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Limited Time Magic's Star Wars Day - 'May the 4th Be With You!' at Disney's Hollywood Studios is tomorrow and we've got an updated list of the entertainment offerings. Be sure to check a times guide on the day for any last minute changes. Morning Extra Magic Hours : 8am to 9am Park Hours : 9am to midnight Characters : 9am to 7:30pm Chewbacca and Ewoks at the Speeder Bike near Star Tours The Blister Pack - Rex and Cody and the Clonetroopers outside the Premiere Theater Darth Vader near the exit of American Film Institute Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy near ABC Commissary 'Symphony in the Stars' - A Star Wars Fireworks Spectacular: 9:45pm Jedi Training Academy - parents can join in with the kids - one adult per child (sign up early at the ABC Sound Studio): 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm DJ Lobot's Dance Party at the Sorcerer Hat : 6pm -7pm, 7:45...

The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is adding a new race and new challenge to its lineup. Beginning next year will be a new 10K race, and a new two-race challenge. Completing both the the 10K and Half Marathon will earn the runner a 'Disney Glass Slipper Challenge Medal,' along with the individual race medals. Here is the full release from runDisney: LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA (April 26, 2013) – Building on the success of its women-focused events, runDisney is broadening the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort next year by adding a 10K and a new two-race challenge. The Princess 10K gives runners of various levels more opportunities to run through Disney theme parks and receive a specially-designed finisher medal. And runners looking for an even bigger challenge can sign up for the 10K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday (19.3 miles total) to earn the inaugural Disney Glass Slipper Challenge Medal to go along with meda...

The Disney Parks Blog has just announced a new parade for 2014 at the Magic Kingdom Park - 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. Today, we’re 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 oth...

Direct from the Disney Parks Blog - 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 Wars characters 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 ...

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will kick off a Monstrous Summer by keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours nonstop on Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of the family travel season. The 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. Video courtesy of Disney Parks

Straight from the Disney Parks Blog - Get ready for some super new taste sensations when the BoardWalk Bakery reopens bright and early Friday morning – 6:30 a.m. to be exact. “The new location is twice the size of the original bakery, themed to the 1920s Jersey shore,” says John Berko, manager of food & beverage at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas. Dark wood and colorful tiles and mosaics add a new brightness to the space. Beyond sweets, the new menu includes hot breakfast items, salads and sandwiches – like a Maine lobster roll and a pork loin sandwich with creamy apple slaw. But it’s the sweets that get the most attention, and plenty of favorites are back, including chocolate croissants, cupcakes and cinnamon. Newcomers include eclairs, cannoli, salted caramel ganache and an amazing peanut butter-banana-candied Nueske’s bacon pie. We begged for the recipe, and already made this one at home. There’s not a morsel left. The bakery is open daily from 6:30 a...

Are you ready for an update on the remaining construction in New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park? Walt Disney Imagineering just posted a new video with us that offers up a look inside the two attractions in New Fantasyland that are still yet to debut: Princess Fairytale Hall and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train . Princess Fairytale Hall , which will open later this year, will be the ultimate destination in which to greet Disney royalty. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train , a family coaster that is set to open in 2014, will take Magic Kingdom Park guests on a musical journey through the mine “ where a million diamonds shine .” The attraction will feature an innovative ride system with a train of vehicles that respond to every twist and turn, plus appearances by some very advanced animated figures from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and music from this classic Disney film. Disney Magic takes time so a 2014 opening is well justified! In this video, Imagineers Jason Grandt, Pam Rawlins...

How big is summer 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort? So big that only one word describes the attractions, shows, events and more awaiting summer guests to the Florida Vacation Kingdom: MONSTROUS . And what's more important - I don't need a bag of freebies and goodies and pretend to be "media" to let you know all about it! Disney’s Monstrous Summer is bursting with good times for the entire family, whether it’s the first summer of fun in New Fantasyland or the nonstop thrills of a re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet.  Whether it’s the next surprise and delight experience of Limited Time Magic or all-new adventures letting guests play pirate in the Magic Kingdom or wilderness explorer in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The “Monstrous” lineup includes entertainment enhancements celebrating the June 21 release of the Disney-Pixar animated feature, “Monsters University.” Mike and Sulley are dropping in from MU to scare up monstrous surprises all summer long...

‘Star Wars’ Weekends Returns to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Galaxy in May and June Star Wars Weekends, the Force-filled fun-fest that takes place annually at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, returns to the Walt Disney World Resort galaxy every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17-June 9, 2013. A celebration of all-things-Star Wars, the special event is included in regular park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Among the features: special Star Wars-themed parades, appearances by Star Wars celebrities, special additions to Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars-themed talk shows, behind-the-scenes presentations, limited-edition merchandise, a nightly dance celebration and more.  The centerpiece of the celebration is Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, the immersive 3-D attraction that speeds guests through worlds featured in the Star Wars saga. This year’s event includes a nod to the 30th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, which debute...

Next week's Limited Time Magic celebrates the 15th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom park at "Party for the Planet"—an Earth Week event where you can meet some of your favorite Disney Characters, purchase collectable merchandise and try out some tasty sweet treats. Here is the full run-down from April 22 - 28 2013: Disney Character Dance Party The party kicks off with a week-long character reunion, where some rarely seen Disney Characters will be making cameo appearances in Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. Stop by for a chance to see Lilo & Stitch, Flik & Princess Atta, Koda & Kenai, and Thumper & Miss Bunny as they march along, and then join them for a dance party hosted by DJ Dino-Mite in Dinoland, USA! Commemorative Merchandise Once the celebration's started, make your way to Creature Comforts where you can buy celebratory clothing, commemorative pins, limited edition Vinylmation figures and other ...

More MyMagic+ Epcot's International Gateway is now being equipped with RFID MyMagic+ 'Touch to Enter' turnstiles.  The second entrance at Epcot is the only park entry that does not support the new RFID 'Touch to Enter' tickets that are now in wide circulation.  Construction walls are up, and it looks as though at least half of the current turnstiles will be converted in this first phase. FASTPASS NEWS Disney will be conducting a test of FASTPASS at Fantasmic! next week, April 22 to April 27, 2013. FASTPASS tickets will be available at the tip board area from midday. Holding a FASTPASS for Fantasmic! will not prevent a guest from obtaining another FASTPASS for another attraction. It is widely expected that Fantasmic! will be included in the MyMagic+ FASTPASS+ program, so this test would seem to be part of that roll-out. NEW BREW Joffrey's Coffee is now appearing at some quick service restaurants as the roll-out of the new coffee begi...

The official Disney Parks Blog  has today posted more information about the upcoming 15th anniversary celebration at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, 2013. Here is the full line-up, posted by Jackie Ogden, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks: Get there by 8:30 a.m.! While the park and its attractions don’t open until 9 a.m., the turnstiles will open at 8:30 a.m., and I am proud to be joining Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Josh D’Amaro who is hosting a special 15th anniversary ceremony that will take place in front of the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m. Commemorative guide map: Be sure to pick one up when you enter the park. And while in the Main Entrance area, also pick up a keepsake postcard that serves as a Party for the Planet guide. Special conservation button: Starting April 22 and for a limited time (until quantities run out), those who give to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will ...

Walt Disney World is offering all of its annual passholders a new perk that includes an afternoon of fun in the sun with a few bonus treats. All passholders are invited to enjoy Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park for free after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 and Thursday, May 16, 2013. In addition to complementary admission, passholders can also receive free refreshments and giveaways at Lottawatta Lodge. No RSVP is needed for admission, only a valid Walt Disney World annual pass. Admission to Blizzard Beach is normally included with the Premium and Premier passes. This special two-day offer extends that free admission to standard annual passes, Seasonal, and Weekday Select. Of course, any time the word “free” is involved, large crowds follow, so expect the same here. On both dates, Blizzard Beach is only open until 5 p.m., with Lottawatta Lodge scheduled to be open only until 4 p.m., leaving limited time to enjoy the extra perks. But it should be enough to get at l...

We are very pleased to announce a new partnership here at MikeandTheMouse - Destinations in Florida is now our preferred (and one and only) choice for attraction tickets and Disney Cruises. You will find their links featured on MikeandTheMouse.com as well as in the "Pages" section for Disney Tickets and Disney Cruises . Destinations in Florida can also assist you with tickets to Universal Orlando as well the beautiful resorts that are located on both properties. Other destinations include Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, Disney Hawaii and Disney Beach Vacations. Take a look at some of the great and FREE services that are available to you when you book with Destinations in Florida: Itinerary Planning – Do you know the best days to visit each of the Disney Theme Parks? Did you know your should always go left instead of right? Did you know that you should avoid the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the morning? These are all tips on how to get the most of your va...

"These aren't the droids you're looking for." But wait, I think they are! Downtown Disney Guests can build their own droid at the Droid Factory inside the Once Upon a Toy shop. There are 71 different pieces, and models range from R2 to R9. Some of those models are featured in the Star Wars books, comics or movie series, while others (R6, R8 and R9) were created exclusively for the Droid Factory experience. After customizing a droid, Guests can even add novelty hats, including various colors of Mickey Ears, Pirate, Yoda, Adventurer and Goofy hats. Finally, Guests will name their Droid. Here is the pricing structure for the two Droid Packs available at the Once Upon a Toy's Droid Factory: Single Droid Pack is $12.95 Double Droid Pack is $19.95 Once Upon a Toy is open from 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (closing at 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Another similar Droid Factory can be found inside Disney's Hollywood Studios, in the Tatooine Traders Shop. ...

Disney has just announced the next Limited Time Magic event at Walt Disney World, and it's a treat for fans of fairies. April 15 to April 21, 2013 - It's Fairies Week at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and Tinker Bell's coming in for a landing. And wouldn't you know it, some fellow Disney Fairies are flying in for the occasion too! Head over to Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, where Tink will be joined by a few friends making surprise appearances. You could meet Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Fawn, Vidia… maybe even Terence, the Pixie Dust-keeper himself!

The new meet and greet attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom is set to open in mid-May 2013.  Called "Adventurers Outpost," the new location will give you a chance to meet Mickey and Minnie in a new indoor environment. Around the same time, Daisy and Donald Duck will both be moving to the Discovery Island boat dock area to appear together. Making way for their arrival, the Winnie the Pooh characters will be moving to Camp Minnie-Mickey. Stay tuned and we'll let you know when this is about to open.

Disney has announced plans to mark the 15th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom on Earth Day, April 22, 2013. Here is what you can expect - from the official Disney Parks Blog Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment; and Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative. Make sure you arrive early for this! Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities – Special interactive activities that focus on animals and nature will take place throughout the park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Artists and other vendors will present their work on in Africa and on Discovery Island, with their work available for purchase. Opportunity to purchase special 15th anniversary merchandise, available in limited quantities. Special food & beverage.

This past Sunday, I was treated to one of the coolest adventures I have been on in a very long time. My good friend Erika has just opened Air Force Fun  which offers helicopter tours of the Orlando attractions area. Air Force Fun is the new kid on the block when it comes to tours but I will tell you from first-hand experience that they are probably one of the best. Located right next to the Orlando Premium Outlets near Lake Buena Vista, Air Force Fun is open seven days a week from 9:30 AM until sunset. If you have any reservations about going up in a helicopter, the friendly staff will put you at ease very quickly. Obviously, there are safety precautions to take, but those are things that you worry about while you are still on the ground. It's 100% pure fun while you're up in the air! The pilots are very knowledgeable, very friendly and are quick to point out exactly (with great detail) what you are looking at 600 feet below you. On a clear day, it's so incredi...