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In 2009, 34 organizations received $700,000 through Disney's Helping Kids Shine Grants.  To date, more than $10 million has been awarded to deserving non-profit agencies in Central Florida.

 

Over the past 16 years, Walt Disney World Resort has raised more than $3.45 million for Junior Achievement of Central Florida.
 

In 2009, Walt Disney World Cast Members filled more than 6,000 backpacks for Central Florida students and contributed more than 650,000 school supplies to S.T.A.R.S. and A Gift for Teaching for use in local classrooms.
 
Walt Disney World Resort is the largest corporate contributor in the area to the Heart Of Florida United Way, with Disney Cast Members donating approximately $3 million annually to the organization.
 
In Mar. 2010, Florida Hospital for Children opened the lobby of the Walt Disney Pavilion, marking the first significant milestone for the hospital and part of a $10 million commitment by Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Worldwide Outreach. The lobby, designed by Disney Imagineers, uses fantasy, imagination and adventure to create a welcoming, healing environment for young patients.
 
Disney VoluntEARS - working with the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Brevard Beautiful, United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority - helped clear more than 1,080 pounds of trash from the Brevard County coastline as part of the 2009 International Coastal Cleanup.
 
In 2009, Disney granted nearly 7,000 wish trips for children and donated more than 38,000 complimentary tickets valued at more than $9 million to Give Kids the World Village and other wish-granting organizations.    
 
To date, more than 11,500 students have been named Disney Dreamers and Doers.  The program recognizes exceptional students throughout Central Florida for demonstrating outstanding character development.
 
Disney is the largest taxpayer in Central Florida, paying approximately $586 million in state and local taxes each year. 
 
Disney generated approximately 34 percent of the Tourist Development Taxes collected in Orange County and approximately 25 percent of these taxes in Osceola County in 2009.
 
Disney paid $80 Million in ad valorem taxes to Orange County.  That is more than the next 10 highest taxpayers combined.
 
Disney paid or collected more than $435 million in state sales, use and communications taxes and local resort taxes in 2009.
 
In 2009, the Disney Harvest program donated more than 33,000 pounds of prepared food per month – valued at more than $2.4 million – as part of a program run by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. More than 1,000 local children were fed weekly through these efforts.
 
Disney VoluntEARS collected more than 23,000 toys to donate to Toys for Tots last holiday season.
 
In 2009, Cast Members donated more than 3,000 units of blood at on-site blood drives.
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 26, 2010 - The 6th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney returns to Central Florida  with a full slate of events from Sept. 2-5  to celebrate legends of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), salute the accomplishments of great HBCU student athletes and encourage young people to reach for their dreams.   The MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney showcases an exciting gridiron match-up at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium between the Southern University Jaguars of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Delaware State Hornets of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).   "As a company that values diversity and supports education, we are proud of our role in the 6th an...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. , Sept. 1, 2010  - Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort.  Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were jo...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 20, 2010 - With the international tour group season winding down, Walt Disney World Resort is on pace to exceed last year's record for guest visitation from Brazil.   A big part of the success with international tour groups from Latin America - and Brazil in particular...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 20, 2010 - Next week, thousands of local students will start school with supplies provided by Disney Cast Members. Giving students classroom essentials is just one of many ways that Walt Disney World Resort actively supports education as part of its commitment toward b...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 20, 2010 - With the goal of becoming an Eagle Scout within reach, Alex Skilling of Orlando Boy Scout Troop 498 recently enlisted the help of a few Walt Disney Imagineers to make a dream come true for Give Kids The World Village (GKTW). Recognizing the need for a walkway ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 18, 2010 - Walt Disney World Cast Members are lending a helping hand to Central Florida students in need this week by giving them the right supplies to start the upcoming school year with confidence. Stocking up on boxes of crayons, rulers, folders and packs of notebook ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 16, 2010 - All 32 sea turtles recently taken in by Walt Disney World Resort after being impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have completed their initial veterinary examinations and are responding well to treatment, say Disney animal care experts. Among th...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug 12, 2010 - Throughout August, The Walt Disney Company is donating $627,050 to the Central Florida community in recognition of the 251,000 hours given by Walt Disney World Resort VoluntEARS in 2009. From schools to shelters, Cast Members selected approximately 250 local no...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 6, 2010 -- Patina Restaurant Group opened a new, 14,000 sq. ft. casual dining and pizzeria this week, called Via Napoli, in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. This becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park.     The grand opening featured...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 30, 2010 - Eight turtles injured by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico today began their rehabilitation at Walt Disney World Resort under the care of Disney animal experts.    Animal care experts from Disney's Animal Programs returned Thursday from the Florida Panha...  [more]
ORLANDO, Fla., July 30, 2010 - With a model of a roller coaster in tow, a team of Disney engineers have some magic in store this summer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida Walt Disney World Clubhouse.  On a mission to make learning fun, mechanical engineer Lee Wilson has spent five year...  [more]
  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 29, 2010) - Walt Disney World Resort today announced an expansion to its long-term business relationship with HP, which now includes naming rights for the 165,000-square-foot fieldhouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  Beginning today, the fieldhouse will be ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 28, 2010 - Hundreds of Disney Cast Members arrived at the Magic Kingdom before sunrise this month to participate in Canoe Races of the World, also known as C.R.O.W., a spirited Disney tradition that involves friendly competition and strength behind the oars. The beloved ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 22, 2010 - Efforts to protect sea turtles, coral reefs and scrubs-jays in Florida have caught the attention of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which recently announced that 10 Florida-based projects were among the list of 2010 recipients of nearly $1.5 million in...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 20, 2010 - Six months after an earthquake devastated their nation, the Haitian National Women's Under 17 soccer team reunited to play in the Disney Cup International youth soccer tournament at the place "where dreams come true." With the support of members of the U.S...  [more]
NEW YORK, NY, July 19, 2010 - Patina Restaurant Group will open a new casual pizzeria August 5, called Via Napoli, adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante, its restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This will be the first authentic ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 19, 2010 - As the countdown to the 2010 elections continues, Cast Members have the chance to register to vote or change their registration without ever leaving Walt Disney World Resort. On September 14 the Orange, Osceola and Polk County supervisors of elections will be ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 16, 2010 - Long before the sunrise at Magic Kingdom, chants of "stroke, stroke, stroke" can be heard throughout all of Frontierland as Walt Disney World Cast Members gather along the Rivers of America to compete in the annual Canoe Races of the World July 12-23. For some...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 16, 2010 - Disney animal experts are caring for five more ailing Kemp's Ridley sea turtles brought to Walt Disney World Resort from the Gulf region. The animals join two other sea turtles already on the road to recovery after being transferred from the Institute for Mari...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 14, 2010 - Babies abound at Disney's Animal Kingdom this summer, which has seen multiple births over the past few weeks. Adding the pitter-patter of tiny hooves to the herd: three baby warthogs and two oryx calves.   Earlier this month, Disney's Animal Kingdom welcom...  [more]
NEW ORLEANS, La.,  July 2, 2010 - Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey, a program created by Disney Parks to provide career-exploration and mentoring to high school teens, has gained another "voice" - another big, national voice: Through an agreement announced today with Essence Communication...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., July 2, 2010 - A tiny Colombian primate known for its distinctive punk-rock hairstyle is in imminent danger of extinction, according to new research done by an animal expert at Walt Disney World Resort. The findings paint the clearest picture yet of a dwindling population at ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 30, 2010 - Rehearsals are underway for the Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra's summer production, Dream Our Dreams, A Musical Tribute to the Legacy of Disney. Known for staging spectacular charity concerts, the volunteer ensemble has chosen Make-A-Wish Foundation of Centr...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 29, 2010 - Weeks before the release of Toy Story 3, guests at Walt Disney World Resort had a sneak peek at characters and storylines from the new hit film.   Since early May, guests have experienced the new characters in many ways, through attractions, shows and para...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 25, 2010 - Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the accomplishments of Disney VoluntEARS, which gave a record 251,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians in 2009, by recognizing top standouts with awards and charitable donations.   This week, hi...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 24, 2010 - New vacation destination for pets is now accepting reservations Pet lovers visiting Walt Disney World Resort can now plan to board the family pet in fun, luxurious new accommodations.  Reservations are being accepted for pet boarding stays beginning August ...  [more]
Lake Buena Vista, Fla., June 23, 2010 - Golden Oak Will Offer Luxury, Single-Family Custom Homes for Purchase Today Disney unveiled Golden Oak, a one-of-a-kind luxury residential resort community offering the unprecedented opportunity to purchase a home at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Esp...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 22, 2010 - National Society of Professional Engineers Names Handheld Assistive Technology Device "New Product of the Year"  Beginning June 27, guests with visual disabilities will be able to explore Walt Disney World theme parks in a whole new way through an enhanced...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 21, 2010 - More than 20 top chefs from Central Florida's finest restaurants recently joined forces at Walt Disney World Resort for the 18th Annual Chef's Gala, the premier fundraiser for the Heart of Central Florida United Way (HFUW). Event organizers say the tasteful ev...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 17, 2010 - This summer dreams are coming true at graduation ceremonies across the country and one of America's newest dentists says being named a Disney Dreamer & Doer in 1996 was the first step towards achieving her dream.   Latania Williams was a middle school stud...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 18, 2010 - Just in time for summer, the Tupperware Brands Branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida in Kissimmee officially opened its doors earlier this week to the delight of hundreds of kids in Osceola County. The brand new facility, which features a Disney-spon...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 17, 2010 - The popular DVD Wild About Safety with Timon and Pumbaa: Safety Smart about Fire! recently won an Association of Educational Publishers' (AEP) Distinguished Achievement Award.   "Get down, get out and stay out!" That's just one of the lessons Timon and Pum...  [more]
WINTER PARK, Fla., June 7, 2010 - Demonstrating how practice makes perfect, more than 40 student musicians recently showcased their talents for family and friends at the Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College as part of A Gift For Music's annual spring orchestral concert.   A Gift For Music (AGF...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 9, 2010 -- As soccer fanatics around the globe eagerly anticipate the frenzy of the FIFA World Cup, fans around the United States may be able to feel a little closer to the action because of new technology with Central Florida ties.   Recognizing the need for a real-...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 4, 2010 - More than 500 guests of all ages at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon joined more than 10,000 participants on four continents for the record-breaking World's Largest Swimming Lesson.   Participants at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon also received a free DVD, Disney's Wild Ab...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 27, 2010 - Demonstrating its commitment to building better futures for local children, Walt Disney World Resort sent prize patrols across Central Florida over the last two weeks to give more than $1.2 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to 57 charities and recogni...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 21, 2010 - The elephant herd at Disney's Animal Kingdom just expanded - by about 288 pounds. That amount represents the weight of the newborn female calf born late last night. Twenty-two-year-old Donna gave birth to the herd's fifth offspring after gaining more than 4...  [more]
ORLANDO, Fla., May 17, 2010 - Walt Disney World Resort is kicking off a week-long traveling celebration that will surprise, recognize and reward local non-profits and organizations that share Disney's commitment to building better futures for local children.   Between now and May 25, Disney will...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 18, 2010 - In an effort to continue educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of heat stroke to children left unattended in vehicles, Safe Kids USA hosted an event recently at Test Track at Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot theme park.  Through the NEVER LEAVE YOU...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 12, 2010 - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts unveiled plans today for Disney's Art of Animation Resort, one of the largest new hospitality projects in Florida that will create hundreds of construction jobs in the state. The new resort will feature quality family suites design...  [more]
ORLANDO, Fla., May 10, 2010 - More than 250 volunteers from the Pine Hills community, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, the non-profit KaBOOM!, and Disney awoke early Sat., May 8 to lend some elbow grease toward building a new, much-needed playground at the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of Boys &...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 3, 2010 - Almost five years to the day after launching at Orlando International Airport, Disney's Magical Express welcomed its 10,000,000th guest today.   The 10,000,000th guest, Lori Ogurkis and her family from Hazelton, PA, received a special reception at the airpor...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Apr. 30, 2010 - General Manager for Merchandise at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Manny Vazquez, joined Walt Disney World Resort in 2008.  With Star Wars Weekends beginning May 21 and the release of the new movie "Toy Story 3" on June 18, now is a particularly busy time for the ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Apr. 30, 2010 - To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Disney Magic Music Days, Disney Youth Programs at Walt Disney World Resort, the GRAMMY Foundation and Conn-Selmer, Inc. are donating five unique hand-painted string basses at auction on June 26, 2010.  A patron of the...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Apr. 29, 2010 - Cast Member Kelly Bernish is the winner of 2009-2010 Diversity in the Safety, Health and Environmental Profession Award from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).  The award is given to outstanding professionals who not only are recognized experts i...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 30, 2010 - At some point during the school year, children inevitably ask the question in math or science class, "How am I going to ever use this in real life?"    A team of Disney engineers is providing the answers, taking their road show to local schools across Cent...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 27, 2010 - Although elephants may be the largest land mammal, they may also have an inherent fear of bees and know how to communicate that threat to each other.    That's the conclusion of a team of researchers from Save the Elephants, Oxford University and Disney's...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Apr. 22, 2010 - One small change by Walt Disney World Cast Members has the potential to save enough electricity to power more than one thousand homes for a year.   Disney Cast Members are retrofitting more than 1000 theatrical spotlights and floodlights around the resort ...  [more]
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, April 19, 2010 -- The first wave of 10 orphaned gorillas rescued from poachers in Rwanda and Congo are getting ready to be airlifted to the Democratic Republic of Congo, (DRC), where they will learn to behave like wild gorillas in the first-ever rescue center for Grauer...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 12, 2010 - Highlighting the many ways that Walt Disney World Resort makes dreams come true within and beyond its borders, the newly released 2009 Community Report showcases Disney's ongoing and active involvement in Central Florida -  a legacy set forth many decades ago...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Apr. 7, 2010 - Southwest Airlines, the busiest carrier at Orlando International Airport, is now officially a part of Resort Airline Check-In at Walt Disney World Resort.   Resort Airline Check-In is the popular service that allows guests the convenience of checking their ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 1, 2010 - Statement from Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney World Resort, regarding the Ft. Wilderness Campground bus incident - delivered April 1, 2010 "This afternoon, we experienced a tragic accident on our property.   We are deeply saddened by what happened an...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 30, 2010 - Vice President for Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives, Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., has ambitious goals for Earth Month at Walt Disney World Resort.  With the release of the new movie "Oceans" from Disneynature on Earth Day, this year's environmental focus ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 30, 2010 - Just in time for the 15th Annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Walt Disney World guests will be able to experience the newest enhancements to the World Showcase at Epcot - a new lagoon-side, 12,000 sq. ft. taqueria at the Mexico pavilion, an authentic 14,000 sq...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 30, 2010 - Well before "green" became trendy, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels were certified by The Florida Green Lodging Program, a voluntary state initiative that encourages hotels and motels to adopt eco-friendly practices that reduce waste and conserve natural re...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 24, 2010 -- With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, Disney's Animal Programs returned an endangered green sea turtle to its natural habitat this morning near the Canaveral National Seashore after a successful two-month rehabilitation at Disney's Animal Kingd...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 25, 2010  - Fun is about to shift into overdrive at Downtown Disney Westside at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  RIDEMAKER' the first-ever car customizing experience for kids and kids at heart, is opening this week for a limited engagement at the 120-...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 24, 2010 - Disney's Blizzard Beach water park reopened for the spring and many of the bright colors - from the showcase "snow" on Summit Plummet to the smallest details at Lottawatta Lodge - are thanks to new environmentally-friendly paints. In Florida, Walt Disney W...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 22, 2010 - One of the newest cast members at Disney's Hollywood Studios is living her dream of dancing professionally. But unlike her fellow performers in the popular High School Musical 3 show and the Block Party Bash parade, Allison Becker can't hear the music she'...  [more]
 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla, Mar. 15, 2010 - Amid sunny skies at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, nearly a hundred Disney Cast Members gathered early this morning to show their support of the American Red Cross and give a ray of hope to the people of Haiti.   Over the last few weeks, approximately 1,...  [more]
ORLANDO, Fla., Mar. 11, 2010 - With help from a world-famous mouse, dozens of eager children and a shower of confetti, officials opened the doors to the welcoming, new lobby of the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children and unveiled the first physical milestone of the hospital's innov...  [more]
BRISTOL, Conn., Mar. 11, 2010 - The 2010 MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney will pit the Delaware State Hornets from the MEAC against the Southern University Jaguars from the SWAC on Sunday, Sept. 5. The yearly event, which features teams from two prominent Historically Black College/University...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 11, 2010 - Walt Disney World Resort received the Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation for Disney Parks' "Armed Forces Salute Program" for military families and for Walt Disney World's ongoing collaboration with Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center resort ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.,  Mar. 9, 2010 - "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" - a first-of-its-kind program of Disney Parks -  reached its goal of inspiring 1 million people in 2010 to give back to their communities through volunteer service in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Since the program s...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 5, 2010 - Just under a year ago, 384 newly refurbished rooms opened in the Trinidad South Village at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The rooms were renovated with pirate ship beds, buccaneer accessories and swashbuckling décor from stem to stern, all awash in the lore o...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Mar. 2, 2010 - Showing strength in numbers, nearly 6,000 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS teamed up over weekend to extend their reach into local classrooms via the Disney Bowl-A-Thon. Event organizers anticipate the two-day fundraising event, held Feb. 27-28 at bowling centers a...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 1, 2010 - Downtown Disney, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex at Walt Disney World Resort, will welcome several additions as part of its overall revitalization plan.  In the coming months, the district will welcome two new stores, a quick-service restaur...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 1, 2010 -- Guests visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom are getting a special treat along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail where they can get a rare glimpse of a newborn gorilla born Feb. 19. The critically endangered western lowland gorilla, whose gender is still unknow...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb.26, 2010 - Earlier this month, the Holiday Inn opened a 14-story, 323-room hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Centrally-located on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, this hotel is the latest property to be open as part of the $1 billion global re-launch of the Holiday Inn brand....  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 24, 2010 - The most popular rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach resort have been taken over by pirates.   In addition to undergoing their scheduled renovation at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort in 2008, 384 rooms were also renovated with pirate ship beds, buccaneer acces...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 15, 2010 - Guests visiting the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom are getting a glimpse of the latest addition to the park's family - an endangered white-cheeked gibbon born Feb. 2.   The yet-to-be named male and his mother, Melaka, are bonding well according to ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 12, 2010 - Inspired by "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day," a team of Disney VoluntEARS took their "can-do" spirit to new heights this week as they created a spectacular, record-breaking display of canned goods to benefit hunger relief agencies.  The mammoth canned food s...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., February 12, 2010 - Walt Disney World Resort, in partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, rolled out the red carpet for high school students from across the country at the official welcome to the Disney's Dreamers Academy of 2010.   At the...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 11, 2010 - Against the backdrop of a world-record sculpture of canned goods destined for food banks, Disney Parks officials on Thursday announced a major milestone with the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program, a first-of-its-kind effort to help inspire 1 million peopl...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 10, 2010 - The "Main Street Electrical Parade" lights up the streets of Magic Kingdom and headlines a season of after-dark excitement coming to Walt Disney World Resort.   "After the sun goes down, our Walt Disney World parks will light up the night with 'Summer Night...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 9, 2010 - Phil Holmes started his career delivering blueprints to construction sites at the Magic Kingdom prior to the park's opening in August of 1971.  In 2001 after eight roles, 18 locations, and almost 30 years to that date, he returned back to the place where it all...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 8, 2010 - Breaking up is hard to do - especially before Valentine's Day. But for a team of animal care experts from Disney's Animal Programs, saying goodbye often means a new beginning for the wildlife they've taken under their wing.    During the next few weeks, ani...  [more]
WASHINGTON D.C. and BURBANK, Calif., February 9, 2010 - As part of its ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids and families, Disney today announced that it will develop a program in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama supporting "Let's Move," her newly announced ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 4, 2010 - Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick-service restaurant chain, has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to deliver a new restaurant concept in Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. The restaurant will feature Pollo Campero's ...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 1, 2010 - Beginning this fall, Walt Disney World guests will be able to experience the newest enhancement to the World Showcase at Epcot - a new lagoon-side taqueria at the Mexico pavilion and an authentic pizzeria at the Italy pavilion.   Building on its more than 2...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 29, 2010 - Signs of progress are popping up around Walt Disney World Resort where efforts to re-imagine Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand are nearing completion.     As part of the plan to take youth sports to a new level, several signature ESPN...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 27, 2010 - It may be hard to separate the rev from the motorcycle, but guests at Innoventions at Epcot recently had the opportunity to learn more about a quieter kind of bike made by Siemens.   This new environmentally friendly electric motorcycle known as the "Smart ...  [more]
 LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA, Jan. 26, 2010 - Lending a helping hand through their expertise in guest service, approximately 400 Walt Disney World Cast Members volunteered to answer more than 16,000 calls for the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon and route donations to disaster relief organizations participat...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 25, 2010 -- Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomed a healthy white rhino to the family last week with the addition of a female calf born Sunday, Jan. 17.  Kendi, an 11-year-old white rhino, gave birth to her third baby after a 16-month gestation period. The baby, which has not...  [more]
KO OLINA, Hawai'i, Jan. 19, 2010 - The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort's name - Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Ha...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 13, 2010 - Thousands of runners braved record cold temperatures to participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and left behind a trail of donations that will benefit Central Florida charities.   Disney Marathon organizers collected more th...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 6, 2010 - As Central Florida prepares to weather another night of freezing temperatures, some of the area's most vulnerable will keep warm at Coalition for the Homeless with clothing and blankets donated by Walt Disney World Resort.   Disney Cast Members arrived at t...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan.6, 2009 -- Disney's Animal Kingdom recently welcomed its 28th gerenuk calf weighing in at eight pounds and approximately 1 ¾ feet tall, after a seven-month gestation.   The female calf, named Squirt, was born November 25 to her five-year-old mother Sushaunna, and nine-...  [more]
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 29, 2009 - Taking a break from practice for the Champs Sports and Capital One Bowls, football players from Penn State, LSU, University of Miami and Wisconsin spent Sunday scoring big with approximately 250 Central Florida children during the Florida Citrus Sports Day for...  [more]
Eagle Scouts and Disney Imagineers Work Together at Give Kids the World
Disney Unveils First-of-its-Kind Outdoor Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities
Disney Donates $14 Million
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