Disney4me

The Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off this week with a 24-hour event on May 22-23 at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks! Some of you may be planning to arrive early in the hopes of being among the first to celebrate with us. If so, I’ve got some important information to share with you. Parking Pumbaa lot will open for early arrivals at 10 p.m. the evening of May 21.Mickey & Friends Parking Structure will open at 4 a.m. and Toy Story Lot will open at 5 a.m. on May 22.Pre-Opening Queue Guests may bring games, blankets, chairs, tents and sleeping bags, but guests must return these items to their cars or hotel rooms and return to the line by 2 a.m.At 2 a.m., all guests in line will be moved through Security checkpoints to the Disneyland Resort Esplanade, where they will receive a commemorative keepsake while supplies last.No smoking, fighting or loud music will be allowed in line.All guests in line will be able to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom, purchase food or beverages, and return or retrieve items from their vehicles/hotel rooms.Opening Celebration At 4 a.m., guests who choose to begin their day at Disneyland park will be escorted onto Main Street, U.S.A., to prepare for the opening celebration moment, which will take place at approximately 6 a.m. inside Disneyland park.Guests who choose to begin their day at Disney California Adventure park will be escorted onto Buena Vista Street at 5:30 a.m.Costumes and Prohibited Items Costumes for adults are not allowed for this event. Please refer to the guidelines listed here. Be sure to check the list of prohibited items here.Lockers in the Disneyland Resort Esplanade and inside Disneyland park will be available at 4 a.m. Disney California Adventure park lockers will be available at 5:30 a.m.Tickets Regular park admission used on May 22 is valid for the entire 24-hour period (6 a.m. on May 22 through 6 a.m. on May 23). A special ticket is not required for this event.Disneyland Resort ticket booths will open at 2 a.m. on May 22.SoCal and SoCal Select Annual Passports will not be valid for admission on May 22.Premium, Deluxe and Premier Annual Passports will be valid for admission during the entire 24-hour period.Here’s What You Need to Know to Line Up for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration 24-Hour Event by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The Disney Magic’s arrival to New York City today sparked a grand announcement: We’re returning to the Big Apple in 2016 for sailings to both the Bahamas and Canada! And that’s not all … We also revealed that we’re sailing again from Miami and Galveston, Texas with new options from these popular homeports. Cruise Director Ray tells you all about it in this video. Check it out … Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store for the fall of 2016 from New York, Miami and Galveston: New York Sailings from New York to the Bahamas include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, plus a Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation between the ship and the resort. All New York to Bahamas voyages also include a stop at Castaway Cay.One five-night voyage from New York to Canada stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Check out Arny’s post, A Glimpse of a Disney Cruise to Atlantic Canada, which includes a video from our first visit to these charming ports.Miami For the first time, we’re offering seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, in addition to shorter options. All sailings from Miami include a stop at Castaway Cay.Galveston A variety of seven-night cruises are departing from Galveston, including Bahamian sailings and Western Caribbean sailings. Plus, for a quick getaway, we’re offering two four-night sailings to Cozumel.Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public on May 20, 2015. More details can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2016 page of disneycruise.com. Sailings from New York, Miami and Galveston are in addition to our ever-popular cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida. Which homeport do you plan to sail from in 2016? Disney Cruise Line Announces New Sailings from the Big Apple in 2016 by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Sailings from popular home ports return for limited-time engagements NEW YORK (May 18, 2015) – In the fall of 2016, Disney Cruise Line will return to New York for a limited time with sailings to the Bahamas that include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. New seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami and a return to Galveston, Texas round out the season. Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public on May 20, 2015. More details can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2016 page of disneycruise.com. Return to New York On Oct. 7, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on an eight-night Bahamian cruise that includes stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and Port Canaveral, Florida, which is located just one hour from the Walt Disney World Resort. On Oct. 15, 22 and 29, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on seven-night cruises that stop at Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral. Adding to the magic on each of these Bahamian cruises will be the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney World Resort when the ship stops at nearby Port Canaveral. Each guest on these sailings will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation for the short trip between the ship and the resort. On Oct. 2, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on a five-night cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. In these charming Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market. New Seven-night Cruises from Miami For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to enjoy a season of seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. On Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean including Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay. On Nov. 27 and Dec. 11, the Disney Magic will sail to the Eastern Caribbean including Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. On Dec. 23, the Disney Magic will sail to Tortola, San Juan and Castaway Cay. Additional Miami sailings include a four-night Bahamas cruise departing on Nov. 16, a five-night Bahamas cruise departing on Dec. 18, and a six-night Western Caribbean cruise departing on Dec. 30, 2016. Each sailing will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Return to Galveston In late 2016, Disney Cruise Line returns to Texas with a line up of seven-night itineraries, including Bahamian sailings that stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. On Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2016, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Bahamian itinerary from Galveston to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau. On Dec. 2, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary from Galveston to Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. On Dec. 16, the Disney Wonder will sail from Galveston on a seven-night cruise to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman. Two four-night sailings to Cozumel on Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, round up the sailings from Galveston. Most of the late 2016 cruises include either Halloween or winter-holiday events that bring special entertainment, activities and décor to the Disney Cruise Line ships. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

Sailings from popular home ports return for limited-time engagementsNEW YORK (May 18, 2015) – In the fall of 2016, Disney Cruise Line will return to New York for a limited time with sailings to the Bahamas that include a visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. New seven-night Caribbean cruises from Miami and a return to Galveston, Texas round out the season. Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public on May 20, 2015. More details can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2016 page of disneycruise.com. Return to New York On Oct. 7, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on an eight-night Bahamian cruise that includes stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and Port Canaveral, Florida, which is located just one hour from the Walt Disney World Resort. On Oct. 15, 22 and 29, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on seven-night cruises that stop at Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral. Adding to the magic on each of these Bahamian cruises will be the opportunity to visit the Walt Disney World Resort when the ship stops at nearby Port Canaveral. Each guest on these sailings will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation for the short trip between the ship and the resort. On Oct. 2, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from New York on a five-night cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. In these charming Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market. New Seven-night Cruises from Miami For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to enjoy a season of seven-night voyages from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. On Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 2016, the Disney Magic will sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean including Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay. On Nov. 27 and Dec. 11, the Disney Magic will sail to the Eastern Caribbean including Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. On Dec. 23, the Disney Magic will sail to Tortola, San Juan and Castaway Cay. Additional Miami sailings include a four-night Bahamas cruise departing on Nov. 16, a five-night Bahamas cruise departing on Dec. 18, and a six-night Western Caribbean cruise departing on Dec. 30, 2016. Each sailing will include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Return to Galveston In late 2016, Disney Cruise Line returns to Texas with a line up of seven-night itineraries, including Bahamian sailings that stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. On Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 9, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2016, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Bahamian itinerary from Galveston to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau. On Dec. 2, the Disney Wonder will sail on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary from Galveston to Falmouth, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. On Dec. 16, the Disney Wonder will sail from Galveston on a seven-night cruise to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman. Two four-night sailings to Cozumel on Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, round up the sailings from Galveston. Most of the late 2016 cruises include either Halloween or winter-holiday events that bring special entertainment, activities and décor to the Disney Cruise Line ships. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

The 24-Hour Summer Kick-Off Celebration is the exciting start to the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and launches the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland Resort. This event is a 24-hour party within the theme parks – from coast to coast! There will be guests showing their #DisneySide in their favorite costumes and Disney-inspired outfits. I wanted to share a few ways to show your sporty #DisneySide at the 24-Hour Summer Kick-Off Celebration, as well as some tips from our friends at New Balance to keep comfortable if you plan on staying on your feet the majority of the day. Here are some outfits I pieced together that will be comfortable, stylish and show your #DisneySide from the Disney Store, New Balance and Champion. Adult: Children: New Balance Tips for the 24-Hour Event Possible Rain or Sweat? Don’t worry! Stuff your kicks with some newspaper heel to toe, let them sit overnight to absorb moisture. Don’t put your shoes in the dryer; it’ll hurt the materials! Wiggle Room You’re used to a size 8 in those heels? Bump it up about a half size from your street shoe to your running shoes. It’s a good thing to have some wiggle room in the front of your shoes for your toes to splay. Minor foot swelling is also common when we spend long days walking or running on our feet, so make sure to have at least a thumbs nail length of toe room for those little piggies. Lace with Attention Be careful how you lace up your shoes. It’s great to lock in the heel, but don’t put too much pressure on that instep. Your feet will thank us come dinnertime. Legs Up the Wall Long day on your legs? Lie flat on the ground with your legs at a 90-degree angle up the wall or on the back of a couch. This very common yoga position is thought to increase blood flow to the heart. Give circulation a refresh in those stems and get back out there. Type of Ride Just like attractions can differ, so too do the rides of a shoe! Make sure you’re happy with the ride you select for the entire day – sandals may be too thin. If you have a few pairs of sneakers to choose from, try out the level of cushioning to ensure it’s plush enough or light enough to carry you through this adventure! What are you planning on wearing to show your #DisneySide at the 24-Hour Summer Kick-Off Celebration? Keep ‘Cool’ and Show Your #DisneySide at the 24-Hour Summer Kick-Off Celebration at Disney Parks by Aubrey Hang: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A dark, submarine-inspired thrill ride in California and swank new offerings at Downtown Disney all top the summer's must-do list for theme park and amusement fans. View the full article

Baby Penelope Hogarth and her 21-year-old mother, Jessica McCreery, are safe and the 7-month-old is receiving medical care in Florida, officials say. View the full article

This week, we’re launching our #DisneySide Doodles artist series which features original artwork that depicts how different Disney characters may show their “Disney Side” while visiting a Disney theme park. This week’s contribution is from artist Ty Amato of Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group. In creating this illustration of Hiro and Baymax from “Big Hero 6,” Ty depicted a playful Baymax interacting with the balloons you’d find on Main Street, U.S.A. at a Disney Park. What do you think? Tell us in the comments section below! #DisneySide Doodles: Baymax & Hiro on Main Street, U.S.A. by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Law enforcement remained on alert in Waco, Texas, early Monday after a deadly shootout between rival biker gangs shook up the community, and attempts at intimidation ensured officers will stay on the streets, police said. View the full article

Coast Guard crews found a missing 45-year-old man alive and well Sunday night after spending more than five hours in the water near Daytona Beach – without a life jacket. View the full article

In the end "Mad Men" contrasted hard-won personal happiness with the glossy version found in commercials. View the full article

MOUNT DORA — Randy Wiseman was strolling downtown for his morning exercise recently when it dawned on him that something was missing. The oak trees were gone. View the full article

A Central Florida developer has plans for a $150 million community of shops, hotels and condos on 60 acres of lakeside property facing West Colonial Drive in Ocoee. View the full article

Deseret Ranches and Osceola County's vision for accommodating a half-million residents on an enormous piece of ranch east of Orlando has triggered an environmental dispute that could be tough for even the state to solve. View the full article

Welcome to the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience! Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience In conjunction with Star Wars Weekends, an entire half of Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been completely transformed. Entrance to Rebel Hangar Backlot Express transformed into Rebel Hangar From now through June 14th, instead of entering the standard theming of the movie production warehouse, guests will walk into a long-abandoned building that once served as a busy spaceport in the Sullust system. The story of the Rebel Hangar printed in the menu From 4:00 – 9:00 pm daily throughout the run of the Hangar, weary galactic travelers now have the opportunity to take a moment to relax and enjoy Star Wars-themed food among the “discarded remnants” from over 100 planets. Rebel Hangar atmosphere Rebel Hangar atmosphere Rebel Hangar atmosphere Our Advance Dining Reservation to hangout in the Hangar wasn’t until 8:50 pm — 10 minutes prior to the final seating. So I took some time during the day to check out the spot, arriving somewhere around 1:00 pm. That’s right — day guests coming in for the typical Counter Service menu at Backlot Express were able to enjoy much of the atmosphere, too! Part of Backlot Express transformed Backlot Express transformed I, for one, was taken aback by the transformation. I hadn’t realized anything more could be tucked into Backlot Express, already so well-themed for its purposes. But lo and behold… Rebel Hangar atmosphere Rebel Hangar atmosphere Rebel Hangar atmosphere It was a blast spotting ways in which the typical Backlot “props” were incorporated into the Hangar theme. Backlot props redecorated Backlot props redecorated Backlot props redecorated You can see where “decay” has settled into this space in the many years since it last served its original purpose as a spaceport. Decaying spaceport “Discarded” helmet It appears a graffiti artist has even taken advantage of the abandoned spot . Graffiti wall Graffiti wall Hidden Mickey Even the tabletops were themed accordingly, adding to the fun. Table seating Tabletop decor Tabletop decor A photo backdrop has also been added to help capture your time in the Hangar. Photo backdrop Inside, the Hangar theme takes over the main entrance of the Backlot Express through to the “Paint Department” seating area of the regular operations. Star Wars themeing ends once you arrive at the Counter Service ordering stations, which remain in service for the rest of the day even when the Hangar portion switches over to the Lounge Experience at 4 pm. (Entry for regular counter service eats is through what is typically the back of the restaurant, and seating is available in the stunt room area, not themed for Star Wars.) Outdoor seating is also available. And while that can potentially give guests a chance to enjoy being seated while watching the super fun “Jedi Training Academy” next door depending on where they are sitting, the bulk of the details and sight gags are indoors. Outdoor tabletops and entrance to Rebel Hangar My husband and I returned in the evening to check in at the outdoor post pictured above for our 8:50 pm reservation. We were informed they were running about 15 minutes behind, but the buzzer that was presented to us at check-in went off just before 9 pm. Rebel Hangar Buzzer Evening entrance past the wing of an X-wing After inquiring about which galaxy my husband and I came from, our host walked us to our table and assured us that all of the servers at the Rebel Hangar are humanoids, so communication wouldn’t be an issue ;). While I can’t say we encountered any dangerous smugglers or otherwise fearsome creatures in the Hangar (whew!), we did enjoy some very fun and enthusiastic Cast Members through the host and our table server. (For guests interested in Star Wars character interaction, the Jedi Mickey Character Dinner at Hollywood and Vine and Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant have returned to Hollywood Studios again this year.) The primary things I noticed that had changed since our day visit, aside from the addition of a few more props, were that the tables were set with dishes and cutlery like a Table Service restaurant, and the music had changed over to jazzy, lounge-esque versions of music from Star Wars. Tabletop Upon being seated, we were presented with menus. Rebel Hangar menu After all, intergalactic travel can make you pretty hungry! Let’s see what’s up for grabs at the Hangar, my fellow humanoids… EatsThe menu at the Rebel Hangar focuses on small plates… with a Star Wars twist, of course! Fans will enjoy choosing from items like Pilot’s Pommes Frites, Ilum Fruit and Cheese Sabers, and a Trio of Thermal Detonators. Small plates menu Small plates menu Beverage options include beer and wine. Beer and Wine menu But the unique theme continues more with the Specialty Cocktails. Specialty Cocktails Dessert offerings are a Yoda Key Lime Cake and a Trio of Star Wars Mini Cupcakes. Dessert menu Now, $16.99 may seem a lot for the trio (miniature versions of the character cupcakes you can find at Counter Service spots throughout the park — we’ll be checking out the new Jabba the Hutt Cupcake soon!). However, they come to you in the souvenir Han Solo in Carbonite popcorn bucket, otherwise available at Tusken Fridge Raiders inside Darth’s Mall (with popcorn, instead, of course). Because we already had some idea of the food and beverage choices from when Disney announced this new dining experience, I think I was most excited to see the final item on the menu, which was a happy surprise: Blue Milk!! Non-Alcoholic Specialties menu YES!!!! As you might anticipate, the added flavor to the milk is of the “blue raspberry” icee variety. While I thought that worked quite well with the Blue Milk Ice Cream served at Jedi Mickey’s Character Dinner, what it did in this case was make it taste like “after the cereal” milk — you know, the way milk tastes at the end of your bowl of Fruity Pebbles or Boo Berry. Blue Milk! I can’t say it was the best beverage complement to a meal, but really… WHO CARES!? It felt so cool to be drinking the same milk as Luke Skywalker that I’m glad I got to have it at least once. It’s totally made for great photo opps. The Dagobah Swamp Juice, on the other hand, was a tasty mix of Midori, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Sweet-and-Sour topped with Lemon-Lime Fomz. With a definite emphasis on the sweet-and-sour, this one delivered a pucker! Dagobah Swamp Juice The $14.75 price tag has much to do, however, with one obvious addition: the X-wing Starfighter glow clip. X-Wing glow cube While the X-wing is pictured in the menu, our server actually gave us a choice of three items: a Millennium Falcon glow cube, a Death Star glow cube, or the X-Wing glow clip. It’s worth noting that you can get the Millennium Falcon or the Death Star at any of the pop-up bars around Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends (we’ll be taking a closer look at those in an upcoming review), but the X-Wing is reserved for the Rebel Hangar. Like its counterpart cubes, it can change color if you set it to do so. Same X-wing glow cube Because of the emphasis on small plates, all of our food arrived at the same time (with the exception of dessert). And while we were eager to check out everything, one dish stole all of our attention right away: Chips and Sith. Chips and Sith Wow. WOW. Not only does this Darth Maul-themed dish look amazing, the chickpea and lemon hummus was topped with a roasted red pepper coulis which provided not only the base of the “face,” but it also delivered just the right amount of heat, with the black sesame dust creating Darth Maul’s signature tattoos adding a bit of unexpected texture. Closeup on Sith hummus Hummus underneath the coulis That’s one delicious Sith! Before moving on, I just have to share this close-up of the perfectly creepy, radish-ringed “eyes.” They were simultaneously unsettling and oddly intriguing — not unlike Darth Maul himself. Creepy eyes! While not quite so intricately themed, the Lightsaber Bites were a yummy addition nonetheless. Lightsaber Bites with house made chips They are knockwurst sausage corn dogs, served with a honey mustard sauce and house made chips. The corn batter was fried to a crispy golden brown and was delicious with the sausage, but what stood out to me here was the portion. You receive five nicely sized corn dogs along with the chips, and while the Hangar’s dishes are all considered “small plates,” this is definitely a meal-maker. Lightsaber Bites Lightsaber Bites After the Chips and Sith, the Lightsaber Bites came in as our second favorite. We turn next to The Dark Fried Chicken and Waffles: an entree-sized serving of Chicken Breast Nuggets and barbecue sauce paired with two miniature Darth Vader Waffles and maple syrup. The Dark Fried Darth Vader Waffles with maple syrup This dish was fine — I always enjoy the chicken nuggets at Disney, and the waffles were served warm and well-prepared (though I felt like some butter on the side would have been a nice touch). But there was nothing super unusual here, aside from the decorative waffles. Coming in at $14.99 this was our most expensive dish, and I felt like the other dishes we had provided a better overall value. Our last plate was The Sith and The Jedi Slider Sampler. The Sith is represented by barbecue pulled brisket with coleslaw while The Jedi is barbecue pulled chicken with arugula. The Sith and The Jedi Slider Sampler Of the two, I have to go with the Dark Side, because the pulled brisket provides more of a rich flavor punch than the chicken, along with the cool tang of the slaw. I thought the dark bread might be tough, but even though the flavor was nothing out of the ordinary, the texture was fine. The Sith Slider The Jedi Slider We capped off our time with the Yoda Key Lime Cake. He comes complete with a small white chocolate lightsaber. Yoda Key Lime cake Closeup on Yoda I wondered if the “gelatinous green goo” that provides Yoda’s signature green color would be a distraction to my enjoyment, but it wasn’t. I barely noticed it. This was just a smooth, creamy filling between the thin yellow cake layers with a really nice citrusy burst of flavor — just what it needed to be. I took the picture below to show the layers, but obviously they’re no different than what you can see from the original plating. Layers of the Yoda Key Lime Cake The lesson here is that Yoda-shaped food has this in common with Mickey-shaped food: it’s ears off first for this little guy, too! No, we didn’t go for the Trio of Star Wars Cupcakes; primarily because with the addition of the Jabba the Hutt Cupcake this year alongside the Darth Vader Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cupcake and the Yoda Chocolate and Hazelnut Cupcake, we’d already tried them all! Look for our Jabba review coming soon . And so we wrap up a fun night at the Hangar! OverallI was more than pleasantly surprised with our late evening stop at the Rebel Hangar. Considering the theme is working within an already established space, I felt like the Rebel Hangar really was transformed into its own unique experience as much as possible. And as far as the food, the small plates that we tried struck me much closer to entree-size than I anticipated, providing bang for the buck. Though you may not remember the flavors as much as the themeing of the food (many of the items are essentially dressed-up counter service options), the dishes are tasty as well as fun. Now, with a run-time of just one month, the Advance Dining Reservations filled up quickly — at least for the initial openings, which were limited to Star Wars Weekends (Fridays through Sundays only). It does appear that the addition of weekday openings has helped to meet more of the demand. If you were able to get a reservation, I think you’ll find that the Rebel Hangar is a nice cherry on top of the sundae that is Star Wars Weekends. But let’s say an Advance Dining Reservation for your planned day of visiting Hollywood Studios somehow eluded you. Have hope, my friends… After all, deep down, aren’t we all hoping that the Rebel Hangar is really just a dress rehearsal for our dream Cantina if Star Wars Land is ever announced for Hollywood Studios? If the Rebel Hangar is even a teeny-tiny indication of what that could be, it’s already amazing to consider it. Regardless, I already hope they bring this experience back to Star Wars Weekends next year. It was worth the stroll through a few galaxies to get there. Will you be visiting the Rebel Hangar this year? If so, what are you most looking forward to? Please let us know with a comment below! 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! “Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge Experience” Reservations Available NOW Guest Review: Darth Vader Cupcake at Star Wars Weekends in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Star Wars Weekends Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes View the full article

The confetti cannons fired for the fifth time as the final whistle sounded on Sunday night, one last glittering blast of celebration for a win that was a long time coming. View the full article

If you have young kids, a 24-hour event might not seem like a natural fit for you, but there are actually a lot of activities during the 24-hour kickoff to the Coolest Summer Ever at Magic Kingdom Park that are perfect for little ones. If your kids are anything like mine, they are often awake at dawn and ready to go. Next Friday, May 22, when they’re up before the sun, you can bring them to our party – which starts at 6 a.m. at the Magic Kingdom Train Station with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. Throughout the day, there are all kinds of special events that kids will love: Disney Channel stars will appear as Grand Marshals for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at 3 p.m.Disney Channel Club Chill will open in Tomorrowland at 4 p.m. with DJ Frost leading a dance party with music videos from Disney Channel stars.In between all of the one-day-only fun, be sure to use the My Disney Experience app to select FastPasses for favorite attractions and character meet & greets. You can also use the app in the park to find things like attraction height requirements and even the nearest restrooms – a must for potty training parents! If you’re going to stay for the amazing Wishes fireworks show in the evening, be sure to pack snacks and pjs to keep little ones comfortable. But don’t worry if you forget something, our Baby Care Centers are fully stocked with everything from diapers and training pants to toddler food and sunscreen. #DisneyKids: 24-hours of Fun for Little Ones at Walt Disney World by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Star Wars Weekends 2015 began this week at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and we’re celebrating here on the Disney Parks Blog with new artwork, images and stories. Through June 14, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature some of your favorite Star Wars characters as well as the “Legends of the Force” celebrity motorcade, the all-new “Star Wars: Rebels” show at Theater of the Stars, “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks and much more. Shawn shared a few more experiences not to be missed this year, including a visit to the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience. Check his original story for more details and list of character appearances. Star Wars Weekends continues Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through June 14, 2015. We also announced the names of several new high-profile tenants coming Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort, including fashion retailers Uniqlo, Zara, Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer. When work is completed in 2016, Disney Springs will have expanded to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers . We have the complete list of the tenants in our original blog story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. First Look: Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Souvenir Vintage Stein – This stunning souvenir vintage stein features whimsical representations of favorite lands and attractions, and is topped with Sleeping Beauty Castle. Stars Shine Bright at the Disneyland Resort for World Premiere of ‘Tomorrowland’ – Hear from the stars on the red carpet, including the film’s star, George Clooney, about the excitement of being at the Disneyland Resort for the premiere! Behind the Scenes: Hatbox Ghost Reappears in Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park – Last weekend, one of the 999 happy haunts in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park reappeared after decades in hiding. Take a look! Complete List of Special Eats for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration 24-Hour Event, May 22-23 – Get a look at the ultimate foodie guide to specialty food offerings during the 24-Hour event at the Disneyland Resort. 24-Hour Event Merchandise Sparkles at the Disneyland Resort – Get a sneak peek at the artwork for the 24-hour event tees, a limited release pin and a very specially created cupcake! Kicking Off the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’ with 24-Hours of Entertainment at Magic Kingdom Park – Next week, Magic Kingdom Park is going to stay open from 6 a.m. Friday, May 22, to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 23, to celebrate the beginning of the “Coolest Summer Ever!” Get a look at all the entertainment and plan your visit! Building the Dream: The Making of Disneyland Park – Sleeping Beauty Castle – Part One – Disney Parks Blog author George Savvas shares some of the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. Chef Mickey’s Opens for Brunch Starting May 31 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Reservations open May 22 for what promises to be a popular new addition to Walt Disney World Resort dining – mid-day brunch daily at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The good news for "Saturday Night Live" was Louis C.K. hosted the season finale. The bad news was that nothing came close to his daring, imaginative monologue. View the full article

With the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival wrapping up today, it’s onward to a fun-filled Summer — starting with Star Wars Weekends, kicking off right now! But 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival news is also gearing up. And we’re excited to share the very first news about this year’s Low Cost Seminar lineup! Read on to learn all about this week’s Disney Food News. Disney Food NewsThere are a TON of newly announced Disney Springs eateries — and we have the details right here!We’re sharing our first big news on the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival front: Allergy Friendly Culinary Demos at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!Collectible Dinoco Sippers are coming to Cars Land in Disney California Adventure.Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, an homage to the Indiana Jones franchise, will open in Disney Springs this Fall.Looking for the perfect souvenir for your pets? Check out these Mickey Waffles and Ice Cream Bars made just for them! The winners for the Raglan Road Master Chef Contest have been announced! 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! Today we’re featuring Delicious Drinks! @EponineAlways thinks the best way to start her morning is with a Tatooine specialty — Blue Milk! Perfect for the kickoff of Star Wars Weekends! Blue Milk — Breakfast of Champions We told you about the Pomegranate Margarita Reboot at La Cava del Tequila a while back and @MauiMickey702 snapped this beautiful pic. He says it’s much improved! Yum — La Cava del Tequila’s NEW Pomegranate Margarita! 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! 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. Light Saber BBQ Tongs Thanks for your support of DFB!On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix does it again! Just in time for Father’s Day AND Star Wars Weekends, check out these perfect Light Saber BBQ Tongs! WDW For Grown Ups shows us around a few DVC Villa Kitchen and offers tips for relaxing a bit with this terrific amenity. DisneyCaribbeanBeach.com takes a closer look at the resort’s dining options. All Ears Blogger Kristin Ford talks about the special family traditions that have become a part of 24-hour Disney days — when they cap off the fun with sweets, treats…and breakfast! Disney Parks Blog stops by California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this week. WESH.com highlights changes that are coming to the Disney Dream Cruise Ship — including a brand new sweet shop, Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats! Mouse on the Mind shares a review of dinner at Monsieur Paul in Epcot’s France Pavilion. 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: April 26, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 29, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 10, 2015 View the full article

Four juveniles escaped from the Orange County detention center on Saturday night, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. View the full article

After a five-day manhunt, baby Penelope Hogarth and her mother Jessica McCreery were found out of state Saturday and returned to Central Florida, attorney Mark O'Mara said. View the full article

The graduates who walked across a stage at SeaWorld Orlando Saturday don't have to worry about making connections or sending out resumes. View the full article

A man was arrested Saturday on charges that he punched a 76-year-old woman in the face and walked away, Daytona Beach police said. View the full article

A body believed to be the 65-year-old man who went missing while fishing earlier this week was recovered Saturday on Lake Monroe, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. View the full article