Disney4me

Florida health officials remain on high alert as concerns over Ebola are sweeping across the nation. View the full article

Quarterback Treon Harris should start at LSU Quarterback Treon Harris should start at LSU View the full article

The Coast Guard rescued a man Saturday from the Atlantic Ocean after they advised him earlier in the week he did not have enough supplies in his hydro pod bubble vessel to make a trip to Bermuda. View the full article

UCF football coach George O'Leary defends himself against Paul Ferraro's lawsuit claiming the dispute is about the playbook, not racism. View the full article

By the time paramedics got to 22-year-old Yolizmarie DeJesus Borrero, she was barely clinging to life. View the full article

The state's most ambitious recreation trail will take in Atlantic surf and rocket launches; manatees and springs; SunRail trains; Florida-style mountains; remote forests and charming towns; and the Gulf of Mexico near St. Petersburg. View the full article

The driver of a Publix truck got a speeding ticket after his truck jack-knifed on Interstate 4 Saturday morning, a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman said. View the full article

Utah students took their state's new Common Core tests this spring, and they struggled so badly that a majority of the schools could end up graded D or F. View the full article

It's called a factory, but there's no assembly line, no automated production. View the full article

Orange County Animal Services rescued a pit bull that was found covered in fleas on a floor soaked with feces and urine in a Winter Park apartment, officials said. View the full article

A massive search is underway for a missing pilot last seen taking off from Flagler County Airport Friday morning. View the full article

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is well underway and our guests are loving every minute. Earlier this week, the band Hanson stopped by to perform at the Eat to the Beat concert series and show off their Mmmhops Pale Ale. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: Fun at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival view allAside from checking out Eat to the Beat artists, our guests are tasting and sipping their way around the park. Check out the other fun that’s to be had at this year’s event in the gallery above. Will you visit the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year? Tell us in the comments section below! This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Fun at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Apopka spends more on lobbyists than every Central Florida city but Orlando. View the full article

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT - Islamic State militants fighting in Iraq and Syria posted a video on Friday that appeared to show the beheading of British aid worker Alan Henning, triggering condemnation by the British and U.S. governments. View the full article

More food and bev fun at Walt Disney World! The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns with seminars, tastings, sweets, and beverages for another year. The Fifth Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will be held Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2014, from 5:30 – 9:00PM at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts in Walt Disney World. The resorts are just a short walk from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, making this event a convenient add-on to your 2014 Epcot Food and Wine visit. Let’s take a closer look at all the event has to offer! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic CausewayImmerse yourself in this culinary festival during an evening stroll of the Crescent Lake Causeway. Food, wine, and beer lovers will find delicious options while listening to live music. With 17 restaurants and lounges, the Swan and Dolphin resorts have a nationally-recognized culinary team that will be showing off their talents! We’ve attended the event every year since it began, and it’s a delicious way to spend the evening. The Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Mulitple food and beverage stations will showcase food and drink from Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, and Todd English’s bluezoo, among other great Swan and Dolphin restaurants. Sip the night away with all of your favorites. And if you love wine, enjoy selections from around the world! Sommeliers will be on hand to answer all of your questions and help you to discover new favorites. Enjoying an evening on the Causeway as I sample appetizer portions of dishes from some of my favorite restaurants is always a fun time! The Shula’s tasting station is always a popular one, and this year’s Beef Tenderloin promises to draw a crowd. Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Sauce Bordelaise From Shula’s Steakhouse Thirsty? There’s no shortage of beverage options, which include Wine, Beer, and Sake. Tasting stations will offer sips from all popular U.S. wine regions as well as celebrated wines from around the world. Chefs and Beverage experts staff every station and are happy to answer all of your questions. You’ll also have the chance to meet executive chefs from the Swan and Dolphin Culinary Team. And bluezoo’s Celebrity Chef Todd English will once more be on hand to greet guests and chat about the dishes he’s serving! SeminarsIf you’re interested in a more hands-on learning experience, consider booking one of the Food and Wine Classic Seminars. The special add-on events take place at 4:30 on both days of the Food and Wine Classic, and will arm you with the knowledge to pair food and wine like the pro. Learn a little about the history of beverages like beer, wine, and Champagne. We’ve attended Modern Mixology and From Base to Bubbles. Both were informative and we had a great time. From Base to Bubbles Seminar Whether you are passionate about Wine, Beer, Sake, or Spirits, there’s a Seminar to fit your needs. And if your passion is pairing, check out the Pairing Experience Seminars — new for 2014! Here’s a full list of the Seminars offered at this year’s Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. Wine Blending: Take a step-by-step look at the wine making processItalian Wines: Explore the three main wine regions of ItalyFrom Base to Bubbles — see our review here!: Lose yourself in the wonderful world of ChampagneBeer Please: Learn about the beer brewing process and experience different styles of beerModern Mixology — see our review here!: Impress your guests by learning the science behind concocting the perfect cocktailCaipirinha: Learn all about this cocktail from Brazil, and improvise with fun new variations on the classicTQU: Tequila University: Discover everything you ever wanted to know about different styles of tequilaFine Art of Sushi and Sake: Take a trip to Japan as you learn about the art behind Sushi and SakeThe Cheese Course: Learn more about the fascinating world of cheese, and pair it with different styles of Port winePasta Making (NEW!): Experience making pasta from scratch firsthand with Executive Chef Robert CiborowskiNew For 2014 — The Food and Wine Classic Beer Garden!Capitalizing on a hot trend, the Food and Wine Classic will debut a Beer Garden this year! Located on Crescent Terrace, this Garden will feature a plethora of beers for you to taste, including local and seasonal favorites! In addition, the Swan and Dolphin Chefs will be preparing bar food to enjoy with the various brews! Selections will include the following: Handcrafted German Style SausagesBraised CabbageLaugen BreadSoft PretzelsWeiner SchnitzelGerman Style Potato SaladBe sure to click over to our 2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus, Wine Tastings and More page to see full details! Please note: there is a an additional charge for the Beer Garden, but tickets for the experience can only be purchased in combination with other ticket options. Book Your Tickets Now!Book your stay, causeway tickets, and seminar tickets now before your favorites sell out! Contact the Swan and Dolphin at 888-828-8850! One Night Room and Event Includes 1-night room accommodations for 2 adults and 2 causeway event passes at check in to enjoy unlimited food and wine tastings and entertainment offered on the causeway. Seminar tickets and Beer Garden tickets may be added for an additional fee. For reservations, call 888-828-8850 and ask for the food and wine package associated with Disney Food Blog. Two Night Room and Event Includes 2-night room accommodations for 2 adults and 2 causeway event passes for each night at check in to enjoy unlimited food and wine tastings and entertainment offered on the causeway. Seminar tickets and Beer Garden tickets may be added for an additional fee. For reservations, call 888-828-8850 and ask for the food and wine package associated with Disney Food Blog. Are you looking forward to the 2014 Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin Resort? Leave a comment and let us know! 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! 2013 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus and SeminarsNews! Menus and Details for the 2014 Fifth Annual Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine ClassicNews! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars View the full article

If you're interested in booking an event at Lake Eola Park, you're likely to see a figurative "No Vacancy" sign. View the full article

An investigation into a head-on collision Monday in east Orange County took an unusual turn when state troopers quickly discovered that one of the driver's injuries weren't from the crash, officials said. View the full article

Just in time for the holidays, Disney World debuts a yet another new seasonal experience — Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package! Elsa and Anna Letting It Go! For those of you who love desserts, the Osborne lights, Anna and Elsa, and souvenirs, read on… Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium PackageThis brand new VIP package includes reserved viewing in the Premiere Theater for the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” which could come in very handy during those packed holiday days at the parks. Speaking of crowds, this package provides a reserved location (at the end of Streets of America) for the magical Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Osborne Lights! You’ll also get to splurge on “free with the price of the ticket” specialty alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and Frozen-themed desserts. As for souvenirs, you’ll receive a unique holiday lithograph and Frozen pin to commemorate your memorable evening. Cost: $89 per adult or $59 for children (ages 3 to 9), tax and gratuity included. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required. Guests can check in at Guest Relations beginning at park opening to receive their credential for identification and select one (1) “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” show time, which take place from 10:25AM to 6:00PM. Please note when making Fastpass+ selections that Guests who purchase the premium package will receive reserved premium viewing for the show.Beginning at 6:00PM, Guests can check in at the Frozen Dessert Party location at the end of Streets of America, near the Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show.From November 7 to December 24, 2014, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Viewing with Frozen-Themed Dessert Party takes place from 7:00PM to 8:30PM. From December 25 to January 4, 2014, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Viewing with Frozen-Themed Dessert Party takes place from 8:30PM to 10:00PM.Seating will be available at the dessert party and in the Premiere Theater.Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.Availability is limited with only the following dates offered: November 7 to November 19, 2014; November 21 to December 9, 2014; and December 11, 2014 to January 4, 2015. For purchase, call 407-939-1854 or book online here. Are you headed to Disney World for the holidays? Share your thoughts on this new package! 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! Frozen Summer Fun Extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! New Premium Package Dates Available.News! Enjoy the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package — Complete with Dessert Party!New! “Frozen” Food Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Summer! View the full article

I adore Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This after-hours event at Magic Kingdom Park is something I look forward to attending each fall, and can’t get enough of the special Halloween entertainment that comes alive throughout the park. In case you haven’t been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party before, here are 13 reasons you should check it out for yourself this year. “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks – This villains-themed fireworks show lets Disney’s biggest “baddies” light up the sky above Cinderella Castle in a special show only offered during the Halloween parties. Trick-Or-Treating (even for adults!) – As I shared in an earlier blog post, we’ll be handing out a whopping 261 tons of candy at our parties this year. Read more on that here. Halloween Costumes – Not only are Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best, but you’re welcome to dress up, too! Parties are also great for people watching – it’s amazing to see the costumes that other guests come up with. Event-Exclusive “Pirate Helmsman” Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card – This year’s exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card was inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean and can only be obtained by attending a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Cards are complementary (one per guest), and guests must show their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.The Headless Horseman Rides Again - If you pick a parade spot early enough, you just may catch the riding past of the Headless Horseman. It’s an amazingly spooky moment that you don’t want to miss! “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” - This parade is packed with Halloween fun, including appearances by some of the “happy haunts” from the Haunted Mansion – including the Hitchhiking Ghosts. Mickey Mouse and many of his friends are also in the lineup, of course. Villain’s Sinister Soiree Dessert Party – For guests who can’t get enough of the Disney villains, there’s a new, additional ticket offering called “Villain’s Sinister Soiree Dessert Party: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle” that offers entertainment by Lady Tremaine and Cinderella’s stepsisters, as well as appearances by other Disney villains – and some amazing desserts. Attendees also get VIP viewing for fireworks and the parade. More info on that here. Haunting Decor on Main Street, U.S.A. - After the sun sets, Main Street, U.S.A., becomes ablaze with illuminated pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, among other eerie lighting effects. This part of the park is a must for photos. Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball – This Tomorrowland dance party is a true monster mash, which features favorite friends from Monstropolis. Get your dance moves (and your camera) ready! Special Halloween Treats – Think pumpkin spiced waffle sundaes, candy corn cupcakes, and more. Check your event map for special treat locations.Special Character Greetings – The event also features special character meet and greet opportunities with many Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes, making for some cute photo opps! (All entertainment subject to change, of course).Magic Kingdom Park Attractions – In addition to all of the Halloween fun, most attractions are open for you to enjoy – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, anyone?The Haunted Mansion - This attraction is always great fun, but it is simply a must during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties. Be on the lookout for the mansion’s maids and butlers to be a bit spruced up on party nights. What’s your favorite part of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Tell us in the comments section below! 13 Reasons to Love Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Orlando Magic decision-makers signed Channing Frye to a four-year, $32 million contract in July because they expect Frye will make their young players better. Team executives and coach Jacque Vaughn envision Frye setting up on the perimeter and stretching opposing defenses, which would create... View the full article

It’s a special treat to see what innovative additions the Disneyland Resort Entertainment team will add to Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland park each season. This year I spoke with Senior Art Director Brian Sandahl, got a sneak peek at the spruced-up singing pumpkins and gained some insight into “little” Sally’s makeover before the attraction reopened for its 14th season of frightful fun. Have you seen these animated updates at Haunted Mansion Holiday? New, Yet Familiar Faces Animate Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park by Shannon Swanson: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Every Halloween the Disneyland Resort Entertainment team adds new and spooky features to the Haunted Mansion Holiday. This Halloween features spruced-up singing pumpkins and a “little”...From:Disney ParksViews:19316ratingsTime:01:02More inTravel & Events

Young moms, hip dads and tattoo-sporting singles are popping up in some unusual places: Central Florida's shuffleboard courts. View the full article

Inaccurate news stories claiming that Satanists have been distributing coloring books to Orange County students -- or have gotten permission to do so -- have set off a furious wave of emails targeted to Orange County school board members. View the full article

Ridership on the SunRail commuter train fell for a third straight month in September, dropping to a weekday average of just over 3,000 passengers. View the full article