LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Mar. 5, 2009) – Thousands of women from around the world are bringing out their inner Princess at the inaugural Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker. Runners from every U.S. state and 17 other countries is taking part in this three-day celebration of women’s health and fitness that includes special features that are all things Princess.

Participants and their family and friends can experience a variety of exclusive opportunities including Princess meet and greets, a character breakfast, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight.

The weekend, kicks off Friday, March 6, with Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo at the Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. The expo, open to everyone, will involve renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for women to educate themselves about their health and fitness all in one place,” said Disney’s Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. “Not only does it provide awareness and empower women to live a healthy lifestyle, but they will have a great time doing it.”

More than 11,000 runners are competing in various races throughout weekend, making this event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women. The signature event, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, is Sunday, and takes runners on a 13.1 mile royal journey through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. On Saturday, there is the Royal Family 5K at Epcot and the Princess Kids’ Races.

Every runner will receive a commemorative Champion Ladies Tech shirt and runners crossing the finish line will receive a special Princess tiara-shaped medal. While the event is geared towards women, men can run in support of the special women in their lives.

For a complete schedule of events, visit disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com. Also, additional post-race party tickets can be purchased for family and friends at the Fit for a Princess Expo or at the party.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Disney has a long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation that stretches more than 27 years. Disney has contributed more than $11 million in cash and in-kind donations each year and used its magic to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. With more than 6,000 wishes granted every year - including visits to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, Disney Characters visits, attending sporting events and visiting TV and movie sets - Disney-themed wishes continue to be the most popular requests by children to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Please visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – From May through August 2009, summer simmers with exciting new attractions and events at Walt Disney World Resort. The smash TV hit “American Idol” inspires a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while, at Magic Kingdom, a Liberty Square icon reopens its doors and street parties turn up the spirit as Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate?” hits full-stride. Treehouse lodging is back, resort guests now can save some time by checking in online before they arrive, Stars Wars Weekends let guests release their inner Jedi, and Downtown Disney unwraps new fun – on the ground and in the air…

Summer Fun at The American Idol Experience

While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.

Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).

Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater is wired so guests can vote for their favorite singer.

What Will You Celebrate? Adds Gifting Option, Park Fun

During “What Will You Celebrate?” inviting Disney Parks guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences, ways for guests to customize and personalize a visit are endless.

With everything from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations to choose from, guests who have decided their answer to “What Will You Celebrate?” have more choices as they ponder, “How will I celebrate?” The fun is nonstop, too, with a party spirit stamping the new “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” street party in the Magic Kingdom. Floats, a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and more “move it” down Main Street, Come True parade, a tweaked send-up of the former Dreams Come True parade with changes to some of the floats and soundtracks and the grand marshal in the lead role. Singers and dancers as before invite guests lining the parade route to come join in the celebration.

With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor a celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Thanks to new Web planning tools, learning about available choices and then customizing a “celebration vacation” itinerary – or “gifting” a celebrating family member or friend with a personalized Disney experience – is easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests (or their travel agents) choose the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration “planner” to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a “celebration vacation” at Disney Parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Quinceanera, personal triumph or any celebration.

Now there is also a way to participate in a guest’s upcoming celebration visit when you can’t be there: by “gifting.” The giver reviews the possibilities using the online planner, then calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dream Makers can be reached at 407/WDW-GIFT.

Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.

A giant, “A to Z” gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – will roam the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.

Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.

Hall of Presidents to Reopen in July

A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements.

Whole New World of Lodging Greets Summer Guests

New home-like accommodations presented by Disney Vacation Club are debuting in time for summer guests. New options will combine to revive “treehouse living” at Walt Disney World Resort and immerse guests in the African experience.

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the opening (scheduled for summer) of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, providing Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa with a new room category.

Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Fresh from the conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings scheduled in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and hewn timber design. Kidani means “necklace,” and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with villas forming the beads, garden-like walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center. With the spring opening comes Sanaa, a new family dining location, featuring savanna views and serving familiar foods from tandoor ovens and slow-cooked specialties with flavorful spices of Africa.

Walt Disney World Resort Debuts Online Check-In Service

Walt Disney World Resort has launched Online Check-In Service, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.

Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney Cast Members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.

Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.

For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call 407-W-DISNEY or your travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.

New and Aloft at Downtown Disney: Aerophile!

Imagine an eagle’s-eye view of the Downtown Disney area, with sweeping, 10-mile panoramas of Lake Buena Vista and environs. Downtown Disney greets summer guests with a new iconic attraction in the form of a giant tethered balloon – Aerophile — that will take guests 300 feet into the air from the waterfront. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute ‘’flight,’’ by day or night. Aerophile made a spring debut at Downtown Disney’s West Side. It joins other newcomers at Downtown Disney for summer:

• TrenD, a hip new Downtown Disney Marketplace boutique with urban-inspired fashions.
• Disney Design-a-Tee, presented by Hanes, inviting Marketplace guests to personalize the popular souvenir to their own tastes.
• T-Rex : A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover – a fun prehistoric environment millions of years in the making.
• Downtown Disney restaurant from E-Brands, Paradiso 37, a restaurant from E-Brands featuring a selection of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas.

‘’Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’’ Dance Party Debuts

He’s the Guru of Gross-Out, the Maker of Mischief. Now, everybody’s favorite galactic pal stars in ‘’Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration,’’ a high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party in Magic Kingdom. The fun features Stitch, an interactive dance troupe and a DJ celebration host who invites all Tomorrowland guests to come party, dance and celebrate.

Disney ‘newbie’ joins MercyMe, newsboys, Flyleaf, Skillet, Jars of Clay, Chris Tomlin among 14 acts playing Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sept. 11-12

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2009) – Multi-platinum Christian rock band P.O.D., currently on hiatus following a lengthy world tour, will make its 2009 concert debut as part of a 14-act lineup announced today for Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 11-12 at Walt Disney World Resort. The musically diverse event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park also will feature MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Flyleaf, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Jars of Clay, Grits, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5.

Seven acts will perform each evening between 7 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. at stage locations throughout the park. Night of Joy begins after regular park operating hours, with concerts and select park attractions available exclusively for the enjoyment of event ticket holders.

P.O.D. is among four acts new to Night of Joy (along with Grits, NEEDTOBREATHE and Family Force 5), joining a legacy of 134 Christian music acts that have played Night of Joy since 1983. While a Disney “newbie,” the southern California-based band that fuses hard rock with hip-hop, reggae and Latin music is well known in music circles. They’ve been a hit on MTV, won two GMA Dove Awards, been Grammy-nominated, had two platinum-certified albums – one triple platinum – and in past summers played some of the north’s biggest Christian festivals.

But in spring/summer 2009, P.O.D. is chillin’: Vocalist Sonny Sandoval and the rest of the band are home in SoCal enjoying family life following a seven-month world tour that wound up in South America in December, making their Sept. 11 date at Disney P.O.D.’s first gig of the year.

“In the past year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.

The complete Sept. 11 Night of Joy lineup: P.O.D., newsboys, Kutless, Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, Leeland and Superchick.

On Sept. 12, the Studios’ stages will present: Skillet, MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Flyleaf, Family Force 5, Grits and Mandisa.

Eight of the acts are nominated for Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in 2009, topped by Tomlin with seven nominations including artist of the year. Other nominees are Kutless, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Skillet, MercyMe, Mandisa and Grits.

For Mandisa, Night of Joy will mark her second “guest appearance” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009. On Feb. 12, she was among an unprecedented gathering of 27 “American Idol” finalists – including the winners from each of the show’s first seven seasons – who participated in a Hollywood gala-style event to premiere “The American Idol Experience.” The new attraction immerses guests in the excitement of the hit TV show “American Idol,” with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.

With an innovative ticket – exclusively for groups of 10 or more – that combines a “day” visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Night of Joy admission that evening, guests will have a chance to participate in “The American Idol Experience.” And by booking on or before Aug. 12, the Studios day/Night of Joy group ticket costs just $44.95 plus tax (beginning Aug. 13, it costs $49.95).

There’s also a two-day ticket exclusively for groups of 10 or more that combines Night of Joy admission on both evenings (Sept. 11 and Sept. 12) with two “day visits” to the guest’s choice of Walt Disney World theme parks (one per day) on Night of Joy weekend (Sept. 11-13). Booked on/before Aug. 12, that ticket costs just $89.95 plus tax (beginning Aug. 13, it costs $99.95).

Night of Joy tickets for individuals also are available. One-night tickets purchased in advance (up to the day prior to the event) are $49.95 plus tax (on event day, if available, tickets are $54.95). Two-night tickets (providing admission to Night of Joy on both Sept. 11 and 12) are $84.95 plus tax.

All the details about tickets for groups and individuals are available online at www.nightofjoy.com.

Pirates, Pixies and Petals, Oh My!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Imaginations will take flight and set sail as children explore new, vibrant gardens and adventurous activities at the 16thannual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, March 18-May 31, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort. The park’s bountiful garden of fun also will bloom with themed playgrounds, immersive scavenger hunts, a special Fairy & Princess Procession and floral vi-gnettes budding with beloved Disney character topiaries.

To welcome families into the festival, a royal topiary court invites guests to celebrate Cinderella’s coronation day as a special “Cinderellabration” at the Epcot entrance. The signature topiary display, showcasing Cinderella’s royal moment, is designed in honor of Disney Parks’ new “What Will You Celebrate?” vacation initiative.

Throughout the rest of the theme park, families will enjoy the cascades of color at every turn, strolling through floral scenes made famous in Disney animated films, including “The Lion King” and the upcoming “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.”

Little ones can get moving – literally – in a special garden-themed playground featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy. The Let’s Get Moving play area encourages kids to climb and explore. And there will be plenty of “pixie power” in a Pixie Hollow-themed play area, with everyone’s favorite fairy, Tinker Bell, featured in a playful garden. For the little pirates of the family, another themed adventure area will feature Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

Aladdin and Lady and the Tramp will join other cherished characters making topiary appearances throughout Epcot, which is veiled with 30 million blooms of sweeping floral beds and exhibits.

Other family-friendly exhibits include Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden – a distinctive garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. And guests can learn how to create their own environmentally safe garden, including information about low-water-use, native plants and recycling, while kids enjoy a playground at the Green Garden exhibit.

Entertainment is available for the whole family throughout the festival. The Flower Power concert series, which stars pop hit-makers of the 1960s and ’70s, will have guests be-bopping and grooving to classic tunes at the America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Some of the other activities sure to keep the “little gardeners” entertained at the 16thannual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival include:

• Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden (adjacent to Mouse Gear in Future World), with special hands-on activities for children, a play structure and colorful topiaries of Tinker Bell and her friends; daily Fairy & Princess Processional at 2 p.m. where kids can come dressed up and show off their costumes; they can also get their face painted with their favorite fairy, flower or insect; plus, meet the director and producer of the upcoming fall release “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure” March 21 at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Pirates Adventure Zone (adjacent to the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase), an interactive play space designed for exploration and adventure greeted by Peter Pan, Captain Hook and Croc topiaries.
• Let’s Get Moving (adjacent to the Imagination! pavilion in Future World), a recreational garden where children can climb and explore, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy topiaries demonstrating their favorite outdoor activities. Here, kids can climb aboard EVOS and Weevos Playsystems.
• Green Garden (adjacent to the Morocco pavilion in World Showcase), a unique garden, which includes a playground, where guests can learn how to create an environmentally friendly, low-input garden of their own.
• Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden (adjacent to Mouse Gear in Future World), where hundreds of butterflies inhabit a screened-in gazebo lush with foliage and color.
• Character Topiary Scavenger Hunt (behind Spaceship Earth in Future World), a family-oriented challenge to locate favorite Disney character topiaries throughout Epcot.
• Earth Station (Test Track Walkway, adjacent to the butterfly garden), where kids can discover fun activities and how to positively impact Earth.

Most festival activities are included in regular admission to Epcot. For more information and schedules, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit www.disneyworld.com/flower.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Gardening expert and author Joe Lamp’l, familiar across the nation as the host of PBS’s “GardenSMART,” is among 11 experts who will be participating in the Great American Gardeners series during the 16th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, at Walt Disney World Resort.

Lamp’l, also known as joe gardenerâ, will appear at Garden Town in Future World East next to Universe of Energy April 17-19. The Great American Gardeners series, which is featured each Friday-Sunday from March 20-May 31, is presented in partnership with the American Horticulture Society.

Some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the country reveal tips and share entertaining stories during the presentations open to all Epcot guests at noon and 3 p.m. with special presentations from a Guerlain perfume expert May 8-10 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Scheduled to appear (presenters and times subject to change without notice):

Jon Carloftis (March 20-22): Author of First a Garden and Beyond the Windowsill, Carloftis offers insightful tips to integrate plants and nature in every aspect of life – from interior spaces to urban scapes.

Shirley Bovshow (March 27-29): Garden designer and TV host Bovshow presents gorgeous edible gardens that not only provide food but offer style and function in the garden.

Susan Belsinger (April 3-5): Culinary herbalist, author and photographer Belsinger informs about the magic of herbs from garden to kitchen in a sensory experience of fragrance and flavor.

Felder Rushing (April 10-12): Renowned horticulturist, NPR host and author of award-winning Passalong Plants, Rushing shares practical tips for all-year beauty using tough shrubs, flowers, herbs and even “designer” vegetables grown in containers and flower beds.

Joe Lamp’l (a.k.a. joe gardener) (April 17-19): National TV host, author and gardening expert Lamp’l talks about some of the best tools and accessories around today that make your gardening life easier.

Jeff Lowenfels (April 24-26): America’s longest-running garden columnist and author of Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web, Lowenfels will explain the science behind organic gardening and teach practical applications to eliminate the need for chemicals in yards and gardens.

Joe Washington (May 1-3): Landscaping enthusiast and TV host Washington talks about the new focus in your landscape, water-smart designs and tools for overcoming drought conditions.

Tom MacCubbin (May 8-10): Florida garden writer, media personality and Extension Agent Emeritus with the University of Florida, MacCubbin shares how to make your landscape pay its way by growing foods you can put on the table.

Raymond Western (May 8-10): Guerlain’s director of education and perfume expert Western offers insights into the history of fragrances and explores the relationship between plants and perfume.

Melinda Myers (May 15-17): TV host and nationally known gardening expert Myers shares simple, creative ideas for saving time, energy and money while being kind to the environment and growing a beautiful landscape.

Robert Bowden (May 22-24): Gardening expert, author and director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Bowden discusses plants with unusual textures, habits and colors for weekend fun with the home landscape.

Rita Randolph (May 29-31): Speaker, plant collector and famous for Randolph’s Greenhouses, Randolph demonstrates how to create unusual and eye-opening plant combinations with her canvas of choice – containers.

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is included with regular Epcot admission. For more information, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit www.disneyworld.com/flower.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With new, vibrant gardens, popular Disney character topiaries and colorful celebrations, it’s time to party during the 16th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, March 18-May 31 at Walt Disney World Resort. Among this year’s fun festival facts:

30 million blooms dress the park throughout the festival, which runs 75 colorful days.

As part of this year’s Celebration theme, guests can enjoy a commemoration of Cinderella’s coronation day as a “Cinderellabration” featuring royal guests including Prince Charming, Sleeping Beauty and Belle – all as intricately designed topiaries. Other topiary merriment includes: Simba’s Birthday Celebration in a classic scene based on the Disney animated film “The Lion King” and Be Our Guest featuring the entertaining characters from “Beauty and the Beast.”

More than 50 Disney character topiaries include Aladdin, Lady and the Tramp, and Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Classic Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy strike topiary poses doing their favorite outdoor activities in the new, garden-themed playground Let’s Get Moving.

Little princesses can come dressed up and show off their costumes in the all-new daily Fairy & Princess Procession in the new Pixie Hollow-themed play area.

More than 500 native butterflies representing up to 10 species reside in Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden, a gazebo-type enclosure filled with lush plants and measuring more than 40 feet in diameter. Guests can stroll through the screened habitat to view the colorful butterflies. Among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants are Cape Royal plumbago, passion flower, coral honeysuckle, blazing star, butterfly bush, scarlet milkweed and canna lily.

300,000 bedding plants are installed for the festival.

Two butterfly topiaries are on display. Also, Doc, Grumpy and the rest of the seven dwarfs appear at the Epcot entrance with intricate topiary detail that includes beards of palm fiber. Perfume bottle topiaries represent Guerlain perfumes in the Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion.

At least 25 different plants, grasses and mosses of various colors, including pink and red begonias, dusty miller, palm fiber, palm seeds, ficus and lichen, are used to create and define features of the festival topiaries. More color has been added to the topiaries than in any previous topiary presentation.

More than 15 floral, herbal and spice ingredients of 10 popular perfumes are revealed in the Fragrance Garden presented by Guerlain at the France pavilion. Guests can sniff the enduring fragrance Shalimar to discover botanical notes that include lemon, Arabian jasmine and vanilla. Some components of nine other Guerlain fragrances include mimosa, magnolia, rose, nutmeg and vetivergrass.

At the Green Garden exhibit, guests can learn tips on how to create their own environmentally safe garden, including information about low-water-use, native plants and recycling.

Forty-five “flower towers” of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza.

100 floating mini-gardens, each three feet in diameter, of multi-hued impatiens provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase. There are also 15 large gardens, each eight feet in diameter.

750 container gardens of flowers, herbs, plants and vegetables in clay pots, barrels and urns enhance the landscape throughout Epcot.

300 Walt Disney World horticulturists are needed to install the festival landscape, topiaries and many exhibits; 100 Epcot horticulturists maintain topiaries and other festival displays.

It takes more than one full year to prepare for the annual festival.

The festival’s Flower Power is bolstered by weekend appearances of musical hit makers of the 1960s and ’70s including Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Davy Jones, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, and Jose Feliciano – a total of 11 acts this year.

Guest information for the 16thannual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower or call 407/W-DISNEY.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, popular for their Grammy Award-nominated single “If You Don’t Know Me By Now,” and other hit makers will strike nostalgic notes during Flower Power concerts each weekend of the 16th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, at Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and ’70s begins March 20-22 with opening-weekend performances by Davy Jones, known for a string of pop singles including “Daydream Believer,” and continues each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 31. Some of the other returning acts include Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Ventures, Jose Feliciano and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats.

Flower Power concerts take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and
7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.

Here’s the lineup (entertainment and show times subject to change without notice):

• March 20-22 – Davy Jones “Daydream Believer”
• March 27-March 29 – Paul Revere & The Raiders “Good Thing”
• April 3-April 5 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie “Happy Together”
• April 10-April 12 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
• April 17-April 19 – The Ventures “Hawaii Five-O”
• April 24-April 26 – Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes (NEW) “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”
• May 1-May 3 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats “The Twist”
• May 8-May 10 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection
• May 15-May 17 – Jose Feliciano “Light My Fire”
• May 22-May 24 – The 5th Dimension “Up, Up and Away”
• May 29-May 31 – Tony Orlando “Tie a Yellow Ribbon”

Guest information is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower. Or call 407/824-4321.

Exclusive viewing areas, finish line celebration, special Disney character breakfast among new immersive features; perennial champion Adriano Bastos of Brazil going for fifth straight victory

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2009) – Runners and guests at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA can experience “More Magic” at this year’s event through new interactive features designed to create a more immersive Disney-themed marathon experience.

Through a variety of new options, runners and spectators can gain access to exclusive viewing areas that include Internet access for live results, flat screen televisions, private restrooms and stretching areas, plus brunch following Sunday’s marathon.

Spectators looking to get closer to the action will have a special opportunity to celebrate at the finish line with their friends or family members competing in the race, as well as gain access to a new “Kiddie Korner,”a premium viewing area where kids can play games, watch movies and get their faces painted. Another new feature is the opportunity for runners and fans to attend a magical breakfast or dinner with many of Disney’s famous characters on Friday or Saturday at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

“These ‘More Magic’ features were created to provide the experiences that participants want during their weekend, providing runners and spectators with unique opportunities with the extra magic that only Disney can provide,” said Disney’s Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. “These features offer runners the VIP treatment and give their families and friends the chance to participate in the event and share in the celebration of the runner’s accomplishment.”

A record 45,000 people have registered for the variety of events that make up the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The main event – Sunday’s 26.2-mile journey through Disney’s four major theme parks – starts at 5:50 a.m. near Epcot.

Brazilian Adriano Bastos is chasing his fifth straight Disney Marathon victory and sixth overall. Bastos won his first marathon in 2003 and has won four in a row since 2005. Last year he defeated second place winner John Garton by more than 14 minutes.

In addition to Sunday’s 26.2-mile Marathon, the weekend features a Half Marathon on Saturday and a Family 5K on Friday as well as Kids Races throughout the weekend. There’s also Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, which involves running the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. The Disney Marathon Weekend also features a Health and Fitness Expo (Jan. 8-10) at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The event, which is free, features celebrity runner appearances, the opportunity to test the latest in running and fitness equipment, and a series of seminars on training, racing and nutrition.

Registration for the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA opens Jan. 12, 2009. For more information on the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend or to register for the 2010 event visit disneyworldmarathon.com.

About Disney’s Endurance Series

Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker (March), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Please visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.

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: