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Update: Walt Disney World Theme Resort Refurbishments Summer-Fall 2015

Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Guest Room Renovations
Guest rooms will be refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Guests will not be accommodated in the affected areas but it is possible that some noise could travel while work is in progress (between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily).
Oct. 13, 2014 – Aug. 22, 2015
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Exterior Repair and Painting Aug. 17, 2015 – May 5, 2016
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Fitness Center, Salon and Casitas Leisure Pool
Closed for maintenance. During this time, Guests can continue to visit the feature pool and the other two leisure pools at the resort. Additionally, a temporary fitness center will be set up for Guests in the Casitas area.
Jul. 5 – Oct. 12, 2015
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill
During the refurbishment, Beaches pool bar will offer breakfast and Mizners will offer grab and go options.
Aug. 23 – Sep. 4, 2015
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Tide Me Over Food Court Aug. 2 – Sep. 20, 2015
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
General Construction
During this time, Guests will observe construction taking place and certain pathways and buildings may be unavailable.
Through Early 2016
East Pool
Closed for enhancement. Guests may see or hear work in progress.
Now – Early 2016
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas
General Resort Refurbishments
Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects Guests will notice construction work in various areas. The Hidden Springs leisure pool area (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), resort beach, playground, Recreation fire pit and nature trail will be unavailable. Noise may be overheard while this work is being completed, but construction will not begin until after 9 a.m.
Oct. 2, 2015 through 2017
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Guest Room Renovations
Renovation work is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. No guests will be accommodated in the renovation area as to minimize impact on the guest experience.
Aug. 20, 2014 – TBD

Downtown Disney® Area
Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive
Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Downtown Disney and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences.
Through Mar. 2016
Parking Lots – Entrance 2 – Lots A-G
Loss of parking lot Entrance 2 to Guest/Cast traffic and associated lots A-G in preparation for the construction of Town Center and the East Garage.
Dec. 1, 2014 – Aug. 1, 2016
Fulton’s Crab House Jan. 1 – Apr. 1, 2016
Planet Hollywood Jan. 1 – Jun. 1, 2016

Golf Courses/Miniature Golf
None
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ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Hosts Variety of Fall Events

The historic Disney Turn Back the Clock Weekend baseball tournament will give players and audiences a taste of old-time baseball at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. More than 30 teams from the U.S., Panama, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will compete in the tournament on Sept. 4 – 7.

Disney’s 20th annual Cross Country Classic, presented by New Balance, attracts colleges, high schools and middle schools from around the country each year. The fast 5K and 8K courses provide athletes a variety of terrain. The event will take place from Oct. 9 – 10.

The three-park nighttime event, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, will feature Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and runDisney Kids Races, offering something special for runners of all ages. Participants can expect on-course Disney entertainment. To top off the evening, runners are invited to the exclusive Finish Line Party at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon will take place Nov. 6 – 7.

Eight men’s college basketball teams, including Alabama, Southern California and Notre Dame, will compete in the 2015 AdvoCare Invitational on Nov. 26, 27 and 29 at HP Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event will feature 12 games over the three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 29.

The prestigious Disney Junior Soccer Showcase event will give younger age groups the chance to experience the same great national competition and top-notch tournament organization as their older counterparts in the original Disney Soccer Showcase in December. The Disney Junior Soccer Showcase will take place from Nov. 27 to Nov. 29

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Savor the flavors at the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Disney guests can sip and savor fresh flavors from around the world during the 20th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, presented by Chase Sept. 25 – Nov. 16, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort. This year’s festival will include more than 30 global marketplaces, with four new food and beverage locations stretching into Future World. This will be first time the festival has expanded beyond the World Showcase.

Along the walkway toward Future World West, the new Artistry of Wine & Cheese festival area will feature the Cheese Studio (offering a cheese sampler served on an artist’s palette to pair with wines) and the Wine Studio with premium wines on tap.

Near the Epcot Character Spot, the new Next Eats area will debut with Sustainable Chew and Chew Lab marketplaces inspired by ABC’s Emmy-Award winning lifestyle series “The Chew,” starring co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz. Sustainable Chew will feature three dishes, and Chew Lab will show off hot culinary tech trends like a Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel.

For more information and to book premium events, such as the the new Rockin’ Burger Block Party, Party for the Senses and Signature Dining Experiences, visit epcotfoodfestival.com.

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Be Inspired by the Spirited Music at “Night of Joy” – Celebrating 33 years of Soulful Performances

Be inspired by the top names in Christian music at Disney’s Night of Joy 2015. This special ticket event will rock Magic Kingdom Park on September 11 and 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. This year’s group of talented artists includes Night of Joy veterans like TobyMac, Skillet, Matt Maher and Jeremy Camp. Up-and-coming artists new to the event include Seventh Time Down, I Am They, and Veridia, alongside many other uplifting artists.

2015’s full lineup includes: (entertainment subject to change)

  • Friday, September 11 – ­ TobyMac, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Colton Dixon, Big Daddy Weave, Francesca Battistelli, Rend Collective, and I Am They
  • Saturday, September 12 –­ Skillet, Lecrae, For King & Country, Mandisa, Matt Maher, Jamie Grace, Seventh Time Down, and Veridia

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit NightofJoy.com.

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Disney Continues to Dominate Broadway With The Lion King and Aladdin

Disney has taken over Broadway. Out of the top three highest grossing shows on Broadway this past week, Disney Theatrical Productions Limited, a subsidiary of Disney, has two of them.

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Disney Store to Unveil All-New Product Collections At D23 EXPO 2015

Disney Store today announced the all-new collections and Limited Editions set to launch at this year’s D23 EXPO 2015, Disney’s ultimate fan event held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 14–16. Located within the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion at D23 EXPO, the Disney Store shop will feature new and exclusive products showcased throughout more than 3,000 sq. ft. of retail space. New items celebrating everyone’s favorite characters will be unveiled each day throughout the weekend.

In addition to offering attendees the chance to shop special products not yet available to the general public, fans will also have the chance to meet the artists and designers who created these exciting new collections and be treated to the official Disney Store opening ceremony on Friday, August 14. During the ceremony, a special attendee will be chosen to “unlock imagination” at 9 a.m. alongside some of Disney’s most famous characters.

D23 EXPO attendees will get a first look at collections making their debut at the event, including the next installment of the popular Disney Fairytale Designer Collection; a Limited Edition Doll Collection from ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time; Toy Story 20th Anniversary; and Disney Tsum Tsum.

Highlights of the new collections include:

  • Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Happily ever after meets happily evil in Disney Store’s newest series of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection being previewed at D23 EXPO. Featuring five sets of Limited Edition pairs, these collector doll sets were designed by Disney Store artists and carefully crafted to capture the beauty and romance of fairytale friends and foes.

    Available for the first time at D23 EXPO, guests can pre-purchase the complete set of five Hero/Villain pairs prior to the general public pre-sale beginning online Monday, September 14.

    Following the preview at D23 EXPO, the doll sets will be released and available for purchase in stores and online starting September 29, with a new pair released each week. Each set is limited to an edition of 6,000 globally and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

    This line expands into a collection of apparel, mugs, journals, home décor and more, available to the general public in stores and online on September 14.

  • Once Upon a Time – Continuing the ‘heroes and villains’ theme, Disney Store will introduce the Once Upon a Time Snow White and Evil Queen Doll Collection, available exclusively at D23 EXPO. Limited to an edition of 300, the doll collection, inspired by ABC Studios’ television series Once Upon a Time, brings to life the beauty, magic and charm of the iconic fairytale characters from the show.

    Exclusively for guests who purchase the doll set at D23 EXPO, Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Lana Parrilla (The Evil Queen) will be available for an autograph signing at the ABC booth on the D23 EXPO floor from 4 – 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 15. This special opportunity will be followed by the Once Upon a Time panel taking place in Stage 23 from 6 – 7 p.m.

  • Star Wars – Disney Store will launch an exclusive collection of Star Wars items at the EXPO on Friday, August 14. The collection will feature apparel, collectibles, and toys, including the Star Wars Elite Series, a new line of highly articulated and detailed die cast action figures, representing characters from Star Wars Episodes I-VI. The action figures will be sold individually at Disney Store locations beginning later this year; however, EXPO attendees have the opportunity to purchase the full set of Star Wars Elite Series action figures, which includes D23 EXPO-exclusive versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

    Additionally at the D23 EXPO, Disney Store will introduce Star Wars Legion Helmets, a series of eight vinyl collectible helmets inspired by the Star Wars Legion Helmet project launched in early 2014. Celebrating creativity and Star Wars, the project pulled together artists from across The Walt Disney Company, resulting in 300 stormtrooper helmets being transformed into diverse pieces of art, which inspired these collectible recreations – epic additions to every Empire.

  • Toy Story 20th Anniversary – In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Disney∙Pixar’s Toy Story, Disney Store gleaned art from the adored film’s archives to illustrate the evolution of the beloved characters, Buzz and Woody. Featuring toys, collectibles, apparel and more, this collection will be released at the Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO on Friday, August 14.
  • Disney Tsum Tsum All-new collections of everyone’s favorite stackable plush will be unveiled at D23 EXPO, with one releasing each day in limited quantities in mini, medium and large sizes. In addition, limited-edition mini box series – exclusive to D23 EXPO – will be released along with each collection, and a Mickey Mouse Tsum Tsum mini vinyl figure will be available for $5 with any purchase, while supplies last.

Also launching at D23 EXPO is Disney Store’s “Disney 3D Print Studio,” which offers fans the chance to personalize figures, including Marvel’s Iron Man, with their likeness through the use of facial-scanning kiosks. The figures ordered at the event will feature packaging unique to D23 EXPO.

New this year, in an effort to minimize wait times for guests, D23 is introducing StorePass at select D23 EXPO shopping locations, including the Disney Store shop. A limited quantity of StorePass tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14, and while they last, at the StorePass desk located adjacent to the StagePass distribution area in Hall A. Guests can visit D23EXPO.com’s “Things to Know” page for more details.

The Disney Store shop at D23 EXPO can be found in the Disney Consumer Products Pavilion. Additional details and updates about Disney Store D23 EXPO events and activities will continue to be updated on www.D23EXPO.com, on Facebook, and Twitter @DisneyD23.

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Golf at Walt Disney World Resort Fact Sheet

From tee to green, guests can follow in the footsteps of Golf’s greatest legends or create a legend of their own. Walt Disney World Resort offers four award-winning golf courses and world-class facilities designed to create magical memories for groups from one to one thousand.

54 holes of challenging golf on three 18-hole championship courses — Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Palm Golf Courses — and a 9-hole family-play course, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, await golfers of all ages and skill levels. Spectacular fairways and immaculate greens combine with Disney’s personal service and unmatched attention to detail to fulfill every golfer’s dream.

Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, guests will find the Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses are equipped with everything they need to play a great game while on vacation. Two pro shops feature an impressive selection of golf merchandise such as souvenirs, logo shirts, caps and towels, as well as premium golf clubs rentals for men and women in both right-and left-handed models, and junior clubs are on hand, too. Rental golf shoes are also available, and neither rental shoes nor clubs need to be reserved in advance.

Golf carts are included in guests’ greens fee and players are required to use golf carts at the three championship courses. Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is recommended for guests who prefer to walk the entire course. For guests wanting to freshen up after playing a course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Clubhouse features locker rooms and showers for no additional fee.

Here’s a closer look at each of the Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses:

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

Built in 1972, this Joe Lee course stretches to 6,745 yards from the championship tees. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is a tough challenge to many, offering small, well-bunkered greens that demand accurate shotmaking. This classic country-club style course winds through pastel villas, pine forests, palmettos and sparkling lakes.

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course has hosted the PGA TOUR, the LPGA Tour and USGA events. Guests can test their skills and fortitude at the demanding 7th hole with its challenging island green. The course is located near Downtown Disney and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and is a par-72 course. The course also offers a driving range and practice putting green for guests looking to hone their skills.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

As one of the two original Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course opened in 1971 and immediately became home for a PGA TOUR event. In true PGA TOUR style, this beautifully manicured, par-72 course has all the earmarks of a golfer’s paradise: elevated tees and greens, rolling terrain, and a very special sand hazard on the sixth hole that forms the silhouette of Mickey Mouse.

The Joe Lee-designed course is aptly named for its more than 1,500 magnolia trees and is the longest of the Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses with a yardage of 5,232 yards to 7,516 yards and is located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Private lessons from PGA and LPGA professionals that include video analysis are available to guests at this course. Playing lessons, corporate and group lessons are also offered here.

Disney’s Palm Golf Course 

The natural beauty of Florida woodlands makes Disney’s Palm Golf Course not only a pleasure to play but also one of Walt Disney World Resort’s toughest. Built in 1971, this Joe Lee-designed course measures 7,015 yards from the back tees, 6,461 from the middle and 5,414 from the front and is located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The par-72 course is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and was completely redesigned by Arnold Palmer Course Design in 2013. The extensive work included building entirely new green complexes, newly shaped tees, and a completely new bunker design that has modernized this historic golf course. This 18-hole championship course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees and sloping greens, providing plenty of challenges for novices and seasoned pros alike.

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Tucked away on a 40-acre parcel of land at Walt Disney World Resort is the 9-hole, par-36 Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, providing beginners a place to learn the game and seasoned golfers a unique challenge. The family-play, par 36 layout measures 2,913 yards, 2,552 yards from the front tees, and features fairways lined with majestic oak trees.

Designed by Ron Garl, this walking course opened in 1980 and is located next to Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The rolling greens of this walking course boast exciting challenges for more experienced golfers, as well as junior tees for younger golfers.

Additional Courses at Walt Disney World Resort

In 2014, The Tranquilo Golf Club at the new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort officially opened. The 18-hole championship course is par-71, with a yardage of 6,901 and four sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels. Originally built in 1992 and designed by Tom Fazio as Disney’s Osprey Ridge, Fazio re-designed the course for its launch as Tranquilo Golf Club. The stunning course pays homage to the resort’s Spanish Revival design and tranquil setting, featuring many Southern Live Oak trees with delicate Spanish moss. Family play is encouraged, and the course offers special golf carts that accommodate a family of four.

For more information about Tranquilo Golf Club and to reserve a Tee Time online, guests can visit TranquiloGolf.com or call (407) 313-6880.

Awards

  • Gold Medal Golf Resort, presented by Golf Magazine
  • Premier Golf Resorts 2014-2015: Silver Award by Golf Magazine 
  • Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course was included in Florida’s Top 75 Golf Courses by Golf Digest (2015)
  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses have each been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest (2015)
  • Gold Tee Award winner each year since 2002 presented by Meetings and Conventions

Recognition and Hosting

  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Disney’s Magnolia and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Courses have each been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Host to a PGA Tour event since 1971
  • Host to a LPGA Tour event since 1995
  • The Lake Buena Vista course is one of a select few courses in the country to host PGA TOUR, LPGA TOUR an USGA events in the same year (1996)

Fun Facts

  • Chip Beck holds the record for the Walt Disney World Resort Disney Golf Courses with the lowest tournament score of 61.
  • Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart, and Mark O’Meara have all won PGA TOUR events on Walt Disney World Resort Golf Courses
  • The Palm’s 18th hole has rated among the 10 toughest holes on the entire PGA Tour four times since 1986

For more information about any of the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses or to reserve a Tee Time, guests may call (407)WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or visit GolfWDW.com.

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Update: Walt Disney World Theme Park Refurbishments Summer-Fall 2015

Magic Kingdom® Park
Monorail
The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.
Now – December 2015
Pirates of the Caribbean®
Liberty Tree Tavern
Dream Along with Mickey
Liberty Square Riverboat
Walt Disney World® Railroad
Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
Jun. 8 – Sep. 25, 2015
Jul. 6 – Nov. 19, 2015
Jul. 21 – Aug. 19, 2015
Aug. 4 – 10, 2015
Oct. 12 – Nov. 20, 2015
Oct. 12 – Nov. 20, 2015
Epcot®
Re-Imagination of Maelstrom
Living with the Land
Oct. 15, 2014 – Apr. 30, 2016
Sep. 8 – 17, 2015
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Voyage of the Little Mermaid Sep. 7 – Sep. 10, 2015
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
None

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
None
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
None
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Captain America: Civil War to have Thor 3 clues

There’s no such thing as a standalone movie in the Marvel cinematic universe, with even something such as Ant-Man having a few threads to tie it…

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Here’s Where The Marvel Movie Characters Stand, Now That Phase 2 Is Over

Now that Ant-Man is out, Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is over. This slate of six movies began with Iron Man 3, and included some bold experiments (Guardians of the Galaxy) as well as huge upheavals.

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