Universal Orlando Announces Star-Studded Concert Lineup For 2016 Mardi Gras

Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando Resort’s 2016 Mardi Gras celebration. On select nights Feb. 6 through April 16, guests can top off their day in the theme parks with a family-friendly version of the famed “N’awlins” celebration at Universal Studios Florida – featuring delicious Cajun cuisine, a dazzling parade and 14 nights of exhilarating concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

This year’s star-studded concert lineup features a diverse array of talent with something for everyone to enjoy. Headliners include rock band Fall Out Boy, teen pop sensation Shawn Mendes, GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Adam Lambert, country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes and legendary entertainer Diana Ross. For the complete line-up, see below.

This year’s Mardi Gras parade features 12 vibrant floats, including four new additions that celebrate different cultures and festivals from around the world – Venetian Carnival, Oktoberfest, 4th of July and Rio de Janeiro Carnival. All of the exquisitely detailed Mardi Gras floats are engineered by Blaine Kern Artists, the same company that has been hand-crafting floats for the iconic New Orleans celebration since 1947. Plus, guests can visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy authentic Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street.

The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida. Guests can take advantage of a vacation package including the all-new Cabana Bay Beach Resort starting from $149 per adult, per night, tax inclusive. The package includes 3-night on-site hotel accommodations, a 2-day Park-to-Park ticket, Early Park Admission and more. For more information on this vacation package and Mardi Gras, visitwww.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

2016 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
February 6- Hunter Hayes
February 13- Diana Ross
February 14- Barenaked Ladies
February 20- Nate Ruess
February 27- Fall Out Boy
March 5- Kool & the Gang
March 12- The Fray
March 13- Adam Lambert
March 19- Shawn Mendes
March 20- 3 Doors Down
March 26- REO Speedwagon
April 2- T-Pain
April 9- Jessie J
April 16- Yandel

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Disney may fly 50 drones at a time in its Disneyland fireworks shows

The Walt Disney Co. has taken the next step in integrating drones into its fireworks shows at Disneyland and Walt Disney World…

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Global Running Industry Converges at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Global running industry leaders are converging on the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna this weekend for runDisney’s first-ever State of the Sport forum and Race Director Series.

Nearly 100 of the most highly-respected names in the global running sector – major race directors, media executives, industry influencers and former Olympic runners – are expected to attend the Jan. 7 forum, making it perhaps the most significant gathering of running industry leaders ever assembled.

The event, staged at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is being anchored by a panel discussion featuring race directors and executives from the world’s top running events – Peter Ciaccia (TCS New York City Marathon), Tom Grilk (B.A. A. Boston Marathon), Tad Hayano (Tokyo Marathon), Hugh Brasher (Virgin Money London Marathon), Carey Pinkowski (Bank of America Chicago Marathon) and Juergen Lock (BMW Berlin Marathon). The panel, moderated by Runner’s World editor-in-chief David Willey, is expected to tackle several key industry topics, such as the evolving demographics of runners, the impact of the upcoming Olympics, increasing runner participation and other best practices.

Additional speakers expected are Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger, B.A.A Boston Marathon race director David McGillivray and Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Other special guests will be reigning women’s world marathon record-holder and four-time Olympic distance runner Paula Radcliffe and former Olympian and runDisney training consultant Jeff Galloway.

The State of the Sport forum kicks off runDisney’s new Race Director Series, which affords race directors from around the country with behind-the-scenes experiences during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. More than 40 race directors and race management personnel are expected to take part in the series that gives them special access and insight into various aspects of the four-day event operation, plus the Race Director Challenge, a light-hearted competition during Saturday’s Disney Half Marathon race.

The State of the Sport forum aligns with runDisney’s goal of broadening participation in road running and encouraging people to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Next year, Walt Disney World Resort will once again become the center of the running universe when it hosts the 2017 Running USA Industry Conference during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The annual conference brings together industry experts for sessions on best practices, panel discussions, industry awards and more.

Hosting the 2017 conference and this weekend’s forum build on runDisney’s growing stature as one of the leading running series in the world. In the last few years, runDisney has experienced extraordinary growth and popularity with the launch of four new race weekends – including its first international event, the 2016 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend – and frequent race sellouts at events at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

For more information about runDisney, visit www.runDisney.com. For more media- related information, video and photos, visit www.disneysportsnews.com.

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Double-Amputee American War Hero Tackling 26.2-Mile Journey at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, the largest sporting event in Central Florida, features more than 100,000 runners and spectators from across the nation and more than 60 countries Jan. 7-10, 2016.

Among the many compelling storylines is U.S. retired Master Sergeant Cedric King, a decorated war hero who lost both legs during combat while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. King, who earned numerous military commendations that include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, is competing on behalf of Cigna in the 26.2-mile marathon alongside Cigna CEO David Cordani. In addition, reigning women’s world record-holder Paula Radcliffe, a four-time Olympian from Great Britain, is competing in the 5K, 10K and half marathon. And Emmy-winning actor Uzo Aduba (hit Netflix show “Orange Is the New Black”) and popular Mexican actors Aaron Diaz and Laura Flores are running in the 5K.

The race schedule is as follows, with all races beginning and finishing at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort:

5K – Thursday, Jan. 7, 6 a.m.
10K – Friday, Jan. 8, 5:30 a.m.
Half Marathon – Saturday, Jan. 9, 5:30 a.m.
Marathon – Sunday, Jan. 10, 5:30 a.m.

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Photos: Baymax Meet and Greet Area at Epcot

Take a look at the Baymax Meet and Greet area at Epcot.

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From Springs to Falls to Frozen, Orlando Awash With ‘A Sweet 16’ of New Openings in 2016

From popular film franchises Frozen and King Kong to Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, the theme park capital of the world is a destination where unique experiences mix with activities specifically for kids and families.

While Orlando has long been known as home to seven of the top theme parks in the world, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld constantly evolve each year with one-of-a-kind attractions, resorts and retail, dining and entertainment complexes.

Walt Disney World's "Frozen Ever After" ride opens in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot this year.
Walt Disney World’s “Frozen Ever After” ride opens in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot this year.

With vehicles diving into movie magic and immersive themed environments, Orlando’s newest openings set the stage for another year of millions of unforgettable guest experiences that can only be found in Orlando.

New in 2016

  • Walt Disney World Resort will complete a multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Featuring an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, this new expansion will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, to more than 150 establishments. The new area will include already announced restaurants:
    • The Edison, similar to its sister location in Los Angeles, is the third new venue announced to open at Disney Springs. With a theme that centers around a 1920s-period electric company with live entertainment, classic American food and craft cocktails, the industrial gothic space will have 35-foot ceilings and a number of themed areas.
    • Frontera Fresca also opens at Disney Springs, the creation of celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation award winner. Known for his authentic Mexican cuisine, Bayless’ menu includes specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all crafted with his time-honored recipes.
    • Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine is celebrity Chef Art Smith’s new restaurant opening in summer at Disney Springs. The James Beard Foundation award winner was born and reared in the town of Jasper, Fla., and after 25 years of preparing award-winning meals for celebrities and heads of state and appearing on television, he is making Florida his home once again. The rustic-chic restaurant will feature Southern classics and whimsical cocktails, punches and coolers.
    • STK planned to open in early in the year, an upscale steakhouse that blends two concepts into one—the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge. Features include a live DJ, high-energy atmosphere and a sleek environment designed to encourage guests to interact and mingle.

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Disney’s 2016 Slate: 13 Titles Include ‘Alice’ Sequel, ‘Star Wars’ Spinoff

Disney scooped up giant hunks of the world’s movie audience in 2015, concluding the year with the record-busting “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The studio’s Disney’s complete movie calendar for 2016, released with synopses and artwork Tuesday, is highlighted by “Star Wars” spinoff “Rogue One,” along with potential powerhouses from its Pixar and Marvel subsidiaries.

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PHOTOS & DETAILS: 2016 NEW BALANCE RUNDISNEY COLLECTION

In celebration of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, we’re excited to reveal the 2016 Limited Edition New Balance runDisney Collection, which includes the Dumbo Vazee Pace, Ariel Vazee Pace and the Red Carpet Mickey and Minnie 860v6s. All shoes will be available at the Walt Disney World Marathon Expo, starting January 6th, 2016.

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How Disney Exponentially Increased the Value of Star Wars

In 2012, Disney bought Lucasfilm, including the Star Wars franchise, from George Lucas for $4 billion. The company has recently launched its first Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, and the film is on track to becoming a massive success.

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Disney and ABC Raise Awareness of the Importance of Reading with Nonprofit First Book

Disney announced that it will donate its 50 millionth book to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books to educators and organizations serving children from low-income families. To celebrate this milestone, Disney and ABC are inviting consumers to join the fourth annual Magic of Storytelling campaign through a number of activities between now and March 31, 2016, including the first annual Disney Reads Day on February 6, 2016.

The Magic of Storytelling campaign is a collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney|ABC Television Group to help First Book put brand new books into the hands of children in communities nationwide. The campaign features a public service announcement, special events, an extensive media campaign, social media activations and a 50-State online challenge.

The inaugural Disney Reads Day on February 6 will kick off four weeks of events and special promotions at participating retailers and other organizations, including story time events at Disney Store’s 180 U.S. locations, to raise awareness of the importance of reading.

“The Magic of Storytelling campaign celebrates all the ways that a love for reading benefits a child’s life. We’re tremendously grateful to have a partner in Disney that shares these same beliefs,” said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book. “This year is especially thrilling as Disney donates its 50 millionth book through First Book. We hope communities nationwide join us in our efforts to raise awareness of the importance of reading.”

The Magic of Storytelling campaign will feature a public service announcement (PSA) voiced by Steven Spielberg, Director of The Walt Disney Studios upcoming film adaptation of “The BFG,” based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, coming to theaters on July 1, 2016. Created to celebrate storytelling and underscore the importance of reading, the PSA will be shared with audiences across Disney including ABC affiliate stations, ABC Network, ABC Family (soon to be renamed Freeform on January 12, 2016), Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Store, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Resorts’ TVs, the ABC Watch app, and more. Additionally, each local ABC-owned station will donate 5,000 books to their local communities through schools and organizations in their respective markets.

“Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,” said Leslie Ferraro, co-chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and president, Disney Consumer Products. “Great stories change lives, unleash imaginations and foster creativity. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing, long-standing partnership with First Book and the work they have done to bring books to kids in need, and we look forward to sharing the Magic of Storytelling and Disney Reads Day with families and fans.”

Consumers are encouraged to participate and share the magic of storytelling through a number of ways:

  • In-Store Events: Consumers are invited to celebrate Disney Reads Day at participating retailers and Disney Store locations, which will feature family-friendly events and activities including story time. A full list of all Disney Store locations and participating retailers is available at firstbook.org/BeInspired.
  • Book Donation: For each eligible book consumers purchase at a Disney Store or other participating locations on February 6, 2016, a book will be donated to an organization in the region where the purchase was made, up to 250,000 books. A full list of all Disney Store locations and participating retailers is available at firstbook.org/BeInspired.
  • Social Media: Consumers can also participate by posting a “shelfie” – a selfie with a favorite book or in front of a bookshelf. For each shelfie posted to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #MagicOfStorytelling, First Book will direct a book donated by Disney to an organization in need, up to 500,000 books.
  • Digital Activation: Through March 31, 2016, consumers can visit FirstBook.org/BeInspired to vote online to win a donation of books for kids in need in their state.

To learn more about the Magic of Storytelling campaign and Disney Reads Day, please visit Firstbook.org/BeInspired.

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