Dateline Disney: July/August 2014

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Fireworks light up the sky and illuminated image projections create a patriotic exterior on Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Spectacular fireworks displays with brilliant bursts of light coloring the night sky above the theme parks have been a Walt Disney World Resort entertainment specialty for decades. The July 4th fireworks typically are one of the most elaborate nighttime spectacles ever seen at a Disney theme park. (David Roark, photographer) The sights, sounds and flavors of Africa come together each Saturday from June 7 – Aug. 9 during Harambe Nights, a dazzling new theatrical production and  street party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. During this special-ticket, after-hours event, guests are treated to a 55-minute theatrical extravaganza, “The Lion King Concert in the Wild,” followed by a lively street party in Harambe Village complete with Afro-pop rhythms, street performers, African-inspired cuisine and specialty beverages. Harambe Nights takes place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees will rock Epcot starting July 6 to July 12 during the 2014 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot World Showcase. The concert series, which is included in Epcot admission, runs weekly through July 26, and show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Epcot is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. On Aug. 23, 2014, more than 50 Disney villains will invade Disney’s Hollywood Studios during a new separate ticket event, “Villains Unleashed.” The one-night-only event party will feature up close encounters with some of the most popular Disney villains, “Hades Hangout & Dance Party,” Oogie Boogie’s Variety Show,” a Star Wars villain zone, a new “Villainy In The Skies” fireworks spectacular, a villain-inspired pre-show to “Fantasmic!” and more. Guests may purchase tickets at DisneyVillainsParty.com or call 407-939-1933. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer) With the introduction of MyMagic+ to Walt Disney World Resort, guests are finding the key to unlocking all the magic is the MagicBand. Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests use MagicBands to enter the theme parks and water parks, enter their hotel room, access their selected FastPass+ experiences, buy food and merchandise and connect to Disney’s PhotoPass. MagicBands are comfortable to wear and have been designed to withstand hot and cold temperatures and also are waterproof. MagicBands are part of the new MyMagic+, which has the ability to connect nearly all aspects of the guest vacation experience at Walt Disney World Resort. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) The Raglan Road Dancers will perform and teach guests dance steps during group Ceili (kay-lee) dances — the precursor to today’s popular line dances — during the 3rd annual Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney from August 29 through Sept. 1. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is located in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Raglan Road) LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 12, 2013 – As soccer continues to rise in popularity around the globe, Central Florida’s local team will be moving a little further south to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Beginning in March 2014, the complex will host the Orlando City Soccer Club, serving as a one-year temporary home during renovations of the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Lions’ primary stadium.

Dateline Disney: July/August 2014

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In This Edition:

Walt Disney World Resort: Celebrate America’s Birthday July 3 – 4
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: ‘Harambe Nights’ Celebrates 20^th Anniversary of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’
Epcot: Take in Some Tunes during Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: ‘Villains Unleashed’ on Aug. 23
Downtown Disney: Kick Up Your Heels at the Great Irish Hooley
Beyond the Theme Parks: Soak up the fun at Disney’s Water Parks this summer; Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to Open Newest Luxury resort
Disney Sports: Orlando City Soccer Continues Regular Season; Youth Sports Kick Off

Fourth of July Sparks Patriotic Entertainment and Fun Throughout Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Parks guests can get their red, white and blue on this Independence Day during a special tribute to the stars and stripes July 3 – 4, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort.

It’s a two-day patriotic extravaganza as Disney Parks honor America with a Fourth of July celebration that will light up the night. At Magic Kingdom, a 14-minute, 360-degree fireworks spectacular rockets into the air Thursday and Friday night at 9 p.m. with ”Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

On July 4 at Epcot, Guests can meet some favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire outside The American Adventure and catch a performance of the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps (performances at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m.). The Voices of Liberty will perform at America Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m., and inside The American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m.

The evening will culminate with “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, at 10 p.m., followed by a heart-pounding, grand finale in a salute to America.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy a twist on traditional fireworks with the “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration”. The party begins at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ at 6 pm. At 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m., Mulch, Sweat & Shears will take you on a musical road trip through America. Everything leads up to a special rock ‘n roll fireworks presentation at 10:15 p.m.

Note: Special expanded show times for Don’t Look Back (Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot) on the Fourth of July are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m.

‘Harambe Nights’ Celebrates Grandest Tales and Tastes of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Guests can join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Oscar-winning film “The Lion King” this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during “Harambe Nights,” an evening entertainment and dining experience.

A 55-minute theatrical extravaganza, “The Lion King Concert in the Wild” comprises celebrity narrators, a live orchestra, choir and special effects to present the story of Simba’s coming of age like never before. A lively welcome reception and the post-show street party featuring Afro-pop rhythms, performers and a buffet of culinary creations keep the celebration rocking through the evening.

Celebrity narrators in July and August include:

• Michael Beach – July 5
• Harry Lennix – July 12
• Joe Morton – July 19
• Alfre Woodard – July 26
• Brian Stokes Mitchell – Aug. 2
• Patina Miller – Aug. 9

General admission tickets for Harambe Nights run $119 ages 10 and up; $79 ages 9 and under. Premium floor seating tickets run $134 ages 10 and up; $94 ages 9 and under. The event runs Saturdays from 7-10:30 p.m., and parking is complimentary.

To reserve tickets for Harambe Nights, guests can visit Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights or call 407-939-1319.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Heats Up Evenings at Epcot

Feel the rhythm as an assortment of high-energy bands pay tribute to the legends that inspired them. This rockin’ seasonal party packs in musical acts each week at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot.

• June 29 to July 5: Don’t Look Back ~ Boston Tribute Band
• July 6 to 12: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• July 13 to 19: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• July 20 to 26: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – except on July 4 when expanded show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.  Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission (Entertainment subject to change without notice).

First Ever ‘Villains Unleashed’ Event Scheduled for Aug. 23 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

On Aug. 23, 2014, more than 50 Disney villains will invade Disney’s Hollywood Studios during a new separate ticket event, “Villains Unleashed.”

The one-night-only event party will feature up-close encounters with some of the most popular Disney villains, “Hades Hangout & Dance Party,” “Oogie Boogie’s Variety Show,” a Star Wars villain zone, a new “Villainy In The Skies” fireworks spectacular, a villain-inspired pre-show to “Fantasmic!” and more.

Guests may purchase tickets at DisneyVillainsParty.com or call 407-939-1933.

‘Great Irish Hooley’ a Labor Day Weekend Celebration at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney

Central Florida’s only Great Irish Hooley celebrates its third annual event August 30 – Sept. 1 with the electric energy of live Irish music, authentic step dancing, first-rate food and interactive fun at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downtown Disney.

A traditional Irish social celebration, the “Hooley” combines music ranging from traditional to rock tunes with entertainment and interactive fun for the whole family. Labor Day weekend guests can enjoy authentic Irish cuisine and beverages and a memorable long weekend of top Irish talent, including award-winning bands and performances by the Raglan Road Dancers.

Among the Great Irish Hooley lineup:

• Scythian, a headliner on the Celtic festival circuit and equally at home in rock venues – the band will release a fan-funded album in August.
• The Raglan Rebels, Ireland’s best up-and-coming young band with traditional and modern songs and ballads.
• Drops of Green, an exciting new ballad group from the heart of Ireland.

Disney’s Water Parks Add to Summer Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort

Guests can beat the summer heat and dive into fun at Walt Disney World Resort water parks. With dozens of water slides, sandy beaches and lazy rivers, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water parks provide guests with the perfect place to cool off this summer.

As Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon celebrates its 25^th anniversary, new healthful food options such as the Shrimp Wrecked Salad and the Tropical Chicken Salad have been added to the menu along with some sweet treats such as the chocolate chip waffle with fresh fruit sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can ‘hit the slopes’ on ski-themed water slides or lounge around. For an additional charge, guests can reserve a Lodge Picnic Umbrella or Polar Patio – shaded spots with personal touches and extras such as towels and bottled water.

For the most up-to-date park hours, guests can visit Disneyworld.com/water-parks.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort to Open in August

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is planning an August opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

Competition Heats Up for Youth, Pro Athletes at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Orlando City Soccer Club continues their 2014 regular-season home games at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney this July and August. This is the Lions’ final United Soccer League (USL) season before becoming the 21^st Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in 2015. July/August home schedule:

• Saturday, July 12 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Wilmington
• Saturday, August 2 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte
• Saturday, August 16 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Harrisburg
• Sunday, August 31 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Dayton

Disney Cup International Soccer Event On the heels of the FIFA World Cup, nearly 200 elite youth soccer teams will compete in the Disney Cup International youth soccer tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, July 14-19. For 15 years, the Disney Cup International, presented by AS Roma, has attracted teams of boys and girls (ages 9-17) from around the world and this year will feature teams from more than 20 countries, including Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, the U.S. Registration remains open at www.espnwwos.com.

Disney Soccer Academy Midwest Soccer Academy has teamed up with Disney Sports for the fourth annual Disney Soccer Academy Superstar Edition at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Young athletes can play and learn side by side with professional English Premier League and Brazilian soccer players.  The event is held over a four-day period with athletes ranging from age 5 to 18 participating July 7-10. Registration remains open at www.espnwwos.com.

AAU National Championships AAU has several National Championships in various sports, including basketball and track and field, taking place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These events typically attract the nation’s top players, many of whom are among the most highly-recruited collegiate prospects. Many current NBA and WNBA stars competed in this AAU National Basketball Championships in the past.  ESPN Wide World of Sports will host these championships events from July 4-13. 

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Disney Season: Fall 2014

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — From Labor Day to Thanksgiving there’s a bounty of festive offerings at Walt Disney World Resort to satisfy all tastes. With an art show, sporting events, annual holiday parties, concerts and international food fest, the Vacation Kingdom is the place to celebrate the golden days of the harvest season.

The fall lineup kicks off on September 1 with the popular Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offering three extra nights of happy haunts. Here’s more:

Family Friendly Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Extends to 26 Nights

Not-so-spooky ghosts and goblins return this fall with three extra nights of fun during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, delighting fun-seekers of all ages in the Magic Kingdom. On select nights September 1 through October 31, the Magic Kingdom will host this special hard ticket event from 7 p.m. – midnight.  Highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade; Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular; Disney characters dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes; and candy galore with treat trails throughout the Magic Kingdom.  Plus partygoers can enjoy favorite attractions including the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween for party dates and prices, or call 407-W-DISNEY.

Disney’s Night of Joy Celebrates a Stellar Line-Up of Christian Music Sept. 5-6

This year will mark the 32nd year for Disney’s Night of Joy, where the best in Contemporary Christian music meets the excitement of the Magic Kingdom. From contemporary hits to hard-hitting, high-energy rock, there’s something for every kind of music fan Sept. 5-6 at Walt Disney World Resort.

This year’s lineup showcases a stage-load of talent on each night.

• Friday, Sept. 5:  Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, for KING & COUNTRY, Mandisa, Building 429, Matt Maher, The Neverclaim
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Skillet, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Britt Nicole, Colton Dixon, Rhett Walker, We As Human, 1 Girl Nation

Single-night tickets are $59 plus tax in advance and $69 plus tax on the days of the show. There is also a two-night ticket option, which is $108 for both nights and includes a 1-day admission to one of Disney’s two water parks or DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park if purchased no later than August 5.

Tickets are subject to availability and entertainment is subject to change without notice. Night of Joy admission is a special ticket event and is not included in any other form of ticket media. Tickets are valid during specific event hours only. To purchase tickets, or for more information about the event and the benefits of coming as a group, check out NightofJoy.com or call 407-W-DISNEY.

19^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Extended to Record 53 Days in 2014 — New Dates Run Sept. 19-Nov. 10

Disney’s fall culinary extravaganza will arrive a week early this year and debut new flavors from South America when the 19^th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off Sept. 19 at Walt Disney World Resort.  The 2014 festival runs a record 53 days – up seven days from the previous 46-day event — until Nov. 10 and introduces its first Patagonia Marketplace showcasing tastes of Argentina and Chile.

Celebrated for its creative tapas-sized dishes and inspired sips, high-energy entertainment and premium signature dinners and tastings, the festival will sizzle with a variety of ethnic and specialized marketplaces. Guests can pair wines and beers with their food as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade.

Celebrity and Disney chefs will present culinary demonstrations, and beverage experts will host daily wine tastings and mixology seminars for a nominal fee.  Eat to the Beat concerts starring pop bands such as Rick Springfield and The Pointer Sisters will rock the festival party each evening. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) or visit epcotfoodfestival.com for information and updates about booking premium culinary programs, dinners and tasting events such as the popular Party for the Senses.

A Frightfully Good Time Awaits Disney Cruise Line Guests this Halloween

Disney Cruise Line will treat guests sailing this fall to a spooktacular good time as the Disney ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland filled with frightfully fun events and activities, special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants and themed parties on deck. In 2014, Halloween on the High Seas takes place on most voyages aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships from late September through October. This extra-spooky celebration features Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. Other experiences include spooky storytelling, interactive movies, special character meet-and-greets and Halloween-themed arts and crafts.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

Disney Fit Challenge Invites Athletes to Compete September 26-28

The sport of competitive fitness, which is growing rapidly nationally and internationally, is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort this September.  The inaugural Disney Fit Challenge, a three-day competitive fitness event comes to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Sept 26-28. The competitive fitness event, involves athletes competing in different fitness challenges that test a participant’s speed, strength, skill, endurance, balance and power and are based on age and skill level.

Registration remains open at www.espnwwos.com.  Daily admission for spectators is $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for children and can be purchased at the sports complex box office.

First-Ever Disney Princess Cup Soccer Event Set for October 10-12

The first-ever Disney Princess Cup (Oct. 10-12) will feature a 6 versus 6 player format involving girls ages 9-14. The tournament is open to teams and individual players and will also include a pep rally featuring a Disney Music recording artist, an awards ceremony, a speaker series geared towards empowering young girls, and designated free time for teams and parents to visit the Disney theme parks. All participating athletes will receive a pair of soccer cleats from Puma, the official soccer equipment sponsor of Disney Soccer. Register for the Disney Princess Cup at www.espnwwos.com.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Celebrates Fifth Anniversary November 7-9

Runners will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort on Nov. 7-9.  Participants in the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, which is sold out, will run a 13.1-mile nighttime race on Nov. 9 through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The race weekend will also include Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and runDisney Kids races on Nov. 8. To register for the runDisney kids races and to purchase the few remaining tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste Party at Epcot, visit www.runDisney.com.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Delights Holiday Revelers Nov. 7- Dec. 19

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will celebrate the joy of the season for 19 magical nights from November 7-December 19. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World Resort guests have been mesmerized by this festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit. Dates for 2014:  Nov. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 30
Dec. 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows featuring Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. The fun continues with a holiday “Celebrate the Magic” castle projection show and Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks spectacular. Guests can enjoy experiences and attractions, including the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.

Downtown Disney Transforms to Art Lovers Paradise With Festival of the Masters

Downtown Disney invites guests to the 39th Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels November 7-9. This world-renowned fine arts festival features more than 130 artisans showcasing their unique works in painting, sculpture, photography and other categories. This open-air festival also will offer live entertainment, hands-on activities for kids and delectable food offerings. Additional information can be found at www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.

Orlando Classic Returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex November 27-30

Eight of the top men’s college basketball teams in the country will compete in the Orlando Classic over Thanksgiving weekend, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28 & 30, at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  The 2014 Orlando Classic features 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 the championship game Sunday, Nov. 30. For more information, visit www.espnevents.com/orlando-classic, or www.disneysportsnews.com.

Disney Offers Free Dine With Magic Your Way Package

The fall and holiday seasons just got more magical at Walt Disney World Resort with special savings.  Guests can enjoy a free dining plan when they buy a non-discounted six-night/seven-day Magic Your Way Package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Free dine includes one quick service meal, one table service meal, and one snack per person, per night.

The offer is valid for arrival most nights:

• August 31 to October 3, 2014
• October 26 to November 1, 2014
• November 9 to November 20, 2014
• December 12 to December 23, 2014

The Disney Dining Plan is honored at more than 100 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants, while the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (available for packages that include a stay at Disney Value Resorts) includes meals and snacks at more than 50 dining locations. Guests must book by August 8, 2014.

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Disney Season: Fall

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Orange fireworks explode over Cinderella Castle while illuminated pumpkins are projected with light during the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks show. The show is part of “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party,” an after-hours Halloween celebration at the theme park. A separate ticket is required to attend. (Gene Duncan, photographer) A spectacle of characters parades down Main Street, U.S.A in “Mickey’s Boo-to You Halloween Parade” during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. The parade is led by the Headless Horseman and includes Disney characters in Halloween regalia and the ghostly inhabitants of The Haunted Mansion. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticket event and takes place on select nights each fall at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ali Nasser, photographer) Disney’s fall culinary extravaganza, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, offers delicious flavors from around the world, food-and-beverage-tasting seminars, the “Eat to the Beat” concert series and a host of themed dining events at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) The Brazil Marketplace features Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro as well as several other dishes and refreshing beverages, including Xingu Black Beer, during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Matt Stroshane, photographer) Runners will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort on Nov. 7-9, 2014. The 13.1-mile nighttime race on Nov. 9 goes through Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios before finishing at Epcot for a post-race party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The race weekend will also include Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and runDisney Kids races on Nov. 8. (Phelan Ebenhack, Photographer) Disney Artist Greg Trombo hangs paintings in the Disney Artist Village Nov. 9, 2012 during Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney. Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels features artistic creations from more than 130 award-winning artists, more than 20 up-and-coming Emerging Masters, the Disney Artist Village, live performance artists and more. The annual event takes place at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Nov. 7-9, 2014 and there is no charge for admission. (Kent Phillips, photographer)