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Disney News Round-Up: Disney Parks’ Holiday Special, MagicBand 2, and More

Happy Tuesday! We're rounding up some of the big Disney news stories today including information on the new MagicBand 2 rolling out at the Walt Disney World Resort and when you can catch the Christmas Day Disney Parks' holiday special. Let's check it out.

The Walt Disney Birthplace Hopes to Open to the Public on December 5

Two Disney fans have purchased the home where Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois and are in the process of restoring the property with the hopes of creating a museum to honor Walt. Dina Benadon and Brent Young hope to open The Walt Disney Birthplace on December 5, 2016.

Dali Museum to Host Exhibit about Walt Disney and Salvador Dali

If you're headed to St. Petersburg, Florida anytime soon and you are a fan of Walt Disney you'll want to stop by the Dali Museum to check out a new exhibit. Starting this weekend (January 23) the museum is hosting an exhibition about Walt Disney and Salvador Dali.

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival Now Open at Epcot’s Magic Eye Theater

The next time you're visiting Epcot and you're looking for something different to do while in Future World you can stop by the Magic Eye Theater and check out the new Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. The "festival" gives guests a chance to experience three animated shorts.

First Items from Twenty-Eight & Main Collection Debut on August 28

The first items from the newest Disney Parks merchandise collection Twenty-Eight & Main will debut on August 28 through September 3 in a limited-time online sale at the Disney Parks online store. The items include three T-shirts and three wooden signs.

Beachbot Robot Creates Giant Sand Drawing of Walt Disney at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Guests at Disney's Contemporary Resort got a real treat last week when they had a chance to watch the Beachbot "entertainment" robot create a giant sand portrait of Walt Disney. The Beachbot was created by Disney Research Zurich and a group of undergraduate students from a Swiss engineering school.

More Than 1,000 Original Disneyland Items Headed to Auction this Month

Disneyland Resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and fans of the resort have a chance to bid on more than 1,000 original collectibles at the end of this month. The items headed to the auction block include cast member costumes, tickets, blueprints from the park, and even a skeleton from the original Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

‘Walt Disney’ to Premiere on ‘American Experience’ on PBS in 2015

PBS has announced a new four-hour, two-night film exploring the life and legacy of Walt Disney.

The film, Walt Disney, will premiere in 2015 on American Experience.

Walt Disney is being produced and directed by Sarah Colt (Henry Ford, RFK) and was written by Mark Zwonitzer (JFK, Triangle Fire).

Disney Legend Dick Jones, the Voice of Pinocchio, Dies at Age 87

Actor Dick Jones, who at age 10 was the voice of Pinocchio, passed away July 7 at the age of 87 after a fall at his California home.

Throughout his career, Jones starred in more than 100 films, but he is perhaps best known as the voice of the Pinocchio in Disney's animated feature. Jones was 10 years old when he was hand-picked by Walt Disney for the role.

He worked on the film for 19 months.

New Animal Experience ‘It All Started with a Mouse’ Now Open Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom has a new animal experience demonstration at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

'It All Started with a Mouse' features the Animal Kingdom's "animal ambassadors" and showcases Walt Disney's love of the animal world and his belief that "what everyone will learn who studies it is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants."

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It's the Walt Disney World Marathon's 20th Anniversary

Coming in 2013 the Walt Disney World Marathon will be celebrating it's 20th Anniversary Race during a fun filled weekend of activities for all ages. Race weekend (January 10th-13th, 2013) hosts fun events for families to enjoy that stress the importance of physical fitness for every age.

Walt Disney World Strives to Maintain Walt's Tradition of Environmental Stweardship

Walt Disney believed in careful stewardship of the land so that it would be a source of beauty and wonder for generations to come. A mere six weeks before his death, Walt Disney received an award from the American Forestry Association "for outstanding service in conservation of American resources". His tireless efforts on behalf of the natural world are honored today by the company that he founded by making ground breaking strides in caring for and protecting our natural resources while sustaining the ability to share them with the nation.

Disney Classic Shorts: Puppy Love

The classic Disney short film 'Puppy Love' produced by Walt Disney Pictures and originally Released by United Artist Pictures on September 2nd, 1933. The original film was in black and white, and mickey's voice was supplied by none other than Walt Disney who built his reputation on his early shorts. Most recently 'Puppy Love' was released as part of the Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Black and White.

Should Disney Continue with Stand Alone Hotels?

It was announced last month that The Walt Disney Company has canceled plans to build a 500 room National Harbor resort in Washington, D.C. Disney purchased the 15 acres in May of 2009 for $11 million.

Looking to build a stand-alone Disney branded hotel, they pulled out with Disney spokeswoman Kristin Nolt Wingard stating, "Given the full slate of expansion currently underway at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the timing isn't right to proceed with another new project of this scale."

Petals Poolside Bar at Pop Century Resort

Continuing on our tour of Walt Disney World's Bars and Lounges our next stop is the fresh, fun, Petals Pool Bar at The Pop Century Resort. Remember when you could grab a drink and play ping-pong with your buddies in the basement all night? This brings back that young at heart feeling, without the cramped basement.

Suite Themes at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Have you seen the new concept art that's been released for the Art of Animation Resort? We've got a peek for you! These Lion King layouts seem to take you and your family right into the middle of Simba's animated savanna when kids and adults alike can share in the circle of life.

D23 Hits the Road for Magical 2012 Events

D23, Disney's Official Fan Club, has announced that it will continue to bring members unique experiences throughout 2012 and host more special events than ever for members and the public. Starting our in Palm Springs at the Smoke Tree Ranch the magic will spread across the country as D23 hits the road and sprinkles pixie dust wherever they go.

Epcot's Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps

UPDATE 8/29/2014: As of September 27th, 2014 the Fife & Drum Corp will no longer be performing at Epcot. You can find more information HERE.

Disney and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Walt Disney's love of American history lies throughout the parks, and in Liberty Square at Halloween time ghosts and ghouls frolic amongst park guest on special nights. Though the most obvious of Walt Disney World's spooky sensations is the Haunted Mansion, with its 18th Century Pennsylvania Dutch facade looming high on it's hilltop, Disney also keeps a strong connection to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Walt Disney World Resort Leads the Way in Florida's Green Lodging

More and more frequently today families are concerned with the environment; they conserve water, recycle cans and papers, drive hybrid cars, and do what ever they can to help make a better world. Even tourism is going green, and more choices are being made for eco-friendly travel. However, relatively few people realize what a strong choice for environmental conservancy they make when traveling with Disney.