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The 24th annual Walt Disney World Marathon began and ended at Epcot on Sunday. Brazilian Fredison Costa won the men's division for the fourth consecutive year, and Brazilian Giovanna Martins prevailed on the women's side for the second time in three years. View the full article

Nearing the stretch run of the race that dominates his calendar, Fredison Costa was challenged. He could not shake Vanilson Neves. Costa's Brazilian countryman was threatening his quest for a fourth consecutive Walt Disney World Marathon title, his sixth in seven years. With abou 4 1/2 miles left... View the full article

Nearing the stretch run of the race that dominates his calendar, Fredison Costa was challenged. He could not shake Vanilson Neves. Costa's Brazilian countryman was threatening his quest for a fourth consecutive Walt Disney World Marathon title, his sixth in seven years. With about 31/2 miles left... View the full article

This week, we introduced Disney Parks Blog readers to the newest member of our family – Stella, a female elephant calf born recently and now exploring the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We shared a quick video showing Stella taking her first steps on the savanna with her mother – 28-year-old Donna. Stella raises the number of elephants in the Disney’s Animal Kingdom herd to 10, including three males and six females. Check out our original story for more details. And this weekend, you can vote for Mickey Mouse or Goofy to join the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando later this month. Visit Darrell’s original story to see a special video and to vote for Mickey or Goofy to be added to one of the Pro Bowl teams. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Cross the Finish Line in Style with Products for 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – The 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend returns to Florida from January 4-8. If you plan to cross the finish line in style, here is a first look at commemorative products created for the biggest runDisney event of the year. Enter The Disney Movie Rewards Unforgettable Getaway Sweepstakes Through Jan. 31 – Just keep swimming! In honor of “Finding Dory,” Disney Movie Rewards is giving away a 4-night Disney cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Dream or Disney Wonder. From Screen to Park: Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin at Disneyland Park – Head on over to Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin for a wacky ride through the streets of downtown Toontown at Disneyland park! This “hare”-raising adventure is based on the 1988 Academy Award-winning film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg. A Few of My Favorite Things on an Adventures by Disney Holiday Danube River Cruise – The New Year is here, but I can’t stop reliving the amazing time I had on the Adventures by Disney Holiday Danube River Cruise last month. I could go for days about all the things I loved about this experience, but in the interest of time I’ve pulled together a (somewhat) short list of my favorite things from throughout this 7-night, 8-day vacation. Paraplegic Runner Defies All Odds at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is well under way and already there are countless inspirational stories emerging. One of them is 30-year-old Adam Gorlitsky, who is pushing boundaries and bridging the gap between what it means to be disabled and able-bodied. ‘BEYOND’ begins with ‘Membership Magic Ever After in 2017’ – Fueled by that forward-looking spirit, Disney Vacation Club recently unveiled “Membership Magic Ever After,” a colorful collection of extended Membership Extras from 2016, additional offers and opportunities for 2017 and new Disney developments that together will help pen the next great chapter in our community’s collective story. View the full article

We’re just DAYS AWAY from the very first Epcot Festival of the Arts! And today we have FULL BOOTH MENUS for you! (And, yes. They totally have Pop Tarts on the menu??!??!?!) We’re getting ready for this brand new Festival to kick off Friday, January 13th. This celebration of the arts — focusing on Visual, Culinary, and Performing Arts — will run Fridays through Mondays for six weekends, ending on February 20th. We’ve already learned about the event’s Interactive Workshops where participants will be able to channel their own inner artists, while the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will offer guests the chance to enjoy hearing Broadway talent perform classic Disney songs. (Find out about how you can book a Dining Package for the Concert Series here!) And now, as the debut rapidly approaches, we’re taking a look at the aspect we at the DFB are most interested in: Food Studios (otherwise known as Booths) will be found around World Showcase, both along the Promenade and tucked near a few Pavilions. While you can link to our main Epcot Festival of the Arts page here to see the full menus for all seven of the Food Studios, we thought we’d show you a few of the items we’re most excited to try, so you can start making your own list, too! Click here to see FULL MENUS for each Epcot Festival of the Arts booth!! E=AT² E=AT² will feature an array of “deconstructed” items, from a Reuben and a Deconstructed Breakfast to a BLT with crispy pork belly, tomato jam, and soft poached egg. BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam, and Soft Poached Egg ©Disney Masterpiece Kitchen Look for Masterpiece Kitchen to be located near the Canada Pavilion — a fitting location for the Wild Mushroom Risotto with aged parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction (given the popularity of the Mushroom Risotto served with the Filet Mignon at Canada’s Le Cellier). Wild Mushroom Risotto with aged parmesan, truffle shavings, and zinfandel reduction ©Disney Masterpiece Kitchen will also serve up Classic Sidecars with a Chocolate Twist, as well as a Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese. Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist ©Disney Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats, Nueske’s Smoked Duck Breast and Cheese ©Disney Pop Eats! Several aspects of the Festival will focus on the Visual Arts, such as gallery displays featuring the art of Mary Blair and contemporary Disney artists such as Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos. Pop’t Art: Modern Designed Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling — Pop Eats Food Studio ©Disney Pop Eats! will be celebrating the Visual Arts in its own way, by serving up mini works of food art with the “Pop’t Arts” (designed sugar cookies with chocolate-hazelnut filling) and an Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate. Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate — Pop Eats! Food Studio ©Disney Decadent Delights It looks like we should expect the unexpected from Decadent Delights, which will offer a Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie; Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream; along with a Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar with flavored merengue kisses and passion fruit coulis. Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie; Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream — Decadent Delights Food Studio ©Disney Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce ©Disney Painter’s Palate Okay. We’re pretty much PUMPED to try the Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts at Painter’s Palate, which will be located in the Odyssey Festival Showplace. Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts — Painter’s Palate Food Studio ©Disney The trio’s flavors will include Whipped Herb Cheese with Sea Salt, Chicken Mousse with Fresh Herbs and Everything Bagel Seasoning, and Spicy Tuna with Sriracha Mayonnaise and Sesame Seeds. The trio can be followed up with a Pomegranate Mule (yes, please!) featuring the Ginger People Ginger Beer and Van Gogh Vodka. Pomegranate Mule featuring the Ginger People Ginger Beer and Van Gogh Vodka — Painter’s Palate Food Studio ©Disney The Artist’s Table Look for The Artist’s Table near the American Adventure Pavilion. This might be a great one to visit for those traveling with kiddos, thanks to the Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie. Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie ©Disney A Pan-Seared Scallop with chorizo, roasted red pepper coulis and a parmesan crisp will be available as well. Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Parmesan Crisp — at The Artist’s Table Food Studio ©Disney Cuisine Classique We’ll be very curious to see if the Braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and aged balsamic at Cuisine Classique will follow the trend set by the recent Holidays Around the World event, which served up portions closer to full-sized entrees (as opposed to the traditional tapas-sized items served at the Food and Wine and Flower and Garden Festivals). Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Puree, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes, and Aged Balsamic — Cuisine Classique Food Studio ©Disney We’re definitely intrigued by what we’ve seen so far! How about you? Remember, to see the FULL MENUS for each booth, head over to our Epcot Festival of the Arts Page! Will you be paying a visit to the Epcot Festival of the Arts? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: First Look: Food Photos From the Epcot International Festival of the Arts News: Epcot Festival of the Arts (with food, of course!) Coming in January and February 2017 Sneak Peek: 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise View the full article

The most crushing blow Adam Gorlitsky absorbed came three weeks after he fell asleep at the wheel. Doctors at a spinal-cord rehabilitation center in Atlanta told Gorlitsky, 19 at the time, with a new reality approaching him at warp speed, that he never would walk again. "It was a rock-bottom moment,"... View the full article

This week Disney Parks Blog author Amanda Adler took us along with her on an Adventures by Disney Holiday Danube River Cruise – and boy were the photos amazing! From snowy scenery to photos of how the holidays are celebrated in Germany and Austria, pictures of this amazing trip are not-to-be missed! Check out Amanda’s original blog post here with all the details on Christmas markets, cookies, local cuisine, traditions, hilltop hikes and more. View the full article

On the same day that scores of celebrity mourners were gathering at the neighboring L.A. homes of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher after their deaths last month, fans and filmmakers were weighing the fate of Fisher's most iconic character, Princess Leia. Cody Christensen, a fan from Cedar City,... View the full article

The Jan. 20 return of the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland park has come an enchanting new television commercial, which first aired on Jan. 2 and will soon be seen throughout the Western U.S. Created by Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group, the spot takes place inside a magical, imaginary place where our classic Disneyland experiences go to be cared for when they leave the resort. “Once Disneyland creates an attraction or experience, it becomes part of the treasured history of the resort,” Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group told us. “In this TV commercial, we’ve created a place where, once one of these attractions or experiences is taken out of a park, it is taken care of and the magic is kept alive … a place where all Disneyland historical attractions reside. In this story, this is the place from which we are caring for, and re-launching, the Main Street Electrical Parade.” Take a look for yourself! Already, our Disneyland Resort fans are captivated by this amazing 30 seconds of magic. Tweets, blog posts and even YouTube analyses are flooding fans’ feeds, as eagle-eyed Disney history buffs scour every shot to identify the artifacts from days of Disney past. Are you as excited as we are for the Main Street Electrical Parade? Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to see its return to Disneyland park during a special premiere event on Jan. 19! Click here for ticket information. The Main Street Electrical Parade comes home to Disneyland park Jan. 20! View the full article

Walt Disney World is canceling its half marathon and children’s races Saturday because of bad weather. The announcement was made about 7 p.m. Friday. Disney said weather conditions show there’s a high risk of lightning, so it’s canceling all running events Saturday out of an abundance of caution. ... View the full article

Walt Disney World is canceling its half marathon and kids races Saturday due to poor weather. The announcement was made about 7 p.m. Friday night. Disney said weather conditions show there’s a high risk of lightning, so it’s canceling all running events today out of an abundance of caution. “While... View the full article

Walt Disney World is canceling its half marathon and kids races Saturday due to poor weather. The announcement was made about 7 p.m. Friday night. Disney said weather conditions show there is high risk of lightning Saturday in the area and are canceling all running events out of an abundance of... View the full article

From January 12 until February 22nd, guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort for the day can purchase a Disney Dine-on-the-Go one-day, quick-service offering that includes one lunch quick-service entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage that’s good until 4 p.m., and one dinner quick-service entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage that’s good after 4 p.m. (Dessert is not included). Guests can purchase Disney Dine-on-the-Go at Magic Kingdom Park Vacation Planning booths. Certificates also are available for children ages 3 to 9. Participating restaurant locations include Casey’s Corner, Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and Pinocchio Village Haus. Valid park admission is required to utilize the certificates. Price is $29.00, and $12.00 for ages 3 to 9. View the full article

The Avatar world opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom this summer is expected to transform the theme park much like Cars Land did at Disney's California Adventure. That's what Christine McCarthy, chief financial officer of The Walt Disney Co., told analysts Thursday at the Citi Internet, Media &... View the full article

As Disney Vacation Club celebrated “25 years and BEYOND” in 2016, you could say 2017 is the year “BEYOND” begins. Fueled by that forward-looking spirit, Disney Vacation Club recently unveiled “Membership Magic Ever After,” a colorful collection of extended Membership Extras from 2016, additional offers and opportunities for 2017 and new Disney developments that together will help pen the next great chapter in our community’s collective story. Among the instantly popular 2016 offerings continuing in 2017 are the Member Lounge for Members visiting Epcot (a lofty space on the second floor of the park’s iconic Imagination! Pavilion), complimentary events after hours in Disney Parks (events to be known this year as “Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic”), doubled Walt Disney World Resort merchandise discounts (the new 20 percent discount, up from the previous 10 percent discount, is valid at select Disney-owned-and-operated shops at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort), expanded Walt Disney World dining discounts (Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is now the only Walt Disney World-owned-and-operated table-service restaurant excluded from the 10 percent discount offer) and the waiving of the customary $95 RCI transaction fee (for new RCI reservations made in 2017). New offerings for 2017, meanwhile, include the addition of a proposed 14th resort to the neighborhood (Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, scheduled to open in 2017 and not yet fully registered or available for sale), the first Eastern Caribbean Member Cruise (an already-sold-out Aug. 26-Sept. 2 voyage aboard the Disney Fantasy ship – another Member Cruise first) and the expansion of a personalized vacation-planning service that allows Members to modify a reservation by speaking to the very Member Services Advisor who helped make that reservation in the first place (this service debuted in 2016 for Disney Vacation Club Resort reservations and is scheduled to expand to all reservations – including those beyond Disney Vacation Club Resorts – later this year). Add a growing slate of new offerings from our neighboring Disney Parks (where the first Epcot International Festival of the Arts and the highly anticipated debut of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are among the headline-grabbing additions), and there’s never been a better time to hear the words “welcome home.” I’ll continue to post updates about “Membership Magic Ever After” offerings throughout the year as new details become available. In the meantime, access the latest information online at disneyvacationclub.com/everafter. You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. Some elements of Membership Magic are incidental benefits, which are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee, and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions and may only be available to Members at various times. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. Theme Park admission is not part of Membership. View the full article

We’re less than a month away from the NFL Pro Bowl’s arrival in the Orlando area. And while everyone at Walt Disney World Resort is excited that so many of the events surrounding the game will take place at the resort, I’ve heard that Mickey Mouse and Goofy would be more jazzed about it if they could be a little more involved. Well, actually if they were a lot more involved. Like being on the team. We checked into it and discovered that, while the Pro Bowl rosters were recently announced, a few more players will likely be added in the coming weeks. So, that got us to thinking … What if we launched our own campaign to get Mickey and Goofy voted onto the Pro Bowl teams that will be here Jan. 25th-29th 2017? Well, Mickey and Goofy love the idea and have already started training. Check out this video of them with a former NFL Pro Bowl star. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog as we bring you more updates on their training leading up to the first Pro Bowl practices at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort during Pro Bowl Week. And be sure to vote on the blog for Mickey or Goofy to be added to one of the Pro Bowl teams. With our help, one of them just might make it onto the team! Vote for Mickey or Goofy for the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando Also, if you want to get in on the Pro Bowl action too, fans can follow the fun at www.ProBowl.com and buy tickets at www.NFL.com/probowlonsale. View the full article

We’re back today with another DFB YouTube Video! Today, we’re taking a walk on the wild side with a trip to one of our favorite Disney watering holes — Dawa Bar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Dawa Bar! Sometimes, you just need a cold one, and this is one of our favorite places to get it! Dawa Bar, located adjacent to Tusker House in Animal Kingdom’s Africa, is the perfect spot to chill and indulge. With its primo spot in the middle of the bustling town square, it’s a great place for people watching, or taking in a performance of the Tam Tam Drummers! There are some great drinks to choose from as well. Check out the video to see which ones we tried during our most recent visit! We hope you’re having just as much fun watching the new DFB YouTube Video Series as we are having putting them together! Be sure to subscribe to our DFB YouTube Channel today, and you’ll never miss any of the fun! Now, let’s hear from everyone out there! Is Dawa Bar one of your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New Video! Review of Tomorrowland Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom New Video: Colossal Cinnamon Roll at Disney’s Animal Kingdom New DFB Video: Jungle Juice Slushy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is well under way and already there are countless inspirational stories emerging. One of them is 30-year-old Adam Gorlitsky, who is pushing boundaries and bridging the gap between what it means to be disabled and able-bodied. Despite losing the ability to walk as a result of a car accident, Gorlitsky has so far participated in parts of the 5K on Thursday and the 10K today, and has plans to take part in portions of the half marathon on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. Gorlitsky’s inspiring story began 10 years ago when that car accident damaged his spinal cord, paralyzing him from the waist down. After almost a decade of being told he will never walk again, he was chosen as a candidate for an exoskeleton machine, a robotic suit that would enable him to stand and walk for the first time. Since receiving the robotic suit, he has dedicated his life to walking in races, sharing his extraordinary story and inspiring others to overcome adversity. If you are running in an upcoming runDisney race and have an inspirational or extraordinary story like Gorlitsky, we’d love to hear it! Please submit your story for consideration at WDPR.DisneySportsStories@Disney.com. View the full article

If you’re planning a visit to the Magic Kingdom from January 12 through February 22, 2017, you may be very interested to find out about a single-day Dining Plan that will enter a test phase in the park during those dates! Cinderella Castle According to wdwmagic.com, Disney Dine-on-the-Go will be available for purchase at Guest Relations. While cost information is currently unavailable, it is anticipated that pricing will include both adult and child options. How will it work? Guests will receive certificates to use at participating Magic Kingdom Counter Service locations (table service is not included at this time). Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe These certificates will entitle guests to one Counter Service Lunch meal, which will include one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (for use until 4:00 pm), and one Counter Service Dinner meal, which will include one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (for use from 4:00 pm to park close). Barbecue Slaw Dog at Casey’s Corner The restaurants participating in the test will include Casey’s Corner, Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Pinocchio Village Haus, and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (a seasonal location). Our initial thoughts are: Why would you take time out of your park day to go buy this unless it’s SUPER cheaper than if you were to buy the meals out of pocket (still waiting on cost info, but Disney would have to way discount pricing to make this worthwhile)? We’ll keep our eyes open for more details! So, what do you think of this potential single-day dining option? We’d love to hear it! Source: wdwmagic.com Would you be interested in purchasing Disney Dine-on-the-Go? Please let us know your thoughts with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: All-New Barbecue Menu Coming to Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern The Hidden Laws of the Magic Kingdom News: Burgers (Well, One) Back on the Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe View the full article

Welcome to Disney Springs - Stop Motion | Walt Disney World View the full article

When I recently visited Arribas Brothers in the Disney Springs Marketplace, I arrived somewhat unannounced. I was there to interview artisan Jerry Beasly after hearing about the many guest compliments he’s received during his short year and half working at the long-standing shop. I was hoping to find out what his secret was, but it turns out, no interview was required … I caught him in the act: he was entertaining young guests, explaining how glass blowing works, and making them laugh as he showed them the one-of-a-kind turtle he was working on. They were entranced, and frankly, I was too. Once Jerry realized I was there, he took a few minutes to chat with me about his history and his current role where he relishes the opportunity to inspire creativity. Jerry’s interest in glass blowing started 17 years ago, “I was at a big state fair and I saw an artist working with a torch and flame. I was in awe. At the time, I was an artist who dabbled in woodworking, pottery and even fire-dancing, but this was something new. I started with a book from the library on ‘Scientific Glass Blowing’ and spent a lot of time practicing. In this medium, you’ve got to keep pushing yourself.” While the art is certainly its own reward, for Jerry, the guests are his favorite part of the job. “People are so happy to see you; they come here for an experience and in many ways, it’s like a free show – they get to watch old-world craftsmen work on stage, it’s all very hands-on.” The best part? Guests can purchase items made in the shop, and can even make custom requests in advance (prices vary depending on the intricacy of the design and the number of hours it takes to create). Arribas Brothers has been at Disney Springs since the beginning, but it’s easy to find something new to love every time you visit. If you happen to wander in on a day when Jerry is working, there’s a good chance he’ll be among your favorite new finds! Arribas Brothers is open daily at Disney Springs Marketplace starting at 10 a.m.; the shop closes at 11:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and at 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. View the full article

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is officially in full swing, with over 50,000 runners ready to lace up and set out to pound the pavement across Walt Disney World property through Sunday. The ultra-popular running event has grown significantly since it’s inception. In 1994, when the starting... View the full article

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is officially in full swing, with over 50,000 runners ready to lace up and set out to pound the pavement across Walt Disney World property through Sunday. The ultra-popular running event has grown significantly since it’s inception. In 1994, when the starting... View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped at PizzeRizzo, the first Muppets-themed restaurant to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This two-story quick-service eatery dishes up personal-sized pizza pies and other Italian favorites like meatball subs, cannoli and tiramisu. The interior theming is, of course, full of Muppets fun and features décor chosen by Rizzo, plus some special touches from his extended family and friends. Head to the second floor for a peek at Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, where there’s a wedding reception already in progress. PizzeRizzo is open daily for lunch and dinner at the park. View the full article

'Wishes for Wildlife' - New Year Resolutions | Disney's Animals, Science & Environment View the full article