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As a Disney Vacation Club Sales Associate, Jose Colon has the opportunity to tell customers how Disney Vacation Club can make their vacation magical. Jose is just one of many associates that...From:Disney ParksViews:271850ratingsTime:02:01More inTravel & Events

UF coach Will Muschamp called the sexual assault allegation against Treon Harris "a serious charge" and stood by the school's statement on his suspension during the SEC coach's teleconference Wednesday. View the full article

Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person diagnosed with the Ebola virus in the United States, died on Wednesday morning at a Dallas hospital, a hospital spokesman said. View the full article

Universal show director of houses Charles Gray recently gave a behind-the-scenes tour of the Roanoke house (with the lights on!) for a video posted to Universal Orlando's official YouTube page. View the full article

If you were up early this morning, you may have spotted an unusual sight in the sky – the brilliance of a rare lunar eclipse called a “blood moon.” GalleryBlood Moon Sets Over Walt Disney World Resort view allHere at Walt Disney World Resort, the moon added the perfect spooky atmosphere to our parks, especially Magic Kingdom Park, which is already decorated for Halloween. Our photographers David Roark and Matt Stroshane were on hand to document the moon’s path over our parks. Here’s how a blood moon works and why it’s significant: Full lunar eclipses happen maybe once each year, but blood moons that light up with color are extremely rare. Their bright red “blood” color happens when planet Earth is perfectly positioned between the moon and the sun – and the sun is able to shine only a small ring of red light past the earth and onto the moon (sort of like a worldwide sunset is reflecting on the moon). This morning’s blood moon is the second blood moon in a rare tetrad (a series of four) that will appear in 2014-2015. The next two blood moons are set to appear on April 4 and September 28, 2015. Be sure to click through the gallery above to see the blood moon make its way over Walt Disney World Resort. Blood Moon Sets Over Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The yearlong battle with activist investors for control of Darden Restaurants is heading toward a dramatic collision at the company's annual shareholder meeting Friday in Orlando. View the full article

The average life expectancy for Americans is higher than ever at 78.8 years. View the full article

On an Adventures by Disney vacation you can truly see the world. But as every traveler knows, sometimes the journey can be just as exciting as the destination itself. With Adventures by Disney you can be sure that journey will be full of fun and unique experiences. Here are simply a few examples of the ways you can travel – with style and with squeals of adrenaline – on an Adventures by Disney trip. Take Flight Airborne adventures are part of many Adventures by Disney itineraries. Soar between the Greek isles, jet from mainland Ecuador to explore wildlife in the Galapagos, or explore the diversity of the land “down under” as you fly from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback and beyond on our Australia adventure. All Aboard! There are few things more relaxing than simply sitting back and watching the scenery roll by on a train ride, and many Adventures by Disney itineraries allow you to do just that. Hop aboard the Alaska Railroad for a scenic ride along the Kenai Peninsula, savor the memorable train journey to Aguas Calientes – gateway to Peru’s Machu Picchu, or plunge into darkness as you shoot under the English Channel through the Chunnel on a high-speed train ride whisking you from England to France. Behind the Wheel of an Automobile When it comes to thrilling transportation options on four wheels, Adventures by Disney has options galore. Board an ice exploration vehicle that travels over the vast Columbia Icefield on the North American Continental Divide, go on an off-road adventure in Arizona and Utah, climb aboard a jeep for a private expedition into the bush country of Africa on a 3-day safari, or visit Briksdal Glacier in Norway via something called a “troll car.” From biking to rowing to horse (not to mention donkey, dog and even elephant!) power and beyond, Adventures by Disney offers some pretty magnificent ways to get around. While the world waits for personal jetpacks and flying cars, you can feel like you’re flying (above the treetops) while zip lining in Costa Rica. Or explore the other exciting modes of transportation offered on our trips by visiting AdventuresByDisney.com! Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Beyond with Adventures by Disney by Amanda Adler: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Some harbor seals are moving from SeaWorld's Pacific Point Preserve today to become part of the park's Wild Arctic attraction. View the full article

At the recent annual Association of Zoos and Aquariums meeting, Disney’s Animal Kingdom was recognized for our success with breeding a very special African bird. We received Top Honors (1st place) as the 2014 Edward H. Bean Award recipient for our Taveta golden weaver sustainability program. The Edward H. Bean Award is a historic award within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recognizing rearing or management programs that contribute to the reproductive success of one or more species (and/or subspecies). Award eligibility takes into account the significance of the breeding program for the conservation of the species and the long-term commitment to the breeding program. It identifies a truly significant effort that clearly enhances the conservation of a species. From 1998-2014, our Aviary team successfully bred over 900 Taveta golden weaver chicks, which was instrumental in safeguarding the North American population. These chicks now live in AZA accredited zoos across the country, helping ensure that we maintain a genetically diverse population. To help the overall profession, the team also published two articles in scientific peer reviewed journals, and they have shared research findings and best practices at various conference sessions over the years. Please join me in congratulating all who have worked to conserve this species (and many others) since Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998! Did you know … ? Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Aviary team also received the Edward H. Bean Award in 2008 for success with Carmine Bee-eaters.Disney’s Animal Programs cast members are a part of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team. In addition to caring for the many animals at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, the team strives to inspire Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to lead the way in environmental stewardship and connect people, animals, and plants to conserve nature for future generations.Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team includes cast members who specialize in education, veterinary care, conservation, marine and land animals, and everything in between!Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment cast members also partner with various organizations to conserve wildlife and wild places across the globe.Don’t miss next week’s Wildlife Wednesday to learn more about the exciting work of Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team! For more from the Wildlife Wednesday series, visit the posts below: Wildlife Wednesday: Baby Sea Turtles Hatch from Anna & Elsa’s Nests at Disney’s Vero Beach ResortWildlife Wednesday: Welcome a New Western Lowland Gorilla to Disney’s Animal KingdomWildlife Wednesday: Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) Announces 2014 Grant Recipients Surpasses $25 Million GrantedWildlife Wednesday: Congratulations to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Awarded Prestigious Conservation Award at AZA Conference! by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s always a good day when we get to try ANYTHING at Karamell-Küche… and, we’ve got some awesome new-to-us treats for you today! Learn About: Karamell-KücheEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsI stopped by the Germany Pavilion recently with the sole intention of grabbing a Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bar, but simply had to take a peek first into that bakery case chock full of golden caramel goodness. And…we found new stuffs!! So, what’s new at the Caramel Kitchen, you ask? Among the items that have arrived since my most recent visit were Vanilla and Chocolate Cakeballs, Caramel Gingersnaps, Caramel Bacon Squares (what WHAT?), and Caramel S’mores. Caramel Gingersnap and Caramel S’more in bakery case Chocolate Cakeball in bakery case Caramel Bacon Square next to Caramel and Milk Chocolate in bakery case Umm… did somebody say “BACON”? Clearly, I altered my order right away to grab a Caramel Bacon Square ;). I asked for a Caramel S’more, too, while I was at it! Caramel S’more and Caramel Bacon Square Sweet stuff with a touch of good ol’ bacon isn’t a mixture that’s unique to Karamell-Küche. You can find it in things like Everything Pop’s King Cupcake and Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie at BoardWalk Bakery. What’s the Karamell-Küche take on this combo? From the outside, the Caramel Bacon Square looks a lot like the other chocolate-covered caramels in the case, only with the addition of a small piece of bacon garnishing the top. Caramel Bacon Square And once you cut in, it’s much the same. You can only just detect the presence of bacon in the midst of all that rich Werther’s caramel, thanks to the teeny bits you can see creating a slight variation in the texture. Caramel Bacon Square cross-section Caramel Bacon Square cross section The first taste is (nicely!) overwhelmed by the classic, golden buttery taste that is the main reason we all visit Karamell-Küche to begin with. It took a moment for the bacon flavor to greet my tastebuds, but once it did, it facilitated more of a smoky aftertaste that continued to build while eating the rest of the caramel. Bacon pieces in the Caramel Bacon Square It wasn’t at all what I expected — even from the moment I cut it open, I was expecting larger pieces of bacon and a more robust taste of bacon to go with it. But the subtle smokiness made this a bit more complex and much more interesting than I anticipated. The Caramel S’more is obviously a twist on the campfire classic S’more and on the S’more you can find at the Confectionery in Magic Kingdom and Candy Palace in Disneyland: marshmallow stuffed between two graham crackers. Caramel S’more Like the other candy s’mores around the parks chocolate surrounds the crackers. And not only is caramel drizzled all over the chocolate cover — a generous dollop is also found in the marshmallow center. It’s difficult to see the marshmallow underneath the graham crumbs after the first cut, though you can pick up on some of the caramel at a glance. Caramel S’more cross section But this photo gives you more of an idea of what’s going on in the center. Center of Caramel S’more My favorite part of a campfire S’more is the char when you toast it over a flame and the way the heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate, so this isn’t the ultimate version of this treat for me. Still, caramel added to pretty much anything ups the ante in my book, and I can’t argue with the way the caramel makes a treat known for decadent gooey-ness even gooier! A word to the wise: you’ll need some napkins for this one — like a regular S’more, part of the fun is making a bit of a mess . As always, it’s fun to see things getting even more creative in the little slice of heaven that is the Karamell-Küche. “Werther” you enjoy a new treat or an old favorite, it’s always worth a stop! And now, it’s time to apologize for that joke, and let you enjoy the rest of your day . Do you have a favorite treat at Karamell-Küche? 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: How It’s Made: Caramel Corn From Epcot’s Karamell-KücheDisney Recipe: Werther’s Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bars from Epcot’s Karamell-KücheReview: Chocolate Caramel Grapes at Karamell-Küche View the full article

Nashville Vacations | Adventures by Disney | Disney Parks With the Adventures by Disney Nashville Vaction you will be immersed in the country music capital. Discover the roots of country music at the Grand Ole Opry, visit former U.S. president Andrew...From:Disney ParksViews:221ratingsTime:02:17More inTravel & Events View the full article

A performing arts magnet program in east Orange County, a high school world languages magnet and a zoneless school for gifted students are among Orange County school board members' priorities. And each inched closer to reality Tuesday night. View the full article

If you are willing to a pay a toll, you soon may be able to legally drive a little faster in parts of Metro Orlando. View the full article

Crews are finishing work on Artegon Marketplace on International Drive — a 1.1 million square foot shopping center devoted largely to crafters, artists and small retailers that's scheduled to open next month. View the full article

Nothing makes me more proud to be a Disneyland Resort cast member than seeing the positive impact we make in the community, which is why I am excited to invite you to support this year’s CHOC Walk! Bright and early on October 12, nearly 15,000 “CHOC Walkers” from throughout the world, including children, family, friends, nurses and doctors who have been impacted by Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC Children’s), will line Main Street, U.S.A., for the start of the 2014 CHOC “Walk in the Park,” presented by Disneyland Resort. The 5K pediatric walk will take walkers through Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney District – before opening to the public. Last year, the event raised $2.1 million, and since its inception in 1990, has raised more than $22 million. The Walt Disney Company has a long history of supporting CHOC Children’s, beginning in the early 1960s when Walt Disney helped advocate for a children’s hospital in Orange County, Calif. This relationship has continued to grow, including a $5 million donation from the Disneyland Resort in 2012. As part of that gift, Walt Disney Imagineering brought the world of “Finding Nemo” to life in the CHOC Children’s second-floor lobby with an experience that includes the interactive “Turtle Talk with Crush” show – just like the one in Disney California Adventure park – a mural and 180-foot-wide mobile! Even if you can’t attend the event in person, you may register as a “Sleeping Bear” and donate through October 31. To register to walk, visit www.chocwalk.org. Registration closes at 3 p.m. PDT on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Raise Funds and Spirits for CHOC Children’s During 24th Annual CHOC Walk at the Disneyland Resort by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

To call “Sleeping Beauty” a classic is certainly an understatement. With its extraordinary story and unforgettable characters, it’s thrilled generations of filmgoers. Of course, at Disney Parks, it inspired the Imagineers to build our very first castle at Disneyland park. And it continues to inspire magic in our parks to this day, including many elements of our brand new, “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park. So, we’re excited that a brand new Bonus Feature, “Once Upon a Parade”, all about the creation of “Festival of Fantasy”, is making its debut on the Diamond Edition Blu-Ray of “Sleeping Beauty” today! (It’s available in Digital HD, too.) Some of my favorite projects here have been collaborating on other Bonus Features for titles such as “The Jungle Book” and “The Little Mermaid.” So, we were so excited to again have the opportunity to work with our friends at the Walt Disney Studios. It’s a behind-the-scenes look, of course. But, this time, the filmmakers are showing you a whole different kind of magic – something you’ve never seen before! Who better to create a Disney Parade than the citizens of Fantasyland themselves – and this film will show you how they did it! As you know, we love to give you a little “backstage” look at our filmmaking process – so, here goes: This film utilized two tons of hay, plus smoke, thunder, lightning effects, half a ton of feathers, a snow machine … and every frame of it was shot inside Magic Kingdom Park. “Once Upon a Parade” stars the amazing Sarah Hyland from ABC’s “Modern Family”, and we had a fantastic time working on the project. I’m not certain I know a bigger fan of the Disney Parks than Sarah – she might know more Disney trivia than any of us! Check out the video, where Sarah talks about the project, her passion for all things Disney … and even gives you a sneak peek at the Bonus Feature, too! “Sleeping Beauty” releases today, for the first Time on Diamond Edition Blu-ray and Digital HD. Go get your copy! ‘Once Upon a Parade’ – Bonus Feature – ‘Sleeping Beauty’ by Tony Shepherd: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Sarah Hyland from ABC's 'Modern Family' comes to you from Walt Disney World to talk about her bonus content in 'Sleeping Beauty - Diamond Edition.' Hyland also remembers her favorite Disney...From:Disney ParksViews:5184148ratingsTime:01:38More inTravel & Events

If you are one of the thousands of runners training for an event at the 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, and asking yourself, “why am I doing this?” Well I have an answer to that question. It’s all about the bling and today runDisney is excited to reveal all the finishers medals for the event weekend. From the runDisney Kids’ Races and Mickey Mile, to the Dopey Challenge medal, I hope you will agree these finisher medals are amazing and worth all the training miles you are logging. As most runDisney fans know, this January we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. Runners participate in the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday, 39.3 miles over 2-days. Once they cross the finish line of the marathon, they not only receive a marathon medal, but they also earn the commemorative anniversary Goofy medal. This one of a kind medal features a spinning Goofy in the middle and clearly commemorates the 10th anniversary. Up for the challenge? Registration remains open for the Goofy Challenge. Now, for runners out there not wanting to take on Goofy but still wanting to join in on the fun in January, I am happy to tell you it’s not too late. Currently a limited number of marathon registrations remain open as part of the Goofy Giveback, a unique opportunity that re-opened marathon registration for 39 days, representing the number of miles covered in the Goofy Challenge. Your chance to take part in the marathon is scheduled to close on October 24th, or until the race reaches capacity. If you are interested in registering for the Goofy Challenge or the Walt Disney World Marathon, visit runDisney.com. I hope you like the medals and I look forward to seeing you at the finish line showing off your bling. Bling! Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Medals Revealed by Robert Hitchcock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It appears that Norway’s next door neighbor (well, in World Showcase, that is!) is offering a tribute to Maelstrom, which carried riders on a “High Seas Norwegian Adventure” for the last time earlier this week (the attraction was closed to make way for a Frozen-inspired refurb). The Mexico Pavilion’s La Cava del Tequila is serving Maelstrom Margaritas to honor the beloved attraction. Maelstrom The Maelstrom Margarita features “Premium Ambhar Tequila blanco, mango puree, orange liquor, and agave nectar served with blueberries, habanero peppers, basil and Tajin chili powder on the rim.” ©cavadeltequila The drink debuted on October 6th for La Cava’s “Margarita Monday,” and while we assume this drink will only be available for a very limited time, according to La Cava’s Twitter feed: “Maelstrom Margarita will be available until you stop buying it, so it all depends on you. Made in honor of the ride.” So, if you find yourself in the Mexico Pavilion today while tasting your way around the World, stop by La Cava to raise a glass… and to remember that Norway’s spirit has always been — will always be — ADVENTURE! Would you like to try a Maelstrom Margarita? 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: News! La Cava del Tequila’s Margarita Mondays…and moreCoffee Margarita Now Available at Cava del Tequila in EpcotReader Recipe: La Cava del Tequila Avocado Margarita View the full article

Under the seasoned auspices of the multitalented, Tara Anderson, Senior Director at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment, ghosts waltz, spirits become more spirited, villains strut their stuff and happy haunts materialize — all on the otherwise chipper, cheery Main Street, U.S.A. Even if you’ve never met Tara (and she’s super nice), countless Magic Kingdom Park guests (perhaps including you) have cheered the artistry of Tara, along with the creative team, singers, dancers, characters and villains that make Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade one of the all-time most popular features of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Tara sat down (something she rarely gets a chance to do) and told us about her boo-tiful baby. GREG: You know this parade backwards and forwards, the way Queen Elsa knows advanced refrigeration. What is the “story” that unfolds as we watch the parade? TARA: The story of the parade is that Mickey and his Magic Kingdom friends are having a series of parties. So, the first scene is Mickey’s own party. It kind of represents Main Street, U.S.A. because he, Minnie, Donald and Daisy are in a quaint gazebo. He’s invited friends like Snow White, Dopey, Pinocchio, Gepetto, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Aladdin, Jasmine and Pooh. And Pluto has a new costume this year — an adorable lion! Then the parade takes us to Adventureland, where it’s pirates, pirates, pirates! This year, we put Peter Pan and Wendy and some Lost Boys on the pirate ship. It’s my homage to the scene in the film where the pirates have them trapped and Peter comes to the rescue Of course, we have Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and some crewmembers. That’s our Adventureland salute. GREG: What songs do we hear during this sequence? TARA: You’ll hear “Boo To You,” written specifically for the parade. It’s so catchy, we find ourselves still singing this tune to ourselves six months into the next year! There’s no question that every parade really starts with the music. For Hook’s ship, we have “Yo-Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” from Pirates of the Caribbean and “A Pirate’s Life is a Wonderful Life” from Peter Pan. The next sequence is Liberty Square and Haunted Mansion. It begins with the Groundskeeper and his dog, Jolene. GREG: Dolly Parton’s “Jolene?” TARA: (laughs) Oh no, not at all! Our Jolene is actually a rescue dog, which is why none of the craziness going on ever phases her. The gravediggers — known as the Deadly Dozen — and our graveyard float follow Jolene and the Groundskeeper. This year, we doubled the number of dead waltzers. GREG: I love the dead waltzers. So light on their feet! TARA: Then, of course, the Hitchhiking Ghosts come along and the Grim Grinning Ghosts. GREG: And those gravedigger shovels that spark. Is that a special effect? TARA: Actually, that was a happy accident. We were backstage one night, just walking around a building and somebody was dragging a shovel and it sparked. It was like “Ooooohhh!” and we made it part of the show. GREG: It’s such a simple thing! Everyone loves the shovels. TARA: To represent Frontierland, we have a Halloween Hoedown. This year, our cowgirls have new costumes. We decided to give everybody cowboy boots and denim and just rock it out a little bit. The music there is mostly “Ghost Riders in the Sky” with a little bit of “Rodeo” thrown in. Clara Cluck sits up in her barn while Clarabelle Cow calls out the square dance for Chip ‘n Dale, Brer Bear, Brer Fox, Brer Rabbit and the Country Bears — Big Al, Wendell and Liver Lips. GREG: And as everybody knows, a party is never quite the same without Liver Lips. TARA: Isn’t that the truth! (laughs) From here, we change things up in the parade a little bit. Our Goofy’s Candy Company truck got an extreme makeover and it’s a new Sugar Rush delivery truck full of candy corn. Wreck-It Ralph rides the truck and Vanellope runs around, being Vanellope. The truck looks like it’s made out of candy. Really cute. Goofy’s Candy Factory is after the Sugar Rush truck. GREG: Then lots of villains bring up the rear. TARA: They get to be the grand finale. They’re singing “It’s Good To Be Bad” around a float carrying the Dead Head Band, and behind there’s the Queen of Hearts, Frollo, Big Bad Wolf and others. They’re on a villain float with Chernabog; we have Maleficent, Jafar and the wicked queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” New this year is the Bowler Hat Guy from “Meet the Robinsons” and he’s very, very funny! GREG: How many months in advance do you start preparing this parade? TARA: After the current parade has its run, we have a post-parade meeting to discuss successes and opportunities for improvement. Then around February, we talk about the event as a whole and determine what we might want to do in the coming year. If we’re going to revamp a float or create new costumes, they need the longest lead times. This year we started rehearsals at the beginning of August because we opened the party on September 1. GREG: How does this parade rate on the “Tara Meter”? TARA: On the “Tara Meter”? I don’t know — I’m not supposed to have favorites among my children! It is certainly one of my favorites. It’s just one of those things where everything came together just right. Yes, we tweak it every year. I love that it has that sort of flexibility to add and take away, but the core is so solid, you can do that. GREG: It’s sort of like a great Broadway show. It might be revived dozens of times, but there are always alterations, the score changes, the chemistry of the cast varies and scenes are moved around. It’s always fresh. TARA: Absolutely. And we do that. We want it to be fresh for our new guests and our many returning guests — and we’re grateful that there are so many. We want them to see the things that they’ll remember and want to see again and also be thrilled by new things. That’s why “Boo-to-You” is forever new! Sights & Sounds of Disney Parks: An Inside Peek at Mickey’s ‘Boo-to-You’ Halloween Parade at Magic Kingdom Park by Greg Ehrbar: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Actor Alfonso Ribeiro took a break from dance rehearsals to bring his family to Disneyland park to experience a little Halloween Time magic last week. Minnie Mouse stopped by to wish him luck in his pursuit of the mirrorball trophy as a season 19 contender on “Dancing with the Stars.” It is even rumored that Minnie and Alfonso were seen doing a few steps from “The Carlton!” ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Contender Alfonso Ribeiro Celebrates Halloween Time at Disneyland Park by George Savvas: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

If you've ever been to a University of Central Florida football game, you've seen the fans that come out to cheer on the Knights. View the full article

Halloween on the High Seas voyages with Disney Cruise Line are jam packed with fun for the whole family. And the best part is all of it is included in your cruise fare! Grab your costume and...From:Disney ParksViews:1621120ratingsTime:02:27More inTravel & Events

If you have read some of my previous Disney Parks Blog articles, you will know that I am a super fan of EPCOT Center. I first visited the theme park in 1983 and fell in love with the vision for the 21st Century. Today, Epcot is the place where I spend most of my time as a guest visiting Disney Parks (especially with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in full swing). It may come as no surprise then that I’m beyond happy to see some new retro-inspired EPCOT Center merchandise now arriving at Walt Disney World Resort. Created by Disney Design Group, this new artwork is an update to the previous retro artwork introduced in 2012 for the 30th Anniversary of Epcot. You’ll notice that the artists were inspired by some of the simple graphics that were used in the early days of EPCOT Center. The artwork will be featured on some T-shirts, a baseball cap and a D-Tech on Demand case for the iPhone 5/5S (there are no immediate plans for a D-Tech on Demand case for the iPhone 6 using this artwork). There are also some long-sleeved options including a sweatshirt that reminds me of something I had in the 1980s! My favorite item, however, is the key chain that includes artwork from some classic EPCOT Center attractions. The best place to look for these items is at Mouse Gear in Future World at Epcot. Hooray for the 21st Century! Retro EPCOT Center Merchandise Coming to Walt Disney World Resort This Month by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article