AUTHOR: Leah Zanolla

Leah grew up in a little farming town in Illinois, right on the Mississippi River. Her Chicago-born husband, David, left the city for her, and they're now raising their three children (Jacob, Jonah and Lydia) just 12 miles from her hometown. As the Senior Editor of the DIS (wdwinfo.com), Leah spends a lot of time writing about, reading about, and discussing Disney. So, it should come as no surprise that one of her family's favorite ways to spend time is going to Walt Disney World and traveling on Disney Cruise Line. She also enjoys shopping, watching movies with her husband and doing crafts with and for her kids.



SeaWorld protesters dress as orcas at Orlando International Airport

A baggage carousel at Orlando International Airport had to be shut down earlier this week, as it became the scene of a sit-in protesting SeaWorld’s treatment of orca whales. Bryan Wilson, of Winter Springs, and a friend dressed as whales and sat in the middle of the carousel while holding a sign saying “SeaWorld: Orcas SeaWorld protesters dress as orcas at Orlando International Airport

Panic at Disney Springs after false reports of gunshots

A fight broke out on Christmas night between patrons at Disney Springs’ Bongos Cuban Cafe. At 9:24pm, a fight started on the second floor of the restaurant that resulted in loud noises and reports of shots being fired. Orange Count deputies responded to the incident. Due to the reports of shots, crowds of people panicked Panic at Disney Springs after false reports of gunshots

Master sommelier George Miliotes planning wine bar at Disney Springs

Master sommelier George Miliotes is planning to open “Wine Bar George” at Disney Springs behind Raglan Road and across from Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.  A lease has not yet been signed and construction financing has yet to be secured. Construction is estimated at $4-6 million. Miliotes opened the “California Grill” at the Contemporary Resort with Master sommelier George Miliotes planning wine bar at Disney Springs

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” beats records on opening weekend

Industry analysts predicted that the seventh installment in the Star Wars franchise would do very well at the box office on it opening weekend, but it did far better than many were anticipating. It is currently estimated that The Force Awakens will have brought in $238 million in its opening weekend (including late Thursday showings). “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” beats records on opening weekend

Star Wars: The Force Awakens begins its march through the record books

The latest installment in the Star Wars saga has been breaking box office records, and its official opening wasn’t until today. Episode 7, titled The Force Awakens broke box office records on Thursday night, December 17, bringing in a staggering $57 million. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Part 2 was the previous record holder Star Wars: The Force Awakens begins its march through the record books

Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World honored by Travel Weekly

Several branches of the Walt Disney Co. have been honored by Travel Weekly in their 2015 Readers Choice Awards. Adventures by Disney was named number one in the “adventure” category for tour operators. Disney Cruise Line was named “Best Family Experience” in their category and Walt Disney World was named “Best Theme Park.” News source/photo Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World honored by Travel Weekly

Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen now open; reservations not accepted

The Magic Kingdom’s new table-service restaurant, The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, has officially opened today in Adventureland. The restaurant is said to be the mess hall and hangout of the Jungle Cruise skippers and is home to the “World Famous Jungle Cuisine.” Of particular interest to Disney fans is that the location will not Magic Kingdom’s Skipper Canteen now open; reservations not accepted