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If you’ve been itching to get your hands on your very own Nautilus to take home, the time has arrived. Learn About: Trader Sam's Grog GrottoPolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsThat’s because Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are now officially OPEN! Now, for all intents and purposes, both the Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace have pretty much been in operation since March 28th, when the soft opening began, complete with wacky antics by the bartenders and skippers, erupting indoor volcanos, and a fully angered goddess of disaster. (And if you’re wondering what kind of code that is, be sure to check out our full review of these spots to learn all about the interactive experience that is an evening at Trader Sam’s!) Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace However, during the soft open stage, most of the souvenir glasses were not yet available to take home. While that may not sound like a big deal, their arrival is greatly welcome. Though not all the specialty cocktails are served in souvenir glasses, certain beverages correspond to their own specific take-home glass. And it was already anticipated that these very collectible souvenirs would be in high demand, based on the popularity of the souvenir glasses at Trader Sam’s original establishment, the Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland. After all, who wouldn’t want their very own Shrunken Zombie Head, courtesy of everyone’s favorite Head Salesman? Shrunken Zombie Head glass ©Disney The HippopotoMai-Tai glass (resembling the tiki statue in the Polynesian’s Great Ceremonial House) already has more than a few fans. HippopotoMai-Tai Order an Uh-Oa! to get its signature container (as displayed in the artwork on the menu below)… if you dare to risk angering the Tiki goddess of disaster, that is. Uh-Oa! in the menu Uh-Oa Tiki goddess of disaster when she’s angry And those are just a few! But above all, it’s The Nautilus that everyone’s talking about. Nautilus And while much of that buzz may have something to do with its $52 price tag, for many fans of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, this souvenir bowl is a dream come true. The Nautilus in the souvenir display The Nautilus Whether or not you bring home your own souvenir from the vast collection of Trader Sam’s artifacts, here’s wishing everyone many happy hours at the Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace! CHEERS!! Will you be collecting any souvenirs from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto or Tiki Terrace? 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: News and Sneak Peek: Check Out the Drinks Coming to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto! News! Trader’s Sam’s Grog Grotto is Coming to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort! More Details of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Revealed at…Disneyland!? View the full article

Police have arrested two men in the Saturday shooting death of 61-year-old Guillermo Olivencia outside an auto parts store in Kissimmee. View the full article

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The setting of the upcoming film "Tomorrowland" may draw more inspiration from Epcot than its namesake land inside Magic Kingdom. Â View the full article

Gators Billy Donovan has Thunderous NBA offer he won't be able to refuse Gators Billy Donovan has Thunderous NBA offer he won't be able to refuse View the full article

World Veterinary Day promotes animal health, animal welfare and public health globally. Since its initiation in 2000, this day has been recognized on the last Saturday of April and provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about the amazing work veterinarians around the world do to protect and care for animals and people. At Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, we share these same goals, as our veterinary teams care for our diverse animal population. This year, World Veterinary Day fell on April 25. If you ask me, I believe we have the most amazing animal-care team on the planet, but I may be biased. The most incredible thing about our vets and the team as a whole is that we make the extraordinary seem routine every day. We take care of every animal – from turtles and tigers to red river hogs and birds. You can see our world-class vets in action at Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can watch live animal medical procedures and talk to the vets and animal keepers after the live procedures as well. Most procedures are scheduled before noon, so be sure to take the Wildlife Express Train to Conservation Station for this unique experience. Did you know…? Our veterinary staff cares for animals in many locations including: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, Tri-Circle D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Castaway Cay.The state-of-the-art veterinary facilities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom include an X-ray room, ultrasound equipment, surgical suites and full-service laboratories. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians use these tools to focus on preventative health and creating new methods to diagnose and treat animals, ranging in size from a two-gram poison dart frog to a 13,000-pound African elephant. Wildlife Wednesday: Celebrating World Veterinary Day at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts by Scott Terrell: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

About half a dozen years after construction workers fled Central Florida during the real-estate bust, mounting labor shortages in the region have drawn national attention. View the full article

From one main ingredient, several Central Florida food entrepreneurs are building businesses that cater to consumers' need for comfort and nostalgia. View the full article

If you’ve cruised with us recently, you may have noticed a couple more friends on board. Two of your favorite Disney Junior stars – Sofia and Doc McStuffins – are now sailing the high seas with Jake and sparking extra fun for the whole family! You may spot them strolling the decks and delighting little cruisers with hugs, but did you know these friends also join our family dance parties from time to time? We have two opportunities for you to shimmy and shake together, Disney Junior style: Wake Up with Disney Junior: A high-energy, early morning dance party that is the perfect way to start the day with your little ones. Disney Junior Pirate and Princess Dance Party: A celebration for pirates and princesses with music and fun activities from Jake & the Neverland Pirates and Sofia the First. The Disney Junior fun doesn’t stop there. In Disney’s Oceaneer Club, we offer both entertaining and educational activities for little ones throughout the cruise … Mickey’s Puzzle Play Time: Mickey and his pals stop by the Oceaneer Club to play some of their favorite games and do other fun activities such as make puppets and learn dances with little cruisers and families. Little Einstein’s: In this interactive adventure, children go on a learning mission with youth counselors to explore nature and geography, experience great works of art and make music, just like the Little Einstein’s Leo, Annie, Quincy and June. What are some of your child’s favorite things to do on a Disney cruise? Finding Disney Junior Fun on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will deliver his annual "State of the City" address today at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. View the full article

Nik Wallenda's walk on the Orlando Eye left Matt Lauer hyperventilating into a paper bag Wednesday on NBC's "Today." View the full article

See what’s happening in the world of Merchandise Special Events this May at Walt Disney World Resort! April 29 – May 3: Artist Greg McCullough returns this month with special appearances and signings April 29 – May 3 from 1 – 9 p.m. at Art of Disney in Epcot and May 18 – 23 and 27 – 31, from 1 – 9 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Learn more. April 30 – May 3: Meet artist Larry Dotson, April 30 – May 3 (throughout the day) at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Not able to make it? Look for additional appearances by Larry, May 14 – 17 at Art of Disney, Epcot. Learn more. May 1-2: Need a gift for Mother’s Day? Stop by Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace where you can find some of the latest releases from PANDORA and just the gift you’ve been looking for. Learn more. May 1 – 11: Representatives from Precious Moments dolls will be on hand for the debut of the Precious Moments Mother’s Day Collection. Meet the representatives and see the dolls throughout the day, each day, at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Artist Appearance Tip: Look for a special appearance by designer and artist Linda Rick, May 8 – 10. Learn more. May 8 – 9: Disney Fine Art artist, Michelle St. Laurent, will be on hand for a special appearance from 3 – 9 p.m., each day at Art of Disney in Epcot. Be sure to stop in and say hello! Learn more. May 8 – 9: Join us as we welcome artist Liana Hee 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. each day. Learn more. May 8 – 16: 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. May 14: We are summoning the most loyal in the galaxy to gather at the Galactic Gathering Event on May 14, 2015 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A limited number of tickets to this special merchandise event are still available. Learn more. May 15 – June 14: Visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fridays – Sundays for Star Wars Weekends. Darth’s Mall is expanding to a three-location complex and is your one-stop galactic destination for commemorative merchandise. Tip: Take part in special artist appearances and signings each weekend. Learn more. Are you curious what else we have up our sleeve? Here are a few other events to keep in mind. 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 May 4 through June 18, 2015. Learn more. September 11 – 12: Wanna trade? Tickets to this year’s GenEARation D event are available now and are in limited supply. Don’t miss out! Find out all the details and get a sneak peek inside the merchandise catalog for the event. Learn more. Which event are you most excited for? Walt Disney World Resort Event Snapshot: May 2015 by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Daredevil Nik Wallenda completed his sky-high stroll atop the new Orlando Eye observation wheel in front of hundreds of International Drive observers and a national TV audience. View the full article

Donovan has been considered the frontrunner for the Thunder vacancy since Scott Brook's firing last week Donovan has been considered the frontrunner for the Thunder vacancy since Scott Brook's firing last week View the full article

We have an almost-birthday to celebrate… L’Artisan des Glaces is nearly two years old! Learn About: L'Artisan des GlacesEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsL’Artisan des Glaces opened in late May of 2013 and has been serving up 16 daily flavors of house made ice cream and sorbet ever since. Oh, and more than a few Cafe Glaces and Pressed Brioche and Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches. Not to mention an Ice Cream Martini or two… You may be dedicated to your favorite flavor or enjoy trying something new each time, such as the ever-changing seasonal macaron sandwiches. Me? I’ve just gotta try their newest flavor whenever I’m in Epcot’s France, because they never seem to disappoint with the latest ice cream creation. L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion Menu at L’Artisan des Glaces The most recent addition of Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream presented a bit of a conundrum for me, though (even if I can never argue with an Ice Cream Mickey!). Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream If you’ve been reading the DFB for a while, then you probably know how much I seriously love all things lemon, so I was pretty pumped about the lemon ice cream. On the flip side, you may also know that I don’t care for meringue — like, at all. If I’m gonna have dessert (and you know me… I’m gonna have dessert!), I’d rather not have the equivalent of puffed, crispy air. Scoop in a cup of Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream And I’m happy to report, the combo worked! As noted , meringues on their own just don’t do a lot for me. But in the ice cream they provided just a bit of crunchy chewiness to add some texture and a touch of vanilla sweetness to the lemon. The lemon itself could have been a bit more tart in my opinion, but I’m a sour fan to the extreme. Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream It reminded me a bit of the Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch in that it almost tasted like an ice cream pie, with the crunchy bits serving as the “crust.” It’s OK to return again and again to your favorite L’Artisan des Glaces flavor(s). But if you step outside of your norm and try something new on your next visit, you might walk away pleasantly surprised… and now with two favorites. Ah, well! All the more reason to visit twice on your next trip ;)! Have you tried the Lemon with Crispy Meringue Ice Cream at L’Artisan des Glaces? Please let us know what you thought about it with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: L’Artisan des Glaces “Ice Cream Martini” in Epcot’s France Review: NEW Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France First Look! L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop in Epcot’s France is Open! See Full Menu and Photos Here! View the full article

Baltimore mother Toya Graham says she "just lost it" when she saw her 16-year-old son in a crowd of rioters confronting police Monday. View the full article

Where have all the birds gone? View the full article

A 32-year-old Kissimmee woman was arrested after she allegedly showed up drunk while picking up her kids from their elementary school, Osceola County Sheriff's deputies said. View the full article

Baltimore was a city on edge Tuesday as hundreds of National Guardsmen patrolled the streets against unrest for the first time since 1968, hoping to prevent another outbreak of rioting. View the full article

Orange County students still will take new, common final exams this spring, but the tests will be graded in ways to minimize the "negative impact" on their final marks, Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said Tuesday night. View the full article

Jeb Bush confronted one of the Republican Party's touchiest debates head-on Tuesday, telling Puerto Ricans that conservatives should be proud that America is "an immigrant nation" and value the contribution immigrants make to the country. View the full article

Today you're getting a three-for-one special — with issues good, bad and ugly. View the full article

The University of Florida closed a fraternity Tuesday after allegations that its members hurled drunken insults and spat at a group of disabled military veterans at a Panama City Beach resort. View the full article

Once again, runners in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge! Registration for these January 2016 events opened today, marking the second year that runners can extend their Marathon Weekend by setting sail aboard the Disney Dream and completing a 5K run through paradise on our private island, Castaway Cay. The Castaway Cay Challenge takes place on the January 11, 2016 Disney Dream sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. Visit disneycruise.com to book your voyage, and then head to the registration page on runDisney.com to reserve your spot in the race. For a glimpse at some of the fun you can expect, take a look back at my post with photos of this year’s inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge. If you’re among the select group that has completed the Castaway Cay Challenge, what was your favorite part of the experience? The scenic course? The character photo opps in front of swaying palm trees? The unique medal? Tell us in the comments! Castaway Cay Challenge Part of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Open for Registration by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Pivotal Justice Anthony Kennedy, whose vote could decide the same-sex marriage issue for the nation, did not tip his hand Tuesday in historic arguments at the Supreme Court. But Kennedy's record on the issue could give encouragement to gay and lesbian couples. View the full article