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Have you ever given any thought as to just how much work goes into decorating Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays? ALOT...and that is a severe understatement!  Miles of garland, glitter, twinkling lights and ribbon transform Walt Disney World Resort into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.  Here’s a sample of what guests will experience throughout the Vacation Kingdom: 1,300 decorated trees throughout property A wreath 25 feet in diameter adorning the Cirque du Soleil building at Downtown Disney West Side 10 miles of twinkling rope lights in the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios 150 semi-trailer truckloads of decorations for 24 resorts, 4 theme parks, Downtown Disney and other locations 15 miles of garland strung and 1,314 wreaths hung throughout the Vacation Kingdom 300,000 yards of ribbon and bows draping over Christmas trees across property 8.5 million lights strung throughout Walt Disney World Resort...

Walt Disney World Resort and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have extended their long-term relationship with a new agreement naming Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit raising funds and awareness for North American children’s hospitals, as the presenting sponsor of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.  The agreement gives Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals an opportunity to increase both awareness and fundraising for the Network’s 170 children’s hospitals. It also gives  race participants another way to combine their passion for running with ways to support the charitable efforts of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Scheduled for February 20-23, 2014, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is geared toward women and girls of all ages. Featured events include the runDisney kids races, a Royal Family 5K, the new Disney Enchanted 10K race and a half marathon that traces a 13.1-mile co...

If you know me, then you know I'm a HUGE fan of Duffy the Disney Bear - love him or not, you still have to admit that the following story is simply perfect for this time of year. It was a ‘bear-y’ special National Adoption Day last Saturday for 30 children in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties who were joined to their forever families. As part of the adoption ceremonies, each child received a Duffy Bear to take with back to his or her new home. From toddlers to teens, the children stood before the judge hugging their Duffy bears as they were officially announced a family. For several, such as the Sharp-Canavan family, it was a happy ending, long in the making. “We’re officially a family now – the judge said so!” said Evelyn Canavan of her adoption of Anthony and Aulbree Sharp. “We thought it was awesome they received a Duffy Bear. It filled their Christmas wish!” Over the past two years, Walt Disney World Resort has provided  nearly 1300 Duffy Bears to C...

From our friends at Destinations in Florida  - <----------- CLICK for Discounted Tickets and Rates! Disney & Orlando Digest – Week of November 26, 2013 Disney Discounts  Walt Disney World® Resort ● Play Stay and Dine…and Save up to $600 at the Disney Resorts: Here is a great offer for your next family vacation.   For most stays from January 5th through March 5th, 2014 when booked by December 31st, 2013 you can save $600.00 (based on a family of four) on a five night stay at selected Disney Resort hotels with the Play Stay and Dine promotion.  Take advantage of some huge saving by booking now!             ● Save Up To 35% on Stays at Select Disney Resorts: If you are planning a Winter-Spring vacation in 2014, now is the time to book. You can save up to 35% off select Disney Resorts from January 5-April 12, 2014. These savings are based on availability. This sale ends December 31, so book today!  ● ...

A Thanksgiving cold snap is headed our way and that will close Blizzard Beach Waterpark this Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28, 2013. With lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's, it's highly doubtful you'll want to be there anyway.  Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for its annual refurbishment. Blizzard Beach is scheduled to reopen on Friday, November 29, 2013. Please check back for any updates.

Photo ©MikeAndTheMouse.com You can now get a 20% merchandise discount by dining at specific quick service restaurants where you will be issued a coupon that will be attached to your sales receipt. The 20% discount can be used at certain merchandise locations from park opening until 1:00pm. The discount is available from now until January 6, 2014. There are exclusions to merchandise that can discounted, so please be sure to check out all the details on the coupon. Coupons are accepted at the following locations: Disney's Animal Kingdom Island Mercantile Disney Outfitters Epcot Mouse Gear Magic Kingdom Emporium Disney's Hollywood Studios Mickey's of Hollywood Keystone Clothiers Downtown Disney World of Disney The following quick service restaurants provide the coupon: Disney's Animal Kingdom Kusifari Bakery Tamu Tamu Refreshments Pizzafari Flame Tree Barbecue Restaurantosaurus Epcot Electric Umbrella S...

Photo ©MikeAndTheMouse.com Disney and Nikon have today announced that they have entered into a multi-year alliance naming Nikon as the official camera of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. As part of the deal, Nikon will have branded photo spots through the resort, which will presumably be replacing those previously sponsored by Kodak. Nikon will also supply all equipment for both PhotoPass and the Disney Fine Art photographers who cover weddings and portrait packages throughout the resort. Here is the Official Press Release: Nikon Inc. and Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts today announced a multi-year strategic alliance naming Nikon the official camera of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. Bringing together a global leader in imaging and the world’s leading family vacation destinations, this relationship continues the longstanding commitment to help guests capture every moment of their vacatio...

From the Disney Parks Blog - Today we learned of the passing of Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller. Upon learning the sad news, Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Diane Disney Miller. She is remembered by Disney fans around the world as the beloved daughter of Walt Disney, and one who graciously shared her family history and personal memories of her father.” “Diane was a fierce guardian of her father’s legacy who never hesitated to set the record straight, opening The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco to bring her father’s fascinating story to life. In our many conversations over the years, Diane’s unique and special perspective about her father only deepened my considerable appreciation for him. Diane was incredibly generous in that regard, freely sharing her personal insights and providing details that deepened our knowledge, and we remain grateful for her many valuable contributions to our efforts to preserve ...

Spice Road Table is coming soon to Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, offering a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks.  Regional flavors from the Mediterranean are highlighted, along with a scenic view of the World Showcase lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. Perfect for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” viewing or relaxing with a selection of Moroccan flavors and cocktails along World Showcase Lagoon, Spice Road Table is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, say the restaurant’s designers. There’s an array of small plates: zesty harissa chicken drumettes; a Mediterranean omelet with sausage, potatoes and caramelized onion; mussels with preserved lemons and tomato sauce baked in an earthenware tagine pot; Moroccan merguez sausage with a fresh tomato salad; garlicky jumbo shrimp in a spicy chile pepper sauce. Inspired by the outdoor cafes along the Mediterranean, the whitewashed façade of Spice Road Table is accented in icy shades of bl...

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom park, where you can enjoy the occasion with an all-new Frozen treat, courtesy of Limited Time Magic! Start the day with the young citizens of Main Street, U.S.A. as they jingle along in their Holly Jolly Trolley show—re-tuned just for the season. Then, as evening enters the scene, put on your Glow with the Show Ears during nightly performances of Wishes and Celebrate the Magic, which includes a special holiday finale and a new sequence inspired by Disney's latest animated feature, Frozen—in theaters November 27, 2013. It's all fun, all festive and all part of Limited Time Magic! You can enjoy this "Limited Time Magic" event now through January 4, 2014.

After a short delay, a new cancellation policy is now being introduced across the Walt Disney World Resort: "To provide consistency across our operation, adjustments will be made to the cancellation policy beginning November 19, 2013. At that time, all table-service locations at Walt Disney World Resort (including Operating Participants) will begin using the cancellation policy already in place at select restaurants on property. Beginning November 19, when booking a reservation at any table-service restaurant, Guests will be required to provide a credit card to hold the reservation. A charge of $10 per person will be applied if the cancellation isn't made at least one day in advance."

Festival of Seasons begins on Friday at Downtown Disney and this gives you the chance to get those Christmas Wish Lists to Santa Claus as well as enjoy some great seasonal entertainment and take in some holiday shopping and dining. ©Walt Disney World Company Santa will be appearing in his chalet in the Marketplace between Basin and World of Disney: November 15 - 28 from 5pm to 10pm. November 29 - December 24 from noon to 10pm. Santa Goofy will be appearing from Christmas Day onwards: December 25 to 29 from 3pm to 10pm. ©Walt Disney World Company You'll also find stilt walkers, toy soldiers and storytellers throughout Downtown Disney area.

Do you plan on visiting the Walt Disney World Resort during the upcoming holidays? Well you'll certainly have much to choose from in the holiday meal department. Take a look below, and don't let your tummy grumble too much! There are so many great selections, I'm confident that you will find something that even the most finicky eater in your party will enjoy. In the theme parks, Thanksgiving specials are on the menu for lunch and dinner: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant is offering lunch and dinner feasts. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both 50’s Prime Time Café and Hollywood & Vine will include traditional Thanksgiving fare for lunch and dinner. Epcot World Showcase restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway, Biergarten Restaurant in Germany, Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom has a Thanksgiving lunch and dinner. In Future World, Coral Reef Restaura...

Due to the upcoming inclement weather, Disney's Blizzard Beach will be closed on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. The park is expected to reopen on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Typhoon Lagoon is also closed for its annual refurbishment. Please keep an eye on MikeandTheMouse for any changes that may take place.

Here is a great posting from today's Disney Parks Blog and Social Media Manager Jennifer Fickley-Baker, about managing your time at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: ©Walt Disney Company The holiday season officially kicked off at Magic Kingdom Park last Friday, with the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties! In case you’re attending your first party this year, here are some tips on how you can make the merriest of the night! It Requires a Separate Party Ticket We get this question often, and yes, entry to the party requires a separate Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket (even if you’re visiting the park earlier in the day, the party requires a separate ticket). Here’s a tip – you may receive a discount on select party nights when you purchase tickets in advance. Buying tickets ahead of time is suggested, as some nights do sell out. Click here to learn more. Your Party Ticket Allows Entry as Early as 4 p.m. Get the biggest bang fo...

As Downtown Disney continues its transformation into Disney Springs , we'll manage to muster up some spare time and let you know what is coming up in the future with this exciting project. © Walt Disney Company Some of the most recent news is the announcement of the latest merchandise offering that is coming to the Downtown Disney Marketplace in 2014; Marketplace CO-OP. This will occupy the space that currently houses one of my favorite stores, Team Mickey. While Team Mickey will be closing in early 2014, I think most Disney fans will be pleased with what is going in its place. Don't worry sports fans - you'll still be able to get your fix; just keep reading. Marketplace CO-OP will offer a new and unique shopping experience for guests of the Marketplace. Tom Sheldon, who is Manager of Retail Design and Development for Disney Theme Park Merchandise, promises visitors a connection to the environment and the ability to foster a sense of discovery, just like mark...

Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World Resort! Take a look at just some of the highlights below; 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. 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 holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can enjoy new experiences and attractions at New Fantasy...

Orlando City Soccer Club announced today that the team will play itshomes games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2014 season. For the Lions, who aim to finalize plans this year to start play in Major League Soccer (MLS), the complex will serve as a one-year temporary home during renovations of the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Lions’ primary home stadium. Tickets for the 2014 season will go on sale immediately. Season ticket holders for 2014 receive first choice of seats for the 2015 season, which Orlando City expects to be its inaugural season in MLS. “We hope our fans are as thrilled as we are to call ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex our home field for the 2014 season,” said Phil Rawlins, president of Orlando City Soccer Club. “With professional sporting event experience, premier soccer fields and world-class amenities, this facility will enable us to play all of our home games in one location and in a venue where our fans will be clo...

Disney Vacation Club welcomes its 12th resort to its portfolio of vacation destinations with the opening of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, located within walking distance of a monorail ride to Magic Kingdom Park. The resort – reminiscent of the golden age of a bygone Victorian era  - resides alongside the picturesque shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, steps away from the myriad world-class dining and recreation offerings available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the flagship Walt Disney World resort experience. The new resort features a variety of villa accommodations that sleep anywhere from five to nine guests, all designed to bring families closer and create memories that last a lifetime. The resort is the first Disney Vacation Club property to feature deluxe studios that sleep up to five guests.  Additionally, expansive grand villas sleep 12 guests and feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home th...

© Walt Disney World Resort Justin Scheid, 27, of Sparta, NJ helped himself to an unprecedented victory at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Saturday night at Walt Disney World Resort. His time of 1:11:47 set a race record in the fourth annual event. Second place finisher Valdir Camargo, 34, of Sao Paulo, Brazil clocked in with a time of 1:13:09, with Donald Hanigosky, 27, of North Royalton, Ohio right behind at 1:13:51. Just before the halfway point, Scheid broke away from the lead pack and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way. His record time over the 13.1-mile course beat the previous mark by approximately 90 seconds. “Around 5 or 6 miles, one of the (on-course officials) said I had about a 30 second (lead) and I tried to keep it the same through miles 7, 8 and 9 and I was afraid to ask somebody (down the stretch) how much of a lead I had because I was afraid they were going to say ’10 seconds.’” Kristen Tenaglia, 29, of Seminole, Fla. di...