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News Tidbits: Bay Lake Tower Check-In and Typhoon Lagoon Wi-Fi

Here are a couple of recent news tidbits in and around Walt Disney World.

First up, some of you heading out to check-in at the Bay Lake Tower might find the process a bit easier. As of tomorrow, check-in at the Tower will be located in the Tower itself and not through the Contemporary Resort.

Osceola County Library Gets $150K From Walt Disney World

Disney is known for giving back to the community, and recently the House of Mouse did so again. Earlier this week, Walt Disney World donated $150,000 for the building of the West Osceola Branch library in Osceola County, Florida.

Walt Disney World's Manager of Minority Business Development Betty Lowery made the presentation of the $150K donation to Osceola County Commissioners on Monday.

New Appointment in Disney Imagineering Indicates Possible 'Significant Activity' at WDW

It's been reported Walt Disney Imagineering has recently undergone a shuffle of sorts of its employees - all of which could indicate new activity in Walt Disney World's future.

The newest change in Walt Disney Imagineering has Kathy Magnum taking on the new role of "Producer, Walt Disney World Portfolio." This new role will have Magnum partnering up with Jack Blitch and working with Meg Crofton as a creative producer for Walt Disney World. She'll continue to report to Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Executive Bruce Vaughn.

Disney World Discounts for U.S. Military

Disney has some nice discounts coming up for those who serve in this country's military for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Those in the military (including both active and retired members of the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) and their families can benefit from discounts on resort stays and park tickets with purchase dates from August 17 of this year through September 25, 2013 and travel beginning October 1, 2012.

Details on military discounts for Walt Disney World are:

New and Improved Fantasyland Set to Debut December 6

The big news out of Walt Disney World recently is that guests visiting the Magic Kingdom this December will get to see the fruits of the Fantasyland expansion labor. December 6 is the date set for the new Fantasyland's grand opening.

Wi-Fi Now Available at the Magic Kingdom

Back in March, Walt Disney World made high-speed wireless internet service available to those staying within its resorts. Now, Disney has taken the first step in making access to free wi-fi a reality within its parks: guests can now connect to the internet sans wires in the Magic Kingdom.

New Sorcerers Trading Card Game Coming Next Month

Guests who love Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, a Walt Disney World role-playing game, will love this news: Disney has plans to release a trading card game based on the popular in-park experience next month.

Where To Watch the Olympics at WDW

Olympic fever is already starting to sweep the country, and we suspect Walt Disney World won't be immune. We recently brought you a post on catching the Olympic opening ceremonies at the Swan and Dolphin resort, and now we bring you a list of where you can catch up with the games in and around Walt Disney World.

Starting today, July 28, guests will be able to find the Olympic games on many television sets throughout WDW, including:

Rumor No Longer: Shorter Evening Extra Magic Hours

Just a few days ago, we reported on a rumor that evening Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World parks could be shortened. Now, it's looking like that rumor is more of a reality.

The Walt Disney World website has updated its statement regarding Extra Magic Hours to read:

Fewer Evening Extra Magic Hours?

Could there be fewer evening Extra Magic Hours on the horizon? A buzz surrounding Walt Disney World says there could be. Rumor has it the evening Extra Magic Hours will be reduced from three to two starting January 1, 2013.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, a time when select parks are open before or after public operating times - usually one hour in the mornings and three hours in the evenings.

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Disney Floral and Gifts Launches A Brand New Website

Disney Floral and Gifts has just launched a brand new website making it easier than ever to add a little magic to your life. This redesign brings easier navigation for you to find your special something, and even includes a Custom Gift Builder for those that want to make sure the recipient has everything they need to make a dream come true. You can now search the site by Character, Holiday, Special Events, In-Room Celebrations and much more!

Disney Halloween Costumes From Our Friends At Mickey Fix

Once again it's the time of year where the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The Magic Kingdom turns into a fall festival of all things spooktacular to celebrate Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Guests of all ages are gearing up and wondering just what they should wear!

Get Your Motor Runnin' On The Tomorrowland Speedway

Sitting on a sprawling patch of land between Tomorowland and Fantasyland sits the Tomorrowland Speedway. Perhaps it occupies this space because so many kids fantasize about the day they will finally get their drivers license in a time that's so far into the future to them. These would be speed demons queue in line to race a breathtaking 7 miles an hour around the 0.4 mile track in a jaunty and unique gas powered racer.

Limited Time Magic: Week 37

Kick off the Halloween season at Walt Disney World this Friday September 13th, 2013 with a dastardly good time at Disney's Hollywood Studios. A fright filled night full of fun is this week's Limited Time Magic that you do not want to miss out on.

Crawl Your Way Around World Showcase at the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Inspired by the classic pub crawl, where participants spend an evening drinking in a series of pubs, today's post offers a fun way to experience some great tastes. Food & Beverage Crawls have become extremely popular way to enjoy all the delicious treats available at the Walt Disney World Resort. When you add in the annual fan favorite Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to the mix - the stops along the way are raised to a whole new level.

Tips For Visiting The Walt Disney World Spas

Though most Walt Disney World visitors head down to hit the fabulous Disney Parks, the truth is Disney Spas are the perfect place to find a little rest and relaxation. With three full service facilities and satellite massage centers at almost all of the deluxe resorts Disney's therapists and estheticians can work out the kinks and leaving you feel pampered with luxury. Some guests like to slip away from the family for some private time.

Limited Time Magic: Week 35

This week at Walt Disney World the Limited Time Magic is celebrates the "Dog Days of Summer" with the final days of a rockin' Tomorrowland party.

Head on over to Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom and move to the groove to the tunes of DJ K-9. Disney pups like Pluto, Bolt and Dug will show you how to shake it. Lilo's "dog" Stitch will crash the party while you enjoy all the fun games, tasty food and refreshing cool zones.

Disney Weddings Series: The Disney Wedding Pavilion

Walt Disney World Resort is full of popular venues to celebrate your perfect destination wedding, but the star of all may be the enchanting, gleaming white, Victorian style rounds sitting on the shores of the seven seas lagoon. Disney's Wedding Pavilion is an exquisite local that is home to weddings, vow renewals, and commitment ceremonies large and small.

Carrot Cake Cookies at the Writer's Stop

My hands down favorite spot to grab a snack at Disney's Hollywood Studios is the Writer's Stop. It's a charming little bookstore and cafe just around the corner between the Streets of America and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. I'm sure it must get busy in there, but whenever I stop in it has been fairly empty and the perfect spot to grab a seat while deciding what's next in your touring strategy.

Visit The Song Of The South On Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain made its Walt Disney World debut in 1992 at the Magic Kingdom, after originally opening in 1989 at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The classic flume ride was made into a Disney fan favorite under the guidance of Disney Legend Imagineer Tony Baxter.