Today our American friends and family all across the country are celebrating the events that set our forefathers to creating what is now an independent nation. While most will celebrate with BBQ, Beer and Fireworks (a worthy celebration if I've ever heard of one) some will recall with their families what has gone in to creating the United States of America.

In what looks to be an effort to update Epcot's World Showcase, Disney Imagineers are hard at work designing new costumes for cast members at the pavilions.

It's reported guest feedback has indicated the Showcase is "somewhat dated" with the costumes being one of the "biggest issues." In order to remedy this and present a more current version of the world, Disney Imagineering is designing brand new outfits for the World Showcase.

In 1932, Mario Nerbini, decided to create a new weekly newspaper for children with illustrated stories about Mickey Mouse. Giove Toppi drew the first story and it was published on December 31, 1932 and featured Mickey Mouse being chased by an elephant.

A familiar sight is missing from the skies above Downtown Disney. The Characters in Flight balloon currently is not operating after an incident with a similar balloon in another park across the ocean.

Late last week, a balloon in a park based in Hong Kong plummeted 60 yards to the ground due to a leak. It's reported five people sustained injuries, though none were serious.

Sitting prettily on the shoreline at Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a charming old-fashioned candy and ice cream shop. Seashore Sweets has counters and displays full of saltwater taffy, fudge and cookies that make it easy to find something to love. The real winner here though is the delicious hand dipped ice cream.

The okapi population at Disney's Animal Kingdom just got a little bigger with the addition of a new calf late last month. The newest okapi, a female named Nafuna, was born June 21.

Here are some fun stats about Nafuna's birth:

• Her name is African and means "delivered feet first."
• Nafuna weighed 35 pounds at birth.
• The proud parents are first-time mom Zawadi and father Akili.

Are you looking for a tropical summer treat to enjoy while touring the Parks at Walt Disney World? While fruits in general can be a major attraction, there's one that sits as the pinnacle of hospitality. The pineapple is a true celebrity and it's use in recipes across Disney's culinary panorama show off it's sweet diversity. We love pineapple! and thought we'd share some of our favorite sweet, tangy treats with you.

NOTE: This attraction was closed in 2015 to make way for a new Frozen Adventure.

It wouldn't be Independence Day without fireworks, and Disney's certainly got those covered this year. For those of you lucky enough to be in and around Walt Disney World on the 4th of July, here's a look at what Mickey and company are planning to help celebrate.

Magic Kingdom will be showing its "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" twice: July 3 and 4. This patriotic take on fireworks will light the up the night both dates at 9 p.m.

One of the most beautiful and delightful parts of the Mexican Pavilion at Walt Disney World's Epcot has got to be "Animales Fantasticos." Located in the entrance hall of the Temple building, guests can't help but linger in the Gallery of Mexican Folk Art. This the collection of colorful Oaxacan woodcarvings, is both an enchanting display of skilled craftsmanship and a wonderful idea for a souvenir or gift for someone back home.