Exciting Projects Crisscross Walt Disney World Resort
“What’s New”
“Let the Memories Begin” (ongoing) – Disney Parks puts the spotlight on guest memories and how a Disney vacation is the ideal way to build a family memory that will be cherished forever. Vacation time that parents have with their children is precious time, fleeting time. Disney Parks offers more ways than ever for families to make memories to last a lifetime.
“The Magic, The Memories, and You!” (January 2011) – As part of “Let the Memories Begin,” Disney guests become the stars of a nightly spectacular when photos taken in the park during the day become larger-than-life projections in “The Magic, The Memories, and You!” This groundbreaking new experience on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort and “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort celebrates the family vacation memories created in Disney theme parks every day.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Fantasy (March 2012) – The Muppets leading guests in an interactive detective adventure game around the ship. Guests’ own drawings springing to life and dancing with animated Disney characters. Two new Broadway-caliber, spectacular musical stage shows. A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for magical princess and pirate makeovers. A fanciful water play area called AquaLab. Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, brings to life these innovations and more, offering a cruise experience from stem to stern that caters to every member of the family. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla., with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.
Disney Dream (January 2011) – Disney Cruise Line launched Disney Dream, a 4000-passenger ship. Like the other ships in the fleet (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder), the Dream provides a cruise vacation where adults find relaxation and indulgence, children engage in immersive, magical adventures with favorite characters and families enjoy quality time together. Featured are original Disney musicals and entertainment, unique dining experiences, customized children’s spaces and areas just for adults. And Disney’s private island paradise – Castaway Cay – provides something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four-, five- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean and seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, with voyages to the Mediterranean and Alaska during summer 2011. The Disney Magic and Disney Dream typically sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., while the Disney Wonder typically sails from the Port of Los Angeles.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Hewlett-Packard Photo Creation Center (March 2011) – The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex continues to add more athlete enhancements with the addition of the Hewlett-Packard Photo Creation Center inside the renamed HP Field House at the complex. The creation center will allow athletes, coaches and fans to create and design an assortment of uniquely customized posters, photo albums and materials to commemorate their sports experience.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (February 2010) – A leading sports and entertainment venue that hosts more than 180 events a year, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex was re-themed with the ESPN brand, providing guests with an immersive ESPN experience that is unique to the complex.
Walt Disney World Speedway
The Exotics Course featuring “supercars” (January 2012) — Have the need for speed? Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort now features a brand-new adrenaline rush, the “Exotic Driving Experience.” The “Exotics Course” at Walt Disney World Speedway, a new one-mile circuit custom-built for the attraction, is home to a riding experience for guests in “supercars” by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, and Porsche. Thrill-seekers can get behind the wheel of these epic vehicles and navigate a circuit offering rapid-acceleration straight-aways with a skill-testing course of turn-on-a-dime maneuvers. The drive-yourself option (alongside a professional driver) starts at $199 for six laps around the circuit. Thrill rides with a professional driver behind the wheel are available for $99. Reservations can be made at www.exoticdriving.com.
Indy Racing Experience (November 2008) – Race fans and thrill seekers alike have the opportunity to buckle up and ride in IndyCar series race cars at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Both drive and ride options are available with the experience, which uses actual open-cockpit racing machines that were used in the Indy Racing League. The Indy Racing Experience shares track hours with the popular Richard Petty Driving Experience. For more information, including rates, hours of operation and corporate packages: 888/357-5002 or www.indyracingexperience.com.
Pet Resort
Best Friends Pet Resort (September 2010) – This one-of-a-kind facility provides pet hospitality services that include boarding, grooming and doggy day camp, and amenities such as luxury suites with television and raised bedding. Pet activities feature nature walks and playgroups, and pampering services range from ice cream treats to bedtime stories. The facility is operated by Best Friends Pet Care.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Wild Africa Trek (January 2011) – Guests wanting to venture off the beaten path at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have the chance during an immersive add-on experience that takes a small group of adventurers on personalized, guided excursions that include a bushwalk through unexplored areas of the forest along with over-landing in customized vehicles across an animal-filled savanna. On these expert-led treks, extended time is spent observing and learning about the wildlife.
“Finding Nemo-The Musical” (January 2007) – The undersea world that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo” comes to life in a live musical stage show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning “Avenue Q” co-composer-creator Robert Lopez and a cappella musical “Along the Way” co-creator Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The show immerses guests of all ages in the story of Marlin and Nemo, an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son, through a dazzling production that combines puppets, dancers, acrobats and animated backdrops. The 30-minute show represents the first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated feature and transformed it into an original musical production.
Magic Kingdom
New Fantasyland Takes Flight (March 2012) - The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history began opening in mid-March 2012 at Walt Disney World Resort, featuring attractions and experiences in an area that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. Among the novelties, guests are now able to fly high with The Great Goofini or with Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The next phase of Storybook Circus is now official – July 2012 for the 2nd Dumbo (flying counterclockwise), along with Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station. By the 2012 holidays, openings are now scheduled for Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, Ariel’s Grotto. And a 2014 opening is now announced for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, taking guests on a musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.”
The Pirates League (May 2009) – Drop anchor at The Pirates League in Adventureland, where Captain Jack and his crew recruit and transform Walt Disney World guests ages three and up into swashbuckling First Mates and Empresses. Complete with facial effects, earrings, eye patches, Pirates League Sword and Sheath, Treasure Bag and Pirate Coin Necklace, packages are fit for adventurers of all ages. Beginning March 2012, makeovers from Captain Jack’s motley crew are also including The Mermaid Transformation package and Jake and the Never Land Pirates package. Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life can start the process by visiting disneyworld.com/crew.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (February 2012) - Beginning in early 2012, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort will feature a brand-new interactive experience enabling guests to defeat the Disney Villains. Armed with magic spells in the form of special cards, players must search for the symbols that lead them to the animated villains’ hiding places. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will be included as part of park admission.
“Enchanted Tiki Room“ (reopened Aug. 15, 2011) – The enchantment continues with a version reminiscent of the original show (called Tropical Serenade). The attraction has been entertaining guests since the theme park’s opening day Oct. 1, 1971. Its winged hosts — Jose, Fritz, Pierre and Michael — led 200 other birds, tikis and flowers in an entertaining Polynesian revue. The Adventureland attraction was inspired by Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, which opened at Disneyland Park in 1963.
Town Square Theater (Spring 2011) – Guests visiting Mickey Mouse at his permanent new location in “Town Square Theater” can obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It marks the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.
“Main Street Electrical Parade” (June 2010) – With floats and characters appearing for the first time at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” returns to Magic Kingdom with its joyous sights and sounds. Direct from Disneyland and marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the cherished parade is led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White also join the parade aboard bright new floats.
“Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!” Street Party (February 2009) – A traveling show filled with acrobatic performers, singing and dancing Disney characters and floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages invites Magic Kingdom guests to mix and mingle down Main Street, U.S.A.
Epcot
Tutto Gusto (May 2012) – Located adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy pavilion, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is a more intimate space complete with stone walls, vaulted ceilings and a fireplace in the dining room. Inspired by an atmospheric Italian wine bar, Tutto Gusto features a small-plate menu plus more than 200 Italian wines, as well as beers, grappa and other libations.
Katsura Grill (December 2011) - Located in the Japan Pavilion, Katsura Grill replaces the former Yakitori House. The new exterior is inspired by the strolling gardens at the historic Katsura Imperial Villa outside Kyoto, Japan. New items on the menu include Okonomiyaki, a veggie, pancake-like patty and a cold ramen noodle dish with shredded crab in a sweet soy dressing. The re-imagined quick-service restaurant is located amidst tranquil gardens and includes indoor and outdoor dining.
La Hacienda de San Angel and La Cantina de San Angel (September 2010) – The Mexico pavilion opened two restaurants under one roof – La Hacienda, a 250-seat restaurant serving romantic dinners beside World Showcase Lagoon, and La Cantina, a 150-seat quick-service restaurant serving both lunch and dinner.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (August 2010) – Located in the Italy pavilion, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria is an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. Operated by Patina Restaurant Group, the same restaurateurs who run the pavilion’s Tutto Italia restaurant, the 300-seat pizzeria is inspired by Naples 45, another Patina Restaurant Group pizzeria in New York City. The casual pizzeria features wood-burning ovens – and uses water from a source that most resembles the water in Naples, Italy, home of some of the world’s best pizza dough. The 14,000-square-foot space includes indoor and outdoor dining.
“Captain EO” (July 2010) – The classic musical spectacular that thrilled Epcot guests from 1986-1994 has returned to Epcot. Twenty-four years ago, Michael Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Huston and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness. “Captain EO” is presented multiple times daily at the Imagination pavilion. It replaces “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” which is planned to return at an undetermined date.
Innoventions (continual updates) – Discover tomorrow’s technology today at this hands-on exposition of the world’s newest products and inventions. Guests visit the house of the future, explore cyberspace, test the latest developments in computers and discover the latest breakthroughs in virtual reality and communications. Guests to Epcot can experience a Segway™ Personal Transporter for themselves, firsthand, at World Showcase before the area opens for other park guests.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Meet Jake from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” a popular “Disney Junior” show (Nov. 2011) - Jake has officially joined other stars of Disney Junior at the meet-and-greet location in Animation Courtyard. Walt Disney World Resort guests also can catch the Disney Junior character at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” and Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine.
“Star Tours -The Adventures Continue” (May 2011) – A new 3-D version of the tremendously popular Star Tours attraction is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Based on the iconic Lucasfilm Star Wars films, the attraction includes immersive new elements, allowing guests to experience more than 50 story combinations to many familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy. Among the locations that might provide haven from the Empire’s pursuit are the icy planet of Hoth, the lush jungles of Kashyyyk and the underwater Gungan world of Naboo. And along the way guests may encounter Star Wars characters that offer to help (or hinder) their journey, including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. “Skytroopers,” a legion of stormtroopers created just for the Star Tours attraction story, might even join in the chase.
New meet and greet experiences (Summer 2011) – Guests can take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas and Ferb at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Phineas and Ferb – from the popular television show of the same name – “know what they’re gonna do today”: the duo will make a movie all about their crazy adventures. With the help of guests and movie director Cletus Filmore, they will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their adoring fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. The fun takes place near the exit of “Muppet«Vision 3-D.” In addition, Winnie the Pooh replaces Lotso in the meet-and-greet location at Feature Animation. Lotso will continue to be seen in the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! Parade. A “Cars 2″ meet-and-greet is also now open near “Muppet«Vision 3-D,” and, in June 2011, Lightning McQueen replaced Herbie the Love Bug on stage in Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.
“Disney Junior-Live on Stage!” (March 2011) – Ever since “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” premiered in 2001, it has been a chance for younger guests to experience Disney Channel friends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As that circle of TV friends has grown and changed, the Disney entertainment gurus have endeavored to make those new friends part of the vacation fun, too. So here come Jake and the Never Land Pirates as part of “Disney Junior-Live on Stage!” The show also includes current favorites from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins.
Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! (January 2011) – Favorite Pixar pals perform in an all-new parade showcasing appearances by four characters not previously featured – Remy and Emile from “Ratatouille” and Carl and Russell from “UP.” The parade is performed to a new musical track from the current Pixar parade at Disney California Adventure. The new show replaces “Block Party Bash,” which was presented between March 2008 and January 2011.
“The American Idol Experience” (February 2009) - Starry-eyed Disney guests get a taste of the pop culture phenomenon “American Idol” up close and personal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “The American Idol Experience” is another immersive opportunity as guests experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set. There are several show times daily. Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show.
Downtown Disney
Pollo Campero (November 2011) - With restaurants in 12 countries, the Latin favorite Pollo Campero is the newest dining option at Downtown Disney Marketplace, featuring signature chicken dishes and tasty-thick yuca fries – plus much more. For fans of great-tasting healthful options there’s first-of-its-kind Fresh A-Peel fare featuring all-natural burgers, salads and wraps. Top it all off with dessert. Erin McKenna’s BabyCakes NYC serves up signature cookies, cupcakes and vegan desserts free of gluten, dairy and eggs.
AMC Dine-In Theatres (summer 2011) – AMC Theatres® has put a new twist on the date-night concept of “dinner and a movie” at AMC Downtown Disney 24: “a movie with dinner.” Six auditoriums at the Downtown Disney West Side location have been transformed into Fork & Screen dine-in theatres where guests can watch the latest movies while dining from a menu including quesadillas, burgers, flatbread pizzas, grilled sandwiches and house specialties as well as appetizers and desserts. Reserved seating and table-top dining is offered.
Apricot Lane Boutique (August 2011) – The specialty retail store offers celebrity-inspired branded apparel, affordable fashion jewelry, handbags and accessories. The store on Pleasure Island is located in the space previously occupied by the relocated Harley-Davidson Motorcycle shop.
Orlando Harley-Davidson (Relocated July 2011) – The largest and most interactive Harley merchandise store of its kind, it draws guests in with a 40-foot tower and massive LCD/LED screens showing specially produced footage of motorcycles in action. Guests are also able to see and sit on some of the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and a brand new production studio lets guests be pictured in their favorite riding spot or transformed into real bikers. Guests can even design biker vests of their own. The expanded 3,635-square-foot store is located at Downtown Disney West Side.
littlemissmatched (Relocated April 2011) – A colorful and playful setting filled with fashionable accessories, beach bags, flip flops and mismatched socks. Relocated to Downtown Disney Marketplace.
D Street (April 2010) - The store showcases edgy apparel for both men and women, Vinylmation figures and collectibles, artwork, accessories, jewelry and more. The Downtown Disney West Side store’s unfinished industrial look provides a great venue to showcase Disney art created by local artists.
Paradiso 37 (June 2009) – A high-energy restaurant and bar from E-Brands Restaurant Group features North, South and Central American cuisine, an international wine bar, and a tequila bar with 37 kinds of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas. The waterfront dining spot at Downtown Disney is open daily from 11 a.m. until late night with nightly entertainment.
Characters in Flight (April 2009) – Downtown Disney now has its own iconic attraction in the form of a giant tethered balloon that takes guests 400 feet into the air from the waterfront. With a volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas, the 72-foot-diameter balloon, operated by Aerophile, can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip, by day or night, that gives them an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond.
Tren-D (February 2009) – A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings is a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The urban-inspired specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.
Resorts
Royal Guest Rooms (March 2012) — Beginning spring 2012, when Walt Disney World guests stay in the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, they’ll discover special treasures left behind by the stars of favorite animated films such as “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Princess and the Frog.” In quarters befitting not only the young Princes and Princesses of the family but also their grown-up King and Queen parents, guests can unwind amid remarkable décor. They’ll be able to watch “fireworks” swirl as they recline in ornate beds, curl up in custom linens and more. It’s majesty and fun, all rolled into one. Each of the 512 Royal Guest Rooms sleeps up to four guests in two queen beds.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora (September 2009) – Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit show “Iron Chef America,” and Disney opened a family-dining restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk featuring Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to the chef’s Greek roots. Open daily for breakfast and dinner with seating for about 200 guests.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (August 2009) - Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort joined the Disney Vacation Club family of properties. The curvilinear tower is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building. The crescent shape, which features 295 two-bedroom equivalent villas, delivers some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort. Most of the rooms feature innovative touches, such as modern artwork, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (June 2009) – Nestled in natural forest glens, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa marks the newest phase of what has become the largest Disney Vacation Club resort. The villas revive Walt Disney World “treehouse living,” a tradition from 1975-2002. All stand-alone, three-bedroom homes, elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest environment, sleep nine and offer modern luxuries such as cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and flat-screen TVs, all presented in a style dubbed “cabin casual.”
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Pirate-Themed Guestrooms (February 2009) – Buccaneers are immersed in a world of pirates at a themed village created within Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – 384 guestrooms feature pirate-ship beds, wood flooring to look like a ship’s deck, buccaneer accessories and themed decor from stem to stern. The zero gravity pool welcomes swashbuckling adventurers with a kids area and slide themed like an old fort with turrets and cannons.
“What’s Next”
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (May 2012) – A new resort hotel inspired by Disney animation will feature 1,120 family suites themed after “The Lion King,” “Cars” and “Finding Nemo,” and 864 themed rooms in “The Little Mermaid” wings. Animation themes will carry throughout building exteriors and room interiors and feature larger-than-life icons from the animated films in courtyard areas. Crowned by a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be located next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure (Summer 2012) - Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’ Channel’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Transforming into secret agents, Epcot guests will use a “high-tech secret agent device” to scour World Showcase for clues, evil “Inators” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
Starbucks Coffee (Summer 2012) - Starbucks will open locations at all Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The rollout will begin in summer and each of the Starbucks locations inside the parks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings. Cafes will serve Starbucks menu items including beverages, signature sandwiches and desserts.
Splitsville (Fall 2012) - Splitsville, located in Downtown Disney West Side, will reinvent bowling for America with 45,000 square feet of fun and 30 lanes on two floors. Guests will come for the bowling but stay for the food. Between strikes and spares, guests can feast on menu items including hand-tossed pizza, fresh-rolled sushi and hand-cut filet sliders served right at the lane. Beyond a great hangout for friends and families, the all-new day-and-nighttime venue also will be available for birthday parties and corporate events.
Test Track Presented by Chevrolet (Fall 2012) – As part a renewed corporate alliance, General Motors will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in developing a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience. Opening Fall 2012, the refurbished Test Track will be presented by Chevrolet and will feature a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” where guests will create their own custom concept vehicles prior to buckling into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and putting their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.
Kilimanjaro Safaris (Fall 2012) – Planned changes to Kilimanjaro Safaris will give Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests an additional opportunity to see zebra in a reconstructed savannah space featuring a new watering hole for live animals. The attraction will remain operational during the adjustment and changes be completed by fall 2012.
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow (Late 2012) – The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow debuts this fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., giving Walt Disney World Resort guests a chance to become immersed in the world of the four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Aspiring pirates will experience the story of Jack Sparrow like never before to discover if they have what it takes to join Captain Jack’s crew. The attraction will be included with theme park admission and will be located in Soundstage 4, former space of Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort (hotel opening 2014) – Also announced as part of the Walt Disney World expansion for the next decade: the 900-acre luxury resort residential community of Golden Oak, anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The development, along the northeast border of the property, will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes.
AVATAR - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide is joining forces with visionary filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney parks. Disney will partner with Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau to create themed lands that will give theme park guests the opportunity to explore the mysterious universe of AVATAR first hand. Disney plans to build the first AVATAR themed land at Walt Disney World, within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With its emphasis on living in harmony with nature, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a natural fit for the AVATAR stories, which share the same philosophy.
Annual Events
Walt Disney World Marathon (January) – Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013, this annual 26.2-mile adventure races through all four Disney theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A half marathon, two-day health expo and 5K round out the weekend’s agenda.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training (February-March) – The Atlanta Braves return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex for spring training.
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February) – The predominantly women’s half marathon brings women of all ages together to celebrate all the qualities a princess possesses. The weekend features a two day health and fitness expo geared towards women, a family fun run 5k and kids’ races.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (March-May) - Future World and World Showcase are blooming with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, interactive garden activities for kids and workshops with national gardening experts during this annual spring festival at Epcot.
Star Wars Weekends (May-June) – For several weekends each summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios turns into a giant Star Wars fan-fest with up-close meet-and-greets for guests with their favorite characters and actors from the film series as well as interactive games, parades, music and fun for the whole family.
Night of Joy (September) – Top contemporary Christian music performers headline this annual celebration throughout Magic Kingdom. The long-running series has played to a combined audience in excess of a million.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (September-October) – A family-friendly fright-fest in Magic Kingdom featuring a children’s parade, trick-or-treating throughout the park, face painting, and more.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend (September) – This newly created 10-mile race takes place in and around Disney’s Hollywood Studios and features your favorite Disney villains. The weekend includes the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash, kids’ races and a family fun run 5K at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (September-November) – Savor fine wines and delectable cuisine during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival featuring live entertainment, guest chefs, culinary demonstrations, seminars and winemaker dinners.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic (October) – Annual PGA tournament held at Disney’s Magnolia and Palm golf courses features top players.
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November) – The ultimate “Runners’ Night Out” features a half marathon at night. After finishing, runners and their guests can celebrate their accomplishment at an exclusive after hours party inside the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The weekend also includes kids’ races, a family fun run 5K and a health and fitness expo.
Festival of the Masters (November) – More than 200 award-winning artists from across the country showcase their wares throughout Downtown Disney. The three-day festival features chalk artists, House of Blues folk artists, a jazz festival, culinary delights and family activities.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (November-January) – This holiday light display on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios backlot features millions of sparkling holiday bulbs designed by Arkansas businessman and philanthropist Jennings Osborne as a gift to his daughter and the guests of Walt Disney World Resort.
Holiday Splendor (November-January) – Walt Disney World Resort is all aglitter during the holiday season with dazzling lights, spirited song and even snow flurries. Here’s what’s in store: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom; Candlelight Processional at Epcot; plus caroling, tree lighting ceremonies and visits by Santa.
“Vacation Innovations”
Disney Mobile Magic – Disney Parks and Verizon present Disney Mobile Magic – a fun and simple way for guests to get the most out of their Disney vacation. Guests using GPS-enabled maps can get around the parks, locate some of their favorite characters for a special greeting and even make dining reservations. Disney Mobile Magic enables guests to check official attraction wait times and Disney’s FASTPASS® return times. And Verizon customers have access to additional, premium features like more video and extra games within the app. Disney Mobile Magic encompasses all of the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The app is available in the App Store and via Google Play.
Disney’s Magical Express - The innovative service offers airport shuttle, luggage delivery and airline check-in for Disney hotel guests. Guests of 24 Disney owned-and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort using Disney’s Magical Express service can check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (OIA) and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to the Vacation Kingdom, where their bags “magically” appear in their room upon check-in. The complimentary service is designed to give Disney hotel guests the stress-free vacation they want. With the service, a family of four can save more than $80 (based on round-trip taxi transportation, plus tip, between OIA and Walt Disney World Resort).
Magic Your Way - Magic Your Way ticketing and packages allow guests to create their own magical Walt Disney World vacation. Ticket-holders can customize their Walt Disney World theme park visits by adding components to the base ticket such as park-hopping or building on water parks or other vacation fun. The savings grow the longer a guest stays.
Disney’s PhotoPass – Using the latest digital equipment and Disney-engineered technology, photographers take photos of guests throughout the theme parks. Instead of receiving a paper claim ticket, guests receive a Disney’s PhotoPass card that links all of their vacation photos taken by Disney photographers together into one online account. Guests can go online to www.disneyphotopass.com to easily view, share and order their photos, order a CD of all their Disney’s PhotoPass images, and more.
Disney’s FASTPASS – Disney’s antidote to line-standing is offered at a selection of popular attractions in all four theme parks. Guests who choose to get a FASTPASS receive a ticket with a designated one-hour-long window of time when they can return and skip the regular line. Guests don’t have to choose FASTPASS: there’s a standby line at all attractions. Disney’s FASTPASS costs theme park guests nothing extra. Since its debut, more than 350 million FASTPASS tickets have been issued.
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