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Duke Energy will build a facility near Epcot that will provide solar power to Walt Disney World. View the full article

Duke Energy is building a facility near Epcot that will provide solar power to Walt Disney World. View the full article

Joining other weather teams, government forecasters on Wednesday called for a slower-than-normal hurricane season, adding fuel to the debate over whether the 20-year era of tropical intensity is finally drawing to an end. View the full article

Imagine sitting at the end of Main Street U.S.A., looking at Cinderella Castle, the ragtime pianist serenading you as you bite into a juicy all-American hotdog. Is there anything better? Twenty years ago today, Casey’s Corner opened, pleasing hungry guests and baseball fans alike. Decorated with vintage baseball souvenirs and photos, Casey’s Corner has been hitting it out of the park since 1995. Guests enjoy tasty favorites like the Barbecue Slaw Dog, Corn Dog Nuggets and Ball Park Nachos. Last year, we reimagined the interior to accommodate even more fans with additional seating. Talk about a home run! Casey’s Corner – Hitting Lunch Out of the Park for 20 Years at Magic Kingdom Park by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Some of you may remember last year when I wrote a post detailing some of the best things about living in Florida. View the full article

The Disney Parks Blog team kicked off the Coolest Summer Ever here at Walt Disney World Resort last Friday by holding 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.” GalleryPHOTOS: Step Inside Our Disney Parks Blog ‘Tomorrowland’ Breakfast & Screening view allDuring the event, our guests had a private breakfast at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe and participated in a exclusive photo op featuring a jet pack and suit used in production of the film. They were then shuttled to AMC Downtown Disney 24 for a private screening of the film. Afterwards, our guests were made honorary Tomorrowland recruiters and were sent back to Magic Kingdom Park with special Tomorrowland pins to give away. Check out the video above for a look inside the event. Disney Parks Blog Readers Enjoy #Disney24, ‘Tomorrowland’ Screening by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Joe Williams, who became a fixture at Lake County sporting events during more than 36 years as a sports writer for the Orlando Sentinel, died Tuesday night. View the full article

The new roller coaster at SeaWorld will be shark-themed and part of a new "realm" at the theme park when it opens next summer. It will be named Mako after a speedy species of shark. View the full article

Summer may just be getting started, but I’m already looking forward to fall and the return of my favorite event at Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. And this year’s party will be extra fun with the introduction of an all-new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage. In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” 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! With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat. “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. New Show at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Will Cast a Spell on You by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Typically when we’re talking about Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s because we’re reviewing some eats in that area of the park, including Pizza Planet, Mama Melrose’s, Studio Catering Co., High Octane Refreshments, and our beloved Writer’s Stop. Writer’s Stop But today we’re going to take a stroll around this part of the park that doesn’t typically get a whole lot of attention (unless it’s the holiday season when The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights takes over). Many people pass through this area of false fronts and forced perspective representing street sets for New York and San Francisco on the way to or from the Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show. But I have always loved this section of the Studios as a great place to wander around and take in loads of those famous Disney details. Streets of America Streets of America Streets of America Among the shops and various business ventures lining these city streets, you’ll notice more than a couple of restaurants and food stops — lots of mom-and-pop-style operations that look like places locals would frequent if these settings were, in fact, real. For instance, when you’re wandering down New York street, you just gotta love the sign that says it all… by saying next to nothing: the “Eat” sign. “Eat” I don’t care what they’re serving. I’d kinda like to try it. “Eat” And I can’t be the only person who wishes the Village Pizza Parlor was real every single time I walk past. Village Pizza Parlor Village Pizza Parlor Calzones and Pie by the Slice! And you have to respect a place that boasts “Macaroni” on the window. Village Pizza Parlor Looks to me like a place that could rival Via Napoli for Best Pizza in Disney World… if it actually existed, that is ;). If you look up (and, as they say, you should always “Look up” when you’re at Disney World!), you’ll notice the apartment balconies give a truly lived-in impression. Apartment balconies And what’s our food item here? An outdoor grill! Totally against building regulations, I’m certain ;), but it sure makes me want to join the gang up there for a hamburger. Grill It’s all enough to make you quite hungry. Good thing the Pretzel Garden is real! Pretzel Garden Next stop? San Francisco! Route 101 sign If only we could book a spot in The Tea Room when Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian is full… The Tea Room The Tea Room Right across the street you’ll spy the China Bowl Restaurant. Little China China Bowl Restaurant There are tons of foodie details to take in at the windows here! China Bowl window China Bowl window And you’ll see even more food items in the window of the department store next door. Little China Department Store Goods in store window Goods in store window Coming back up New York Street towards Writer’s Stop, you’ll want to check out the Fountain Specials at Ye Olde Drugstore and Soda shop (okay, I added the “Ye Olde” bit). Soda Fountain Fountain Specials on the window Fountain Specials If you peek in the neighboring window, you can see examples of all the sundaes, shakes, and malts that would be available in this fictional setting. (And, when the glare from the sun is a little calmer on the windows, you can also see the table set with plastic burgers and fries.) Specials display Just DON’T do this if you’re hanging out with AJ. ‘Cuz this mannequin in the window totally creeps her out. Creepy mannequin Can’t say that I blame her. YOW! Well, according to the parking meter, our time is up! Parking meter We hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour around these “big” cities! Which restaurant do you wish were real on the Streets of America? 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: Photo Tour and Review: NEW Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge in Disney World! Review: Cheese Danish at Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cream Cheese Pretzel Spotted in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

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. Each beautifully themed box contains four truffles with flavors inspired by the location: Blue Bayou Restaurant Truffle Flavors Crème Brule – crème, brown sugar and vanillaBananas Foster – banana, vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum and banana liqueurKing Cake – confectioner’s sugar and lemon juiceMint Julep – sugar, lime juice, lemon juice and crème de mentheCarthay Circle Restaurant Truffle Flavors Carthay Manhattan – American whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and Luxardo maraschino cherriesBrown Derby – bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice and honeyB52 Coffee – Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Irish cream, coffee and whipped creamHazelnut Tiramisu – classic tiramisu with hazelnutSteakhouse 55 Truffle Flavors Cosmopolitan – vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and limeKahlua – coffee, brown sugar, vanilla24-Layer Chocolate Cake – milk chocolate, hazelnut and a hint of vanillaPrimitivo – raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plums and raisinFor Carthay Circle Restaurant and Steakhouse 55, guests must be 21 years of age to purchase due to the alcohol content by volume. Which box of truffles will you be bringing home? Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Truffles Debut at Signature Restaurants by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A Kissimmee pastor is in the Osceola County Jail on charges of swindling Medicaid out of $94,000 for mental-health care that patients never received, according to the state Attorney General's Office. View the full article

A controversial plan to raise rare Florida grasshopper sparrows in captivity has begun with a pair of chicks taken from a nest on an Osceola County ranch. View the full article

Considering the lab equipment, cash and drugs police say they found in a UCF student's apartment, the scene might have been reminiscent of the hit TV show "Breaking Bad." View the full article

"Queen of Versailles" Jackie Siegel makes an unusual admission on "Celebrity Wife Swap," according to a release from ABC. View the full article

SeaWorld Entertainment's chief financial officer, James Heaney, is resigning to take a job in the cruise industry. Heaney will stay with SeaWorld until June 19. The company has announced Marc G. Swanson as interim chief financial officer, effective June 1. Swanson has been SeaWorld's chief accounting... View the full article

My workplace looks a little different today. There are pine trees on the horizon instead of palms, I’m surrounded by water that appears oddly void of reptiles, and a curious number of people have cloaked themselves in some kind of woven, long-sleeved alternative to shirts called “sweaters.” Weird, but fun. Clearly, I’m not in Florida anymore. I’m in Canada. Or at least I was yesterday. I’m not sure exactly where I am today, but I know I’m somewhere between the port of Vancouver and the Tracy Arm Fjord, sailing with Disney Vacation Club Members aboard the Disney Wonder on our first Member Cruise to Alaska! Always my favorite business trip and long a highlight on many Members’ vacation calendars, a Member Cruise is a Disney Vacation Club charter voyage that enhances the already extraordinary Disney Cruise Line experience with custom décor, unique in-room gifts and a diverse lineup of special shows and experiences for Members and their guests. This year’s entertainment lineup is as wild as our Alaskan itinerary (a dramatic departure from our traditional Bahamian Member Cruise itineraries), featuring everyone from contemporary filmmakers to dynamic stage and screen stars to insightful authors and historians. Part of the fun of the Member Cruise experience is the surprise reveal of our lineup as we sail out of port. For this year’s epic voyage, we introduced our entertainment lineup with an epic movie trailer. I actually voiced the trailer’s “scratch track” before we hired a professional actor, and I now understand why those temporary recordings are called “scratch” tracks. Listening to my voice describe the lineup made me want to scratch my ears off. Fortunately, the final cut I now share with you kept me safely away from the microphone. You’re welcome. I’ll check back later in the voyage to introduce you to some of our special guests. In the meantime, I’m off to see a presentation about bears. Maybe I’ll meet Kenai. Or Koda. Or Ditka! Disney Vacation Club Sails Onward to Alaska by Ryan March: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Is your kiddo a future Disney Chef in the making? If so, you may want to sign him or her up for the Annual Kid’s Cooking Class, returning to Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe in Downtown Disney Orlando on Saturday, June 20th at 11 am! Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe What’s on the docket for any junior chefs in attendance? Not only will they learn kitchen essentials from master chefs, but they’ll also take part in creating a few Downtown Disney dishes (in kid-friendly versions, of course)! The menu includes Rice Balls from Portbello, Kid’s Pizza with assorted toppings from Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, and will end with a Banana Split from Fulton’s Crab House. © Wolgang Puck Cafe Orlando The cost to attend is $40 per child. Included in the ticket are all ingredients for the dishes, along with an apron and fun-sized chef’s hat. Interested parents may call 407-828-8996 to reserve a spot for their child, or to find out more information. I know — kids get all the cool stuff, right? Well, not entirely… there’s something for all you culinary-minded big kids, too! On Saturday, June 6th at 12:00 noon, Downtown Disney’s Portobello Restaurant will be hosting a cooking demonstration with Chef Tony Mantuano. And the best part is, it’s a “dine-along”! Watch Chef Tony create a 4-course meal especially for event guests. Portobello After the meal begins with Passed Appetizers of Calamari Pizza and Eggplant Fries, each subsequent course will be paired with wine. Courses include Tuna Tartare, Rigatoni alla Norma, a Swordfish Peperonata entree, and Cannoli Siciliani for dessert. Tickets are $50.00 per person, and interested guests may call 407-828-8996 to reserve a spot, or visit the Portobello Restaurant website for information. Bon appétit to both the big and little chefs! 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: Cooking Classes for Adults at Downtown Disney July 10, 2010 Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Fulton’s Crab House, and Portobello in WDW’s Downtown Disney Offer Group Cooking Classes NEWS! Downtown Disney Foodtopia Coming This October! View the full article

The IRS says thieves used an online service provided by the agency to gain access to information from more than 100,000 taxpayers. View the full article

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio told the Christian Broadcasting Network that the push for nationwide same-sex marriage represents a threat to Christianity. View the full article

Valencia College has permanently banned having students perform vaginal probes on each other in its ultrasound classroom programs, after a lawsuit was filed that highlighted the practice. View the full article

The new issue of Disney twenty-three is a love letter to Walt Disney’s original theme park with more than 40 pages of photographs, artwork and stories that span from the inception of Disneyland to the excitement of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. D23, Disney’s Official Fan Club, takes readers on a fabulous and fascinating journey in the new issue, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. Disney Legend Marty Sklar and Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn take a stroll through the park together reminiscing about Disneyland’s rich history while looking to its exciting future. Plus there’s something for every Disneyland fan, from features about the pitch portfolio full of dazzling concept artwork used to sell Walt’s dream of Disneyland to East Coast investors and a story on unique collectibles through the years to a look at rare photographs from the Disneyland Hotel and a “sampling” of some of our favorite park treats (churro, anyone?). Dive in and enjoy, and if you’re not already a D23 Gold Member, you can join today and get more information here. D23 Celebrates Disneyland Resort by Jeffrey Epstein: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Bruce Jenner has had full gender reassignment surgery and is now legally considered a woman, RadarOnline.com reports. View the full article

I hope you’ve been enjoying my suggestions for excursions to take during your Disney cruise in Hawaii. Last but not least, let’s check out what you can experience on the lush island of O’ahu. Not only is O’ahu abounding in natural beauty like the rest of the Hawaiian islands, it is steeped in rich history and home to Honolulu’s thriving modern metropolis, providing Port Adventure options for every interest. Honolulu is also your gateway to the world’s newest Disney resort and spa, Aulani, in nearby Ko Olina. I highly recommend booking a stay here before or after your cruise, depending on which of our two Hawaiian voyages you join. What’s more, you can reserve a room just for your Honolulu port day with the Be Our Guest at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina Port Adventure. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the magic and amenities of this first-class resort! Those who want to venture a little farther out will love our Explore And Taste Oahus North Shore Honolulu Port Adventure. We take you on a tour of the coast to see famous places, including the Dole Pineapple Plantation and the picturesque Byodo-In Temple located at the base of 2,000-foot cliffs. You’ll also travel to the surfing mecca of the world, visiting the North Shore’s Sunset Beach and Waimea Valley, before stopping at Haleiwa Beach Park where Green Sea Turtles occasionally rest on the golden sand or swim in the aquamarine water close to shore. If you want to see iconic sights, excursions like our Waikiki Beach Break and Diamond Head Crater Summit Adventure take you to the area’s popular spots to enjoy nature. Other options, including the Arizona Memorial & City Tour and the Pearl Harbor VIP Military Base Tour take you back in history and give you the chance to pay your respects at important landmarks. That concludes my series on Port Adventures in Hawaii. Fantastic options, don’t you agree? If you missed my other posts, take a look back so you can start planning your trip of a lifetime. Aloha! Exploring the Big Island of Hawai‘i on Two Special Disney Cruise Line VoyagesSpectacular Kaua‘i Adventures on a Disney Cruise to HawaiiExperiencing the Incredible Sights and Tastes of Maui on a Disney CruiseA Taste of O’ahu and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, on a Disney Cruise by Arnaldo Zanonato: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I can’t wait to see “Tomorrowland” which is now playing in theatres. To celebrate the release of this new motion picture, we are offering a T-shirt for adults, women and kids on the Disney Parks online store from May 22-28. Designed by Disney Design Group artist Richard Terpstra, the shirts will contain a glow-in-the-dark “Tomorrowland” logo. The back of the shirts will also have the word “Tomorrowland.” You can find the shirt by visiting this link. Please allow 3-5 weeks for delivery; express shipping will not be available. While the shirts will only be found online, we are releasing an open edition pin at Disney Parks. I couldn’t resist recreating a scene from the film using this new pin as a prop. Look for the pin in a variety of merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. In Disney’s riveting mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” a jaded scientist and an optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space. Directed by two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird, “Tomorrowland” stars Academy Award® winner George Clooney as scientist and former boy-genius Frank Walker and Britt Robertson as Casey Newton. Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of. ‘Tomorrowland’ Shirt Coming to Disney Parks Online Store from May 22-28 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article