As the primary in-room amenities provider for Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club properties, H2O Plus is pleased to announce the expansion of a multi-year strategic alliance agreement that will extend the H2O Plus presence internationally. Through the new deal, H2O Plus products will now also be available at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. In addition, H2O Plus will sponsor five runDisney races at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

“We’ve enjoyed a wonderful, long-standing relationship with Disney and we are pleased with the opportunity to further collaborate with one of the most beloved companies in the world” said H2O Plus CEO, Rick Ruffolo. “This expanded agreement will enable us to provide H2O Plus to an even broader Disney audience who can now enjoy the best in marine-based skincare products.”

H2O Plus will offer a variety of hair and skin care products at various locations during runDisney race weekends including the health & fitness expos, race retreats and VIP lounges. In addition to the in-room amenities and event sponsorship, H20 Plus has extended its offerings through robust retail programs and additional co-branded products lines available at select resort retail locations. Featured items include the H2O Plus premium Sea Salt and Sea Marine SPA lines, signature blue Bath Aquatics collection, and bath and body care products in Blushing Orange and Grapefruit Bergamot scents. H2O Plus products will also be available through an in-room resort catalog and online at Disneystore.com.

“Since 2006, Disney has teamed with H2O Plus to provide our guests with high-quality, in-room amenities such as shampoos, conditioners and body lotions,” said Michael Cohen, vice president, Disney Corporate Alliances. “We’re excited to expand upon this relationship and look forward to introducing H2O Plus products to Disney guests around the globe.”

This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return to the park Sept. 27-Nov. 11, and we just received the list of performers who will participate in the Eat to the Beat concert series.

New acts coming this year include the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors and Christopher Cross. There are also many returning favorites, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Boyz II Men.

Check out the full schedule below:

• Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
• Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
• Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
• Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
• Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
• Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
• Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
• Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
• Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
• Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
• Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
• Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
• Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
• Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
• Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
• Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
• Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced that it will soon offer a free membership level allowing Disney fans worldwide to gain access to exclusive benefits at no cost.

D23 also  announced that it plans to completely revamp its web site with some new and interesting fan-oriented content in mind. The new site will launch on June 17, 2013 at D23.com, providing access to newly digitized content from deep within The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future.

Only D23 members will have access to the new content, but that access won’t cost a penny.

The new D23 Free Membership will include:

• Members-Only Website Content: Access to all exclusive content on D23.com.
• Exclusive Merchandise: D23 offers its members access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
• Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare after your first e-newsletter arrives.)
• Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

“We’re creating a unique destination that celebrates, in all respects, the essence of Disney,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “We believe the new site will offer one of the most engaging Disney experiences yet—with even more to come in the future. We look forward to debuting the new D23.com to our current members as well as to new ones from around the world.”

D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members will be able to unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown.

The other D23 membership levels, Silver and Gold, will co-exist with the new free membership option, keeping the same prices and perks. A Gold membership, including a subscription to the now Gold-exclusive “Disney twenty-three” magazine, costs $74.99 and a Silver membership costs $34.99. The paid membership levels add value over the free one, including a membership card, annual gift, and access to D23 special members-only events.

Among content said to be featured on the new D23.com will be exclusive celebrity interviews, vintage film clips, rarely seen artwork and photography, treasures from the Walt Disney Archives, behind-the-scenes previews of new movies and theme park attractions, and more.

New departments and sections are planned for the site:

• Ask a Legend, a video feature in which Disney Legends like Marty Sklar answer fans questions;
• Attraction Rewind, celebrating the beloved attractions of Disney’s past which once delighted theme park guests;
• Weird Disney, looking at some of the more unusual and outrageous pieces of Disney’s past;
• Muppetology, which opens up the Muppet-acular universe of our fuzzy friends;
• The Quotable Walt Disney, a digitized version of the out-of-print book featuring some of Walt’s most enduring words;
• First Look, which gives members a glimpse into what’s new and what’s next including Monsters University;
• Characters, profiling the most beloved characters from television, film and comics with concept art and complete biographies.

When the new site launches on June 17, highlights will include:

• 23 Questions with Once Upon A Time star Ginnifer Goodwin and Phineas and Ferb’s “evil mastermind” Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz.
• D’scovered: Treasures unearthed by the Walt Disney Archives, including rare imagery from the proposed Mickey Mouse Park, a concept which evolved into Disneyland; alternative dialogue for The Haunted Mansion penned by Disney Legend X. Atencio; the illustrated story script for “The Karnival Kid,” the 1929 short in which Mickey Mouse first speaks; and a special memento created for Walt by legendary artist Salvador Dali.
• Disney A to Z – A complete and newly-updated electronic version of the definitive Disney encyclopedia with more than 7,000 entries written by Dave Smith, founder and Chief Archivist Emeritus of the Walt Disney Archives
• D23 Presents – A deeper dive into all parts of Disney from the opening of Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland to rarely seen footage of the former Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue.
• Disney Legends and the Walt Disney Archives – Two new microsites; Disney Legends will provide a deeper look at those who’ve made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, and the Archives site will open up the doors of this institution so D23 can share more of The Walt Disney Company’s expansive collections.

D23 is also promising further surprises for the site down the line.

Raglan Road Irish Pub Presents: The Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience with Master Chef Kevin Dundon

Date: Thursday June 20^th 2013

Time: 6.30pm

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Price: $95.00, plus tax and gratuity

Tables in Wonderland Discount Accepted

To book your Reservation please call 407-938-0300

Master Chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant has created a tantalizing menu incorporating fresh seasonal flavors for a special Summer Solstice Signature Dinner which takes place on the 20th of June. Enjoy a sumptuous five course menu paired with the finest wines that have been expertly chosen to complement and enhance the delicious flavors of each dish. Chef Kevin adds his unique style and flair to the menu combining his passion for freshness and simplicity.

The Summer Solstice marks the official start of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere and has long been associated with ancient summer customs and traditions. It is often the time of the first harvest and when plants and herbs planted during the spring equinox were collected hence a celebration of nature’s bounty. In ancient times the Summer Solstice was hugely significant; it was a time when the power of the Sun was at its highest and crops & fields were blessed to ensure a good harvest.

Celebrations take place across many parts of Europe dating back thousands of years. Most involve festivals, maypole dances, lighting of bonfires, feasting and celebrations. The Summer Solstice is such a joyous and magical occasion celebrated for centuries. We hope you can join us for a truly memorable dining experience. For more information, please visit http://www.raglanroad.com/summer-solstice-signature-dinner.

Menu Offerings:

Appetizer

Platter of Chicken Filet Terrine & Duck Liver Pate with Summer Chutney, Assorted Crostini and Pickled Vegetables

Rosenblum Rockpile Vineyard Zinfandel 2009

Soup

Duet of Potato Soup with a Champagne Splashed Oyster

Steffina di Notte & Guinness Black Velvet

Fish Course

Crispy Dungarvan Pale Ale Battered Atlantic Monkfish with Sea Salted Golden Chips

Dungarvan Pale Ale

Main Course

Sage Butter Roasted Poussin with Lemon Scented Potato Puree, Braised Cabbage and Natural Jus

Chorey-Les-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2010

Dessert

Strawberry Fields Forever

Chandon Rose

Walt Disney World® Resort – Most nights 9/2/13 – 9/25/13

Are you looking for a delicious way to make your vacation dreams come true! Book a non-discounted Walt Disney World® Magic Your Way package and get a select Dining Plan – Free*!

Book a value resort – Get Quick Service Dining Plan- Free

Book a moderate, deluxe or villa – Get the Disney Dining Plan-Free

Valid for stays most nights:
September 2, 2013 – September 25, 2013

Book by July 31, 2013

For details, see your Disney travel agent, my preferred travel provider is Mouse Fan Travel:

http://www.mousefantravel.com/disney-destinations/walt-disney-world-resort/latest-deals/free-dining-offer-september-2013

Late Summer Room Offer – Save up to 30%
Walt Disney World® Resort – Most nights 8/15/13 – 9/28/13

Stay and experience the magic up close. Be close to the heart of all the magic, from the Theme Parks and entertainment to exciting nightlife, shopping and more. Save up to 30%* when you stay at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel

Save up to 20% – Select Value Resort Hotels

Save up to 25% – Select Moderate Resort Hotels & Cabins

Save up to 30% – Select Deluxe & Villa Resort Hotels

Book this special deal by 7/31/13
for stays most nights – 8/15/13 – 9/28/13

On your phone, you have countless moments captured in photographs and videos. The Story app gathers those moments and helps you transform them into stories that are easy to personalize, save and share.

With Story, you get:

Effortless Storytelling:

To get you started, the Story app automatically finds the moments in your camera roll, based on when and where your photos and videos were captured. You can build stories in seconds, right out of these moments.

Creative Freedom:

You can create and share stories out of your moments, instantly. Or, you can get more creative and do more to personalize them with your own captions, pages of text, themes and layouts. You can also build stories from scratch. How you tell your stories is entirely up to you!

Quick, Selective Sharing:

With just a couple of taps, stories can be shared via email or Facebook. They are visible in any browser to your invited friends and family on Story.us. Stories can also be embedded on your website or blog.

Preservation:

You never have to worry about losing your stories: all stories you create are saved in the app and backed up by iCloud® for future viewing and editing.

Why Disney?

Because Disney has been telling great stories for generations.

Because Disney believes in the power of a good story.

And because, really, our characters are not so different from your characters–young or old, big or small.

The power of Story is in your hands. Start telling yours now.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives are proud to announce the return of the “Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit to the D23 Expo. During the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 9 — 11, 2013, this all-new exhibit curated specifically for the D23 Expo 2013 will feature: the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, ABC’s hit television series Once Upon A Time, and a look at the longstanding connection between Disney and L. Frank Baum’s beloved series of books about the land of Oz.

“Treasures” will showcase a selection of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives Collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time by the Archives. As the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins approaches, the Archives will be presenting a wide array of pieces from the Academy Award(R)-winning 1964 film including concept art and matte paintings, Mary and Bert’s carousel horses, the snow globe from the “Feed the Birds” sequence, costumes worn by many of the central characters and the recently acquired carpet bag, which Mary carries with her when she arrives at the Banks’ household. Also part of the exhibit will be the Fan Art Gallery, themed to Mary Poppins. D23 Members were invited to submit their work as part of the D23 Expo Fan Art Contest, and the winners’ colorful creations will be displayed in this year’s gallery.

On the heels of the global success of Oz The Great and Powerful, the Archives is proud to assemble artifacts illustrating Disney’s long association with L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. Highlights include a costume from 1957′s “Rainbow Road to Oz”–a segment from The Fourth Anniversary Show, which celebrated Walt’s four years on television, starring many of the Mickey Mouse Club’s Mouseketeers–as well as concept art from unrealized attractions and Disney Studio productions. Also featured are props and costume pieces from 1985′s Return to Oz including the Tik-Tok puppet, “Powder of Life” tin, and Dorothy’s costume and slippers. And, of course, there will be an assortment of costumes from this year’s Oz The Great and Powerful.

Now finishing its second hit season, Once Upon A Time has become a huge hit among Disney fans for its ability to remain true to many of Disney’s classic stories while expanding their worlds with a modern twist. The Archives is honored to be presenting a selection of elegantly designed costumes from the show.

The D23 Expo 2013 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards–a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Expo Dream Store, featuring a wide selection of unique merchandise; an expanded Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise–and this year’s Forum will also include the worlds of Marvel and Star Wars–plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations and unique experiences from every corner of Disney, from upcoming feature film and television sneak peeks to what’s new and what’s next from our theme parks around the world.

Electronic Arts and Walt Disney Co sealed a multi-year licensing deal under which the video game publisher will develop games for mobile devices, PCs and consoles based on the “Star Wars” movies.

Disney, which bought George Lucas’s Lucasfilm Ltd and the blockbuster sci-fi franchise for $4.05 billion in October, will retain the rights to develop online and mobile games, both companies said in a statement on Monday.

They did not reveal the financial terms of the agreement.

EA bet big on the Star Wars’ world of jedis and wookies in 2011 by releasing its “Star Wars: The Old Republic” – a massive multiplayer player online game, or MMO, that allows thousands of people to play simultaneously for a monthly subscription fee as opposed to a one-time purchase.

Analysts said EA made a record investment of between $100 million and $300 million to build “Star Wars: The Old Republic,” but EA has not disclosed costs. It hired more than 1,000 voice actors for “Star Wars: The Old Republic,” which broke a game industry record.

But the game has struggled to retain players, prompting the company to offer 15 game levels for free in June last year. And in November, it launched a free-to-play version of the game.

Disney, which has its own interactive games division, last month shut the 30-year-old LucasArts games studio it inherited with the acquisition to focus on licensing its “Star Wars” brand externally.

EA shares were up 2 percent at $18.67 and Disney’s stock was up slightly at $65.17 in after-hours trading.

D-Tech Me experience will be returning for Star Wars Weekends atDisney’s Hollywood Studios this year. The experience will be located inside Darth’s Mall, the highly themed merchandise destination located in the courtyard adjacent to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. You may recall we first introduced the Carbon-Freeze Me experience last year during Star Wars Weekends (my fellow author Gary Buchanan explains how it works in this video). We also introduced the experience at Celebration VI, the ultimate Star Wars fan event that was held last August in Orlando, Florida.

This year, Disney will be bringing back the popular “cast yourself in Carbonite” option that was inspired by a scene fromStar Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. We are also delighted to offer a new option featuring the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire, the Stormtroopers.

The 10-minute experience uses the world’s highest-resolution, single-shot 3D face scanner created by our Imagineering scientists with Disney Research labs. That captured image is later sent to a high resolution 3D printer to create the figurine. The completed figurine will arrive within 7-8 weeks after the experience if shipping domestically (it takes a little longer if shipping internationally). Guests will also receive either a Carbon-Freeze Me light-up band or a collector button depending upon which option they choose.

The Star Wars – D-Tech Me experience is $99.95, plus shipping and applicable sales tax.

To book your experience, please call 407-WDW-TECH (407-939-8324) to ask about availability. We will only offer the experience during Star Wars Weekends 2013 (May 17 – 19, May 24 – 26, May 31 – June 2, and June 7 – 9).

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

In 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes places from 7:00 pm to midnight on the following dates:

• November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, and 22
• December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20

Tickets may be purchased in advance (starting May 1) from Disney’s website, at Disney World ticket-selling venues, or by calling 407-939-7211.

Pricing for the Christmas parties is as follows:

Military Discount

This year active and retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of National Guard or Reserves, may purchase discounted Christmas Party tickets for select event nights (November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, and 21). These military members may also purchase additional tickets for up to five family members or friends. Tickets are available at Disney ticket windows and at the Shades of Green Resort, an Armed Forces Recreation Center. Tickets purchased at Shades of Green are exempt from sales tax.

Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Discount

Disney World Passholders and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members may purchase discounted tickets in advance for select Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates (November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21; December 1, 3, 5, 10).

• Disney World Annual Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests.
• Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 5 guests.

Image Courtesy of Walt Disney World

In 2013 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place from 7:00 pm to midnight on the following dates:

• September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, and 29
• October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, and 31
• November 1

Tickets may be purchased in advance (starting May 1) from Disney’s website, at Disney World ticket-selling venues, or by calling 407-939-7211.

Pricing for the Halloween parties is as follows:

Military Discount

This year active and retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of National Guard or Reserves, may purchase discounted Halloween party tickets for select event nights (September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27). These military members may also purchase additional tickets for up to five family members or friends. Tickets are available at Disney ticket windows and at the Shades of Green Resort, an Armed Forces Recreation Center. Tickets purchased at Shades of Green are exempt from sales tax.

Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Discount

Disney World Passholders and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members may purchase discounted tickets in advance for select Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates (September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27; October 3, 6, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24).

• Disney World Annual Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests.
• Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 5 guests.

There’s a new woman in town, and her bodacious red curls are taking over the spotlight.

Disney has announced that it will crown Merida, the 11th official Disney princess on May 11 in a ceremony at Cinderella Castle that  will include a royal coronation. Merida joins Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora (“Sleeping Beauty”), Ariel (“The Little Mermaid”), Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”), Jasmine (“Aladdin”), Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana (from “The Princess and the Frog”) and Rapunzel (from “Tangled).”

The official Disney princess effort didn’t kick off until the early 2000′s, despite “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” dating back to 1937, when then-chairman Andy Mooney saw young girls’ fascinations with the animated ladies as the perfect marketing strategy. It was then that all the princesses were presented as one collective unit.

Voiced in the film by Kelly Macdonald, Merida is the first Pixar character to join the Disney lineup. The studio has redesigned Merida’s look to better match that of the traditional Disney princesses, rendering her image without the computer-generated animation for which Pixar has become known. She will presumably join the promotional poster the features the current 10 princesses standing in a row.

For one day only, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present a “Limited Time Magic” event for the annual, fan-proclaimed “Star Wars Day,” May 4 – a date that Star Wars fans worldwide turn into a celebratory pun, “May the Fourth Be With You!”

Separate from our month-long Star Wars Weekends special event (which begins May 17), this “Limited Time Magic” celebration features special Star Wars entertainment, characters, commemorative merchandise, a Star Wars dance party and a Star Wars-themed fireworks show to cap off the day.

You might even find yourself sitting next to Chewbacca aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. Star Warscharacters will make surprise appearances on the 3-D attraction to enjoy the wild journey through space alongside park guests.

A special edition of Jedi Training Academy also is planned that day, with parents invited to join their children (ages 4-12, sign-ups required on first-come basis) on-stage for the training and final showdown with the Empire.

When the sun goes down, galactic fun lights the night as Lobot (from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back) takes over as DJ for a dance party that will be highlighted by a special Star Wars fireworks show.

“May the Fourth Be With You” “Limited Time Magic” park activities and shows are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney is thrilled to share Disney Cruise Line‘s exciting news today…there’s an extra dose of magic coming aboard theDisney Magic! Our first ship in the fleet is getting a “reimagineering” transformation during dry dock from Sept. 7 through Oct. 10, 2013.

Disney Cruise Line will be adding brand-new experiences like AquaDunk, a really cool thrill slide that starts with a near-vertical launch and then sends guests in a translucent tube 20 feet over the side of the ship…

…and a chance for young “recruits” to unleash their inner super heroes at Marvel’s Avengers Academy! This is the first time Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe have been introduced on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

Plus, Disney will be re-imagining spaces, starting with a beautifully redesigned grand atrium lobby…

…bringing more splashtacular fun up on deck with the AquaLab water playground, Twist n’ Spout slide and Nephews’ Splash Zone for toddlers…

….giving families a vibrant new dining room, Carioca’s, inspired by Rio de Janeiro…

….and sprinkling the pixie dust on our adult-only Palo restaurant and Senses Spa & Salon.

With an all-new lineup of clubs in the After Hours nighttime district, and with new lands of adventure in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab and It’s A Small World Nursery, both adults and kids have entirely new areas just for them. We’ll be taking a closer look inside these spaces in the weeks to come.

Over the next several months we’ll be sharing tons of videos so you can have all the details on the ship’s transformation. We’ll also be giving exclusive sneak peeks to Disney Cruise Line fans on Facebook, including a Disney Magic Re-Imagined video series with global architecture expert Danny Forster. Be sure to check out the first video posted today at www.facebook.com/disneycruiseline!

And if you want to be one of the first to take a virtual ride on AquaDunk, check out the Disney Cruise Line Facebook page today at 12 p.m. ET to “experience” this extreme thrill slide (through the eyes of Donald Duck!)

For many guests, a visit to a Disney Park wouldn’t be complete without catching a parade. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing which Disney character comes up next, or that moment when your favorite character waves right at you, there’s just something magical about a Disney parade.

Walt Disney World is happy to share that a new procession, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, will march into Magic Kingdom Park in spring 2014.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring a celebration of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A., through fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a parade theme song.

This parade will specifically highlight the stories of “The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Dumbo,” “Pinocchio,”“Peter Pan,” “Tangled” and the Disney●Pixar film “Brave” among others. (Check out a sneak peek of the “Tangled”-themed float above).

With a 180-foot-tall Mike Wazowski from the upcoming Disney●Pixar film “Monsters University” Disney made the official announcement that they’ll keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season, to kick off a Monstrous Summer on both coasts. Wazowski, the loveable green-bodied, one-eyed monster, joins best pal James P. Sullivan (“Sulley”) in the prequel to “Monsters, Inc.”, this summer as college students with hopes of becoming Scarers.

Our first-ever, three-park all-night party is happening at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park in California. The parks will stay open from 6 a.m., May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, 2013, local time.

• In Florida, Magic Kingdom Park will feature a “Monsters University” theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshals of the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” day parade and make appearances in Tomorrowland. There will be extra entertainment throughout the day and night, including characters in their pajamas in Town Square during the late night and early morning, and late-night dance parties in and around the courtyard of Cinderella Castle.

• In California, you’ll be able to party the night away at both parks with special entertainment including: a “Monsters University” “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland and late-night Character Pajama Party in Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland park. The new Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre at Disneyland park will become a Royal Dance Hall late at night with a live band and dancing; and guests of Disney California Adventure park will find Monstrous photo opportunities with new “Monsters University” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land and a new “Monsters University” float leading the Pixar Play Parade.

For the announcement, the huge sphere of Spaceship Earth was transformed from Disney Parks icon to Disney●Pixar “Eye-con” for the announcement.

Walt Disney World Resort President George Kalogridis joined Mike to share the news of the Monstrous Summer. “This summer, Disney Parks are bursting with a monstrous lineup of new thrills, shows and happenings,” he said. “Guests can start Memorial Day Weekend with a 24-hour-marathon of memory-making as three parks stay open all day and all night to celebrate the bi-coastal kick-off of our Disney Parks Monstrous Summer.”

All three parks will feature limited-edition specialty merchandise and food and beverage offerings plus other surprises throughout the entire day. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and the Monstrous Summer site for more details in coming weeks.

Tables in Wonderland

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, May 16, 2013

6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Meet at The Wave… of American Flavors Main Podium

Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire

$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity

The Wave heralds the end of Florida’s Spring Season with the finest Triple Sweet Corn from Long & Scott Farm in Zellwood.  Hank Scott and family recently celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their farm with the Central Florida community.  Long & Scott’s agri-tainment division, Scott’s Maze Adventures, hosts over 30,000 guests each fall.  The farm also boasts Scott’s Country Market, an on-site farmer’s market that features produce grown on the farm, as well as local produce.  Long & Scott’s newest venture – Scott’s Country Café, features the Scott family recipes, most of which are made from the café’s own garden.  The Scotts remain proud of their farm and are looking forward to celebrating their 51st anniversary in 2014.

Our wine speaker, Scott Jenkins was working in residential real estate when he met Lisa, the daughter of  the Duck Pond wine maker. Lisa had recently graduated from college and was helping her family market and distribute Duck Pond wines. Scott utilized his sales and marketing background by consulting Lisa to help her in sales, marketing and distribution. When Scott and Lisa married in 1996, Scott joined the family enterprise full-time, taking charge of all sales and marketing.  Lisa shifted her role to manage day-to-day activities as Operations Manager.

Through extensive traveling Scott has built up a loyal, worldwide network of distributors and retailers who promote the wines enthusiastically. Scott has chosen to keep the wines affordably priced even though they continually win awards and critical praise. This value-priced approach and Scott’s near constant traveling has increased sales from 20,000 cases to more than 125,000 cases of wine annually in 43 states and 22 countries. 

Reception-

Miniature Tamales with Carnitas and Queso Blanco

Lump Crab and Corn Hush Puppies with Bourbon Drizzle

Zellwood Corn and Serrano Ham Lollipop Beignets with a Cayenne Pepper Aioli

Duck Pond Pinot Noir- Willamette Valley, Oregon

First Course

Temaki Roll with Jumbo Lump Crab, Saku Tuna, Wasabi Sour Cream and Ginger Air, Corn Caviar

Desert Wind Ruah – Columbia Valley, Washington

Second Course

Sweet Corn Agnolotti with Carbonara Cream, Sous Vide Quail Eggs, Parmigianino Foam

Duck Pond Pinot Gris- Willamette Valley, Oregon

Entrée

Frank-Smoked Sea Salt Crusted Buffalo Tenderloin, Corn and Lobster Flan, Roasted Local Red Beets, Vidalia Onion

Desert Wind Cabernet Sauvignon– Columbia Valley, Washington

Cheese Course

Thomasville Tomme

Midnight Moon Goat Cheese

Black Diamond Cheddar

“Candy Corn” Croutons and Florida Peach Marmalade

Duck Pond Red Blend- Willamette Valley, Oregon

DESSERT-

Sweet Corn Brown Butter Napoleon, Chocolate Caramel Corn

Duck Pond Gewurztraminer- Columbia Valley, Washington

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWTheWaveMay  for self-booking and instant confirmation.  The website will go live and begin taking reservations on May 2, 2013 at 10:00am.

Please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number starting with the “W”

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 8)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)

Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Guest Policies

The event is limited to 46 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

Tables in Wonderland Special Event

Fantasmic! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ®

Saturday, May 11, 2013   8:30pm – 9:30pm

Price:  $68.72 per person – tax and gratuity included.

Experience the fun, fancy and fears of everybody’s favorite heroic mouse as he battles forces that turn his vibrant dreams into a vivid nightmare. Mickey faces off against Disney villains in a lavish spectacular of dancing water, dramatic music, breathtaking animation, lasers, fireworks, and surprises! You are invited to a private Tables in Wonderland Dessert Party! Come enjoy VIP seating at the premier nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios , Fantasmic!, while you sample platters of exquisitely prepared delectable desserts.

Offerings include:

Savory Station

Artisan Cheeses, Dried Fruits, Nuts, and Sliced Baguettes

Sampler Station

Mickey Ear Brownie Bon Bons

Balsamic Macerated Strawberries, Mascarpone and Lemon Biscotti Crumbles

Lemon Pound Cake with Raspberries and Country Cream

Butter Cupcake with Maple Butter Cream and Bacon Brittle

Mickey Peanut Butter Tarts

Action Station

Warm Peach Crumble served in Mason Jar topped with Liquid Nitrogen Infused Limoncello Moonshine

Basil Lemonade, Coffees and Teas

Beer, Wine, and Cordials

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWFantasmicDessertParty for self-booking and instant confirmation. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, April 22nd at 10:00am.

Please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number starting with the “W”

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 10)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)

Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Guest Policies

The event is limited to 100 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

Disney’s next “Limited Time Magic” surprise is especially for fans of Disney Fairies. For a limited time, Tinker Bell will be joined by even more of her Disney Fairies friends when they appear at Pixie Hollow in Disneyland park or Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park.

Flying in for the occasion could be Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Vidia or even Terence, the Pixie Dust-keeper himself. It’s all part of “Limited Time Magic” running from April 15-21.

Here are times you can see Disney Fairies at both parks:

• Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook at Magic Kingdom Park: 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. all seven days.
• Pixie Hollow at Disneyland park: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Annette Funicello, one of the best-known members of the original 1950s “Mickey Mouse Club” and a star of numerous 1960s “beach party” films, died Monday at a California hospital, the Walt Disney Co. said.

Funicello, who was 70, “died peacefully from complications due to multiple sclerosis, a disease she battled for over 25 years,” the Disney statement said.

“We are so sorry to lose Mother,” her three children said in a statement. “She is no longer suffering anymore and is now dancing in heaven. We love and will miss her terribly.”

Funicello was just 13 when she was selected by Walt Disney himself to be one of the original Mouseketeers of the “Mickey Mouse Club,” the 1950s television variety show aimed at children.

Funicello, who had a background in dance, quickly became one of the most popular Mouseketeers.

She “was and always will be a cherished member of the Disney family, synonymous with the word Mouseketeer, and a true Disney Legend,” Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said.

She remained with Disney after leaving the “Mickey Mouse Club,” appearing in TV shows including “Zorro” (1957), “The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca” (1958) and starring in the Disney feature films “The Shaggy Dog” (1959), “Babes in Toyland” (1961), “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones” (1964) and “The Monkey’s Uncle” (1965).

The most enduring images of Funicello, though, may be of her in a swimsuit, her primary wardrobe when she co-starred with teen idol Frankie Avalon in beach party movies in the early 1960s. These included “Beach Party” (1963), “Muscle Beach Party” (1964), “Bikini Beach” (1964), “Beach Blanket Bingo” (1965), and “How to Stuff a Wild Bikini” (1965).

Although she started out in a more modest version, each movie revealed a bit more, leading eventually to Funicello in a bikini.

The movies helped sell her music. Funicello had Top-40 hits including “Tall Paul,” “First Name Initial,” “How Will I Know My Love,” and “Pineapple Princess.”  Along with the singles, she recorded several successful albums, including “Hawaiiannette” (1960), “Italiannette” (1960) and “Dance Annette” (1961).

Funicello reunited with Avalon in 1987 to star in “Back to the Beach,” in which the two former teen idols played as parents of a pair of troublesome teenagers. Avalon and Funicello followed the movie with a nostalgic concert tour in 1989 and 1990, singing their hits from the 1960s.

“We have lost one of America’s sweethearts for generations upon generations,” Avalon said of her death. “I am fortunate enough to have been friends with Annette as well as appear in many films, TV and appearances with her. She will live on forever, I will miss her and the world will miss her.”

“She will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of Walt Disney’s brightest stars, delighting an entire generation of baby boomers with her jubilant personality and endless talent,” Iger said in a statement released Monday. “Annette was well-known for being as beautiful inside as she was on the outside, and she faced her physical challenges with dignity, bravery and grace. All of us at Disney join with family, friends, and fans around the world in celebrating her extraordinary life.”

Funicello moved with her family from her birthplace of Utica, New York, to Los Angeles when she was 4.

Walt Disney saw her dancing the lead in “Swan Lake” at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank when she was 13. Disney asked her to audition for a new children’s TV series he was developing called “The Mickey Mouse Club.” She was hired on the spot to become a Mouseketeer, Disney’s statement said.

She became the viewers’ favorite soon after the show debuted in October 1955. Although only three original seasons were produced, the show continued to be see in reruns for another four decades.

Doctors diagnosed Funicello with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease, in 1987. She kept the illness a secret until 1992, the year she established The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.  The charity, which is still active, supports research into the cause, treatment and cure of multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases.

Funicello made few public appearances by the late 1990s as she became more debilitated by the disease. She lived under the care of her second husband Glen Holt, a rancher she married in 1986.

She had three children — Gina, Jack Jr. and Jason — from her first marriage to Jack Gilardi, which ended in 1981.

“It hurts me deeply in the passing of Annette,” Jack Gilardi said. “She was such an important love in my life and blessed me with three beautiful children. I will remember her always and she will live in my heart forever.”

“It is so sad to lose a wonderful lady like Annette Funicello,” said comedian Don Rickles. “I had so much fun working with her in those beach party pictures. She was a great trooper. My wife Barbara and I send our thoughts and prayers to her family.”

“Annette’s sweet, unassuming spirit, her love of people, and her capacity to exude kindness and good feelings to everyone she met was part of her beautiful charisma, said Richard Sherman, the Oscar-winning composer who wrote many of her hits. “Because the songs we wrote for her brought us to the attention of Walt, Bob and I always referred to Annette as our ‘lucky star.’”

Paul Reubens, who worked with Funicello and Avalon in a memorable appearance on Pee-wee Herman’s Christmas special in 1988, tweeted about her death: “I loved Annette Funicello from the 1st time I saw her on The Mickey Mouse Club. There wasn’t a warmer, lovelier person on the planet. RIP”

Disney is pleased to announce that everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler, gambler and scoundrel will temporarily leave Cloud City and board the Millennium Falcon with a course set for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as actor Billy Dee Williams returns to Star Wars Weekends for the 2013 edition.

Williams, a fan favorite for his portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the film saga, will attend Weekend IV, June 7-9, 2013.

Lando, who is described on his official StarWars.com bio as having two weapons of choice — a blaster pistol and “a devastating smile” — betrayed the Rebellion when he made a deal with Darth Vader to capture his old friend, Han Solo. However, there was a storybook ending to the tale when he redeemed himself by later helping to free Captain Solo and assisting in the destruction of the second Death Star.

If you make plans to attend Weekend IV, I definitely suggest attending one of the “Stars of the Saga” talk shows that features Williams. It was a highlight for me at past events to hear him tell tales about his portrayal of the suave scoundrel. But be sure to get there early; his appearances will most likely be a popular gathering place for members of both the Empire and the Rebellion.

Tables in Wonderland 

The Wave . . . of American Flavors Discovery Dinner

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, April 18, 2013

6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Meet at The Wave… of American Flavors Main Podium

Dress Code – Casual Evening Attire

$110 per person, includes tax and gratuity

The Wave…of American Flavors welcomes Brewmaster James Emmerson and Peach Farmers Nicole and Brian Adams.  Full Sail Brewery has earned Oregon Brewery of the Year 2013, Best Places to Work 2012, Gold Level Recognition for Sustainability and numerous other awards.  The last beer dinner at The Wave sold out in a hurry.

Brewmaster James Emmerson’s Bio:  After working summers in the Organic Chemistry Labs at Eli Lilly and Co., he attended brewing school in 1987. He started his brewing career at Sieben’s Brewery in Chicago, Ill, and was hired to be Brewmaster at Full Sail Brewing Co. in April 1988.  He has worked in every job in the brewery from grain to glass including recipe design, brewing beer, fermentation, filtration, and packaging. He designed and supervised all of the breweries expansions.   In 1995 designed the current facility and brewing systems, a design that has won the brewery numerous sustainability awards

Farmers Nicole and Brian’s Bio: Florida Sweet Brand Peaches is a family owned and operated peach orchard in South West Florida.  With just over 70 acres of peaches, the family farm is large enough to supply retailers and restaurants throughout the state and small enough to maintain exceptional quality.  In just 7 years, Florida Sweet Peaches has set the standard for this very young industry.  Growing peaches has proven to be quite the challenge for a family with citrus roots however they have chosen to meet the challenge and are optimistic that their hard work will indeed be fruitful.

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Grilled Lamb Sliders with Full Sail Peach BBQ

Lobster “Dogs”

Roasted Olives and Cheese

Full Sail Amber

Appetizer:

Pork Terrine, Compressed Peaches, Marcona Almonds, Peach Gastrique, Herb Toast Points

LTD 05-Vienna Lager

Soup:

Deconstructed French Onion Soup, Vidalia Garnish

Session Black Premium Dark Lager

Entrée:

Bouillabaisse-Key West Pinks, Northeast Scallops, Gulf Coast Grouper, Cedar Key Clams

Session Premium Lager

Cheese:

Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Chévre dusted with Pistachios and Minced Lemon Peel, Extra Sharp Cheddar

Full Sail IPA

Dessert:

Session Black Lager Braised Florida Peaches, Graham Sponge, Brown Sugar Ice Cream, Cayenne Candied Walnuts

Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWTheWaveApril  for self-booking and instant confirmation.  The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 10:00am.

Please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number starting with the “W”

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 8)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)

Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Guest Policies

The event is limited to 46 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

La Nouba

Cirque du Soleil

Written and directed by Franco Dragone

Tables in Wonderland Members to receive a discount at Cirque du Soleil

April 9 – May 11 and May 28 – June 21, 2013

Performances on Tuesdays – Saturdays, 6:00pm & 9:00pm

25% Discount for Category 2 Tickets:

Adult: $69.75 plus tax

Child: $55.50 plus tax

35% Discount for Category 3 Tickets:

Adult: $48.75 plus tax

Child: $39.00 plus tax

35% Discount for Category 4 Tickets:

Adult: $39.65 plus tax

Child: $31.85 plus tax

Call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) to purchase tickets!

OR

https://shop.omniticket.com/wdw/wcq/?associationid=43&promocode=TBLES13Q3

Tables In Wonderland members may purchase tickets for themselves and up to three (3) Guests

Must show current, valid Tables in Wonderland card to receive discount, when tickets are picked up at La Nouba Box Office Will Call window.

Tables in Wonderland Special Event

Flower Power Happy Hour

American Adventure Parlor at Epcot^®

Friday, April 19, 2013   6:00pm

Price:  $50.00 per person, plus tax.  Gratuity is included.

The Epcot^® International Flower & Garden Festival is a special spring event filled with a colorful array of flowers, lush gardens, topiaries, live music, unique shopping, and educational programs.  On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the festival, finish off the day with a melodious evening at the America Gardens Theatre adjacent to the American Adventure Pavilion and enjoy music from the 1960s and 1970s during the Flower Power Concert Series.  Join your fellow Tables in Wonderland members for a cocktail hour and then reserved seating for the concert of Village People – best known for “Y.M.C.A.”

Timeline

• 6:00pm – Happy Hour at American Adventure Parlor.  Hors D’Oeuvres, Beer, Wine, and Specialty Beverages

• 7:15pm – Move to America Gardens Theatre

• 8:00pm – Reserved seats for Village People show at the Flower Power Concert Series

• 9:00pm – Reserved viewing area for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Happy Hour Menu

• “Go West” Whiskey BBQ Pork with Roasted Corn and Onion Fries
• “Macho Man” Dark Roast Coffee Crusted Tuna on Hearty Grain Crisp and Kahlua Mayonnaise
• “In The Navy” Sea Salt Quick Pickled Cucumber Sushi Roll with Nori, Thick Soy and Sesame
• Beer, Wine, Specialty Cocktails and Soft Drinks

For reservations, please visit the following website www.disneyurl.com/TIWFlowerPowerHappyHour for self-booking and instant confirmation.  The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:00am.

Please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number starting with the “W”

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (maximum is Party of 10)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card (Your credit card will be charged at the time of booking, and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.)

Personal Email Address (Please use a personal email address as many work email addresses think the confirmation email is spam.)

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Guest Policies

The event is limited to 60 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

You must show your valid Tables in Wonderland ticket to gain entrance into the event.

Don’t miss your chance to meet acclaimed author Ridley Pearson, as we set sail for adventure with the release of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage, the much anticipated addition to the Kingdom Keeperssaga. Ridley will be on hand for special appearances and signings at the following locations April 10-11, 2013.

• April 10 – Once Upon A Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace (4-6p.m.)
• April 11 – The Writer’s Stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

The five Kingdom Keepers and their core friends have uncovered a startling truth: Maleficent and the Overtakers (Disney villains) are plotting a catastrophic event that could have repercussions far beyond the world of Disney. Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural passage through the new Panama Canal, the Keepers and their holograms uncover a puzzle hidden within the pages of a stolen journal. The point of that puzzle will reveal itself in the caves of Aruba, the zip lines of Costa Rica, and the jungles of Mexico. A destructive force, dormant for decades, is about to be unleashed. The five Kingdom Keepers are to be its first victims.

Something to keep in mind: Wristbands will be distributed to guests on the day of the signing with each purchase of Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage by Ridley Pearson, allowing the wristband owner to get two books signed. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet Ridley Pearson. A limited number of wristbands will be available the day of the signing. Once the wristbands have been distributed, the line to meet Ridley Pearson will close.

For more information on Ridley’s appearance and Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage, please visitArtofDisneyParks.com

Attention Iron Man fans! To celebrate the upcoming release of “Iron Man 3,” opening in theaters May 3, an exciting new exhibit is coming to Innoventions at Disneyland park in California – featuring actual set pieces from the film!

Beginning April 13, Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries will give Disneyland park guests the chance to see Tony Stark’s Hall of Armor, featuring Iron Man suits Mark I-VII – the same suits featured in “Iron Man 3.” And you will even be able to virtually “suit up,” yourself! Through simulation technology, guests will be able to see what it’s like to operate the latest pieces of the Mark 42 Iron Man armor, even getting the chance to test out its infamous repulsor blasts.

Come experience Iron Man Tech Presented by Stark Industries when it opens at Innoventions in Disneyland park April 13 – and then check out “Iron Man 3” in theaters May 3.

The most magical miles on earth just got a little more… challenging, but only in the most exciting way of course! The2014 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented byCigna® will feature the brand new Dopey Challenge, a four race event complete with six, that’s right, SIX finisher medals to take home!

Runners may feel a little Dopey and even a bit Goofy at weekend’s end, but after all, they will have finished 48.6 magical miles!  The Dopey Challenge will start with a 5K on Thursday, the inaugural Walt Disney World 10K on Friday, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon Saturday and cap off the weekend with the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday. Those who register for the Dopey and complete each event will not only earn four race medals, but will also take home the Goofy Challenge medal and the all new Dopey Challenge medal.

With the addition of the Dopey Challenge comes a whole new race, the Walt Disney World10K.  The timed 6.2 mile course will be hosted at Epcot® on Friday morning. Minnie Mouse will join the likes of her pals Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as the inspiration for the 10K medal.

You can join in on the fun when registration opens April 9, or sign up early with theRunner’s World Challenge on April 2. There are limited spots for both the Dopey and Goofy Challenge, so be sure to sign up to receive an email reminder for registration launch to reserve your spot at the starting line!

There’s a special weeklong Easter celebration planned for you as part of “Limited Time Magic” at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. And today, we have a peek at what to expect beginning on Monday.

From March 25-31, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will greet guests at Magic Kingdom Park at Bunny Lane (located next to City Hall) at the Walt Disney World Resort. The pair will also join butterflies, flowers and dancing hippos for an Easter procession down Main Street, U.S.A.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be hopping over to Epcot to greet guests in the United Kingdom Pavilion, where egg hunts will be held throughout the day. And if finding eggs is a family favorite, Easter egg hunts will also be held each day in Future World East.

Things get hopping at Disneyland park as well on Monday, when the Easter Bunny stops by to greet guests in Town Square. Each day, the Easter Bunny will join some of his long-eared Disney friends, along with the Dapper Dans and Mickey and Minnie Mouse, for a Bunny Hop dance on Main Street, U.S.A.

At Disney California Adventure park, Russell and Dug have hidden oversized Easter eggs throughout Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for a Wilderness Explorer Egg Hunt. Track them down, follow the clues and solve the puzzle to earn your very own Spring Egg-tivity Badge.

If you have an eagle eye, next week’s “Limited Time Magic” surprise at Disney Parks is especially for you. We’re launching a special “egg” hunt at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

For one week only, from March 18-24, you’ll be able to search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters at Epcot and at Disney California Adventure park and then record your discoveries on specially themed Eggs-perience park maps.

At Epcot, maps can be purchased at the Heritage Manor in the American Adventure Pavilion, International Gateway, Pin Central and Port of Entry.

And at Disney California Adventure park, you can purchase the map at Elias & Co., Oswald’s, Radiator Springs Curios, Tower Hotel Gifts and Treasures in Paradise.

Each map and set of stickers will cost $4.95, plus tax at select locations. And whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, return your map to a Port of Entry at Epcot or Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park for a surprise.

Maps will be available while supplies last and no discounts apply. You should also know that separate admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks and the experience is subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Today Disney unveiled plans for Disney Springs, the exciting, multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort, and we would like to give you a glimpse into what we’ve got planned.

Walt Disney World Resort guests and local Florida residents have been enjoying Downtown Disney for more than 30 years, but we knew we had an opportunity to reimagine and reinvent this corner of the resort. We’ve spent a good deal of time thinking through just what we want this area to be, and how to bring it to life to make it a place unlike any other. And we have even scrapped a few preliminary plans that we felt didn’t measure up to our aspirations for this place.

Disney’s fundamental goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable space where families can enjoy time together and instantaneously feel right at home. We want to give them opportunities to relax, to be entertained, to wander in and out of unique and distinctive shops or enjoy a world-class dining experience. And because we are Disney, we’ve anchored the entire experience around a story that gives us the ability to deliver on the legendary place-making and creativity for which we are known. The result is Disney Springs, a timeless and vibrant place that celebrates the turn-of-the century lakeside towns that dotted the Florida landscape.

The Walt Disney Company pushed back the release of its Infinity video-game system by two months, postponing a potential source of profit at its interactive unit.

Disney, the world’s largest entertainment company, unveiled the Infinity platform in January, saying it would reduce costs and boost earnings at the unit. The platform, which incorporates characters from multiple Disney films in the same game, was to hit store shelves in June.

“We have moved the launch date for Disney Infinity to August 18 to capitalize on the critical fall retail season,” John Pleasants, co-president of Disney Interactive, said in a statement yesterday.

The interactive unit makes video games and designs websites based on Disney content. In the quarter ended Dec. 29, it posted its first profit since Disney began breaking out results in 2009. Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of the Burbank, California-based company, has pledged the division will be profitable this year.

The delay in the release of the Infinity system will “definitely impact our goal of achieving profitability for the year” at the unit, Pleasants said, according to an earlier New York Times report, citing an interview.