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To get ready for their trip to Walt Disney World Resort, ”The View” co-hosts Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila and Sunny Hostin recently visited the Parks for a little bit of work and a lot of fun. (Check out this exclusive behind the scenes video below.) On Monday, March 6, all of “The View” co-hosts are coming to Walt Disney World Resort to broadcast the show from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The week is full of exciting celebrity guests, an exclusive behind the scenes look at Pandora – The World of Avatar, and classic Walt Disney World Resort magic. Scheduled guests for the week of March 6 – March 10 are as follows (subject to change): Monday, March 6– John Stamos; a performance by Andy Grammer. Tuesday, March 7– Ariel Winter (ABC’s “Modern Family”; Disney’s “Sofia the First”); Sherri Shepherd. Wednesday, March 8–Eric Stonestreet (ABC’s “Modern Family); Audra McDonald (Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”). Thursday, March 9– Mandy Moore (Disney Channel’s “Tangled: Before Ever After”; “This is Us”); James Cameron and Whoopi explore Pandora – The World of Avatar. Friday, March 10– Tom Bergeron (ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”); a performance by Train; and Celebrity Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Art Smith. Tune in all week to “The View” on ABC (11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST) for all the fun! View the full article

Last summer, we shared the exciting news that Miss Adventure Falls, a new family-style raft attraction, is coming to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park this spring. Well, construction is almost complete and I’m happy to announce that the attraction will open March 12! As the final touches to Miss Adventure Falls are being added during the next few weeks, we will give you an exclusive first look at some of the unique artifacts collected by Captain Mary Oceaneer – a sea-faring treasure hunter whose haul was caught in a rogue typhoon. Here’s a sneak peek at Captain Mary Oceaneer’s dive bell, just one of the many items from her journeys around the world. It’s one of the precious treasures you will spot from your four-person raft, as you twist and turn on this fun-filled white-water experience. We’ll be sharing more details about this thrilling water adventure as we count down to the opening date on March 12, so keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more updates! View the full article

Rhine River Cruise – Beauty & The Beast | Adventures by Disney View the full article

Disney is kicking the kids off the boat. Well at least on three sailings as part of its 2018 river cruising plans. The river cruises that are run by the company’s Adventures by Disney outfit aboard ships designed by AmaWaterways sail on both the Danube and Rhine rivers. Two Rhine River trips and... View the full article

While traveling to perform a concert in Tampa, Josh Dun of the band Twenty One Pilots, took a detour at Walt Disney World Resort for some Disney fun. He took a ride aboard Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland to really take in the view of Magic Kingdom Park. Don’t miss the rest of the Twenty One Pilots tour and get to a show before the tour wraps up in June! Thanks to our fearless photographer, Chloe Rice. View the full article

Exciting news today: Sales for Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, will begin next week. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will have the first chance to purchase real estate interests beginning on March 8, with general sales following on April 5. The resort, which is currently under construction, also has a scheduled opening date: July 17. Once open, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offers Disney Vacation Club Members and guests a new frontier for magical vacations where the comforts of home and the wonders of the wilderness are deeply rooted in the magic of Disney. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, Members and guests will discover rustically elegant accommodations, where cozy touches mix with modern designs to create a tranquil retreat. Offering one of the widest ranges of accommodations found at Walt Disney World Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will feature 184 modern, nature-inspired vacation homes, including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, and even three-bedroom Grand Villas, which sleep up to 12. Artist Rendering – Proposed The new resort will also include 26 all-new luxurious waterfront cabins. Sleeping up to eight and featuring two bedrooms, two baths and large dining and living room spaces, the cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and interior-exterior stone-hearth fireplace bring the beauty of the outdoors in, and offer plenty of room for families. After a long day of fun at the nearby theme parks, guests can return to their porch and relax in the built-in hot tub. Some even enjoy a view of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake! Additional developments at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include the recently opened Geyser Point Bar & Grill, an open-air lounge overlooking Bay Lake. The resort’s quick-service restaurant, Roaring Fork is also undergoing refurbishments and is scheduled to reopen later this year with a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating. Boulder Ridge Cove pool, a modern-day swimmin’ hole, will also open this summer. Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by the all-new Salon by the Springs for poolside manicures, pedicures and hair services scheduled to open this summer. I’ll be sharing even more exciting details about this beautiful resort right here on the Disney Parks Blog in the months to come. Until then, visit DisneyCopperCreek.com to explore this latest offering from Disney Vacation Club. This promotional material is a timeshare solicitation and is not an offer in any jurisdiction where the timeshare is not registered. View the full article

When artist Ashley Taylor imagined what Tiana and Lottie, gal pals from “The Princess and the Frog” would do first if they had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort, food was on her mind! Since Mardi Gras took place earlier this week, it’s only natural that these two New Orleans besties would head to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter to enjoy delicious beignets. Yum! And speaking of their beignets, Rachel Bshero shared a recipe earlier this week that takes you step-by-step through how you can make these delicious treats at home. View the full article

Your California Bucket List: Essential adventures and experiences in the Golden State March 2, 2017, 6 a.m. (Al Seib, Brian van der Brug, Rick Loomis, Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Here's our growing guide to essential California adventures, easy to edgy. We'll be adding to it daily all... View the full article

Here’s a look at three Walt Disney World souvenirs that recently made me go … Hmmmmmmm. It’s not that they’re bad buys or of poor quality. I actually found these three items to be tempting but, in the end, resistible. 1. Light-up Lumiere. At last, your own true-to-life-sized candlestick based... View the full article

“Kaboom!” That’s the word used by Joe Rohde, the Disney executive overseeing the transformation of the California Adventure ride formerly known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! “Kaboom!” He says it repeatedly — once mixing in the word “kablam!”... View the full article

“Kaboom!” That’s the word used by Joe Rohde, the Disney executive overseeing the transformation of the California Adventure ride formerly known as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! “Kaboom!” He says it repeatedly — once mixing in the word “kablam!”... View the full article

It truly is one of the most beautiful times of the year at Epcot, now that the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has officially begun! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is Officially Underway! From now through May 29th, Epcot guests will enjoy over seventy Disney-themed topiaries all over the park, special exhibits and seminars for all the Green Thumbs (and those aspiring Green Thumbs!) out there, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series (complete with Dining Packages this year). Additionally, we’ll all enjoy a record number of FIFTEEN Outdoor Kitchens ! Much like the Marketplace Booths at the Food and Wine Festival, the Outdoor Kitchens are serving up small plates and beverages, but with a Spring focus on fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. The Berry Basket Outdoor Kitchen, One of Two New Booths in 2017! Our DFB Spring tradition is trying EACH AND EVERY dish, so let’s waste no time in sharing what we think are the items that you cannot miss at the 2017 Flower and Garden Festival! Don’t forget to visit our 2017 Flower and Garden Festival Menu Page to see the full booth menus and ALL FOOD PHOTOS of this year’s menu items! And, now… it’s time for… The BEST of the FEST Here are your MUST-EATS at the food booths this year: Fairy Cocktail, Urban Farm Eats Our first stop is Urban Farm Eats. We had the chance to try the Fairy Cocktail, a combination of Absinthe, Cucumber, and Lime, at the recent preview event, and we think that it captures the essence of sophistication and Spring perfectly. Urban Fairy Cocktail It’s the just-right sipper as you take in all of the cool exhibits that make up the Urban Farm Eats area! Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream, Bauernmarkt Bauernmarkt, the German-themed Farmer’s Market, offered a up a few new dishes, and one of our favorites was the savory Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream. Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream The shredded potato pancake held up nicely to the hearty toppings. Definitely a winner! Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries, Bauernmarkt Farmer’s Market But don’t skip dessert at Bauernmarkt. The Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries also wowed us. Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries There was plenty of rich, sweet Cheese Filling inside the flaky pastry, and the Berry Sauce complemented the flavors and textures nicely. Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream, Florida Fresh Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream at Florida Fresh was one of the new dishes we were most anxious to try this year! And it didn’t disappoint. Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream The tender Beef served atop a cake made of Black Beans and Rice offered familiar flavors in a whole new presentation. Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique, The Berry Basket The Lamb chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique from The Berry Basket was one of the most beautiful dishes we tried on Flower and Garden Opening Day! Lamb chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique And while the Lamb Chop itself — cooked perfectly on our visit, by the way — was a picture, the Quinoa Salad wowed us as well. And I’m totally making Berry Gastrique this weekend. Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet, The Berry Basket Another of our favorite dishes Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet. And it was just as amazing out on the Promenade! The warm, moist Cake was so so so so good. But what truly elevates the dish is the Pepperberry Sorbet. Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepperberry Sorbet The cold, creamy, icy texture + the warmth from the spice is heaven! We’ll be back for seconds. Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep, The Berry Basket It took two trips to The Berry Basket to score the Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep, but it was so completely WORTH IT. The drink was incredibly refreshing, bursting with berry, but the tea and mint flavors also came through. After a very warm day with lots of walking, this was the perfect, light treat. GET THIS. Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (Non-Alcoholic) And our recommendation? Skip the liquor here. I’m sure it’s good too. But I can’t see how it could possibly improve this delightful drink. Remember, you can see pictures of ALL THE FOOD — from each new dish to all the returning items — by visiting our Flower and Garden Festival Menu page! What are YOU most excited to try at the Flower and Garden Festival this year? 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Sneak Peek and Recommendations for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! Best of the Fest: What to Eat at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival First Look: 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival NEW Food Photos…and MORE! View the full article

As excitement builds for the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar in summer 2017, I’m delighted to announce a new limited edition pin collection is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park starting March 2. This item is the first of many new unique merchandise products coming as part of Pandora that will immerse Guests in their in-park experience like never before and connect them to this exotic new land. I caught up with Erin Herbst, merchandiser for Disney Pins, to learn more about this countdown collection. “With the addition of this new land to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we wanted a way to continue the excitement leading up to the grand opening,” explained Erin. “This countdown pin collection features the beautiful travel posters created by Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the exclusive provider of tours to Pandora. We thought guests would love collecting these posters as they prepare to journey to another world.” There will be one new pin released each month from March to May. The first pin in this collection (above left) will be released on March 2. The second countdown pin (center) will be released on April 6. The final individual limited edition pin (above right) will be released on May 4. Each individual pin will have an edition size of 1,250, and will be released at Discovery Trading Company in the park. Artist Dylan Cole designed the travel posters which inspired this pin collection. Attendees may recall getting a first look at the travel posters during the D23 Expo in 2015. Dylan provided design work on Disney’s “Maleficent,” and is currently Co-Production Designer for the upcoming “Avatar” motion picture sequels. Today, guests may see these posters near Tiffins restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The final two pins in this collection, called “Completer pins,” will only be found in the five-pin boxed set containing all five travel posters. The boxed set will have an edition size of 250, and will be released during the opening of this new land on May 27. There will be a purchase limit of two limited edition pins, per style, per guest, per release. These pins will not be available via Shop Disney Parks app or the Disney Parks online store. Stay tuned to DisneyParksBlog.com in the coming months for additional looks at new merchandise created especially for Pandora – The World of Avatar! View the full article

Guests can now add a touch of Disney magic to their manicures with new Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry, which are now available at locations across Walt Disney World Resort. There are more than 50 Disney character design to choose from, including Belle, Cinderella and Pocahontas, as well as designs inspired by films like “Frozen” and “The Lion King.” Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry can be added as an enhancement to any nail service at Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as at Walt Disney World salons for $2.50 per nail. View the full article

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort from March 10 through April 16, 2017. Each day, guests will enjoy culinary experiences created for the whole family, including a variety of food, beverage and lifestyle seminars, demonstrations and presentations found throughout Disney California Adventure park. I recently spoke with Linda Votaw, a 44-year cast member who is responsible for special event merchandise at the Disneyland Resort. “Designing merchandise for special events is one of the highlights of my role,” she said. “I enjoy visiting locations and seeing guests wearing items I’ve developed. When a guest takes home one of the commemorative products, I know she or he had a wonderful visit to Disneyland Resort.” Working with Disney Design Group artists, Linda and her team found magical inspiration for this year’s commemorative festival products available for purchase at this popular event. “Mickey Mouse is pictured as a chef to give a nod to the many culinary delights guests will find during the event,” said Linda. “We also incorporated a colorful wine glass to salute California’s rich history of wine.” Throughout the festival, guests will find a handful of stylish apparel items for women and men. “We looked at popular and trendy silhouettes when designing the apparel,” said Linda. “Guests will find different interpretations of the main Chef Mickey artwork used on the shirts. All of the apparel is connected with the use of wine-inspired colors that really make the artwork pop!” As a special treat, several items were made especially for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, including an event t-shirt and an oversized, limited-edition pin (edition size of 2,000). Passholders must present a valid Disneyland Resort Annual Passport and government-issued photo I.D. at time of purchase. Look for select products in locations throughout Disney California Adventure park, including the Studio Store and Stage 17/Festival Gifts; merchandise carts located next to Wine Country Trattoria; and Seaside Souvenirs. These locations will also carry the Annual Passholder exclusive items. View the full article

In this week’s video series with Latina Magazine and Growing Up Bilingual blogger, Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, we take a quick look at what she and her familia like to do at Epcot! Riding attractions like Test Track and Soarin’ Around the World, meeting characters in the park and eating around the world are absolute favorites for her and her family! They enjoyed delicious Fish & Chips at the UK pavilion and macaroons at France! And even met Princess Aurora! But their ultimate favorite thing to do is spending quality time as a familia. Let’s take a look at their visit to Epcot! View the full article

Disney’s Copper Creek Villas & Cabins | Disney Vacation Club View the full article

The beautiful Walt Disney Grand Theatre at Shanghai Disney Resort played host to the Chinese premiere of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” this past weekend, drawing fans from across the country for a glimpse at the tale as old as time and the stars who brought it back to the big screen. Located in the heart of Disneytown, this 1,200-seat theater is also home to the first-ever Mandarin production of the Broadway hit Disney’s THE LION KING, one of the longest-running Broadway shows in China. While in town for the premiere, the stars of the new hit film – including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as Lefou and director Bill Condon – couldn’t resist a glimpse at the fairytales just steps away in Shanghai Disneyland. If you haven’t already, stop in for a sneak peek of the new film at One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or in the Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure park. This special 8-minute preview will be available through March 26 – and did we mention the collection of props and costumes on display used in the film’s production? A host of limited-time experiences have also arrived at Disneyland park, including the transformation of Village Haus Restaurant into Red Rose Taverne, special merchandise gracing the shelves of Royal Reception and appearances by Gaston himself. True as it can be, “Beauty and the Beast” will open in U.S. theaters in 3D on March 17. View the full article

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show “The View,” is coming to Walt Disney World Resort in March and we’re giving away tickets to Disney Parks Blog readers in the Orlando area to watch one of three live broadcasts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For the first time, “The View” co-hosts – Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Jedediah Bila, Sunny Hostin and Paula Faris – will be broadcasting from the Tree of Life inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The three live tapings will be March 6, March 7 and March 8. And each show will begin at 11 a.m. EST inside the park. Five sets of tickets are available for each live taping. Click here to request tickets while supplies last. First come, first serve. Enter your full name and email address and pick which taping you would like attend – March 6, March 7 or March 8. Confirmed attendees will be allowed to bring one guest and will also receive complimentary park tickets and parking on the date of the live taping. Tickets are available while supplies last. Limit 1 request per person. View the full article

The Berry Basket is one of two new Outdoor Kitchen for the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, kicking off March 1 and running through May 29 – joining 13 returning Outdoor Kitchens around World Showcase Promenade. We’re sharing this delectable recipe for the Warm Wild Berry Buckle that’s one of three new tastes at The Berry Basket (lamb chops and a fabulous salad with strawberries and blue cheese are the other two). The Disney chefs top the buckle with a pepper berry gelato, but a scoop of your favorite strawberry ice cream works just fine. And any combination of berries works too. Access to the festival, including all gardening programs, exhibits, concerts and special appearances, is included in regular Epcot admission. For more information, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or visit www.epcotinspring.com. Warm Wild Berry Buckle Makes 8 BERRY COMPOTE 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup frozen blackberries, thawed 1/2 cup frozen raspberries, thawed 1/2cup frozen blueberries, thawed 2 cup quartered fresh strawberries, divided 2 cups fresh blueberries OATMEAL STREUSEL 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup oatmeal 1/2 cup butter, melted CAKE 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2/3 cup milk 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract TOPPING Strawberry ice cream FOR BERRY COMPOTE: Combine lemon juice, orange juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add thawed blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and 1 cup of the fresh strawberries. Puree using an immersion blender until smooth. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and remaining 1 cup of strawberries. Set aside. FOR OATMEAL STREUSEL: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Mix all-purpose flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and oatmeal in a medium bowl. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients and mix until wet. Sprinkle on prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes and crumble. FOR CAKE: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray eight 8-ounce ramekins with non-stick cooking spray. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. Cream shortening and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, making sure to scrape the sides of the mixer. Add 1/2 of the flour mixture, and half of the milk, mixing well. Add remaining flour and milk. Mix in vanilla. TO SERVE: Place 1/3 cup of cake batter in the bottom of each prepared ramekin. Top with 1/3 cup of berry compote. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cake is set. Cool for 5 minutes. Turn warm berry buckles onto a plate. Top with oatmeal streusel and strawberry ice cream. View the full article

There's more going on in Disney's new "Beauty and the Beast" adaptation than meets the eye in the trailers. In an interview with Attitude magazine, director Gary Condon spoke a little about the character of LeFou (Josh Gad) and his complicated feelings toward his best pal Gaston (Luke Evans). "LeFou... View the full article

Sometimes, nothing but a plate with This Guy on it will do. Yep. We’re talkin’ about a Mickey Waffle the size of your head. Jumbo Mickey Waffle Or do you prefer the Mini Version? So cute, I could just eat them up! (And I doooo!) Mickey Waffles! Regardless of whether your tastes run to the Jumbo or the Mini, say it with me: Mickey Waffles Are The Best Waffles. And that’s why you want to — YOU NEED TO — make them at home. Because as much as we’d all love to move into an apartment over Main Street USA and eat them for All the Breakfasts, that’s probably not possible. (Right?) Mickey Waffles On Main Street USA So that means we must take matters into our own hands. We must make Mickey Waffles. And the awesome thing is there’s no shortage of Mickey Waffle Irons out there. So really, is there an excuse NOT to make ‘em at home while wearing your favorite Mickey Jammies? But still, what’s missing is that quintessential Mickey Waffle Flavor. Well, guess what? We’ve got the goods! We can tell you EXACTLY How to Make Mickey Waffles — REAL Mickey Waffles! — right in the comfort of your own home. And it all starts with the right mix — the actual mix that Disney uses in all of its parks! — and we have the hook up! And the extra cool part is that you can enjoy the authentic Mickey Waffle Mix now for 20% off when you use promo code DFB20 at checkout! Chocolate Chip Mickey Waffles Want to know more? Head over to our How to Make Mickey Waffles at Home page, where we spill all the secrets! We’ll take you step by step through how to make them — and where you can find the right mix (the actual mix that Disney uses!!) to make your Mickey Waffle Dreams come true. Visit our How to Make Mickey Waffles at Home page today, and then leave a comment to let us know when you’ll be firing up the ol’ Mickey waffle iron to make your first batch! 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Mickey Waffles Spotted: Mickey Waffles and Ice Cream Bars… for Your Dog! Chocolate Chip Mickey Waffles?! The Future is Here. View the full article

There will be a second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney World announced on Wednesday. The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given. This arts fest news was revealed... View the full article

There will be a second Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Walt Disney World announced Wednesday. The event, which debuted in January, will return in early 2018, according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. No dates or addition details were given. This arts fest news was revealed... View the full article

It would probably be inappropriate to say that the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has been growing like a weed. But it would be pretty accurate. Walt Disney World’s springtime event will have a 90-day run this year, and some of its popular elements are undergoing expansions and improvements. ... View the full article