Disney to Host ESPN The Weekend 2011

ESPN The Weekend 2011 will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex March 3-6, 2011. Highlights will include the ESPN Interactive Sports Zone, Fan Q&A with Athletes, Celebrity Game Shows, Athlete Motorcades, ESPN Live TV Telecasts and ESPN Radio Live Broadcasts of Mike & Mike in the Morning featuring cohosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, NFL Live, First Take, Baseball Tonight and much more. Don’t miss it!

Scheduled participants at ESPN The Weekend 2011 include:

Athletes
Anquan Boldin, NFL
Darrell Green, NFL
Alonzo Mourning, NBA Legend
Darrelle Revis, NFL
Frank Thomas, MLB Legend
Joba Chamberlain, MLB
Mia Hamm, Soccer Legend
Urban Meyer, Former Coach
Cal Ripken Jr., MLB Legend
Roddy White, NFL
Tony Dorsett, NFL Legend
Brandon Jacobs, NFL
Chad Ochocinco, NFL
Bart Scott, NFL
Bernie Williams, MLB Legend
DeAngelo Williams, NFL
Jason Witten, NFL

ESPN Personalities
Skip Bayless, ESPN First Take
Colin Cowherd, The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Nomar Garciaparra, MLB Analyst
Merril Hoge, NFL Live
Mark Schlereth, NFL Analyst
Derrick Brooks, ESPN First Take
Jay Crawford, ESPN First Take
Mike Golic, Mike & Mike in the Morning
Dana Jacobson, ESPN First Take
Howie Schwab, Stump the Schwab
Tedy Bruschi, ESPN Analyst
Herm Edwards, NFL Live
Mike Greenberg, Mike & Mike in the Morning
Ron Jaworski, NFL Analyst
Trey Wingo, NFL Live

For more information about ESPN The Weekend, visit www.espn.go.com/espntheweekend.

Note: Appearances scheduled to change without notice. 2011 ESPN The Weekend is included with the regular theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule

Sunday, Feb. 27 – New York Mets – 1:05 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 28 – Houston Astros – 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 3 – Detroit Tigers *SS – 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 4 – Toronto Blue Jays – 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 – New York Mets – 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8 – New York Yankees – 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 – St. Louis Cardinals – 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 10 – St. Louis Cardinals – 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 – New York Mets – 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 – Houston Astros – 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 – Boston Red Sox – 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 17 – Washington Nationals – 6:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 – New York Mets *SS – 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 – Houston Astros – 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23 – Florida Marlins – 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 25 – Detroit Tigers *SS – 6:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 27 – Philadelphia Phillies – 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 28 – Washington Nationals – 6:05 p.m.

*SS – denotes split squad
All times are Eastern and are subject to change.
All games to be played at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at www.espnwwos.com/atlantabraves.

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Westgate Resorts: Passport to Travel Adventure

Westgate Resorts provides a passport to travel adventure in Florida! With full-service resorts in premiere destinations throughout the Sunshine State, you and your family can explore world-class theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, and relax on white-sand beaches. Flexible meeting space and catering services are available. Visit www.westgatedestinations.com and plan your dream vacation today!

Epcot Eat to the Beat! Concert Schedule

The Eat to the Beat! concert series will take place in conjunction with the 2010 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival October 1 through November 14, 2010. Note: Concert schedule subject to change without notice.

October 1-3, 2010 – Taylor Dayne
October 4-5, 2010 – Kool & The Gang
October 6-8, 2010 – Sugar Ray
October 9-10, 2010 – Taylor Hicks
October 11-12, 2010 – Air Supply
October 13-15, 2010 – Sister Hazel
October 16-17, 2010 – Howard Jones
October 18-19, 2010 – Expose
October 20-21, 2010 – 38 Special
October 22-24, 2010 – Night Ranger
October 25-27, 2010 – Billy Ocean
October 28-31, 2010 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas

All performances are at America Gardens Theatre, with shows at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each day. The opportunity to enjoy Eat to the Beat! is included with Epcot admission on the days of scheduled shows.

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Disney World Thrill Rides

Walt Disney World’s four world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park , Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – each boast not-to-be-missed thrill rides with names like Expedition Everest, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mission: SPACE, Test Track, Soarin' and Splash Mountain. Be sure to check height and medical restrictions that are listed at the entrance to each of Disney’s thrill rides.

One of the most popular Orlando-area thrill rides, Expedition Everest, can be found in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest, which towers nearly 200 feet high, is a thrilling train adventure through icy canyons and mountain caverns toward a terrifying encounter with the ferocious Yeti or abominable snowman. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Expedition Everest.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, thrill seekers have their choice of Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a classic indoor roller coaster that features classic songs from the legendary rock group; and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which features a scary, 13-story plummet aboard a faulty elevator within a decrepit, 199-foot-tall Hollywood hotel. You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and 40 inches tall to ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Epcot is home to Mission: SPACE, which opened in 2003 and takes you on a simulated space flight to Mars (complete with motion sickness bags) at the “ International Space Training Center.” Each member of the four-person crew is assigned a specific role – pilot, commander, navigator and engineer. Adjacent to Mission: SPACE lies Test Track, a six-passenger vehicle that cruises onto 50-degree banked curves at speeds up to 65 miles per hour. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Mission: SPACE and 40 inches tall to ride Test Track. At Soarin', sttate-of-the-art technology allows you to take a bird’s eye view of California’s spectacular scenery, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Redwood forest, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Disneyland and much more.

Space Mountain, the original thrill ride at Walt Disney World, still draws huge crowds in Tomorrowland. Two roller coaster tracks wind their way through the 183-foot mountain at speeds of 28 miles per hour in total darkness. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Space Mountain.Two other classic thrill rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, lie within Frontierland. Splash Mountain takes you on a wild flume ride as you visit characters such as Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox from Disney’s 1946 classic, Song of the South. However, the real highlight of Splash Mountain is the five-story free fall at a 45-degree angle into the splash pool below at 40 miles per hour. Adjacent to Splash Mountain lies Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a “runaway train” that winds its way through an Old West mining town around mountains, through caves and over sulfur pools. You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride both Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

When you plan your itinerary around Disney’s popular thrill rides, make sure you take advantage of Disney’s FASTPASS, a free reservation system that will help you avoid long lines. To use FASTPASS, simply visit the FASTPASS ticket machine at the entrance to the ride and insert your admission ticket. The FASTPASS ticket you receive will indicate a time frame that allows you to return later without waiting in line.

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2010 Fall/Winter Events at Disney World

Night of Joy
September 10-11, 2010

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
September 14 - November 1, 2010

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
October 1-2, 2010

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
October 1 - November 14, 2010

Children's Miracle Network Classic
November 11-14, 2010

Festival of the Masters
November 12-14, 2010

Old Spice Classic
November 25, 26 & 28, 2010

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Select Evenings in November and December 2010

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What's New at Walt Disney World Resort!

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2009 Holiday Guide to Disney World

The holidays are approaching rapidly and with so many events at Walt Disney World® Resort for the 2009-2010 season, planning ahead will prevent you from missing a major part of the theme park's holiday celebration. Walt Disney World® Resort will be featuring a variety of exciting events that promise this year’s holiday season to be better than ever. It is important for visitors to understand that in order to take full advantage of the holiday vacations, advanced planning is critical in order to save time and money while maximizing the holiday experience.

The key to enjoying all the special events at Walt Disney World® Resort during the 2009-10 holiday season is to be well-informed about the major events and plan ahead so that once in the park, you do not lose any time and go straight to what you want to experience. This year Walt Disney World® Resort will feature six outstanding and major holiday-themed events. From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights the variety is unlimited and entertainment will be available for the whole family. Check out the following holiday guide that features descriptions of key events that will take place at Walt Disney World® Resort and will help you plan your holiday vacation in advance.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November 10 - December 18, 2009
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays at “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!” This wonderful holiday event takes place at Magic Kingdom® Park on select nights from November 10 to December 18, 2009. The fantastic Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party parade features Mickey and Minnie Mouse with their friends having fun with park visitors as they walk through Main Street. Special performances, "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," spectacular holiday wishes fireworks and even falling snow are part of this incredible party. The cheerful “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” is a great option to explore during your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Holidays Around The World
November 27 - December 30, 2009
What better way to celebrate all around the globe the joyous holiday season than at the “Holidays Around the World” event at Epcot®? Among the shows featured is a nightly Candlelight Processional, where an invited celebrity narrates the Christmas story accompanied by a fine 50-piece orchestra and a fantastic choir. Another excellent show is the “ IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which showcases more than 1,000 fireworks, an amazing floating Earth Globe that has state-of-the-art LED screens and lots of great music. Holiday stories from all over the world are told by special invitees, including France's Père Noël, Italy's LaBefana and America's Santa Claus. Other not-to-be-missed events at Holidays Around the World are Holiday Storytellers and Lights of Winter.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010
If you are looking for a different experience where the holiday spirit shines all over the place, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is the perfect event. Millions of blinking, twinkling and colorful lights decorate New York Street at Disney's Hollywood Studios™ while dancing in a choreographed motion to splendid holiday music. Beautiful Christmas trees, heavenly angels, sparkling snowflakes and various three-dimensional and motion-based displays adorn the streets making visitors feel and enjoy the spirit of the holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle is a colorful and lively parade that takes place in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Mickey Mouse, Donald, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and other friends go for a great jungle adventure while fun performances take place and magnificent holiday music plays. The cheerful and exotic Mickey’s Jingle Jungle paradeis known for its outstanding abstract animal images, amazing designs made with natural materials and fabrics, and unique holiday decorations.

Festival of the Seasons
November 17 - December 24, 2009
Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney® Area provides a spectacular holiday shopping experience. All the Disney stores are decorated for the holidays and feature a great variety of holiday merchandise. Live entertainment, wonderful light consistent displays, Santa’s presence, magnicifinet music and friendly performers make the holiday shopping experience enjoyable and fun. Some of the stores at Downtown Disney® Area are: Once Upon a Toy, Virgin™ Megastore, LEGO® Imagination Center and Disney's Days of Christmas.

New Year’s Eve At Walt Disney World Resort
Dec. 31, 2009
Walt Disney World® Resort has a variety of options to countdown The New Year. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot® and Downtown Disney® Area will be celebrating the arrival of the 2010 with music, festivities and entertainment.

When it comes to celebrating the holidays at Walt Disney World® Resort with your family, many choices are available. As a result, an organized plan of holiday activities is a great idea to save time and enjoy to the fullest the holiday season at Walt Disney World® Resort. And if you are seeking great deals on comfortable accommodations during your next Disney World vacation getaway, look no farther than Westgate Resorts. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit Westgate Destinations.

Disney to Host Mickey's Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Disney’s Magic Kingdom on select nights between September 4 and November 1, 2009. Parties are scheduled for September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29; October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31; and November 1, 2009. Highlights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and “Happy Hallowishes” Fireworks Spectacular. Note: Separate admission is required for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

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Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney World

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again host Star Wars Weekends, an immensely popular sci-fi film festival, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 through June 14, 2009. Star Wars Weekends features all of your favorite Star Wars characters such as Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians in meet-and-greet sessions, as well as Jedi Training Academy interactive entertainment experience, Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses. Events activities are included in theme park admission. For more information about Star Wars Weekends, visit www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.

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Epcot to Host 2009 Flower & Garden Festival

With world-class flower and horticultural displays, specially themed weekends and the Flower Power concert series, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever! The 16th-annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival offers something for everyone and is included in Epcot’s regular admission price. And spring is a great time to visit Orlando since the weather is ideal and you don’t have to cope with the summer crowds.

Enjoy endless displays of colorful roses, wildflowers and topiary displays of your favorite Disney characters, as well as gardening seminars, workshops, demonstrations and more than 500 native butterflies in Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden at this immensely popular annual Walt Disney World® Resort festival, which runs 75 days this year - from March 18 through May, 2009.

Plenty of children’s activities will be available at the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival such as the all-new daily Fairy & Princess Procession, Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden (hands-on activities, play structure and colorful topiaries of Disney characters), Pirates Adventure Zone, Let’s Get Moving recreational garden, Green Garden playground area, Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt and Earth Station.

One of the highlights of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is the Great American Gardener Series that will take place at the new Garden Town Festival Center in Future World East (next to Universe of Energy). Presented in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, the 2009 Great American Gardner Series features some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the United States such as Jon Carloftis (March 20-22, 2009), Shirley Bovshow (March 27-29, 2009), Susan Belsinger (April 3-5, 2009), Felder Rushing (April 10-12, 2009), Joe Lamp’l (April 17-19, 2009), Jeff Lowenfels (April 24-26, 2009), Joe Washington (May 1-3, 2009), Tom MacCubbin (May 8-10, 2009), Raymond Western (May 8-10, 2009), Melinda Myers (May 15-17, 2009), Robert Bowden (May 22-24, 2009) and Rita Randolph (May 29-31, 2009). Seminars will take place at 12 PM and 3 PM during the days listed above (schedule subject to change without notice).

In addition, the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will feature a stellar lineup of live entertainment through the Flower Power Concert Series such as Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Davy Jones, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and Jose Feliciano. All concerts will take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM during the dates specified below. Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.

2009 Flower Power Concert Series
March 20-22, 2009 - Davy Jones (”Daydream Believer”)
March 27-29, 2009 - Paul Revere & The Raiders (”Good Thing”)
April 3-5, 2009 - The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie (”Happy Together”)
April 10-12, 2009 - Herman’s Hermit’s starring Peter Noone (”I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”)
April 17-19, 2009 - The Ventures (”Hawaii Five-O”)
April 24-26, 2009 - Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (”If You Don’t Know Me By Now”)
May 1-3, 2009 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcats (”The Twist”)
May 8-10, 2009 - Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (”Love and Affection”)
May 15-17, 2009 - Jose Feliciano (”Light My Fire”)
May 22-24, 2009 - The 5th Dimension (”Up, Up and Away”)
May 29-31, 2009 - Tony Orlando “(Tie a Yellow Ribbon”)
Note: Concerts and show times are subject to change without notice.

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