and includes a picture of Walt Disney himself enjoying the spot. Disney Parks Blog celebrates the 20th anniversary of Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom. 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 15, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 17, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 3, 2015 View the full article

Orlando City coach Adrian Heath started to notice during training early this season that an unlikely player was the best finisher on his team. View the full article

Orange County Sheriff's deputies are looking for a man who stole a wallet from a vehicle in Cypress Run apartment complex. View the full article

Volusia County Beach lifeguards rescued 32 people out of the ocean on Saturday. View the full article

DESTIN — Steve Spurrier never worried much about facilities at Florida. View the full article

Firefighters battled a brush fire on Saturday evening that burned about 50 acres near Heritage Hills Active Adult community and Hartwood Marsh Road in Clermont, officials said. View the full article

Mariah Carey stopped by the Disneyland Resort to be a guest on “Live with Kelly and Michael” as a part of the kick-off of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Mariah performed a song from her brand new album “#1 to Infinity” at Town Square in Disneyland park. While at The Happiest Place on Earth, Mariah stopped by “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” to pose for a photo with a portrait of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Mariah Carey Kicks Off Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration by Anne Macklin: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Throughout most of the Orlando Magic's last three seasons, playing time was given rather than earned. View the full article

Well, I’ll be dipped. So there I was, walking around Disneyland taking in all the sights and tastes for the 24-Hour Kickoff of the Disneyland Diamond Resort Celebration, when I stumbled upon THIS piece of gorgeousness. Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone sign The Macaroni & Cheese Bread Cone is BACK! Well, at Disneyland, that is! And you can find it at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. Cozy Cone Motel Sign Cone Queso at the Cozy Cone Motel So, why is this such a huge deal? Well, in case you missed it last summer, a little backstory: last August we reviewed the Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney WORLD found in Hollywood Studios at the concession stands for the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular. And it was quite a hit. Because it’s a HUGE pile of MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD. Like this… Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone previously served at Fantasmic! Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone previously served at Fantasmic! However, probably no more than two days after we reviewed it, it was pulled from the Fantasmic menu. Gone. Vamoose. Finito! No big drama or anything, just a regular menu change and pretty much par for the course when you’re scoping out food at Disney World. But a major bummer nonetheless, what with it being MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD and all. So when I saw that sign last week, I knew I had to grab it. Lesson learned: far be it from me to let a moment with the Mac and Cheese Bread Cone slip through my fingers. Pay no mind to the fact that the name is slightly different at Cozy Cone — it’s the Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone out west, instead of the Macaroni and Cheese Cone as it was labeled at Disney World. It’s the same glorious pile of hot, uber-cheesy mac inside that surprisingly soft bread cone. Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone at Disneyland’s Cozy Cone Motel Now, I’m sure you noticed the same thing I noticed: the Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone is on a TEMPORARY SIGN. That means it could disappear again at any minute (although, the Cast Member I spoke with thought it might be around for a few months to come). The “permanent” menu (yes, in quotes, since we know anything and everything is subject to change) still features other meals-in-a-bread-cone like the Chili Cone Queso. But that Bacon Mac & Cheese… Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone at Disneyland’s Cozy Cone Motel How I WISH it would be deemed a keeper, ’cause I’d sure call it one. Fingers crossed!! And a huge thanks to Anthony Hays for double checking that the cone is still there since I left last week! Have you stumbled upon the Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone? If so, did you give it a try? 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: Snack Series: Churro Bites at Disney California Adventure Cozy Cone Motel Coming Soon! Dinoco Sippers to Debut This Month at Disney California Adventure Cars Land First Look! Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Rats, bugs, mold and rust: Jacqueline Young said she's grappled with it all and more since moving into Orlando Housing Authority's Griffin Park projects in 2002. View the full article

Harambe Market is open for business. View the full article

Martin O'Malley, the former Baltimore mayor and Maryland governor who ushered in an era of tech-savvy management and a new brand of progressive politics during more than two decades in public office announced his long-expected campaign for president on Saturday. View the full article

State juvenile-justice officials have asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct an independent review of a Palm Beach County juvenile facility operated by a controversial private firm that lost another state contract last year. View the full article

A Lake Wales man and his 4-year-old son were killed in a car crash in Winter Haven Friday night, a Polk County sheriff's spokeswoman said. View the full article

Did you see the new film “Tomorrowland” over the weekend? On Friday, May 22, 500 Disney Parks Blog readers were treated to a special screening of the film – and were then made honorary Tomorrowland recruiters. Armed with Tomorrowland pins, our group returned to Magic Kingdom Park to search for brilliant minds and optimistic people who could shape the future. Check out all the fun that they had during the screening. Disney Parks Blog Readers ‘Recruit’ Guests for Tomorrowland by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article