Disney Season Spring 2010: Walt Disney World Resort Showcases Pro Sports, Dreams of Teens, Millions of Blooms and Magical Miles

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In early 2010, Walt Disney World Resort will bloom with bursting color during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; host 100 exemplary teens from across the country in a one-of-a-kind enrichment workshop; again host the Atlanta Braves on its “field of dreams” at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and be the site for the 26 most magical miles on Earth during the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s springing up across Disney’s central Florida “Vacation Kingdom” from January through April 2010:

Jan. 7-10, 2010
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend 2010 features 50,000 athletes in magical races for the entire family

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Jan. 7-10, 2010, includes a magical 26.2-mile journey that takes participants through all four Walt Disney World theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Regarded as one of the top family-destination events (as well as a popular event for marathon “first-timers” and veterans alike), the weekend is expected to attract a record 50,000 athletes for a variety of activities – kid’s races, a 5K race, a half marathon, the full marathon and a health and fitness expo.

The magical miles in the half marathon and marathon are highlighted by Disney entertainment, including appearances by Disney characters, providing a special and unique form of motivation for participants. In fact, it’s not unusual to see groups of runners stop along the race course to have their photos taken with Disney characters.

Many runners get into the festive spirit by wearing their own costumes on the course, paying homage to some of their favorite Disney films and Disney Parks characters. Past Disney marathons have featured a large group of runners dressed as all 101 Dalmatians (complete with one runner chasing them dressed as Cruella De Vil), runners dressed as Winnie the Pooh characters and an entire family of runners dressed as Disney•Pixar favorites “The Incredibles.” If it sounds a little goofy, well, consider the territory.

But some participants in the weekend are just plain goofy about running. So they sign up for Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge – the half marathon on Saturday, Jan. 9, and the full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 10. Provided they complete both events in the time limit, they will be awarded the coveted Goofy medal.

The 2010 Disney Marathon Weekend’s Health and Fitness Expo will feature expert speakers and educational seminars, as well as hundreds of the latest health and fitness products available for purchase.

To register for the marathon or for any Disney endurance race, guests may visit disneyworldmarathon.com or disneyenduranceseries.com.


Feb. 11-14, 2010
Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey inspires teens from across the U.S to reach for their dreams

Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey, an event created to inspire and enrich high school students, returns to Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 11-14, 2010.

One hundred teens from across the country will pack their bags – and their dreams – and head to Walt Disney World Resort, where they will learn about careers in everything from culinary arts to animation, from set design and show production to the business of sports and more.

During Disney’s Dreamers Academy, the students (chosen by a select panel of judges including national radio personality Steve Harvey, community leaders and Disney representatives) will participate in workshops with Disney cast members and executives, hear inspirational stories from entertainment celebrities and professional athletes, and enjoy the Disney theme parks – where they can see, first-hand, the results of people who turned their dreams into careers as “Disney dreamers.”

Harvey said Disney’s Dreamers Academy “is about inspiring our young people who often times don’t have the chance to be exposed to a variety of job skills and job opportunities and meet with people in the fields they’re interested in. We want to give our young achievers the tools to become overachievers – to make their dreams a reality.”

More information about Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey can be found online at SteveHarvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy.


March 3-May 16, 2010
2010 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival fills theme park with blooms, tunes & hands-on fun

More than 30 million blooms in artfully designed floral beds, lush rose gardens and floral floating islands plus expertly crafted bonsai trees and whimsical topiaries will grace the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase during the 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, scheduled to blossom at the Walt Disney World theme park March 3 through May 16, 2010.

Beyond the dazzling displays, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits.

And for fans of live music, the festival will come alive with Flower Power concerts that rock the park with some of the top names in live entertainment.

More information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flowerfestival. Most festival activities, including gardening programs and exhibits, are included in regular Epcot admission.


March 2010
Major League Baseball returns to Walt Disney World Resort when Atlanta Braves suit up for Spring Training 2010

Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves will return for their 14th exhibition season at Walt Disney World Resort in March 2010.

Led by manager Bobby Cox and perennial all-star Chipper Jones, the Braves have enjoyed nine division titles while training at Disney's 220-acre sports campus, and now feature one of the most promising young teams in baseball.

Champion Stadium at the newly rebranded ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, where the Atlanta Braves will take the field to prepare for the upcoming season, features more than 9,500 seats, four luxury skyboxes, and multiple open-air suites and patios. The double-decker stadium offers many of the amenities of today’s major league ballparks. Stadium seats, bleachers and a grassy knoll all provide fans with an intimate sports experience like no other.

For more information on Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs, guests can visit disneysports.com.