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Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort set to open its doors on July 25 at Walt Disney World Resort. The two-story, full-service spa is inspired by the healing properties of natural springs that have drawn people for centuries to Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. Senses will incorporate the springs, nature and the storyline of health in its design and theming. Design materials and textures, including natural stone, will “connect with the earth and speak to the serenity and tranquility associated with nature,” according to Ginger Mclean, spa director. Each treatment is guided by one of the spa’s core themes – relax, renew or imagine – each of which will create a custom experience. A completely redesigned space, Senses, A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, will feature 10 treatment rooms offering an array of services including water therapy, massage and facials. Heated loungers, plus a whirlpool and steam room in the wet areas provide rej...

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California are bursting with new attractions and entertainment for the entire family – and America’s military personnel can experience all the fun through special theme park tickets and special pricing for accommodations. At Walt Disney World Resort – from Aug. 12, 2013, through Sept. 24, 2014, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase: Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $169 each, plus tax Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $169 each, plus tax AND Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $198 each, plus tax Walt Disney World tickets may be used Sept. 29, 2013, through Sept. 27, 2014, except Dec. 20 – 31, 2013; April 13 – 20, 2014, at a...

Disney and AT&T have announced an agreement that makes AT&T the official wireless provider for both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort.  Most significantly, the agreement brings a whole host of upgrades to the AT&T cell service at Walt Disney World which could give a huge boost to the usability of MyMagic+ which relies extensively on data communication. In recent times the parks own Wi-Fi service has struggled with demand at peak times. AT&T's data service at the parks also becomes unusable at peak times, so these upgrades appear to address these issues.  Below you will find the full press release from AT&T: AT&T to Enhance Mobile Network in Disney Parks Dallas, Texas, July 23, 2013 AT&T* and Disney Parks today announced an agreement that makes AT&T the official wireless provider for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Through the agreement, AT&T will have various marketing and brand...

Walt Disney World Resort is known worldwide as a fun-in-the-sun vacation playground for all ages. But on the RARE occasion when the skies turn damp, and that has been happening quite a bit as of late, there is plenty of all-weather fun at Walt Disney World Resort. From movies and shopping to spas and theme parks, guests are “showered” with fun throughout the Vacation Kingdom. Here’s how to make the most of a day that dear old Donald would consider “just ducky”: Grab a poncho or umbrella and venture to Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom where many attractions and shows are indoor theater experiences or have covered pavilions. Guests with a waterproof mentality discover the theme parks may be less crowded on wet-weather days. Enjoy two Broadway-caliber theatrical productions both staged at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Dive into a colorful under-the-sea world with the live stage spectacular, “Finding Nemo-The Musical.”  Or, delight...

Next week's Limited Time Magic is "Celebrate Christmas in July" from July 22-28, 2013.  Here's the details: Deck the halls early, courtesy of some midsummer Limited Time Magic! Stop by the Emporium and Ye Old Christmas Shop in Magic Kingdom park, as well as the World of Disney Store and Disney Days of Christmas at Downtown Disney area where you can find all-new, magical ear hat ornaments—each featuring delightful depictions of Santa Mickey and popular park attractions too. And for a treat your sweet tooth will enjoy, savor the merry flavor at Tony's Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom park with a Santa Mickey Demitasse dessert. Or, pop down to Main Street, U.S.A. for holiday cupcakes from the Main Street Bakery and gingerbread sundaes at the Cone Shop!

Disney's Osprey Ridge golf course will be closing on August 11, 2013. The Tom Fazio designed course which opened in 1992 was sold to Four Seasons back in 2009 as part of the Golden Oak development. Owned by Four Seasons Management, it is expected that the course will become part of the Four Seasons Resort hotel. Its future as a golf course available to the public and DVC members is uncertain under the new ownership.

PUMA and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex have entered into a multi-year agreement with PUMA becoming the official soccer equipment sponsor of Disney Soccer. As part of the agreement, a co-branded soccer ball has been created by PUMA to be used for all youth matches at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Disney Soccer hosts tens of thousands of players from around the world each year, and has rapidly become the most popular sport at the ESPN Wide World of Sport complex. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Disney Sports on this exciting venture,” said Jay Piccola, President of PUMA North America. “We are looking forward to teaming with one of the country’s leading organizations for world class youth soccer programming and bringing this combination to young soccer players and fans alike.” “We’re excited to work with PUMA, which is known for its innovative approach and commitment to athletes who have a passion for soccer,” said Tom Wolber, senior vice...

The Downtown Disney area at the Walt Disney World Resort will see a lot of major changes in the next few years. It will all culminate when this entertainment district will officially reopen with a new name in 2016, becoming "Disney Springs." Two new multi-level parking structures will be built in the months ahead as part of this project; for this reason, some very important changes will be done in the parking lots area of Downtown Disney: "As part of the Disney Springs expansion, Downtown Disney parking lots H-K will close July 22, 2013, as work begins on the new West Garage. A parking plan was developed to provide the best experience for Guests: Due to the reduction in Guest parking spaces, overflow parking areas will be open on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays, and special events throughout the next few years of the expansion project. Overflow lots include Team Disney, the Casting Center, and SunTrust. Electronic directional signage...

"Destination America" has released a great video that takes a look at all of the most recent additions of the Walt Disney World Resort. This is a very informative and interesting video and will prove most useful to those who haven't had the chance to visit the resort in the last two years. Take a look at the video in its entirety below: ©2013 Lightship Entertainment, Inc/Walt Disney World Resort. All rights reserved.

  One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional – a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. The Candelight Processional is just a part of Epcot's Holidays Around the World. New narrators for this year include Ashley Judd and Dennis Haysbert. The list typically changes throughout the year, and there remain a number of slots that are 'to-be-determined'. You can also now book Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages by clicking HERE  and being redirected to Walt Disney Worlds dedicated reservation page. Nov 29 to Dec 1: TBD Dec 2 to Dec 3: TBD Dec 4 to Dec 5: Ashley Judd - NEW!  Dec 6 to Dec 7: Whoopi Goldberg Dec 8 to Dec 10: Sigourney Weaver Dec 11 to Dec 13: Dennis Haysbert - NEW!  Dec 14 to Dec 16: James Denton Dec 17 to Dec 19: Edward James Olmos Dec 20 to Dec 22: Trace Adkins Dec 23 to Dec 25: TBD Dec 2...

Part of Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind is set to become a service center for MyMagic+ later this summer. Each park is being equipped with a Guest Relations staffed service center location to help guests with MyMagic+ and to have access to iPads to enable My Disney Experience access for making FASTPASS+ reservations. The Magic Kingdom location is in Town Square Theater. For Disney's Hollywood Studios, the lobby and porch area of the collectible store will be converted to the service center, with the remaining space still offering merchandise. It is expected to open in the first week of August 2013. Thanks to WDWMagic for this information.

Electronic wristbands tested at Walt Disney Co. (DIS). Florida resort succeeded in boosting spending by guests, parks division Chairman Thomas Staggs said. The bands serve as admission tickets, hotel room keys and credit cards. They were tested by 1,000 people at Walt Disney World in Florida, Staggs said in an interview at Allen & Co.’s annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, without offering details. Guests spent more on average in part because they had fun with the technology, he said. Disney, the world’s largest theme-park operator, plans additional trials of the technology, called MyMagic+, before expanding throughout Walt Disney World by year-end, Staggs said. The wristbands help with crowd control, reducing the time guests spend in lines by allowing them to book rides and restaurants in advance. They can also schedule special meet-and-greets with characters like Goofy. “We’re still in test mode,” Staggs said. “It takes some time to get it all rolled out....

From the Disney Parks Blog: We’ve counted your online votes and now some long-lost Disney friends are ready to return to Magic Kingdom Park for a limited time, beginning on July 15.   During Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21), rarely seen Disney characters will be stepping into the spotlight at Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. You’ll have the chance to get up-close and personal and enjoy photo opportunities with the friends you selected in our online poll. So, who got the most votes? From “Robin Hood”: Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John From “Chicken Little”: Chicken Little and Abby Mallard From “Song of the South”: Brer Bear and Brer Fox There will also be more long-lost Disney characters to see, so be sure to visit Magic Kingdom Park July 15-21 to find out who else will be visiting during “Limited Time Magic” at the Walt Disney World Resort. Let us know which long-lost Disney friends you can’t wait to see.

Further underscoring the massive popularity of runDisney events, especially on the West Coast, the Tinker Bell Half Marathon sold out less than two days after it opened for general registration. The third annual Tinker Bell Half Marathon, to be held Jan. 19, 2014 at the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort, will involve more than 15,000 runners racing through a character-filled 13.1-mile course through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several Anaheim landmarks. Finishers will receive a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings” medal. A very limited number of registrations are still available for the half marathon through charity and travel groups. Runners can get more information on these opportunities by visiting www.rundisney.com. Also, runners can still register for other Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend events, including the new Tinker Bell 10K, Never Land Family Fun Run 5K and Kids Races. The Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled...

While most of us are still sweating with the heat of the summer, Disney elves are already hard at work to blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. And the best part? Some of these events begin as early as November 8. Here are some highlights: Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have 19 magical nights from November 8-December 20. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World Resort guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2013: Nov. 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22 Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holi...

You can take a safari ride on the wild side across an African savanna, battle space aliens with a laser gun, “hang glide” over Yosemite National Park and narrowly escape Darth Vader’s wrath — all during action-packed visits to Walt Disney World theme parks. And if you need a place to stop and recharge in the midst of all that high-energy fun, Disney offers a dozen quiet oases where you can chill out, regroup and even meditate if the spirit moves you. After the high adventure of a Kilimanjaro Safaris tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, families can wind down on the quiet Discovery Island Trails that feature animal habitats surrounding the park’s iconic Tree of Life. Quick-draw laser shooters who’ve saved the universe at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom can ease back to Earth by stopping to smell the roses (hundreds of them!) at the All-American Rose Selection Display Garden near Cinderella Castle. Don’t miss the photo op. At Epcot, after the thrill of flyi...

Walt Disney Resort hotels will soon be introducing a new refillable mug program called "Rapid Fill." Using RFID technology embedded into mugs, Rapid Fill will allow guests to select a time-frame for their mugs to be active to receive beverage refills. At the end of the purchased period, the mug will deactivate itself. The new mugs will be able to be used at any resort hotel quick service fountain, regardless of where it was original purchased. Unlike the existing refillable mug program where pricing is fixed for a length of stay, the new Rapid Fill will use a tiered pricing structure. Pricing is listed below (days are counted as a calendar day, and not a 24 hour period). $8.99 for 1 day $11.99 for 2 days $14.99 for 3 days $17.99 for length of stay As with the current refillable mug program, it will be included in some Disney Dining Plan benefits. Past mugs will not be able to be reused, and a new mug will need to be purchased for each resort stay. Founta...

The Fairways course at  Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Courses  will be closed for a private event on Thursday, July 11, 2013, from 4:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. The course will reopen to all guests at 9:00 p.m. The Gardens course will remain open to guests, as well as the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf courses near Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.

Next week's Limited Time Magic is "Mickey's America Streetbeat" and it will be performed daily at Epcot's America Gardens Theater from July 8-14, 2013. Showtimes are 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. Soak up the sounds of a little Limited Time Magic as America Gardens Theatre comes alive at Epcot, thanks to the musical performances of "Mickey's America Streetbeat." For a limited time, join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they come together with an energetic troupe of young performers—watch the fun unfold as they take part in an over-the-top display of hip hop, percussion and acrobatics. From the rhythm and tunes to the tap-dancing of their shoes, it's set to be one incredible jam you won't want to miss!

It took a little faith, trust and pixie dust, but the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort is expanding to include the inaugural Tinker Bell 10K in 2014. In its third year, Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, hosted by the city of Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort, is scheduled for Jan. 16-19. Earlier this year, more than 21,000 runners took part in the women-focused weekend of events centered on health, fitness and active lifestyles. The new Disney Fairies-themed 10K will be held Saturday, January 18, and builds on the massive popularity of the runDisney series and women-focused events. Tinker Bell 10K finishers will receive a new, specially-designed, fairy-themed medal. “We’re excited to add the popular 10K distance to Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend,” said Faron Kelley, director of marketing, Disney Sports. “Tinker Bell 10K expands an already exciting series of events, and adds more opportunities for our passionate runners on the west coast, espec...

Walt Disney World Resort guests won’t have to wait until the Fourth of July to celebrate America’s birthday. They can choose any day of Independence Week July 1-7 in the parks to experience the flag-waving spirit of the holiday – all part of Limited Time Magic. It’s a red, white and blue extravaganza as Disney Parks honor America with a Fourth of July celebration like never before – and it lasts an entire week. A 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the air above Cinderella Castle every night with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” In this patriotic fireworks spectacular, dazzling comets and glittering bursts soar to a brand new musical score produced in a concert band style created to stir a sense of pride in being American, while at the same time, invite guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration. Celebrate America! pays homage to all Americans and all who love the best of America. The fireworks spectacular ta...