“Thor: Ragnarok” thundered to one of the year’s best box-office debuts with an estimated $121 million domestically, proving again — just as its flexing its muscle — the might of the Walt Disney Co.
Female Runner Records Historic Victory at Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon
Brazilian runner, Giovanna Martins, believed to be first woman to win a major half marathon; More than 15,000 runners tackle 13.1-mile race across Walt Disney World Resort; Race video and photos available
Giovanna Martins of Salto, Brazil made history Sunday in winning the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. She is believed to be the first woman to be the overall winner of a major half marathon race (more than 10,000 male and female runners) and the first runDisney female runner to reach the finish line first in the 13.1-mile race.
The 34-year-old runner dashed past second-place finisher, Paul Graham of Whitehaven, UK (1:19:22) winning the race by six seconds with a time of 1:19:16. Joseph Dreher of Melbourne, FL took third place with a time of 1:20:27.
“To my knowledge, this is the first time a female runner has won a major half marathon race that included both male and female runners,” said race director Jon Hughes. “What I think is amazing is that in the 80s, the race field was only 15% women. Fast forward to today and our race participants are nearly 65% female. It’s exciting to see the growth of female participation, and to see women becoming more competitive and making gains in the industry.”
“To be the first, now that’s historic for Brazil, it’s historic for this race. It’s a story I’ll tell my family, friends and students. I’ll never forget it,” said Martins.
Martins, who won the women’s division of last year’s Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, broke her personal record for the race. She is the only female runner to win four runDisney races at Walt Disney World Resort – winning the women’s division at the Walt Disney World Marathon in 2015 and 2017. Last year, Martins learned that her nephew was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, inspiring her to run on his behalf and spread awareness for kids with similar conditions.
Following the race on Sunday, thousands of runners attended the Post-Race Party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Martins was one of 35,000 runners who participated in the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT, which included the Disney Fall Feast 5K, Disney Wine and Dine 10K, Kids races, Disney Two Course Challenge (running the 10K and half marathon), plus a Health & Fitness Expo featuring the latest in fitness apparel and products.
Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend is the first of four runDisney race weekends at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2017-2018 race season. For more information on race schedules and registrations, visit runDisney.com.
San Diego Runner on Inspirational Journey Conquers Challenge at 2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
Hayley Brown (San Diego, Calif.), who was involved in a plane crash, participated in the Disney Two-Course Challenge at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT™ (Nov. 4-5) at Walt Disney World Resort.
In June 2012, Brown, who was age 18 at the time, was traveling to volunteer at a medical clinic in Sinaloa, Mexico when her four-seat Cessna plane hit a power line, ripping off the wing and crashing the plane into a river.
Brown suffered internal injuries, broken bones, lacerations and a head injury that required her to be placed into a medically induced coma for a week.
After three months of recovery and missing her high school graduation, Brown returned to school and a more normal life with the help of running.
Brown, now 23, has run an ultramarathon, three marathons and countless half marathons, and she ran in the 10K and half marathon races during Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
She was among more than 35,000 runners who participated in the eighth annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which included runDisney Kids Races, 5K, 10K, half marathon races and the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo. This year, the expo featured a new Interactive Zone with Disney character meet and greets, yoga for runners, games and much more.
Houston Astros Players Celebrate Team’s First-Ever World Series Title with Victory Parade at Walt Disney World
The Houston Astros’ World Series victory celebration made its way from coast to coast Saturday, culminating in a colorful parade at Walt Disney World Resort that saluted the team’s first world title in its 56-year history.
After clinching the World Series championship in Los Angeles on Wednesday and then taking part in a citywide party in Houston on Friday, Astros star players George Springer (World Series MVP), newly engaged Carlos Correa and American League batting champion Jose Altuve brought the party to Magic Kingdom Park. They signed autographs, posed for selfies with fans and experienced signature Disney attractions – of course they checked out Astro Orbiter – during a whirlwind celebration that personified the amazing power of magic that only happens at Disney Parks.
Then, in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans who lined one of the most famous streets in the world – Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park – Springer, Altuve and Correa got a one-of-a kind ride atop a magical parade float surrounded by a sea of balloons, confetti and celebratory cheers.
Afterwards, the players and their families joined Mickey Mouse and his pals – who all happened to be perfectly dressed for the occasion in their classic baseball uniforms – for photos in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle. It was a day the Houston trio, their family and their fans likely won’t soon forget.
“It’s been an amzing day,” said Astros shortstop Carlos Correa. “I feel like a kid all over again getting to go to Disney World and spending time with all of these people here who are supporting us and celebrating the (World Series) championship with us. I will never forget the people cheering and crying during the parade. It was the best thing ever and a memory I will never forget.”
The spectacular Disney scene was the culmination of a long-awaited dream for the Astros and the city of Houston which supported the team for 56 years despite never winning a World Series title – and throughout the recent hurricane and subsequent flooding that devastated the city. A bright spot emerged Wednesday night with Houston’s series-winning Game 7 win that propelled the club, its city and its fans to the top of the baseball universe. And to the most magical place on earth.
Their appearance at Disney continued a long and popular tradition of celebrating the world’s greatest sports and entertainment achievements at Disney Parks, a beloved ritual that dates back to 1987. Springer, Correa and Altuve are now among a star-studded lineup of sports heroes – from Super Bowls, NBA Championships, Olympic Games, Stanley Cup championships and so many more – who have celebrated milestone accomplishments by “Going to Disney World!”
‘25 Days of Christmas’ Annual Programming Event Expands Across All Disney|ABC Channels for the First Time Ever, Beginning December 1
Cable’s biggest programming event of the year is now even bigger. Beginning December 1, Freeform’s beloved ’25 Days of Christmas’ will expand across all Disney|ABC Television Group networks to create the ultimate fan-favorite holiday event. ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will be airing holiday-themed programming and entertainment for the whole family throughout December, leading up to Christmas Day. Viewers can ring in the season with festive specials, classic holiday movies and returning favorites.
“‘25 Days of Christmas’ is the holiday event our viewers look forward to all year long. This year, there is more for everyone: more original shows, more fun and laughter, more opportunities to take part in this beloved holiday tradition,” said Ben Sherwood, president, Disney|ABC Television Group. “We hope everyone joins in the fun as Disney|ABC spreads holiday cheer across all of our channels and platforms for audiences everywhere.”
Freeform will continue to be the home of all your favorite Christmas films with a robust library of holiday favorites including “Elf,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “The Santa Clause,” “The Polar Express” and many more. The network will also debut its first original Christmas movie, “Angry Angel,” starring Brenda Song and Jason Biggs. Additionally, Freeform will feature “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” (originally airing on ABC) and premiere “Decorating Disney: Holiday Magic,” a one-hour holiday special giving viewers an inside look at how holiday magic is created throughout Disney Destinations. Viewers will go behind the scenes as a team of dedicated Disney cast members and Santa’s helpers transform Disney theme parks and resorts into a winter wonderland.
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Disney Parks Christmas specials start Nov. 30 on ABC
You’re getting two Christmas specials from Disney Parks, both will be on ABC, and the first arrives late this month.
What’s New for the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Returning November 10 Through January 7
At Disney California Adventure® Park, Festival of Holidays will bring a new take on delicious holiday comfort food. All-new cultural favorites are coming to the Festive Foods Marketplaces, including Beef Corn Tamale a la Plancha with Spicy Rojo Sauce, Braised Lamb Cheeks with Mediterranean Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Pie and Fruit and Nut Rugelach.
In Cars Land, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl, and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, both featuring new holiday tunes for the season.
All of this is, of course, is in addition to the return of Disney ¡Viva Navidad! and “World of Color – Season of Light” at Disney California Adventure Park. At Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday will delight guests throughout the season.
Meet Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader & More During Star Wars Day at Sea
When Star Wars Day at Sea returns on 15 special sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy this January through April, guests will have more opportunities than ever to meet your favorite Star Wars characters on a Disney cruise.
New in 2018, guests are guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before they even step onboard, they’ll have the chance to reserve time with these character experiences online under the My Disney Cruise section of disneycruise.com.
These encounters are just some of the ways guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy. The event features a full day of fun, including Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, plus a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display.
For a glimpse at the day’s epic fun and some of the other Star Wars characters you may encounter, take a look at this video.
Houston Astros Star Players “Going to Disney World!” For World Series Victory Parade Saturday at Magic Kingdom Park
After the city of Houston revels in the Astros’ first-ever World Series victory, the heroes of the club’s championship team will be “Going to Disney World’’ for a magical celebration Saturday, November 4 at the place where dreams come true, Walt Disney World Resort. World Series MVP George Springer and star players Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa will be honored with a historic victory parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park, providing yet another example of the power of magic at Disney Parks.
Thanks in part to the heroics of Springer, Altuve and Correa, the Astros took the best-of-seven-game series by winning the deciding Game 7 Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The 5-1 victory delivered the team its first World Series title in its 56-year history.
Springer came up big for the Astros throughout the World Series. He hit .379 with seven RBIs and five home runs, including a two-run blast to help the Astros win Game 2 in the 11th inning. He was also the driving force in the series-clinching Game 7, starting the game with a double and then adding a two-run home run that helped power Houston to a commanding 5-0 lead. His five home runs tied a World Series record and eight extra-base hits are the most in series history.
Altuve, who led the American League in hitting during the regular season and hit .310 in the postseason, delivered in the clutch for the Astros throughout the World Series, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs. His biggest contribution came in Game 5 when he belted a three-run homer and drove in another run that helped propel his team to an improbable 13-12 win in 10 innings.
Correa was one of the team’s most consistent hitters, blasting two home runs and driving in five runs in the World Series. And he stole the hearts of nearly everyone in Game 7, getting a hit in the 6th inning before getting engaged to his girlfriend minutes after the team captured the World Series championship.
In all, the Astros’ championship run was a storybook accomplishment with plenty of heart. For a few unforgettable weeks of postseason baseball capped by the World Series, the Astros gave the city of Houston something to cheer about and rally around. With the city and surrounding communities ravaged by the impact of Hurricane Harvey, the Astros proved that “Houston Strong’’ was more than just a patch on their uniforms.
Many Astros players personally pitched in with on-the-ground, roll-up-their-sleeves help for hurricane victims. And the team donated $4 million to hurricane relief efforts, joining others such as Disney, which raised nearly $16 million toward the cause and sent its beloved characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Houston to visit displaced residents in shelters.
The Astros’ celebratory parade Saturday at 12:45 p.m. at Walt Disney World Resort will continue a tradition at Disney Parks of honoring extraordinary sports champions. Star players from Major League Baseball’s last world championship team, the Chicago Cubs, were honored with a Walt Disney World Resort parade in 2016.
