Sandy shores. Drum beats. Pineapple drinks with paper umbrellas. This is the Polynesian Resort, and here are the top 5 reasons why you should stay there!

Runners, lace up your shoes for the 2012 Disney Marathon weekend, which is set for January 5 through January 8. Registration opened up this past week, and runners have several options to choose from.

The Disney Marathon is a 26.2 mile course that winds its way throughout the four parks. Those wanting to participate in the marathon, but not wanting to run the full distance, can pair up with a partner for the Disney Marathon Relay in which each runner will be responsible for 13.1 miles. Both options will share the same course.

Fort Wilderness Resort, located on Bay Lake near Wilderness Lodge and just past the old River Country water park, is one of the most historical locations in Walt Disney World.

One of the original "resorts" in the park, this campground, which has expanded now to include cabins, has its own following of dedicated fans, and is the site of many fan favorite attractions, like Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue and Trail's End Restaurant.

It's one of Walt Disney World's best-known and most-loved attractions, and now its queue is getting an update. Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, fans and guests can get a glimpse of the line now through a video they released just this past week.

Disney always seems to be experimenting with different ideas in their parks, and recently they were spotted testing out a new way to enter Epcot at the main entrance. Their objective? To see if the experimental entryway would make entering the park easier.

It appears that for the experiment the turnstiles have been removed, allowing for a wider opening. This may just be of benefit to those in wheelchairs or with strollers, and may help ease congestion that tends to build around turnstiles.

As all eyes continue to watch Japan in the aftermath of last week's devestating earthquake and tsunami, the Walt Disney Company is making a $2.5 million contribution to the Red Cross to aid efforts in that country. Disney also has set up a charitable giving program for all its employees and will match each dollar donated with a dollar up to an additional $1 million.

We reported on some of the great Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Merchandise not too long ago, and we've recently found some more that we think you'll love (we sure do!).

Messenger Bag
First up -- a messenger bag. Decorated with the original Magic Kingdom logo, this extremely soft and durable-looking bag will make happy anyone who has to tote around several thing each day.

A 52-year-old Disney cast member working on the Animal Kingdom's Primeval Whirl ride died on Monday. Russell Sherry Roscoe of Webster, Florida, sustained head injuries when he was struck by one of the ride's moving vehichles and later died at an area hospital.

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton said in a statement released Monday:

"Our Walt Disney World community has experienced a tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Russ Roscoe's family and we are working to assist them during this difficult time; our thoughts and our prayers are with them.

If you're lucky enough to be at Disney World today celebrating Spring Break, then you truly got the luck 'o the Irish for St. Patrick's Day! If you want an authentic Irish experience for St. Patrick's Day, we've got the best spots to head to!

You don't have to be Irish to get in on this St. Patrick's deal. Guests calling in a reservation to the Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort on March 17 can receive a "lucky charm" that could translate into upgrades and prizes. Simply place your call between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day, mention the word "Lucky" to the agent, and receive a charm. There are a bounty of prizes and upgrades available that include:

• Grand Prize: Two nights free room accommodations (incl. taxes and resort service fee)
• $100 food & beverage credit