Christinie Wuennenberg claims that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Inc., her son’s employer, was responsible for his death because of negligent conduct.

The NTSB report on the incident stated that the crash happened when a switch failed to change position. According to WESH2 news, a number of negligent activities were at fault resulting in the crash including  Disney knowing the front (and rear) of monorails were unable to protect against a head-on collision; the MAPO safety alert system being disengaged and drivers not occupying the rear of the monorail (an apparent safety procedure that is required when the MAPO system is off-line), and the supervisor in charge of the area was not on-site, rather in a nearby restaurant.

Both OSHA and the National Transportation Safety Board have said that the switch did not happen properly, and that they found no evidence of mechanical error in the equipment involved.

ESPN, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, is building a research facility titled the ‘ESPN Innovation Lab’ at Disney’s Wide World of Sports according to the Orlando Sentinel. The facility will allow ESPN to test new technologies like virtual graphics during events held at Walt Disney World. Concepts such as the ‘EA Virtual Playbook’ could be tested here first before being rolled out to larger events.

ESPN believes the Wide World of Sports area will be an ideal place to do research on new broadcasting concepts for actual usage since the venue is used year round. The lab is going to be housed in a renovated building and will likely include large windows for guests to view the staff at work.

Five employees for ESPN have already moved to the area from ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, CT, to begin working at the lab. It is expected to formally open this fall.

The Washington Post is reporting that the Walt Disney Company has purchased a 15-acre lot in Prince George’s County 8 miles south of Washington D.C. on the Potomac River. The lot is in the National Harbor development area. Disney is planning to build a 500-room hotel resort on the land and be one of the anchors for a 300-acre development that strives to be a conference and convention destination.

Even during the slow economic times, Disney has indicated it will be going ahead with the project but would not provide a time line for the construction.

“The addition of Disney as a partner to the National Harbor mix validates and fulfills the shared vision that we will be a world-class waterfront destination resort,” said Milton V. Peterson, chairman of Peterson Cos said. “It’s an extraordinary compliment in this economy.”

According to Travel Agent Central, kids (the 12 and under kind) can sail free on most three-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two paying guests in the same stateroom. The offer is valid for most sailings between January 22 to May 28, 2009 and covers a wide range of room types. Bookings can be done through the Disney Cruise Lines web site and phone line.

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has won the Disney Spirit Award which is given to college football’s most inspirational figure. Tebow will be presented with the award at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, December. 11th and will be televised live on ESPN.

Tebow said “I would like to accept this award on behalf of those who inspire me and give the credit to my Lord, my family, my coaches and my teammates at the University of Florida. I’ve always been very passionate about football, but it is not going to be my life’s work forever and I’d like to think that I am not defined by it. To be recognized by Disney Sports for the way I try to use my platform to spread my message about faith and to join the list of recipients of this award is a blessing and it is very, very humbling.”