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Storybook Land Canal Boats at Disneyland park is full of tiny treasures - if you blink you might just miss one. The cruise lasts 6 minutes; however, here you can take a "mini" tour highlighting...From:Disney ParksViews:11608239ratingsTime:02:00More inTravel & Events

Brooke from What's Up Moms shares how to make a handmade scrapbook from your Aulani vacation! Watch the full video here - http://di.sn/60080FaE See all of the family fun available at Aulani:...From:Disney ParksViews:1386831ratingsTime:00:24More inTravel & Events

When is the right time to take kids on a Walt Disney World Resort vacation? Parents sometimes ask if their little one is too young to make the trip and if they should wait a few years. Is there enough for them to do, and will they even remember? Yes and yes! There are more than 80 attractions and experiences throughout the four theme parks that are great for younger kids, creating lasting memories for them and their parents. But don’t take our word for it – hear it from kids themselves. We spoke to preschool-aged guests in our theme parks about their experiences at Walt Disney World Resort and they had a lot to share. They really loved exciting attractions, like our kid-friendly roller coaster in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park, The Barnstormer. Check out this video to see for yourself! #DisneyKids: Kids Remember The Barnstormer by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Twelve people in Central Florida were arrested this month during an undercover child-porn sting, including one suspect accused of a sex attack on a child and soliciting a mother to attack her own child, deputies announced. View the full article

Recently, I was lucky to have Chef Scott Tosh at Shutters at Old Port Royale guide me through dinner at the beachy restaurant located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The appetizers brought a taste of the islands: barbecue shrimp and grits, chicken wings, braised beef and pepper jack cheese empanada. Of course, I had to try Chef Scott’s favorite dish on the menu—pan-seared crab cakes. The mango mayo is one of his personal recipes. The entrees I sampled were like a tropical getaway: Caribbean-spiced pork, osso buco, island pasta with shrimp, garlic-lime-seared chicken breast, today’s sustainable fish, and the char-crusted 10-oz New York strip. The outer crust of the New York strip seals in the juices and enhances the flavor with the chimmichurri sauce and smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese. By now, you’re probably aware that I have quite the sweet tooth, so it should be no surprise to learn that I had to sample every dessert on the menu. The decadent Shutters chocolate cake served with a rich chocolate pate, the vanilla cheesecake topped with a banana brûlée, the tres leches cake topped with toasted coconut, and my favorite—the warm cinnamon white chocolate bread pudding. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine, or call 407-WDW-DINE. Shutters at Old Port Royale: A Hidden Disney Dining Gem by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

SARASOTA — A construction worker is dead following an accident at the Westfield Sarasota Square mall. View the full article

Last year, we showed you a preview of the work that we’re doing to make one of our guests’ favorite areas at Magic Kingdom Park even better. Today we’re happy to share that several new sections of the Central Plaza area between Main Street U.S.A. and Cinderella Castle are now open. This marks the first milestone in our multi-phase project that will add in sculpted gardens, new pathways, and expanded restaurant seating. And beginning February 27, the FastPass+ viewing location will relocate from the the Rose Garden Fireworks Viewing Area to the Main Street Plaza Gardens (an area adjacent to The Crystal Palace). Interested in using Disney FastPass+ service for this new area? Check out your My Disney Experience account. New Viewing Areas for Parades & Fireworks Debut at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Many of us regard a trip to Walt Disney World as an opportunity to take a break from healthy eating, and counting calories, carbs, etc. But sometimes, you don’t necessarily want to check nutritional discipline at the Purple Gates. You may think that healthy eating at Walt Disney World is an oxymoron. But more and more, that’s simply not so. Sure, you can indulge to your heart’s content. But whether you’re looking to sub out just one meal or snack a day for a health-savvy option, or you plan to stick to your guns in the nutrition department while you’re amidst the magic, we have some great tips for finding healthy and tasty options at Walt Disney World! They come courtesy of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015! And if you find these tips to be helpful, pick up your copy of the Guide today for $4 off using code “2015” right here! Head for the Grab and GoNot too long ago, Disney World was a sea of hamburgers, fries, and soda pop. And some people think that’s what it STILL is. But, honestly, things have changed. Disney Grab and Go Healthy Options Sure, you still have lots and lots of choices in the burger genre. But they’ve definitely expanded beyond the fast food mentality when it comes to quick eating options. My best tip for eating healthy — and this goes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time — is to head for the Grab and Go section. Sunshine Seasons Fruit and Cheese Plate You’ll spy Grab and Go spots in lots of places. There are always robust choices in the Resorts. There, you’ll find everything from prepared salads, sandwiches made with lean meats, and even sushi. Check out Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for a great selection! And when it comes to a Park option, Sunshine Seasons offers choices that can’t be beat. Grab and Go Sushi at Landscape of Flavors So if you have the resolve to pass the pizza and burgers by, a healthy meal is totally in your grasp! Be Mindful About Restaurant ChoicesIf you have healthy eating in mind, then you probably shouldn’t pencil in a counter service lunch at Casey’s Corner. Don’t get me wrong — Corn Dog Nuggets and Plastic Cheese are totally boss. But let’s face it — planning ahead to eat at a restaurant that offers lots of fresh choices and grilled options is probably a better idea when you’re trying to stay on the healthy bandwagon. Fortunately, better-for-you options abound at Walt Disney World. One of my favorite spots to grab a healthy counter service lunch is Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can’t go wrong with their Chicken or Vegetable Curry. Tamu Tamu Vegetarian Curry Another option that I can recommend is the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Whether you choose Miso Soup from Kabuki Cafe, a counter service meal at Katsura Grill, or you opt for table service at Tokyo Dining or Teppan Edo, there are lots of grilled meat and veggie choices. Filet Served with Rice and Veggies at Tokyo Dining Know Where to Find Healthy and Delicious SnacksBut what about snacks? Well, surely, you can indulge a little. But if you want to follow a healthy eating plan most of the time, even when it comes to snacks, you have some surprisingly good options. When I want to nosh on something healthy and filling in Magic Kingdom, I love to head to Liberty Square Market. Not only do they offer some high quality fruits and veggies to snack on, but they have a couple of fun hot options, too. How about skipping the side of fries and going for a steaming Baked Sweet Potato? A Baked Sweet Potato Makes a Yummy and Satisfying Snack! If you prefer plain Baked Potatoes, you’ll find them here as well. I also love their Hot Roasted Corn! Spiced Up Corn! And don’t forget dessert! I recommend a Dole Whip as a lighter option to ice cream. The Classic Dole Whip Float! Go for the Dole Whip Float — my favorite! — and get a serving of fruit juice, too! Besides, they’re gluten-free and vegan, so they’re the perfect option for guests with food sensitivities. Ready for All of Our Best Tips?We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including great information for scoring healthier eats for you and your kiddos — in our big, bold, 490-page DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to plan the best vacation ever. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 E-book — and use code 2015 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! Now let’s hear from all of you! What’s your best tip for healthy eating while vacationing in Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and join in the conversation! 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: Tips from the DFB Guide: The Best Spots for Coffee and Tea in Walt Disney World Tips from the DFB Guide: Expert Reviews of Walt Disney World Restaurants Tips From the DFB Guide: Our Top 3 Tips for Late Night Disney World Dining View the full article

A man wanted for sexually battering his girlfriend was shot and killed in a busy Lakeland parking lot Thursday as he fled from officers and attempted to pull a gun from his waistband, police said. View the full article

Nearly 800 pages of sworn statements from Casselberry police officers and employees describe the city's former police chief as a hot-tempered bully who lashed out at officers and sexually harassed female workers for years. View the full article

Were you one of the thousands who participated in Leave a Legacy at Epcot and got you or your family’s photo placed on a tile here? The area sure looks beautiful at night. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: Leave A Legacy by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disneyland Resort cast member Freda Hardison is responsible for the inventory planning of toys, such as the popular “Build Your Own Lightsaber,” for merchandise locations at the Disneyland Resort. She also volunteers time with our Diversity Resource Group (DRG) PULSE to provide cultural insight about the African American community. DRGs are composed of cast members from all lines of business who provide enrichment, awareness and education to support the diversity goals and objectives of the Disneyland Resort. In this “Every Role a Starring Role,” Freda talks about the various steps to merchandise planning and how she also helped the Disneyland Resort celebrate Black History Month. Every Role a Starring Role – Disneyland Resort Merchandise Planner by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disneyland Resort cast member Freda Hardison is responsible for the inventory planning of toys, such as the popular “Build Your Own Lightsaber,” for merchandise locations at the Disneyland...From:Disney ParksViews:2285113ratingsTime:02:03More inTravel & Events

Four friends charged with intimidating an Osceola County trial witness took video of themselves shooting up the young man's home this week, according to Kissimmee police. View the full article

Planet Hollywood is transforming its iconic globe at Downtown Disney into what the company is calling a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory. View the full article

It was a little after 11 a.m. on Oct. 24, and Sarina Gumbert was seated in front of a scope, or radar screen, in the bunker-like air-traffic-control room near the Airside B garage at Orlando International Airport. View the full article

SeaWorld Entertainment, still experiencing declining theme-park attendance amid controversy over killer whales, will soon debut a brand-repairing campaign and is holding off on ticket price increases. View the full article

A new, younger crop of top executives is taking over leadership at many of Central Florida's key nonprofit organizations — from the American Red Cross to the YMCA — in a reflection of the improving economy and baby boomers' hitting retirement age. View the full article

GAINESVILLE — A rare parasite found in snails and rats that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals is more pervasive in South Florida than previously thought, a new study has found. View the full article

Coach Fred Pennington, who influenced thousands of students during a three-decade career at Evans High School, will now help students for decades more. View the full article

Congrats to Chef Scott Hunnel, a semi-finalist for the prestigious Best Chef award for the South Region by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Hunnel leads the team at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (already a AAA Five-Diamond winner). He’s among 20 chefs from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Puerto Rico nominated for the honor. The final ballot will be announced on March 24, with chefs chosen by regional judges. Winners will be announced in Chicago on May 4. With only 53 coveted seats in the dining room, plus the opulent (and even smaller) Queen Victoria’s Room and private Chef’s Table in the kitchen, Chef Scott sources the freshest seasonal ingredients from around the globe in a menu that changes daily. Good luck, Chef Scott! Victoria & Albert’s Chef Scott Hunnel Nominated for 2015 James Beard Award by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Drivers in Florida can't be prosecuted for leaving the scene of an accident unless there is proof they knew they were in a crash. View the full article

Planet Hollywood is transforming its iconic globe at Downtown Disney into what the company is calling a turn of the 20th Century observatory. View the full article

Police have identified the man found dead after a train accident in Maitland late Wednesday night. View the full article

Disney World has released a video that peeks at the progress of the creative work for the "Avatar" land now under construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. View the full article