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Last week, we shared that Dockside Margaritas would be opening soon at Downtown Disney. Today is opening day, and we’re sharing the first photos of the cool, laid-back new location. Sit back and enjoy the relaxing things in life — Florida style — while you take a look through the gallery below. GalleryDockside Margaritas Opens Today at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort view allPHOTOS: Dockside Margaritas Opens Today at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Broadway's own Mary Poppins, Ashley Brown, took a minute out of her family's visit while at Magic Kingdom to answer your questions about Walt Disney World. Check out the video below to...From:Disney ParksViews:208477ratingsTime:02:20More inTravel & Events

A federal lawsuit against Walt Disney Co. claims its attendance tracking and MagicBands illegally use technology developed by a California company called InCom Corp.. View the full article

In today's Friday Files, we're talking soccer, snakes, political gifts and more. View the full article

A Daytona Beach woman was found dead in the back yard of an abandoned house Wednesday evening, police said. View the full article

CBS' "48 Hours" this weekend will explore the saga of an Oviedo woman given a 40-year sentence in the second-degree murder of her estranged husband. View the full article

Former CIA Director David Petraeus, whose career was destroyed by an extramarital affair with his biographer, was sentenced Thursday to two years' probation and fined $100,000 for giving her classified material while she was working on the book. View the full article

An Orlando judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority against Uber, the ride-sharing company. View the full article

Darden Restaurants is continuing to battle the EEOC in a federal lawsuit filed in February where the government alleges age discrimination in hiring at Seasons 52 restaurants. View the full article

Looking to treat Mom to an extra special meal this Mother’s Day? We have a few great options for you at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Restaurants! Garden Grove CafeYou’ll feel like you’re in a garden, with all the comforts of being in the a/c! Garden Grove Cafe at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort is the perfect spot to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day. Feel Like You’re Outdoors with the Comfort of Indoors! And with two different options, there’s something for early risers as well as those who plan to let her sleep in a little. If it’s breakfast you’re after, enjoy Garden Grove’s special Mother’s Day Breakfast Menu. When: Sunday, May 10, 7:00 — 10:00AM Where: Garden Grove Cafe, Walt Disney World Swan Resort Cost: $35.99 for Adults, $19.99 for children ages 3-9, children under three eat for free Garden Grove Mothers Day Breakfast Menu Garden Grove Mothers Day Breakfast Menu Menu highlights include Open-Faced Crab Sandwiches, Hand-Crafted Bacon with Accompaniments, and Potato Gratin Dauphinoise. Enjoy many of these items and more on the special Mother’s Day Brunch Menu. When: Sunday, May 10, 10:00AM — 6:00PM Where: Garden Grove Cafe, Walt Disney World Swan Resort Cost: $35.99 for Adults, $19.99 for children ages 3-9, children under three eat for free Garden Grove Mothers Day Brunch Menu Garden Grove Mothers Day Brunch Menu Hot Items and Children’s Menu Brunch is heartier, with Herb-Crusted Prime Rib, Quiche Lorraine, and Green Bean Almandine joining the line up. And don’t forget — the whole family will also enjoy interaction with Disney Characters as they dine! Celebrate Mom with Your Disney Friends at the Garden Grove! Reservations are strongly recommended for this buffet-style dining experience. Call 407-934-1618 for more information. Todd English’s bluezooBut if you’re looking for a dinner option, consider sophisticated Todd English’s bluezoo. Seating at Todd English’s bluezoo The sleek restaurant is tops for handcrafted beverages and fresh takes on regional seafood dishes. Be sure to try the Low Country Shrimp and Grits — they’re outta this world! Low Country Jumbo Shrimp and Grits at bluezoo–YUM! And when you order two adult entrees, you’ll receive a $25 gift card and a rose for Mom! To book your table, call 407-934-1111. Will you be enjoying a special meal at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin this Mother’s Day? Leave a comment below and tell us which option sounds best for your family! 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! Disney World Swan and Dolphin to Host a Mother’s Day Brunch Fourth of July News! Regional Craft Beers This Week at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel WDW Swan & Dolphin Offer Pre-Race Menus During Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend View the full article

Polk County deputies are searching for a father and his 8-year-old son after the two were seen fleeing the scene of a crash on Interstate 4 at Mile Marker 51, Thursday morning. View the full article

Broadway’s own Mary Poppins, Ashley Brown, took a minute out of her family’s visit while at Magic Kingdom Park to answer your questions about Walt Disney World Resort. Check out the video below to see if she responded to you! VIDEO: Disney Actress Ashley Brown Answers Reader Questions by Anne Macklin: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Enter the Carthay Circle Theatre Restaurant in Disneyland Resort and enjoy one of their signature cocktails, a Manhattan. For this drink you will need the following: 2 Oz Rye Whisky 1/2 Oz...From:Disney ParksViews:15327ratingsTime:01:57More inTravel & Events

The Manhattan cocktail became popular during Prohibition, and remains popular with guests of Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure park. This swanky signature cocktail is served with Carthay Circle Restaurant’s famous ice sphere, and is garnished with cherries. The ice sphere used in the cocktail is a perfect sphere—the optimal shape for keeping your drink cold, without melting and diluting the drink. Watch as our bartender creates a Manhattan cocktail (and one of those fabulous ice spheres) from Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge below: For this drink, you will need: 2 Ounces rye whisky1/2 Ounce sweet vermouthA couple dashes of bittersCherry garnishFor reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE. VIDEO: Learn to Make the Manhattan from Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Florida consumers filling up at the gas pump may have had their credit-card information stolen. View the full article

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts students knew they were going to have a magical trip to Walt Disney World Resort when they arrived for their Disney Performing Arts Program experiences, but it had no idea just how magical it would be. The group of performers from Massachusetts was surprised during their weekend trip by actress Ashley Brown, star of the original Broadway production of “Mary Poppins”. Brown, who was also starred as Belle in Disney’s Broadway production of “Beauty and the Beast”, spent time interacting with the students, answering questions and imparting wisdom from her long career on the big stage. The real treat came when Brown delivered a special performance of “Feed the Birds” from the hit musical “Mary Poppins.” The unexpected appearance by Brown was just another example of the types of magical moments experienced by groups participating in Disney Performing Arts programs, which unlock student potential and help young people make their own dreams come true. Those dreams can involve performing in front of an international audience of thousands at Disney theme parks and resorts or honing their craft in enriching workshops taught by entertainment professionals. The Disney Performing Arts programs are open to a variety of youth groups who can sign up for a workshop or a performance opportunity at www.disneyyouth.com. Actress ‘Pops In’ on Performing Arts Students at Walt Disney World Resort by Darrell Fry: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

So, you're the new kid in town, huh? View the full article

Television became a little goofier this week in 1992 when “Goof Troop” first aired on The Disney Channel. “Goof Troop” told the story of the struggles and silliness The Goof had while raising his son, Max, in suburbia. Goofy and Max joined Chip ‘n Dale (from their “Rescue Rangers” days) on stage in Mickey’s Starland as seen here in July 1992. Goofy, Max, Chip and Dale were part of a stage show called “Mickey’s Magical TV World.” Upon exiting Mickey’s House, guests entered a theater where they could watch a live show featuring Disney Characters from The Disney Afternoon. What was your favorite cartoon from The Disney Afternoon? Tell me in the comments section below! (Mine was “DuckTales” – Whoohoo!) Disney Days of Past: ‘Goof Troop’ Visits Walt Disney World Resort by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A woman was stabbed to death late Wednesday night outside a convenience store near the corner of 44th Street and South Orange Blossom Trail, deputies say. View the full article

With the Bruce Jenner interview, "20/20" scored its biggest ratings in 15 years, ABC said Saturday. View the full article

Alrighty, Guys — it’s time for another fun Disney Food Blog Challenge. And this one is definitely for the grown ups! Everyone’s aware that craft Beer has become increasingly popular. Sure, through the years, you always had the garden variety options… Lovely Beer! But these days, Craft Beers and International Selections are where it’s at. So we thought that it was high time we take a closer look at some of the interesting beer that you can get throughout Walt Disney World. In the interest of interactive fun, we decided to come up with another DFB Food — er, Beverage — Crawl, dedicated to the world of beer, and all that it encompasses. And we know that there are LOTS of you out there who are serious about your study and research of this important subject. We are in it for the fun. So we definitely want YOUR comments below on what you think the Can’t Miss Beers of Walt Disney World are! Because this is a rather weighty subject, we’ll spread it out over a 3 day visit. But feel free to consolidate as your tolerance level allows. Grab some beer nuts, and let’s go! Day One: Explore EpcotWe’ll start our 3-day Beer Crawl in the best place for sampling a wide variety of food and drink — Epcot! When beer is the main attraction of the day, it’s a good idea to get some sustenance first thing. We love to enter Epcot via the International Gateway Entrance and start our day with a stop in Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion for a petit déjeuner of French Pastries and Coffee or Chocolat Chaud. We especially love the Frangipane Triangles! Frangipane — Cross Section If you’d like a full-on breakfast platter-type situation, head to Sunshine Seasons (although the Croissant Berry Bread Pudding gets our vote). Fueled up and ready to go, it’s time to hit World Showcase! Moosehead in the Canada PavilionWe all have our traditions, and one that we love to embrace is the First Beer of the Day in Epcot. And that honor almost always goes to Moosehead as we begin our Drinking Journey around the World! Find it at the Canada Beer Stand located near the entrance to Le Cellier Steakhouse. The beer offerings in Canada Stroll the area, making time to check out the Totem Poles before you head to your next stop. Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in the UK PavilionWith a small breakfast and your first brew under your belt, it’s time to stop for lunch and more beer in one of our favorite Epcot dining spots. The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in the UK Pavilion offers a wide array of beer and cider from the British Isles. Make your advance dining reservation ahead of time for a sit down meal, or take a gamble with finding a spot in the pub (it can get pretty crowded in there). Note that you can also get beers at a counter outside the restaurant and pub. Sampling British beers is your goal here, so we recommend the Imperial Sampler, which normally includes pours of Bass, Harp, Strongbow, Boddington’s, and Guinness. Imperial Sampler Alternatively, you can choose from a long list of Pub Blends, which are half-and-half mixes of some of the beer on tap. You’ll never go wrong with a Black and Tan — half Bass Ale and half Guinness. Of course, if you have a favorite beer among those on tap, enjoy a pint of that one instead. We especially love to order a Guinness, served with its famous Shamrock Head! Shamrock Design on Top of Guinness And if you visit on a weekday, don’t forget to say “hello” to Carl the Bartender! JapanWith a little lunch under your belt, it’s time to hit up the Japan Pavilion for another unique stop on your beer tour. Kirin Frozen Beer comes with a fluffy, semi-frozen head that keeps your beer cold a little longer in that warm Florida sun. While the picture below is from Tokyo Dining, you can also get a portable version in a plastic cup at Kabuki Cafe. Frozen Kirin Beer in Epcot’s Japan Take in some time listening to the drummers or checking out the koi pond, or just relax for a bit in the shade of Mitsukoshi Department Store while you sip your refreshing beer. Tutto Gusto/Via NapoliOnce you’re finished exploring Japan, continue to circle World Showcase until you arrive in the Italy Pavilion. Plan to stop into Tutto Gusto for your next beer tasting adventure. Craft beers are a relatively new thing in Italy, and the Italy Pavilion is working hard to import some of the most interesting of the crop. You’ll find selections change up fairly quickly here and at the neighboring Via Napoli, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Italians take the same care in brewing beer that they use when crafting wine, so you’re likely to enjoy your selection. We’ve tried Moretti La Rossa. Moretti La Rossa in World Showcase’s Italy If you’re after a portable option, snag a regular Moretti or a Peroni one of the kiosks in the Pavilion. Moretti in the Italy Pavilion If you happen to be visiting during the Food and Wine Festival, consider booking the Italian Food and Beer Pairing Lunch for a deeper exploration of what Italy has available when it comes to brews. GermanyWe’ve sipped and strolled and enjoyed cultures and beer from all over the world. And now we arrive at dinnertime! Of course, it makes sense that our next stop should be in a country especially celebrated for beer — Germany. Make your advance dining reservation for dinner at Biergarten. Dinner at Biergarten is an amazing experience. Sit at long tables and enjoy a meal of all you care to enjoy German favorites and lively entertainment. And for an authentic experience, order your beer in a liter mug! A Liter of Beer! Finish your evening by enjoying Epcot and Illuminations under the stars before tucking into bed in preparation of more awesomeness tomorrow. Day Two: Hit Up Disney’s BoardWalk, Animal Kingdom, and Magic KingdomI hope you got a good night’s sleep, because we are ready to roll for Beer Crawl Day Two! Time to do some serious hopping. Since we’re beginning our day at Animal Kingdom, we’ll start off at one of our favorite spots for breakfast — Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. Choose the Hot Breakfast Wrap for a less sugary option, or the Warm Colossal Cinnamon Roll if you have a sweet tooth and are in the mood to share. Then it’s time to head out! Dawa BarOur first stop today takes us into Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a stop at the Dawa Bar in Harambe Village. This is a great place to kick back and do a little people watching while you enjoy a cold one. If you’re looking for a draft beer, check out the Safari Amber, which is also available at Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge. Safari Amber on Draft at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sanaa at Kidani Village You can also choose from two African Lagers — St. George and Tusker. We love St. George on a hot day in Harambe — it’s the perfect light, smooth beer for handling the heat. St. George Beer and Tusker Lager After a little exploration of the park and maybe a ride or two, head to Disney’s BoardWalk for our next stop. Big River Grille and Brewing CompanyPlan to spend lunch at Disney’s only working microbrewery, Big River Grille and Brewing Company at the BoardWalk Inn. Brew Kettle, Big River Grille Big River’s on-site, working brewery is the place to sample several handcrafted beers, including the award-winning Red Rocket Ale. Inquire about seasonal brews and check their schedule for tapping parties, too! Beer Flight Of course, we’re here for the beer, but the food menu complements it nicely — and even uses beer as an ingredient at times. We love the Beer Cheese Soup especially. Take a stroll on the BoardWalk, spend the afternoon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or take a nap! Be Our Guest RestaurantIt’s a tough reservation to book, but if you can get it, our next recommendation is to head to Magic Kingdom for dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Walt Disney World’s original Park was dry before the expansion of Fantasyland a few years back, when Be Our Guest Restaurant exploded onto the scene. Because the spot offers traditional French fare, it only made sense to include wine and beer for the dinner hour. But even today, there are restrictions; the restaurant is the only spot in the Park where you can purchase alcohol, and it is only available for the dinner hour inside the restaurant. You won’t see anyone strolling with a beer past it’s a small world. Our recommendation is to keep it traditional, and order a Chimay Blue. For an occasion as special as a meal in Beast’s Castle, we think it’s perfect choice. Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant Take in Wishes, and then get some sleep, because there’s more beer for tomorrow! Day Three: Time for Downtown Disney and the ResortsSecond only to Epcot in its potential for beverage enjoyment, Downtown Disney is a Beer Lover’s Haven. We’re going to find some great choices as we make our way through this part of Disney. Raglan Road Irish PubAfter breakfast at the resort of your choice and some time by the pool, head over to Downtown Disney for a hearty lunch at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant! This is a great time to visit the Pub, because it’s rarely crowded in the afternoons. Choose from their extensive menu of pub favorites. The soups here are killer, and the Fish and Chips — both traditional and gluten-free versions — are tops! To experience the most variety, we’ll once again suggest a flight. We love the Cream of the Crop Flight, because it allows you to choose from all of the draft beers available — and that’s a pretty extensive list! Cream of the Crop Flight! You’ll want to do a bit of walking and window shopping next! Enjoy a leisurely spin through the shops of Downtown Disney before we head to our next destination. Bongos Cuban CafeWhen it’s time for an afternoon break, make your way to Bongos Cuban Cafe for a seat at their bar. There, you can order up some hearty appetizers if you’re inclined, or keep it simple with one of our favorite beers, Modelo Especial. Light and refreshing, we especially enjoy it with a squeeze of lime. Modelo Beer with Lime Portobello Country Italia TrattoriaOur final stop will be for dessert, rather than for beer! One of the most interesting desserts that you can get in all of Walt Disney World can be found at Portobello Country Italia Trattoria. After enjoying a dinner of Italian favorites, order the Biramisu! The classic dessert Tiramisu is reinterpreted here with the addition of a beer reduction in place of the usual coffee-liquor combo. Biramisu Biramisu – Inside And don’t forget — there are tons of wonderful watering holes throughout Walt Disney World. Take time to explore lounges and pool bars at each of the resorts. You could make a vacation from these spots alone! So that’s just about all of the beer that we can drink in three days! We hope you’ve enjoyed this fun tour via the beers of Walt Disney World. And now it’s time to hear from you! Will you complete the challenge? What beers are your favorite to enjoy while at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments! 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: DFB Challenge: 2012 Walt Disney World Cheese Crawl DFB Food Challenge: The Walt Disney World Gelato Crawl! Food Challenge: The Disney Food Blog Waffle Crawl View the full article

Two men were charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of a 24-year-old man earlier this month in the parking lot of an east Orange County bowling alley. View the full article

A Florida postal carrier steered his small gyrocopter through protected Washington airspace for 30 miles to the U.S. Capitol, tracked by the nation's top security agencies, which feared harming tourists on the National Mall if they tried to shoot him down, senior lawmakers said Wednesday. View the full article

With just days remaining in the Florida Legislature's current session, $30 million intended for Orlando's planned downtown soccer stadium remains in limbo, money Mayor Buddy Dyer is now calling "integral" to the project. View the full article

A private investigator looking into the death of a 27-year-old Orlando woman found slain last year in Cocoa Beach said he believes he identified the person who was last to see her alive. View the full article