admin

Disney-created situation ‘virtually certain’ to end in crash, mother of worker who died says

By Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel
In new court documents, the mother of a Disney monorail worker killed last year accuses her son’s former boss of “flippantly” vacating his duty, creating a dangerous situation that “was virtually certain to result in injury or death.”
21-year-old Disney monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg was killed on July 5, 2009 when two [...]

Will ultra-affluent tourists be golden opportunity for Disney?

Even though the economy is limping along and showing signs of a double-dip recession, Walt Disney World might see a sliver of hope in data compiled by credit-card giant American Express Co.
According to the data, one segment of tourism consumers is beginning to spend a little more at theme parks. That segment? The super rich.
Orlando [...]

Disney monorail pilot injured by electric shock

Walt Disney World monorails were out of service briefly Saturday evening after a monorail pilot received an electric shock while flipping a switch, authorities said.
The pilot was mildly shocked in the arm while switching on a beacon that identifies the beam the monorail is traveling on, a fire official and Disney said. He was taken [...]

FHP: Boy’s flat tire caused fatal Disney bus crash

By Bianca Prieto, Orlando Sentinel
A flat tire is to blame for a fatal crash that killed a 9-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge in April, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Chase Brubaker, of Redington Beach, died April 1 after he struck the left side of a passing Disney bus [...]

American Idol: Aaron Kelly’s journey started at American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World

From Hal Boedeker, Orlando Sentinel’s TV Guy

Memo to Walt Disney World:
Aaron Kelly would be thrilled to promote the American Idol Experience for you.
Aaron, a 17-year-old from Sonestown, Pa., made it to the top five of this season’s contest and learned he was ejected Wednesday night. (He gives his farewell performance in this Fox photo by [...]

Camp Fire USA “Spirit Night” Save $ at Chick-fil-A

Eat at Chick-fil-A and bring flyer (download at www.centralfloridaonline or www.campfireusa-sunshine.org) and 20% of your bill will be donated to Camp Fire USA-Sunshine Council.
Monday, April 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.
4625 South Florida Ave., Lakeland
Camp Fire USA-Sunshine Council 863-688-5491.
chick-fil-A[1]

Crash involving two tour buses reported near Epcot

By Sarah Lundy, Bianca Prieto and Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel
Eight people were hurt when two buses crashed Tuesday near Epcot, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
A Walt Disney World bus going an estimated 30 to 35 mph hit the back of an empty tour bus for Waldorf Astoria Orlando about 2:30 p.m., said Sgt. Kim Miller, [...]

Disney denies fault in monorail crash

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
Walt Disney World is admitting no fault in the death of a monorail driver during a collision at the theme park last summer, according to documents filed in Orange County court.
Lawyers for Christine Wuennenberg have accused Disney of reckless conduct leading to the July 5 crash that killed her son, 21-year-old [...]

Video: Disney World monorail gets Tron makeover

Watch the video below to check out the monorail’s spiffy new look:

14th Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day

Come celebrate with us and your Absolutely Incredible Kid at the 14th Annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day on Thursday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free dinner served at 6:45 p.m. (reservations required by Tuesday, March 16). Food + Games + Fun.
Camp Fire USA – Sunshine Council, 2600 Buckingham Ave., Lakeland. 863-688-5491. www.campfireusa.org.
Donations appreciated. 
Come [...]

Water Conservation Art Contest

It is time again for Utilities’ annual Water Conservation Art Contest. This is open to all students in Polk County, public or private, grades K – 12. Deadline for submissions is Friday, May 7. Please encourage all students to enter, and feel free to forward this information. Please contact me with any questions you may [...]

Tea & Symphony – March 16

Join us on March 16 from 5:45-7:00pm in the Lake Hunter Room, The Lakeland Center.
Included in Maestro Circle, Grand Season Series and Grand Mini Series subscriptions.
Tickets for individual Tea & Symphony events are $15/person.  Tickets available at the door or at The Lakeland Center Box Office at (863) 834-8111.
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, ginger peach tea or a [...]

Events

(Photos of Lake Clinch and Lake Reedy taken by Neal Byrd)

__________________________________________________
Barks & Bikes (Frostproof’s Fall Festival)
Saturday, October 23rd At The Depot

Bicycle Rides of 12, 32, 62 or 100 miles. All rides depart from the Depot at 8am and eventually end back at the Depot. Pre-registration for the rides is $15, which entitles the [...]

Miss something? Want to find earlier posts?