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Runners to Race Around the “High Banks” and “Bases” As Part of 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Course

Joe — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:09:56 +0000

2013 Disney Marathon route to go through baseball stadium and speedway; course tweaks build on list of new 2013 enhancements

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Runners in the 20^th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon in 2013 will have the unique experience of running along a speedway and through a baseball stadium – in addition to Disney’s four theme parks – as part the latest enhancements designed to celebrate the event’s two decades of existence.

The 2013 Disney Marathon course will again start at Epcot. But runners will go through the Magic Kingdom and then, for the first time ever, run through the high-banked Walt Disney World Speedway where stock cars, Indy cars and exotic supercars typically roar around the one-mile tri-oval track. And later the course will take runners to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and through the complex’s Champion Stadium, a major-league style ballpark that’s the Atlanta Braves’ annual spring training home.

“Running through the speedway and the ballpark should provide quite a thrill for the runners,” said veteran race director Jon Hughes. “These very creative enhancements should make for a pretty memorable 20^th anniversary marathon that people will probably be talking about for 20 more years.”

The marathon’s commemorative route changes add to the new enhancements recently announced, including enhanced entertainment along Mile 20, a specially-designed 20^th anniversary Mickey Mouse medal and a new post-race party at Downtown Disney.

In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna (Jan. 10-13) will feature events for the entire family such as Kids’ Races throughout the weekend, including theMickey Mile, a Family Fun Run 5K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. There is also Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge which involves running the Half Marathon and the full Marathon – 39.3 miles! The Health and Fitness Expo runs throughout the weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and features the latest in running technology and fashion, as well as renowned running experts like Jeff Galloway, the official training consultant for runDIsney.

Runners can register at www.rundisney.com. Runners can register early to get the best price. Below is pricing and the schedule of events for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

About the writer sharemickey

Creator of sharemickey.com, Partner at Signal Flow Music, Inc along with Disney Mousekteer, Ricky Luna, Husband, Dad, Tech Geek, DVC Member, Disney Nut! I have the best wife and kids! I'm the guy that won't stop talking about Disney!

Free Eat to the Beat Concert Series!

Diana — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:55:54 +0000

One of the best parts of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the Eat To The Beat Concert Series. Listening to great music while trying all sorts of amazing, international food? Sounds like a vacation to me!

Head to Epcot this September and October, this year’s Eat To The Beat Concert Series is truly fantastic!

9/28-9/30 : Night Ranger

10/1-10/3 : Sugar Ray

10/4- 10/7 : STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas

10/8-10/10 : Boyz II Men

10/11-10/12 : Smash Mouth

10/13-10/14 : Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice”

10/15-10/17 : Air Supply

10/18-10/19 : Gin Blossoms

10/20-10/21 : Survivor

10/22-10/23 : Hanson

10/24-10/25 : The Pointer Sisters

10/26-10/28 : Sister Hazel

10/29-10/31 : Billy Ocean

11/1-11/2 : 38 Special

11/3-11/4 : Howard Jones LIVE

11/5-11/6 : Blues Traveler

11/7-11/8 : Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX

11/9-11/11 : Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Best of all the Eat To The Beat concerts are free with your admission to Epcot! Yep, free. You can’t beat free entertainment while enjoying all that great food.

If you are ready to start planning your trip to Disney World for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival and for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, contact Diana at diana@beyondcastles.com or at 740-953-0373.

About the writer beyondcastles

I absolutely love Disney and I absolutely love helping others plan there magical vacation. I am a Disney Travel Specialist, as well as, Universal Studios, cruise, and Hawaii Travel Specialist. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your next vacation whether it is to the castles or beyond!

Disney to Award Record $1.5 Million to Benefit Central Florida Kids

Joe — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:49:13 +0000

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 16, 2012 – With help from Mickey Mouse and dozens of VoluntEARS, Walt Disney World Resort today kicked off efforts to award a record $1.5 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine grants to 59 organizations that help enrich the lives of Central Florida kids.

Organizations and school districts with programs that use art, music and theater to stimulate creativity and critical thinking among children were the first to receive grants during a visit to the Orlando Repertory Theatre.

“At Walt Disney World Resort, our vision is to build on our philanthropic legacy by investing in programs that make a lasting change in our community and promote the happiness and well being of children and families”, said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “These organizations represent the best of the best.”

Throughout the week, Walt Disney World Resort will make surprise visits to other organizations in the five counties that encourage creativity, innovation and compassion in children. Combined, the grants are expected to benefit an estimated 70,000 children in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties.

A 15-member committee that included community leaders, government officials, educators, entrepreneurs and Cast Members selected this year’s grant recipients.

About the writer sharemickey

Walt Disney World Resort Receives Award from Orange County Public Schools

Joe — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:45:25 +0000

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 14, 2012 – Florida Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson was the keynote speaker at a May 4 event recognizing Orange County Public Schools’ outstanding ADDitions School Volunteers, business Partners in Education and volunteer coordinators. This year more than 53,000 ADDitions School Volunteers and 2,000 business partnerships have donated more than $15 million in financial and in-kind contributions to OCPS. At the event, Robinson joined OSPS Superintendent Ron Blocker and School Board Chairman Bill Sublette in honoring the best of the best.

Blocker recognized Disney as an outstanding Partner in Education. “Known around the world, Walt Disney World Resort is a famous neighbor of Orange County Public Schools, and supports the district in many significant ways. From Disney employees hosting a massive school supply drive each summer, to the Dreamers & Doers program, to a donation each year of $50,000 to the superintendent’s discretionary fund and support of the Teacher of the Year Ceremony, Disney contributes to the success of students and staff. This year, in response to the crisis of homelessness in the area, Walt Disney World Resort gave and additional $7,500 to support the important work of OCPS Homeless Services” said Blocker. Betty Martinez Lowery and Angie Sola from Walt Disney World Community Relations accepted the award on behalf of the company.

About the writer sharemickey

Disney VoluntEARS Build Playground for Lakeland Kids

Joe — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:40:22 +0000

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 14, 2012 – The spirit of volunteerism filled the Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland on April 28, as Orlando and Tampa-based Disney VoluntEARS converged to build a playground at the facility with the help of the KaBOOM! organization and Girls, Inc.

Entertainment and diversions kept the energy high with Radio Disney playing music, and hosting interactive games, raffles and dances. Disney Cast Members from Animal Science and Environment participated on the Youth Activities Team which was comprised of volunteers age 17 years and younger. The Cast shared Earth Month initiatives and staffed an outdoor activities station on “Bugs You Can Find in Your Own Back Yard”.

The event was covered by Lakeland’s newspaper, The Ledger, and Gow Fields, Mayor, City of Lakeland, volunteered during the entire building process. Rex Perry, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland and Kay Fields, President/CEO of Girls, Inc. were overcome with joy at the completion of the build. Perry made it a point to speak to all the Disney VoluntEARS on their buses as they departed to thank them for their exceptional efforts to making this come true for Lakeland. He shared with them his motto of the day “this is all for the kids.”

About the writer sharemickey

Disney Dreamers & Doers Recognized at Orlando Magic Game

Joe — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:27:36 +0000

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 14, 2012 – The Disney Dreamers & Doers Shining Stars, selected earlier this spring, enjoyed some fun and further recognition at the April 25 Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers game. Students and their family members came from across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties to attend the final regular-season home game and cheer on the Magic. At halftime the students were recognized for their achievement and brought onto center court to thunderous applause.

Congratulations once again to the approximately 400 students chosen as their school’s 2012 Disney Dreamer & Doer, and to the 18 Shining Stars! Our community’s future is indeed bright thanks to the outstanding character, leadership and caring spirit that each of them possess.

About the writer sharemickey

Genesis VII, Inc. Chosen for Scholarship to Attend Northwestern University Management Program

Joe — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:16:03 +0000

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 14, 2012 — The Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (cnFMSDC) announced that Genesis VII, Inc. has been honored with a scholarship to attend the Advanced Management Education program at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business.

“We’re pleased that one of Central Florida’s finest minority-owned businesses will be able to attend the Advance Management Education on the campus of Northwestern University,” said Malik Ali, president of the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council. “The scholarship was made possible by the generosity of the Minority Business Development team at Walt Disney World Resort”. Once again, Walt Disney World Resort is demonstrating its commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses and diverse suppliers by stepping in and providing an amazing opportunity to such a deserving recipient.

Genesis VII, Inc. has a long history working with businesses across Central Florida, including Walt Disney World Resort. The company is an Engineering, Logistics and Construction Services Company. The company was chosen from among five minority supplier finalists in Central Florida and has been involved with the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council for the past twenty three years.

The Kellogg School of Management is a weeklong intensive management course. To qualify, a supplier has to be certified as a diverse supplier with sales of over $5,000,000 and in business at least three years.

About the writer sharemickey

Special Itinerary Marks Inaugural Visit to Hawai’i

Joe — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:12:28 +0000

Disney Wonder sails historic trip to Honolulu

HONOLULU, O’ahu (May 6, 2012) – The Disney Wonder arrives in Honolulu today, marking the first time in Disney Cruise Line history that a ship has sailed to the Hawaiian Islands. This first of two special Hawaiian itineraries continues an exciting expansion period for Disney Cruise Line.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to combine the legendary guest service of Disney Cruise Line with the breathtaking beauty of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Hawai’i is one of the world’s most extraordinary vacation destinations, offering stunning scenery as well as rich cultural traditions and storytelling. Blending the enchantment of Hawai’i with the magic of Disney is a natural fit.”

In keeping with maritime tradition, a special plaque and key ceremony will be held onboard the ship, commemorating the inaugural call of the Disney Wonder on Honolulu. Captain Fabian Dib will be joined by port and community leaders, as well as Elliot Mills, vice president and general manager of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, at the ceremony.

Cast members from Aulani will also be present, as they greet guests and the crew with “e komo mai,” a Hawaiian phrase of welcome. The Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus will entertain guest and crew as they disembark with both Hawaiian and Disney songs, including some Disney tunes that have been translated into Hawaiian.

The Disney Wonder is currently sailing on a special 15-night cruise that departed Los Angeles, Calif. on April 29. The ship stopped at Hilo, Hawai’i on May 4 and Kahului, Maui on May 5. On May 7, the ship will stop at Nawiliwilil, Kaua’i, giving guests the opportunity to explore four islands during their sailing. In October, the ship will return to Hawai’i for a second time.

The ship will sail seven-night itineraries to Alaska from Seattle, Wash. this summer before heading back to Los Angeles, Calif. to sail seven-night itineraries to the Mexican Riviera in the fall. At the end of the year, the Disney Wonder will reposition to Miami, marking the first time a Disney Cruise Line ship will sail out of Southern Florida.

Disney Heritage and Hawai’i
In August 2011, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts opened Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. A first-of-its-kind resort, Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with the Hawaiian community to create a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art to myriad recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more, guests are immersed in the legends of the islands. Recently, Aulani was named one of the world’s best new hotels on Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 16^th annual “Hot List.”

Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line is focused on providing a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and kids can immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy only Disney can create. Most recently, the company was recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the top “Cruise Ships of the World,” with the Disney Magic being voted No. 1 and the Disney Dream and Disney Wonder tying for No. 2. Travel + Leisuremagazine also ranked Disney Cruise Line the No. 1 Large-Ship Cruise Line for Families.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

About the writer sharemickey

From Fine Dining to Fast Casual, New Restaurants Play a Starring Role at Disney California Adventure Park

Joe — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:07:15 +0000

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Food plays a starring role in new restaurants along Buena Vista Street and in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, with six fast-casual restaurants and a new premier dining spot. “The diverse cuisine really tops off the guest experience,” says Chef Ed Wronski, director of food and beverage concept development for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

Along Buena Vista Street

Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge

Signature dining at the Carthay Circle Restaurant upstairs (200 seats indoors, 56 seats on the terrace), with a 68-seat lounge downstairs. Hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Open for lunch and dinner with a market-inspired menu created by Andrew Sutton, executive chef for Napa Rose and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, with Chef de Cuisine Gloria Tae running the kitchen.
Menu includes five varieties of sustainable fish, both wild and farmed, in dishes such as sushi-grade yellowtail, grilled with jerk spice and topped with tropical salsa, and Sierra Golden trout roasted with couscous, lemon and oil. Lunch menu includes udon noodle bowl with red Thai curry broth and Angus burger with Tillamook cheddar cheese.
Features hand-crafted cocktails, California beers from smaller breweries, wines from around the world with a strong focus on California vineyards, and lounge cocktails based on popular drinks from the 1930s including martinis and classic punches.
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, inspired by the original Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered in 1937. Features include custom tiles, custom plaster finishes, ornate woodwork.
Each guest who orders an entrée and an appetizer, or an entrée and a dessert, will receive a ticket to a center-stage viewing area for the nighttime spectacular, “World of Color.”
Reservations are recommended: 714-781-DINE.

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe

Quick-service and bakery with 134 seats inside, 44 outside with a view of Carthay Circle
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches
Showcases Starbucks coffee drinks, with baristas in 1920s-inspired attire.
Signature sandwiches with kettle potato chips, including roast beef and cheddar, turkey Reuben, paneer and roasted vegetable, and salami with olive tapenade.
Two house soups daily, such as vegetarian cream spinach, chicken tortilla, lentil, Portobello barley, hearty meat stew, classic chicken noodle, vegetable minestrone with pasta, and cheesy enchilada

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream

Hand-scooped ice cream in waffle cones, sundaes (hot fudge, mocha, mint, strawberry)
Chocolate-dipped ice cream bars (milk or dark chocolate)

Mortimer’s Market

Fruit and beverage kiosk with whole and cut fresh fruits, bottled water and juices, and soft drinks
According to Disney legend, Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse on a train trip from New York to Los Angeles in March 1928. He called his creation Mortimer Mouse, but wife Lillian objected, saying Mortimer was too formal. So Walt changed it to Mickey.

Cruising through Cars Land

Flo’s V8 Cafe

Full meals at a quick-service counter, with seats for 300
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Inspired by vintage roadside restaurants along historic Route 66, specialties include rotisserie pork loin, citrus turkey and New York strip loin. Signature “veggie-tater bake” is Chef Sean Layne’s vegetarian version of classic shepherd’s pie.
House-made, single-serving pies include apple-cheddar, strawberry-rhubarb, chocolate mud, blueberry-peach and cherry, created by Disneyland Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet.
Beers served are Racer 5 IPA and Red Rocket Ale from Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg, Calif.
California wines by the glass include Fess Parker Riesling, Silverado Chardonnay, Chappellet Mountain Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon and Eppa Superfruit Red Sangria.
Boasting “the finest fuel in the 50 states,” Flo’s caters to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, with a “showroom” dining area that overlooks the Radiator Springs Racers attraction.
The cafe also is home to Flo’s personal memorabilia, collected during her glamorous career as a singer with the Motorama Girls.

Cozy Cone Motel

Quick-service, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with 56 seats outdoors
Inspired by vintage “wigwam” hotels along Route 66, each of the five teepees offers cone-themed treats.
Cone Number 1 offers churro bites with cinnamon-chocolate sauce, cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa and Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda made with dessert pear syrup, mojito syrup and Sprite.
Cone Number 2 features soft-serve ice cream and “route” beer floats.
Cone Number 3 offers savory bites all served in edible bread cones, such as a bacon-scrambled egg cone for breakfast, chicken verde or chili “cone” queso for lunch and dinner. Specialty beverages are Fillmore’s Fuelin’ Groovy Ades, all-natural lemonade with wild berry foam, or pomegranate limeade with lemon-lime foam.
Cone Number 4 serves pretzel bites with cheesy sauce and Red’s Apple Freeze, a fat-free, frozen concoction with apple juice, toasted marshmallow syrup and passion fruit-mango foam.
Cone Number 5 features two flavored popcorns daily, such as dill pickle and sweet & spicy. Other flavors include bacon and cheddar, nacho cheese, salt and vinegar. Specialty drink is Doc’s Wild Grape Tonic (Sprite with wild grape syrup and wild berry foam).
As the story goes, the Cozy Cone Motel becomes home to Sally’s Snack Cone-anza when all the fans flock to Radiator Springs for the big races.

Fillmore’s Taste-In

Fruit and beverage kiosk with fresh whole and cut fruits, bottled water and juices, and soft drinks.
Radiator Springs’ resident hippie, Fillmore, offers a variety of healthy snacks to visitors at his tie-dyed geodesic dome.