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Disneyland Resort cast member Freda Hardison is responsible for the inventory planning of toys, such as the popular “Build Your Own Lightsaber,” for merchandise locations at the Disneyland...From:Disney ParksViews:2285113ratingsTime:02:03More inTravel & Events

Four friends charged with intimidating an Osceola County trial witness took video of themselves shooting up the young man's home this week, according to Kissimmee police. View the full article

Planet Hollywood is transforming its iconic globe at Downtown Disney into what the company is calling a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory. View the full article

It was a little after 11 a.m. on Oct. 24, and Sarina Gumbert was seated in front of a scope, or radar screen, in the bunker-like air-traffic-control room near the Airside B garage at Orlando International Airport. View the full article

SeaWorld Entertainment, still experiencing declining theme-park attendance amid controversy over killer whales, will soon debut a brand-repairing campaign and is holding off on ticket price increases. View the full article

A new, younger crop of top executives is taking over leadership at many of Central Florida's key nonprofit organizations — from the American Red Cross to the YMCA — in a reflection of the improving economy and baby boomers' hitting retirement age. View the full article

GAINESVILLE — A rare parasite found in snails and rats that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals is more pervasive in South Florida than previously thought, a new study has found. View the full article

Coach Fred Pennington, who influenced thousands of students during a three-decade career at Evans High School, will now help students for decades more. View the full article

Congrats to Chef Scott Hunnel, a semi-finalist for the prestigious Best Chef award for the South Region by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Hunnel leads the team at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (already a AAA Five-Diamond winner). He’s among 20 chefs from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Puerto Rico nominated for the honor. The final ballot will be announced on March 24, with chefs chosen by regional judges. Winners will be announced in Chicago on May 4. With only 53 coveted seats in the dining room, plus the opulent (and even smaller) Queen Victoria’s Room and private Chef’s Table in the kitchen, Chef Scott sources the freshest seasonal ingredients from around the globe in a menu that changes daily. Good luck, Chef Scott! Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel Nominated for 2015 James Beard Award by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Drivers in Florida can't be prosecuted for leaving the scene of an accident unless there is proof they knew they were in a crash. View the full article

Planet Hollywood is transforming its iconic globe at Downtown Disney into what the company is calling a turn of the 20th Century observatory. View the full article

Police have identified the man found dead after a train accident in Maitland late Wednesday night. View the full article

Disney World has released a video that peeks at the progress of the creative work for the "Avatar" land now under construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. View the full article

Since we first broke ground last year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ve been looking forward to welcoming guests into Pandora, the mythical land based on the blockbuster film AVATAR. We’re having a lot of fun dreaming up ways to bring to life the land’s iconic elements from the magnificent floating mountains to the interactive bioluminescent forest, and even to the soaring banshees. This creative process has been one of the most dynamic and collaborative ones we’ve ever undertaken. It began when our then-Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts proposed to James Cameron that together we might recreate the world of Pandora at Disney. Since that time, our creative development team, led by Joe Rohde, has been working hand-in-hand with Jim, Jon Landau and their team of artists and designers at Lightstorm on every aspect of this project—from overall design to the smallest—yet crucially important—details. And along each step of this process, Tom, as well as Disney CEO Bob Iger have been actively involved in helping guide the creative vision that is shaping the extraordinary world we’re building. We all recently got together at our offices in Glendale, California and walked through the fantastic progress on the whole land—including the awesome experience of seeing Pandora while riding on a banshee. When he was with us, Jim said, “I think one of the things that people loved about the movie is that they felt as if they had visited Pandora… now, thanks to Disney’s amazing Imagineers, people are going to truly experience Pandora firsthand. From the details in the plants to the production and design, extraordinary thought and care has gone into this entire world. The teams have really created something special, and it’s not going to be like anything else.” This project is really pushing the boundaries of what is possible. But one of the things that makes Disney Parks so special is that it takes all of our Cast—across the segment—to really bring these experiences to life. We were glad to be able to share our work with the creative teams and thought you might want to see it, too. Here’s a sneak peek of what we showed them: For previous AVATAR coverage, see these blog posts: Construction Begins For AVATAR-Inspired Land At Disney’s Animal Kingdom AVATAR Coming to Disney ParksAVATAR Will Transport, Transform GuestsFirst Look: AVATAR To Come To Life at Disney’s Animal KingdomBringing the World of AVATAR to Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Bruce Vaughn: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Since we first broke ground last year at Disney's Animal Kingdom, we've been looking forward to welcoming guests into Pandora, the mythical land based on the blockbuster film AVATAR. Get...From:Disney ParksViews:301183ratingsTime:00:38More inTravel & Events

Did you know you can take a real taste of the Hawaiian islands home with you from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Boutiki Boutiki Now, you may already be familiar with some of the ways you can grab a macadamia treat while at the resort… say, the Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cupcake occasionally spotted at Captain Cook’s, or Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes from Kona Cafe. Chocolate Macadamia Cupcake from Captain Cook’s Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes from Kona Cafe But I was walking by Boutiki recently — the main merchandise location at the Polynesian — and couldn’t help but notice this window display packed to the brim with “Hawaiian Host” items, prepackaged and ready for travel. Boutiki window display Boutiki window display Boutiki window display Stepping inside I found the Hawaiian Host display, which features an assortment of chocolate treats — all starring Macadamia nuts. The selection at Boutiki includes macadamias covered in dark and milk chocolate. Hawaiian Host Dark Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts Hawaiian Host Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts Adding caramel to the mix? Even better! Hawaiian Host Caramacs And ToffeeMacs… with toffee, chocolate, AND macadamia nuts. Yes, please!! ToffeeMacs Among all the sweet snacks, I did find a savory bag as well: Maui Onion and Garlic macadamias. Maui Onion and Garlic Macadamia Nuts The pre-packaged snacks range from $6.95 to $19.95, and they’re all ready for gift-giving if you enjoy purchasing souvenirs for friends and family back home. Of course, if you employ the whole “one for you, two for me” strategy here, I’m sure not gonna blame ya ;). Aloha! Have you tried Hawaiian Host Macadamia treats? 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: Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Kona Island in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review: Breakfast at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Photo Tour and Review: NEW Polynesian Village Resort Lobby, and Tiramisu Cupcake at Captain Cook’s View the full article

It was about 10 a.m. on Oct. 24, and Sarina Gumbert was seated in front of a scope, or radar screen, in the bunker-like air traffic control room near the Airside B garage at Orlando International Airport. View the full article

Today we’re sharing part three of Duke’s “Journey to Main Street.” Throughout this series, we’ve seen that Duke, in addition to being a beautiful horse, is exceptionally well-suited for his new role at Disneyland park. As it turns out, Duke had previous experience pulling a tourist trolley in nearby Temecula, Calif. This experience, coupled with his outgoing personality, helped Circle D cast members choose Duke to join the Disneyland Equine Team. And, as you’ve seen in parts one and two, our expert trainers worked with Duke over the course of a year to ensure his onstage success. I hope you’ll take a look here, as our newest equine star takes the final steps of his journey and officially joins the Main Street, U.S.A., team. Training the Horses of the Circle D Ranch at Disneyland Park: Duke Prepares for His Debut – Part Three by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today we're sharing part three of Duke's “Journey to Main Street.” This experience, coupled with his outgoing personality, helped Circle D cast members choose Duke to join the Disneyland...From:Disney ParksViews:26249ratingsTime:02:58More inTravel & Events

I thought it would be fun to take a look at one of my favorite attractions from a vantage point rarely seen – above. Take a gander at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad photographed in 1991 from the sky. No matter the vantage point, it will always be the wildest ride in the wilderness! Disney Days of Past: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Trader Joe's plans to open its Dr. Phillips store April 10, the second Central Florida store for the popular specialty grocer. View the full article

Signs of the future are springing up across Downtown Disney this month at Walt Disney World Resort as the area transforms into Disney Springs. Several new retail locations have opened in area to be known as The Landing. Once complete, The Landing will be home to memorable dining such as STK, Morimoto Asia and The BOATHOUSE and unique boutique shopping. Here is a brief look at these newest additions. The Art of Shaving – offers premium grooming essentials for the modern man. The location also has a team of shaving specialists who offer advice to guests on proper grooming techniques. Appointments for a haircut or shave are suggested. Apex by Sunglass Hut – designed with the athlete, sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind, this shop utilizes innovative technology, such as the Apex Smart Mirror, to help guests find the best choice in sport sunglasses. Chapel Hats – specializes in fashionable hats and headwear for guests of all ages. The location carries just about any style of hat including fedoras, sun hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid’s hats and more. Sanuk – creatively inspired footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga-mats. Havaianas – offering “Make Your Own Havaianas” and “Embellish Your Own Havaianas,” this store features a large assortment of Havaianas sandals for women, men and children, plus kids’ rain boots. Sound Lion – the latest technology in headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other digital sound and music products can be found in this shop. They also provide education in digital music applications that improve the listening lifestyle. Erin Mckenna’s Bakery NYC – this location will offer the same unsurpassed core vegan, gluten-free menu as its flagship bakery in New York City, and its sister bakery in Los Angeles. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter!), and other savory items daily. New Locations Join The Landing at Disney Springs in February 2015 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Carpe diem. Seize the day. That’s exactly what you can do on an Ultimate VIP Tour. Imagine experiencing cherished attractions at three theme parks with fast-tracked access, private transportation and a Table-Service lunch in one of the parks, all in one day — accompanied by a cast member with detailed knowledge of Disney lore. I recently got the opportunity to go on The Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour, one of two new offerings from VIP Tour Services (The Ultimate Day of Thrills being the other), so I of course jumped at the chance. Tomorrowland Terrace at Magic Kingdom Park is the starting point for the tour. Tracy, our Tour Guide, handed out bottles of water to keep everyone hydrated and took lunch orders. From there, we headed to Magic Carpets of Aladdin to begin our journey. We hit some classics, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan’s Flight, and newer highpoints like Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid. Then it was off to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (yay Toy Story Midway Mania!), via private van, that included a yummy sit-down lunch at a reserved table. The tour ended on a high note at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with front row seats at Festival of the Lion King, about as close as you can get to this beloved Broadway-style show without being in it. Entering via the FastPass+ lines made for minimal waiting. Tracy was also in constant contact with Brian, our coordinator, who stayed ahead to ensure everything went smoothly. Patient, personable and well versed in all things Disney, Tracy shared trivia, helpful hints and background information along the way, like giving Toy Story Midway Mania! point-scoring tips and pointing out a hidden Mickey in the flamingo pool on Kilimanjaro Safaris. What a fascinating window into the magic. In all, we enjoyed 11 attractions in three parks — with plenty of sunshine left at the end to go exploring on our own — accomplishing a lot but never feeling rushed. A steady pace kept us on schedule. It’s a unique, specialized way to splurge on yourself and loved ones, especially if you’re pressed for time. And though designed with mild thrills for families with children under 10 years old, don’t let the name fool you. The Ultimate Day for Young Families is not just for the little ones. In fact, Tracy said adults frequently enjoy the tour sans kids. In other words, everyone’s the right age. Because fun never goes out of style. This unforgettable guided adventure (that feels intimate since there is one Tour Guide per every 10 people) through some of your kids’ (and your) favorites while spending less time in line is worth the memories. Heck, maybe you’ll discover something new in the process. I did. Okay, I admit it: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin was a first for me. What a blast (pun intended)! No wonder it’s so popular. The tour is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays and lasts six to seven hours. Attractions and entertainment offerings subject to change. The cost is $299 per person, plus tax (theme park admission not included). Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) for reservations. You can also access the online VIP Tour Services brochure here for more info #DisneyKids: Experience the Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour by Russ J. Stacey: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Sunday's column  - "Change the Debate: Errors Show we must end death penalty" - drew some intense responses, as you might expect. View the full article

A few weeks ago, I promised a look at some new charms items from the Disney Parks Collection | PANDORA, which will launch in multiple merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on March 12. The new charms will join the previously released jewelry collection that features hand-finished .925 sterling silver and 14K gold charms inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved characters and icons. Here’s a preview of some new items created especially for Disney Parks. We will release two charms inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park and Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. These sterling silver dangle charms, which make great keepsakes, feature the resort destination name on the bottom of each castle. This spring collection will also include a sterling silver and teal enamel charm featuring Mickey’s Fun Wheel from Disney California Adventure park. My favorite charm, however, is a sleek sterling silver geometric sphere that resembles Spaceship Earth with a monorail from Epcot. Guests should also look for a Minnie Mouse charm that is similar to the “Mickey Mania” charm released last fall. The sterling silver openwork “Minnie Mania” charm has colorful red, light yellow, black and white enamel details. Black and red enamel Mickey and Minnie Mouse icons are also pictured on a sterling silver safety chain with enamel hearts. For those who may not be familiar with a safety chain, it’s a stylish and practical way to keep your charms secure on your PANDORA bracelet. To use, simply thread one end on the bracelet first, add your charms and then thread the other side of the safety chain on the end of the bracelet to secure. The best places at Disney Parks to find PANDORA jewelry are at La Mascarade d’Orleans in New Orleans Square in Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort, and at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests will also find an additional jewelry charm designs from the spring 2015 Disney | PANDORA Jewelry Collection at select Disney Parks merchandise locations and at PANDORA stores throughout North America. We will also offer select charms on our Disney Parks online store at http://www.DisneyStore.com/PANDORA. Preview of New Disney Parks Collection | PANDORA Jewelry Coming in March 2015 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article