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They held a large, illuminated sign that read: "End the new Jim Crow." View the full article

One of the two psychologists who devised the CIA's harsh Bush-era interrogation methods said on Wednesday that a scathing U.S. Senate report on the torture of foreign terrorism suspects "took things out of context" and made false accusations. View the full article

Holding signs that say "End the new Jim Crow" and chanting "I can't breathe," protesters are marching throughout Orlando tonight voicing their outrage over recent cases involving white police officers shooting unarmed black men. View the full article

At the Florida Lottery headquarters, Timothy Poole, 43, posed for a photo with an oversized check after claiming his $3 million Scratch-Off prize. But when the image hit the Internet, others recognized the 450-pound man as a registered sexual predator. View the full article

TALLAHASSEE — The University of Central Florida is planning to push for $57.8 million in state funding for its proposed downtown Orlando campus this spring. View the full article

The girlfriend of Orlando Predators coach Rob Keefe said he was throwing her into walls and choking her during an alleged domestic violence incident on Sunday, according to 911 calls released Wednesday. View the full article

Late November evening light filtered through the oak trees of Central Park. Families reclined on the Winter Park lawn to listen to the the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra "Holiday Pops" Concert. View the full article

The Maitland Fire Rescue has treated about 40 people and sent more than 15 of them to the hospital Wednesday in what could be a case of food poisoning at an office building, officials said. View the full article

Christina Hagle developed a sharp edge to her personality after she watched deputies take her father to jail 18 months ago. View the full article

The merriest time of year has arrived at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i! With temperatures averaging 78 degrees, it’s no surprise that Aulani is a favorite destination for families this holiday season. Today, I’m going to share some of the entertainment programs and offerings taking place now through the end of December to help you plan your vacation in a Hawaiian winter wonderland. Holiday Entertainment on the Halawai Lawn: Your entire ‘ohana won’t want to miss the Holiday Starlit Hui taking place several times a week through the end of the year! This iconic entertainment offering at Aulani has added some seasonal touches that are sure to have everyone in the holiday spirit. Also taking place on the Halawai Lawn, the ‘Ohana Disney Movie Nights will screen holiday films under the twinkling stars every Tuesday and Friday. Check The Daily ‘Iwa for more information on both of these festive favorites. Seasonal Crafts at Aunty’s Beach House & Pau Hana Room: Children ages 3-12 will enjoy holiday-themed coloring sheets and crafting activities in Aunty’s Beach House. If you have tweens and teens in your ‘ohana, be sure they stop by the Pau Hana Room for special seasonal crafts as well! Aulani Christmas Day Dinner: In addition to wishing everyone a Mele Kalikimaka on Christmas Day, your ‘ohana can enjoy a savory buffet feast and live entertainment! Learn more about the menu and book a reservation for the joyous meal here. Your ‘ohana can also enjoy a special 3-course prix fixe menu featuring fresh-caught seafood and prime rib at ‘AMA‘AMA! Update: The Aulani Christmas Day Dinner is now sold out.And be sure to look out for some of your favorite Disney characters that have decided to don their best holiday Disney Side outfits for the occasion! Look for Mickey and the gang in the Waikolohe Valley or on the Halawai Lawn daily. What are you most looking forward to this holiday season at Aulani? Tell us in the comments below! ‘Tis the Season at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Orlando City appeared to have plugged some key holes during the MLS Expansion Draft, taking a goalkeeper with the No. 1 spot and snagging a potential starter with the No. 6 selection. View the full article

TAVARES — Leesburg City Commissioner Jay Hurley made an improper lane change in an April traffic accident that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist on U.S. Highway 441, a County Judge found Wednesday. View the full article

Future Star Wars attractions at Disney theme parks will be based on new sequels and spinoffs such as "The Force Awakens," rather than the space saga's older films, according to Variety magazine. View the full article

Taiasia Lord, 13, already knew she liked art. But after seeing the art careers available at Universal Orlando Resort, she sees her future differently. View the full article

Holidays Around the World has brought Epcot’s World Showcase alive with holiday cheer and fun seasonal entertainment. We recently stopped by the Mexico Pavilion to catch a performance by Mariachi Cobre, the band who plays folk music of Jalisco, Mexico, for guests. This time of year, they’ve added several Christmas carols into their repertoire. Check out the video below for their performance of “Silent Night.” Holidays Around the World at Epcot will run through December 30. Listen As Epcot’s Mariachi Cobre Plays An Amazing ‘Silent Night’ by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We stopped by the Mexico Pavilion to catch a performance by Mariachi Cobre, the band who plays folk music of Jalisco, Mexico, for guests. Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/1yzUimA...From:Disney ParksViews:90ratingsTime:02:38More inTravel & Events

It’s Disney Cupcake Time! And for this round of sweet snacking, we’re checking out Contempo Cafe, one of our favorite spots to snag one of these mammoth snacks! Learn About:Contempo Cafe Disney World RestaurantsLocated steps away from Magic Kingdom — or a convenient stop on the Resort Monorail line — Contempo Cafe is a great spot to grab a delicious lunch or dinner under the soaring atrium of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you’re looking for real sustenance, try their Beef Pot Roast or Hot Smoked Turkey Sandwich. But it’s also a great stop on any Cupcake Crawl! While you can usually find a classic or two in their case, like the Red Velvet Cupcake, it’s always fun to see their new and seasonal varieties as well! We’ve shown you the Frozen Cupcake before…but this time I get to review it for realz. Frozen CupcakeNope — the cupcake isn’t frozen. Elsa is here in name only. The streaky Blue Frosting, the Dark Chocolate Cupcake, and the Elsa (or other cast member) Ring and Snowflake Garnish all make for striking visual impact. Frozen Cupcake Yep, when I was there I got to choose from several different Frozen cast members to adorn my cupcake. Sven, Kristoff, Elsa… take your pick. And that special plastic ring is settled into a plain vanilla buttercream frosting that’s — typical of Contempo Cafe — a little lighter than you may find elsewhere in the parks and resorts. It’s kind of a cross between the consistency of “lard-y” buttercream and whipped cream. You guys know how I feel about frosting, and I’m not opposed to this variety, it’s just not my favorite. Cupcake — Up Close Cut the cupcake open, and we see, again, the familiar Contempo Cafe cupcake set up. Inside of this one, there’s my favoritesuper thick Buttercream Frosting that holds a Caramel Sauce center. Â (What? Two fillings? I kid you not.) It’s a good contrast of texture, even though the flavors are sweet, sweet, and more sweet with a hearty dose of rich. Frozen Cupcake — Inside It was pretty good! I was impressed! If you have a little fan of the film, or you just really love jumbo cupcakes, I say get yourself over to the Contempo Cafe for dessert. I think you’ll like this one. Does the Frozen Cupcake from Contempo Resort appeal to you? Tell us what you think of this one in a comment 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 FanRelated posts: Snack Series: Contempo Cafe Chocolate Peanut Butter CupcakeSnack Series: Contempo Cafe Red Velvet CupcakeSnack Series: Contempo Cafe’s Black Forest CupcakeView the full article

Are you puzzled about what to get your friends and family this holiday season? I stopped by some of our Disneyland Resort locations to see what’s in-store and to find out what’s made the top of the list from some of our resident experts. What’s on your holiday list? A Shopper’s Guide to Holiday Gifts at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Are you puzzled about what to get your friends and family this holiday season? We stopped by some Disneyland Resort locations to see what's in-store. Come visit and have a look for yourself:...From:Disney ParksViews:849ratingsTime:01:21More inTravel & Events

Who doesn’t love taking a walk through the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? It’s one of our favorite holiday offerings here at the Walt Disney World Resort – and it’s the subject of our latest Disney Parks Blog wallpaper that we have to share with you today. Enjoy! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. And check out our complete gallery of wallpapers on our special page. Celebrate the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights With Our Latest Desktop/Mobile Wallpaper by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

An Adventures by Disney vacation immerses you in the rich cultures, traditional flavors and fascinating history of some of the world’s most treasured destinations. Starting in 2015, adventure seekers can venture on two new amazing European itineraries that will take you off the beaten path in Spain and Tuscany. From a culinary adventure through the Italian countryside, to exploring the treasures of Spanish art and history, our newest Adventures by Disney offerings have something to offer for everyone. Tuscany Taste your way through Tuscany like never before on this 7-day, 6-night culinary adventure. Delight your taste buds on this Adventures by Disney Tuscany tour during a private hands-on pasta lesson and interactive pizza making. Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime truffle hunting experience with an expert truffle-hunter and his truffle-hunting hound. Relax as you take in the picturesque view of the Italian countryside while enjoying a delicious Tuscan country picnic, as well as wine blending and olive oil infusion activities. Spain With bustling cities and breathtaking beaches, Spain is a melting pot of art, history and culture just waiting to be explored. On this 9-day, 8-night tour of Spain, guests can learn how to dance the Flamenco with private lessons, along with paella making and sangria mixing activities. In Barcelona, you’ll skip the lines to visit the famed La Sagrada Familia, and tour Gaudi’s other masterpieces. Enjoy privately guided tours to landmark monuments such as Madrid’s Royal Palace and Prado Museum, Córdoba’s La Mezquita, Seville’s Plaza de España, Barcelona’s Park Guell and more. Whether you prefer the timeless culinary traditions of Tuscany or the vibrant charm of Spain’s cities, Adventures by Disney brings you remarkable and unique vacation experiences you’ll never forget. For more information about these new European getaways, visit www.AdventuresByDisney.com. Adventures by Disney Introduces New Spain and Tuscany Vacations by Heather Killingbeck: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Just when you can’t possibly imagine Disneyland Resort Paris becoming any more beautiful than it usually is, the holidays arrive! The park’s celebration, Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, is well underway, with special holiday decor, festive entertainment and much more ready and waiting for guests. The Disneyland Resort Paris Christmas Parade is delighting guests with appearances by Santa Claus, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Donald, Daisy (and even nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, among many others!). GalleryThe Holidays Arrive at Disneyland Resort Paris view allThis year’s Christmas tree measures more than 78 feet tall and boasts more than 1,000 glittering decorations. And of course, the tree just marks the start of a slew of festive decor that stretches down Main Street, U.S.A. Check out the gallery of images above from photographer Tom Bricker that show just how merry the parks are during this time of year. Holiday fun will continue at Disneyland Resort Paris through January 7, 2015. PHOTO GALLERY: The Holidays Arrive at Disneyland Resort Paris by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

There is about one month left to check out an unforgettable Hollywood Studios holiday tradition: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights! So while you’re enjoying this… Osborne Lights! Osborne Lights! You might want to know where you can enjoy one of these… Holiday Drinks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios A small pop-up bar has made its place directly under the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” marquee. And there are also bars to grab these “to-go” just outside of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and at the Hollywood Brown Derby patio. Marquee to the right This is where you’ll find specialty cocktails like the Winter Berry Margarita, which was first available at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post. You can check out our review of this brightly colored blend of tequila, triple sec, Monin Wildberry, sweet and sour, and cranberry juice here. Winter Berry Margarita Personally, I like the Gumdrop for the sheer fun factor… Stoli Razberi Vodka, Chambord, pineapple and cranberry juices, and Sprite (for some fizz action!). Alas, no glow cube… but it is topped off with gumdrops. And that’s gotta count for something! (Note that the gumdrops are cinnamon and mint…so…um, gross…but still gumdrops!) Gumdrop Cocktail This has a nice balance of sweet and sour. Loved it! Einstok Doppelbock also makes the menu! A small selection of assorted beer is also available. A Holiday Punch in Pomegranate or Orange Lemonade (souvenir glow cube included, of course!) provides a non-alcoholic option, and Beso Del Sol Sangria rounds out the list. But that’s not all… during the day, you can find some cider with an added kick at Backlot Express. Just take a look at the ingredients in the Torched Holiday Cider… Torched Holiday Cider Angry Orchard Hard Cider with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky? Don’t mind if I do… thanks, Backlot! Didn’t know you had it in ya ;). And over at Studio Catering Co., you can find this awesome-looking Very Merry Cherry, with Grey Goose Cherry Noir Vodka, Sweet-and-Sour, Grenadine, and Sprite! YUMMMM! Very Merry Cherry Drink at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Just a little extra yuletide cheer comin’ at you from Hollywood Studios! Would you like to try any of the specialty holiday beverages at Hollywood Studios? 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 FanRelated posts: Holiday Drinks at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosNew Specialty Hot Dogs at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosNew! Ice Cube Cupcakes and Other Holiday Treats at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosView the full article

Sure, Thanksgiving was just last week, but already, the Downtown Disney Area at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is bustling with holiday excitement. The Festival of the Seasons is now underway and new holiday décor is lighting up the Marketplace. GalleryIt’s a Holly Jolly Christmas throughout the Downtown Disney Area view allRead on for some of my favorite festive fun: Meet Santa: Naughty or nice, you can share your wish list with Santa Claus through Christmas Eve (Santa Goofy Steps in December 25th – 29th)! New this year, guests can check in at the Santa Chalet podium to receive a pager that buzzes when their turn to meet Santa is near. It’s a great opportunity to snag a family photo, too, with Disney’s PhotoPass photographers on standby. (12pm – 9:30pm daily).Enjoy Holiday Entertainment: Pick up a times guide to discover the sounds of the season. From carolers to stilt walkers, live musicians to DJ dance parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. My favorite new spot to catch a performance is Exposition Park on the West Side – and while you’re there, you can indulge in fresh fare from the Disney Food Trucks!Shop the new Marketplace Co-Op: Of course, World of Disney will always be a ‘must-do’ for holiday shopping, but I’ve added this new venue to my shopping list as well. With six distinct boutiques, some featuring items that can’t be found anywhere else at Walt Disney World, this is the place to find unique gifts for loved ones. Want even more gift-giving inspiration? Follow us on Twitter at @WDWDowntown and look for hashtag “#25daysofDTD” to see some of our top picks.Indulge in Holiday Treats: Peppermint Mocha from STARBUCKS? Decadent hot chocolate from Ghirardelli? A homemade treat from Goofy’s Candy Company or Candy Cauldron? Whatever you fancy, you’ll find something sweet to tempt your taste buds! (Me? I’m partial to the Olaf-inspired specialty apples.)With a portion of the West Garage now open to guests and boat transportation available for travel between the West Side, Pleasure Island and Marketplace (weather permitting), it’s easy to explore all of Downtown Disney. For tips on visiting the property, click here. Happy Holidays, and I hope to see you out and about at Downtown Disney enjoying the season soon! It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas throughout the Downtown Disney Area by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With so many inclusive vacation elements available to guests at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, you can enjoy days of fun from the comfort of your Resort: http://di.sn/dw9 SUBSCRIBE:...From:Disney ParksViews:80ratingsTime:01:43More inTravel & Events