Give Kids the World

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Walt Disney World Speedway to be Demolished for Magic Kingdom Parking Lot Expansion

Earlier this year the Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to close the Walt Disney World Speedway, known affectionately as the Mickyard. The Speedway is home to the Richard Petty Driving Experience and was the home of the Exotic Driving Experience, which closed this spring after a fatal accident.

Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway Officially Closing August 9

If you're hoping to drive a few laps around the Walt Disney World Speedway, you still have a few months. The closure of the Mickyard and the Richard Petty Driving Experience has been pushed back from June to August 9.

Disney VoluntEARS Earn $1 Million for Central Florida Nonprofits

In recognition of the ongoing efforts of the Disney VoluntEARS, the Walt Disney World Resort has announced plans to give more than $1 million to Central Florida nonprofits.

The monetary donations are being made through the company's EARS to You grants.

So far this year, The Walt Disney Company has given more than 1,500 EARS to You grants to nonprofits in honor of the 308,000 hours of community service that were donated by VoluntEARS in 2013.

Walt Disney World Works to Share the Magic Beyond the Theme Parks in Central Florida

Walt Disney World Resort employs nearly 70,000 cast members in Central Florida and they are committed to investing in the community and improving life in the area.

The contributions to the local community include millions of dollars in taxes for local governments, leadership on community issues, and support of non-profit organizations through thousands of volunteer hours by cast members.

Walt Disney World Resort Donates Money to Central Florida Charities in Recognition of Disney VoluntEARS

Throughout the month of June the Walt Disney World Resort donated nearly $1 million to nonprofits and community organizations in Central Florida in recognition of more than 230,000 hours donated by Disney VoluntEARS.

The funds - known at Disney EARS to You grants - were earmarked by cast members for 500 nonprofits and service groups, including Give Kids the World, SPCA of Central Florida, and the Central Florida Film Festival.

Disney Contributes Over $600,000 to VoluntEARS' Charities

They consistently provide outstanding customer service in and around the parks, and some Disney cast members take these skills into the central Florida community by being a Disney VoluntEAR. Turns out, this group of dedicated Disney employees volunteered some 228,000 hours of their time to various charities last year. Now, in addition to the hours of service, the Walt Disney Company is also contributing $686,950 to nearly 400 charities.

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Give Kids the World and the Power of 10

In case you haven't heard of it yet, Give Kids the World is a nonprofit that allows families with children that have life threatening illnesses to come to Central Florida and experience a cost-free dream vacation. In fact, some good friends of ours just spent a great Spring Break in Orlando thanks to Give Kids the World and the Make a Wish Foundation!