By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

Central Floridians will brave freezing temperatures this weekend at the Walt Disney World Marathon.
About 50,000 athletes are expected at the weekend events, which include a Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Osceola County, a 5K Fun Run at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, Kids' Races at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the event’s two signature races —  the Disney Half Marathon today (Saturday) at 5:40 a.m. and the Disney Full Marathon Sunday at 5:40 a.m.
Runners get the unique chance to high-five favorite Disney characters during the weekend.  

Spectators can find the best places to view the marathon and even track favorite runners online.

There is more information at http://disneyworldsports
.disney.go.com at the marathon page.

And there is more Disney news.

Even if you are on a tight budget, the Disney theme parks just got a bit more affordable for Florida residents.
Disney World has announced a new 4-day Dream Pass. Now through May 25, Florida residents can get four days’ admission to any of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for $99; ages 3-9 is $84.
The Dream Pass includes admission to any of the four parks on any four days (excluding blockout periods). The pass is only good for one park per day. Blockout dates are March 27-April 9. Proof of Florida residency is required. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to  disneyworld.com/99.

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Get ready to slide into a new adventure at SeaWorld's Aquatic water park this spring.
Omaka Rocka is the first waterslide of its kind, and features high-speed tubes and half-pipe funnels.
 Riders speed down flumes into massive funnels, sliding high up one side and then the other, rocking back and forth, feeling a sensation of near weightlessness, according to SeaWorld officials.  
Coming out of the funnel, they’ll skim into a drenching splashdown.
The waterslide approximates the experience of skateboarders and snowboarders.
To discover more about Aquatica, go to AquaticaBySeaWorld.com.

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Coming soon to SeaWorld and Bush Gardens is Bands, Brew & Barbecues, on Saturdays and Sundays.
Held each weekend in February at both theme parks, the event features live performances from country and classic rock stars as well as barbecue and cold beer. The event also includes all the attractions, rides and shows at the theme parks.
The Saturday concert schedule at SeaWorld includes:
Feb. 6: LeAnn Rimes.
Feb. 13: Montgomery Gentry.
Feb. 20: John Rich of Big & Rich,
Feb. 27: Yes.
The Sunday concert schedule  at Busch Gardens in-cludes:
Feb. 7: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx.
Feb. 14: Willie Nelson.
Feb. 21: Huey Lewis and the News.
Feb.  28: Pat Benatar and  Neil Giraldo.
 Bands, Brew & BBQ is included in any single-day admission or with an annual pass. Go to SeaWorldOrlando.com or BuschGardensTampaBay.com for more information or to buy  tickets or the 2010 Fun Card.