Untold News, a Non-Profit News Service Highlighting Israeli Innovation, Showcases Game-Changing Asthma Innovation that Provides Hope for the Nearly 19 Million Asthma Sufferers in the United States, 40% of Whom are Latinos*

February 2, 2015

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Untold News, (www.untoldnews.org), a non-profit news service highlighting Israeli innovation, released details today about two ground-breaking Israeli developments that offer new hope for the nearly 19 million U.S. Asthma sufferers, 40% of whom are Latinos.* The first Israeli innovation, developed by Prof. Elizabeth Fireman of the Institute of Pulmonary and Allergic Diseases at Tel Aviv University, is a new diagnostic induced sputum (IS) and analysis technique, which identifies microscopic foreign particles in your lungs. This technique was tested on 39 firefighters at Ground Zero after 9/11 and the results were compared against a control group of Israeli firefighters, identifying toxic metals including mercury in the rescue workers’ lungs. The second innovation, the Inspiromatic, created by Israeli mechanical engineer Nimrod Kaufmann with Dr. Guy Steuer, senior pulmonologist at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, is a device which takes the place of hard-to-use nebulizers for young children as well as the elderly and people with certain disabilities.

“Latinos are disproportionately impacted by Asthma and it is innovations such as these that can dramatically change the lives of the millions who suffer daily,” says Raja M. Flores MD, Chairman, Department of Thoracic Surgery Mount Sinai Health System. “I encourage my colleagues across the country to explore these innovations and examine opportunities for partnership and collaboration.”

Each of the Israeli innovations listed above are at different stages of development and optimism for official release is high. In fact, the IS technique recently underwent a new study soon to be published in which Dr. Fireman and her team of researchers compared the IS technique to environmental monitoring in mapping air pollution. They examined 136 urban children evaluated for asthmatic symptoms. And, the Inspiromatic successfully completed a clinical study at Schneider Children’s Medical Center.

“Sharing these ingenious innovations with America’s medical community and asthma suffers, not only inspires hope but also nurtures game-changing collaborations,” explains Marcella Rosen, President and Founder of Untold News. “We are thrilled to offer this resource to the growing Latino audience who—similar to Israelis—have overcome adversity, and as a result, thrive in entrepreneurial spirit,” Rosen concludes.

About Untold News

In 2010, Marcella Rosen founded Untold News (untoldnews.org) to inform Americans about the positive, non-political aspects of Israel. Untold News published Tiny Dynamo and its Spanish adaptation, El Pequeno Dinamo (http://amzn.to/1twjJ7s) to showcase 21 Israeli inventions that are improving the lives of people all around the world. Learn more at www.untoldnews.org and https://www.facebook.com/elpequenodinamo.

*Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm; http://www.edf.org/blog/2014/04/22/why-latinos-are-disproportionately-affected-asthma-and-what-we-can-do

Contact:
Latin2Latin Marketing + Communications
Maria Sinopoli
[email protected]
(954) 376-4800

Super Bowl Ring Pawned to Buy Drugs, Player Does Prison Time, Coach Bill Walsh Helps with Recovery

February 2, 2015

Super Bowl Ring Pawned to Buy Drugs, Player Does Prison Time, Coach Bill Walsh Helps with Recovery

Eason Ramson, Former SF 49ers Super Bowl Champion, Talks to Alcohol Justice About Alcohol, Drugs and Football

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a new “Stories of Alcohol Justice” video released today, Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO of Alcohol Justice, talks with Eason Ramson about his life and professional football career that ended when he spiraled into substance abuse, crime, and prison. “Eason fought his way back and does important work now with youth at the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA in San Francisco,” stated Livingston. “He’s committed to helping them overcome the influences that propelled him down a path of self-destruction.”

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO

In the emotional video, Ramson describes hitting rock bottom fueled by peer pressure, alcohol, drugs and an indifferent sports league. He recovered with the help of San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh. Now Ramson empowers youth through his CARE Program and challenges the power of Big Alcohol in sports.

“Alcohol ads, sponsorships, and celebrity endorsements associated with sports are just wrong and should stop,” said Ramson. “Not just because they are designed to lure people to over-consume, but because they also perpetuate a social norm that tells kids alcohol consumption is a normal everyday part of life and strongly associated with sporting success. I’m here to say it’s just not true.”

Studies show that the more alcohol ads kids see, the better the chance they will drink and in many cases binge drink. The younger a person starts drinking, the bigger the probability that person will be a customer for life who will experience significant alcohol-related harm.

The billions Big Alcohol spends advertising alcohol during sporting events leads to increased underage drinking as well as turning fun filled family events into drunken, potentially violent experiences. “Millions of youth will see feel-good beer ads this Sunday with ponies, puppies and Pac-Man pitching Budweiser and Bud Light Beer at the biggest football game of the year with the largest worldwide youth audience,” said Livingston.

Even though the NFL has been ineffective in the biggest scandals of the year involving, drugs, alcohol and domestic violence, this year’s big game will still promote Budweiser products. Livingston added, “The ads will play, tens of millions will watch, and the NFL and Anheuser Busch-InBev will profit in total disregard for the negative effect that alcohol misuse plays in the lives of young viewers and players alike.”

“The only game plan that will work is to eliminate global alcohol advertising, sponsorships, branding and promotions from all sports – from college games to the NFL championship, from the World Series to the World Cup and Olympics,” Livingston concluded. “As far as I’m concerned, the true scandal this month is not #deflategate, it is #BudLightGate.”

To see the video go to: www.AlcoholJustice.org

CONTACT:	Michael Scippa 415 548-0492
	Jorge Castillo 213 843-3336

Super Bowl XLIX Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler ‘Going to Disneyland!’ Monday, Feb. 2

February 2, 2015

Super Bowl XLIX Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler ‘Going to Disneyland!’ Monday, Feb. 2

GLENDALE, Ariz., Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Making dreams come true for the New England Patriots and their fans, wide receiver Julian Edelman and rookie Malcolm Butler continued a magical tradition Sunday night following the Patriots’ 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks here in Super Bowl XLIX.

Rising from the frenzied, on-field hoopla moments after their team captured the National Football League championship, Edelman and Butler beamed into the cameras and shouted those four words that for decades have become synonymous with Super Bowl victory celebration.

“We’re going to Disneyland!”

Edelman and Butler each contributed huge plays for the Patriots in the final minutes of the game, giving New England its fourth Lombardi Trophy. Edelman caught a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter to give the Patriots the lead and what turned out to be the winning score. Then, with 20 seconds left in the game and the Seahawks on the verge of scoring, cornerback Butler intercepted a pass on the goal line to seal the victory. Edelman’s touchdown catch was one of his nine receptions in the game, for 109 yards.

The pronouncement by Edelman and Butler, part of the production for one of TV’s most enduring and iconic Super Bowl commercials, was captured within seconds of the final gun. It was the latest episode of the “I’m going to Disneyland” commercial produced over a 28-year span. Fans can see the episode beginning Monday on the Disney Parks Blog.

On Monday, Edelman and Butler are scheduled for a hero’s welcome at Disneyland Park with a cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A., accompanied by Mickey Mouse and in front of cheering park guests and Patriots fans. Following the cavalcade, the Patriots players are scheduled to conduct media interviews.

The last time two players visited a Disney park after winning the NFL championship was 2009, when Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger led the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XLIII.

The first of the “I’m going to Disneyland” commercials appeared in 1987 and featured New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms following his team’s triumph in Super Bowl XXI. The commercial was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks hours after the event. Since then, the commercial has created a national catchphrase, shouted by people of all ages following moments of great accomplishment.

This latest installment – the 48th in the long-running series – followed a similar script, airing only hours after the conclusion of Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday.

Edelman and Butler join a star-studded lineup of sports heroes such as Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Emmitt Smith, Michael Jordan, Kurt Warner, Coach Jon Gruden, Joe Montana, John Elway, Jerry Rice, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Doug Williams, Magic Johnson and NHL goalie Patrick Roy who have been featured during the nearly three decades of “I’m going to Disneyland” commercials.

About the Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and the reimagined Disney California Adventure Park – plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District, comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, which also features 50 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club units; the magical 975-room Disneyland Hotel – both AAA Four Diamond properties – and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its fun “day-at-the-beach” theme. For information on attractions and vacations at the Disneyland Resort, visit www.disneyland.com, call (866) 43-DISNEY or contact local travel agents.

New Research Finds Baby’s Genes, Not Mom’s, May Trigger Some Preterm Births

February 2, 2015

New Research Finds Baby’s Genes, Not Mom’s, May Trigger Some Preterm Births

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Some babies seem to have a genetic predisposition to a higher risk of being born too soon, a team of researchers said today. Variants in the fetus’s DNA – not the mother’s – may be what triggers some early births.

Joseph R. Biggio, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and his colleagues from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Genomics and Proteomics Network for Preterm Birth Research analyzed the number of copies of certain genes in the blood or saliva from hundreds of babies and their mothers. While there was no link between the number of copies of the mother’s genes and the chances of a preterm baby, there was a two- to eleven-fold increase in preterm births before 34 weeks of pregnancy when any of four genes were duplicated or seven genes were deleted in the babies born preterm, when compared to babies born full-term.

“These findings may help explain what triggers early labor in some women even when they’ve done everything right during pregnancy and there’s no obvious cause for an early birth,” explained March of Dimes Chief Medical Officer Edward R. B. McCabe, MD, MPH. “The hope is that this finding may one day lead to a screening test to help identify which babies are at a higher risk of an early birth.”

The preterm birth rate in the United States dropped more than 10 percent between 2013 and 2006, with most of the improvement focused in late preterm births (those between 34 and 37 weeks of pregnancy). Today’s research findings focused on early preterm births, births before 34 weeks of pregnancy, in which there has been little improvement in recent years.

More than 450,000 babies are born too soon each year in the U.S. Preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth often face an increased risk of a lifetime of health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and others. Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. It is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually.

Dr. Biggio’s research is being honored by the March of Dimes at the annual Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. McCabe presented Dr. Biggio with the March of Dimes award for Best Abstract in Prematurity at the SMFM’s Annual Meeting. 2015 marks the 12^th year the March of Dimes award has been presented.

While the differences in the number of copies of the genes may not be causing a preterm birth, they may put a baby at a higher risk of infection or reacting to other harmful environmental factors that may trigger early labor and delivery, explained Dr. Biggio.

It may also help explain why treatment with progesterone, a naturally-occurring hormone in pregnancy shown to prevent some preterm births, work for only about one-third of women.

“We always thought we were treating the mother with progesterone, but perhaps we were actually treating the baby,” Dr. Biggio said. Dr. Biggio’s research was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child health and Human Development

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (est. 1977) is the premiere membership organization for obstetricians/gynecologists who have additional formal education and training in maternal-fetal medicine. The society is devoted to reducing high-risk pregnancy complications by sharing expertise through continuing education to its 2,000 members on the latest pregnancy assessment and treatment methods. It also serves as an advocate for improving public policy, and expanding research funding and opportunities for maternal-fetal medicine. The group hosts an annual meeting in which groundbreaking new ideas and research in the area of maternal-fetal medicine are shared and discussed. Visit www.smfm.org.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. Find out how you can help prevent premature birth and birth defects by joining March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

(Español) Bárbara Bermudo lanza su propia plataforma digital en YouTube

January 30, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

(Español) Cricket presenta el más alto valor entre todos los proveedores móviles prepago de EE.UU con su plan actualizado con todo incluído de 2.5GB de datos en alta velocidad y llamadas y textos ilimitados a nivel nacional por sólo $35 al mes luego de recibir $5 de crédito por el uso de Auto Pay

January 30, 2015

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

WomenHeart & Burlington Stores Launch Heart of Fitness Tour to Raise Awareness and Help Combat Women’s Heart Disease

January 30, 2015

WomenHeart & Burlington Stores Launch Heart of Fitness Tour to Raise Awareness and Help Combat Women’s Heart Disease

WomenHeart and Burlington Take Charge in the Fight against Heart Disease by Offering Free Fitness Events and Raising Funds to Support the Cause

BURLINGTON, N.J., Jan. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nearly 43 million women are currently living with heart disease– the leading cause of death of American women. However, women can easily take charge of their health and reduce the risk of heart disease by 30-50% by engaging in physical activity.[i] That’s why WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and Burlington Stores, a national off price retailer, are dedicating the fourth year of their partnership to driving home the importance of exercise and physical activity in the fight against heart disease by launching the Heart of Fitness Tour.

Taking place at select Burlington locations this February, American Heart Month, the tour will inform women coast to coast about heart disease as the leading health threat and empower them to get moving. Additionally, from February 1 through March 31, Burlington customers can support the cause by donating $1 or more at check-out to benefit WomenHeart to further their mission to educate women about the importance of heart health and support women living with this chronic and life-threatening disease. As a thank you for donating, customers will receive 20% off the merchandise value of their purchase at www.1-800Flowers.com. Burlington will also donate $1, up to $25,000, to WomenHeart for every dress sold during that timeframe.

Customers are invited to participate in the Heart of Fitness Tour at select Burlington locations, which will consist of a complimentary fitness class led by certified instructors, including a light stretch and brisk walk around the store. On average, every minute you walk extends your life by one and a half to two minutes.[ii] The events will also offer free heart health screenings (blood pressure measurement, waist circumference, and a risk factor questionnaire) from heart health professionals. Bilingual educational materials will be distributed by WomenHeart Champions, heart disease survivors who are volunteer community educators and advocates for women’s heart health.

The tour will take place at each of the following Burlington stores from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.*, with the fitness element taking place from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00p.m.:

2/3 – Chicago, IL (1100 South Canal St.)
2/5 – New York, NY (40 E. 14^th St.)
2/5 – Puerto Rico (SR 2 & Main Avenue)
2/10 – Dallas, TX (3131 Forest Lane)
2/12 – Houston, TX (16311 F.M. 529)
2/17 – Miami, FL (5737 NW 7^th St.)
2/19 – Tampa, FL (955 W. Brandon Avenue, Brandon)
2/24 – Phoenix, AZ (5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe)
2/26 – Atlanta, GA (5766 Buford Highway North, Doraville)
2/26 – Los Angeles, CA (1201 S. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia)

*Date/Locations are subject to change. Starting February 1^st, be sure to visit BurlingtonCoatFactory.com/RedDressEvent and www.womenheart.org for event information, and follow #HeartofFitness.

“Burlington is committed to raising awareness about the importance of women’s heart health,” said Tom Kingsbury, Chairman and CEO, Burlington Stores. “We are pleased to be working with WomenHeart for the fourth consecutive year to help educate women nationwide about living heart healthy. Adding the new Heart of Fitness Tour to the campaign this year serves as a fun way to further engage with our customers and provide them with the tools they need live a healthy lifestyle.”

“Our partnership with Burlington means that more women nationwide will receive the life-saving services and resources necessary to live a heart healthy life,” said Mary McGowan, Interim Chief Executive Office of WomenHeart. “We look forward to supporting women throughout the country as they strive for better heart health!”

During the past three years, Burlington and its generous customers have raised more than $3.4 million to support WomenHeart and its free education and support services for women living with heart disease in communities throughout the country. It also enabled the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high risk population for heart disease – through its Para la Mujer Hispana initiative.

About Burlington
Burlington is a national off-price retailer offering style for less with up to 65 percent off department store prices every day. Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children’s clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington has 542 stores in 44 States and Puerto Rico. For more, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.

About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the first and still only nation’s only patient centered organization serving the 42 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. WomenHeart is solely devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, physicians, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To receive a free online heart health action kit or to donate, visit www.womenheart.org/.

[i] Go A S, Mozaffarian, D, Roger, V L, Benjamin E J, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2014 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation 2014. Pg. 122, pg. 208, pg. 209, pg. 122, pg. 204, pg. 202, pg. 203, pg. 77, pg. 39 & pg. 66.

[ii] Orenstein, B. W. (2014, January 21). 10 Surprises About Heart-Healthy Exercise. Retrieved from URL

McLaren-Honda Reveals the New MP4-30

January 29, 2015

American Honda Motor Co Inc MP4-30 — McLaren-Honda Reveals the New MP4-30

McLaren-Honda Reveals the New MP4-30

WOKING, United Kingdom, Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — McLaren-Honda revealed its new racing car, MP4-30, for the upcoming 2015 FIA* Formula One (F1) World Championship. This elegant car is fitted with Honda’s 1.6 liter V6 engine, the RA615H.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150129/172413

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

The MP4-30 is an important first step as McLaren and Honda progress towards a successful future and a strong partnership.

For more information about the McLaren-Honda announcement:
http://www.mclaren.com/formula1

A Celebration Of Hope For Two Latino Patients Of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

January 29, 2015

A Celebration Of Hope For Two Latino Patients Of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Spanish publication El Clasificado teams up with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to celebrate two Latino teen patients.

Singers Chiquis Rivera and Kevin Ortiz made surprise appearances

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a recent event at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, patients Kevin Mercado and Ricardo Hernandez, diagnosed with leukemia and cystic fibrosis, respectively, were honored with a special celebration by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and El Clasificado. The special event served as a celebration of birthdays, but more importantly, a celebration of life of these two teen Latinos facing devastating diseases. The festivities took extra care to make sure that the two teens, who are big fans of music, video games, and soccer, were entertained throughout the party, which included a video game bus, music by Erika Vidrio, radio host for La Raza, and DJ Santa Rosa, as well as an LA Galaxy station.

Several well-known and respected personalities joined the celebration to show their support for the two Latino patients, including Jorge Miramontes, news anchor for Telemundo’s ‘Al Rojo Vivo’ and who also served as the event emcee, and renowned Los Angeles surgeon, Ricardo Zapanta and his wife, founders of Los Compadres, a philanthropic support group at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, who also emphasized the importance of these events to continue their support to who need it the most.

Kevin Ortiz, Latin pop singer and brother to award-winning singer Gerardo Ortiz, delighted the audience by performing his single “La Indicada,” and superstar Chiquis Rivera, American Regional Mexican singer and the eldest daughter of Latin Grammy nominated singer Jenni Rivera, attended the event in what was her first visit to the hospital since the death of her mother. Jenni Rivera was a huge supporter of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and her family, including Chiquis, often visited the hospital.

The event concluded with two beautiful cakes, courtesy of Marissa’s Cake and decorations courtesy of Elite Flower; several gifts that included shirts from Riot Society and Al Borde; DVD’s of ‘The Book of Life’, from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment; and posters of Gerardo Ortiz. Acknowledgements also included Cesar Vasquez and VideoGameBus.

About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital in California and among the top five in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. Children’s Hospital is also one of America’s premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

About El Clasificado
El Clasificado, an EC Hispanic Media company, is a multi-media publication and advertising solutions company with advertising platforms in print, online, and grassroots events. More than 1.5 million readers utilize the free Spanish language publication every week. El Clasificado, a verified publication with a weekly circulation of 510,000, is distributed in over 300 cities throughout Southern California and the Central Valley. EC Hispanic media also owns the monthly publication El Punto and special supplement Quinceanera.com and the websites, elclasificado.com, susociodenegocios.com, alborde.com, and quinceanera.com

Media Contact: Gabriela Alvarado, 323-837-4063

Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romance For Lovebirds On Valentine’s Day and Every Day

January 29, 2015

Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romance For Lovebirds On Valentine’s Day and Every Day

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida, Jan. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Guests can celebrate their love with their significant other on Valentine’s Day and every day at the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World Resort. Throughout the 40-square-mile playground there’s simple and luxurious splurges for couples of all ages — from moonlit strolls and stolen kisses aboard attractions to pampering spas and intimate dining for two.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150128/172009

The four Walt Disney World theme parks and 26 resort hotels create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance. Gazing at dazzling fireworks, a surrey bike ride for two at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas Resort, or a leisurely swing beachside at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences.

Here’s a few options for lovebirds:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together… – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/WDW-SPAS.

DowntownDisney for a duo – Treat that special Valentine with tickets to “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil, and add a three-course meal at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, Splitsville Luxury Lanes or Planet Hollywood. For details on the special ‘Dinner & Show’ package, visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers. Then, take your love to new heights for a 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond on board Characters in Flight, a tethered balloon that rises gently into the Florida sky. Pick up a token of your affection at the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Six innovative specialty boutiques are housed under one roof.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with that special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to rise to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at the newly reimagined California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Situated on the 15^th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks. The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.
Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.
One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.
Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine. Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse, with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ – The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, more than 1,000 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could the ceremony come complete with Cinderella’s glass coach, a handsome major domo carrying wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or Mickey and Minnie greeting guests at the reception?

Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.

And honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts. To book a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon call 321/939-4623 or visit the website at disneyhoneymoons.com

Renewing Vows – Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.

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