https://blogmickey.com/2020/05/josh-damaro-named-chairman-of-disney-parks-experiences-and-products-leaves-walt-disney-world/?fbclid=IwAR38dpj-rDw-v573q6n3Fnt7jgJKe5ue1y9w_-ijyfQYzIiiuqLeP3CpPqE

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Disney CEO Bob Chapek has announced that former Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro has been named the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, a position Chapek used to ascend to Disney CEO.

Mr. D’Amaro, who most recently served as President, Walt Disney World Resort, succeeds Mr. Chapek as Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In his new role, Mr. D’Amaro will oversee Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

“Josh is an exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and innovative leader, consistently delivering strong results while demonstrating his unwavering commitment and care for our cast members, and a genuine appreciation for the importance of the Disney Difference to our guests,” said Mr. Chapek. “I am certain he will take Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products segment – home to some of our company’s most iconic and beloved businesses – to exciting new heights in the years to come.”

In conjunction with Mr. D’Amaro’s promotion to Chairman of the segment, several key appointments to the senior leadership team were announced. Jeff Vahle, formerly President, Disney Signature Experiences, assumes the role of President, Walt Disney World Resort.

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/29190288/kentucky-fires-cheerleading-staff-lack-oversight?fbclid=IwAR04yOzgtPdkQ79StUhaZLtzB5-5AvOua33vTZtOMg3Fow399w053l93zzk

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Kentucky fires cheerleading staff for 'lack of oversight'

10:42 AM CT

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  Myron MedcalfESPN Staff Writer

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The University of Kentucky has dismissed the entire coaching staff and the adviser of its powerhouse cheerleading squad after a three-month internal investigation that revealed a lack of oversight by those in charge and a culture of hazing, public nudity and alcohol use, according to a release Monday.

Head coach Jomo Thompson, assistants Ben Head, Spencer Clan and Kelsey LaCroix, and adviser T. Lynn Williamson have all been dismissed, according to the school.

Kentucky's program is the Alabama football of the cheerleading world, winning 24 national titles in 35 years. The bulk of those championships were earned under Thompson, who led the team to a fourth consecutive national title and his 18th overall during the Universal Cheerleaders Association championships in Orlando, Florida, last year.

"The adviser and the coaches failed to stop a culture of hazing, alcohol use and public nudity at off-campus activities where they were present," said Eric N. Monday, UK's executive vice president for finance and administration. "Our students deserve more responsible leadership and the University of Kentucky demands it."

The school also uncovered conflicts of interest involving businesses owned or operated by staff members who also employed cheerleaders. Officials said they are also investigating the program's use of school funds under the former staff members.

The allegations that led to the mass dismissal largely stem from a retreat at a place called Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. While there, according to the report, cheerleaders engaged in the use of alcohol and public nudity, including an activity called "basket tosses" where members of the team were thrown from a dock while not fully clothed.

Multiple members of the team also needed medical treatment after consuming alcohol, some of which was brought to the retreat by former members of the team.

At an event in Tennessee, semi-nude team members were urged to make lewd chants in a hazing ritual, according to the report.

The school's report said all of the inappropriate conduct occurred in front of staff members, who failed to intervene.

The release says the investigation found no evidence of sexual assault or sexual misconduct during the trips.

Thompson, the head coach, did not respond to ESPN's request for comment.

"A commitment we make and renew every day at the University of Kentucky is that the success of our students is at the center of everything that we do. But for that sentiment to be more than words, we must always act in ways that honor that commitment -- especially when we discover rare instances where those who supervise and guide our students don't meet the standards of integrity we expect of each other. This is one of those times," UK president Eli Capilouto said in the school's release about the report. "The University of Kentucky has built the nation's premier collegiate cheerleading program. But regrettably, the integrity of the program has been compromised by inappropriate behavior by some squad members on off-campus trips and by lax oversight by the program's coaches and adviser."

Last year, ESPN spent time with the cheerleading squad as a part of an assignment about behind-the-scenes moments in college sports.

Thompson said the rigorous path to the prominent Kentucky program resembled that of a major football program. Some of his cheerleaders had been attending his camps since they were in elementary school.

Kentucky receives enough inquiries to join its prestigious cheerleading program that the school also features a junior varsity squad that performs at various events.

"I try to find the best recruits," Thompson told ESPN last year. "I really go out and try to get the best."

The school has already commenced a national search to replace Thompson and other staff members. Williamson, the adviser and principal deputy general counsel at Kentucky, retired shortly after the investigation had started.

"This must be a championship-level program both on and off the court and playing fields," athletic director Mitch Barnhart said. "And as with all our sports, that will be our goal -- every day."

2 hours ago, Mrs.TN22 said:

I would like 2 of the missing the mouse please.  I sent a message via facebook - but not sure if it went through..

I had to be at school today and cell phone service was the pits.  Thanks for posting both places.  I'll get you on the spreadsheet.

I don't think that guy who was camping was sane, lol

Flor duh man

My pass expired at the end of April and they cancelled my March and April payments.  So, it is now May.

when we called in mid April, we were told the option to either extend the pass when they opened or let it expire and start over would be in the app.  Yeah, not there.  

Has anyone seen anything lately on the construction?  I know they won’t let Gretchen in to peek, lol.

If you know of people who would like the magnets or a set and are not a fortfiends member, they can send a message to either one of the pages on Facebook.  Remember, we have a business page and groups page.

Business page

Groups page

we of course would rather them being here and sharing, but I’ll take orders from anywhere to get a count.  I should have a delivery date tomorrow.  I am waiting on the two companies I have narrowed it down to.  Hopefully sometime this year, we will have a large latex ink plotter/cutter so we can do more neat things like this.

We couldn’t have done it without Monique.  She is the bomb dot com.

2 hours ago, h2odivers...Ray said:

How much would it be for 1 set and 4 “missing the mouse”?

6 magnets total.   I have some friends I’d like to give them to. 

Six is going to get close to the first class weight limit.  I would be on the safe side and just say 7.75 shipping for the priority flat rate mailer.  The magnets are technically seven a piece for the price I was quoted for a hundred batch.  If I can sell a hundred, we can put that extra aside for renewals. 

https://blogmickey.com/2020/05/vice-president-pence-to-visit-orlando-to-discuss-reopening-of-theme-parks-and-more/?fbclid=IwAR37kkHNtFtRpuECZj5FY-5jUF492wQ4nfcC4le7oqEPN6sf0YiVGYDCtQM

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According to a report from ClickOrlando, Vice President Mike Pence will be visiting Orlando on Wednesday, May 20th to talk with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and tourism industry leaders on how they can reopen the economy.

As you likely know by now, May 20th is also the reopening day for Disney Springs. Disney has outlined the various steps that they’re taking to make the reopening as safe as possible for both guests and Cast Members.

Vice President Pence will first talk with DeSantis and then join a roundtable with hospitality and tourism leaders to discuss their plans for reopening. Walt Disney World has representatives on both the state-level and county-level task forces coming up with guidelines on how to reopen the area theme parks.

This post is public, so please share the link with your friends!  If they want one or more, you can post for them or they can post as a guest, but I will need some contact information messaged to me.  We will be emailing everyone as soon as they come in.

We made this in the air fryer.  It was AWESOME!

12 minutes on 350 degrees.

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/08/08/disney-recipe-tonga-toast-from-kona-cafe-in-disney-world/

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Disney Recipe: Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe in Disney World

By AJ 20 Comments

Recently, we told you about yet another fantastic breakfast we had at Kona Cafe, located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Known for its beloved breakfasts, many guests count Tonga Toast among their all-time favorite Disney Dishes!

Tonga Toast with Bacon

But if you, like me, can’t get to Disney World everytime the craving for Tonga Toast strikes, you’re in luck! Because today, we’re sharing the secret to the magic with you!

Tonga Toast – Inside

Now, be sure to send me a tweet to let me know when to come over for breakfast!! 🙂

Tonga Toast

Serves 4Ingredients:

Sugar-Cinnamon Ingredients:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Batter Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Tonga Toast Ingredients:
1 quart canola oil, for frying
1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
2 large bananas, peeled

Instructions:
For cinnamon-sugar:
1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside.

For batter:
1. Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

For Tonga toast:
1. Preheat oil to 350 degrees F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.

Pin it for later!

http://www.thedisneychef.com/2012/06/moms-meat-loaf.html

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I have a hard time thinking of a more polarizing meal than meat loaf.  Some people love it, some people hate it.  Some are haunted by memories of Mom threatening the end of the world if they don’t finish it…  Perhaps that’s why it makes meat loaf a perfect signature meal at 50’s Prime Time Cafe.

Meat loaf isn’t hard to make, but making good meat loaf seems to throw people for a loop.  In fact, when I talked to folks about meat loaf, the common complaints I heard was that their meat loaf has soggy sides, the corners are dried out bricks, the meat loaf itself is too dry, the meat loaf is too soft and falls apart, it’s impossible to get that crunchy top because the fat pools on top…  And believe it or not, the solution to almost all of these problems is how the meat loaf is put in the pan.

Wrong!

It seems most people simply push the meat loaf into the bread pan, pat perfectly flat on the surface, and mash the loaf so that it fills every square inch of the pan.  However, by doing this, the fat that cooks out of it has nowhere to go but on the top of the loaf (ruining your nice glaze), and the corners of the meat loaf get double cooked as they’re exposed to two sides of the hot pan.  No fun!

The absolute best way to make meat loaf is to shape it in a long, rounded mound, something that doesn’t fill every corner of the bread pan.  This way, the fat that comes out of the top of the meat loaf during cooking rolls down the top and sides of the meat, creating that delish crust, and making sure that the meat is actually cooking, not simply boiling in its own fat.  It also makes it easier to drain the pan, which I like to do about halfway through cooking, so I can use fattier ground beef (which makes the loaf more moist).  Also, make sure you really dice your peppers and onions very, very small.  The larger they are, the more likely your now super-moist meat loaf will crumble when you take it out of the pan.   

Right!

Using that trick, along with the recipe for Mom’s Meat Loaf from 50’s Prime Time Cafe, I got two amazing meat loafs…  One for dinner and one for the freezer for later.  And I love a recipe that gives me leftovers I can freeze!

 

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Mom’s Meat Loaf

As is served at 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

 

For the meat loaf~ 

°o°  1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
°o°  1/2 cup finely chopped onion

 

°o°  1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

°o°  1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

 

°o°  2 pounds ground beef

°o°  1 pound ground pork

°o°  4 large eggs, lightly beaten

°o°  2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

°o°  1/2 teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns (or to taste)

°o°  1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
 

For the glaze ~

°o°  1/2 cup ketchup

 

°o°  1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

°o°  1/2 cup brown sugar

°o°  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard  

Preheat the oven to 350 and lightly oil or spray with non-stick spray 2 medium sized loaf pans (about 8.5 inches by 4.5 inches).  

 

In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, onion, and bell peppers until completely mixed.  Add beef, pork, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.  Using your hands, combine until all ingredients are completely combined, but take care to not overmix (overmixed meat will become overly mushy).  Divide the meat mixture in half and shape into two, rounded loafs.  Place in loaf pans.

 

Place loaf pans in oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer says the inner temperature is 155 degrees.  Brush meat loafs with glaze (preparation instructions below) and bake an additional 10 minutes.

 

Remove the meat loaves from the oven and allow to stand 5-10 minutes before serving.  To serve, slice and serve warm with additional glaze or gravy on top.

 

To prepare glaze, while meat is cooking, prepare the glaze by combining ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard and stirring until combined.  

 

 

 

Yield: 8 Servings 

 

I left mine in a little longer than suggested…  I love that crust!

~~~~  °o°  ~~~~

 

 

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/15/orange-county-mayor-doesnt-expect-theme-parks-to-begin-opening-until-at-least-june/

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Orange County mayor doesn’t expect theme parks to begin opening until at least June

Governor says attractions can submit reopening plans

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – News broke Friday that theme parks across Florida can soon begin submitting their plans for reopening but locally, the Orange County mayor doesn’t expect Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or any of the other major attractions to begin the phased opening process until at least June.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made the announcement Friday afternoon during a coronavirus update that Florida will enter what he called “full phase one” on Monday and at that point, theme park leaders can submit their plans.

Those plans must include a date for when they’d like to open, guidelines for keeping patrons and employees safe and an endorsement from an appropriate elected official, in this case Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Theme parks in the Orlando area have been shuttered since mid-March due to guidelines in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Hours after DeSantis spoke, Demings said that he hadn’t received any reopening plans from Disney, Universal or SeaWorld.

“Suffice it to say, they’re looking at later dates to reopen and I believe what we can expect or anticipate in our community is a measured reopening. They will likely start with smaller business units, maybe hotels and resort-type areas before the major, massive theme parks themselves will reopen but in any case I suspect that that is going to be, clearly, some time in June or thereafter before that occurs,” Demings said.

The mayor said theme parks could be allowed to open under the second phase of the governor’s reopen Florida plan, although it’s unclear at this point when that phase will begin.

Universal’s CityWalk opened Thursday while Disney Springs plans start accepting guests again Wednesday. Both will operate with limited capacity and hours.

Smaller attractions, such as Gatorland and Fun Spot, have been pushing for the green light to open in the coming weeks.

Demings said representatives from those attractions will soon give presentations before Orange County’s Economic Recovery Task Force outlining how they could open while keeping everyone safe. From there, he’ll determine if clarification needs to be sought from the state on whether those smaller-scale attractions can begin to operate.

“Ultimately our goal is to get as many business units reopened as we can but safely so. So with us moving into this full phase one process, there may be some flexibility there,” Demings said.

To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

This is what is listed on the Disney App when you get on.  (may be redundant, but I figured I would post it)

We are fast approaching our 10th year here at Fortfiends.  We all have had our ups and downs and right now, people need to laugh.  We are going to start doing some fundraising for some big renewals coming up at the beginning of 2021.  The first is being offered as a preview and we are taking reservations for these so we know how many to order.

Magnets are 4in by 4in (approx)

The magnets will be 10 dollars for one and it includes shipping with tracking numbers.  If you want the set, it is 17.  If you want more than three magnets, I will price the shipping by weight and let you know.  Please post below if you are interested, as this price is based on 100 magnets for each design.  The price will go down if I get more interest than 100 each.

All proceeds after manufacturing costs will go in the FF account for 10 year renewals for legal aspects of the site.

https://blogmickey.com/2019/08/imagineering-video-hints-at-third-ride-cut-from-star-wars-galaxys-edge/

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As part of a 35-video series, Walt Disney Imagineering has put out some wonderful behind-the-scenes looks at not only what they do, but how they do it. There are a ton of interesting tidbits sprinkled throughout the series, but one small clip of a ride test caught our attention.

As you might know, we’re getting ready to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge here in Walt Disney World starting August 29th. Cast Member previews have just started in the 14-acre land, and while they put the finishing touches on the land, it might be fun to explore what might have been. Of course, many ideas were thrown around on how Disney could best incorporate the massive Star Wars IP into their parks, ultimately leading to the concept of Batuu. Batuu is a rest stop of sorts on the galactic highway. It was once a vibrant trading port that has now become a bit of an overlooked stop with the advancements of Hyperspace travel. That said, guests will still face some familiar faces and major players from the recent trilogy of Star Wars movies. From flying the Millenium Falcon to escaping the grasp of Kylo Ren, there are two attractions in the land that put you in the middle of the action. But there was almost a third attraction, and that’s what we want to take a look at today.

Thanks to a really quick snippet in the introduction video to the Imagineering in a Box series, we can get a first look at the actual development process for a Bantha ride that was cut from the final product of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The screenshot below shows a rendering software that looks to show the Bantha ride that was rumored for the land. An even keener eye can notice that the date on the computer and phone system shows that this development was taking place back in August 2015!

As you can see in the short 4-second clip, Imagineers were working on the ride mechanics of the attraction that was said to be an actual walk-around ride before it was cut. Here’s another screenshot showing an Imagineer atop a movable base that simulated the motion seen on the screen of the Bantha.

Here’s the snippet in animated form.

There are certainly a myriad of reasons why an attraction gets cut from the development process, and we’re not sure why this one didn’t make it into Batuu. The Imagineering video series will definitely let you in on the design process a bit, and if there’s one thing to learn, it’s that a lot of ideas get pitched and discarded all the time.

While we think that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will have a solid lineup come the Rise of the Resistance opening on December 5th at Walt Disney World, it would have been really cool to see guests sitting atop a Bantha, maybe even roaming the streets of Black Spire Outpost.

https://chipandco.com/annual-passholders-receive-discounts-on-seasonal-ticketed-events-360657/

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Annual Passholders can now enjoy discounted tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! 

 

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You can now save $5 per ticket on select nights and an additional $10 per ticket when you purchase your ticket in advance. This offer is for Annual Passholders only. 

Starting August 16th, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will haunt guests at the Magic Kingdom. Start putting together your costumes now and enjoy a night full of frights and delights. Don’t miss the Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween parade, the brand-new fireworks spectacular, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. 

 

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I know it seems early to start thinking about the holidays, but Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins November 8th!  This night full of Disney magic and holiday fun is the perfect way to start off the holiday season. This is the perfect gift for your family (hint, hint). You won’t be able to stop smiling as you stroll through Main Street U.S.A covered in seasonal decorations. Delight in the new Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade too. Who knows, it might even snow!

Source: Disney. 

There is a replay available if you would like to see it.

https://chipandco.com/see-the-replay-of-the-main-street-electrical-parade-from-disneyland-360683/

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Check it out below:

 

 

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Since its debut performance at Disneyland 47 years ago, “Main Street Electrical Parade” has become an iconic Disney Parks parade. The nighttime spectacle features half-million sparkling lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds.” Today, the beloved parade still brings guests of multiple generations a sense of wonder, joy and – for some – warm nostalgia.

The parade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A., for a limited-time engagement taking place nightly, from Aug. 2 through Sept. 30.

https://chipandco.com/primeval-whirl-refurbishment-extended-until-end-of-september-360717/

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Primeval Whirl refurbishment has been extended until September 28th according to OrlandoParkNews.com.The beloved zany time machine ride featuring a series of sudden dips and hair raising spins whilst taking guests in their own time machines through the Cretaceous Age! Look out for the cartoon dinosaurs and impending extinction as guests glimpse at a shower of kooky meteors!

 

The extended refurbishment of Primeval Whirl at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is to fix major technical issues which is taking longer than expected and therefore will not reopen to Guests anytime soon. The ride was set to open on August 3rd but will now open on the 28th September.