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Due to the "cool" weather (don't laugh my northern friends) in the Orlando area, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark will be closed to guests on Friday, February 1, 2013. As a reminder, Disney's Blizzard Beach Waterpark is currently closed for its annual refurbishment. Please check back for updates on weekend closings if the weather continues to stay cool.

During the next several days Disney will  begin rolling out  MyMagic+  RFID enabled single-day and multi-day tickets.  So far, only Disney Resort guests have been issued with RFID enabled tickets, but this is set to change from today as tickets purchased at the parks will be enabled with the RFID chip that will allow guests to use the new 'Touch to Enter' turnstiles. As well as allowing touch entry, the tickets will continue to work with the existing FASTPASS system, and the traditional turnstiles. Along with the easier entry to the parks, another bonus of the new ticket media is that is made of a sturdy plastic, rather than the flimsy paper stock that is currently in use. If all goes to schedule, all park guest relations locations should be issuing the RFID tickets by February 1,  2013. There is still no word on when Annual Passholder tickets will be converted to the new media.

You gotta love Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger... A few days after United States Congressman Edward Markey issued a very public letter to Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger requesting (requiring) answers to privacy concerns surrounding MyMagic+ and the upcoming use of the MagicBand at Walt Disney World theme parks, Iger shot back with a letter of his own, firmly retaliating against the claims Markey has made. Along with an attachment outlining the privacy policy of MyMagic+, Iger calls assertions in Markey’s letter “ludicrous and utterly ill-informed,” finding it “unfortunate and extremely disappointing” that Markey brought forth his concerns in such a public manner. Here’s the full text of the letter, via the website  Deadline : January 28, 2013 The Honorable Edward Markey 2108 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Congressman Markey:   For 90 years, Disney has been synonymous with high-quality entertainment for families and children of all ages.

It’s “Disney Time” at Wheel of Fortune as the fun of America’s Favorite Game Show and the magic of Disney come together in the game show’s 30th season for a fully-integrated multi platform collaboration including a week of shows and a sweepstakes for at-home viewers. “Wheel of Fortune Making Disney Memories Week” airing January 28-Feb 1, 2013, will feature a custom set including three different scenes depicting “Sleeping Beauty Castle,” “Cinderella Castle” and the Disney Dream cruise ship. Additionally, Disney is providing iconic elements from the Disney Parks including a Disney teacup from the “Mad Tea Party” attractions, Lightning McQueen from the new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure theme park, a pirate ship from “Peter Pan’s Flight” and a Dumbo car from “Dumbo, the Flying Elephant.” And show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White will be greeted on set by beloved Disney characters. During the week of shows, Wheel of Fortune contestants can win “Magical Vacations” to

Walt Disney World Resort (and the Disneyland Resort in California) is asking for your help in deciding which logo should be featured in the merchandise items that will become available to Guests next year (in 2014). Here you are the three original design styles, which have been created by the very talented artists at Disney. According to Disney, "the winning design chosen will be revealed in an exciting announcement towards the end of this year, and will be featured on select limited-edition merchandise within the new dated art program that will only be available at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in 2014." CLICK HERE to see how you can vote , but hurry up because the voting closes on January 31, 2013!

Disney has today unveiled the full line-up for what looks to be one of the signature Limited Time Magic weeks at Walt Disney World from February 11-17, 2013. Special decor, a castle light show, specially-crafted dining experiences, limited edition merchandise, character meet and greets, along with some one-off photo opportunities are all planned. Read on for the full details. Love is in the air at Walt Disney World Resort as fairytale princesses find true love with their princes, and “happily ever after” becomes reality. It all happens during True Love Week February 11-17, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. The weeklong love fest is all part of Limited Time Magic at Disney Parks, where each week in 2013 guests will be treated to a sprinkling of Disney magic where unexpected surprises and delights enhance vacation memories. During True Love Week, a tapestry of romance is woven throughout the resort — from limited- time Valentine’s merchandise and special entertainment, to romantic

Disney World  has altered the way it sells the "no-expire" option on theme-park tickets. That selection, which allows multiday tickets to be used any time in the future, no longer will be available online. The no-expire add-on continues to be available via phone or at theme park front gates, a Disney spokeswoman said recently. Adding "park hopper" status, which allows a ticketholder to move between all four parks in a single day, and the water-park option can still be purchased online at DisneyWorld.com . Giving the tickets new life comes at a price. Disney charges between $30 and $295 on top of the regular admission, depending on how many days were purchased originally. No-expire buyers tend to be "guests who like to visit Disney on a whim but not regularly enough for having an annual pass makes sense," says John Frost, owner of The Disney Blog, which is not officially affiliated with Walt Disney World.  "If you're planning to v

"Live with Kelly and Michael" is headed to Walt Disney World Resort. This will mark their first official visit to the Orlando area resort and you have a chance to be part of a LIVE taping at the Magic Kingdom Park. "Live with Kelly and Michael" will be doing live tapings of four shows on February 18 - 19, 2013. You can request tickets for the tapings by going to www.LIVEKellyandMichael.com .

Several of North America’s most storied soccer franchises will take to the field for the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic from Feb. 9-23 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The eight-team field includes Major League Soccer’s DC United, Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, as well as the North American Soccer League’s Tampa Bay Rowdies and United Soccer Leagues’ Orlando City Soccer. With six MLS teams, the Pro Soccer Classic is the MLS’ largest preseason soccer tournament. The teams will train at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and throughout Central Florida as part of the Central Florida Sports Commission’s Soccer Spring Training initiative. Sporting Kansas City will make ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex its official preseason training home. In 2011-12, the team finished first in the East and advanced to the quarterfinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. As winners of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open

I'm probably a little bit late to the party on this one, but I just had to share this for those of you who have not yet had an opportunity to see it. If you watch ESPN, then no doubt you are very familiar with DJ Steve Porter's creations that features some of the great sports highlights from the week. In this mashup, Steve turns his attention to the Walt Disney World Resort. As you will see and hear, the result is no doubt, "magical." Enjoy!

A little more than 26 hours after opening on-line sales to the general public, the  Disneyland Half Marathon, Disneyland 10K  and  Dumbo Double Dare  reached capacity and set a  run Disney sell out record.  Coming off successful back-to-back capacity filled race weekends, in which more than  65,000 registered runners participated in the  Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend  and more than 19,500 in the  Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort ,  run Disney races have reached a new threshold with record fast sell out times, joining the ranks of other sell out races Marine Corps Marathon, ING New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon. Of the more than 25,000 runners who registered for the race weekend, 17,500 runners will participate in the Disneyland Half Marathon and 8,000 in the Disneyland 10K – including 5,000 in the Dumbo Double Dare.  The new 10K race, the latest in the popular  run Disney series, will be a timed event and will take runners through  Disneyla

VoluntEARS from Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line demonstrated their commitment to local environmental and conservation efforts today, as they teamed with friends, family and community partners to clear more than 250 pounds of trash along the Brevard coastline near the homeport of Disney Cruise Line. Joining with members from Keep Brevard Beautiful, the United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority, this volunteer effort aims to help improve the health of the ocean and waterways. “Through their efforts, Disney VoluntEARS are not only lending a hand to preserve Florida’s natural beauty, they’re also making the beaches cleaner for Central Florida beachgoers,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “Over the past nineteen years Disney VoluntEARS have been involved in numerous cleanup projects, collecting over 40,000 pounds of trash and debris, enabling them to combine their passion for the environment with

When Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida opens its new distribution facility in just a few weeks, the building will feature a Disney-themed mural painted by Walt Disney Imagineers. The original design was brought to life by a group of 30 VoluntEARS from Walt Disney Imagineering who painted the mural at the new 100,000-square-foot distribution center. Inspired by the Disney film  Mickey and the Beanstalk,  the mural shows how a few little seeds, helped by some Disney magic, grow into a massive green vine. “The VoluntEARS from Walt Disney Imagineering brought a little bit of ‘Disney Magic’ to our new facility,” said Dave Krepcho, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “Through their support and hard work, they have transformed our volunteer areas and made them come alive.” Set to open Mar. 6, the new $15 million facility will provide hunger relief for thousands of Central Floridians in need. Last year Walt Disney World Resort donated $

If you are currently planning to visit the Magic Kingdom Park today, you will be glad to know that park hours have been extended. "In order to give Guests more time to enjoy our park, operating hours at Magic Kingdom Park have been extended until 11 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2013." Extended hours usually mean one thing; bigger crowds. Be prepared but HAVE FUN!

World Drive (between Seven Seas Drive and the entry to Disney's Contemporary Resort) will be closed for paving work nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., January 28-31, 2013. During the project, traffic needing to reach Disney's Contemporary Resort can do so from the north only. All traffic traveling around the Magic Kingdom Park during this time will be detoured on Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way. All drivers are encouraged to use added caution when traveling through this area, and follow the direction of the flagmen and detour signs in place.

The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival taking place from March 6 - May 19, 2013 is lining up to be even better than ever. Along with all the topiaries and the Flower Power concert series, new this year will be the introduction of 12 World Showcase promenade marketplace kiosks offering food and drink. Read on for more details from Disney. •Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice. Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others. Around the World Showcase promenade  •Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Des

MyMagic+ 'Touch to Pay' system is rolling out to many more locations across Walt Disney World property next week. The 'Touch to Pay' system allows guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort to use their Key to the World card and PIN number to pay by simply touching the card to the RFID reader. Available from next week: Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney's Hollywood Studios Typhoon Lagoon Wide World of Sports Disney's Port Orleans Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disney's Pop Century Resort Already available at: Epcot Magic Kingdom Winter Summerland Mini Golf Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney's Art of Animation Resort Disney's Boardwalk Resort Disney's Contemporary Resort Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Disney's Yacht Club Resort Disney's Beach Club Resort Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort D

The official Disney Parks Blog has today announced a new interactive game, 'A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas,' coming this Spring to the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. From the Disney Parks Blog : "In A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas, guests will use a pirate map and magic talisman to help them complete five different pirate raids throughout Adventureland. The goal is to help locate different Treasures of the Seven Seas and fight off pirate enemies like the Royal Navy and Captain Barbossa, among others. If guests help Captain Jack succeed in all the missions, they’ll be welcomed as part of his new crew. If not, they’ll face the wrath of the cruel sea – alone."

The Magic Kingdom's 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' has closed for a brief refurbishment. It is expected to reopen on Friday, January 25, 2013.

Due to the cool temperatures in the Orlando area today, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closed. Disney's Blizzard Beach is currently closed for its annual refurbishment. Keep checking back for updates.

And now a word from our sponsor... I am so excited and very pleased to announce that Gordon Group at Keller Williams Classic Realty in Orlando has come on board and will be joining MikeandTheMouse . In addition, they will also serve as my official race sponsor for run Disney and the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare during the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend in late August. It is indeed an honor to be sponsored by a fine and reputable company such as this and I urge any of my readers who are contemplating a move to the Orlando area to contact John R. Gordon and his team - they're exactly what you need! You can visit the Gordon Group's website by clicking here or simply call the office at 407-292-5400

The  Disney Parks Blog  has announced the new Splitsville at Downtown Disney will be offering a Super Bowl Party. By attending the event, you’ll also be helping Clean the World – an Orlando-based non-profit that saves lives around the world with recycled hotel soap. Here’s how it works: Admission is $75 per person (must be 21-and-up) and that includes complimentary appetizers and open bar from 6 pm-9 pm (open bowling is an additional $20) and part of the proceeds from the event will go to the Orlando-based Clean The World Foundation, a non-profit organization that collects and recycles soap and shampoo products from the hospitality industry and distributes them to impoverished communities worldwide. And Splitsville has plenty of TVs – 40 flat-panel screens total – to watch the game, plus there are three full bars and indoor/outdoor seating. Click  here  to purchase tickets.

There is something new for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort in 2013. With the new  Discover Disney  ticket, Florida residents have even more reason to experience more magic than ever before. The  Discover Disney  ticket offers Florida residents three days of theme park-going fun for $119 (plus tax) for adults and children ages three and up. Or, add an extra day for only $10 more (plus tax). Add access to the Disney Water Parks with the 3-or-4 day special offering for just $28.50 (plus tax). The Water Park Fun & More option gets you 3 or 4 days admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park through June 7, 2013. Here’s just a snapshot of what’s new:   Magic Kingdom : Two new castles in the Magic Kingdom, joining the beloved Cinderella Castle, help anchor New Fantasyland. Bringing to life the Disney hit movies  The Little Mermaid  and  Beauty and the Beast , Prince Eric and Beast have palaces. Epcot : A celebration o

WHAT:  La Nouba  by  Cirque du Soleil  announces special offers for Florida’s Emergency First Responders and Florida residents. Seen by more than 8 million guests,  La Nouba  features high wire and flying trapeze acts, stunning acro-gymnastic performances and other dynamic displays of coordination and strength.  La Nouba  is performed exclusively at  Downtown Disney  West Side at  Walt Disney World  Resort. WHEN:  Tickets are available for purchase starting January 17. This offer is available for performances Tuesdays through Saturdays – January 29 through March 9. TICKETS:  Florida’s Emergency First Responders can purchase tickets in Category 3 at 35% off the regular price.  Discounted tickets are $48.75 for adults and $39.00 for children (plus tax). Florida residents can purchase tickets in Category 2 at 25% off the regular price.  Discounted tickets are $69.75 for adults and $55.50 for children (plus tax). Tickets are available for purchase online at cirqued