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Disney Has Significant Impact on Florida's Economy

Last week, Disney released the findings of an economic impact report from the year 2009. How's this for impact: according to the findings, Disney generated over $18 billion in total economic activity for that year. In addition, some 160,000 jobs were created by Disney in that year alone.

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton called the numbers "impressive and went on to say: ""We make a difference in Central Florida and the state, and we're really proud of that."

Great American Pie Festival to be Held in Celebration

Whether it's chocolate, cherry or anything in between, most of us seem to have a favorite pie. Get ready to celebrate what some might deem "slices of heaven" at the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration, Florida, April 9 and 10. (The Disney connection here? Celebration lies just outside the maingate of Walt Disney World and also was a community planned and built by Disney.)

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Grab & Go Delightful Doughnuts from Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar

Don't have time to sit down for full service, but still want to taste some of Celebrity Chef Art Smith's down home cooking? Then slide on up to the outdoor Shine Bar at Homecoming Florida Kitchen, grab a drink and indulge in a little something to grab-and-go.

When The World Needs Magic

I'll admit it; I'm having a rough time writing this week. The day-to-day world is not a nice place, and Orlando, Florida has had much more than its share of tragedy for the time. Yesterday, I called my boss to ask how I was supposed to write happy Walt Disney World stories amidst all the pain and horror the past week has held. In a calm and reassuring way, I was told that it was all right for me to take time to grieve, but reminded that the world still needs magic.

Expansion In The Works For Typhoon Lagoon

It looks like Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon is ramping up for a brand new expansion to the 56 acre tropical water park. While Disney hasn't announced a timeline for the expansion, 2.28 acres of land are being prepped on the north side of the existing site.

Join The Fun Fresh Weekends At Epcot Throughout April

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival continues to bring a burst of spring life and color all across Epcot. While visiting during the festival is always great fun, in 2016 weekends in April have even more exciting programing! Fun Fresh Weekends arrive to add novel dimension to an already exciting line up.

Get A Taste Of The Cider House Hard Cider and Beer Flight

Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival is finally in fully bloom, and the Outdoor Kitchens are serving up some enticing intoxicants for guest to imbibe in. The Cider House is new this year and offers modern spins on culinary tastes from the United Kingdom and Hard Ciders from across the U.S. For a fun introduction to the some fabulous tastes - order up a Hard Cider and Beer Flight.

The Best of The Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom was the first of Disney's Theme Parks to be opened in Florida. Walt's dream, completed after his death with loving care by his older brother Roy O. Disney, opened to the public on October 1st, 1971. This homage to the child that lives in all of us sits on 142 acres, and at its center is the towering beautiful Cinderella Castle. Similar to the original Disneyland in California, the park is divided into six themed lands - Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Liberty Square; Fantasyland; and Tomorrowland.

Even More Fun For Foodies At The 2016 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

To the delight of faithful Disney foodies, the past several years at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival has seen the inclusion of Outdoor Kitchens. These kitchen kiosks are scattered around the World Showcase Promenade, and give the Disney Chefs a chance to share garden inspired flavors. For this year's show, not only are they adding two new Outdoor Kitchens, but there will be an edible flower garden by The Land pavilion will showcase petals with flavor.

Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation

There are certain must-have items that I always have to pack for a Walt Disney World vacation including comfortable shoes, rain ponchos, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and my handy travel guides full of notes and dog-eared pages. In addition to the non-technical "stuff" I have also discovered a few must-have apps for my smartphone that make vacation life much easier.

Disney History: Disney's Animal Kingdom Then & Now

The creation of Disney's Animal Kingdom was a hugely ambitious venture. Nature and conservation were two of the many things that Walt Disney was passionate about, so it was not a stretch for the Eisner administration to add a fourth gate to Walt Disney World that centered around animals. One of the greatest hurdles to the creation of Animal Kingdom was convincing critics that the concept was viable as a theme park and that it would be substantially different from a zoo. In a tongue-in-cheek way, the park was affectionately known as "Nahtazu".

Outrageously Orange Things at Walt Disney World

When I think about the flavors of Florida my mind goes right to Oranges. Nothing else is so sun-shiny fresh and sweet, it's a flavor that can enhance all sorts of food and drinks. Walt Disney World offers a fun collection of delicious orange flavored things - here are just a few!