The Disney World Blog

Dateline Disney - July-August 2008

• Across Walt Disney World Resort: July 4th celebrated with special fireworks shows
• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania! scores topping 300,000 in first month; 'Prince Caspian' comes to life in new soundstage attraction
• Epcot: Tribute bands rock during Sounds Like Summer concert series; crab-catching TV stars from 'Deadliest Catch' appear at Norway pavilion
• Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Tampa Bay Bucs return for NFL Training Camp and guests invited to view practices
• Disney Resort Hotels: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa celebrates 20th anniversary with a step into the future
• Disney Dining: New restaurant opens at Disney's Contemporary Resort

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Guests Score Big on Toy Story Mania! During First Month of Attraction's Operation at Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The points are piling up and the spring-action shooters are getting a workout during the first month of operation at Toy Story Mania! -- the new 4-D attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

An arcade-style tally at the ride's conclusion heralds the high scores of the day as guests try their best to beat the top totals. During the first month of daily operation, daily high scores regularly topped 200,000+ points, while all-time highs have reached the 300,000+ point range.

In Toy Story Mania!, guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite "Toy Story" characters. Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions.

As vehicles move among midway-style game booths, guests aim for 3-D, animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side, scoring points in a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual objects" they've launched -- everything from pies, plastic eggs and pointed darts ... to baseballs, rings and suction-cup darts -- leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to the 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects popping out of the 3-D scenes and whirring past them.

Disneyland Resort in California also welcomed Toy Story Mania! when the attraction debuted June 17 at Disney's California Adventure theme park.

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Independence Day Sparkles Across Walt Disney World Resort With Star-Spangled Pyrotechnics Performances

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A popular July 4th tradition at Walt Disney World Resort will continue this year as star-spangled salutes to America's independence are presented all across the Florida Vacation Kingdom.

Here's some of the fireworks fun scheduled for July 4 this year:

• A Fourth of July "Concert in the Sky" will light up the night at Magic Kingdom in honor of Independence Day. Featuring a magnificent display of aerial fireworks, dazzling pyrotechnic effects and dynamic music, the show, entitled "Disney's Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," is a grand tribute to the United States, its people and traditions. The special show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Magic Kingdom also will feature two performances of the "SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, first at 10:30 p.m. and then again at 12:30 a.m. that same night.
• A holiday-inspired finale will be added to Epcot's nightly fireworks extravaganza, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth." The park's American Adventure pavilion also will feature enhanced entertainment throughout the day, with visits from historic characters who will share their stories. American Adventure also will feature additional performances of its signature musical group, Voices of Liberty, performing patriotic classics.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios will present a special July 4th fireworks show at 9 p.m., with skyrockets and patriotic music filling the air at the showbiz-themed park. The park's popular "Fantasmic!" show, featuring fireworks, animation, dancing waters and Disney characters, will be presented on July 4 at 10:30 p.m.
• Downtown Disney will present July 4th fireworks at 10:30 p.m. for the revelers, shoppers and diners enjoying the nighttime entertainment district.

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The Wave Opens at Disney's Contemporary Resort With Plenty of Healthy Choices and an Innovative Wine List

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A new Disney dining experience, The Wave, has opened at Disney's Contemporary Resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a 220-seat restaurant that takes casual dining into the health-conscious 21st century.

The classic American breakfast menu includes plenty of egg creations, but guests also can make their own Wave muesli or sip a Beta Berry Smoothie with raspberry puree and non-fat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega (a great source of Omega-3). The Pure Sunshine breakfast cocktail features organic vodka and orange juice topped with Vitamin Energy Drink. Coffee is organic Colombian (fair trade and "Smithsonian-certified bird-friendly") and teas are whole leaf Pyramid bags in flavors from chamomile blossoms to monsoon chai.

At lunch, light eaters might enjoy lettuce wraps with sautéed lamb and bay scallops, or a lump crab cake with crispy papaya slaw. Entrées range from oversized salads and a vegetarian sandwich with grilled tofu, roasted veggies and herb goat cheese on multi-grain bread to an Angus chuck burger with cheese and Applewood smoked bacon, or a classic grilled Reuben.

The dinner menu offers a delicious spin on comfort classics such as pan-seared Alaskan black cod with corn and edamame (soybean) stew with cilantro chutney; braised lamb shank with bulgur lentil stew and red wine sauce, and a nouvelle chicken pot pie with thyme pastry. Sides at both lunch and dinner include braised greens and roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.

The innovative wine list has a quirky claim to fame -- all screw caps, no corks. Cutting-edge wines from around the globe are showcased on the list.

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Tampa Bay Bucs Return to Disney for NFL Training Camp

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will come back for their seventh NFL training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, from July 26-Aug. 14.

The team's daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon.

Featuring one of the league's most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber.

The 2008 season will also see the return of Warrick Dunn back into the Buccaneer fold. The diminutive, big-play tailback spent his first five seasons with Tampa Bay, totaling more than 6,500 yards of offense and 26 touchdowns.

A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002. Fans once again will be allowed the unique access to witness the daily workouts and drills that NFL players undertake in preparation for the rigorous regular season, along with routine autograph opportunities following practice.

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'Sounds Like Summer' Brings Tribute Bands to Epcot Through Aug. 10

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Timeless tunes performed by tribute bands have guests groovin' at Epcot America Gardens Theatre during the return of the Sounds Like Summer concert series.

The series, which began June 9 and runs through Aug. 10, features a lineup of 'tribute' bands covering famous tunes that have been performed by some of the greatest artists from around the globe. Concerts are included in Epcot admission.

The lineup of acts for July and August (talent subject to change) includes:

• June 30-July 10: Bjorn Again (A Tribute to ABBA)
• July 11-20: Slippery When Wet (A Tribute to Bon Jovi)
• July 21-27: 52nd Street (A Tribute to Billy Joel)
• July 28-Aug. 3: Captain Fantastic (A Tribute to Elton John)
• Aug. 4-10: The Sounds of The Supremes (A Tribute to The Supremes)

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Crab-Catching Stars of TV's 'Deadliest Catch' Slated to Appear at Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Norway pavilion at Epcot will host Sig Hansen -- one of the featured stars on the popular reality series on The Discovery Channel, "The Deadliest Catch" -- for an in-park appearance July 10-13, 2008. Hansen will appear inside The Puffin's Roost, the pavilion's merchandise location, each day. He will be joined by his brothers, Edgar and Norman Hansen, who also appear on the show.

A fourth-generation Norwegian fisherman, Sig Hansen is the captain of the Northwestern, one of the crab-catching vessels on "The Deadliest Catch." He, Edgar and Norman own and operate the Northwestern. Based in Seattle, Wash., the Hansens have fished together for nearly 20 years.

The Hansens' crab-catching skills on the television show also have inspired "Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm," a video game for the Xbox 360 system.

In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, the Hansens will have Northwestern merchandise for sale during their Epcot appearance.

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Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Celebrates Two Decades

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- On July 1, 1988, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opened its doors and invited Walt Disney World guests to rediscover a bygone era of elegance and luxury among the gabled roofs and Victorian balustrades of a turn-of-the-century seaside resort.

In the two decades that followed, approximately 15 million guests have enjoyed the splendor of its 867 deluxe accommodations and the gracious hospitality of its cast members. Countless others have been enchanted by the creative cuisine of its incomparable restaurants, including Narcoossee's, Cítricos and Victoria & Albert's, a consecutive recipient of the annual AAA Five-Diamond Award since 2000.

Disney's flagship resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary with plenty of "grand" new magic for Grand Floridian guests, including extensive renovations completed in late 2007 that upgraded its guest rooms with sophisticated new furnishings, carpet, drapes, bedspreads, flat-screen televisions and more.

Also new is the latest yacht to bear the Grand 1 name, a 52-foot Sea Ray pleasure craft available for chartered cruises across the tranquil waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and a floating view of nighttime fireworks spectaculars above Magic Kingdom.

Coming soon is an opulent marble floor to be showcased throughout the hotel's main lobby and mezzanine. Designed by the creative minds of Walt Disney Imagineering, the lavish enhancement will add another magical touch to a destination resort created as a fantasy image of Florida's past.

For rates and availability of Grand Floridian rooms and suites, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com.

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'Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian' Comes to Life In New Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Some of the characters from the timeless fantasy "The Chronicles of Narnia" come to life in a new experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

"Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian," an all-new soundstage experience (opening in late June), offers an in-depth and unique look into the making of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," the hit motion picture released in May 2008 by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Films.

The journey begins at the attraction queue where guests can test their knowledge of the "Narnia" stories. Next, guests will have an option of participating in a meet and greet with Prince Caspian himself. Or, fans have the option to head directly into the new movie attraction "Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian."

The soundstage experience features a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with narration from director Andrew Adamson. Guests also can view authentic props from the movie set and costumes worn by the actors and actresses in the film.

Season of Disney on your Ipod

If you are a fan of the Disney specials on the Travel Channel, I have great news for you. Itunes now has the entire Season of Disney shows available to purchase and download on your Ipod!!

The entire series is available for $14.99 or individual shows can be purchased for $1.99.

Selections include:

• Walt Disney World Resort - Behind the Scenes
• Undiscovered Walt Disney World
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney on a Dime
• Samantha Brown's Disney Favorites
• Samantha Brown's Disney Holidays
• The Disney Royal Treatment
• Disney Splurge!

This is great news for fans of these specials like myself. Now we can watch these anytime and get our "Disney Fix".

I recommend an immediate download...........Enjoy!

Mickey Shaped Clouds to start appearing over WDW

Disney World has partnered with Flogos to use their revolutionary product. Basically, Flogo devices will send Mickey shaped clouds in the air over Walt Disney World starting next month. The clouds will be up to four feet across and can travel up to 30 miles. They will last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

This product is made up of a special soap and water and is 100% environmentally friendly.

A video of the Mickey flogo can be seen here.

Check out www.flogos.net for more information.

Bob Varley - a Valued Member of the Disney Community

I struggled with whether I should do this or not and eventually settled myself to the fact that I needed to do it.  As many of you may know, I am an avid podcast listener. Over the past few weeks, my job has kept me very busy and I haven’t had as much time to listen to podcasts or post on my blog,

I am downloading episodes last week and I noticed there wasn’t a new episode of the “DIS Unplugged” which is one of the podcasts I subscribe to. I didn’t think much of it until I listened to WDW Radio this Monday and found out that Bob Varley has passed away.

I couldn’t believe how much this affected me. I was deeply saddened by this news and still am today. Apparently, he thought he had food poisoning, but whatever it was turned out to be a lot worse and we have lost a great member of the Disney community.

For those of you who don’t know Bob, he was the comic relief on the show. He was constantly being ribbed for the way he spoke, the amount of paper he wasted, or the amount of time he took for segments. I felt bad for Bob sometimes for the teasing he took, but I knew inside that the other members of the show did it out of love and I really believe Bob enjoyed it. You could tell Bob had a huge heart and genuinely enjoyed helping people.

I didn’t know Bob personally but I really felt like we were friends. For those of you that listen to podcasts, you know that these people bring us into their lives every week and we feel like we really know them. It was like the first time I met Lou Mongello at Magicmeets. I felt like I was seeing and old friend again even though it was the first time we met. That is how I felt about Bob. I felt like he was an old friend and I’m sorry I never had the honor to meet him.

Bob was truly a lucky man. He had the fortune to have great friends and had the fortune of doing something he loved. His love of Disney was obvious and his supporters in the community were many. You can really see Bob's effect on people when you look at the posts on the DIS boards.

I know that Pete, John, Kevin, Corey, and Julie must be absolutely devastated and my message to them is “take your time.” We will all be here when you are ready to continue. We know it will never be the same without Bob but we also know that the five of you will still make it the great podcast that we have come to know and love.

We will miss you Bob, but I’ll always think of you when I see “Interventions” at Epcot…..

A nice tribute can be found here.

Toy Story Mania! Fun Facts

As we get ready for the opening of Toy Story Mania!, here are some fun facts about the attraction for you to ponder.

Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls.

It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length.

Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an attraction for two Disney Parks simultaneously.

It has been estimated that, each day, guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.

Riders in the Sky, the award winning group that wrote the songs that Mr. Potato Head performs as part of the attraction, is the same group that wrote "Woody's Roundup" for the "Toy Story" feature films.

This is the first attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering designed where the Imagineers had to wear 3-D glasses to art direct all the black-light paint elements.

The murals located in the load area at Disney's Hollywood Studios are the biggest murals painted since Epcot was built.

In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest's spring-action shooter, but also every move their midway tram makes, there are over 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.

At Toy Story Mania! every guest gets to experience life at the size of a toy. So in Andy's room, a 5 foot 6 inch person will feel about 14" tall.

More time was spent programming Mr. Potato Head than for any other Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Mr. Potato Head will be able to say more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure is the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure can remove a body part and re-attach it (in the case of his ear).

The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure has new, highly expressive and animated eyes that can look directly at a particular guest in the queue when speaking to him/her.

Mr. Potato Head marks the first Audio-Animatronics figure whose mouth appears to form words and vowel sounds.

From ‘Not So Scary’ to ‘Very Merry,’ September to December

Pick your passion: Whether it's food, wine, music, art, sports, stargazing, celebrating a milestone birthday, holiday mirth or Mickey Mouse, September through December 2008 is a season when vacation wishes and dreams come true for Walt Disney World guests of many interests as Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" showcases nearly a dozen special events.

Here's a snapshot of what's in store:

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Delectable foods and stellar wines and beers from some of the best "foodie" cities in the world -- places such as Lyon, France; Bologna, Italy; Cape Town, South Africa and trendy Cork, Ireland -- will tempt Walt Disney World guests Sept. 26-Nov. 9 at the 13th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. New festival flavors representing great "Cities in Wonderland" will deliver blissful bites with wine and beer pairings ($2 to $5 each) at more than 25 international and regional marketplaces surrounding the park's World Showcase. Cultural exhibits along the promenade will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries.

Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre, with three performances each evening, offer a lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers such as Spyro Gyra, Kool & The Gang and Jon Secada.

Other festival highlights include:

The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars, book signings and festival keepsakes.

Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment.

Music, dance, acrobatics and "improv" acts at Epcot pavilions.

Most activities, such as wine and beer seminars, concerts and cooking demos, are included with admission. Activities that require reservations and separate admission include Party for the Senses, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Epcot Wine Schools, Regional Feasts and other specialty events.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (407/939-3378) to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at: disneyworld.com/food.

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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: The Disney characters are decked out in their Halloween finest, and guests are invited to do the same on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts this popular after-hours event. There's trick-or-treating galore and a chance to experience popular attractions during a 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.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. For more details and to purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween now.

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Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend: For the first time, Walt Disney World Resort is offering a weekend dedicated to celebrating the most magical time in a Latina's life: turning age 15. The "weekend" (Aug. 29-Sept. 5 -- around Labor Day) will include a tradition-steeped extravaganza at Epcot that celebrates the passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and young womanhood. Every young woman will walk into a breathtaking ball held in her honor and into a world of princesses, beauty and enchantment that only Disney can create, capped by a private viewing of the fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth."

The exclusive Disney's Royal Quinceañera Weekend includes a 3-, 4-, or 5-night stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, theme park tickets and the Quinceañera celebration at Epcot. For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/quinceanera or call 321/939-4555.

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Night of Joy: Regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, Night of Joy is on the move to a new venue in 2008. Disney's Hollywood Studios will host two talent-packed evenings Sept. 5-6 featuring a total of 16 acts including Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as 2008 Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe and internationally popular Grammy Award winners Rebecca St. James and Marcos Witt.

Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, Toy Story Mania! For more information about the 2008 event and to purchase tickets, guests can visit disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or call 407/W-DISNEY. (Youth groups of 10 or more can visit www.nightofjoy.com/2008 or call 877/648-3569.) Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early as the event has sold out in recent years.

More than one million guests experienced Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the event was held in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

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Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie®: More than 150 award-winning national and local fine artists will showcase their diverse creations at Downtown Disney West Side Nov. 7-9 during Festival of the Masters. An art festival for all ages, the 33rd annual 'Masters' includes live music and entertainment, chalk art sidewalk displays at Downtown Disney Marketplace and a children's activity area where budding young artists can create their own masterpieces.

Event hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day of the festival. Admission and parking are complimentary. For more information about Festival of the Masters, guests may contact 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/artfestival.

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Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart: PGA TOUR tradition continues Nov. 6-9 when pro golf's top tier returns to Walt Disney World Resort and to Disney's Magnolia course for the 38th consecutive year -- the eighth longest streak of same-course use in pro golf. As the last official money event of the year, the Classic promises a scramble among players jockeying for positions in the final money standings, a key factor in determining who makes the fields of TOUR events in 2009. Stephen Ames is reigning champion. Ticket information is available by calling 407/824-2250 or by visiting www.childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com.

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ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®: One of the largest annual soap opera fan events held anywhere in the world, ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate® Total®, returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park Nov. 15-16. Stars from the ABC Daytime dramas "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital" step off the television screens and into the theme park in meet-and-greet autograph and photo sessions, celebrity motorcades, star conversations, interactive games and more.

Admission to the 13th edition of the soap fanfest is included in regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fans will be able to visit disneyworld.com/SuperSoapWeekend for additional information.

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Old Spice Classic: NCAA "Sweet 16ers" Tennessee and Michigan State top an eight-team lineup that ESPN Regional Television is serving up as a Thanksgiving weekend feast of college basketball in The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports and on ESPN2 and ESPNU Nov. 27, 28 and 30. The third edition of the Old Spice Classic also features five more teams that played in the NCAA and NIT tournaments in spring 2008.

Georgetown, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Gonzaga, Siena and Wichita State round out the lineup of teams that amassed a combined 181 victories during the 2007-08 season. They will play 12 games over the three days of the Old Spice Classic. North Carolina State won the tournament in 2007.

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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: On 18 select evenings in November and December, guests can experience the enchantment of "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 a special after-hours party inside the Magic Kingdom theme park.

The jingle-jolly event also features live Disney character stage shows, like "Celebrate the Season," Mickey's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" Show and Fantasyland Pavilion Cotillion, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even "snow" on Main Street, U.S.A. Plus, the most-popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to party guests.

Dates are: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. Admission to this event requires a separate ticket. Guests can visit disneyworld.com/holidays or call 407/W-DISNEY now for advance tickets and information.

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Holiday Highlights: It was once suggested that while there's no place like home for the holidays, the next best place on the planet may be Walt Disney World Resort. The good news is that guests don't have to choose: They can experience the sparkling decorations and joyous seasonal entertainment throughout the Vacation Kingdom and still be home for Christmas, because the festivities begin weeks before December 25. Here's a sampling of what's in store:

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- As "snow" falls overhead, the Streets of America backlot cityscape at Disney's Hollywood Studios comes alive with millions of holiday lights that dance to music, animating sparkling displays to create twirling carousels, marching toy soldiers and even Santa and his reindeer taking flight. The synchronized music and light show is presented in collaboration with famed Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, who developed the dazzling display for his daughter more than a decade ago at his Little Rock, Ark., home. The spectacle is included with Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.

Holidays Around the World / Candlelight Processional -- An Epcot tradition continues with holiday customs from around the globe, international storytellers, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony featuring Disney characters, a stunning display of snow-white and colored lights, and Candlelight Processional. A beloved Disney tradition that began long before Epcot, Candlelight Processional features celebrity guest narrators accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra for a retelling of the Christmas story. All of the Epcot holiday fun is included with regular theme park admission.

Castle Dream Lights A dazzling lighting spectacle transforms the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time. Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens nightly. It's all a fulfillment of Cinderella's holiday wish, as guests learn during a special show that climaxes with the transformation of the famous Magic Kingdom icon. --

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade A Disney's Animal Kingdom tradition, the procession results from Mickey Mouse's invitation to a special group of friends to join him on a holiday adventure. The parade is filled with gaiety -- the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the season. Mickey and his friends are no exception. They've added holiday accessories to their safari costumes. Add in some special music and you have a combination that celebrates the holidays as only Disney's Animal Kingdom can.

The holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 10 with the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which will showcase the Castle Dream Lights. Disney park officials are currently checking in with Santa's elves to find out when they'll have everything else ready to meet and treat Walt Disney World guests. Specific information will be available at www.disneyworld.com/holidays or from vacation planners at 407/W-DISNEY.

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Disney Parks is encoring its 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams" in 2008 with more dreams, even bigger dreams, more dreams money can't buy, dreams only Disney can make come true. Among the over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway being awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time is a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite. Talk about a dreamy way to usher in 2009!

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Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground Gets a Facelift

An outdoor adventure that has been a favorite with Walt Disney World guests since 1971 is receiving some enhancements. As part of a resort-wide renovation project, on now, changes are coming or already in place across the 700 acres of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

"Over the last 37 years, the average length of an RV has increased by 27 feet," says Fort Wilderness spokesperson Darcy Cormier. "Many feature 'slide outs' that mechanically extend from the sides of the vehicle."

To address the needs of today's larger vehicles, an intensive effort will widen and lengthen the concrete parking pads while maintaining privacy and tranquility provided by natural vegetation. A new "Premium" campsite will be available that features extra large concrete pads for larger vehicles -- also upgrades to existing amenities such as picnic tables and grills.

The main pool at Fort Wilderness will be enhanced with a themed water slide, hot tub and children's wet play area. The pool's deep end has been made shallower.

Nestled in the woodlands, the resort's 409 Wilderness Cabins feature brand-new furniture, carpeting, fixtures and linens -- plus a fresh coat of paint. Each spacious cabin features more than 500 square feet of air-conditioned living space as well as a private patio deck with a charcoal grill and picnic table. The master bedroom sleeps four with a full-sized bed and set of bunk beds, while the separate living room sleeps two with a full-sized pull-down bed. All cabins also feature vaulted ceilings, color cable television, DVD player, telephone and a spacious oval dining table. Daily housekeeping service is provided to all Wilderness Cabins.

"With all of the comforts of home, the Wilderness Cabins are perfect for guests who want to wind down in a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere after a fun-filled day at the theme parks," said Jean Gallagher, general manager of Fort Wilderness.

Fort Wilderness has always been the pet-friendly choice for guests to Walt Disney World Resort, and now dogs are getting a playground of their own at the newly opened Waggin' Trails Dog Park, an off-leash play area.

Of course there is plenty of recreation for humans, too, including horseback riding, fishing excursions, nature trail exploration, boat rentals, volleyball, tennis, bike rentals and the new Wilderness Back Trail Adventure, where guests can experience, first-hand, a Segway X2 Personal Transporter. Guests can unwind on a white sand beach, play a leisurely game of shuffleboard, take the little ones on a pony ride or enjoy an evening horse-drawn wagon ride around the resort.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is located in the Magic Kingdom resort area on the banks of Bay Lake. Convenient boat transportation to Magic Kingdom and motorcoach transportation to all Walt Disney World destinations, including Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom, is provided.

Free Dining Announced for 2008

The moment we have all been waiting for. Details are below.

Magic Your Way Package FREE Dining Plan

A 5-night/6-day package includes: (longer and shorter stays are available)

• 5 nights at a select Disney Resort
• 6 Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket
• FREE Disney Dining Plan
• 3 night minimum length of stay - 14 night maximum
  
• Booking Dates:
  • 4/07/08 – 6/22/08 - Disney VISA Card Holders
  • 4/10/08 – 6/22/08 - Everyone
    
• Travel Dates: 8/24/08 – 9/20/08
  
• Prices start at:
  $57 per person, per day for family of 4 at select Value Resorts (std room)
  $73 per person, per day for family of 4 at select Moderate Resorts (std room)
  $104 per person, per day for family of 4 at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (studio)
  
• Booking Codes for Disney Visa:
  Magic Your Way Package plus Dining - CMK
  Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining - CMP
  Magic Your Way Package plus Dine with Wine - CMM
  Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining with Wine - CMS

• Booking Codes:
  Magic Your Way Package plus Dining - AYG
  Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining - AYI
  Magic Your Way Package plus Dine with Wine - AYH
  Magic Your Way Package plus Deluxe Dining with Wine - AYJ

*Offer available for stays most nights 8/24/08-9/20/08. Availability is limited and certain restrictions apply. 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.

Mr. Potato Head New Videos

I found these videos over on YouTube. This guy looks fantastic

Toy Story Mania Update

Disney Parks guests will don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite "Toy Story" characters when Toy Story Mania! a new attraction, makes its grand premiere as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams." The attraction will debut on both coasts: scheduled to open in late May at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and scheduled for a late June debut in Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort in California.

Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high-energy, immersive adventure that puts guests right in the action as their game play triggers fun surprises that provide a fourth dimension of fun. Toy Story Mania! engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films.

Upon entering the attraction, guests will be welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker, capable of engaging guests in two-way conversation and encouraging them to "step right up" for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy and board Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles which add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through "Andy's Bedroom" filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles angle to face Toy Story Mania! game booths -- high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill -- and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual" objects they've launched leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.

The Toy Story Mania! games -- five of them, plus an introductory practice round -- are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to experienced gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities.

First comes the "Pie Throw Practice" round in which guests can try splattering targets with virtual pies.

Next, Hamm hosts a "Hamm & Eggs" booth in which players launch plastic virtual eggs at various barnyard targets.

"Bo Peep's Baaa-loon Pop" presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there it's on to "Green Army Men Shoot Camp" where the challenge is to break plates with virtual baseballs.

Next up is "Buzz Lightyear's Flying Tossers," a ring-toss game hosted by everyone's favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets.

For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in "Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery." A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their spring-action shooters as rapidly as possible at one last super-target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified and they can see how they've done compared to the high scores.

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by creative musical variations of Randy Newman's "You've Got A Friend in Me," arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to compliment the games -- for example, a military brass band version for "Green Army Men Shoot Camp."

No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will seem different.