Saturday May 19, 2012

Lots of fun will rev up at Downtown Disney in two weeks — Saturday and Sunday, June 2 & 3, 2012 — as classic cars meet the car stars from Disney-Pixar's animated motion picture "Cars 2." Lightning McQueen, pal Mater and master British spy Finn McMissile are racing into town for meet and greets during the second annual two-day Car Masters Weekend. Car fans are sure to delight in a family-friendly weekend devoted to all things cars, that includes activities from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day at Downtown Disney's West Side:
- More than 100 classic muscle cars are expected to line the Downtown Disney promenade as the local Muscle Car Network of Cental Florida displays their muscle and exotic cars for families and judges to view. Guest will have the chance to vote on their favorite car to win the "People's Choice" and "Kid's Choice" awards.
- Automotive designer, Chip Foose, will make special appearances as one of the car show's guest judges. Foose contributed to the design of Ramone in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" film, will also be on-hand for a signing of his Cars-inspired images, including Doc Hudson, Lightning McQueen, Flo, Ramone and Mater.

- Put the pedal to the metal with Ridemakerz model cars.
- Vehicles from the new Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway will be on display.
- Cars fans can purchase tickets and cool off at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Theatres for an all-day movie marathon featuring the 2006 Disney-Pixar "Cars" and 2011 release "Cars 2" films.
- General Motors will display their latest Chevrolet models, including the Corvette Grand Sport, Camaro Convertible and the Volt.
- Disney face painters and tattoo artists will be on hand with special cars-themed designs. Also, special "Cars" merchandise will be available throughout Downtown Disney.
- Finally, enjoy the sounds spun by a DJ and the tastes of local food trucks.
Read more:
Make reservations now for Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which will roll out the opening of its Cars-themed wing of family suites on June 18. Staying at this new value resort has its perks.
Photos © The Walt Disney Company
Friday May 18, 2012

Extreme, exhilarating, exciting, extraordinary and extravagant all define the experience of getting behind the wheel or even riding in a FERRARI, LAMBORGHINI, AUDI or PORSCHE during an Exotic Driving Experience. This incredible encounter, developed by the Richard Petty Driving Experience team, is currently only available at the Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando.
I'll give you a hint, ladies. This thrill-of-a-lifetime experience would make a great Father's Day gift!
Photo © The Walt Disney Company/Matt Stroshane, Photographer
Thursday May 17, 2012

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. Whether you live in Florida or will be traveling in the state, take the hurricane season seriously and begin making plans.
In April, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced their forecast for a less active hurricane season for the Atlantic this year. There is a 42 percent chance of at least one major hurricane to make landfall on any portion of the U.S. Coastline, but just a 24 percent chance of one making landfall on the East Coast or Gulf Coast (including the peninsula of Florida). On average, the Atlantic hurricane season produces 11 or 12 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes. NOAA's 2012 Atlantic hurricane season predictions are as follows:
- 10 named storms
- 4 hurricanes
- 2 "major" hurricanes -- Category 3, 4 or 5
What can YOU do? Be informed, make a plan and take action TODAY!
I know first-hand that being prepared makes the difference between just surviving, and surviving comfortably — read my Personal Glimpses of Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Ivan. While we all are aware that we should stock up on water and non-perishable food, we sometimes forget about some of the "other essentials" — things that make you safer or make your life a little easier under "not-so-perfect" living conditions. So, in a final bid to get encourage your preparedness, I've compiled a list of some hurricane preparation supplies that maybe you haven't thought about (but, maybe you should) — all are conveniently available online.
Photo © NASA
Wednesday May 16, 2012

This weekend, with temperatures in the mid-80s and a 30-to-50 percent chance of thunderstorms, many of us may be hunting ways to beat the Florida heat and things to do when it rains. Here's what's happening around Florida this weekend:
- This is the last weekend to enjoy the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival that continues through May 20, 2012. The festival, including the popular weekend Eat to the Beat! concerts featuring Micky Dolenz, The Monkees lead singer, is included in the price of regular Epcot theme park admission.
- The sci-fi fun kicks off Friday, May 18 and continues through Sunday, May 20 and every weekend through June 10 for Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios
- More than 400 dealers of antiques and collectibles will be on hand at Renninger's for the Antique Fair, scheduled this weekend — May 19 & 20.
Get tips on visiting Florida and your favorite theme parks this month:
Stay Connected:
Photo © The Walt Disney Company