Children's Miracle Network has been named as the presenting sponsor for the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort.

As the presenting sponsor the Network will have the opportunity to raise awareness and fundraising for the Network's 170 children's hospitals.

As one tours the World Showcase at Epcot, it's easy to get caught up in the waves of people and even if you have a concrete plan, sometimes the hustle and bustle of the day takes a toll. Suddenly you find yourself a weary world traveler in need of a quiet spot to rest.

The Japan Pavilion is that perfect quiet spot. I will admit that up until very recently this was one pavilion that I usually passed by, unless the kids wanted to visit the Mitsukoshi Department Store. I never stopped and just took in the beauty of the pavilion.

The Magic Kingdom reached an important milestone at the end of November when the park's last touch point entry system was unveiled.

With the unveiling at the Magic Kingdom means that all Walt Disney World Resort park entrances are now turnstile free.

Earlier this year, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon was the first park at the Walt Disney World Resort to see the turnstiles switched out for touch point entries. Throughout the year the other parks have had their turnstiles replaced by touch point systems.

Our friends over at the Disney Food Blog made a fantastic post earlier this week about all the fun things going on at Epcot this Holiday Season. Holidays Around the World is in full swing and this year Disney has added some special treats, that will make foodies extra Merry! So grab one of the special a holiday passports (new this year) and head off around the world on a cultural winter festival of discovery.

Today in honor of Walt Disney's birthday, WDB Restorations LLC is announcing the groundbreaking on the restoration and preservation of the home where Walt and Roy Disney were born in Chicago.

Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proclaimed today to be "Walt Disney Day" in honor of the groundbreaking.

The home, located at 2156 N. Tripp Avenue, was built by Elias Disney in 1893 and was designed by their mother Flora. Elias also built several of the other homes on the street.

One of the reasons the Disney Parks keep fans returning year after year is the attention to detail they give to the storytelling throughout all of the lands. From architecture and attractions to landscaping and set dressings this attention is what allows millions to suspend belief and journey to a land far away from central Florida. One of my favorite areas for this is the Harambe Village in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

It seems that a stage production of The Princess Bride is not so inconceivable after all.

Disney Theatrical Productions has announced plans to develop a stage production based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, which was later turned into the 1987 cult-favorite film of the same name.

The film starred Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Chris Sarandon, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, Billy Crystal, and Carol Kane.

Disney Cruise Line has announced that in the early months of 2015, all four Disney ships will be sailing from Florida ports to destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The sailings include 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral, and 4- and 5-night cruises from Miami. Each cruise from January to April 2015 will include a stop at Disney's private island Castaway Cay.

It isn't easy being green, but Kermit is going to give it a try at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival next year when he debuts as a topiary alongside his long-time love Miss Piggy. The dynamic duo will appear in the World Showcase topiary display.

The 21st annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival takes place from March 5 until May 18, and will feature nearly 100 topiaries.

Given the hundreds of musicians who pile onstage at Epcot's American Gardens Theater to help the guest narrator to bring the story of the first Christmas to life, it is amazing that there was not a single sour note during the performance.