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For many guests, the benefit of staying at a Walt Disney World owned-and-operated resort begins before arrival at the Vacation Kingdom.  And for all guests, the benefits and perks combine to make vacation magic 24 hours a day – whether at a Disney Value Resort designed for budget-minded vacationers … or at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa offering lavish amenities. Disney resort hotels are designed to provide a lot more than a pillow beneath guests’ heads.  They are created to immerse guests in a continuation of the worry-free vacation magic and adventures of the Disney parks.  Thus the hotels have themes celebrating the long ago or the far away or even the world of imagination where toys can be bigger than people. Walt Disney World Resort offers a broad range of accommodations – more than 20 resorts that vary in price, allowing guests to pay for only the amenities that are important to them.  Disney Value resort guests are treated to larger-than-l...

This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be celebrating “Frozen,” the hit animated feature film from Disney, with a daily character procession, sing-alongs with Anna and Elsa, fireworks, a polar playground, ice skating rink, ice carving demonstrations and a nightly party featuring a live band, all themed to the worldwide phenomenon. From July 5-Sept. 1, 2014, “Frozen Summer Fun Live!” will bring to life the world of royal sisters Anna and Elsa and their fairy tale kingdom of Arendelle.  Most activities are included in theme park admission. Special experiences will immerse guests in lots of Frozen fun. Here are some highlights (*schedule subject to change without notice): Anna’s & Elsa’s Royal Welcome:  Each day at 11 a.m., Anna and Elsa, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, will travel in a royal procession down Hollywood Boulevard.  Rugged mountain man Kristoff is along for the fun joined by a flurry of skaters, skiers and ice cutters, all dressed...

In This Edition: Walt Disney World Resort: Celebrate America’s Birthday July 3 – 4 Disney’s Animal Kingdom: ‘Harambe Nights’ Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ Epcot: Take in Some Tunes during Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Disney’s Hollywood Studios: ‘Villains Unleashed’ on Aug. 23 Downtown Disney: Kick Up Your Heels at the Great Irish Hooley Beyond the Theme Parks: Soak up the fun at Disney’s Water Parks this summer; Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to Open Newest Luxury resort Disney Sports: Orlando City Soccer Continues Regular Season; Youth Sports Kick Off Fourth of July Sparks Patriotic Entertainment and Fun Throughout Walt Disney World Resort Disney Parks guests can get their red, white and blue on this Independence Day during a special tribute to the stars and stripes July 3 – 4, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a two-day patriotic extravaganza as Disney Parks honor America with a Fourth of July celebration that wi...

Photo property of  +MikeandTheMouse   Get out the samba whistles and root for your favorite futbol team the FIFA World Cup is back! And guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2014 FIFA World Cup can get into the spirit of the games in a variety of fun ways this summer. Every four years, soccer fans around the world tune in to cheer on 32 international men’s soccer teams competing for the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) ultimate title. The 2014 FIFA World Cup on ESPN kicked off June 12 and runs through July 13. With more than 20 locations at Walt Disney World Resort for guests to watch the World Cup, there is no shortage of spots to join in on the spirit of competition and camaraderie. At Epcot, guests can celebrate the competition with some exclusive Disney experiences including a fun photo op with a themed Goofy topiary, and there’s even a special soccer experience in the Germany Pavilion for those who want to practice their s...

© Walt Disney World Company Guests can celebrate America’s birthday with a red, white and blue extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort. There will be no shortage of nighttime fun as fireworks will dance across the skies above the Florida vacation kingdom. This year marks a special milestone in America’s history, too: the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” observes its 200th anniversary in 2014. Here’s a look a what’s in store: Magic Kingdom The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the sky above Cinderella Castle at 9 p.m. both nights. The fireworks are set to an exciting musical score produced in a concert band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration. Disney’s H...

For the first time ever, more than 50 Disney villains will take over Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Villains Unleashed on Aug. 23, 2014. This new one-night-only party will kick off at 8 p.m. and run through 1 a.m. As a record number of Disney Villains come out of the shadows and take over the theme park, guests will encounter some of their favorite villains such as Captain Hook, Cruella De Vil, Darth Vader and the Evil Queen. They will experience a special fireworks show, dance parties and villainous food, drink and merchandise. The celebration of wonderful wickedness will include: Villainous Encounters: Interact with Disney villains roaming the park, performing on stage, dancing with guests and making mischief around every corner. Fantasmic! Pre-Show: Behold the wickedness as villains takeover Fantasmic! for a deviously fun pre-show. ‘Villainy in the Skies’ Fireworks: Villains unleash their powers into the night sky for a specially-themed fireworks display. Oogie ...

It doesn't have to be Father’s Day or even June to pay tribute to that special man in your life, Dad. Walt Disney World Resort salutes dads every day with a flurry of father-friendly activities sure to get him out of the “man cave” and into some theme park fun. Walt Disney created Disneyland as a place for moms and dads to enjoy with their children and this idea extends to all of the Disney theme parks today, including Walt Disney World Resort. Sure, this nearly 40-square mile playground overflows with classic attractions, thrills, lively shows and fun for the entire family, but here’s some manly options to make dad feel like a king on his next Disney vacation: Wild Africa Trek: This VIP African expedition is just right for the dad with an adventurous spirit, and there’s no passport required. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom dad can explore exotic African wildlife in their natural habitat on a privately guided journey through a savannah. Wild Africa Trek also invites trekker...

Father’s Day fun kicks into high gear at Walt Disney World Resort as Downtown Disney hosts Car Masters Weekend June 14-15, 2014. Showcasing a classic car show with a modern twist, Car Masters Weekend features all things “Cars” plus special celebrity appearances, interactive exhibits, unique event merchandise and exciting entertainment for the whole family. Downtown Disney West Side guests can cruise past more than 100 classic, muscle and exotic vehicles from across the country at the Downtown Disney Car Show presented by Meguiar’s. Fans also can judge their favorites along with the experts, culminating in an award ceremony Sunday. Joining in the “Cars” fun, Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway will be unveiling two new full-size custom character cars, created by Disney•Pixar “Cars” creative director Jay Ward. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars will be used in the new Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along program, available for bookings beginning ...