Disney4me

Dino Gertie, the towering dinosaur who houses Dino Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, brings a smile to many guests walking around the Lake Echo area. (To learn about Gertie’s place in film history, be sure to check out this previous post). What’s on her mind in the above photo? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This” image in the comments section below. Caption This: Dino Gertie Dines At Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Facing a historic decision on gay rights, the Supreme Court was set to hear arguments Tuesday on whether the Constitution gives same-sex couples a right to marry in every state. View the full article

The missing 9-year-old Winter Park girl has been found safe, police say. View the full article

After almost two weeks of tension over the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore descended into chaos Monday. View the full article

Well, I guess it’s time… Florida sure had a beautiful “winter,” but as much as I’ve tried to deny it over the past few weeks, we’re back to the time of year when it’s not unusual to see the thermometer (otherwise known as my weather app) climb back up into the 90s. One good thing about all that? It’s the perfect excuse to cool down with some cold beverages! And since we’re looking at hanging out in the heat until… oh, until the end of the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival in, like, November, now is as good a time as any to check out some highly recommended sips! So today we’re stopping at two Disney World Parks, one Resort, and Downtown Disney to check out some of the latest and greatest concoctions. We’re focusing primarily on some killer cocktails, but we’ll end with a little something for kids (and kids at heart!), too! So grab a straw and a teeny-tiny umbrella, because we’re starting with a new vacation must-have… Spikey PineappleWe’ve just gotta dive in with this new gem at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: the Spikey Pineapple. Spikey Pineapple While most of the drink menu at the Tiki Terrace is the same as that inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, you can ONLY enjoy the Spikey Pineapple outside on the Tiki Terrace… and it is well worth a special visit. Why? Because this is Pineapple Soft-Serve (Dole Whip!) served in a sippable form and spiked with Barbancourt Pango Rhum. Spikey Pineapple menu description If you’re a fan of Dole Whip (and especially the rum-spiked Pineapple Soft-serve at the Epcot Food & Wine and Flower and Garden Festivals and in Animal Kingdom), or just fantastic tropical vacation drinks in general, this one is a must-try! Tamarind MargaritaWhat’s a post about drinks in Disney World without mentioning one of the greatest watering holes this side of the Mississippi (and, OK, the other side, too)? Over in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, La Cava del Tequila sets the standard for incredible and creative margaritas served alongside high-end tequilas. La Cava del Tequila Sign And while the debut last fall of the Maelstrom Margarita (created in tribute to the now-extinct Maelstrom attraction formerly housed in Mexico’s neighboring Norway Pavilion) receives a lot of well-deserved buzz, it’s the Tamarind Margarita, which debuted last summer, that really knocked our socks off in a recent visit: Ambhar Blanco Tequila, tamarind pulp, orange liquor and agave nectar with a chili powder rim. Tamarind Margarita The tamarind and agave make this one incredibly sweet — without being too sweet (I hate too sweet), thanks to the tamarind tang, and the chili powder rim provides some kick. This one well earns its place beside the beloved Avocado Margarita. And Horchata Margarita. Oh, and the Wild Passion Fruit… Dark & Tropical StormyInside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, though, we’re loving the Dark & Tropical Stormy: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fresh lime juice, Ginger Beer, and Falernum. Dark & Tropical Stormy on the Trader Sam’s menu It’s the unique and bold taste of the ginger beer that makes this one stand out, giving it a sweet spice while the layered pour allows the rum to have its own moment as well. Dark & Tropical Stormy Another fun feature with many drinks inside the Grotto are toppers themed to the beverage. The Dark & Tropical Stormy’s is understandably windblown … Dark & Tropical Stormy umbrella Batten down the hatches and grab one! Raspy Old FashionedWe’re taking a trip over to Downtown Disney for our next one and stopping at Raglan Road. Raglan Road Understandably, lots of folks stepping into Raglan Road fancy a pint, and the beer selection doesn’t disappoint. Raglan Road Drinks menu — click to enlarge But on a recent visit we were able to sample a TON of new menu items, and it was the Raspy Old Fashioned that stole the show. This mix of Tennessee Whiskey, Raglan Road’s famous Guinness Glaze, Sour, and fresh raspberry puree tastes as good as it looks. Raspy Old Fashioned Who knew that raspberries and whiskey would work together so well? I didn’t…. but now I do! And now you do, too. You’re welcome . Seasonal Milkshake at Min & Bill’s Dockside DinerOkay, so clearly we’ve been focusing on some terrific cocktails today. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a nod to a cold drink that makes everyone feel like a kid at heart, and that’s the good old-fashioned MILKSHAKE. But we’re not just talking about any ol’ vanilla or strawberry here… Nope! Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner has been churning out some sensational seasonal shakes over the past years, to the point where this often overlooked stand has become a must-visit every time we set foot in Hollywood Studios! Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Now remember, these are SEASONAL selections and therefore change with some frequency, so you really never know what you’re going to find… but here’s a glimpse at just a few that we’ve enjoyed! Min and Bill’s really rose to the top last fall when they were serving up the Caramel Apple Shake. Caramel Apple Shake Absolutely NO skimping on the caramel sauce (and that’s a SAUCE, not a syrup) for this shake with a hint of apple flavor! Caramel Sauce But that wasn’t our first visit. We’d started to take a lot of notice when the Red Velvet Peppermint Shake hit the scene the previous holiday season. Red Velvet Peppermint Shake Red Velvet Peppermint Shake Most recently, though, it’s the Cinnamon Sweet Churro Milkshake that’s rocking our entire world! Cinnamon Sweet Churro Milkshake This is two great treats in one… A cinnamon milkshake and a Churro! Okay, three, really… ‘cuz we’re all in agreement that whipped cream should be classified as a dish in itself. Or maybe that’s just me? No matter which you choose, here’s wishing you lots and lots of Happy Sipping! Oh, and Bottoms up! Which of these beverages tempt you the most? 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: Ten Best Frozen Drinks in Disney World Top Three Milkshakes in Disney World Review: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort View the full article

ESTERO — One disastrous turnover in overtime Monday night ended the Orlando Solar Bears’ season. View the full article

Oh, "Dancing With the Stars" pulled off a couple of major surprises Monday night. One was exhilarating, the other shocking. View the full article

Voyez ce qui arrive lorsque l'attraction Tower of Terror de Walt Disney World est transportée dans les rues de Montréal et surprend des banlieusards qui ne se doutent de rien avec un peu...From:Disney ParksViews:22716ratingsTime:02:23More inTravel & Events

Fallen Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer is in financial trouble again, having filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in federal court last month, listing his liabilities at three times his assets. View the full article

Orlando homebuilder Bill Silliman stood on a newly cleared lot in Orwin Manor — future site of a $600,000-plus custom home that he will sell to benefit children's charities — and made a little confession. View the full article

U.S. Rep. John Mica met with more than three dozen Metro Orlando leaders Monday to drum up support for speeding the addition of toll lanes on Interstate 4 outside the 21-mile confines of the I-4 Ultimate makeover now underway. View the full article

Violence and looting overtook much of West Baltimore on Monday, seriously injuring several police officers and leaving a store and several vehicles in flames. View the full article

A 35-year-old man is dead after he broke into a Poinciana house this morning searching for a "mind control box," deputies say. View the full article

After a short delay, SpaceX launched a communications satellite into orbit for Turkmenistan from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Monday night. View the full article

The Orlando Eye is the latest development in the ongoing renaissance of International Drive, but some wonder whether the wheel's hype is enough to make it successful. View the full article

It’s no secret fans are eager to see the upcoming Star Wars and Avengers movies. Apparently stockholders are eager for Disney to see the profits from the two movies. View the full article

Check out this behind the scenes look at how Show Your Disney Side Week came to life on Wheel of Fortune, and discover Pat Sajak's & Vanna White's Disney Sides! http://di.sn/6003fD8z For...From:Disney ParksViews:2992103ratingsTime:01:43More inTravel & Events

With the addition of quizzes on the Disney Parks Blog, I’m excited to have a little fun testing your knowledge of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa! Even if you have never visited our beautiful resort in Hawai`i, take a look through some of our past Aulani blog posts to find the answers! Have fun and good luck! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392{background-color:#f0f8fb;color:#565656;border-color:#dce4e7;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-section h1{color:#8bb428;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-title{color:#10628b;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-header-image{text-align:right;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-section{border-color:#ffffff;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-embed{border-color:#dce4e7;}.quiz-container#wp-quiz-156392 .quiz-result{background-color:#dce4e7;} How Well Do You Know Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? How Well Do You Know Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog What does the word “Aulani” mean in Hawaiian? “Mickey Mouse” “Messenger of a chief” “Tropical paradise” What is the name of the only teen spa in Hawai`i, found at Aulani? Painted Sky Oasis Vibe What are the names of the two water slides found at the Pu’u Kilo in the Waikolohe Valley? Lava Flow & Slippery Falls Volcanic Vertical & Tubestone Curl Crush ‘n’ Gusher & Pineapple Swirl What is the name of the magical, interactive kids club found at Aulani? Uncle’s Bungalow Mickey Mouse Club Aunty’s Beach House Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="156392" data-site-url="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

After nearly a nearly two-hour delay, the SunRail trains are running on schedule again, according to the Department of Transportation. View the full article

Seven police officers were injured Monday afternoon in riots that began near a Baltimore mall and were spreading toward downtown. One officer was unresponsive and others suffered broken bones, police spokesman Capt. Eric Kowalczyk said. View the full article

The State Department says at least four Americans have died in Nepal's earthquake. View the full article

The Leon County state attorney will not pursue driving under the influence charges against former FSU cornerback P.J. Williams. View the full article

A University of Central Florida club this weekend faced down professional “white hat hackers” – along with about 200 other teams – to win a national championship in cyber defense. View the full article

A few weeks ago, I dropped a not-so-subtle hint here on the Disney Parks Blog that there might be more Disney fun coming on “Wheel of Fortune” this season. Well, the wait is over: “Show Your Disney Side” Week starts tonight on “Wheel of Fortune!” For this special week of shows, we wanted to bring our Disney Side to their Studio. So, we brought them a truckload of pixie dust – and, I literally mean a truckload – to help deliver the magic! Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy are there to share in all the excitement, as well. They had a terrific time with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, as well as meeting the Studio audience. (But … here’s the honest truth. It was part of my job to keep an eye on those guys, and when I wasn’t looking, a few “unplanned events” MAY have occurred. Which MAY have been captured on camera. And you MAY see in the shows. Ooops.) Here’s another first for Disney and “Wheel”: an entire episode dedicated to our Happily Ever After Side. More about that from my friend Michelle Smits at Disney’s Fairytale Weddings and Honeymoons on the Ever After Blog later in the week – but make sure you don’t miss Thursday night’s show! Because I know you love it when we can “lift the curtain” and give you a behind-the-scenes look at productions, we’re thrilled to offer up an all access pass! Check out this fantastic video for a look at how we moved attraction vehicles from Disneyland Resort, up the Santa Ana Freeway, to Culver City – I wish you could have seen the look on motorist’s faces as Dumbo went “flying” by! You’ll see the Characters “working” here, too. And … you’ll even get to discover what Pat and Vanna’s Disney Side is! The shows feature fantastic vacation prizes to both the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort – a pretty good reminder that it’s time for you to be thinking about planning your next vacation to show your Disney Side, right? And there’s even a chance for you to win a magical Grand Adventure to enjoy with your entire family at the Walt Disney World Resort, just for watching. (Details on that are here.) Tune in all week starting tonight! Check your local listings for details. And … buy a vowel! ‘Show Your Disney Side Week’ on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ by Tony Shepherd: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

U.S. Rep. John Mica met with more than three dozen Metro Orlando leaders Monday to drum up support for speeding the addition of tolls lanes to Interstate 4 outside the 21-mile confines of the Ultimate makeover now underway. View the full article