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| Give a Day, Get a Disney Day - Saturday, February 13, 2010
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Walt Disney World 2010: ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’
Anchors a Year of New Beginnings, Many Happy Returns
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With a turn of the calendar comes a twist to the celebrating: In 2010, Disney Parks will join in the celebration, saluting those guests who devote their hearts and hands to make their communities better places. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization in 2010 will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.The program, called “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day,” anchors a year when ground will be broken on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, Disney sports becomes more invigorating than ever, Disney Cruise Line introduces new entertainment and activities, and Walt Disney World theme parks and Downtown Disney present 2010 editions of popular festivals and events.
Here’s a brief look …
“Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” (beginning Jan. 1) – Disney hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program that “rewards” volunteer service with admission for a day to a Disney theme park. To enable people to sign up for an eligible volunteer project, Disney is working with HandsOn Network, the nation’s largest volunteer network. Starting Jan. 1, 2010, guests can go to www.DisneyParks.com for the United States and Puerto Rico or www.DisneyParks.ca for Canada to search for volunteer opportunities available in those areas through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. Many of the opportunities will be for projects that entire families with children age 6 or older can participate in together.
Disney’s Honorary VoluntEARS Cavalcade (beginning Jan. 8) – Each afternoon just before the daily parade at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (and at Disneyland Park in California), Muppets characters and parade dancers will join special floats and vehicles celebrating volunteerism and presenting Honorary VoluntEARS serving as Grand Marshals of the parades. Kermit, Miss Piggy and Sweetums will be part of the merriment, while the dancers will be donning outfits that celebrate the work of volunteers.
Fantasyland expansion – An early-2010 groundbreaking will mark the beginning of a three-year construction project that will result in a vastly expanded Magic Kingdom Fantasyland. When the project is completed (tentative timetable is 2013), guests will be able to:
- visit a Disney princess in her castle, cottage or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty’s birthday with the Good Fairies; or join Belle in an enchanting story performance in the Beast’s castle library.
- “Be Our Guest” and dine in one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast’s castle.
- Fly with Dumbo high above brand-new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction with a new interactive, three-ring circus tent.
- Journey under the sea with Ariel, the Little Mermaid, in her very own attraction.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex relaunch (February 2010) – A re-imagining project involving ESPN and the Disney sports complex, the leading multi-sport venue in the nation, aims to create immersive and entertaining sports experiences for athletes, coaches and fans by incorporating signature elements of ESPN in ways that will connect athletes and coaches with their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. Guests will discover a new welcome center, a digital center where video captured by 44 cameras across the 220-acre sports campus is edited for display on 40 video screens and two “jumbotrons” throughout the complex as part of a veritable “Wide World of SportsCenter,” and the new ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, technical staff will continue work in the Innovation Lab to develop ground-breaking ESPN on-air products – using the action throughout the complex as a real-world testing environment.
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay enhancements (by summer 2010) – Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island paradise in the tropical waters of the Bahamas, is getting an extra dose of pixie dust – providing guests with more water-based family-fun, additional conveniences and a slice of beachside luxury all designed to complement the idyllic island setting. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
- Guests can slide and splash at a new water feature called Pelican Plunge, a 2,400-square-foot floating platform located within swimming distance from shore and featuring an enclosed corkscrew waterslide, a 140-foot-long open waterslide, a giant water-filled “bucket dump” and four water cannons.
- A brand-new, 2,400-square-foot water play area called Spring-a-Leak helps guests cool off while immersing
- The Castaway Family Beach is being extended by more than 700 feet for families to enjoy the pristine white sand, build sand castles, relax in the shade under an umbrella and take a dip in the warm azure waters of the lagoon. Dotting the expanded Castaway Family Beach are 16 new family cabanas offering the privacy and luxury of a deluxe beach retreat.
Disney Cruise Line spectacle “Villains Tonight!” (March 27 premiere) – The first full-scale musical production dedicated to the Disney villains, the show is a family-friendly, fun-filled musical extravaganza that places these famous characters in some irreverent funny moments. “Villains Tonight!” features a “Who’s Who” of the Disney villains, including Disney’s newest crook, Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog.” The show also features classic divas and scoundrels such as Ursula (“The Little Mermaid”), the Evil Queen (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”), Captain Hook (“Peter Pan”) and Scar (“The Lion King”). The revue-style show initially will be showcased on the Disney Magic and then will delight guests aboard the new Disney Dream cruise ship in early 2011.
Disney Cruise Line European Season Port Adventures (summer 2010) – To help families better explore the culture and wonder of Europe, Disney Cruise Line is working closely with local tour operators to create family-friendly Port Adventures for 10- and 11-night Mediterranean voyages and 12-night Northern Europe cruises in summer 2010. Developed specifically for Disney Cruise Line guests, these adventures feature Disney touches designed to entertain and inspire both children and adults while providing an impeccable level of guest service that pays close attention to the special travel needs of families. While every port of call will offer Port Adventures for families to enjoy together, many tours integrate separate activities for children and adults. While kids are engaged in age-appropriate activities supervised by youth counselors from the ship, parents are given the opportunity to explore cultural sites and points of interest in greater depth. Examples, depending on voyage:
- A Prince and Princess Ball in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the majestic Catherine Palace hosted by Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. Arriving by horse-drawn carriages, the princesses and their princes will entertain guests in the gilded Grand Ballroom. Live musicians and royal courtiers resplendent in period costumes and powdered wigs add to the ambiance and lead guests in song, dance and regal revelry.
- Sidi Bou Said Treasure Hunt in Tunis, a family-friendly quest that brings to life the culture, sites, sounds and flavors of this destination by following a series of clues. During this adventure, families visit a traditional Tunisian house, learn about the origin of Sidi Bou Said from a local storyteller, receive a hand-painted henna tattoo, bargain with local merchants for a keepsake water vessel, sip freshly prepared mint tea and get their name written in Arabic as a souvenir.
- Tuscan Cooking School in La Spezia, where an Italian chef provides one-on-one instruction and guides the hands-on preparation of an authentic Tuscan meal. Guests enjoy their culinary creations such as antipasto, grilled meats, pasta, focaccia and cantucci – traditional Tuscan almond biscotti – while sampling wines bottled onsite at the farmhouse.
Walt Disney World “signature” events and festivals (throughout 2010) – The 2010 editions of eight guest-favorite theme park special events and the longest-running Walt Disney World special event, at Downtown Disney, plus the return of marquee sports events will dot the calendar throughout the year. In fact, there will be at least one special event happening on more than 160 days. Guest celebrities – from horticultural gurus to culinary wizards to national recording artists to stars of the stage and screen to heroes of courts and fields – will participate in events such as ESPN The Weekend, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, Night of Joy, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Holidays Around The World. More than 100 award-winning visual artists from across the country will “show off” at the 36th annual Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney. Disney’s iconic “big cheese” will host Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select evenings. Stars from the top tier of professional baseball, professional golf and college basketball will compete when Walt Disney World Resort plays host to the Atlanta Braves’ baseball spring training, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic for PGA TOUR players, and the Old Spice Classic college basketball tournament.
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| The Holiday Season and Events - Saturday, January 09, 2010
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Trees glisten and Cinderella Castle sparkles. “Snow” flurries flutter, adding a sprinkle of magic to the scene. The stage is set for the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort – complete with the debut of a “very merry” stage show and several new Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators, plus the return of grand seasonal traditions. To welcome the winter wonderland season, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear and Mike Wazowski will host a rockin’ Christmas party in the new stage show “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!” as part of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select evenings at Magic Kingdom. This interactive musical revue features “songs of the season” in the style of today’s hottest Radio Disney hits. For a more traditional holiday celebration, guests can get in the spirit with the Candlelight Processional at Epcot where Vanessa Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Anika Noni Rose and Isabella Rossellini will join the lineup of 12 celebrity narrators who will retell the joyous Christmas story on select nights. By late November, themed décor will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and 24 resorts unwrap their sleighs full of yuletide gaiety. Here’s a closer look at the transformation into a winter wonderland ... Castle Dreamlights! at Magic Kingdom – During this year’s “What Will You Celebrate?,” guests can behold twinkling lights of one of Disney’s newest holiday traditions – Castle Dreamlights! – beginning Nov. 10 at Magic Kingdom. Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment. With 200,000 sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic castle, the glistening light-show spectacular signals the beginning of Disney’s seasonal merriment. |
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom – Nov. 10 marks the first of 19 select evenings when the theme park hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special-ticket event, guests are treated to the new stage show “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!,” “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular, plus special shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their holiday finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more. Magic Kingdom’s newest stage show, “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas!,” features Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and a jubilant cast of party-goers who discover the true meaning of the season during their annual Christmas party.
The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festivities with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, a horse-drawn sleigh, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.
During “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” Cinderella Castle beams brightly as the evening is capped with eye-popping fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes. Select attractions also are open throughout the evening. And while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimmings for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18. Advance tickets are suggested as some nights are expected to sell out. Advance tickets and information for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are available now by visiting www.disneyworld.com/christmasparty or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, the Streets of America glow with millions of dancing lights and animated displays Nov. 10 through Jan. 4, 2010 (except Nov. 22).Amid gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses. The spectacle actually starts behind the scenes while the summer temperatures are still on the rise in Florida as dozens of Disney “elves” begin their meticulous work on more than 10 miles of rope lights, 130 angels, 44 snow machines and more.
Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney. There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, the World of Disney store, Team Mickey Athletic Club and LEGO Imagination Center. Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list – Tren-D, the newest designer boutique; Basin bath and body shop; Arribas Brothers; Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop; Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more –and enjoy the dazzling light display, holiday décor and special entertainment that adorns the Downtown Disney streets Nov. 17-Jan. 3, 2010. At Downtown Disney Marketplace, guests can meet Santa himself Nov. 17-26 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Nov. 27-Dec. 24 from noon to 10 p.m. (subject to change).
And starting Dec. 25, guests can pose with Santa Goofy through Jan. 3 at Santa’s Chalet from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Confections Sweeten Vacation Kingdom – Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in fanciful fashion, creating larger-than-life displays from edible ingredients all across Walt Disney World Resort. The sweet scent of gingerbread fills the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house is constructed for the holidays. To create the 16-foot-high dream house, Walt Disney World pastry chefs use 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel silently spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.
Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line Santa’s wish list could include a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked “to the rafters” with holiday cheer. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, with traditional “turkey day” fare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. Beginning Nov. 21, special stem-to-stern events on both ships include: nightly King Triton’s Tree Lighting of a glittering, three-deck-tall tree; family crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating animation cels; storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions; feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms; and “Til We Meet Again,” a special seasonal edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise.
Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World– International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 27-Dec. 30 when storytellers such as Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy and Santa Claus in The American Adventure share the traditions of the season and spread the message of goodwill.As a “nightcap” to each day, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – a kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music – takes on a spirited holiday finale. Candlelight Processional at Epcot A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 27-Dec. 30.Presented at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. nightly, Candlelight Processional features celebrity narrators who retell the joyous Christmas story.The narration is interspersed with memorable music. |
| World Showcase Packs Culinary Punch - Saturday, November 28, 2009World Showcase Packs Culinary Punch
Sept. 25-Nov. 8 at 14th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival From Barcelona to Buenos Aires, Dozens of ‘Foodie Cities’ Serve Blissful Bites
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Epcot kitchens turn up the heat for a global tasting experience worthy of every palate Sept. 25-Nov. 8 at the 14th annual Epcot International Food &Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. During the six-week, entertainment-packed event, park guests can taste fine cuisine and wines from top “foodie” cities of the world.
Festival guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade highlighting tastes from cities on six continents, including Bologna, Italy; Bangkok, Thailand; Wellington, New Zealand; Santiago, Chile; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; and, from the United States – New Orleans. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $2 to $7 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. Puglia, Italy, returns as a sponsor this year, presenting culinary demonstrations with regional chefs and showcasing Adventures of Pasta and Olive Oils.
Festival highlights include:
· Daily wine and beer tastings.
· A series of special culinary programs featuring a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
· New programs like Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining and Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen.
· Popular returning events such as French Regional Lunches at Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion, Epcot Wine Schools, Food and Wine Pairings and Sweet Sundays.
· Some 250 chefs including Disney chefs and guest chefs from across the country. Guest chefs scheduled to appear are Warren Brown, Cat Cora, Jamie and Bobby Deen, Keegan Gerhard, Jeff Henderson, Robert Irvine, Art Smith, Jacques Torres, Alan Wong, Andrew Zimmern and many other culinary stars.
· Weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event with tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment – this year, for the first time, with a different theme each week.
· Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, educational wine seminars, celebrity chef book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and an official festival cookbook.
Epcot’s live regional entertainment is scheduled throughout each day along the promenade and the festival’s signature Eat to the Beat! concert series kicks the party up a couple of notches – featuring acts from many musical genres including classic rock, jazz, R&B, funk and soul. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon.
Scheduled to appear on the Eat to the Beat! stage this year are such hit makers as Richard Marx (“Hold On to the Nights”), Billy Ocean (“Caribbean Queen”), En Vogue (“Free Your Mind”) and Boyz II Men (“Motownphilly”). (Entertainment, performers, dates and times are subject to change.)
Included with Epcot Admission:
Samuel Adams beer seminars, Authentic Taste seminars and Authors without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural adventures, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Signature Dining, Epcot Wine Schools, Sweet Sundays, and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
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| New La Cava del Tequila Serves Up Tastes of Mexican Tequila Heritage - Saturday, November 28, 2009
New La Cava del Tequila Serves Up Tastes of Mexican Tequila Heritage
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Tasty tequilas and mouthwatering margaritas are on tap at La Cava del Tequila, a new offering for Epcot guests to explore the heritage and tradition of tequila-making in Mexico.
Tucked away in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot, La Cava del Tequila beckons guests with more than 70 types of authentic tequila, ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all, aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the agave plant. Tequilas range in price from $8 to $50 for a specialty tequila.
Amid warm décor, art work and original artifacts all celebrating the Mexican heritage, a “Tequila Ambassador” is on hand to educate Walt Disney World guests on the history of tequila-making.
Also on the drink menu: Exotic and uniquely blended margaritas, introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists. A variety of quick tastes, tapas style, will be available, including freshly made guacamole and ceviche as well as mahi mahi tostadas with diced mango and avocado and blue crab tostados with chipotle mayo and Valentina sauce.
The 30-seat La Cava del Tequila is open from noon until Epcot park closing time. It is connected to the famous San Angel Inn as part of the Mexico pavilion, a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests.
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| Hot Air Balloon Ride at Downtown Disney - Friday, June 19, 2009
| TINKER BELL VIEWS: Downtown Disney guests get lofty, Tinker Bell views of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond as they soar to rarified heights in a new attraction now open every day (weather permitting) at Downtown Disney West Side near Pleasure Island. |
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TINKER BELL VIEWS: Downtown Disney guests get lofty, Tinker Bell views of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond as they soar to rarified heights in a new attraction now open every day (weather permitting) at Downtown Disney West Side near Pleasure Island. Characters in Flight, operated by Aerophile, is a bright yellow tethered gas balloon with whimsical appliques featuring a dozen of Disney's animated flying characters in silhouette such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. Characters in Flight rises into the Florida sky carrying up to 30 passengers to an altitude of 400 feet. Tickets are $16 adults and $10 for children ages 3-9. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis. |
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| UP, UP AND AWAY!: Characters from the Disney-Pixar animated comedy "UP" land at Disney's - Monday, June 15, 2009
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UP, UP AND AWAY!: Characters from the new Disney-Pixar animated comedy "UP" made a surprise visit May 14, 2009 to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The three characters -- (L-R): Russell, an eight-year-old Wilderness Explorer; Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman; and Dug, a dog -- pose in front of the park's Sorcerer Hat icon. Beginning May 15, the three characters will make regular meet-and-greet appearances for guests inside the theme park's "Magic of Disney Animation" attraction. "UP," the 10th film from Disney-Pixar, debuts in U.S. theaters nationwide on May 29, 2009. (Gene Duncan, photographer) |
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| Pirates League - Sunday, June 07, 2009
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THE PIRATES LEAGUE: Magic Kingdom guests of all ages will be transformed into swashbuckling pirates when The Pirates League makes a Summer, 2009 debut at Walt Disney World Resort. The transformational experience in Adventureland bestows new names on pirate recruits, puts them through a pirate makeover including beards and eye patches and steeps them in the pirate ways, including access to a secret pirate treasure. Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life start the process by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax. Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. |
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| Earth Takes Center Stage - Saturday, May 16, 2009
| EARTH' TAKES CENTER STAGE: |
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Guests of the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort can see amazing creations made entirely of sand to celebrate the new theatrical release "Earth," presented by Disneynature, debuting nationwide April 22, 2009. The 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. (Photo by Mary) |
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| Free Dining Plan - Sunday, April 19, 2009
Walt Disney World Guests Can Celebrate with "Free Dining Plan" Vacation Package Offer
Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will have extra reason to celebrate with a great vacation offer that features the popular Disney Dining Plan for free.
Guests buying a five-night/six-day room and theme park ticket package for stays most nights from Aug. 16 to Oct. 3, 2009, can enjoy the Disney Dining Plan for free. The plan includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal at up to 100 restaurants for each night of the package stay.
With this special offer, a family of four can get a five-night stay at a select Disney Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way base ticket (with free dining) for as little as:
- $1,390 in a standard room at a Disney Value Resort
- $1,764 in a standard room at a Disney Moderate Resort
- $2,276 in a standard room at Disney's Wilderness Lodge or Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
- $2,586 in a studio at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort or Disney’s Old Key West Resort.*
Guests taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their visit. Throughout 2009, Disney Parks asks guests "What Will You Celebrate?" and guests of Walt Disney World can revel in new attractions, entertainment and services that allow them to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.
The package can be booked now through June 21, 2009 at disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (407/934-7639) or their local travel agent and asking for package code RYH.
* Prices are based on two adults, one junior (ages 10 to 17) and one child (ages 3 to 9). The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Excludes gratuities.
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| Celebrity Chef Cat Cora To Open New Walt Disney World Restaurant - Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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Celebrity Chef Cat Cora To Open New Walt Disney World Restaurant |
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 17, 2009) -- Chef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together to open an exciting new family dining restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Kouzzina by Cat Cora will feature a menu of Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to the chef’s Greek roots.
The restaurant, to be owned and operated by Disney, is scheduled to open by fall 2009 in the space currently occupied by Spoodles.
“I am pleased to welcome Cat Cora and her engaging new concept for Kouzzina to the Walt Disney World Resort,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This collaboration between Cat and Disney represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to offer unique culinary experiences and choices for our guests.”
As a Mississippi native born to a family of Greek restaurateurs, Cora grew up immersed in two different and flavorful cultures , and has taken from that unique background the kitchen “know-how” handed down through generations. The cuisine at Kouzzina (Greek for “kitchen” and pronounced “koo-zee-nah”) will showcase Mediterranean cuisine and Chef Cora’s philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals.
Cora said that the new restaurant will feature “time-honored recipes passed down from my ancestors, as well as my favorite Greek and Mediterranean dishes that my family loves.”
She began working with Disney in 2008 by creating a Disney Video on Demand series to showcase ways to help families develop more healthy eating habits. “I’m extremely excited about this latest extension of my relationship with Disney,” she said. “Together, we’re going to develop a truly amazing contemporary Mediterranean restaurant.”
The first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's hit show “Iron Chef America,” Cora is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She also is Executive Chef for Bon Appétit magazine. In addition to hosting the instructional cooking demonstrations for Disney Video on Demand, Cora has been a featured chef at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort.
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| BLOOMING GOOD TIMES: - Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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BLOOMING GOOD TIMES:
The 16th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort takes place March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
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| 2009 EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival - Tuesday, March 03, 2009
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BAMBI IN A FIELD OF FLOWERS -- A Bambi topiary stands in a field of wildflowers during the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Plant material is placed artfully and manicured carefully to create original topiary displays. Elsewhere in the park, Epcot blooms with more than 30 million colorful blossoms, fanciful Disney-themed topiaries, interactive activities for kids, musical concerts and gardening workshops during this annual spring festival.
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| Disney's Marathon - Monday, January 19, 2009
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SEIS!: Brazil's Adriano Bastos breaks the tape at the finish line Jan. 11, 2009, amid a sea of confetti in celebrating his fifth straight Walt Disney World Marathon. The victory gave Bastos his sixth Disney Marathon win overall. (Matt Stroshane, photographer) |
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| Holiday Wishes - Sunday, January 11, 2009
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“Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. |
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| Ice Castle - Monday, January 05, 2009 |
| Enchanting Tradition - Friday, November 21, 2008
ENCHANTING TRADITION --: On 18 select evenings in November and December, guests can experience the enchanting "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This favorite special after-hours party takes place inside the Magic Kingdom theme park. |
| Festival of the Masters - Thursday, November 06, 2008
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ARTFUL MOUSE: Pictured is a piece of artwork created for the 2008 Festival of the Masters art festival. The lakeside setting of Downtown Disney becomes the backdrop for more than 150 artisans displaying original creations during the 33rd annual Festival of the Masters at Walt Disney World Resort, Nov. 7-9, 2008. Festival of the Masters, presented by Sharpie, is a nationally recognized art show which is ranked among the country’s best outdoor art festivals each year. Festival hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Admission is complimentary. For more information about Festival of the Masters, guests may contact 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival. |
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| Fairy Meet and Greet - Thursday, October 30, 2008
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A FAIRY FUN TIME: To celebrate the animated film "Tinker Bell," Disney's most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in a meet-and-greet experience in Mickey's Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom. To meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends, guests enter a magical forest called "Pixie Hollow," a special place deep in the heart of Never Land. Tinker Bell (center), made famous in the 1953 Disney animated classic "Peter Pan," for her "hostess" role in Disney television specials and for "flying" above the Disney theme parks, is joined inside Pixie Hollow by four fairy friends: Iridessa (left), a light fairy; Fawn (second from left), an animal fairy; Rosetta (second from right), a garden fairy; and Silvermist (right), a water fairy. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)
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| Lively Louisiana -- at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - Thursday, October 23, 2008
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Lively Louisiana -- Guests enjoy the fast tempos of Cajun zydeco as southern Louisiana's own Zydecane performed during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort. The rich heritage and uniqueness of the state is represented in regional fare, entertainment, art, and storytelling throughout the six-week fest. Louisiana serves up a musical gumbo with the following bands slated to perform: Oct. 19-22 Dixie Tradition, Dixieland jazz; Oct. 23-26 Professor Porkchop, New Orleans jazz and keyboardist; Oct. 27-Nov. 1 Pine Leaf Boys, Cajun band; Nov. 2-5 Bagasse Boyz, bluegrass band; and Nov. 6-9 Judy Davis and Kenny Acosta Band, blues/jazz and New Orleans street beat. The Epcot Internationa Food & Wine Festival continues through Nov. 9 with food and wine tastings, seminars, concerts and more. |
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| T-Rex Dining - Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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ICE-ASAURUS: A replica Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil greets diners in the Ice Cave dining area of "T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop and Discover" at Downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 600-seat restaurant, operated by Landry's Restaurants, combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. Guests at "T-Rex" can enjoy life-size animatronic dinosaurs, cascading waterfalls and bubbling geysers while choosing from a menu including appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches and desserts. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
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| UNDER THE SEA - Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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UNDER THE SEA: Larger-than-life replicas of prehistoric sea creatures combine with giant aquariums of exotic fish in the lounge area of "T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop and Discover" at Downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 600-seat restaurant, operated by Landry's Restaurants, combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. Guests at "T-Rex" can enjoy life-size animatronic dinosaurs, cascading waterfalls and bubbling geysers while choosing from a menu including appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches and desserts. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
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| Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2008 - Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look. Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball. Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.
For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon – bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 26 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.
Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.
Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.
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| Happy HallowWishes - Tuesday, October 07, 2008 |
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