runDisney Announces Race Calendar for 2022-2023 Season

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Calling all runDisney runners! Disney has released the race calendar for the 2022-2023 race season.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Every mile, still magic! Whether you’re ready to experience the magic of your first runDisney event, or are gearing up for your fiftieth race, you can start planning now because we are excited to reveal the 2022-2023 race season schedule.

With entertainment moments, beloved characters, and Disney magic at every mile, runDisney races are memorable experiences for runners of all ages and skill levels. They’re also the only opportunity for runners and Disney fans alike to run through the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks with unique courses. Pus, with the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration lasting 18-months, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments during The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

We are equally excited to share the return of the runDisney virtual events for those who are not able to travel to Walt Disney World Resort. With distances available for all running types and abilities, a runDisney Virtual Race is a great way to have fun while staying in shape from the comfort of your home.

Take a look at the weekend dates for each runDisney event in 2022-2023 below:

2022 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend powered by AfterShokz

    • November 3 – 6, 2022

2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

    • January 4 – 8, 2023

2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE

    • February 23 – 26, 2023

2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

    • April 13 – 16, 2023

Want to make your ‘run’cation extra magical? Plan to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel during your race weekend and experience benefits such as race day transportation, post-race relaxation and close proximity to the theme parks for celebrating your racing achievements. Head over to the runDisney Blog to learn more about staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel.

Start marking your calendar and be sure to check back to runDisney.com for news and updates, including on sale dates for our upcoming events!

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Twitter: @runDisney
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Disney World Making Changes To Park Hours In 2022

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Guests who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 may see a slight change in their plans.

If you’re planning to visit Disney World in mid-to-late February and are staying onsite at a Disney Resort, you should be aware of a change that was just recently made to Park availability.

Disney’s Extended Evening Hours, which is a perk for those staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, will change beginning February 21.

The Extended Evening Hours began in October and give Guests of select Resorts an opportunity to enjoy the Parks after hours once per week.

Magic Kingdom originally held its Extended Evening Hours on Wednesday and EPCOT held its Extended Evening Hours on Monday. Beginning February 21, the two Parks will be switching nights.

Disney Extended Evening Hours

Disney’s official description of the Extended Evening Hours reads:

With the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, enjoy extended evening hours on select evenings in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels. This exciting benefit begins in October 2021—so you can celebrate the spectacular 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

Here is the list of participating Hotels and Resorts:

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Other Select Hotels

  • Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
  • Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
  • Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®
riviera sunrise

Just recently, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was added to the lineup of available attractions at EPCOT for Extended Evening Hours.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom do not currently offer Extended Evening Hours.

Decorate Mickey Mouse Cupcakes at Home

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

Whether it’s National Cupcake Day or just an ordinary day, it’s always fun to bring Disney magic into our homes. Recently Disney shared a fun way to decorate Mickey Mouse cupcakes at home.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Today I’m excited to talk about two of my favorite things: cupcakes and Make-A-Wish.

Although the pandemic presented unique challenges for everyone – wish granters included – we’ve continued granting unforgettable Disney wishes and creating magical experiences for Make-A-Wish children. From a royal greeting from Princess Belle to the inspirational stories shared as part of #TheWishEffect, we’ve seen how a wish unlocks a world of possibilities. We’re honored that Disney has grown to grant half of all Make-A-Wish wishes in the United States and together with Make-A-Wish, we’ve granted more than 145,000 wishes around the world.

A few months ago, we granted a very special wish request from a child who wanted to decorate yummy cupcakes with Chef Minnie. Inspired by this child’s wish, today we’re going to show you how to make a sweet treat with the help of a special guest: Minnie Mouse, herself! In honor of National Cupcake Day, Chef Minnie and Chef Magaly from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort will walk you through decorating your very own Mickey Mouse-themed cupcakes at home.

Before joining in on the fun, make sure that you have all the ingredients ready to go, and a parent to help for younger children. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these delicious treats**:

Ready, set, go!

    • First, fill up the piping bag with red buttercream icing, followed by placing the pastry tip inside and carefully cutting the tip of the bag off.
    • Then, fill the bag with red icing and get ready to begin decorating.
    • To decorate, start by icing one “ring” of buttercream icing on the cupcake.
    • Then, place two yellow “buttons” in the front of the cupcake.
    • Almost there! Use the icing bag to add 2-3 rounds of red icing on top.
    • Finally, stick two round cookies on the top of the icing to make Mickey’s ears
    • Enjoy!

Watch below for detailed instructions from Chef Magaly and Chef Minnie.

For more than 40 years, Disney has worked with our friends at Make-A-Wish, whose amazing work creates life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. Together, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted more than 145,000 Disney wishes globally. From sailing aboard a Disney cruise, to opening the gates of Disneyland park, to decorating cupcakes with Minnie like you’ve seen today, no two wishes are ever the same.

** Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. 
Please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

Disney Announces Return of Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Walt Disney World in 2022

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Since the Walt Disney World theme parks reopened in July 2020, one of the offerings that have been missing are behind-the-scenes tours. Thankfully, some of the tours in the Enchanting Extras Collection are returning in February 2022.

With The Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration well underway and the holidays just around the corner, it’s an exciting time to visit. For those of you with a love of animals, adventure and the outdoors – and those seeking to discover how Walt Disney’s vision, innovation and creativity brought Magic Kingdom Park to life – things are about to get a lot more exciting with the return of some of our fan-favorite tours from our Enchanting Extras Collection!

Guests who want to get even closer to the magic of nature and Disney now can book a number of tours as we continue our phased approach to bring back these world-class offerings and experiences. Looking for the perfect holiday gift idea you won’t soon lose or forget? Putting together your bucket list for the new year and looking to add some excitement? Making a resolution to spend more time outdoors? Then try one of the following tours available for booking and returning beginning Feb. 6, 2022:

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom

Unlock the fascinating history of Magic Kingdom Park, where fantasy reigns, and gain backstage access to legendary hidden areas on this five-hour walking tour! Access the underground “Utilidor” service tunnels, learn hidden secrets of classic attractions, enjoy a delicious lunch and so much more on this backstage tour of the most iconic theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Caring for Giants

Delve into the wondrous world of the largest inhabitants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during this 60-minute tour for an experience you’ll never forget. Meet with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into the inner workings of our African elephant herd and share a glimpse into the day-to-day care for these amazing animals. Learn how Disney’s conservation efforts are dedicated to the preservation of wild elephant populations around the world as you observe these gentle giants from a private, backstage viewing area!

Wild Africa Trek

Perhaps my personal favorite, Wild Africa Trek combines action, adventure and education into a three-hour exhilarating safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where nature is truly alive with magic. Cross a swinging rope bridge near crocodiles and view towering giraffes, powerful rhinos and hippos as you ride across the open savanna in a rugged safari vehicle. Along your journey, a knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation around the world.

Up Close with Rhinos

Want to get even closer to nature? This 60-minute tour takes you backstage to meet our planet’s second-largest land animal in ways few people can. As your guides introduce you to the white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology, and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Savor the Savanna

Is all of this excitement making you hungry? Then explore the sights, sounds – and TASTES – of Africa on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Savor the Savanna tour available for booking later this month. Indulge in a sampling of African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings, as you gaze out across the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. And listen as a private guide shares tales of the unique residents who inhabit the reserve and the special animal care provided at the park.

Walt Disney World Resort is sure to be even more magical as we welcome back these fan favorites in 2022 and continue The World’s Most Magical Celebration in honor of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary!

Advance bookings are highly recommended for all tours and can be made on DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app. Experiences located at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom require valid theme park admission and reservations.

Woman allegedly electrocuted at Disney World Resort Hotel, files suit against Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

A woman who was a Guest at the Walt Disney World Resort three years ago in 2018 has filed suit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, part of The Walt Disney Company, alleging personal injury, as she claims she was electrocuted while trying to use an outlet in the Resort Hotel room where she stayed back in September 2018.

On November 4, 2021, attorney Max A. Eichenblatt of Winter Park, Florida, filed suit on behalf of Courtney Randall against Disney in Orange County Circuit Court, alleging negligence on the part of the Walt Disney World Resort that resulted in the alleged electrocution.

Per the complaint filed in court (Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for Orange County filing number 137926812), Randall and her family were Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort in September 2018. On September 9, 2018, while in the family’s Disney Resort Hotel room, Randall and her family noticed an electrical problem with several of the outlets were not in working order. Some of them, per the complaint, hung out from the wall. Randall claims she notified the Resort Hotel and was told that a Cast Member would arrive at her hotel room that day to take care of the issue.

Walt Disney World Resorts - Disney World Resort Hotels

Randall further claims in the complaint that on September 10, the following day, she attempted to use one of the outlets, as she was under the impression that the issues with the outlets had been addressed (possibly while the family was enjoying the theme parks). In court documents filed against Disney, Randall states that she attempted to use one of the outlets and was electrocuted in the process.

The complaint claims that Randall has suffered disability, mental anguish, a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. It further claims that her alleged electrocution also netted her the expense of medical care, as well as the loss of future earning capacity.

Per the website for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, “the court is located in the heart of Central Florida and is one of 20 judicial circuits in the state. Serving Orange and Osceola counties, the Ninth Circuit covers over 2,000 square miles and serves more than 1.3 million residents, making it one of the largest circuits in Florida. Additionally, because of Central Florida’s great sunshine, family attractions, and a strong economy Central Florida plays host to nearly 50 million business and vacationing visitors each year, making this the most visited region of the world.”