First Look at Commemorative Products for Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side in April 2016

The first-ever Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side will take place at Walt Disney World Resort on April 14-17, 2016. Today, I'm excited to share a first look at some commemorative merchandise created especially for this inaugural event.

Participants will find several different programs designed for the various races taking place throughout the weekend.

There will be an overall Marathon Weekend logo program that includes a silhouette of Darth Vader and an image of a Stormtrooper running. This logo will be used on apparel, home goods and a commemorative banner.

We will also have an assortment for those guests running in the Star Wars Half Marathon. I particularly like the tagline on the back of the jacket. Other items will include pins, car magnets, hats, and apparel for both women and men.

There will be an entire assortment similar to the Half Marathon product for those guests participating in the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge, the ultimate test combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon.

Guests should also look for smaller assortments created for the Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K and the runDisney Kids Races.

In addition to shirts for the 5K and 10K races, "I Did It" shirts will be offered for the Half Marathon and Dark Side Challenge races.

Two shirts and a limited release pin will celebrate those guests earning the Kessel Run Commemorative Medal. I love the Millennium Falcon-inspired design for these items.

Finally, we're releasing three new Dooney & Bourke handbags for this event. The tote and Crossbody bag will have a leather hang tag that includes the event logo and an image of Darth Vader.

Look for these commemorative items and more during runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Expo will be open during the following times:

• Thursday, April 14 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 15 – 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, April 16 – 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Sizzles at Epcot June 5 – July 23

Three new acts will join the Sounds Like Summer concert series as some of the world's best tribute bands rock World Showcase in a few months at Epcot.

Bands paying tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac, Tina Turner and Bruce Springsteen are new in 2016. Don't Look Back – A Tribute to Boston kicks off the seven week series starting June 5.

Here's a look at the lineup: (entertainment and times are subject to change)

• June 5-11: Don't Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
• June 12-18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
• June 19-24: Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
• June 25-July 1: Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
• July 2-9: Stayin' Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• July 10-16: Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
• July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Performances are included with regular Epcot admission. Show times are: 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily. Who will I catch you singing along to?

Today in Disney History: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Opens, 1995

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park splashed onto the scene and officially opened at Walt Disney World Resort on April 1, 1995.

Covering more than 60 acres, this ski resort-themed water playground has been giving guests the chance to experience big thrills and relaxing ways to chill out for more than 20 years.

Today, you're probably most familiar with the park's iconic Mount Gushmore, a snow-capped, 90-foot-high peak, on top of which sits the "launch pad" for Summit Plummet.

This 120-foot long slide sends thrill-seeking guests sliding down a 12-story drop at up to 60 mph and claimed world records for free-fall speed slides when it opened.

One of the other favorite attractions is the colorful chairlift that takes you to up the mountain. Then you just have to choose an exciting way to slide back down!

Tell us your favorite 'snowy' memory from Blizzard Beach in the comments.