I love fall. It is one of my favorite seasons. The fall signifies I’m another year older, but more importantly it is the start of college football season. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, so growing up the fall was always filled with tradition. For the past several years, we have released a series of pins celebrating these football traditions called “Rivalry Weekends.” Gosh, there are some classic rivalries!

The Rivalry Weekends collection was first introduced 2007 by John Smith, former Product Developer for limited edition pins (funny thing is he now develops sports product for Disney). The first set of pins saw four classic rivalries. We then took a year off (still not sure why) and then introduced another set in 2009. The theme last year was “Game On” (which was a popular phrase often uttered by John).

This brings us to this year and the 2010 collection titled, “Game Time.” The collection will again include four classic match ups. The pins are limited release which means they don’t have a finite production number. You may also notice that the pins are focused on teams from the east coast of the United States (mostly because they will be released in Florida).

I’m often asked why we don’t feature more teams. Believe it or not, there is a finite production budget each month for pins. We base many decisions about development on historic sales record, yet we like to try new things. This year we introduced a new rivalry – University of Alabama vs. University of Tennessee.

All of this brings me to one final question: which is the greatest college football rivalry today? I think you already know my answer. Look for these pins to be released on October 7, 2010, at Walt Disney World.

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Tagged: Pins, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World

You better believe there are some pooches being pampered tonight at Walt Disney World Resort. Our new luxury pet resort officially opened its doors today and the first guests are already enjoying the VIP suites and special extras like story time with staff. Earlier this summer, we told you about the one-of-a-kind Best Friends Pet Care facility located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort -Riverside. Now, we have a first look around:

There’s a 1,300-square-foot “canines only” splash-and-play water feature and areas where you can sit, relax and watch your dog play. The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.

A la carte activities for pets range from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other dogs to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Other amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.

The pet resort can accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding. For more information or to make a reservation, check out www.bestfriendspetcare.com or call 877-4-WDW-PETS.

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Tagged: WDW

Filed: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World

Today’s Night of Joy Blog Post spotlights a band who is no stranger to Night of Joy, MercyMe. 2010’s event will be the fifth time MercyMe has graced the Night of Joy stages with their talent and testimony.

The group is probably best known for one of the most iconic songs in Christian Music, “I Can Only Imagine,” the first Christian song to ever have been digitally downloaded one million times. MercyMe’s latest project, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, gave the band the highest chart debut of their career, bowing in at No. 3 in the nation on Billboard’s Top 200 SoundScan Chart, and No. 1 on the overall Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. The album’s message is simple – “love well” – extend kindness every day.

After a CD release party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in April, the guys stopped by the Magic Kingdom for a bit. Minnie put on her best “heart-filled” dress in honor of The Generous Mr. Lovewell, and its “heart” theme.

In keeping to the “Lovewell” theme, MercyMe continue to be big supporters of Compassion International , a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Compassion International has just signed on to be a sponsor of the Cinderella Castle stage at Night of Joy, where MercyMe will be performing.

Lead singer Bart Millard and the guys discuss the event’s return to the Magic Kingdom.

In addition to MercyMe, 2010 Christian music Artist of the Year Casting Crowns and past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day and Chris Tomlin head a star-powered 16-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole.

Night of Joy tickets and additional information about the event are available at www.nightofjoy.com.

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Tagged: MK, Night of Joy, Video, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World