WDW Daily News

World-class theme parks, resort hotels and entertainment are not the only reasons for visiting Walt Disney World Resort. There are great recreation options, too, including fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish in lakes and canals almost within casting distance of some of Disney’s most iconic landmarks.

From true beginners to expert anglers, thousands of Walt Disney World guests annually participate in fishing excursions sponsored by Take Me Fishing that include catch-and-release and dockside fishing options. Guests can fish on four different bodies of water at Disney – Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista and Crescent Lake – by booking an excursion at one of nine Disney resort marinas. Popular catch-and-release excursions can provide guests with an unrivaled views of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park or Spaceship Earth at Epcot, as well as the natural beauty of the resort.

During construction of Magic Kingdom Park in the late 1960s, Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon were stocked with more than 70,000 bass fingerlings. As a result, guests on the fishing trips catch on average, five to 10 fish, usually weighing in around two to eight pounds, depending on the time of day, the number of guests on board and, of course, luck.

There are two-hour and four-hour excursions led by experienced fishing guides offered daily with advance reservations year-round. Guests can choose from the Guided Fishing Excursions, which include a 21-foot Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to five guests, and Bass Nitro Fishing, which features a tournament-style Nitro Bass boat for one or two people. Both boats are fully equipped with rods, reels, fishing gear and beverages. Take Me Fishing excursions provide guests with world-class equipment such as Castaway Rods & Wave Spin Reels, as well as boats outfitted with Lowrance depth finders, Power-Poles and other professional-grade fishing equipment.

In addition to having access to some of the industry’s best equipment, exceptional guides and Disney’s well-managed fishing locations, all Take Me Fishing excursion participants at Walt Disney World Resort receive a one-year BASS membership, which includes 11 issues of Bassmaster magazine and other special discounts and benefits.

Guests looking to experience something a little closer to their resort can take advantage of the dockside fishing opportunities at Disney by renting casting-rod fishing gear from the Bike Barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground or opting for traditional cane-pole fishing at the Fishin’ Hole at Old Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Reservations for guided fishing excursions and more can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-BASS.

America’s love affair with its newest baseball heroes made its way to Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday afternoon when baseball’s world champions did what so many sports champions do: They “go to Disney World!’’

Championship MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez, who all helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the world championship earlier this week, rode along with Mickey Mouse in a celebratory parade at Walt Disney World Resort. A throng of cheering fans, many dressed in the team’s colors, lined the parade route at Magic Kingdom waving “W’’ flags and holding signs. Mickey Mouse and Goofy both dressed for the occasion, wearing their classic baseball uniforms!

The players and their families enjoyed some of the theme park’s signature attractions, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Plus, they spent time hanging out with Mickey Mouse and Goofy and took photos to capture the memory.

“I can’t believe how many (Cubs fans) there were at the parade. It’s just unbelievable,’’ said Zobrist. “It’s an amazing following of people right here at Disney World.’’

The parade was the perfect exclamation point on a championship celebration that was 108 years in the making. The team last won baseball’s Fall Classic in 1908, the longest interval between championships in sports history.

The parade was also one of the most heart-warming salutes in Disney Parks’ long tradition of sports champions celebrating their victories by “Going to Disney World’’ which dates back to 1987.

The Cubs rallied from the brink of defeat (they were down 3-1 in the best-of-seven-game series) to win a nail-biting Game 7 in 10 innings. Zobrist hit a double in the 10th inning that scored the go-ahead run that led to their momentous victory.

Likewise, Russell and Baez were both huge contributors throughout the Cubs’ playoff run. Baez accounted for the Cubs’ only run – a solo homer – in their 1-0 win over the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. And Russell hit a grand slam home run in Game 6 that helped force the deciding Game 7, keeping the team’s title hopes alive.

World champions (L-R, top to bottom) MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez, of the Chicago Cubs are joined by Mickey Mouse and Goofy in a magical moment as streamers fall from the sky Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The players were honored among thousands of fans at Walt Disney World in a parade celebrating the team’s historic victory. (David Roark, photographer)

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received federal permission to fly drones over its theme parks.

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From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations around World Showcase at Epcot® and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of ways for guests to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World® Resort.

California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner – With spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom® Park, this dine-around style gala features cooking stations throughout the restaurant. Plus, a host of favorite Disney Characters will make appearances.

The event takes place from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. The price is $650 per person.

Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner – A luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant features gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Seatings are available between 6-7:45 p.m. The price is $600 per person.

New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace –This all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza is a real family affair featuring photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney Characters) and Disney tunes. Seatings are available from 3-9 p.m. The cost is $72.90 for adults and $44.38 for children (ages 3-11). And, later in the evening,guests can head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.

Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner – In the elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot, guests can feast on a four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine. Six seatings are available on New Year’s Eve: 11:45 a.m., Noon, 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The price is $110.81. Plus, a special late-night dinner with two seatings are available at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. The price is $305.03.

Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner – Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between 5 and 5:45 p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25 p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The first seating $150 for adults and $70 for children ages 3-9. The second seating is $255 for adults and $95 for children ages 3-9.

Book today via Disneyworld.com/Dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Disney World’s Hall of Presidents has a strange 60-year history, and soon, they’ll be adding a 44th robot commander-in-chief.

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