CELEBRATION, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2008) – Disney Cruise Line is revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering exclusively onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.
Guests will delight as first-run Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension thanks to Disney Digital 3-D technology being added to both the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre. Disney Cruise Line is the first cruise line to introduce 3-D entertainment onboard its ships. Disney Digital 3-D will premiere onboard the Disney Wonder during the Nov. 20 sailing and on the Disney Magic during the Dec. 6 sailing.
Leveraging this new technology, Disney Cruise Line will take 3-D into uncharted waters in early 2009 with the debut of an exciting new cinematic experience that combines full length Disney Digital 3-D films with in-theatre effects. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive movie-going experience like no other at sea. During these once-a-cruise special engagements, guests will feel the rush of being part of hottest show in town as in-theatre effects enhance 3-D films featuring popular Disney popstars in concert.
“With Disney Digital 3-D we can provide extraordinary cinematic experiences for our guests that no other cruise line can offer,” said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Innovation and high-quality family entertainment are Disney Cruise Line hallmarks, and the addition of Disney Digital 3-D perfectly complements our industry-leading collection of entertainment options already onboard our ships.”
Disney Cruise Line will celebrate the debut of Disney Digital 3-D by hosting a special screening event for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature, “Bolt,” onboard the Nov. 20 three-night Disney Wonder cruise. As the calendar turns from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, guests will be invited to a special midnight screening of “Bolt” at the Walt Disney Theatre – complete with meet-and-greet opportunities with lovable walk-around characters from the film.
The film features super-dog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), whose every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions – a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of Mark Walton) – Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.
“Disney Cruise Line picked the perfect time to introduce Disney Digital 3-D to its guests,” said Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group. “ ‘Bolt’ kicks off an extraordinary lineup of 3-D movies debuting over the course of the next year, including ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience,’ Disney•Pixar’s ‘Up,’ ‘G-Force,’ Disney•Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol.’ The 3-D immersive experience is better than ever.”
Disney Digital 3-D is the latest enhancement to join the robust menu of premium guest experiences and amenities included with a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Dazzling Broadway-style musical spectaculars, over-the-top deck parties with the only fireworks display at sea, a unique rotational dining concept, first-run movie releases and fantastic kids programming are just some of the advantages of cruising with Disney.
A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line delivers a cruise experience that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs. Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available.
November 12, 2008 - Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience – before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.
“With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom.”
Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.
John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, “All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit – by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as ‘Where’s Mickey now?’ and other special features – even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends.”
In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless “Kimmunicator,” guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning animated series, “Kim Possible.”
While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.
Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. For more information about Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit www.disney.com. For more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.
Disney Parks and Resorts – Taking Guests to New Frontiers
The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application.
About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is where dreams come true and magic comes to life. This segment of The Walt Disney Company encompasses 11 theme parks at five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. It also includes: Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney; Disney Regional Entertainment, which operates the ESPN Zone sports dining and entertainment centers; World of Disney stores in New York, Orlando and Anaheim; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts had approximately $10 billion in revenues in fiscal 2006. More information about Disney Travel on Demand and all of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts can be found at www.DisneyParks.com.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 71 million customers nationwide. Verizon’s Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (November 11, 2008) – When it comes to celebrating the magic and sparkle of the holidays, there’s no place like the Disneyland Resort, the Merriest Place on Earth. From November 21 through January 4, the annual Disneyland Resort holiday celebration will be more dazzling than ever.
Guests will enjoy the return of the holiday’s most popular offerings as well as be immersed in new entertainment at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks.
Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, first introduced in 2007, will be decorated even more elaborately this holiday season with additional snowdrifts and icicles. After dark, a sensational new holiday lighting and special effects show will carry the magic of the holidays from the Castle all the way to the Christmas Tree in Town Square. And, for the first time in 53 years, the Christmas Tree will be completely artificial, which enables Disneyland to present a holiday light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.
The Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle presentation unfolds throughout the evening in three acts, each of them featuring a touch of winter snow on Main Street, U.S.A. The finale of the show includes the legendary “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks show, which takes guests on a journey of sights and sounds of the season and ends with a touching rendition of “White Christmas” along with a climactic snowfall swirling down on Main Street, U.S.A., “small world mall” and New Orleans Square.
New this year, just in time for the holidays and for the first time in seven years, guests will walk through the iconic home of Sleeping Beauty. A “reawakened” Sleeping Beauty Castle show tells the story of “Sleeping Beauty” in a style reminiscent of the Disneyland Castle walkthrough of earlier years, but enhanced with 21st-century special effects.
Themed entertainment, sparkling decorations and tasty treats add festive warmth to holiday fun at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Guests can also book guided holiday tours that provide expedited entry into the “it’s a small world” holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday, VIP seating for the Disneyland “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and entertaining information about the history behind Disneyland holiday traditions. For information and reservations guests can visit Disneyland City Hall or call (714) 781-4400.
Other returning holiday favorites at Disneyland park include:
• Santa’s Reindeer Round-up, which transforms Big Thunder Ranch into a “West Pole” getaway where Santa can unwind with Mrs. Claus and his team of reindeer. Kids and their families will chat with St. Nick, see real reindeer grazing in a corral, play some reindeer games, create take-home Yuletide souvenirs and join in holiday line dances with music from a Western trio.
• “A Christmas Fantasy” parade will be presented November 21 through January 4 on Main Street, U.S.A. This ever-popular procession depicts an enchanting collection of holiday scenes, music and a cast of Disney characters and performers in Yuletide vignettes.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday presents a madcap celebration as the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The ghoulish but well-meaning Jack Skellington from the film Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas has come to the Haunted Mansion to transform it with his skewed vision of the holidays.
• “it’s a small world” holiday transforms “it’s a small world” into a worldwide celebration of the season, boasting more than 300,000 glittering lights on its facade.
Disney’s California Adventure celebrates the season with fanciful park-wide decorations and lively entertainment.
• Guests approaching the park will immediately get in the holiday mood as they encounter the iconic “CALIFORNIA” letters transformed to appear as swirling red and white peppermint sticks.
• “a bug’s land” transforms as Flik and his bug buddies spread giant Christmas lights and oversized ornaments throughout their realm.
• The holiday scene at Paradise Bay includes a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, hundreds of sparking lights on nearby trees, and lampposts decorated with seasonal wreaths.
The Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining.
Just in time for the holidays, new entertainment comes to life in both parks. At Disney’s California Adventure, the daily “Pixar Play Parade” is joined three times each day by performances of the energetic, traveling rock and dance concert show, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year – Right Here! Right Now!” Also new to Disney’s California Adventure is the Blue Sky Cellar, a Walt Disney Imagineers’ workshop that offers guests a preview of new attractions coming to the park over the next few years.
At Disneyland, in addition to the reopening of the doors to Sleeping Beauty Castle, guests have a new opportunity to explore the world of Tinker Bell inside Pixie Hollow, a magical place where visitors meet “Tink” and her pixie friends.
Expanded hours at both Disneyland Resort theme parks will extend the holiday fun. For more information about holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and to send Disneyland Resort e-card holiday greetings to friends and relatives, visit www.disneyland.com/holidays.
Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the “day-at-the-beach” fun of the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
ANAHEIM, Calif. – As the 2008 holiday season approaches, Disneyland Resort offers magical gift ideas for all ages. The Resort gift list includes toys, dolls, collectible art and unique items such as personalized mouse ears and toy light sabers. Shoppers can find everything from stocking stuffers to the ultimate gift for a Disneyland fan: the Disneyland Resort Annual Passport.
The Annual Passport is an ideal and practical gift for anyone who visits the Resort more than two or three times per year … or would like to! The gift of a Disneyland Resort Annual Passport will enable the recipients – family members, friends and Disney fans in general – to celebrate throughout the year with the magic of Disneyland Resort.
Along with admission to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, the gift of an Annual Passport entitles the Passholder to attend special Annual Passholder events, enjoy discounts at many Resort food locations and Downtown Disney vendors, take advantage of special rates at Disneyland Resort hotels, and receive regular updates on new events and Annual Passholder benefits through the exclusive Annual Passholder Web site, the collectible “Backstage Pass” newsletter and e-mail. In 2008, Annual Passholder benefits included exclusive opportunities to preview the new Toy Story Mania and Innoventions Dream Home attractions, the Pixar Play Parade and the one-of-a-kind Disneyland Dream Suite.
Disneyland Resort offers an Annual Pass option for every lifestyle and budget. The Premium Annual Passport is valid every day of the year. Other Annual Passports have “blockout dates” but entitle the bearer to purchase discounted “blockout day” tickets.
• The $134 Southern California Select Annual Passport (for California residents living in zip codes 90000-93599) offers 170 pre-selected days of admission to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure.
• The $174 Southern California Annual Passport (for California residents living in zip codes 90000-93599) offers 215 pre-selected days of admission.
• The $269 Deluxe Annual Passport offers 315 pre-selected days of admission.
• The $389 Premium Annual Passport offers daily admission to both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure and includes parking in the Mickey & Friends parking structure off Disneyland Drive. Premium Annual Passholders also enjoy special discounts at many Resort food and merchandise locations.
(Passholders of the Southern California Select, Southern California and Deluxe Annual Passports may purchase a $59 annual parking pass for Mickey & Friends.)
Disneyland Resort Annual Passports may be purchased at Disneyland Resort ticket booths or online at www.disneyland.com.
More Gift Ideas - Shopping at Disneyland Resort
From the long-established Disneyland Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., to the numerous specialty shops in Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Resort hotels, Disneyland Resort offers many options for the holiday shopper.
Personalized Mouse Ears and Tomorrowland Light Sabers can be fashioned especially for that Disneyland or Star Wars fan. Design your own Light Saber grip and select the color of your energy beam! Limited-edition holiday plush toys and bean bag toys will be available for holiday gift-giving, including Mickey and Minnie beanies in holiday attire embroidered with holiday messages. An all-new line of Princesses and their pets premiers in November, featuring plush versions of Cinderella with her dog Bruno, Jasmine with her tiger Rajah, etc. Specially designed pens, PokitPals (to carry pills and other small objects), collectible pins and Disney’s Wild Racers (“Cars With Character”) will make ideal stocking-stuffers.
For the serious Disney fan and collector, there are limited-edition holiday art works, the annual holiday edition Marie Osmond doll, and Vinylmation “mystery pins,” available only at Disney theme parks in a variety of offbeat character designs.
Each of the shops at Downtown Disney will have its own holiday offerings. As usual, Disney Vault 28 will be on the cutting edge with apparel and accessories by jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino, Billy Martin (guitarist for Good Charlotte) and others.
Holiday season 2008 is just one of many highlights at Disneyland Resort as it nears the conclusion of the Year of a Million Dreams. The Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney’s California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the “day-at-the-beach” fun of the 489-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 7, 2008 —Thousands of Cast Members, guests and runners donated 3,872 pounds of non-perishable food last month for Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K at Walt Disney World Resort, benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Second Harvest received the collected food—equivalent to 2,581 meals—to distribute to partner agencies in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia County. “It’s important for all of us to find some meaningful way to pitch in and help our neighbors get through this tough time,” said Greg Higgerson, vice president of Development at Second Harvest. “The food from Race for the Taste will land on the plates of thousands of children, seniors, working poor families and others who were struggling even before this economic crisis began—it represents hope for these folks.”
As the private, nonprofit organization of choice for the past three years, Second Harvest collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 450 partner agencies throughout Central Florida.
Nearly 4,000 athletes competed in the fourth annual 6.2-mile journey, which started at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, wove its way through Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and finished at Epcot’s World Showcase. The Race for the Taste is one of the many races of the Endurance Series, which provides competitive and recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run and swim their way around Walt Disney World. Participants received a chef-hat-shaped medal with dangling miniature silverware and sampled international cuisine from the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.
“This was the first year we incorporated the food drive with a Disney sports event,” said Heather Scott, Disney Endurance Sports manager. “Due to the theme and timing of the Race for the Taste, Second Harvest and its mission to help our community in need was a natural fit.”
From running marathons to road races and triathlons, participating athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, to achieve personal-best times and often to raise donations for charitable causes.
Other endurance events that impact the community are Expedition Everest Challenge in September that helps the PE4Life organization (Physical Education for Life) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K in October, which benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
CELEBRATION, Fla. – This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the “raft-ers” with holiday cheer.
From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional “turkey day” fanfare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.
The spirit of the season surrounds guests the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests to the beautifully decorated private Disney Cruise Line terminal.
Special stem-to-stern holiday events on both ships, beginning Nov. 22, include:
Nightly “King Triton’s Tree Lighting” in the atrium lobby, where a young guest will help Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
An afternoon Tropical Pool Party every day with Santa and Mrs. Claus with fun, food, games and activities. Plenty of Disney characters join the celebration, including Lilo and Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. Be sure not to miss the “Winter-Sunnyland” conga line around the pool.
Special family time with holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
Holiday storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions, from Hanukkah and Kwaanza to the Bahamian Junkanoo. Plus, an all-new story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms.
“ ‘Til We Meet Again,” a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.
And when cruises during the holiday period put in at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, the celebration continues:
Guests will delight with “snow flurries,” decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday carolers.
Youngsters will be busy with holiday-themed activities such as making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles.
Disney Cruise Line will kick off the holiday cheer with special Thanksgiving voyages setting sail Nov. 22 with a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic and Nov. 26 with a 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Wonder. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving Day feast, with Mickey, Minnie and friends dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Activities throughout the day include holiday crafts for youngsters and the big NFL football games broadcast live on Ariel View Television, the 24-by-14-foot screen located above the Goofy Family Pool on deck 9.
The Disney Magic will host a 7-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 20, with visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and, as a special holiday treat, two stops at Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder 4-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. On Christmas morning at the lobby tree, Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids, along with cookies and milk. Guests can attend sunset Hanukkah services and Christmas services, including midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
To celebrate the new year, Disney Magic departs on its 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 27; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its 4-night cruise. These voyages will feature a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2009, complete with DJ music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes, confetti and balloon drop, and a midnight countdown.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The new year will bring new ways for guests to celebrate their special occasions with family and friends at Walt Disney World Resort – and special savings that make a Disney vacation even more affordable.
Guests who buy a four-night/four-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. Magic Your Way hotel and ticket package for stays most nights from Jan. 4 to April 4, 2009, and April 19 to
June 27, 2009, will receive three extra nights of hotel accommodations and three more days added to their theme park tickets for free.
As a bonus, guests traveling on this package from Jan. 4 to March 29, 2009, will also receive a free $200 Disney Gift Card to splurge on merchandise, dining or other Disney fun.
“Walt Disney World Resort has always presented a great entertainment value for our guests,” said Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton. “This special travel offer makes it even easier for guests to enjoy a magical, memory-making Disney vacation in 2009.”
With this special offer, a family of four can get a 7-night stay at a Disney Value Resort and a
7-day Magic Your Way base ticket for each family member for as little as $1271. The package can be booked now through Dec. 20, 2008.
A Look at Prices and Savings for this Walt Disney World Special Offer for a Family of Four
Disney Value Resorts
Disney Moderate Resorts
Select Disney Deluxe Resorts
Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
$1,271 ($316 savings)
Jan. 4-Feb. 12, 2009
$1,571 ($541 savings)
Jan. 4-Jan. 12, 2009
Jan. 19-Feb. 12, 2009
$1,981 ($848 savings)
Jan. 4-Feb. 12, 2009
$2,228 ($1,034 savings)
Jan.12-Feb. 9, 2009
$1,466 ($484 savings)
Feb. 13-April 4, 2009
$1,778 ($718 savings)
Feb. 13-April 4, 2009
$2,498 ($1,281 savings)
Feb. 13-April 4, 2009
$2,611 ($1,320 savings)
Feb. 16- April 4, 2009
$1,375 ($416 savings)
April 19-May 21, 2009
$1,666 ($634 savings)
April 19-May 21, 2009
$2,206 ($1,017 savings)
April 19-May 21, 2009
$2,363 ($1,135 savings)
April 19- May 21, 2009
$1,421 ($450 savings)
May 22 –June 27, 2009
$1,733 ($685 savings)
May 22-June 27, 2009
$2,206 ($1,017 savings)
May 22-May 25, 2009
June 2-June 27, 2009
$2,363 ($1,135 savings)
May 22 –June 27, 2009
·Prices are valid for stays most nights during the dates listed above and are based on two adults, one junior (ages 10 to 17) and one child (ages 3 to 9) in a standard room at a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort) or a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Deluxe Villa Resort).
·Savings based on the non-discounted price of a 7-night/7-day Magic Your Way package. Guests traveling between 1/4/09 and 3/29/09 can save an additional $200 with the free $200 Disney Gift Card included with the package. One gift card per reservation provided at check-in. Visit DisneyGiftCard.com for participating locations and terms and conditions.
·The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
·Other room types are available at varying rates.
Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels get an extra dose of pixie dust with great perks and services including: Complimentary on-property transportation; Disney’s Magical Express, which offers complimentary airport shuttle and luggage delivery; and Extra Magic Hours, where each day one of the Walt Disney World theme parks opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours later, providing extra time in the parks to experience select attractions.
“What Will You Celebrate?”
Guests taking advantage of this offer will find even more to celebrate during their stay. Beginning in January, Disney Parks will embrace a newly identified nationwide travel trend called “celebration vacations,” in which Americans mark special occasions in their lives with a family vacation.
In 2009, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort ask guests “What Will You Celebrate?” and lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones – a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion – into magical Disney experiences.
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures).
Walt Disney World Resort also has added new attractions and entertainment offerings over the past year and more great things are in store for 2009. New signature attractions like Toy Story Mania! and traveling entertainment like Block Party Bash have become Walt Disney World guest favorites. Plus, new excitement is popping all over the vacation kingdom, including the new Pixie Hollow area at Magic Kingdom where guests can meet Tinker Bell and her friends from the new Disney “Fairies” movie and the new Kim Possible interactive adventure at Epcot.
In early 2009, the addition of the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will allow guests to live the dream of becoming part of the “American Idol” phenomenon. This exhilarating new attraction will feature the glitz and glamour of the hit television series’ stunning set and will give guests an opportunity to experience the thrill as if really at the show.
How to Book Your Walt Disney World Vacation Package
Guests can book this special offer starting Nov. 7 online at disneyworld.com/get3free or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (407/934-7639) or their local travel agent and asking for package code RWZ.
Contact The Magic for Less Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, to book these special rates. www.TheMagicForLess.com or 888-330-6201
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concertswill pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.
Each year, Disney gardeners channel their creative energy into presenting an intricate topiary display against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. This year, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, and Belle and Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” will debut in all their “blooming finery” as the grand front-entrance topiary during the 75-day festival.
New gardens, events and children’s play areas offer more reasons to visit the 16th annual festival:
Green Garden– Anyone can create an environmentally friendly garden; here’s where guests will learn about low-water-use gardens, incorporating native plants into their garden and recycling.
Pixie Hollow – Colorful topiaries of Tinker Bell and her friends from Walt Disney Pictures’ “Tinker Bell” will sprinkle pixie dust over this playful garden designed just for kids.
Pirates Adventure Zone – Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc topiaries will lure young swashbucklers to this interactive space designed for exploration and adventure.
Special Environmentality Celebration (April 24-26) – This special event will showcase how to keep the planet green through solutions like reducing waste and using friendly bugs.
Throughout the festival, more than 70 topiaries will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners. Sweeping floral beds and exhibits will feature 30 million blooms. A Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion will tell the “love story” of plants and perfume, and the English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom pavilion will explore the art and history of blending tea plants. The art of bonsai will “wow” guests at the Japan showcase.
Other festival highlights will include:
Flower Power concerts – Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. The concert lineup is slated to include new acts like Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, plus pop favorites like Davy Jones, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, Tony Orlando, Jose Feliciano, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and other top acts.
Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden – Hundreds of butterflies will flit inside a walk-through screened enclosure that includes a live exhibit showing how caterpillars form a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies. Disney Gardening at Home presentations – Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity.
The Great American Gardeners series – Gardening celebrities and authors from across the country will reveal their gardening secrets.
The Garden Town Festival Center — Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend speaker presentations and demonstrations and ask gardening questions of the experts.
Simba’s Birthday Celebration — A lineup of topiary characters straight from Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” will greet guests at World Showcase Plaza.
Poster Signings – Artist Heather French will sign festival posters each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Canada Garden Retreat.
More Festival Celebrations – An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists and a Kids Paint Out will occur March 27-29; a Florida Farmer’s Market celebration will take place May 8-10. More celebrations will bloom throughout the festival.
More information about the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – 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.
To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and samples of their art to a jury of art experts who select the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the festival will be treated to one of the finest collections of art in the nation.
Sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the art genres showcased at this year’s event. Street painters from the Florida Chalk Artists Association will decorate some 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Youngsters can take in the fun with live music, face painting and interactive kid’s zones.
House of Blues will celebrate the creative spirit of folk art during the 10th annual “Where the Art Meets the Soul” Folk Art Festival at Downtown Disney West Side.
To add an international flair to the festival, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will host the works of three artists associated with the Cherrylane Fine Arts Gallery in Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland.
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, contact 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.
BC Daytime Stars to Appear at ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend Presented by Colgate® Total® at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Eden Riegel (“All My Children”), Kassie DePaiva (“One Life to Live”) and Bradford Anderson (“General Hospital”) are among the talent completing the list of 31 stars from ABC Daytime scheduled to appear at the ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend Nov. 15-16. “All My Children’s” Cameron Mathison will headline the event – which will once again be sponsored by Colgate Total – at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
Completing the list from “All My Children” are Rebecca Budig, Bobbie Eakes, Melissa Claire Egan, Ricky Paull Goldin, Thorsten Kaye, Alicia Minshew, Aiden Turner and Darnell Williams. The talent from “One Life to Live” includes Kristen Alderson, Brandon Buddy, Michael Easton, Farah Fath, Susan Haskell, John-Paul Lavoisier, Erika Slezak, Jason Tam, Brittany Underwood and Bree Williamson. Completing the list from “General Hospital” will be Brandon Barash, Julie Berman, Tyler Christopher, Jason Cook, Rebecca Herbst, Kelly Monaco, Kirsten Storms, Jason Thompson and Laura Wright. “All My Children’s” Susan Lucci is currently competing on ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars.” Her participation in the event is pending her “Dancing with the Stars” schedule.
As previously announced, this year will mark the last Super Soap Weekend as ABC’s Daytime Division embarks on the 2009 Soap Nation Tour, a series of nationwide events designed for interaction with fans on a year-round basis, offering greater access to stars in more cities, more often. The final Walt Disney World weekend will be dedicated to the fans with special retrospectives and exclusive productions, including special trivia and commemorative clip packages honoring the 45th anniversary of “General Hospital,” the 40th anniversary of “One Life to Live,” “All My Children’s” 10,000th episode and past Super Soap Weekends. Super Soap Weekend will become more interactive than ever with the introduction of new mobile programs and text trivia. A special musical number will be developed for Colgate Total Street Jam that honors the final event as well.
Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital.” Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, game shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars.
ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business. For future updates and more information about ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at 407/397-6808, or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at soapnet.com.
Downtown Disney Becomes Lively Outdoor Gallery During Festival of the Masters, Nov. 7-9
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – 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.
To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and samples of their art to a jury of art experts who select the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the festival will be treated to one of the finest collections of art in the nation.
Sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the art genres showcased at this year’s event. Street painters from the Florida Chalk Artists Association will decorate some 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Youngsters can take in the fun with live music, face painting and interactive kid’s zones.
House of Blues will celebrate the creative spirit of folk art during the 10th annual “Where the Art Meets the Soul” Folk Art Festival at Downtown Disney West Side.
To add an international flair to the festival, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will host the works of three artists associated with the Cherrylane Fine Arts Gallery in Delgany, County Wicklow, Ireland.
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, contact 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.
Funosaurus! T-Rex at Downtown Disney Takes Guests
On a Dining Adventure to a Prehistoric Time
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World guests can go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs as T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discoveropens it doors at Downtown Disney. Following an October launch, November marks the first full month of operation.
T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat family-friendly interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests are greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.
Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and the T-Rex restaurant, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils – all carefully labeled – that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina. A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).
Tinker Bell Introduces Magic Kingdom Guests to New Fairy Friends
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – To celebrate the animated film “Tinker Bell,” Disney’s most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in a new meet-and-greet experience in Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
To meet Tinker Bell and her fairy friends, guests enter a magical forest inspired by Pixie Hollow, a special place deep in the heart of Never Land.
Tinker Bell, 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 by four fairy friends: Fawn, an animal fairy; Iridessa, a light fairy; Rosetta, a garden fairy; and Silvermist, a water fairy. Guests can learn more about the Disney Fairies at disneyfairies.com.
Last Call: November Marks Final Days of Epcot Food & Wine Fest
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Like a great meal with memorable courses still to go, there is still time to savor the best of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The six-week festival continues through Nov. 9 with great tastes from more than 25 festival marketplaces serving up tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, complimentary wine and beer tastings, and culinary demonstrations – plus the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring these upcoming acts:
Children’s Miracle Network Classic Brings PGA TOUR Pros
To Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart will be played Nov. 6-9 on Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses, with practice rounds Nov. 3-5 on the same Walt Disney World Resort layouts.
The 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Classic marks a continuation of the longest-running PGA TOUR event in Central Florida – a 38-year heritage that has produced a champions list which includes Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart and many more top professional golfers. Defending champion is Stephen Ames.
As the last event on the 2008 TOUR schedule, the Classic takes on added significance for many golfers striving to earn full playing exemptions for 2009 by finishing among the top 125 money winners in 2008. The purse is $4.6 million, with a share of $828,000 to the winner.
Tickets ($20 for one tournament day, $30 for the whole week including practice days) can be purchased online at childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com or at the tournament entrance. Guests can call the Classic hotline at 407/824-2250 for more information.
Guests Test Archery Skills at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – As part of exciting new additions to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the resort now invites William Tell-wannabes to grab bow and arrow and test their skills at a new archery range. Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide offers training and tips on how to hit the bull’s-eye. Offered on select afternoons and open to resort guests and non-guests alike, the 90-minute experience costs $25 (plus tax) per person, includes instruction and equipment and can be booked ahead by calling 407/939-7529.
New ‘High School Musical’ Fun Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A high-energy cast of 14 singers and dancers takes to the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the new guest-immersive experience, “High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!”
Celebrating the infectious energy of the theatrical motion picture “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” the show takes place on a traveling “rock concert” stage that stops in front of the iconic Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat for production numbers featuring new songs from the movie. Debut of the show is concurrent with the opening of the movie (Oct. 24).
Guests are treated to a total of six original songs from the movie, including a memorably rousing finale entitled “High School Musical.”
Envelope, Please: Industry Awards Bestowed on Florida’s Vacation Kingdom
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World Resort was the recipient of recent industry awards for excellence:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa walked off with the honor as “North America’s Leading Resort” in the UK-based World Travel Awards as rated by thousands of agents and travel professionals globally.
Epcot’s “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” nighttime spectacular earned the Golden Ticket Award as “Best Outdoor Night Production” in an international poll of the amusement industry conducted by Amusement Today, a leading trade publication.
Magic Kingdom a Holiday Festival
As Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Returns
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Magic Kingdom decks the halls, walls, byways, skies, castle spires and more as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes center stage again this holiday season. The special after-hours event treats Walt Disney World guests to magic and merriment on 18 select nights in 2008: Nov. 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19. The fun begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours.
It’s a magical night of special holiday entertainment including Castle Dreamlights, an enchanting parade, a nighttime fireworks spectacular, Disney character greetings, tasty treats, “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. plus the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions.
Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate ticket. Tickets purchased in advance for select nights are $42.95 plus tax for ages 3-9, $48.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over. Day-of-event pricing is $7 more for each ticket. For general information, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/holidays.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Shines With Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Nothing says “Joy of the Season” quite like the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by Sylvania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This year’s spectacular – Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2009 – stars millions of blinking, twinkling lights “dancing” to a high-energy holiday symphony.
Guests are treated to twirling carousels, sparkling snowflakes, heavenly angels, majestic trees, twinkling bells, colorful wreaths and Santa with his reindeer. The “dancing lights” moments occur every 10 minutes.
Holidays Around the World Shine Brightly at Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “Holidays Around the World” turns Epcot into a fantasy of celebrations Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2009. World Showcase comes alive with holiday traditions of food, fun and entertainment from across the globe. There are holiday storytellers, a whole world of holiday shopping and a magnificent tree glistening with lights and color. A grand Epcot tradition, the Candlelight Processional, features celebrity narrators delivering a special retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by an orchestra and mass choir. Even the nighttime spectacular, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” is topped with a surprise grand finale for the joyous time of year.
New Year’s Eve ‘Cirque-Style’
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla – Guests can ring in the New Year “Cirque-style” with La Nouba, by Cirque du Soleil. The eye-filling show features breathtaking performances, moving live music, dazzling choreography and endless imagination all wrapped up with a special finale. Show times are 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at disneyworld.com or by calling 407/WDW-SEAT (407/939-7328).
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Rocks to ‘Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade’
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – It’s a holiday combination as perfect as milk and gingerbread cookies. “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” blends the spirit of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the spirit of the season into an unforgettable holiday offering. Dates are Nov. 28-Jan. 4, 2009.
Inside the Disney Ambassador Program: A True-Life Fairy Tale Revealed
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Much like Cinderella’s Prince Charming searching for the perfect fit in the glass slipper, Disney officials have spent the last few months rigorously looking for a select few cast members who can step into the role of Walt Disney World Ambassador, a 44-year tradition that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for those who demonstrate poise, passion and knowledge of Disney heritage.
The honor of being selected Disney Ambassador began during the 10th anniversary of Disneyland when Walt was overwhelmed with requests for appearances and needed a few good surrogates. He selected the first Ambassador in 1964, and the tradition has continued ever since.
Serving as the face of the company and good will ambassador to the world, the 2008 Walt Disney World Ambassador Team of Kerri MacPherson (originally from Melrose, Mass.) and TC Newman (originally from Tustin, Calif.) has participated in more than 1,300 events, visited 38 children’s hospitals during a 22-city national tour and logged tens of thousands of miles traveling to Disney destinations around the globe during a term of service that began in January. They’ve hosted VIPs and dignitaries at Walt Disney World Resort, cut hundreds of grand-opening ribbons, shared third-shift breakfasts at 1 a.m. and read story books to Central Florida children.
Their successor team will participate in training during November for the year-long temporary assignment that begins Jan. 1, 2009. For them, the experience of representing the 62,000 cast members of Walt Disney World Resort will make it one of the most memorable years of their lives.
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