Join Kingdom Magic Vacations on this special Backstage Magic Adventures by Disney Itinerary to Hollywood & Disneyland. Accompany your host Rick Howard, President of Kingdom Magic Vacations and your guide from Travel with Rick. You’ll raise the curtain and take a peek behind the magic of Hollywood and Disney. Feel like a VIP on back stage tours of Walt Disney Studios, Imagineers’ workshops, The Jim Henson Studio and much more! Then experience the magic itself with three special days at Disneyland® Resort, both in front of and behind the scenes.

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New 2012 Destinations and Itineraries

Hello, new places! Great things are happening around the world in 2012. Adventures by Disney® now offers exciting trips to new destinations and new itineraries that add fantastic new places and experiences. Imagine, you are strolling through Monet’s garden, experiencing the majesty of Windsor Castle, marveling at the golden Sahara as you cruise the Nile, whispering to the Oracle of Delphi, meeting wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian Devils, or playing Darwin as you island hop the Galapagos. Starting in 2012, Adventures by Disney is taking you back to your favorite vacation destinations and bringing you more places than ever before.

Greece
Greek Odyssey - Click here for more details
Adventures by Disney is excited to add Greece to our vacation destinations! Discover the world of ancient Greece beginning in Athens with a guided visit of the Pananthinaiko Olympic Stadium and storytelling at the Acropolis. Venture to the mystic island Temple of Apollo – where the Greek God was said to speak through the Oracle of Delphi. Sail around the island of the Santorini and walk on a volcano, stomp grapes and taste some wine. Explore more of the Aegean Sea with a kayak excursion to the historic island of Spinalonga off the island of Crete. Hike to a Cretan mountain village accompanied by shepherds and experience their culture with activities including olive oil tasting and tzatziki making. Greece has an ancient history and rich culture: 4,000 years of myths, stories, and legends that we want to share with you.

France
Esprit de France – Click here for more details
Adventures by Disney’s new très magnifique journey in France will take you through the breathtakingly beautiful countryside, around Paris, to historic landmarks like Omaha Beach and on explorations of regal châteaux. You will be welcomed to France with dinner just steps from the grand Palace of Versailles from which point your experiences will only get richer, culminating in a spectacular farewell dinner, a private affair inside the famed Louvre museum. Explore the legendary island of Mont Saint Michel and visit the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci at Le Clos Luce. Let the history and beauty of France inspire you as we immerses you in the culture, traditions and legends of art, history and invention.

Egypt
Pyramids, Pharaohs and Ancient Treasures – Click here for more details
Last summer, Adventures by Disney launched a very special trip to Egypt. The team returned to Egypt recently and was moved by the renewed spirit of the country and the graciousness of its people. Adventures by Disney invites you to join them on a wonderful vacation that brings to life the amazing treasures and stories of Egypt in a special way. You’ll meet an Egyptologist who will stand as a window into the ancient past, who can lean into the shadows and whisper the tales of ancient dynasties. You’ll learn to write your name in hieroglyphics, shop in colorful souks, and even get to make some delectable Egyptian meals. During this extraordinary moment in Egyptian history, your family will explore the past, understand the present, and create memories that will live on far into the future.

England/France
Cities of Knights and Lights – Click here for more details
Welcome back to your favorite family vacation of England and France! Adventures by Disney has expanded the Cities of Knights and Lights itinerary to include the picturesque English countryside. You will take a privately guided tour of the royal residence Windsor Castle and learn to make and read your own sundial as you unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge. In London, you will visit and enjoy an elaborate lunch at the world-famous Harrod’s and see the city from a new perspective when you take a ride on the London Eye.

Australia/Tasmania
Discovery Down Under – Click here for more details
Adventures by Disney is pleased to invite you back to Australia and introduce you to the island of Tasmania! They have also added exciting new activities to their Discovery Down Under trip with a tour of the Sydney Opera House, private surfing lessons at Bondi Beach and more. In Tasmania you will get to meet local characters such as wombats, wallabies, koalas, and Tasmanian Devils during a private visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. They will take you to Freycinet National Park where you will sea kayak in Coles Bay and take a guided hike to Wineglass Bay Overlook. Tasmania adds so much excitement to the already adventurous trip, like a zipline ride over an ancient eucalyptus forest!

Galapagos Islands Cruise
Grandiosos Galapagos – Click here for more details
In addition to Adventures by Disney’s Ecuador and Galapagos Islands trip, they are now offering a new way to experience the Galapagos: a cruise of the Islands! This 9 day expedition takes you to seven different islands where you will explore lagoons, lava fields, mangroves and caves. You will get a chance to see giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, masked boobies, flightless cormorants and many more exotic species of land and sea critters as you learn about the history of the Galapagos Islands and Charles Darwin’s early explorations and discoveries.

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During her visit to Universal Orlando Resort, Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson and her son Cy, age 8, encountered mysterious Egyptian guards at the entrance to the award-winning Revenge of the Mummy attraction. Elle has been in the United States shooting and executive producing her upcoming, all-new NBC show, “Fashion Star.” Universal Orlando hosted the star of “Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model” and her family on August 24, 2011 while they enjoyed a vacation in Orlando. Photo Universal Orlando

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For most people, a visit to Walt Disney World is reason to celebrate.  But that wasn’t quite enough for two families from Oklahoma and West Virginia.

“I wanted to be the grandma who lives at Walt Disney World!” says Jill, who along with her husband, Jack, was one of the first families to purchase land and build a home in Golden Oak, Disney’s unique residential resort community. “Who do you think the kids will want to visit the most?”

Karen, who bought a home with her husband, Kevin, had a similar feeling about Golden Oak: “Disney’s just outside the gate, but it’s quiet inside. We know this will make our kids and grandkids happy!”

Karen and Kevin will move into their Spanish-Revival inspired home in the next two months. The home is located in Silverbrook, which features 19 home sites of approximately one-half acre each. Residents can savor moments of quiet repose alongside conservation areas or water features, or easily stroll to community amenities and activities at the Summerhouse, which is currently under construction.

Jack and Jill will move into their Tuscan-inspired vacation home in January, with plans to split their time between Florida and Oklahoma. But, as Jill says jokingly, “Jack is a little concerned that he may lose me to Florida for most of the year!” Their home is located in Kimball Trace, a charming Tuscan-inspired village nestled between the tranquil waters of the lagoon and the cool shade of the natural preserves. Varying in design and style, each home demonstrates the luxury lifestyle that Golden Oak has to offer – including subtle Disney-inspired touches.

Kimball Trace also features the first three showcase village homes in Golden Oak, which were recently completed and furnished, and are now open for tours (by appointment only):

• Inspiring to all who enter the front door, Villa d’Este by Goehring & Morgan showcases the exquisite view of the outdoor areas. Featuring approximately 3,664 square feet of indoor living space, this home offers four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms and one powder room, a gathering room with incredible beamed ceilings and a separate study. The owner’s suite overlooks a long view of the courtyard areas and pond. Subtle, yet elegant details of this home, such as the knotty alder front door; the interior and exterior ironwork; the clay tile imported from France; and, the authentic stone on the exterior elevation, help to create a truly exceptional showcase home.
• Casa di Lusso by ISSA Homes is as beautiful as it is timeless. This two- story home features approximately 4,272 square feet of indoor living space where almost all rooms have a generous view of the pond.  This home is inspired by a creatively designed farmhouse, and is open and airy. Featuring four bedrooms, four en-suite bathrooms, one powder room and a generous area for entertaining, this home is one of a kind. One is immediately drawn to the large outdoor living space and generously sized pool and spa.
• An architecturally inspiring home, Da Vinci by Cahill showcases approximately 4,044 square feet of indoor living area. This home features four bedrooms – all with en-suite bathrooms and one of which is a private guest suite – an additional study/guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, one powder room and a family room and kitchen designed for bringing the family together as well as entertaining. The well-appointed and large owner’s suite features a walk -in closet and is privately located on the first floor, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers and palm trees.

CHARMING VILLAGE SETTINGS

Both Kimball Trace and Silverbrook are within neighborly reach of Summerhouse, Golden Oak’s planned 16,000 square-foot residential clubhouse designed by Walt Disney Imagineers. Currently under construction and scheduled for opening in 2012, Summerhouse has been planned to include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a lounge with wine storage and full bar, a family room with gaming area, a demonstration kitchen for guest chef appearances, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility, locker rooms and pool with towel service. An outdoor fire pit, courtyard, function lawn and park areas are planned for year-round recreation. Programs are anticipated to include kitchen demonstrations by Disney chefs, seasonal parties and family events hosted by Golden Oak Resident Services professionals.

Other neighborhoods currently under construction in the one-of-a-kind community located at Walt Disney World Resort include:

Carolwood Reserve

A limited offering of eight premium custom-home sites, all generously sized at approximately three-quarters acre each. Residents here will enjoy serene natural, golf course or water views.

Carolwood

The natural preserves surrounding this lovely neighborhood offer a scenic and private setting. At up to three-quarters acre in size, each of Carolwood’s 17 grand estate custom-home sites can amply accommodate multi-generational families.

THE DISNEY CONNECTION

Families who close on the purchase of a homesite or completed home in Golden Oak before December 31, 2011 will receive one complimentary five-year Golden Oak VIP Pass for the homebuyer, providing admission for the homebuyer and up to four guests. The special Golden Oak VIP Pass will allow admission to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, DisneyQuest indoor interactive theme park and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex every day of the year with no block-out dates. Also included is complimentary parking for one car and discounts up to 20 percent on select merchandise purchased at select Walt Disney World Resort parks or Downtown Disney area locations.

Every homeowner at Golden Oak will be a member of the private social and recreational Golden Oak Club.  As part of the club membership, homeowners will receive Door-to-Park transportation, complimentary merchandise delivery to their home in Golden Oak, special golf services, and access to the Extra Magic Hours benefit at Walt Disney World (early- or after-hours access to one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks daily). Disney-designed holiday décor, golf program and in-park special event tickets will be available for an additional fee.

Additionally, Resident Services at Golden Oak will bring Disney’s personal guest service culture directly to residents and guests.  A dedicated onsite team at Golden Oak will help arrange personal, residential and resort requests such as move-in services, pre-arrival and post-departure home maintenance services, travel and private transportation, holiday home décor, grocery shopping, VIP tours and more.

Jill says her family is excited to experience all that Golden Oak has to offer. “We are counting the moments until we turn the key at Golden Oak and say ‘Welcome to our Disney home!’”

GOLDEN OAK at WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Golden Oak will initially consist of three types of single-family homes: Village, Estate and Grand Estate Homes. Village Homes will capture the romantic look of a Mediterranean village on homesites up to one-quarter acre. Estate Homes, on approximately one-half acre homesites, will offer a variety of architectural styles including Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial. At up to three-quarters acre in size, Grand Estate Homes will include architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes and will accommodate the needs of large families. Home prices start at $1.4 million.

Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort brings together family, friends and cherished Disney traditions in a unique, luxury residential resort community of single-family custom homes. To live at Golden Oak is to enjoy a destination experience year round, with distinctive neighborhoods, expansive natural preserves and inviting amenities—including a private clubhouse, concierge-style resident services and Walt Disney World Resort park offerings. Also planned for the community is Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney WorldResort, with a golf course, spa and restaurants.

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Walt Disney World Resort and Arnold Palmer Golf Management have signed a 20-year strategic alliance to create even more magic for Disney golfers. Beginning Sept. 25, Arnold Palmer Golf Management will operate, manage, maintain and help promote all five Disney courses including Disney’s Palm and Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge and Oak Trail golf courses.

As part of this long-term alliance agreement, golf legend Arnold Palmer and his golf course design team will be actively engaged in implementing strategic and innovative design features to several of the golf courses. Future enhancements include plans for a full renovation of Disney’s Palm under his direction to become an Arnold Palmer designed course.

“After 40 years as a golf course architect, I’m looking forward to this opportunity to contribute to Disney’s rich and storied golf legacy,” said Arnold Palmer. “I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of memories playing golf and it will be a great reward to pass that on to those who share a passion both for Disney and the game of golf.”

With an extensive following of serious golf enthusiasts, Arnold Palmer Golf Management is known for its excellent course conditions, pace of play, service standards and player development. In addition to course operation, the company also manages  “Palmer Advantage,” a reciprocal club and concierge service program, that provides members with unique travel benefits and access to more than 250 private clubs, resorts and golf courses around the world.

“Drawing on Arnold Palmer Golf Management’s expertise and experience enables us to build on our mutual strengths and extend our appeal both among leisure players and avid golfers,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises. “We’re excited about this new collaboration, which will benefit Disney guests and Palmer Advantage club members wanting a destination golf experience.”

The agreement gives Arnold Palmer Golf Management an opportunity to add a uniquely Disney, family-friendly golf destination to its portfolio of more than 70 private clubs and championship golf courses. Disney Golf will be promoted within the Palmer Advantage network of golf devotees, through a dedicated website and featured within the exclusive publication, “Kingdom Magazine,” which celebrates Mr. Palmer’s contributions to the game of golf and extensive philanthropic ambassadorship.

“With a reputation for service excellence and exceptional family entertainment, Walt Disney World is an ideal complement to our member offerings,” said Jim Hinckley, president of Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “This collaboration will give our members both a superior golf experience and a one-of-a-kind family golf vacation.”

Since Walt Disney World opened with two 18-hole courses in 1971, golf has been a key component of the resort. Over the past four decades, Disney World has hosted professional and amateur golf tournaments, including one of the longest-running events in PGA Tour history – the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. Disney has also hosted the LPGA Tour, NCAA golf championships and dozens of celebrity golf tournaments.

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Walt Disney World Resort guests can choose from 57 sparkling pools among the 24 themed resort hotels

At Walt Disney World Resort there’s no shortage of waterful fun for the entire family. An array of festive splash areas at each resort, featuring themed pools, waterslides, whirlpools and kiddie pools invite guests to blissfully drench and refresh themselves.

In the same way that Disney’s theme parks offer an escape to a timeless land of enchantment, pools at Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, and Value resorts transport guests to faraway and distinct paradises. Guests can cool off in a New England yacht club, amidst a Mayan city, at a lush oasis in the Polynesian tropics or other faraway destinations, all in the heart of Florida.

What are you waiting for? C’mon in, the water’s fine…

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More than 33,000 bottles of Champagne and wine from around the world will be uncorked September 30 through November 13 during the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Guests can sip and graze at more than 25 international marketplaces along the park’s World Showcase promenade. Wine seminars, culinary demonstrations and other special programs are available by reservation. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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The eight-team college basketball tournament again will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Thursday, Friday and Sunday, November 24, 25 & 27, 2011 – at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Arizona State, Dayton, DePaul, Fairfield, Indiana State, Minnesota, Texas Tech and Wake Forest make up the field. Seven of the teams reached the 2010 postseason. The Old Spice Classic will feature 12 games over the three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, November 27. Additional information can be found on the Old Spice Classic website at OldSpiceClassic.com

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Nearly 150 award-winning artists who turn clay, wood, metals, oils, watercolors and more into creations that treat the eyes – such as paintings, jewelry, sculptures and photographs – will show off their works November 11-13 at Downtown Disney. One of the Southeast’s most highly regarded juried art festivals since 1975, Walt Disney World’s Festival of the Masters features live entertainment and family-friendly activities each day. Admission and parking are complimentary.

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