Merida is crowned a Disney Princess by her mother Queen Elinor. Gymnastics gold medalist Gabby Douglas (second from right) and her mother Natalie Hawkins (right) hosted the regal celebration.

Sophia Grace Brownlee (front right) and Rosie McClelland (front left), TV personalities from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” pose May 11, 2013 with the newest Disney Princess, Disney-Pixar’s Merida, and the Disney Princess royal court.

 Out of the 11 Official Disney Princesses, Which One Do You Like Most and Why?

For the first time in its history, the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is giving food and wine lovers the power to decide the beverage seminar that will be featured during the outdoor festival at this year’s event. This featured seminar will take place multiple times throughout the evening and is open to anyone with a ticket to the causeway festival. It is in addition to the event’s separately ticketed classroom seminars that take place earlier in the evening.

Voting is currently open on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel’s Facebook page. Fans have the option of choosing between three different seminars: Cocktail 101, Straight from the Still or The Truth About Blush.

• Cocktail 101: Stop by Crescent Terrace to enjoy a special presentation from one of our property’s bar-certified mixologists. Learn how to concoct and sample a few of the Swan and Dolphin’s favorite cocktails.
• Straight from the Still: Learn about the origins of America’s spirit, Bourbon. Sample some cocktails crafted with our mixologist’s favorite varieties.
• The Truth About Blush: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin celebrates PINKtober with this drink seminar. Join the women sommeliers of the hotel as they squash rumors of the “undistinguished blush wine” and reveal a variety of blushes any connoisseur can appreciate. All guests will leave this event thinking pink. Be sure to stop by and support Breast Cancer Awareness the wine-o way.

Voting will be open through May 31. To vote, guests can visit www.facebook.com/swananddolphin and look for the Food & Wine Wednesday post.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will be held on Oct. 18 – 19, 2013. The outdoor festival will include food and beverage seminars, food and wine tastings and live music. Seminars will be led by the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts, while the hotel’s award-winning restaurants will showcase signature culinary selections to pair with tastings from more than 30 wineries.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are currently available as part of a hotel package or individually and can be purchased at www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com

See you on the causeway!!!

Star Wars Weekends, the Force-filled fun-fest that takes place annually at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, returns to the Walt Disney World Resort galaxy every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17-June 9, 2013.

Weekend I (May 17–19)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Captain Rex – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend II (May 24-26)
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend III (May 31 – June 2)
Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Weekend IV(June 7-9)
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian – Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca – Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith
Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars: The Clone Wars)

Also new this year is a photo opportunity with a “life-size” rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt’s prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it’s a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to our park for Star Wars Weekends.

A trio of specialty “one-man shows” will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities — James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.

• “Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.
• “Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.
• “An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.

As you plan your visit to Star Wars Weekends, be aware that many of the behind-the-scenes shows reach capacity quickly, so arrive early. Also, you’ll want to arrive early to the park if you would like to get a celebrity autograph.

Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #StarWarsWeekends on Twitter.

Star Wars: © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.
(*celebrities and entertainment schedule subject to change)

Be sure and give these ladies and gents a follow to stay abreast of all the #DisneySMMoms happeneings over the next couple days!

In advance of the conference, attendees were mailed an American Tourister suitcase and were told to #PackMoreFun. We think (@LoveDisneyRun) nailed it!

I also can’t help but share the customizations @VelveteenMind made to her green bag!

Some flew and some drove but the final destination was the same! (source @theqfamily)

This year accommodations were provided at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (source @mommy_gaga)

Winnie the Pooh swag (@LoveDisneyRun)

The ladies checked into the conference (source @nicolebrady)

Snow White Social Media Swag Shirt (source @theposhparent)

and picked up their credentials (source @theqfamily)

Registration Photo Opp! (source @lovedisneyrun)

Early arrivals enjoyed #PoohStoryTeller Time (source @jendisjournal)

and Winnie the Pooh cupcakes! (source @nicolebrady)

Then it was time for the attendees to have some free time fun!

@cluelessmama tried her first ever Dole Whip at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival while sporting her 1st Visit Button #LikeaBoss

@aboutamom and her crew survived the perils of Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom

@jessicamcfadd and her family did some Jungle Cruisin’

Then it was time for all of the Disney Social Media Moms to head on over to Epcot‘s World Showplace for a Welcome Reception (source @lovedisneyrun)

Meg Crofton (President of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, US and France) was on hand (source @amybarseghian)

as the champagne flowed (source @disneygotogirl)

Attendees learned about the Magic of Healthy Living from Chris Powell of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” (source @glitterfulfelt)

Then it was time to dine on Disney #TryIt Items (source @glitterfulfelt)

while being entertained with fetes of strength (source @kellywhalen)

and Breakdancing Mickey! (source @suburbancouponmom)

a good time was had by all (source @kpugs)

The night was capped off with a dessert party (source @bobaycock)

and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks extravaganza! (source @kristenhowerton)

Stay tuned for a photo recap of Disney Social Media Moms Celebration {Day 2} and keep those images coming #DisneySMMoms!!!

Thursday, May 9, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013

While you’re there, be sure to stop by Lottawatta Lodge to cool off with complimentary refreshments and giveaways.

There’s no need to RSVP. Simply show your valid Passholder ID at the gates after 2:00 p.m. for entry to the water park—and get ready to splash into fun. This action-packed water wonderland is full of slides and rides the whole family will enjoy!

Important Information

Walt Disney World Passholder ID card required for entry.
Each Passholder ID card grants entry for cardholder only.
No rain checks.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park subject to close due to inclement weather.