Disney News

With the London 2012 Summer Olympics quickly coming to a close, you may be wondering how you are going to fill that competitive sports ‘withdrawal’ that you are facing when NBC goes off the air for the last of their London 2012 Summer Olympic coverage following the closing ceremonies on August 12^th.

Thankfully, Walt Disney World® Resort has plenty of sporty options to give you the sports fix you may be looking for!

One of the easiest ways to completely immerse yourself in sports during your visit to Walt Disney World® Resort is to stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. This larger than life resort surrounds in you with an exciting atmosphere celebrating the sports we all love including baseball, basketball, football, surfing and tennis. From the End Zone Food Court to the oversized icons and Grand Slam pool, you will absolutely love taking in the sports-themed atmosphere of Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort!

If sleeping immersed in sports theming isn’t enough, you can eat sports around Walt Disney World® Resort too! In Magic Kingdom® Theme Park you’ll find Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A® Area serving up some of your favorite ballpark fare in a fun, old-timey atmosphere. Then there is ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District where you can dine completely surrounded in sports action as they run 100 screens with different sports feeds. With that many screens, you’ll never miss the ‘big play’, even in the bathroom!

If you are wanting to take a ‘swing’ at sports yourself while you are at Walt Disney World® Resort, why not tee off at one of the FOUR championship golf courses located on property, some of which have hosted PGA Tour Events! Don’t have your clubs with you? That is okay because rental equipment is available at the clubhouse!  For the younger club swingers, or families looking to have fun, you can also play miniature golf at one of Walt Disney World® Resorts two 36-hole miniature golf courses!

And no sports fanatic should overlook ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, home to Walt Disney World® Resort’s state-of-the-art sports facility hosting a huge range of sports events and programs.  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex plays host to tournaments, sports camps, academies and even Atlanta Braves Spring Training!

From driving a real racecar to countless watersports including skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and parasailing; there is practically something for every sports lover in your family!

So while the London 2012 Summer Olympics are coming to a close, your sports adventure at Walt Disney World® Resort is just beginning!

Our guests who have been fortunate enough to visit the Storybook Circus section of the New Fantasyland® area have no doubt been amazed at the new additions to the Magic Kingdom®. But while touring the area, it is hard to not notice that the Storybook Circus area is still not completely open. Details on 2 of those unfinished locations were just released today.

One of the big-top tents will house Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Inside, guests will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters who secretly have some circus-like special talents! The other tent will be Big Top Souvenirs.

Here’s a first look inside Pete’s Silly Sideshow:

This Friday, August 10th, the Lion King wing of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. The third phase of the resort, the Lion King wing celebrates the journey of Simba with theming from Walt Disney Pictures animated film The Lion King.

To celebrate, we have another special giveaway for you. Register to win your own movie double feature – Disney The Lion King & The Lion King 1½ DVDs!

Registering to win is simple. Just follow the directions on the app below. The app will also give you an opportunity to receive extra entries into the contest. The contest ends Sunday (August 12, 2012, at 11:59p.m. Central time), so don’t miss your change to register!

The Countdown is on for the 2012 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival taking place Sep. 28 through Nov. 12, 2012.

While the festival offers a variety of premium events and experiences at a charge in addition to your admission to Epcot®, there are also quite a few that are complimentary to all guests. This year, Epcot’s® International Food & Wine Festival planners have announced three new events that won’t cost you a penny!

Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company: Everyone loves Chocolate! This new experience will put your sense of sight, taste and smell into sensory overload! Marvel at the sweet sculptures created by Disney pastry chefs and learn about the fascinating origin of chocolate. Shop for gourmet chocolate gifts and try some of the free samples. The Chocolate experience will be located inside the Festival Center and open daily from 9:00 a.m. through park close.

Wine Sampling at the Festival Center Wine Shop: Also located at the Festival Center, the Wine Shop will offer wine samples provided by the various beverages companies participating in this years festival. Sampling will be available daily at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Watermelon Patch Hosted by The National Watermelon Promotion Board: This experience will allow you to visit a real watermelon patch! Guests will see the watermelons growing and discover fun facts and tips from Mr. Food.

There’s still time to plan your vacation to experience this year’s Epcot’s® International Food & Wine Festival! Disney’s FREE Dining promotion is even available for select dates of the Food & Wine Festival. Contact your Magic Maker® today!

It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but is it a mouse’s? Well heads up, Pluto, we think you may have some competition!

Meet Lily, a nearly 3-month old Labrador-Cathahoula mix. While searching for a new dog, Lily caught the attention of Francisco and Mejay Aguerre, and their daughter Nicole. The breeder said she had “unusual markings,” but these markings were hardly unusual to the Aguerres who are all three cast members at the Walt Disney World® Resort. They quickly recognized the marking as a perfect Hidden Mickey!

Lily, named after Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian, recently had an opportunity to meet Mickey Mouse! Enjoy the video – we bet you’ll fall in love!