For the first time in Disney history, new additions and expansions to the company’s parks have surpassed the $3 billion mark. Because revenue for Disney Parks and Resorts has grown 10% from the last fiscal year, Disney has been able to invest a lot of money into improving their properties. If you’re curious where their profits have gone, here’s a look at what they’ve been spending their money on.
At Disney California Adventure, the park has undergone an extensive 5 year renovation, including the addition of Cars Land. The Radiator Springs …

At an event held May 4, Disney was recognized by Florida Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson as a key player in supporting Orange County Public Schools (OCPS.)
The event was held to honor Orange County Public Schools’ ADDitions School Volunteers, business Partners in Education and volunteer coordinators. More than $15 million financial and in-kind donations have been made to OCPS this year – donations which The Walt Disney World Resort has contributed to.
Named as an important business Partner in Education, OCPS Superintendent Ron Blocker says:
Known around the world, Walt Disney World …

Walt Disney World has shown their support of minority-owned businesses yet again with the recent scholarship award given to Genesis VII, Inc. The announcement was made by The Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (cnFMSDC), and the construction services company was awarded a scholarship to attend the Advanced Management Education Program at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business.
Says Malik Ali, president of the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council:
We’re pleased that one of Central Florida’s finest minority-owned businesses will be able to attend the Advance Management …

Starting today, Walt Disney World Resort will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to a variety of organizations across Central Florida that benefit the region’s children.
According to sources, Disney will be giving away “Helping Kids Shine” grants to 59 organizations in the area. Estimates say these grants could potentially benefit about 70,000 children.
The first grant will be awarded to the Orlando Repository Theatre, an organization that uses music, art and theater to help stimulate creativity in children. Disney will make surprise visits to other organizations throughout the week that offer …

Tickets are now on sale for the 30th annual Magic Kingdom event “Night of Joy.”
This two-night Christian music event at Walt Disney World Resort proves to be popular every year. As it is an after-hours event, you must purchase a separate ticket to Night of Joy in addition to your Walt Disney World admission ticket. The events run from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and select attractions will remain open for event-goers.
“Night of Joy” will be held September 7 and 8th and feature a variety of Christian music acts, including:
9/7 …

A new pirate-themed attraction will be coming to Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios this year!
While full details have yet to be revealed, we do know that “The Legend of Jack Sparrow” will fully immerse guests in the world of the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
Says Jason Roberts, show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering:
This is going to be an immersive experience. We’ll really delve into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and put our guests in the middle of it all in new and exciting ways. In this …

There are several special merchandise events coming to Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in May, so now would be a good time to clear some space on your calendar and make sure you’re at the park next month to experience these events for yourself.
First up, famed Miniaturist Robert Olszewski will be at the Disneyana Shop on May 5, where he will sign his new “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” sculpture based on the attraction that originally appeared at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort.
On May 19 and …

With the new Disney PhotoPass+, you’ll be able to have all of your Walt Disney World PhotoPass Photographer photos as well as select attraction and dining print photos all for the same price.
While you won’t be able to pre-order Photopass+, you’ll be able to purchase this new package at all of the Photopass View Stations located throughout Walt Disney World Resort, making this a convenient option you can take advantage of to capture memories you’ll have for a lifetime. If you already purchased the existing PhotoCD before your trip, you …

Today, the much-anticipated Royal Guest Rooms at Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are officially open to the public!
These specialty rooms are filled with majestic touches and decor that are sure to make any guest feel like royalty. More than 500 rooms were renovated for this new specialty experience, and offer plenty of magical things to discover – from glittering headboards, to custom bedspreads and luxe artwork.
All of the rooms are themed after The Princess and the Frog, Aladdin, or Beauty and the Beast, and each room has …

If you’re planning a Disney vacation for spring break, there are two new Florida resident deals you can take advantage of to save money.
The first deal is the Wild for 3 pass, a 3-day theme park ticket Florida residents can purchase for only $99, plus tax. Tickets must be purchased by May 21, and used by May 24, 2012.
There are also several hotel discounts where Florida residents can book great room rates at select Disney Resort hotels for a majority of the nights from March 9 to June 14, including …