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When Courtney Haydon heard the sound of screeching tires, she peered out her bedroom window just in time to watch Ta'Von Grayson's white Toyota Camry slam into a pole. View the full article

St. Louis has the Gateway Arch. Chicago has the Willis Tower and the Bean. Seattle has the Space Needle. And San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge. View the full article

The woman who accused Jameis Winston of rape is going public with her side of the story. View the full article

This week, we featured several popular “Frozen” stories on the Disney Parks Blog, including a special announcement that Olaf is coming to all four Disney Cruise Line ships along with information about brand-new Disney Cruise experiences being planned for the entire family beginning this summer. Jonathan included highlights of some of the new experiences in his original story. And he’ll be sharing more right here on the Disney Parks Blog over the next several weeks. We also continued our “Learn to Draw” series with a special guest this week – actor Josh Gad. Josh, who voiced Olaf in the “Frozen.” film, stopped by The Magic of Disney Animation to test his own skills at drawing his animated friend. Check out Jenn’s original post to see more tutorials on drawing your favorite Disney characters. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disneyland Resort Circle D Corral Now Zero Waste Certified – Thanks to efforts begun four years ago by cast member Andrea Raney, Circle D Corral is now gold-level Zero Waste certified by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, with 99 percent of its waste repurposed, composted or recycled! Splitsville Hits a High Note with New Saturday Night Bands at Downtown Disney West Side – Have you heard the live music on Saturday Nights at Splitsville? Disney Parks Blog author Darcy Clark shares her impression, and details a number of improvements coming to Splitsville in 2015. Vote to Name Our New Baby Goats at the Disneyland Resort – See some pictures of the new kids at Circle D Corral, and don’t forget to vote for their names! Video Rewind: Caring for Classic Disneyland Park Attractions – Take a look back at some behind-the-scenes videos we showed you in years past here on the Disney Parks Blog to see how we care for our classic Disneyland park attractions. Tweens Make New Friends at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – Learn all about the ways tweens can hang loose during a vacation at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Nick Arciniaga Wins First-Ever Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland Resort – Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon, and to the more than 23,000 runners who participated! A Unique Point of View: Mad Tea Party at Disneyland Park – Get a look at these unique images from Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Love the city-specific Starbucks mugs? Well, we have some exciting news for you. Disney has unveiled park specific Starbucks mugs. Find them at Starbucks locations in the parks! Epcot “You Are Here” Mug More java spots are coming to Walt Disney World. We’ve got the scoop on two new Starbucks locations, including the soon-to-open Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you’re more of a Dole Whip fan, you’ll want to know that Sunshine Tree Terrace is still serving Dole Whips. We’re not certain if this is permanent, but for now skip the long lines at Aloha Isle! For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below! Disney Food NewsStarbucks “You Are Here” mugs now available in Disney Parks Starbucks locations!Aloha Isle has long been the only place to find Dole Whip in Magic Kingdom. But it’s now on the menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace, too!It’s the first “What’s New” for 2015! We’re exploring all four Disney World Parks and finding menu updates, new snacks, and scoping out not one, but two upcoming in-Park Starbucks locations.Five Disneyland Restaurants will be participating in Orange County Restaurant Week 2015 (March 1-7): Steakhouse 55, Naples Ristorante, Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.The latest specialty cupcake at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is a Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing. Better yet, it’s topped with a white chocolate Baymax from Big Hero 6!Check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket, available at popcorn stands throughout the Magic Kingdom!Check out the signage for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks location in Walt Disney World! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and Rehab Dates for Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, Valentine’s Day Special at Wolfgang Puck Dining Room, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Celebrating your birthday at Disney World is always a great time to indulge in sweets. Let’s take a look at some fun birthday treats at Disney. First up, a birthday cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall sent in by Facebook Friend Salwa. Birthday Cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall And here’s a cutie!!! A third birthday celebration at Crystal Palace shared by Facebook Friend Raquel. Third Birthday at Crystal Palace Do you have a favorite find? Share your Disney food photos! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Today with a Discount!Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for the new year? Or, you know, just cause you want to start planning your 2015 Disney trip TODAY? ;-D It’s yours! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code PRE2015 for $4 off! We know that when it comes to your Disney vacays, planning ahead is practically essential these days. And if you can save time and money in the process — even better! And that’s why today, when you pre-order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and enter promo code PRE2015, you’ll save $4 off of the already low cover price! But the really cool part? You get two books for the price of one! We’ll deliver the 2014 Guide to you immediately, and email you the 2015 Guide as soon as it is available later this month. Here are a couple of sample pages for you — just click to enlarge! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013 What’s in the DFB Guide?The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is stuffed FULL of helpful features to help make your trip go smoothly, like: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!While our 2014 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’re updating this edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Happy New Year!Go old school with Mickey’s Diner glasses On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix showcases Mickey Diner Glasses. Go vintage with some help from Mickey! Walt Disney World for Grown Ups shares ice cream sundaes — big enough to share — at Walt Disney World. Dig in! DisZine announces live bands coming to Splitsville at Downtown Disney Orlando every Saturday night. The Spokesman-Review features a recipe for Apple Upside-down Cake from Chef Kevin Dundon’s “Back to Basic” cookbook. Raglan Road fans, take a look! Disney Parks Blog highlights new Frozen Treats at Disneyland. Check out the cute Crunchy Snowman Veggie Cup! Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal spotlights The Boathouse coming to Disney Springs Orlando. It will be open tip 2AM! 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: Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 4, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 11, 2015 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 18, 2015 View the full article

While visiting the Magic Kingdom, Maria Guerrero used a "selfie stick" to take a photo of herself, her mother and her cousin with Cinderella Castle looming in the background. View the full article

Police were searching two planes at Atlanta's main airport after authorities received what they described as credible bomb threats. View the full article

A new video distributed on the Internet on Saturday shows what appears to be a Japanese hostage saying that a fellow Japanese captive had been executed and outlining a new militant demand for his release. View the full article

Welton Cadwell is well aware of the bleak history of metro Orlando's road-building agency: the grand jury investigations, the forced resignations and, most of all, the almost obligatory pledge to do better. View the full article

In the days after Christian Gomez picked up an ax and decapitated his mother on New Year's Eve, neighbors in the family's Tampa-area suburb said the 23-year-old man had a history of mental illness so severe that his mother sometimes tried to hide medication in his food. View the full article

One little St. Cloud dog has become a poster pup for pet adoption. View the full article

A manhunt is underway after a shoot out between two motorists caused a car to crash into a CVS sign this morning, officials said. View the full article

As I zip around Orlando's sparkling new downtown arts venue I'm starting to feel at home. But it has taken a few visits to learn the ins and outs of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. View the full article

Despite facing a 15-year prison sentence, Scott Campbell is still pedaling his debunked business from behind bars, according to prosecutors. View the full article

Authorities say a 400-pound black bear mauled a woman's arm at a wildlife sanctuary in Dade City. View the full article

This week, we shared special looks at very small things and very big things at Disneyland park. First, a look at something big that appeared small … Through the lens of Disneyland Chief Photographer Paul Hiffmeyer, the oversized tea cups at the Mad Tea Party could be just regular-sized cups sitting on a table. And on to very small things, we gave Disney Parks Blog readers a peek at the newest residents of Circle D Corral … our new baby goats! We also gave you a chance to help us decide their names – vote here now through Monday. This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Things Big and Small at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s a new year, and we’re excited about all that 2015 holds! And already, this year is shaping up to be an awesome time where Disney Food is concerned. With major developments at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and new restaurants on the horizon at Downtown Disney Orlando (read more about Morimoto Asia, Boathouse, and STK), it seems like there’s always something new to report to you guys! And we know that new information is never more important to you than when you’re planning your next Disney trip! We are hard at work everyday, bringing you the latest breaking news and reviews of what’s happening throughout the Disney Parks and Resorts. Initiatives like MyMagic+ continue to have a major impact on Disney visits, drastically changing the way you do things from even a year or two ago. That’s why planning is so important — and that’s where we come in! We’re updating our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides so that you have lots of new content and relevant information for 2015. And very soon, we’ll bring you the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 Edition! And — this is the best part — you can get your copy this week for $4 off using code PRE2015! We can’t let Genie out of the bottle quite yet but you can be sure that the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 Edition will offer plenty of new features: Lots of UPDATED Reviews of Every Disney Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, and Eatery, Including New SpotsMany NEW Photos and Special FeaturesUpdated MUST-KNOW Disney Planning Details for 2015More Than Three Brand New ChaptersAnd so much more! If you have pre-ordered the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 Edition, then you’re already enjoying our 2014 Edition, and you’ll receive notification of the new book as soon as it’s published! We’re hard at work doing updates and making sure the guide is chock full of the best information for YOU! And if you haven’t, today’s the day! Order now, receive the 2014 Guide for FREE to get you started, and we’ll email you as soon as the 2015 Guide comes out in late January. That’s like getting two books for the price of one! Remember to use code PRE2015 to get $4 off your pre-order for this week ONLY! Be on the lookout for new editions of all of our handy e-books coming soon, and as always, the DFB Team thanks you so much for your support of all we do here. We couldn’t make this happen without you guys! 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: Deal! Get 50% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015 Pre-Order for ONE MORE WEEK! DFB Deal of the Week: Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and Enjoy Big Savings! Coming Soon: The “DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining” e-Book! View the full article

The Disneyland Band officially opened the 2015 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show being held at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend. The NAMM Show is the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products industry. Yamaha, the official sponsor of musical instruments to the Disneyland Resort, helped make the appearance possible. Guest conductor Mickey Mouse also joined the performance, which included musical numbers ranging from jazz to classic Disney tunes. In addition to sharing their commitment to music education at the NAMM Show, the Disneyland Band is performing a dozen community concerts for second-grade students in Orange County, Calif., which they have done for more than 30 years! Disneyland Band Opens 2015 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California by Kevin Rafferty, Jr.: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The Disneyland Band officially opened the 2015 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show being held at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend. The NAMM Show is the world's ...From:Disney ParksViews:61ratingsTime:01:35More inTravel & Events

If you are planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort this February, here are a few quick tips on some of the merchandise events you don’t want to miss! February 6–8: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand from noon to 10 p.m. each day, at China Closet in Disneyland park, as we celebrate the release of her Valentine’s collection, among other fan favorites! Learn more here. February 7–8: Join us as we welcome Nidhi Chanani from 1–4 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Look for additional appearances by Nidhi, February 28 and March 1. Learn more here. February 14: Join us for a special artist showcase as we celebrate the release of some of the newest pieces by artists Nidhi Chanani, Liana Hee, Jerrod Maruyama and Miss Mindy. Meet the artists from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here. February 14-15: Meet ACME Archives artist Guy Vasilovich who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of his latest pieces from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park. Learn more here. February 28: World renowned Mouseketeer, entertainer and author, Bobby Burgess, will be on hand for a special appearance from 9-11 a.m. at Disneyana in Disneyland park, as we celebrate the recent release of Ears & Bubbles: Dancing My Way from The Mickey Mouse Club to The Lawrence Welk Show. Learn more here. Artist in Residence: Appearing at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month is artist Liana Hee. Look for artist showcases on the following dates: February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 from 6-10 p.m. Learn more here. Which events have made your list of things to do? February 2015 Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

“Frozen Fun” has arrived at Disney California Adventure park, and with it some “cool” new treats! Cozy up to Warm Hugs White Hot Cocoa while you’re enjoying the Olaf Snowflake Crisped Rice Treat at “Olaf’s Snow Fest.” Let it go and indulge your sweet tooth with the Royal Sisters Cookie or Olaf’s Just Chillin’ Cupcake. If you’re a fan of the famous Disneyland corn dog, you’ll love the bite-sized version available at “Olaf’s Snow Fest.” For a true taste of Arendelle, try the Scandinavian-style meatballs. If you’re looking for a light bite or healthful snack, try the Crunchy Snowman Veggie Cup or Duke of “Cheeselton” Cheese Platter. While you’re here, fuel your fun at “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” with one of the refreshing new drinks available at Ice House and Ice Bar. Be sure to try Troll Juice, apple juice with a sour twist and Sprite, served in a souvenir light-up cup. They’ll also be pouring a few new icy adult beverages: Rum Flurry, Summertime Pina Colada and Blue Snowberry Margarita. And over in Disneyland park, look for a special Blueberry Twist from Maurice’s Treats in Fantasy Faire while you enjoy the new “Frozen”-inspired show at the Royal Theatre. Select “Frozen”-inspired items will be available throughout the Disneyland Resort at “Olaf’s Snow Fest,” Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café, Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, Village Haus Restaurant, Schmoozies, Fairfax Market and select outdoor vending locations. Which new “Frozen” treat makes you long for summer? ‘Cool’ New Treats Have Arrived with ‘Frozen Fun’ at Disneyland Resort by Rachel Brent: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

True, it’s not quite spring yet, but there are new arrivals at Circle D Corral at the Disneyland Resort. Take a look at these sweet little cuddlers, 11 weeks old today. The spotted brown goat is a boy, and the spotted black goat is a girl. These two Nigerian Dwarf goats came to the Disneyland Resort from Amber Waves Farm in Norco, Calif. Nigerian Dwarf goats are popular as pets due to their gentle, friendly nature. We’re sure they’ll be happy to see you when they make their debut at Big Thunder Ranch Petting Farm in early February. In the meantime, you can help us name the new babies, or “kids,” as baby goats are called. Choose between one of the four pairs of names below and rally your friends to make sure your favorite names win! Vote to Name Our New Baby Goats at the Disneyland ResortVoting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, and we’ll reveal the winning names soon! Vote to Name Our New Baby Goats at the Disneyland Resort by Donna Fisk: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

With the addition of Dole Whip to Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival and Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and at Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments since last May, we’ve become somewhat accustomed to spotting this Magic Kingdom signature snack in other Disney World parks. Dole Whip Float But Aloha Isle — the original home to Dole Whip at Disney World — is no longer your sole source of Pineapple soft-serve at Magic Kingdom (at least for the time being, we should say ). Aloha Isle Dole Whip has arrived at Sunshine Tree Terrace! Sunshine Tree Terrace The first appearance of Pineapple soft-serve on the Sunshine Tree menu came along with the rush of Christmas week crowds, so at the time it was unclear if it was a temporary attempt to help alleviate some of the loooooong lines at Aloha Isle for the weeks immediately surrounding the holidays. But since the lines are loooooong at Aloha Isle any time of year (understandably, because Dole Whip ), it’s good to know that a recent visit to Sunshine Tree Terrace revealed that Dole Whip remains on the menu! Sunshine Tree Terrace menu (click to enlarge) Sunshine Tree Terrace is serving up Pineapple and Vanilla soft-serve in cups, cones, or Floats. It does not appear that you can swirl your choice of flavor with the Orange Slush that is part of Sunshine Tree Terrace’s own signature snack, the Citrus Swirl. So, for a Pineapple-and-Orange combo (my personal favorite), you’ll want to stick with Aloha Isle. So whether it’s a Citrus Swirl or Dole Whip you crave, you can stop by Sunshine Tree Terrace — for now. Because someone special… Hello, Orange Bird! … will be happy to see you! Remember, Dole Whip at Sunshine Tree Terrace is subject to change. What do you think of another home for Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom? 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: “Is This Place Ever Open?”: Sunshine Tree Terrace New! Souvenir Tiki-Tankard at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Snack Series: Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace View the full article

The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway is the place of dreams, giving race fans and adventure-seekers the ultimate thrill of riding in or driving a racecar around...From:Disney ParksViews:121025ratingsTime:02:16More inTravel & Events

Last summer, my son (and the rest of the world) discovered Disney Tsum Tsum. I recall we were on vacation in Ohio when he asked to download the fun puzzle matching and stacking game. Upon returning to Florida, he found the adorable stacking plush offered both at Disney Stores and in select locations at Disney Parks. Our friends at Oh My Disney even celebrated their arrival with a visit to Disneyland park (as seen in this article). I recently asked Victoria Hamilton, merchandiser for dolls and plush at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, about the best places to find Tsum Tsum when visiting Disney Parks. “There are currently two different locations that offer Tsum Tsum,” explained Victoria. “Guests in California should stop by the plush room inside World of Disney at Downtown Disney District. For guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort, they should visit Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace. These two locations carry an assortment of four-inch plush and a handful of the larger sized plush.” She also told me that they will continue carrying select Tsum Tsum after they are released at Disney Stores. For example, guests will find the “101 Dalmatians” mini Tsum Tsum plush collection in early February at Disney Parks. This collection was first released at Disney Stores and online in early January. In related news, the Disney Pin Team will release a collectible pin pack featuring Tsum Tsum later this year. Each pack will contain five randomly selected pins. I grabbed a handful of pins to photograph for this story including Oswald the Lucky Rabbit! In addition to the two different locations at Disney Parks, you can find select Tsum Tsum products online at http://www.DisneyStore.com/TsumTsum. Happy stacking! Best Places to Find Disney Tsum Tsum at Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article