Sara Clarke

AAA survey shows increase in percent of Floridians traveling this summer

orlandosentinel.com — The percent of Floridians hitting the road for a summer vacation this year is expected to rise, good news for Orlando's tourism and hospitality businesses. Auto Club AAA said its survey of Florida residents showed 70 percent of the state's residents plan to take a vacation this summer of four days or more between May and September.

Really? Wealthy reportedly hire handicapped tour guides to cut Disney lines

orlandosentinel.com — According to The New York Post, wealthy Manhattan families are hiring handicapped tour guides to pose as family members so their families can cut lines at Walt Disney World. Wow. If this is true, it's not only exploiting the disabled -- even if some are willing to participate and getting paid for it -- but, frankly, disgusting, in my never-humble opinion.

Orlando news, information, weather, hurricane coverage, sports, entertainment, restaurants, real estate, jobs, business, classifieds

orlandosentinel.com — Your comprehensive online resource for Orlando news and breaking news around Central Florida, information on weather, Orlando hurricane coverage, sports, entertainment, restaurants, real estate, jobs, business, classifieds and more

Bonnier sells Parenting, Babytalk magazines to Meredith

orlandosentinel.com — Two local magazines that for decades have been go-to publications for moms have been sold and will be folded into major competitors, according to an announcement Tuesday. Parenting and Babytalk, published by Winter Park-based Bonnier Corp., were acquired by New York-based Meredith Corp., which publishes two rival magazines, Parents and American Baby.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2013

orlandosentinel.com — Holy haggis. Scotland will be among the more than 25 marketplaces at the 18th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 27-Nov. 11, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. The Brazil Marketplace returns by with a new menu after a one-year hiatus.

Orlando tourism expects a third record year

orlandosentinel.com — Orlando's visitors bureau has reiterated projections that 2012 will turn out to be record year once the final visitor stats are tallied. Visit Orlando president and chief executive officer George Aguel told industry leaders on Friday that the destination expects to hit more than 56 million annual visitors for the first time ever.

'Brave' creator joins petition against Disney's Merida make over

orlandosentinel.com — Brenda Chapman, the creator and original director of Disney's "Brave," has joined the outcry over the Disney marketing machine's redo of the character she modeled on her 13-year-old daughter. Last week I wrote about how Merida, who officially became the 11th Disney princess over the weekend, was given a va-va-voom redesign.

DAE airline starts flights from Orlando International Airport to Curacao

orlandosentinel.com — Caribbean air carrier DAE has launched service from Orlando to the island of Curacao. The airline started service April 15, flying three days a week from Orlando International Airport to its hub at Curacao Airport.

Disney Princesses Merida pictures

orlandosentinel.com — Merida, the star of Disney-Pixar animated film "Brave," was officially added as a Disney Princess in a ceremony at Magic Kingdom on May 11. She was greeted by the first 10 members of the Disney royal court, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Mulan, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle and Jasmine.

Calendar makes good quarter even better

orlandosentinel.com — The Walt Disney Co. 's theme-park division turned in an impressive second fiscal quarter, with operating income skyrocketing 73 percent from the same period a year ago, according to results announced last week. But Disney's parks got a big boost from an outside source: the calendar.

SeaWorld Antarctica: Restaurant pays homage to cuisines from around the world

orlandosentinel.com — Theme park foodies will soon have a new eatery to add to their list, with the opening of the eclectic Expedition Cafe, which is part of SeaWorld's new Antarctica expansion. The restaurant will feature a variety of food from around the world, mirroring the way that international research teams come together at base stations throughout Antarctica and each enjoy their country's favorite cuisine, the theme park said.