Disney4me

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater surprised the state's political establishment Saturday, announcing he will not pursue a U.S. Senate seat expected to open up if Sen. Marco Rubio runs for president. View the full article

Pac-Man didn't have enough steam to outrun his red, pink and blue enemies this morning. View the full article

The U.S. Capitol was reopened Saturday afternoon after being on lockdown as a precaution after shots were fired in what appeared to be an attempted suicide. View the full article

When opponents bash SeaWorld, Eric Davis is there to hit back hard. View the full article

Not far from the Atlantic Ocean and one of South Carolina's oldest cities, Georgetown is a tightknit community reliant on farming and commercial fishing. View the full article

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A federal audit has found that some Puerto Ricans living in the U.S. territory have received disability benefits in part because they could not speak English. View the full article

Why does Dave Barry live in Florida? View the full article

This week’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image was an unusual one – and apparently a fan favorite. The original photo, which took a look at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at night, showcased a topiary of three pals from “Beauty and the Beast.” Because it was so popular, we didn’t want you to miss two others shots our photographer snapped while roaming the park late at night. Here are two shots of the Cinderella and Prince Charming topiaries. Notice the clock in the background? Looks like it’s almost time for her to run! You can enjoy the 2015 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival daily through May 17. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Epcot Flowers Bloom at Night by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With Earth Day fast approaching, are you aware how much The Walt Disney Company connects with the environment—like the Disney Conservation Fund? You may have been asked by a Disney cast member to contribute to the fund. But where do those contributions go, and what exactly do they do? Established in 1995 on Earth Day, the Disney Conservation Fund’s mission is to protect the planet and connect kids with nature. It supports nonprofits that conserve wildlife, engage communities in conservation and connect kids with nature. The fund has provided $27 million in guest dollars and corporate support for conservation projects in 114 countries and connected more than 12 million kids with nature. Every dollar you donate to the fund is matched by The Walt Disney Company and goes directly to nonprofit organizations. A portion of the Wild Africa Trek tour admission fee in Disney’s Animal Kingdom also supports the fund. You can witness wildlife conservation righthere at Walt Disney World Resort. Dr. Anne Savage, conservation director, Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment (ASE), and James Mejeur, zoological manager, spearhead a special project. Though ASE funds their own projects, they’re partnering with the Purple Martin Conservation Association (which has received grants from the Disney Conservation Fund) and scientists from York University as they help save the purple martin, the largest member of the swallow family. Starting with only six pairs of breeding birds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there are now 120 pairs of birds and 240 total purple martins that return across property annually. I recently observed at the Purple Martin Garden in Epcot. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. during the breeding season, Lauren Moscar, conservation programs technician, checks on 50 nest compartments. The impact on the guests is obvious as they gather around to watch Lauren. She even shows them the nests and any eggs. On this day, there were quite a few youngsters obviously transfixed by what Lauren was sharing with them. “I love talking to the guests and answering their questions,” Lauren told me. “It’s what it’s all about.” Helping Hands Helping Nature with The Walt Disney Company by Russ J. Stacey: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

So you’re planning your next trip to Walt Disney World. And we all know that the FastPasses are the most important detail to cross off your list, right? Wrong. Because the real reason we go to Walt Disney World? The Snacks! Okay — they’re both important. But I bet that we can agree — one of the biggest reasons we both love Disney is the amazing variety of food choices, and fun snack options E-BER-Y-WHERE. But the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming! After all, how do you choose? And once you choose, how do you budget in order to try everything on that must-have list you’ve been compiling? I totally get it! And that’s why we’ve dedicated a large section to snacking — our favorite Disney recreation — in our best selling DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015! Let’s talk through some of my Best Tips for Snack Budgeting. And if these tips are helpful to you, pick up your copy of the Guide today for $4 off using code “2015” right here! Budgeting Money or Snack CreditsWhether you’re paying out of pocket for your snacks, or you’ll be using Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits, planning ahead is the key to ensure you enjoy the treats you’ve been been dreaming about. Who Can Resist a Handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich in the Shadow of Cinderella Castle?? One of my favorite features of the DFB Guide Books are the worksheets that we provide you to plan every facet of your eating journey. And snacking is no exception! Use the handy worksheets to jot down all of the snacks that you’re anxious to try. Our Snacks Chapter is a great resource for browsing all of the possibilities! With full lists and reviews of snacks throughout Walt Disney World, you have everything compiled in one easy place! Brainstorm everything you’d like to sample, and include their locations. Then, figure out where the snacks fit into your master plan. Be Sure to Save Room for Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe If you’re paying for food out of pocket, the keep in mind that most Disney snacks run between $2 and $10, with many of them priced in the $3-5 range. If you’re working with Snack Credits, a general rule of thumb is that a single serving food under $5.19 is usually available for your Snack Credit. Budgeting Stomach SpaceSo you’ve done the planning, and you know exactly which snacks you want to try on your next visit. You’ve worked out the budget, and the money and credits are there to cover it all. A Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel is Worth Saving Room For Now comes the next big question: how do you budget stomach space?? Before you go crazy planning snacks, there’s something you must remember: Disney meals are huge! Really big. Many people — myself included — often find that they just don’t have the appetite to indulge on in-between-meal bites. My best advice: consider how you and your family eat at home before you over-plan or over-buy. Consider Sharing that Hot Chocolate Cupcake So if there’s a snack you’re really anxious to try, consider eating lighter meals, or share snacks between a couple of people. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Making Meals Out of SnacksBut there’s also another great way to have your (cup)cake and eat it too — consider making a meal out of that snack you’ve been dying to try! Disney snacks run the gamut of food choices. There are so many things to choose from, and some of them can definitely pull double duty as a light meal. Frangipane Triangles Make for an Awesome Breakfast! For breakfast, I love to stop by one of the great bakeries on property. Many of the pastries they offer at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion, like their AH-MAZING Frangipane Triangles, make great low-priced meals. At lunch or dinner, I enjoy savory options that many spots offer. Choose a cup of filling soup, (Tomato Basil at Pinocchio Village Haus is one of my favorites!), or enjoy a Baked Potato or Corn on the Cob. Or if you’re looking for a more exotic option, try Egg Rolls or a Curry Chicken Pocket. Looking for a Light Lunch? Egg Rolls are Always a Great Choice And who can forget giant-sized “snacks”, like Turkey Legs and Pork Shanks? These definitely sub well for a meal. The Seriously Hearty Pork Shank And there is no end to dessert options. So go ahead and indulge in that Cake Cup, or select a healthier option, like a Fruit and Cheese Plate. Ready for All of Our Best Tips?We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including so much more great Snack AND Budget info — in our big, bold, 490-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! Now let’s hear from all of you! What are your best tips for budgeting to get in all of those must-have snacks? Leave a comment and share your wisdom! 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: Grand Launch: Disney Food Blog Mini-Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book Grand Launch! The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book Tips from the DFB Guide: Three Must-Try Disney Snacks for 2013 View the full article

Fans of ALEX AND ANI take note – there are quite a few styles headed to Disney Parks over the next couple of months. Start making your list … now! Up first are new additions to the Words Are Powerful collection, inspired by Disney sayings. These bangles will be available in Shiny Silver and Yellow Gold finishes. Whistle While You Work will debut April 13, followed by When You Wish Upon A Star on April 27, and then Believing Is Just The Beginning on May 4. Are you planning a trip during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration? In late May, look for a bangle featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle with two accent charms – an oval D60 and blue Swarovski crystal. This will be available in a Rafaelian Silver finish. There’s also the Disneyland Forever bangle featuring a blue buffed epoxy charm with the words Disneyland Forever and two accent charms – an oval D60 and clear Swarovski crystal. This will be available in a Shiny Silver finish. Please note: These two bangles will not be offered online at this time. What better way to wrap this up than with actual ‘wraps?’ Similar to the Dream wrap that was recently released, in late May we will debut a Wishes wrap in green, a Believe wrap in teal, and in June, a Magic wrap in red. Where can you plan to find all of these ALEX AND ANI bangles, wraps and more? Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co.Disneyland park – New Century JewelryDowntown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney StoreWalt Disney World Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Disney OutfittersDisney’s Contemporary Resort – Bayview GiftsDisney’s Hollywood Studios – Keystone Clothiers Downtown Disney Marketplace – Tren-D and World of Disney StoreEpcot – Mouse GearMagic Kingdom Park – EmporiumTip: Limited quantities of the bangles and wraps shown above, except for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration pieces, will be available online on or around the same dates as they debut at Disneyland and Walt Disney World merchandise locations. Which pieces will you add to your collection? Charming Additions to the ALEX AND ANI Disney Collection by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Yesterday we hosted our first-ever Disney Cruise Line meet-up! This special event was a sneak peek at exciting new entertainment coming to our ships, and meet-up guests got to go behind the scenes with the creative team who develops our onboard entertainment. We heard from three show directors about our new series of “Frozen”-inspired experiences, Star Wars Day at Sea and “Tangled: The Musical.” The event was packed full of fun with special appearances by Disney friends like Anna, Elsa and Olaf. We also got a first look at our “Tangled: The Musical” in production, including this never-before-seen artwork of one of the show’s spectacular scenes . . . I loved the opportunity to meet hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers. There were some familiar faces there, too, including friends from “Frozen,” Star Wars and “Tangled.” To be expected, Olaf gave out plenty of warm hugs! Check out the video and photo gallery below to see highlights from this incredibly fun event. Thanks to all of you who made Disney Cruise Line’s first meet-up a great one! GalleryFirst-Ever Disney Cruise Line Meet-Up Showcases Exciting New Entertainment view allFirst-Ever Disney Cruise Line Meet-Up Showcases Exciting New Entertainment by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

There’s something about “Festival of the Lion King“—the music, the performers, the staging and the overall celebratory feeling—that excites guests with every performance. This magnificent musical tribute to a young lion’s journey of discovery is created in such a way as to keep you engaged in every aspect of the story. As Tara Anderson, show director for “Festival of the Lion King,” stated: “With our production, we don’t tell the story of “‘The Lion King’.” We celebrate the music and the characters of the story. We hit all the beats of the story, but we do it in a very artistic way.” While some audience members are welcomed to participate, guests can feel like longtime friends in this lush, exotic world. And once Timon takes the stage to lead everyone in “Hakuna Matata”, it’s impossible not to feel drawn into all the magic. Among the show’s highlights are the very agile and sprightly Tumble Monkeys, a troupe put together by their pal, Timon. The highly-trained acrobats perform Olympic-style feats in sync to a lively jazz medley. Of course, that cunning, two-faced Scar is also at hand, spreading villainy with his snarky hyena henchmen in “Be Prepared” which features an electrifying fire dance. But love literally soars above it all when the Flying Bird performers, clad in radiant color and plumage, bring “Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ to the highest heights in sheer balletic splendor. “The show has wonderful individual elements,” Tara said. “What makes it work is all those elements coming together and being that circle of life.” And that is the feeling that is evoked when you hear the “Circle of Life” being sung and see all the entertainers dressed as the animals take the stage for the finale. Timon then leads everyone in singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” with the Tumble Monkeys performing for all. There are performances throughout the day, so check your Time Guide. You can use your Fastpass+ to pre-arrange times for viewing. What is your favorite part of the show? Tell us in the comments section below! Why Guests Can’t Get Enough of ‘Festival of the Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Greg Ehrbar: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

There’s an iconic dessert in Disneyland that everyone’s got to try at least once. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue offers giant cookie bakes for dessert, which are amazing; but they also offer a S’mores Bake built for a crowd! Big Thunder Ranch BBQ We had a chance to sample this dessert firsthand a while back. S’more Bake at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue What makes this version of s’mores so fantastic? It takes your indulgence to the next level by making it on a base of Brownies. Brownies. For ease, this recipe calls for a Brownie Mix to get you started. But you should absolutely feel free to substitute your favorite brownie recipe if you’d like to make the brownies from scratch. Either way, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be awesome. Enjoy! S‘mores BakeServes 8 Ingredients: 1 (10.5-ounce) box fudge brownie mix 1 (1-pound) bag large marshmallows 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce, warmed 8 graham crackers Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 cake pan with cooking spray. Prepare brownie batter per package directions and pour into prepared cake pan. Bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. 2. Turn oven to broil. 3. Place marshmallows over brownies. Leaving oven door ajar, place marshmallow-topped brownies under broiler 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown, watching very closely to avoid burning. 4. Drizzle hot fudge sauce over top of toasted marshmallows. 5. Take half of the graham crackers and break them into planks; crush other half of graham crackers into crumbs. 6. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over top of toasted marshmallows, and place graham cracker planks randomly into toasted marshmallows. Serve immediately. And, I should add, prepare to be praised. Will you be making your very own S’mores Bake this weekend? Leave a comment and tell us about it! Recipe Credit: Disney Parks Blog 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: Dining in Disneyland: Big Thunder Ranch BBQ’s S’mores Bake Guest Review: Seasonal Snickerdoodle Cookie Bake at Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch BBQ Dining in Disneyland: Big Thunder Ranch BBQ Review View the full article

You may remember our chilling challenge from a few months ago, in which we asked you to guess which spooky specter was preparing to materialize inside the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland park. Today, I’m excited to tell you that many of you were correct! The Hatbox Ghost is reappearing in May. Here’s a sneak peek! The Hatbox Ghost appeared in the Haunted Mansion for a short time around the opening of this classic attraction in 1969. Although brief, his presence sparked a decades-long following, and this reclusive resident of the Haunted Mansion was never forgotten. We’re excited that he will soon materialize once again! Legendary Hatbox Ghost Comes Out to Socialize in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park in May by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

YouTuber, Chad Wild Clay, shows his Disney Side with a little help from some of your favorite Disney Characters and some sweet dance moves! Who's your favorite character in this video? http://di.sn...From:Disney ParksViews:7599205ratingsTime:01:43More inTravel & Events

You wanted to see “Tomorrowland.” Here it comes! Our sneak peek of the new Disney movie begins Friday, April 17, at Disneyland park. Head over to the Tomorrowland Theater for an exclusive look at scenes from the film, complete with special in-theater effects. And you can continue your “Tomorrowland” experience by exploring an all-new exhibit in the Starcade, featuring original props and production artwork. For those of you visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you can catch this Disney Parks-exclusive preview of “Tomorrowland” at Epcot, where the sneak peek begins its special engagement at the Imagination Pavilion in Future World on Saturday, April 18, and continues through May 24. At Epcot, you’ll also get a close-up look at one of the jet packs used in the film, along with a display of conceptual art and photos from the set. 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. Here’s a look at the latest trailer for “Tomorrowland,” opening in theaters on May 22, 2015. It’s Almost Time for an Exclusive Sneak Peek of Disney’s ‘Tomorrowland’ – Only in Disney Parks! by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

I enjoyed reading the recent story about the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration collection from Dooney & Bourke coming this May (I love that blue!). I have exciting news for Dooney & Bourke fans visiting Walt Disney World Resort later this month. We will release two new collections on April 25 at Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The first collection – Runway Princess – features Disney Princesses such as Snow White, Princess Aurora and Ariel. You may recall seeing a similar tonal design released a few months ago during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Florida. This full-color collection will include a zip satchel ($228), a wallet ($198), a Pouchette ($148), a letter carrier ($178) and a shopper tote ($268). The second collection called “Beach” is perfect for the return of summer! These nylon items will include a shopper tote ($248), a backpack ($298), a satchel ($228) and a letter carrier ($198). Guests attending this product launch on April 25 will have an opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You may recall seeing Ian discuss his work in this previous Disney Parks Blog article. Guests at Disneyland Resort will find the Runway Princess collection on April 25 in select merchandise locations. There are no immediate plans to carry the Beach collection in California. These items will also be found on the Disney Parks online store in the coming months – Runway Princess in mid-May and Beach in mid-summer. New Dooney & Bourke Collections Coming to Marketplace Co-Op at Walt Disney World Resort on April 25 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

When you see the words “Photo Tour” in the title of any DFB post, it often means we’ve got something NEW around Disney World or Disneyland to share. But not this time… As a matter of fact, some of the things we’re going to show you today are over well over 50 years old. We’re taking a tour of some of the vintage food-related items in the Pop Century Resort Shadow Boxes! “Remember When…” If you haven’t had a chance to visit Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the check-in area is lined with shadow boxes filled with blasts from the past, in keeping with this fun and colorful Value resort’s theme dedicated to pop culture from the 50s through the 90s. The shadow boxes include items reflecting music, television, fads, trends, gizmos and gadgets from the various decades represented, but we’re focusing on those related to food, and hope you have fun traveling through the decades with us! Starting in the 50s, you’ve gotta love one of the first shadowboxes, dedicated to Walt Disney, Disneyland, and the first Mouseketeers. Vintage Disney 50s display The vintage food find here is the tin school bus lunch box, complete with Goofy driving around some of our oldest Disney pals. Disney School Bus Lunch Box It was also the era of soda fountains and diners when “teenage” life as we know it hit the scene. Diner Shadow Box Diner Shadow Box Take a very close look at the menu, and you’ll spot one of Walt Disney’s favorite dishes, Chili and Beans, going for the high price of 15 cents (though I think I’d spring for “Bob’s Special Steak” for a quarter). 50s Diner display Even the songs in the tabletop jukebox reveal a few food gems, with the “Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie Polka,” and — my personal favorite — the “Shut Up & Drink Your Beer Polka.” Tabletop Jukebox The mid-50s displays bring food prep for the homemaker to the forefront, with the Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book and gadgets for the backyard grillmaster. 50s Shadow Box Betty Crocker Picture Cook Book If you look closer, you’ll spy this picture of a “Tupperware Home Party.” “Tupperware Home Party” photo A few mementos honor the era of the Drive-in Restaurant. Drive-in Shadow Box Does the yellow matchbook count as a “Hidden Walt”? Drive-in Shadow Box And if you went to a drive-in movie back in the day, you wouldn’t want to forget your Fresh Seasoned Popcorn (which, thank goodness, hasn’t changed). The note on the side of the box reads, “Popcorn is a seeded roughage: makes a healthful food for all ages. Aids digestion.” Fresh Seasoned Popcorn Boxes The early 60s brought us a few more fun lunch boxes (I had no idea The Flintstones started in the 60s!). Flintstones Lunch Box Space Cadet Lunch Box And if you were celebrating sand and surf while enjoying the sounds of the Beach Boys or Jan and Dean, a great way to keep your food cool on the hot sand was this “Supertherm Pelican Cooler.” 60s Beach Shadow Box Supertherm Pelican Cooler Okay, so this Disneyland Monorail Game has nothing to do with food. But I still love it. Disneyland Monorail Game Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971! Disney World Display Snow White Lunch Box And even though they’re not food items, I got a kick out of spotting this collection of vintage Disney matchbooks, especially seeing the original name of the “Polynesian Village” (the resort recently transitioned back to its original name). As the saying goes, “Everything old is new again.” Disney World Matchbooks from the 70s What else did the 70s bring us? TaB cola! 70s Fads display All sorts of kitchen gizmos from the 80s are on display. Apparently, that’s when the Crock Pot hit the at-home cooking scene (hooray! I love mine!), along with at-home coffee conveniences, like the coffee grinder and mug warmers for the office. 80s Kitchen Gizmos Who still wouldn’t want their own Star Wars Pez set? (I noticed this same collection at the Writer’s Stop during Star Wars Weekends this past year). Star Wars Pez Dispensers For all you 80s kids out there… “WHERE’S THE BEEF?” ! 80s Shadow Box “Where the Beef?” Plate The 90s display had an entire box dedicated to what were likely considered fads at the time, though many have stood the test of time; from the rising popularity of sushi in America, to some little place by the name of “Starbucks.” Early 90s Shadow Box Starbucks and Sushi And yes, the “Salad Shooter” is still around, too ! Salad Shooter By the way, did you know that sometimes Pop Century Cast Members lead Shadow Box tours? Shadow Box Tour sign So the next time you’re checking in to Pop Century, or just “popping” over for some Gravy Fries, be sure to take some time for a tour (guided or on your own) to enjoy some of the fun details at this terrific resort! Have you enjoyed checking out the Shadow Boxes at Pop Century? 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: Review: Gravy Fries at Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort New Make-Your-Own-Burrito Station at Pop Century Resort Food Court! Food Photo Tour: Art of Animation Resort Landscape of Flavors Food Court View the full article

I know the amazing floral displays and topiaries at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival look amazing during the day, but who would’ve thought they looked this beautiful illuminated at night? This “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired topiary features Beast, Belle – and Cogsworth in the background. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allHave you visited the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this year? Do you prefer visiting during the day or in the evening? Disney Parks After Dark: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Blossoms at Night by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

To celebrate several new coin presses dedicated to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, we thought it would be fun to explore this charming collectible a bit more. http://di.sn/60094wxd...From:Disney ParksViews:8488227ratingsTime:01:42More inTravel & Events

Turning the page on a half-century of hostility, President Barack Obama signaled Thursday he will soon remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, boosting hopes for improved ties as he prepared for a historic encounter with Cuban President Raul Castro. View the full article

Jill Bonn hated it when people avoided talking about Lauren. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida House on Thursday approved $690 million in tax cuts and a bill allowing residents fleeing hurricanes to carry guns without a permit, but the bill attracting the most controversy allows private adoption agencies to reject gay couples if they have a religious or moral... View the full article

International Drive is going to look a little different for the next three days. View the full article