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The Winter Springs man accused of shooting at George Zimmerman in Lake Mary earlier this week must turn in his weapons and avoid contact with him, a judge ruled this morning. View the full article

I’m excited to announce Star Wars: Force For Change is coming to Star Wars Weekends this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Starting May 15, we will offer T-shirts for adults, women and kids featuring a stormtrooper from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During the final weekend, June 12-14, we will offer a limited edition stormtrooper pin at Darth’s Mall, located near Streets of America across from Studio Catering Company. Twenty-five percent of the retail sale price of this product will be donated to U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, an innovative new program that uses the world’s first Wearable-For-Good to get youth physically active to provide lifesaving, nutrition-rich food packets to kids in need around the world. The shirts will premiere during Star Wars Weekends and can be found in the following locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Darth’s Mall, Tatooine Traders, Prop Shop, Beverly Sunset and Mickey’s of Hollywood. These items are the first products for Star Wars: The Force Awakens released by Disney Parks. They are also the first character products released for the upcoming film which arrives in theatres on December 18, 2015. To learn more about Star Wars: Force For Change, please visit www.StarWars.com/ForceForChange. May the Force Be With You! The U.S. Fund for UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. Star Wars: Force For Change Coming to Star Wars Weekends This Year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

One of my favorite things at Epcot during the International Flower & Garden Festival is the Butterflies on the Go garden in Future World, where you can see up to 10 colorful species of butterflies. Some mornings, when the butterflies emerge and their wings are drying out, I like to show kids how to hold them on their fingers so parents can get pictures – it’s a really special moment. Want to try creating a butterfly habitat that you can enjoy at home? It’s easier than you might think. GalleryBuild Your Own Butterfly Garden with Tips from Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival view allAt your local garden center, find native plants with nectar-producing flowers like butterfly bush and canna lily. Make sure that you have several different species to insure something is always blooming. These plants vary depending on where you live.Plant blooms of different colors, as different butterfly species are attracted to different colors.Though many butterflies love the sun, some species do like shade, so it’s a plus if you can create a mix of sun and shade in your garden.For best results, you’ll also want to provide plants where butterflies can lay their eggs. Most butterflies are species specific when it comes to laying their eggs. Monarch butterflies must have milkweed, Zebra Longwings (the Florida state butterfly) need passion flower, the Cloudless Sulphur lays eggs on Cassia plants, and Pipevine Swallowtails choose, what else? Pipevine!Of course, once the eggs hatch, you’ll have caterpillars, which feed on plants. So if you want to have a fully functioning butterfly garden, you’ll need to tolerate some insect damage on your plants. It’s worth it!Don’t forget that butterflies also need water. There are several different ways to provide water — even a birdbath can work. They often prefer a puddle on the ground, so consider creating a bare, low spot in the garden to keep wet.Most important – never use insecticide, which will harm butterflies!It’s not too late to visit our Butterflies on the Go garden as we celebrate our final week of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through May 17. Pick up more ideas, then start creating your own butterfly wonderland. Bambi would approve! Build Your Own Butterfly Garden with Tips from Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by Eric Darden: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

More fantastic news coming out of Disney Springs today, all!! We’ve got confirmation on several other restaurants joining the line-up at the new and improved Downtown Disney location in Orlando! While we’ll be covering each and every one of these as they open, here’s a sneak peek at what’s right around the corner for Disney Springs. Disney Springs’ Town Center Coming Soon! The EdisonInspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature classic American food, craft cocktails, and live entertainment including cabaret and music. Layout of the original The Edison location in LA. Copyright The Edison SprinklesThe world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. I have a Sprinkles locally where I live, and I will never admit to ordering a dozen cupcakes for delivery even when I was home alone…so don’t even try. These aren’t as good as my beloved Magnolia cupcakes in NYC, but they are a fantastic fill-in here in Dallas. I know they’ll be a hit in Disney Springs. This is a photo from Sprinkles’ facebook page because cupcakes don’t last long enough in my house to be photographed. Blaze Fast-Fire’d PizzaBlaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza (so…Subway, but for pizza), choosing from over 40 toppings – all for one price. The 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in an open-flame oven and ready in just 180 seconds. FYI — one of these is opening very soon just across town where I live, so I’ll be sure to head over there and do a review before the one in Disney Springs opens. Blaze pizza’s assembly line — photo copyright Blaze pizza Vivoli GelateriaVivoli Gelateria serves gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients; panini sandwiches; and espresso drinks. Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’sTea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories, and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café. STK OrlandoSTK Orlando will offer a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse featuring a sleek lounge with a DJ and rooftop dining. At approximately 14,000 square feet, the Orlando outpost will be one of the largest STK locations. Copyright STK Morimoto AsiaWorld-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto and the Patina Restaurant Group (who also run several restaurants in Disney World and Disneyland, including Via Napoli and Tutto Italia in Epcot) will open Morimoto Asia, Morimoto’s first Pan-Asian restaurant. Morimoto Asia’s culinary elements will provide flavors from across Asia, while exhibition kitchens will showcase the continent’s traditions. Included among them are street-food stalls, Peking duck carving, and dim sum. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar BarAs we mentioned in a previous DFB post, this Indiana Jones themed location will surely be a hit with Disney guests. This aviation- themed lounge will feature unique drinks and small plates. Themed décor like propeller-based ceiling fans, vintage travel posters and correspondence between Jock and Indy will be among the imagineering details. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar under construction So there’s what we can expect coming down the pike to Disney Springs, folks! There will surely be more details, news, and information coming soon, but so far we’re pretty excited! Which restaurant are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments 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! More Popular Restaurants Possibly Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World News! Boathouse and Morimoto Confirmed for Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs at Downtown Disney News! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Opening in Disney Springs this Fall View the full article

Two juveniles were arrested after they allegedly stole a SUV with a 4-year-old boy inside Friday, Sanford police said. View the full article

Simultaneous 911 calls made during last Saturday's incident at an International Drive pub when a black couple accused the owner of holding them at gunpoint were released Friday by Orlando police. View the full article

Lake Mary police arrested a Winter Springs man Friday on charges related to a shooting involving George Zimmerman earlier this week. View the full article

The search for the once-missing mother Jessica McCreery and her baby has now turned into a child-neglect case, and authorities are using all resources "to hunt them down," according to Altamonte Springs police. View the full article

A dog was killed in a crash on westbound Interstate 4 south of Celebration on Friday evening, according to Florida Highway Patrol. View the full article

We gave you a first look at Grizzly Peak Airfield, the expansion of Grizzly Peak at Disney California Adventure park, back in March. Today I’m excited to report that this newly reimagined area is now open! Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer ventured out in the rain yesterday to bring us these first looks at Grizzly Peak Airfield. Check out more in the gallery below. GalleryGrizzly Peak Airfield Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park view allNow let’s go behind-the-scenes of the development of this area with Walt Disney Imagineering! Grizzly Peak Airfield, including Soarin’ Over California, is now open at Disney California Adventure park. Grizzly Peak Airfield Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Lilly Pulitzer, Tommy Bahama and Zara will be moving into Disney Springs, the expanded and rethemed version of Downtown Disney, it was announced Friday. View the full article

Central Florida's newest tourist attraction, the Orlando Eye observation wheel, was temporarily closed because of a technical problem but has since reopened. View the full article

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day? Did you go out for brunch, enjoy a nice family walk, send your mom flowers and candy, or did you run 13.1 miles through Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and the city of Anaheim? Well, last Sunday several moms, daughters, grandmothers and great grandmothers did just that – ran 13.1 miles at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon presented by PANDORA Jewelry. If you follow my runDisney blog posts, you know I enjoy standing at the finish line watching runners celebrate their accomplishments. Among the thousands of Tinker Bells and fairy wings, various colors and styles of tutus, and pixie dust blowing in the air, it was exciting to see all the moms celebrating this special day with their daughters. Holding hands, hugging and occasionally leaping across the finish, they celebrated their run, the time together and that special mother/daughter bond. It was the start of what could be a wonderful tradition. One runner catching everyone’s attention was Viola “Mae” Douglass of Sequin, Tex. Decked out in blue fairy wings, a blue tutu and a matching decorated blue visor, Mae wore several hats this day: great grandmother, grandmother, mom and oldest runner. That’s right – “oldest runner.” At the young age of 84 she was the oldest runner for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and celebrated Mother’s Day by running with her two daughters. Our video cameras were there when Mae finished her journey and I am excited to share that moment with you. Just before getting her Tinker Bell finisher medal, Mae said, “Greatest Mother’s Day ever. . . it’s a beautiful sunshiny day and Disney is wonderful, we love Disney.” Happy Mother’s Day to Mae and all our Tinker Bell Half Marathon moms. We hope you celebrate with us again in May 2016. For more information on the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and other runDisney event weekends, visit runDisney.com. 84-Year-Old Great Grandmother Celebrates Mother’s Day Running the Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Since unveiling plans for Disney Springs, we’ve been sharing regular updates as we reimagine and reinvent this corner of the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, we’re thrilled to share the names of 13 new high-profile tenants coming to the area, including fashion retailers Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, UNIQLO and PANDORA. Here’s a list of the 13 new retail and dining experiences announced for Disney Springs: RETAIL Zara Tommy Bahama Lilly Pulitzer UNIQLO PANDORAUGGL’Occitaine en ProvenceEdward BeinerDINING Edison Sprinkles Blaze PizzaVivoli GelateriaTea Traders by Joffrey’s Tea When work is completed in 2016, Disney Springs will have expanded to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The area will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options – and sophisticated restaurants. We have more information on the retail and dining experiences here. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details in the future as Downtown Disney continues its expansion into Disney Springs. Announcing New Retail, Dining Experiences Coming to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Has it really been 20 years since California Grill put Walt Disney World Resort dining on the culinary map? May 15, 1995, the date that the beautiful space was unveiled on the top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort with stellar cuisine and an equally spectacular bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom Park and Walt Disney World Resort. Reimagined in 2013 with new interiors and a new onstage kitchen and menu, the restaurant has not rested on its laurels. While there’s no big ta-dah planned for the turning 20, Chef Brian Piasecki focuses on beautiful produce, so spring is one of his favorite times of the year. “Soft shell crabs, local heirloom tomatoes, Delta asparagus, spring onions, West Coast halibut, morel mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns, baby artichokes, Zellwood corn, fava beans, English peas,” says Chef Brian, ticking off the list of amazing ingredients he’s working with in the kitchen for the 20th anniversary. “And don’t forget Copper River salmon season opens May 12,” he says. “We’re serving the salmon ‘a la plancha’ [grilled on a metal plate] with Zellwood sweet corn yeast cakes, baby shiitake mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns and pickled ramps, topped with spiked milk-stout maple syrup.” Then there’s more fresh seafood, the BLT heirloom tomato flatbread with house-smoked bacon, and more local sweet corn, says Chef Brian, who has been at the helm at California Grill since 2009. “To create the wow experience is the greatest feeling,” he says. “I have the opportunity to create amazing food with an incredible team.” The most-ordered dish on the menu is the fork tender, oak-grilled filet of beef, right now paired with heirloom tomato risotto, a rich tomato-butter sauce, micro basil and a dash of aged balsamic vinegar. But if you ask Chef Brian for his favorite dish has says he’s partial to the tempura-fried soft shell crab with an espelette (red pepper) aioli and local red watercress salad. And the beverages are as finely tuned as the food, thanks to area manager Michael Scheifler, who keeps a close eye on trends. “For spring and summer was are rolling out a seasonal beer menu, including the new Napa Smith Cool Brew from the only brewery in Napa Valley” says Michael. “We’re also adding a ‘Super Premium Spirit Page’ with offerings such as Bunnahabhain Single Malt Scotch, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon and Hennessy Richard.” So raise a glass. Happy 20th, California Grill, cheers to 20 more! California Grill Celebrates 20 Years at the Top at Disney’s Contemporary Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Word is in — the five winning finalists have been chosen in the Raglan Road Master Chef Contest, sponsored by Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant! Learn About: Raglan Road Irish PubDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsThe home cooks were chosen from a very competitive field, according to Raglan Road Master Chef Kevin Dundon. “There were lots of entries, and it was difficult to choose just five winners,” Dundon said. “I was struck by the breadth of recipes that were so creatively demonstrated. I was also really impressed by the level of effort made by all the entrants. I’m looking forward to seeing our five winners at Dunbrody House.” The five winners are: Janice Epaillard of Mount Dora, FloridaAaron Van Swearingen of Winter Park, FloridaColleen Kerney of Orlando, FloridaHeather McBroom Walker of Scottsdale, ArizonaLinda Rohr of Darien, ConnecticutFinalists will fly from Orlando on May 21, arriving in Dublin on May 22. They’ll spend the first day of the visit in Ireland’s capital city — taking in sights and touring the Guinness Brewery, before enjoying dinner at the Michelin-Starred restaurant L’Ecrivain. The group will then journey to County Wexford, home of Ireland’s Hook Peninsula, where they’ll spend the rest of the trip at Dundon’s Dunbrody Country House Hotel. Dunbrody Country House Hotel The luxury hotel, located in an 1830s manor house, is also home to Chef Kevin’s Cookery School. There, the finalists will hone their skills and perfect their dishes under the tutelage of Chef Kevin himself. Chef Kevin Dundon at Dunbrody House When the finalists are not learning in the kitchen, they’ll be taking in the local sites and flavors of County Wexford, as Dundon and the group visit markets and farms where the chef sources many of his local ingredients. Each of the winners will cook a dish chosen by Dundon at a special dinner held to celebrate Raglan Road’s 10th anniversary this October. Raglan Road promises to keep us all posted as the 5 lucky winners enjoy their visit to the Emerald Isle. Will you be following their adventures? Leave a comment and tell us what you look forward to hearing about the most! 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: Raglan Road Irish Pub Wants to Send YOU to Ireland with Their Master Chef Contest! Interview: Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road News! Chef Kevin Dundon from Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road Stars In New Cooking Show View the full article

Reports of as many as eight fights breaking out at Timber Creek High School in east Orange County were all over Twitter this afternoon. View the full article

The countdown is on for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration 24-Hour event, May 22-23. If you’re anything like me, you like to plan your day in the parks based on where you want to eat. In addition to the cupcakes and drinks I recently shared on the Disney Parks Blog, I’ve compiled the ultimate foodie guide to specialty food offerings during the 24-Hour event at the Disneyland Resort: Disneyland parkJolly Holiday Bakery Café Disneyland Diamond Celebration Cupcake Carnation Café Country-fried Chicken Sandwich with honey-mustard coleslaw on brioche bun Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor Diamond Anniversary Ice Cream Sandwich: choice of ice cream between two sugar cookiesIce cream sundae served in a souvenir kitchen sink Plaza Inn Fried Chicken and Waffles Village Haus Restaurant Flatbread Special with buffalo chicken, Serrano chile slices and chipotle aioli Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port Supernova Pizza Special with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, salami, chorizo, chicken sausage, bacon, pepperoncini and seasoned parmesan Stage Door Café Mocha Chip Funnel Cake Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante Street Taco Trio – three street-style tacos with beef, chicken or carnitas on soft corn tortillas garnished with cilantro and onion, topped with salsa verde served with rice and beans French Market Restaurant Creamy Corn Chowder – garnished with roasted corn and black eyed peas, maque choux in a sourdough bread boule Slow-Roasted Louisiana Beef Stew – simmered with seasoned carrots, peas, red potatoes and mushrooms in a sourdough bread bouleMarket French Dip – thinly-sliced slow-roasted beef with crispy onion straws on a potato roll with a side of handmade Cajun chips and au jus N’Awlins Salad – lettuce medley, julienned yams, Granny Smith apples, caramelized pecans, lentils, tart cherries and a sweet citrus vinaigrette Royal Street Chicken Caesar Salad – crispy romaine lettuce, citrus chicken, parmesan cheese, croutons with a traditional Caesar dressing Shrimp Po’Boy – popcorn shrimp, mayonnaise, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce seasoned with vinegar and oil, served on a toasted potato roll with house-made potato chips and fruit Blue Bayou Restaurant Creole-brined Bone-in Pork Chop served with roasted garlic Boursin-mashed potatoes, sautéed baby spinach, champagne pear coulis and tomato relish Café Orleans Bananas Foster French Toast – thick-cut brioche bread battered and grilled then topped with fresh caramelized bananas and rich caramel sauce, served with bacon Tomorrowland Terrace Breakfast Burrito (available from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m.) Hungry Bear Restaurant Pulled Pork Hot Dog with citrus slaw, fried jalapenos and fresh cilantroDisney California Adventure parkFiddler, Fifer & Practical Café Disneyland Diamond Celebration CupcakeClarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream S’mores Bar – vanilla or chocolate ice cream bar dipped in milk or dark chocolate with fluff drizzle and graham cracker crumbs Award Wieners “The Insomniac” – bacon, egg and sausage dog with pepper jack cheese, topped with a maple crunch Wine Country Trattoria Surf & Turf – roasted lobster tail and grilled sirloin, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and demi-glace Special two-course, prix fixe breakfast menu from 12-1:45 a.m. with reserved seating for a special 3 a.m. showing of “World of Color.”Lucky Fortune Cookery Steamed chicken and vegetable dumpling bowl served with rice, vegetables and rice wine vinegar dipping sauce Cozy Cone Motel Barbecued pulled pork and slaw coneAriel’s Grotto Special 2-course, prix fixe breakfast menu from 12-1:45 a.m. with reserved seating for a special 3 a.m. showing of “World of Color.” Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta Mac and cheese pizza – crispy pizza topped with sun-dried tomato sauce, crispy bacon, mozzarella and creamy mac and cheese, topped with bacon pestoFor reservations, visit Disneyland.com/dine or call 714-781-DINE. Complete List of Special Eats for Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration 24-Hour Event, May 22-23 by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A federal lawsuit filed Thursday in Orlando alleges that medical diagnostic students at Valencia College were forced to undergo weekly vaginal probes as part of learning the procedure – and that the college and its employees retaliated against students who complained. View the full article

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. The popular restaurant, with the Monorail breezing by overhead, has been open for breakfast and dinner, and is one of the very best spots for an audience with Chef Mickey and his pals, who make a stop at each table during dining service. For brunch, the menu of breakfast favorites expands with soup; salads including Caesar; seafood, fresh broccoli, antipasto, chicken and Caprese, and hot dishes such as barbecued ribs, seafood étouffée and baked salmon. (And, yes, the famous Mickey waffles are on the brunch menu.) The ice cream bar and Contemporary bakery sweets also will be part of the expansive buffet. Hours for brunch are 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (Breakfast is still 7-11:30 a.m. and dinner 5-9:30 p.m.) Meals are one table-service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. Chef Mickey’s Opens for Brunch Starting May 31 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’ve covered several of the tastings adults can indulge in on a Disney cruise, from wine and Champagne, to liquors and cocktails. Last but not least, I’ll tell you about our seminar on the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, beer. In this tasting, the bartender will go through the interesting history of beer, the oldest alcoholic drink, and divulge fun facts about it. You’ll learn how to properly taste a beer and distinguish one from another, going through the different types, production methods and ingredients used. Beers tasted during the seminar could include ale, stout, wheat, imported lager and domestic lager. Our Irish pub onboard each ship is the perfect setting for this tasting. On your next visit, be sure to ask our expert bartenders about their favorite drink of choice! Next week, I’ll conclude this series with our beverage seminar that is more than just a tasting. Check back to learn about our mixology class, which is like going through a mini bartender course! In the meantime, get up to speed on the seminars I’ve shared with you so far: Rum and Amari Tastings on a Disney CruiseTequila and Margarita Tasting on a Disney CruiseChocolate and Liquor Tasting on a Disney CruiseWhiskey and Cognac Tastings on a Disney CruiseMartini and Champagne Tastings on a Disney CruiseFrom Stem to Stern Wine Tasting on a Disney CruiseBeer Tasting on a Disney Cruise by Salah Chetbi: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Well, wouldn’t you know it? Learn About: Barefoot Pool BarPolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsRight after I visited the Polynesian Village Resort’s Barefoot Pool Bar when it reopened along with the refurbished Lava Pool and I reported that the specialty drink menu hadn’t changed… It changed. Well, that’s not entirely true . Everything you could previously purchase at the Barefoot Pool Bar is still available (that means the pool bar standards like the Captain’s Mai Tai and Banana Cabana). In fact, they’re all still prominently listed on the main menu. Barefoot Pool Bar Barefoot Pool Bar menu But, lo and behold…. just days after my visit, I heard about some all-new (and if I understand correctly, mostly exclusive) drinks at the Barefoot Pool Bar! You can spot the descriptions on a stand-up sign, and fans of the Polynesian will get a kick out of reading the well-themed drink names as much as the descriptions with titles like the Pago Pago Pain Killer, Niue Rita, Lava Flow, Tonga Tea, and Samoa Sunrise. Just click on the image below to enlarge and read the item descriptions. I love that the Samoa Sunrise features POG Juice! Specialty Drink Menu I didn’t see this menu at all on my previous visit, but whether that’s because they were not being served yet since the pool bar had just reopened or I’d missed the roving sign, I’m honestly not sure. Ah, well… it’s here now, and so are we! So, let’s have a drink, shall we? We’ll go with a classic that I know many of you have wanted to see featured here on DFB — the Lava Flow. Lava Flow Now, this is one that people have enjoyed before — not only at the Barefoot Pool bar but at other resort pool bars as well. But I couldn’t resist it for two reasons. First, because it’s very close to one of my absolute favorite Disney drinks: the Lava Smoothie. The Lava Smoothie is a frozen non-alcoholic swirled blend of raspberry puree and pina colada mix (and the closely related Pina CoLAVA on the standard bar menu has the addition of Bacardi Black Razz Rum). The Lava Flow, however, instead features Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum, and strawberry puree instead of raspberry. The second reason is because when I picture lounging by the pool with a drink, this one fits the image in my head pretty much exactly! How about you? Lava Flow Just like the other drinks in the “Lava” line up, the Lava Flow is that wonderful blend of creamy coconut with a subtle tart flavor from the puree, and also the very mild pineapple in the pina colada mix. I found that I preferred the flavor after I mixed everything up (the layered pour is unique to the Lava Flow — the other variations on this beverage are swirled). Overall, the yummy sweetness of the mix and puree did overpower the taste of the rum a fair bit… but I definitely felt a little something when I stood up after, so I know it was in there ;)! And so, with all the changes at the Polynesian from the past few months, chock this drink menu up to one more. And a welcome addition, I’d say, considering that most bars and lounges across Disney World offer the same standardized menu. While those feature several good drinks, I always love seeing a few that are unique to their locations, such as the Victoria Falls Mist at Victoria Falls Lounge, or The Shadow at Belle Vue Lounge. Of course, you know the saying: “The more things change, the more they stay the same…” Mickey Mouse phone at Barefoot Pool Bar Good to see you again, old school Mickey Mouse phone!! See you real soon, pal! Which drink on the Barefoot Pool Bar specialty menu would you choose? 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: Photo Tour: Reopened Barefoot Pool Bar and Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Friday Happy Hour: Animal Kingdom’s Dawa Bar Friday Happy Hour: Moroccorita in Epcot’s Morocco View the full article

You are as close to the Force as you can get! The opening scroll on Star Wars Weekends 2015 is rolling at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All weekend long, there will be dozens of Star Wars characters appearing throughout the park, 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 so much more! And what’s this…? The Emperor is coming here?! That’s right! Ian McDiarmid, the actor who portrayed Emperor Palpatine (aka the Sith Lord Darth Sidious) in the Star Wars films, has made his first hyperspace jump to our system as a celebrity guest for Weekend I of Star Wars Weekends. You’ll want to double your efforts to be here and see him, along with the other stars of the saga appearing this weekend. Here’s the complete list: Event Host James Arnold Taylor: Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)Also new and not to be missed at Star Wars Weekends this year is Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience and the Darth’s Mall complex on Streets of America, where you will find the droids (and T-shirts and other great merchandise) you’re looking for! So who’s coming out this weekend? Let us know in the Comments section, and share the excitement on social media using the hashtag #SWW2015. If you can’t make it this weekend, Star Wars Weekends continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 14. Star Wars Weekends Starts Today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Mad Tea Party is one of my favorite Disneyland park attractions, and I love it even more after dark. The colors of the lanterns hanging overhead combined with the swirling tea cups below truly makes for a truly mad experience. Clean cup, clean cup! Move down! Move down! Move down! GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: Mad Tea Party at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Over the past few months, I’ve teased some of the new souvenir novelty food and beverage items created for the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration — like the balloon-inspired popcorn buckets, and the artwork for popcorn buckets and hot mugs. Today, I’m showing you my personal favorite of the 60th anniversary items. This stunning souvenir vintage stein features whimsical representations of favorite lands and attractions, and is topped with Sleeping Beauty Castle. This plastic stein is lightweight enough to carry around at the park, while being beautiful enough to display on a shelf (which is exactly what I’m planning to do). Look for the stein, in addition to other specialty food and beverage items when the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration kicks off on May 22. Cheers to 60 years! First Look: Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Souvenir Vintage Stein by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article