When a parent takes their child to a Disney Resort, they expect a certain safety standard that Disney is known to provide. For decades, Disney Parks have been known as wholesome and family-friendly places for Guests of all ages. Many think of it as an escape from everyday life and worries.
Unfortunately, danger does exist even within the Disney bubble. A horrifying scene played out at Disney Springs this past Memorial Day weekend when a Florida man was accused of inappropriately touching children.
This incident took place at a store within Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a popular entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is known as an exciting hub of entertainment, featuring a wide range of activities such as shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation. Unfortunately, it was also the scene of a crime this past weekend.
The crime took place within the World of Disney store located in the Disney Springs area. According to a report from the victims, a white male with brown hair came up to two children and touched them in an inappropriate way. One child was looking at keychains when the man approached. A victim describes that he was wearing a black shirt with a square print on the back alongside baggy tan pants.
This incident took place on May 30 and May 31, 2023. Since that weekend was Memorial Day weekend, Disney Springs was likely filled with unsuspecting tourists and lots of children on a 3-day weekend break from school.
On May 31, Orange County Deputies arrested Marshal Diehl from St. Cloud, Florida. He was arrested on one count of lascivious molestation. Deputies found Diehl inside the Orage Garage at Disney Springs after the incident in World of Disney. He matched the description and was identified as the assaulter by one of the child victims.
This story is truly tragic and an unfortunate reminder that evil lives everywhere, even at Disney.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seemingly grasping at straws to save his reputation as his board undergoes a drastic change while his conflict against The Walt Disney Company continues.
Whether we like it or not, it is nearly impossible to separate Walt Disney World and Ron DeSantis from one another, especially after the two have been involved in a heated legal battle for over a year, which was triggered by Disney’s refusal to support the Florida Governor’s divisive Parental Rights in Education law, set in motion in early 2022.
With lawsuits flying back and forth, extreme motions being filed, and a ridiculous amount of spite, it seems like the conflict is far from over. And while DeSantis has been blasted by members of his own party, mocking him for being “out-negotiated by Mickey Mouse,” even receiving critics from former President Donald Trump, the Governor stubbornly refuses to let go of the conflict.
One of the most recent developments involved Michael Sasso’s resignation from DeSantis’ Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — as DeSantis renamed Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District — Board of Supervisors, which was unexpected after Sasso was appointed by Ron DeSantis himself.
However, DeSantis was quick to fill the position Sasso left behind, appointing the Vice President of the Federalist Society Charbel Barakat to the to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The heavily charged change to DeSantis’ Board was announced, and while the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, polarized reactions to the news are sure to be expected.
It’s no surprise that Governor DeSantis appointed one of the lead members of a private conservative organization to support him during his crusade against Disney, as he recently announced his bid for presidency.
While DeSantis takes pride in going toe to toe against business he deems “woke,” his year-long feud against Disney might finally be the proof that he bit more than he could chew, as The Walt Disney Company continues to put up a fight after every blow.
DeSantis’ office states the following when describing Barakat:
Barakat, of Tampa, is the Regional General Counsel for D.R. Horton, Inc. He currently serves as a Commissioner for the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission and serves on the Florida Development Finance Corporation. Barakat is Vice President of the Federalist Society for the Tampa Bay Chapter and Chairman of the Volume Builders Council for the Florida Home Builders Association. Barakat earned his bachelor’s degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins University and his juris doctor from New York University School of Law.
The iconic yet controversial attraction Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort in California has now been shutdown. Legendary Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter was seen bidding farewell to his creation.
Born in 1947, Tony Baxter led the creative and design efforts for many iconic rides we know and love today. Rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, The Indiana Jones Adventure, and Splash Mountain.
Baxter was also the former Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering. He became responsible for overseeing the creation of many rides across all the Disney Parks around the globe.
Baxter was first hired at Disneyland Park in 1965 as an ice cream scooper on Main Street, U.S.A., at 17. He slowly climbed the ranks as he worked many different positions throughout Disneyland until he caught the attention of WED Enterprises, where he created the rides mentioned in the first paragraph above.
For the upcoming Splash Mountain redesign, former Imagineer and Disney Legend Baxter will be Creative Adviser to Imagineers. Senior Creative Producer Charita Carter is leading the project. He announced in 2020 when news first broke out about the redesign for Splash Mountain.
In regards to comments he made about the redesign, Baxter had this to say:
The attraction will be one to be proud of. I look forward to being a part of a new adventure in Disney magic and fun.
– Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter
We are thrilled to see Tony Baxter return to assist in redesigning his memorable ride, despite the controversy surrounding Splash Mountain.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will soon open at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and begins construction today at Disneyland California.
Amidst all the chaos and drama surrounding Splash Mountain, though, Tony Baxter went through the line to ride his creation one final time.
Tom Brady has retired from football in order to spend more time with his kids. The 45-year-old football legend has finally hung up the cleats and embraced life after football. Brady was recently seen at Walt Disney World with two of his three kids, Benjamin Rein Brady, 13, and Vivian Lake Brady, 10. He took to Instagram to share the experience.
After a very public divorce from supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen, the pair has been seen co-parenting their kids. Brady has said, “Our kids will be the center of everything we do.” They did not go to Walt Disney World together, though. Bündchen was in Brazil at the time. After detailing the kids’ travel plans for the summer, it doesn’t look like joint vacations are on the agenda any time soon. The former Victoria’s Secret Angel took the kids to Disney in December to celebrate their birthdays.
The former Tampa Bay quarterback took the kids to Disney to celebrate the end of the school year. We had a blast following along with his fun updates. Watching people experience the magic of Walt Disney World is almost as good as being there ourselves.
The kids and their famous dad experienced all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and had a VIP guide to show them around. VIP tours are an incredibly popular offering at Disney World, especially among the celebrities that visit. These private tours give exclusive access to some of Disney’s most popular attractions.
The kids, and their famous dad, rode Flight of Passage completely alone. We imagine it was pretty great not to have to wait in line to ride (VIP Tours allow you to skip lines, or as Disney puts it “experience popular attractions efficiently”).
Over at the Magic Kingdom, the trio decided to check out Magic Kingdom’s newest addition- Tron: Lightcyle/Run! Then they took a photo in front of Cinderella Castle (because you go to Disney World and don’t take a picture in front of the Castle, did you even go to Disney World?)
Finally, the group checked out Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That’s where things got scary for Brady. It started out nice enough. The family hung out in Galaxy’s Edge, and Brady helped the kids build Droids at Droid Depot.
Then the kids took their dad to Tower of Terror. The ride photo is priceless. In his Instagram caption, Brady joked, “the happiest place on Earth (until you realize the kids were lying about Tower of Terror being “mad chill”). The picture is so funny we will even forgive him for mixing up Disneyland and Disney World!
Our favorite part is how his 10-year-old daughter is mildly amused, yet, Brady is screaming in fear! This is why we recommend MemoryMaker with Disney’s PhotoPass. Photos tell a story, and what better souvenir from your Walt Disney World vacation than a photographic story to remember it by?
Travelers will soon have more exciting destinations and countries to explore with National Geographic Expeditions. Beginning in 2024, three new itineraries spanning five countries will be added to the leading global travel portfolio, all featuring the incredible access, deep knowledge and extraordinary storytelling that only National Geographic can provide. Travelers will be inspired by the insights, beauty, landscapes and architecture as they discover the wonders of the world.
The new Signature Land trips visit Bhutan, Colombia and the Baltics. These group-guided itineraries will provide an enriching, in-depth look at the history, cultures and natural heritage of each destination. Each Signature Land trip is hosted by a National Geographic Expert who provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. With specialties such as filmmaking, conservation, photography, archaeology, geography and many more, the Experts who travel on Signature Land expeditions are passionate storytellers who have a close connection to National Geographic, and their unique insights foster a travel experience that enlightens, inspires and goes in-depth like no other.
Bookings for all three itineraries will open on June 13, 2023, with early booking for the following travelers:
June 7 – Lifelong Explorers
June 9 – Past National Geographic Expeditions Guests
June 12 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Golden Oak Residents and Club 33 members
June 13 – Bookings open for general public
Additionally, travelers interested in booking a vacation in 2024 with National Geographic Expeditions can also save with an early booking offer! Book before Sept. 5, 2023 and save $400 per person on select 2024 North America Signature Land itineraries and $500 per person on select 2024 international Signature Land itineraries.
Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology
The remote kingdom of Bhutan welcomes travelers to experience the wonders of its dramatic landscapes and storied cities. An exploration of this Buddhist kingdom found on the Himalayas’ eastern edge is filled with a rich and unique culture and reflects its commitment to tradition, the environment and the happiness of its people. The 11-day, 10- night itinerary includes visiting much of Bhutan through major destinations such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha Valley.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Unparalleled access: dining with Bhutanese dignitaries such as business professionals and government officials who will engage with guests and provide insights on everyday life in Bhutan and, a meet and greet with a Buddhist scholar and a privately guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Architectural wonders: touring Punakha Dzong to learn and appreciate Bhutanese architecture and visiting the golden Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Divine Mad Monk Monastery.
Cultural immersion: enjoying hands-on experiences such as participating in the butter lamp lighting tradition and lessons in the national sport of archery.
Renowned medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has been confirmed as one of the National Geographic Experts slated to join select Bhutan departures. Dunham has lived in Nepal studying Buddhism for the past 30 years. She is an avid storyteller with a focus on environmental conservation related to sacred spaces of Southeast Asia. Dunham has authored four books exploring the feminine divine in South Asian history and culture, and she has also produced more than a dozen films for National Geographic and others on topics ranging from Living Goddesses to polyandry, nomadism and geology.
There are five Bhutan departure dates in 2024 beginning in March and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past
Travelers will dive into a nine-day, eight-night tour through beautiful landscapes of Colombia from the mountains to the beaches. They will embark on a journey across Bogota, the Cocora Valley, Pereira, Santa Marta and through Tayrona National Park and Barranquilla to make their way to Cartagena.
Highlights of the expedition include:
Insider experiences: visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas, which was proclaimed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Inspiration from the past and the present: exploring the archaeological ruins of Taironaka, learning about the modern-day Kogi people or being immersed in the music and traditions of the celebrated Barranquilla Carnaval.
Delicious journeys: sampling local delicacies and savoring the flavors of the coffee region while learning how Colombia became one of the most popular coffee exporters in the world.
Spectacular wildlife: hiking through the towering wax palms of Cocora Valley or gazing in wonder at the endemic species of birds and mammals found in Tayrona National Park.
National Geographic Explorer Rosa Vásquez Espinoza has been confirmed as one of the Experts set to join select Colombia departures. Chemical biologist, educator, conservationist and TV personality, Espinoza travels to the most extreme ecosystems of the planet searching for the tiniest creatures, from heat-loving microbes to Amazonian stingless bees. She is passionate about driving awareness for conservation.
There are six Colombia departure dates in 2024 beginning in January and extending through December. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
The Baltics: Enchanted Forests and Medieval Castles
The Baltics are classified as one geographic region, yet it consists of three distinct countries sitting on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Travelers will visit all three countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to gain a deeper understanding of what makes each region unique, from language, traditions and beyond. The 11-day, 10-night itinerary will take travelers across destinations such as Vilnius, the Curonian Spit, Klaipeda, Riga, Sigulda, Gauja National Park and Tallinn.
Highlights of the expedition include:
History brought to life: delving into medieval times during privately guided excursions to Cesis Castle and Gusmanas Caves and more recent history of World War II and the Soviet Era during guided visits to the Ninth Fort, Hill of Crosses and Maajamae Palace. Each experience showcases how these countries changed over time and were influenced by foreign occupations.
Cultural preservation: cruising along the UNESCO recognized Curonian Spit or venturing through the UNESCO celebrated Old Town Centers of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
A taste of the destination: touring a local market in Riga and seeing — and trying — the local ingredients that make up Latvian cuisine.
Photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen has been confirmed as one of the Experts slated to join select Baltics departures. With adventures taking him to more than 60 countries around the world, Mauritzen’s photography has appeared in dozens of National Geographic books, several National Geographic Traveler magazine articles and on the @natgeotravel Instagram account.
There are four Baltics departure dates in 2024 beginning in May and extending through October. Specific Expert dates will be released later this year.
