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Jameis Winston’s attorney offered to pay the woman who accused the quarterback of rape to stay silent, according to a statement released by one of her lawyers Wednesday. The statement contradicts claims made earlier Wednesday that the accuser sought money from Winston to remain... View the full article

‘Ni kijana!’ is Swahili phrase that means ‘It’s a boy!’ This exciting exclamation was heard on September 3rd when we celebrated the arrival of a new baby in the gorilla family troop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Our avid Disney Parks Blog readers might be thinking, “Didn’t you just announce a new gorilla baby?” Yes, we did! This is the second gorilla birth this year, and the fifth in the park’s history. The first gorilla birth at Disney’s Animal Kingdom occurred in 1997 before the park opened, the second baby arrived in 1999 and the third was born in 2010. Western lowland gorillas are born with dark brown to black hair, black skin, and brown or reddish hair on their head. Mature males of breeding age develop silver or gray coloring on their backs and are consequently known as “silverbacks.” Juvenile and young-adult male gorillas are called “blackbacks” because they have yet to develop the silver markings. The diet of Western lowland gorillas is very diverse, including over 200 distinct species of plants, mainly leaves, buds, shoots, roots, bark and fruit. In the tropical rainforests of western Africa where they live, termites and ants are also great snack options. Unfortunately, West African rainforests are shrinking due to human encroachment and land clearing connected to agriculture and other pressures. Coltan is a mineral used in the production of cell phones, and mining for this mineral makes habitats unsuitable for gorillas and other wildlife. Recycling old cell phones and other electronics is a great way to reduce the need for coltan mining and, in turn, help conserve these amazing animals and their habitat. All Western lowland gorilla babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have been a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures long-term survival of species by helping AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums manage species’ genetic diversity through detailed records of individual animals. Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species that face threats that include disease and illegal bushmeat hunting in the wild. In addition to supporting the gorilla SSP, Disney also contributes to gorilla conservation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), which has provided more than $700,000 in conservation grants to 14 nonprofit organizations focused on research and conservation of Western lowland gorillas, cross-river gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas and mountain gorillas. While we celebrate and welcome the newest baby gorilla here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, remember that you can join us in taking action to help gorillas and other wildlife. Recycle old cell phones to protect gorillas’ habitats from mining, and visit Disney.com/conservation to learn more about Disney’s conservation efforts and discover new ways to support conservation near you! If you missed the last gorilla baby announcement, click here to view the story and catch up on all the excitement! Wildlife Wednesday: Welcome a New Western Lowland Gorilla to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! by Rachel Daneault: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Parker's family is suing her ex-fiancé, Dale Wayne Smith, for wrongful death. Parker's family is suing her ex-fiancé, Dale Wayne Smith, for wrongful death. View the full article

It’s time to “Let It Go” … down the aisle! We’ve teamed up with Alfred Angelo to create an Elsa-inspired bridal gown as part of the 2015 Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo bridal collection – and I couldn’t wait to share a sneak peek with you! This high-fashion, conceptual sketch is an interpretation of Elsa’s signature “Snow Queen” dress featured in Disney’s “Frozen.” The ice blue softly flared sheath gown has been dramatically beaded to glisten like sunlight on fresh fallen snow and boasts a sweetheart neckline and dramatic Watteau train (a classic style that drapes from the shoulders to the floor). The gown will be available starting January 2015 at Alfred Angelo stores nationwide and specialty retailers worldwide. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Unveils Elsa-Inspired Wedding Dress by Korri McFann: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Earlier this year, I shared a video featuring some must-have souvenirs for a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Recently, I visited the Disney Fantasy, one of four amazing ships from Disney Cruise Line, where I selected a few of my favorite souvenirs that will make any Disney cruise extra magical. The nice part is that you can order many of these products from our Disney Parks online store before your trip. After watching the video below, I invite you to visit http://www.DisneyStore.com/Cruise. What is your favorite must-have item for a Disney Cruise Line cruise? Please share in the comments below. VIDEO – Must-Have Souvenirs for a Magical Disney Cruise Line Vacation by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Steven boarded the Disney Magic to share some of his favorite souvenirs from our Disney Parks online store that will make your next Disney Cruise extra magical! Grab your new gear and join...From:Disney ParksViews:1076ratingsTime:01:55More inTravel & Events

Food is always the star of the show for Disney Food Fans, but there’s no time of year when food steals the spotlight quite like this… with a little something called the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! But that’s not all the food news in these parts! We’ve spotted more fall treats and new Resort eats as we’ve been looking around Disney World to see What’s New… EPCOTSo, right off the bat, we know this isn’t exactly what you would call a “surprise” , but since it’s Epcot’s time to shine, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the recent opening of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival! Welcome to the Food and Wine Festival! Be sure to check out the Must-Eats among the dishes making their debut this year! Bacon Hash at the Farm Fresh Booth Coconut Candy at the Brazil Booth Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing at the Hops & Barley booth In other EPCOT food news (yep, there’s still more!), the ice cream experts at L’Artisan des Glaces are helping everyone get into the Fall spirit with their release of the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Macaron Sandwich. Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Macaron Sandwich You can enjoy this pumpkin deliciousness in a Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich as well. Another sure sign of Fall? The Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake has returned to the Funnel Cake kiosk in the American Adventure Pavilion. Funnel Cake kiosk menu Pumpkin spice funnel cake A favorite Fall find is this year’s awesome souvenir Halloween mug! We first saw it at Epcot’s Refreshment Cool Post, but it’s popping up in all sorts of Disney Parks locations, including Disneyland! 2014 Halloween Mug Closeup of Halloween Mug DOWNTOWN DISNEYIn the Marketplace, Wolfgang Puck Express changed things up a bit with some new items. Wolfgang Puck Express at the Marketplace For breakfast, options now include a Roasted Mushroom and Spinach Omelet and Chocolate Chip Waffles. Baby Spinach and Quinoa can be found among the salads, and new sandwiches include Chicken Salad, Chicken Meatball, and a Whole Wheat Hummus Wrap. Marketplace Wolfgang Puck Express Menu Pomodoro Pepperoni and Roasted Mushroom join the pizza lineup. By no means unique to the Food Trucks, Fantasy Fare has added a Disney classic to their menu for those looking for something a little more familiar: Chicken Breast Nuggets. Fantasy Fare Food Truck Fantasy Fare Food Truck Menu Speaking of the Disney Food Trucks, Disney has released more concept art for the vision of the Food Trucks as the transition to Disney Springs continues. © Disney Construction for what will be the Marketplace Causeway continues to come along nicely. Downtown Disney Construction Downtown Disney Construction Fulton’s Crab House has a few new additions, including a Lobster Grilled Cheese available at lunch — Hello! A view of Fulton’s at dusk Lobster Tail, Shrimp & Grits, and Jambalaya join the dinner options. RESORTSBoardWalk InnFans of the BoardWalk Bakery’s Strawberry Cupcake and Mickey Oreo Cupcake will be interested to know these two cupcake classics have received makeovers. Strawberry Cupcake Oreo Cupcake And this Bat Cupcake will bring a touch of fright to your sweetness through Halloween. Bat Cupcake Grand FloridianOver at Gasparilla Island Grill, you can now grab Stromboli! Gasparilla Grill Menu Choices are Sausage and Pepperoni or Vegetable. Caribbean Beach ResortOld Port Royale Food Court has some new offerings as well, including Turkey Carbonara, a Roast Beef Pita, and a Smokey Italian Sandwich. Old Port Royale Menu Old Port Royale Menu And I’m not sure if it’s new or just more recently caught my eye, but that Coconut Lime Smoothie sounds pretty darn good… Port Orleans RiversideBe on the lookout for some changes coming to the menu at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Boatwright’s Sign The focus remains on Southern specialities with a Cajun flair, but there are some new twists with some fun and creative names on the way. Among other changes and additions, keep an eye out for Ol’ Man Island Oysters, and Colonel Peace’s Crawfish Pieces. Jackson Square Etouffee features crawfish simmered in a rich seafood sauce over rice; and the New York Strip will pay tribute to New Orleans with a name change: “The Big Easy.” Oh, and did we mention the Red Velvet Cheesecake with bourbon-vanilla ice cream? Yeah… there’s that ! Before we sign off, here are a few more glimpses of the goodness that awaits you right now at Disney World… New Food and Wine Festival Passports New Brazil Marketplace Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sign Halloween at Disney! Now if someone could please send some of those cooler fall temps down here to go along with the fall fun and treats, we’d be much obliged… . Until next time, Eat and Be Happy! Have you spotted anything new during a recent trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it in 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: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 24, 2014 View the full article

Experience a bird's eye view of Walt Disney World Resort as you set out from Magic Kingdom park on a virtual tour of Disney's Wilderness Lodge! http://di.sn/qjq SUBSCRIBE: http://di.sn/q7h...From:Disney ParksViews:17620ratingsTime:01:17More inTravel & Events

Planning a vacation usually includes the following questions: Where are we going to eat? How much clothing do we need to pack? Who is going to sleep where? Well, I’m happy to report that a vacation to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, has an easy solution to all three with its spacious villas. The 1-Bedroom Villa, 2-Bedroom Villa and 3-Bedroom Grand Villa are all designed to comfortably accommodate larger groups and offer just-like-home amenities. This new series will spotlight these beautiful villas, beginning with a look at what is included with a stay in a 1-Bedroom Villa. With more than 750 square feet of living space, a 1-Bedroom Villa is perfect for up to five guests. When trying to decide where everyone is going to sleep, remember that the 1-bedroom villa has a separate bedroom and living room. So if you have little ones that need to go to sleep earlier, the family fun can still continue in the living room! Also, don’t worry about packing extra clothes because a washer and dryer is available inside the room. One of the best tips to maximize the villa’s amenities is to pick up select food offerings at Kalepa’s Store and prepare them in the kitchen in your room. Dinnerware, glassware, pots and pans – everything you need to prepare a delicious meal – is already in your room! Have leftovers? A 1-Bedroom Villa features a full-size refrigerator as well. My fellow Disney Parks Blog author, George Savvas, recently vacationed in a 1-Bedroom Villa at Aulani, and told me that complimentary dishwasher soap and laundry detergent are included with your stay – so no need to worry about packing those necessities! Ready to book your villa at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa? Reserve a consecutive four-night or more stay, now through October 30, 2014, for travel between August 15 and December 22 (excluding November 26-29), and receive the fourth night free! Learn more about this great vacation offer here. See the posts below for more about Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Fodor’s Travel Names Aulani a Top Hotel Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway Grants Wish to Visit Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa Teens Can Hang Loose at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa A Home Away From Home at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: 1-Bedroom Villa by Tyler Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Today is the first day of fall, and here at Walt Disney World Resort that means it’s the official start of a whole new season of fun. Here are 10 reasons that fall is a great time to visit our parks. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties – This special after-hours Halloween party at Magic Kingdom Park is a must-do during a fall visit. Bring your Halloween costumes, get ready to trick-or-treat and expect to see some amazing Halloween entertainment and fireworks! More details on this offering here.Villain’s Sinister Soiree - Available only on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights, guests can book this special package that offers a wicked good time that includes VIP viewing for the parade and fireworks, as well as an exclusive dessert party that features some of your favorite Disney villains, musical entertainment and some delectable treats. The package costs $99 per person and more details can be found here. Pumpkins! (And Generally Amazing Fall Decor) - Fall at Magic Kingdom Park offers up some amazing photo opportunities, as our photography team showed in this blog post earlier this month. What I love most are the pumpkins along Main Street, U.S.A., which each feature their own unique design. Take a moment to check them out. Haunted Mansion Merchandise Shop Set To Debut - This fall will see the debut of a new dedicated merchandise shop that Haunted Mansion fans are guaranteed to love. Steven Miller offered a sneak peek at some of the items that will be available at the shop in this post. Stay tuned for more on the shop’s opening.Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Each night through November 10, Epcot will come alive with food and fun thanks to the return of one of our most popular events, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year, 25 marketplaces will show off the talents of 270 chefs, including some of Disney’s finest, as well as some celeb chefs.Celebrity Chef Appearances - This year’s festival will feature appearances by celeb chefs Jamie Deen, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro and Allen Susser, among others. Eat To The Beat Concert Series - While we’re talking about fall fun at Epcot, the Eat to the Beat concert series is already underway with several new acts – including Fuel, Jim Brickman, Los Lonely Boys and David Cook – in the lineup. (Concerts are included in park admission). runDisney Races Return – Two race weekends - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terrorâ„¢ 10-Miler Weekend and Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend – will return to Walt Disney World Resort October 3-4 and November 7-8, respectively. Registration for Kids Races and after parties are still available.Special Fall Treats - Even snacks are dressed up for the holiday, with new Maleficent cups, Zero popcorn buckets and more now appearing in parks. Fall Savings on Resort Rooms - Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort this fall can save up to 30 percent on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, including Deluxe Villa Resort rooms and Deluxe Resort rooms. This offer is valid for stays most nights October 4 through November 25, and November 29 through December 23, 2014 and must be booked by October 3, 2014. (Some restrictions apply). To book, visit DisneyWorld.com/fall or call 407-WDW-1896.What’s your favorite part of visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the fall season? Tell us in the comments section below. 10 Things To Love About Fall at Walt Disney World Resort by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Ready for strawberry-ness all over the place? It’s time to dive into a tip from the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks! Restaurant dining is great in Disney World, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to eating on the go, you should make use of some of our Snack Pairing Ideas. Epcot’s China Pavilion Need some help getting started? Let’s take a look at something pretty unique! Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream and Waffles with Strawberry JamOne of our favorite things to do when seeking out Snack Pairings is to combine flavors from different countries! But this works best if you can find flavors to match in neighboring pavilions, of course. If you’re looking for something fruit-flavored but a little off the beaten path, head into the China Pavilion and try the Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream at the Joy of Tea kiosk (sometimes it’s found at Lotus Blossom Cafe as well). Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream from Lotus Blossom Cafe The dense, creamy dessert is less sweet than traditional strawberry ice cream, and it has an interesting flavor profile. (Not a lot of “bean” flavor in here, so not to worry if you’re not a fan.) Now what’s better than ice cream? Ice cream and waffles!  Pair up that ice cold treat with the Waffles and Jam in the Norway Pavilion at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Waffles with Strawberry Jam from Kringla Bakeri og Kafe The waffles are (usually) warm and fresh. This is a great hot-meets-cold snack. Want More Epcot Snack Pairing Ideas?If you’re dreaming of Park time and Disney Snacks, then be sure to check out our full library of DFB Guides to the Snacks of Walt Disney World Parks. You can choose from The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, or the The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks! Better yet, grab a bundle of all the Snack Guides and save…a bundle! With color photos and reviews of over 500 snacks in the Disney World theme parks, plus bonus features like fun “snack pairings”, our Guides offer you tips and planning tools for making the most out of your Disney Food Budget! Will you be hitting up Joy of Tea and Kringla Bakeri of Kafe for your very own snack pairing? Leave us a comment and tell us your thoughts! 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: Sunshine Seasons Strawberry Shortcake: A “Best Snack Value” in EpcotDisney Recipe: Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce from Epcot’s NorwayReview: Strawberry and Cream Cupcake at Epcot’s Fountain View Starbucks View the full article

I’ve written about La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil here on the Disney Parks Blog before. New Clowns? Covered. A backstage VIP Tour dubbed L’Experience? Check. That said, this might be my most delicious update yet … On sale now, with shows starting on Tuesday, September 30, guests can purchase a special “Dinner & A Show” package that include a ticket to the 6:00 p.m. “La Nouba” show plus dinner – an entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage – at one of three Downtown Disney West Side restaurants: Wolfgang Puck Café, Planet Hollywood or Splitsville Luxury Lanes. With an option to dine by 4:30 p.m. before the show, or make it a later evening with a post-performance dinner after 8:00 p.m., there’s an option for everyone. Fall has always been my favorite time of year in Florida, and with this special offer, it’s just one more reason to love the season. Though I’ve seen the show a few times, with prices starting at just $99, I may need to see it again! Ready to book? Click here for full offer details and to purchase. For more about “La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil” at Walt Disney World Resort, visit the posts below: A VIP ‘La Nouba’ Experience Debuts with ‘L’experience’ at Walt Disney World ResortNew Clowns Bring Big Laughs to ‘La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil’ at Walt Disney World ResortCirque du Soleil’s ‘La Nouba’ Marks 15 Years at Downtown DisneyA Special ‘Dinner & A Show’ Offer Featuring ‘La Nouba’ Makes Fall Even More Delicious at Downtown Disney by Darcy Clark: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

UPDATE: The Disney Parks Blog Creepy Cruise Meet-Up has reached capacity and confirmation emails are being sent. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future events! Halloween Time is upon us, and it’s time to show your spooky Disney Side! Registration is now open for the Disney Parks Blog Creepy Cruise Meet-Up on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014. When you step aboard the Sailing Ship Columbia* to set sail on this creepy cruise, you may not recognize it. The Rivers of America take on an aura of foreboding … has a ghost followed you on board? Explore this floating edifice of fright, but beware … Of course, costumes are welcome! Come dressed to show your Halloween-inspired Disney Side – whether you’re a Disney Villain, hero, princess or pirate, Halloween Time is the best time to let your inner character out! So join us the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 7! Space for the event is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following: All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests of the participants may be younger than 18.Limit one guest per registrant.Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value.Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest.Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in.Disneyland park admission will be provided beginning at 8:15 p.m. for the event, but participants will be responsible for any parking fees.Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive.I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to change or cancellation without notice. *Guests must navigate a steep series of stairs when boarding and disembarking the ship. Show Your Spooky Disney Side and Set Sail Aboard the Disney Parks Blog Creepy Cruise Meet-Up at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Even though you've heard there is something for everyone on a Disney cruise, do you still wonder if that truly means for you, too? Of course you know your kids will love it, but as parents,...From:Disney ParksViews:210ratingsTime:02:50More inTravel & Events

Once in a while we find a place that’s “near” Disneyland and worth a mention. Orange County’s Donut Bar is one of those places. Why you ask? Because donuts. Disney donuts. Free. Disney. Donuts. Disney Themed Donuts! Orange County’s Donut Bar is located in Fountain Valley. Right off the 405 freeway between Euclid and Newhope, it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive to or from Disneyland. This donut hot spot has been open since March, and they continue to sell out of their specialty donuts every single day. Mickey and Minnie Donuts They have some very unique and amazing flavors, but they do something especially unique and amazing on the weekends! Free donuts for kids. And guess what? More often than not, they’re Disney themed. Really a fun treat. Perry the Platypus Donuts I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of their fabulous creations here on the Disney Food Blog, especially since the closest thing to a donut the Disneyland Resort has is a beignet or a fritter. Jesse and Woody Toy Story Donuts Mrs. Potato Head Donuts Jack and Sally Nightmare Before Christmas Donuts Cars Donuts Featuring Sally, Mater and Lightning McQueen Captain America Donuts Up Donuts Monsters Inc. Donuts (LOVE the Sulley “Fur”) Monster’s University Donuts Winnie the Pooh & Tigger Donuts Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Donuts Olaf Donuts MORE Olaf Donuts! Not a donut fan? Or looking to satisfy a craving for a Disneyland Monte Cristo? Donut Bar can help with that, too. They have their own Monte Cristo that is sometimes on the ever-changing menu. I haven’t tried it yet, but one of these days I hope to make it happen! Donut Bar’s Monte Cristo Thirsty? They’ve got Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Milk and Strawberry Milk on tap. Perfect beverages to go with those perfect donuts. Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Milk & Strawberry Milk on Tap I’ve been to the Donut Bar a few times. Although the Disney donuts are adorable, my favorite flavors are Blueberry Meyer Lemon and Samoa. Yep, just like the cookie! Blueberry Meyer Lemon Samoa Donuts My recommendation? Pick a weekend, grab a kid, and head to Orange County’s Donut Bar for a fun treat. The next day’s menu is always posted on Instagram, so if you’re looking for a particular flavor, be sure to check the menu first. In order to prevent disappointment, get there early. Donuts sell out between 1:00-2:00pm daily during the week, and by 12:00-1:00pm on the weekends. Once they’re out, the doors are locked. I’d hate for you to drive up and see this: SOLD OUT! If you’re really worried about missing out and you want to be sure you get what you want, you can place an order online the day before and reserve a dozen for yourself here. Have you been to the Donut Bar yet? Do you have a favorite flavor? Do you have a Disney donut you’d like to see made? I vote for Little Mermaid donuts! Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! 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: Donuts! The New Interactive Dessert!Dining in Disneyland: Award Wieners Serving Up OZ Themed Menu ItemsReview: Drunken’ Donuts at The Wilderness Lodge’s Territory Lounge View the full article

Sanford city commissioners reversed course late Monday night and approved a developer's plan to build an assisted-living facility on Marina Island, one of this city's most scenic spots in the downtown district. View the full article

The United States and several Gulf Arab allies have launched air and missile strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, U.S. officials said, opening a new, far more complicated front in the battle against the militants. View the full article

TAMPA — Florida authorities were warned repeatedly about problems in the home of a 51-year-old felon who shot his daughter and her six children before killing himself last week, according to records released on Monday by the state child welfare agency. View the full article

Pumpkin beer. Pumpkin lattes. Pumpkin vodka. View the full article

Five people were treated then transported to local hospitals following a carbon monoxide leak at a grocery store near Pine Hills, Orange County Fire Rescue officials say. View the full article

Incumbent Quiñones returns Marriott donation Incumbent Quiñones returns Marriott donation View the full article

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the eighth collection from Beautifully Disney. This fabulously fearful collection materializes at Disney Parks later this month. I will be your host — your ghost host — along this tour. If you are you looking for something to awaken the spirits, channel the ethereal color waves in our mini nail polish set. The subtle shimmer brings to life colors like ‘Wall to Wall Creeps,’ ‘Hurry Back,’ ‘Doom Buddies’ and ‘Three Thumbs Up,’ while the nail appliques feature iconic symbols and characters from the Haunted Mansion. They are simply to die for. After conducting a mock color séance with the help of my good friend, Beautiful Disney fan and fellow Disney Parks Blog author, Rachel Brent, look what materialized. The nail in the coffin for me — I mean, my pick from this collection — is the eye shadow palette and accessory case. Create the perfect neutral eye for fall with ease. The light beige ‘Tomb Sweet Tomb’ is the perfect pearlescent to use as a highlight under the brow bone. Dust ‘Find A Way Out!’ over your lid using your favorite Beautifully Disney brush before defining the crease with ‘Ghoul’s Night Out.’ Then, to line and define the eye, try the shimmering, smoky black ‘Hurry Back.’ The palette comes tucked inside a ghoulishly delightful accessory case, inspired by the famous Haunted Mansion wallpaper. Ghouls, take note — put a little ‘life’ in your look by trying one of the colors in the mini lipstick set. Packed with paranormal pigmentation, you’ll find them chillingly colorful. The names say it all: ‘Ball & Chain,’ ‘Look Alive,’ ‘Bride & Doom’ and ‘Ghost Host.’ Unearth this new collection at the following Disney Parks locations: Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure Park – Elias & Co. Disneyland park – Fortuosity Shop Downtown Disney District – Disney Vault 28 Walt Disney World Resort Downtown Disney Marketplace – Marketplace Co-Op Aren’t you dying to try this new collection? First Look: The New Beautifully Disney Haunted Mansion Collection at Disney Parks by Michelle Harker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Florida should spend $45 million next year on college financial aid to make up for deep cuts to its popular Bright Futures scholarship program, university officials say, or many disadvantaged students might be shut out of a higher education. View the full article

JACKSONVILLE Fla. - Jury selection began on Monday in the retrial of a middle-aged white man charged with killing an unarmed black teenager during a dispute over loud rap music. View the full article

Early this morning, musician and composer Danny Elfman stopped by Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park to record this special reading from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” A longtime collaborator with Tim Burton, Elfman created the film’s music and also provided the singing voice for Jack Skellington. Elfman, a four-time Oscar nominee, will be performing in the Los Angeles area in just a few weeks, live in concert featuring music from the films of Tim Burton. The Disney Parks Blog video team was able to catch up with Elfman during his visit – check back soon for our interview with him at Haunted Mansion Holiday. Danny Elfman Reads from ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article