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Disneyland Resort guests visiting Disney California Adventure park will have an opportunity to see an extended sneak preview for Disney's all-new live-action feature, “Cinderella” http://di.s...From:Disney ParksViews:14364202ratingsTime:01:49More inTravel & Events

Back in 1988, two hot air balloons named Ear Force One (Mickey) and Zippity Doo Duck (Donald) took flight here at Walt Disney World Resort. This photo just begs for a caption. They look pretty excited for their journey. What’s on their minds? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This” in the comments section below. Caption This: Disney Characters Take Flight at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

im Tebow hosting prom night for 7,000 special needs kids in 26 states, Kenya and Uganda View the full article

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — Police say they have arrested a Volusia County woman suspected of drowning a two-week-old puppy in a Nebraska airport bathroom so she could board a plane. View the full article

This past weekend was a big one for Republicans running for the White House -- with Florida's two aspirants prominently in the mix. View the full article

An Orlando-bound Delta flight from Los Angeles was diverted to Dallas this afternoon. View the full article

You’re in for a real treat today as we take in breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Kona Cafe! Learn About: Kona CafePolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsYou’ll find Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The hotel continues to undergo vast renovations, but we’re so happy to report that Kona Cafe seems to be sticking around! Meals at this spot are pretty consistently good. Lunch at Kona can offer a welcome respite from Magic Kingdom. And dinner is a hidden gem — many swear by Kona’s Steak. But breakfast offers some serious cult favorites for Disney veterans. AtmosphereKona Cafe is located off of the center atrium at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s conveniently situated for guests of both the Polynesian, and, well, anywhere! Just steps away from the Monorail, it’s a quick ride from both the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center. Entrance to Kona Cafe You may be tempted to dismiss Kona without much thought. After all, its open atmosphere makes it seem like any plain jane hotel restaurant. And I agree — it does look like a Hilton straight out of the mid-90s. The general feel of the space is supposed to be tropical. Bold colors abound on walls and carpet, while lighter-stained wood and wrought iron round out the space. Kona Cafe Atmosphere and Seating Because it’s located off of the atrium, Imagineers have made an effort to give it sort of a garden feel. As a result, some of the lights, like these large leaf-shaped glass fixtures, mimic nature patterns. Lighting Fixtures One of my favorite decorative features are the ceiling fans that run the length of the dining room. These Super Cool Ceiling Fans Keep the Air Moving Nicely The carpet is very…colorful. Big, splashy exotic blooms are scattered across it. Look closely, and you may just find a familiar shape among the flowers. Hidden Mickey, Hidden Very Well Indeed Seating is a combination of round and rectangular tables. If you’re with your whole fam, this is a nice place to settle in! Seating The mixed seating with banquettes on one side and chairs on the other are a good compromise. Booth Seating A lot of times, we make a big deal about the view of the Monorail at the Contemporary when you’re dining at Chef Mickey’s. But did you know that you can also see it when you dine at Kona? Here’s proof! View of the Monorail Coming into the Station But, it’s super not as fun since you can’t hear it, and it’s not exactly whizzing by overhead. But we’re not here for the vehicle view anyway…let’s get to eating! EatsIf you’ve been reading Disney Food Blog for any length of time, then you know that Kona is one of my favorite spots for breakfast. The biggest reason for this distinction is their selection of unique menu offerings. Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge This visit was late last Fall, and I was happy to find that, in addition to the regular menu, Kona was offering one of their seasonal treats…Pumpkin Pancakes! Breakfast Special — Pumpkin Pancakes!! We began our meal with some of Kona’s best beverages. If you visit, you have to try the Liliko’i Juice. A blend of Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices, it’s pretty much the same as POG Juice and Jungle Juice, which you’ll find at other Disney restaurants. They just re-name it depending on the restaurant’s theme. Liliko’i Juice If you’re a coffee lover, you should definitely order a Press Pot of Kona Coffee, which serves two. French Press of Kona Coffee Soon enough, our food began to arrive, and I couldn’t wait to dig into those Pumpkin Pancakes. They’re served with Maple Pecan Butter, and they come with your choice of Bacon, Ham, or Sausage. These were pretty good, but I really needed more butter! Unfortunately, my server was pretty scarce during this visit, so by the time I got the chance to ask for more, I’d already eaten what I’d wanted of the pancakes. Pumpkin Pancakes And speaking of specialty pancakes, Kona offers different versions throughout the year. Keep an eye out soon for their Red Velvet pancake special, which should pop up for Valentine’s Day. They’re served with a cream cheese icing! Valentine’s Day Treat: Red Velvet Pancakes at Kona Cafe If the specialty pancake isn’t your thing, though, we can recommend the Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes — another guest favorite at Kona. Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes with Bacon The second order of the morning was something I’d actually never tried — the Samoan. This is sorta-kinda the Hawaiian cousin of Eggs Benedict. A little. Poached Eggs sit atop a savory Pulled Pork Hash. The Samoan The stack is topped with a rich, tangy Hollandaise Sauce, and is garnished liberally with Arugula. The Samoan — Up Close The Eggs were were just you’d want when it comes to poached-ness. The whites were just set, while the yolk still slightly gooey. The Samoan — A Perfectly Poached Egg The Pulled Pork Hash was a flavorful addition to the mix. The Shredded Pork is moist and tender, and the diced White Potatoes do a great job of taking on all of the flavor of the meat. Together with the rich egg and hollandaise, it’s a great combination. The Samoan Pulled Pork — Up Close So, I’ll admit, we skipped the Tonga Toast this time — I know! But be assured, it’s still on the menu. And it still looks great! Tonga Toast with Bacon Another incredible breakfast at Kona! And fueled up for the day, it was time to see what we could get into! And just a quick hello here to the awesome family I met while I was there! (They were sitting next to me!) Mom and Dad and two beautiful little girls — it was so fun to talk to you guys! OverallIt’s so funny. There are places at Disney that are so inconsistent, so unpredictable, and then there are spots that you can count on every single time you visit to deliver in terms of food and service. Kona Cafe is on that short list. We have visited for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and honestly, it’s always good to great. It’s not the decor to be sure. There’s no immersive experience at Kona. But the meals have been worth the money on a regular basis. And with breakfast items that are delicious and original, a visit to Kona is a fantastic way to start your Disney day. Is dining at Kona Cafe for breakfast part of your busy Disney schedule? Comment below and tell us what you’d like to order the next time you visit! 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: Kona Cafe Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Guest Review: Kona Cafe Breakfast Review: Lunch at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort View the full article

"Birdman" soared this weekend, with the cast of the dark comedy taking home the 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards' top prize Sunday evening. View the full article

With a major blizzard sweeping across the Northeast, airline passengers flying out of Orlando's two major airports most likely can expect some effect here. View the full article

With less than two years to go before the election, Florida politicians are already pondering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2016. View the full article

When Courtney Haydon heard the sound of screeching tires, she peered out her bedroom window just in time to watch Ta'Von Grayson's white Toyota Camry slam into a pole. View the full article

St. Louis has the Gateway Arch. Chicago has the Willis Tower and the Bean. Seattle has the Space Needle. And San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge. View the full article

The woman who accused Jameis Winston of rape is going public with her side of the story. View the full article

This week, we featured several popular “Frozen” stories on the Disney Parks Blog, including a special announcement that Olaf is coming to all four Disney Cruise Line ships along with information about brand-new Disney Cruise experiences being planned for the entire family beginning this summer. Jonathan included highlights of some of the new experiences in his original story. And he’ll be sharing more right here on the Disney Parks Blog over the next several weeks. We also continued our “Learn to Draw” series with a special guest this week – actor Josh Gad. Josh, who voiced Olaf in the “Frozen.” film, stopped by The Magic of Disney Animation to test his own skills at drawing his animated friend. Check out Jenn’s original post to see more tutorials on drawing your favorite Disney characters. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disneyland Resort Circle D Corral Now Zero Waste Certified – Thanks to efforts begun four years ago by cast member Andrea Raney, Circle D Corral is now gold-level Zero Waste certified by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, with 99 percent of its waste repurposed, composted or recycled! Splitsville Hits a High Note with New Saturday Night Bands at Downtown Disney West Side – Have you heard the live music on Saturday Nights at Splitsville? Disney Parks Blog author Darcy Clark shares her impression, and details a number of improvements coming to Splitsville in 2015. Vote to Name Our New Baby Goats at the Disneyland Resort – See some pictures of the new kids at Circle D Corral, and don’t forget to vote for their names! Video Rewind: Caring for Classic Disneyland Park Attractions – Take a look back at some behind-the-scenes videos we showed you in years past here on the Disney Parks Blog to see how we care for our classic Disneyland park attractions. Tweens Make New Friends at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Learn all about the ways tweens can hang loose during a vacation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Nick Arciniaga Wins First-Ever Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort – Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon, and to the more than 23,000 runners who participated! A Unique Point of View: Mad Tea Party at Disneyland Park – Get a look at these unique images from Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Love the city-specific Starbucks mugs? Well, we have some exciting news for you. Disney has unveiled park specific Starbucks mugs. Find them at Starbucks locations in the parks! Epcot “You Are Here” Mug More java spots are coming to Walt Disney World. We’ve got the scoop on two new Starbucks locations, including the soon-to-open Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re more of a Dole Whip fan, you’ll want to know that Sunshine Tree Terrace is still serving Dole Whips. We’re not certain if this is permanent, but for now skip the long lines at Aloha Isle! For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsStarbucks “You Are Here” mugs now available in Disney Parks Starbucks locations!Aloha Isle has long been the only place to find Dole Whip in Magic Kingdom. But it’s now on the menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace, too!It’s the first “What’s New” for 2015! We’re exploring all four Disney World Parks and finding menu updates, new snacks, and scoping out not one, but two upcoming in-Park Starbucks locations.Five Disneyland Restaurants will be participating in Orange County Restaurant Week 2015 (March 1-7): Steakhouse 55, Naples Ristorante, Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.The latest specialty cupcake at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is a Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing. Better yet, it’s topped with a white chocolate Baymax from Big Hero 6!Check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket, available at popcorn stands throughout the Magic Kingdom!Check out the signage for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks location in Walt Disney World! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and Rehab Dates for Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, Valentine’s Day Special at Wolfgang Puck Dining Room, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Celebrating your birthday at Disney World is always a great time to indulge in sweets. Let’s take a look at some fun birthday treats at Disney. First up, a birthday cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall sent in by Facebook Friend Salwa. Birthday Cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall And here’s a cutie!!! A third birthday celebration at Crystal Palace shared by Facebook Friend Raquel. Third Birthday at Crystal Palace Do you have a favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Today with a Discount!Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for the new year? Or, you know, just cause you want to start planning your 2015 Disney trip TODAY? ;-D It’s yours! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code PRE2015 for $4 off! We know that when it comes to your Disney vacays, planning ahead is practically essential these days. And if you can save time and money in the process — even better! And that’s why today, when you pre-order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and enter promo code PRE2015, you’ll save $4 off of the already low cover price! But the really cool part? You get two books for the price of one! We’ll deliver the 2014 Guide to you immediately, and email you the 2015 Guide as soon as it is available later this month. Here are a couple of sample pages for you — just click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013 What’s in the DFB Guide?The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is stuffed FULL of helpful features to help make your trip go smoothly, like: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!While our 2014 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’re updating this edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Happy New Year!Go old school with Mickey’s Diner glasses On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases Mickey Diner Glasses. Go vintage with some help from Mickey! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups shares ice cream sundaes — big enough to share — at Walt Disney World. Dig in! DisZine announces live bands coming to Splitsville at Downtown Disney Orlando every Saturday night. The Spokesman-Review features a recipe for Apple Upside-down Cake from Chef Kevin Dundon’s “Back to Basic” cookbook. Raglan Road fans, take a look! Disney Parks Blog highlights new Frozen Treats at Disneyland. Check out the cute Crunchy Snowman Veggie Cup! Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal spotlights The Boathouse coming to Disney Springs Orlando. It will be open tip 2AM! 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 4, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 11, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 18, 2015 View the full article

While visiting the Magic Kingdom, Maria Guerrero used a "selfie stick" to take a photo of herself, her mother and her cousin with Cinderella Castle looming in the background. View the full article

Police were searching two planes at Atlanta's main airport after authorities received what they described as credible bomb threats. View the full article

A new video distributed on the Internet on Saturday shows what appears to be a Japanese hostage saying that a fellow Japanese captive had been executed and outlining a new militant demand for his release. View the full article

Welton Cadwell is well aware of the bleak history of metro Orlando's road-building agency: the grand jury investigations, the forced resignations and, most of all, the almost obligatory pledge to do better. View the full article

In the days after Christian Gomez picked up an ax and decapitated his mother on New Year's Eve, neighbors in the family's Tampa-area suburb said the 23-year-old man had a history of mental illness so severe that his mother sometimes tried to hide medication in his food. View the full article

One little St. Cloud dog has become a poster pup for pet adoption. View the full article

A manhunt is underway after a shoot out between two motorists caused a car to crash into a CVS sign this morning, officials said. View the full article

As I zip around Orlando's sparkling new downtown arts venue I'm starting to feel at home. But it has taken a few visits to learn the ins and outs of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. View the full article

Despite facing a 15-year prison sentence, Scott Campbell is still pedaling his debunked business from behind bars, according to prosecutors. View the full article

Authorities say a 400-pound black bear mauled a woman's arm at a wildlife sanctuary in Dade City. View the full article