Walt Disney World News
as seen in Magically Speaking newsletter

November 2, 2009

October 19, 2009

October 5, 2009

September 21, 2009

September 7, 2009

August 24, 2009

August 10, 2009

November 2, 2009

Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes Two Baby Giraffes
Two male giraffes were born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Bruehler, a 166-pound calf, was born on October 5 to proud mom Aibuni.  Bolo, a 153-pound calf, was born on October 12 to proud mom Big Girl. 

ADR Window Changed
Beginning last week, the ADR window for Walt Disney World has changed. Guests can book dining reservations up to 180 days in advance. Dining reservations can be made by phone at 407-WDW-DINE or online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/.

New Race Announced for 2010
The new Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon will take place on October 2, 2010.  Participants will finish the race, which will be run at night, inside Epcot where they can take part in an exclusive after-hours party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Registration for the race will begin November 16, 2009 at disneywinedinerun.com.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will also include a Health & Fitness Expo, Kids' Races and Mickey's Halloween Family Fun Run 5K. There will even be an option for a two person relay. For more information, visit http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=HalfMarathonDetailPage.

New Dollar Coins Available
The US Mint is instituting a pilot program in Walt Disney World Resort in an effort to encourage more people to use dollar coins instead of dollar bills.  The coins are cheaper to produce since they hold up longer than bills.  From now through December 13, the coins will be available at select locations in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

New Monorail Coming Soon
Monorail Teal will be created with the remnants of Monorail Pink and Monorail Purple, the two monorails involved in the fatal crash on July 5, 2009.  The colors pink and purple will be retired.

Change to PhotoPass
In a move that has upset many Disney fans, Disney's PhotoPass website has removed the page allowing guests to pre-purchase the PhotoPass CD for $99 (currently $149 at regular price).  Instead, guests who book through Disneyworld.com or the Disney Reservation Center will receive an e-mail approximately 45 days prior to arrival providing PhotoPass discounts, including the PhotoPass CD.  According to the official Disney PhotoPass Service Facebook page, they "are currently working closely with our partners to find a way to get this email and/or a link to the offer to all eligible guests including those who book through Travel Agents and to Disney Vacation Club members."

Finding Nemo Lunch Packages Updated
The times have been adjusted for the Finding Nemo lunch packages. Reservations at Tusker House between 1:50 and 2:45 p.m. will now receive reserved seating at the 4:45 p.m. performance of Finding Nemo the Musical.

New Year's Eve at Victoria and Albert's
Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian will be hosting a New Year's Eve celebration dinner. The 8-10 course dinner will run from 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. The experience will include appearances by Chef Scott Hunnel and his team, as well as a collection of champagne, caviar, and amazing food. The price of the dinner which includes wine and gratuity is $395 plus tax. Normal dress code applies, and children under age 10 cannot dine (which is normal practice for this location). Reservations are currently being accepted at 407-WDW-DINE.

Walt Disney World Closures and Refurbishments

Magic Kingdom

• Space Mountain is closed through November 21.
• Mad Tea Party will be closed November 3 through 5.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin will be closed December 6 through 19.
• The Crystal Palace restaurant will be closed January 3 through February 13, 2010.
• Splash Mountain will be closed January 3 through February 27, 2010.

Epcot

• No closures at this time.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• "Sounds Dangerous" is currently operating on a seasonal schedule.

Animal Kingdom

• No closures at this time.

Outside the Theme Parks

• Port Orleans Riverside's Ol' Man Island Pool slide is closed through November 6. The pool will remain open, and guests may use the slide at Port Orleans French Quarter.
  
• Pop Century Resort's Computer pool is closed through November 6. Then the Bowling pool will be closed November 9 through 20.
• Port Orleans French Quarter's Doubloon Lagoon pool slide will be closed November 9 through 20. The pool will remain open and guests may use the slide at Port Orleans Riverside.
• Typhoon Lagoon will be closed November 1 through January 9, 2010.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge's Uzima Pool will be closed January 4 through 29. Guests may use Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village.
• Blizzard Beach will be closed January 10 through March 20, 2010.
• Yacht & Beach Club's Luna Park Pool will be closed January 18 through February 5, 2010. During this time, guests can use Stormalong Bay or the two leisure pools.

Upcoming Events at Walt Disney World

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, through November 8.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.
• Castle Dreamlights, November 10 through January 3, 2010.
• Festival of the Masters, November 13 through 15.
• Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney, November 17 through December 24.
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot, November 27 through December 30.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, November 10 through January 4, 2010.
• Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, November 27 through January 3, 2010.
• Pop Warner Super Bowl, December 7 through 12.
• WDW Marathon Weekend, January 7 through 10, 2010.
• Princess Half-Marathon, March 7, 2010.
• Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, October 2, 2010.

October 19, 2009

Hoop-Dee-Doo Price Increase
Prices for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness increased on October 4. The new pricing is as follows: Category 1 — $61.99 adults, $31.99 children; Category 2 — $56.99 adults, $27.99 children; Category 3 — $52.99 adults, $26.99 children.

Peter Pan Meet-and-Greet
Peter Pan has a new meet-and-greet location. You can now find him between Mickey's Philharmagic and Tinker Bell's Fairy Treasures in Fantasyland.

Valet Parking Changes
Starting this past Sunday, October 11, valet parking at Disney resorts increased from $10 to $12 per day. Along with the price increase, Disney Vacation Club members no longer receive free valet parking at the resorts.

Buzz Lightyear Returns
On October 2, the Magic Kingdom hosted a ticker tape parade for returning space ranger Buzz Lightyear. Buzz returned to Earth on September 11, following 15 months at the International Space Station. Buzz Lightyear flew to space as part of a collaboration between Disney parks and NASA to encourage students to pursue studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The return of Buzz Lightyear also kicked off a new design challenge for children ages 6-12 from now through November 6. Disney parks and NASA are looking for designs for the most creative mission patch to honor Buzz's accomplishment as America's first and longest serving space ranger. Along with their patch, children must also submit a brief essay (up to 100 words) discussing the inspiration for their design. The winner, parent, and two guests will receive a three-day, two-night vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, as well as a VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Center. For more information visit http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/index?name=Buzz-Light-Year-Contest.

Crowd Control Test Program
Inside four quick-service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom, Disney has begun restricting access, but guaranteeing seating, during particularly busy lunch rushes. Managers say the approach helps smooth out traffic in part by eliminating the need for groups to split up and send someone to order food while another person holds an open table. With the new system, no one from a group is allowed to enter the seating area until they have received their food. At that point, a cast member will escort them to an open table. It is unknown how long Disney will be testing this practice.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee
Beginning October 26, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen (in human form, not frog), Dr. Facilier (the evil villain), and Louis (the trumpet playing alligator) will star in the new Tiana's Showboat Jubilee. The fun will happen on the Liberty Belle riverboat, and moves along the Rivers of America. The New Orleans-style music and fun will feature Randy Newman's songs from the movie, and lots of singing and dancing. The Jubilee is slated to end January 3, 2010.

"The Sum of All Thrills" exhibit opens at Innoventions
Raytheon's "The Sum of All Thrills" exhibit has opened at Epcot's Innoventions. The exciting new exhibit will be sort of an update of CyberSpace Mountain at DisneyQuest. Guests will be able to design a thrill ride (choosing from a bobsled-, roller coaster- or jet-themed ride) for one or two passengers, then get to ride the attraction that they designed. The computer system will determine whether the ride conforms to the laws of physics, and if not, the guest will be asked to modify the ride until it works. The system will stress math and engineering principles as the ride is designed, as a tie-in to Raytheon's MathMovesU program, aimed at inspiring kids to pursue education in math and science. 

New Florida Resident Weekday Pass
Beginning today, Florida residents have a new ticket option available. The Florida Resident Weekday Select Pass is valid for theme park admission on weekdays for one year (seasonal pass block-out dates apply). The tickets will cost $169 plus tax for adults and $149 plus tax for children ages 3-9. All other benefits are the same as a regular Florida resident Seasonal Pass.

October 5, 2009

Dessert Party Continuing
The Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party has been extended through December 29, 2009. The party is held nightly one hour before Wishes starts at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station and includes a dessert buffet and exclusive viewing area. Offerings for special dietary needs will be available. Reservations are not required, but are strongly suggested. Call (407) WDW-DINE to make reservations. Seating is limited. Space permitting, seating for walk-ups may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The party is available on nights when Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is being presented. The price (including tax) is $23.42 for guests 10+ and $12.77 for guests 3 to 9.

New Holiday Tour
Reservations can now be made for a new holiday tour being offered beginning late this November. Disney's Holiday D-Lights Tour will show how the twinkle of holiday magic is created for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, the transformation of Cinderella Castle, and the Candlelight Processional. The tour will only be offered on the following dates: Mondays November 30, and December 7 and 14; and Wednesdays December 2, 9 and 16. Tours will begin at 5 p.m. outside of Epcot. This tour is for guests 16 years of age and older. The cost is $179 per person. Theme park admission is NOT required. Make your reservation by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Parking Prices Increase
Beginning October 4, Walt Disney World has increased the price to park at the theme parks. Car parking will be $14 per day. Just another cost to consider when staying at an off-site resort.

Hot Dog Changes
Independent Orlando restaurant critic Scott Joseph (formerly of the Orlando Sentinel) has reported that Walt Disney World has switched over from all-beef hot dogs to frankfurters made from a mixture of beef and chicken. This change likely serves two purposes. First, obviously, is a cost-savings measure. Beef-and-chicken dogs are less expensive than all-beef dogs. The other is to support Disney's stated aim to service more healthful fare. Dogs with the two-meat mixture will have less fat and carry fewer calories.

Disney Parks Rewarding Volunteers Beginning January 1
Disney hopes to inspire 1 million people to volunteer in 2010. The new "Give a Day, Get a Day" program will reward volunteers with a day of free admission. Guests will have to register online and participate in a number of volunteer activities. There will be options available for guests who are on a package and have multi-day tickets, similar to 2009's birthday program. The most notable exception to this is that a gift card will no longer be an option. It has been replaced with the option of donating your ticket to a select charity. To learn more about the program visit www.DisneyParks.com.

Official Disney Blog
The Disney theme parks will officially join the blogging world. The blog will be the official source for information about new rides and attractions, as well as in-depth coverage of events at Disney theme parks in the United States. The blog will be managed by the in-house public relations team, and select employees at the company's theme parks in Anaheim and Orlando, will contribute to the blog. Check out the new blog at disneyparks.com/blog/.

New Booking Offer
Book a Moderate, Deluxe, or Villa Resorts 4-night Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way package with a minimum 5-day park ticket and get 3 more nights for free. Book a Value Resorts 5-night Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way package with a minimum 6-day park ticket and get 2 more nights for free. You can add the Quick Service Dining Plan, the regular Dining Plan, or the Deluxe Dining Plan for 2009 or 2010, at full price — free dining is NOT included for any of the nights. This offer is valid for travel most nights 11/1/09 - 12/24/09 & 1/3/10 - 3/27/10 (based on availability & some black-out dates apply). Book this offer by 12/20/2009.

September 21, 2009

New Fantasyland Revealed at D23 Expo
The most talked-about news from the D23 Expo by far has been the planned expansion of Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  The expansion will take part in two phases.  The first will feature dedicated areas for four Disney princesses – Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Ariel (including a Little Mermaid ride).  Also, the Dumbo ride will get a complete overhaul and its own circus-themed area.  The first phase will require the closing of Toontown and is expected to be completed in 2011.  The second phase of the expansion calls for a new and larger Pixie Hollow and is expected to be completed in 2013.  There is no word yet on the construction start date.

Star Tours to Get Much-Needed Update
Also at the D23 Expo, it was announced that the Star Tours Attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios would be getting an upgrade.  Sometime in 2011, guests will experience a new 3-D version of the ride complete with all-new interactive elements.

MuppetVision 3D to Go Digital
Jim Henson's Muppets will entertain guests of Disney's Hollywood Studios in an upgraded digital 3-D format.  In addition, the pre-show area will get an overhaul and feature new Muppet-spoof posters.

Halloween is Going, Going, Gone!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is sold out for Halloween.  To purchase tickets for another date and for more info, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/ or call 407-WDISNEY.

New Cirque du Soleil Ticket Pricing
Disney has announced new pricing for the Cirque du Soleil show at Downtown Disney. A new category has also been added to the pricing. Effective October 6, ticket prices will be as follows:

Front & Center (Section 103)
Ages 10 and up $120.00; Ages 3-9: $97.00

Category 1:
Ages 10 and up $105.00; Ages 3-9: $85.00

Category 2:
Ages 10 and up $85.00; Ages 3-9: $69.00

Category 3:
Ages 10 and up $69.00; Ages 3-9: $56.00

Category 4:
Ages 10 and up: $53, Ages 3-9: $43

September 7, 2009

Disney's Dreamer Academy
Disney's Dreamer Academy with Steve Harvey is now accepting nominations for the 2010 class. Students must be enrolled in high school full time for the 2009-2010 school year and exhibit a desire to learn. 100 students will be accepted from the nominations. Details & nomination forms are available at www.SteveHarvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy. Good luck!

New Deal for Florida Residents
Disney has announced a change to the 15-month for 12-month annual pass program. Florida residents are now able to take advantage of this deal as well. Florida residents purchasing an annual pass between now and the end of the year will receive 15 months of use if the pass is activated by January 14. Proof of residency must be shown at activation to get this deal.

Wishes Dessert Party Continuing
The Fireworks Dessert Party held every night at the Magic Kingdom has been extended through at least October 31. One hour before the Wishes fireworks begin, you can enjoy a self-service dessert party buffet at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station that features a wide range of sweets and beverages. You can then stay to enjoy Wishes from this exclusive viewing area. Price for the dessert party has increased: $23.42 plus tax for ages 10 and over; $12.77 plus tax for ages 3 – 9. For a first-hand account of the party, see Jane Jones' article from a recent issue of Magically Speaking.

Animal Kingdom Village Phase 2 Now Open
The new Pembe Savanna, at Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Villas, opened September 1. Those staying in Kidani Village will be able to view okapis, red river hogs, impala, waterbuck, blue cranes, and spur-winged geese on this new six-acre savanna. Phase 2 also opened and Animal Kingdom Village construction is now completed.

Marathons' Last Run
October 2009 is your last chance to run Disney's Race for the Taste 10K and 3K and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K and 5K. These races will not be returning in 2010. That means it's the last chance to earn medals for these events. Run both the 10K and 13K, and you will also be awarded the Fall Race Challenge medal.

Pirate League Extended Hours
Disney's Pirate League in the Magic Kingdom is adjusting its operating hours on certain days to accommodate expected crowd level. The Pirate League will remain open until 8 pm on the following days — September 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, Oct. 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and Nov. 1 - all of which are hosting Mickey's Not Scary Halloween Party. Walk-ups will be accepted based on availability, but reservations are highly recommended and can made by calling 407-WDW-CREW (939-2739).

Haunted Carriage Rides
Haunted Carriage Rides are set to begin daily from Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. From October 2 through November 1, there will be three carriages departing every half hour between 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. The cost of the ride is $60 plus tax for up to five passengers (four adults or two adults and three children ages nine and under.)

Party for Senses Changes
The popular Party for the Senses has a twist this year. Each week will feature a different theme for guests to enjoy. September 26 kicks things off by celebrating Spanish cuisine. During October, Party for the Senses will celebrate Comfort Foods with a Twist (Oct. 3), South American Cuisine (Oct. 10), Classical Cuisine (Oct. 17), Asian Cuisine (Oct. 24) and Fall Harvest (Oct. 31). A limited number of guests can enhance the evening by arranging for a spot in the new Wine View Lounge, an exclusive area within Party for the Senses. The lounge features amenities such as private reserved tables, a welcome specialty drink, premium bar, an artisan cheese station, parting gifts, and more. Party for the Senses costs $135 per person, plus tax (gratuity is included). The Wine View Lounge is an additional $75 per person, plus tax (including gratuity). Reservations are available by call 407 WDW-FEST (939-3378).

Tables in Wonderland Discounts at Food & Wine Festival
Tables in Wonderland Members are able to purchase discounted advance tickets to the culinary demonstrations and wine/beverage seminars at the Food and Wine Festival. The discounted tickets are limited, and need to be purchased online. Discounts are only about $3 per person, making the price $5 each. To register, visit http://www.register123.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x173908616f.

August 24, 2009

Disney Reverts to 180-Day Advanced Dining Reservations
For those who have become frustrated with trying to get ADRs at the current 90-day booking window, Disney has announced that it will revert to the previous 180-day booking window starting on October 27, 2009.

More Dining Options in the Magic Kingdom
The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station in the Magic Kingdom is currently serving an all-you-can-eat buffet from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Also, a table service dinner is being offered at the Diamond Horseshoe from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.  These dining options are available through October 3, 2009.

Become a Disney Mom
Disney will be accepting applications September 10 for the new Disney Mom's Panel. This will be the third panel of its kind. Details on how to apply can be found at www.disneyworldmoms.com/2010. Good luck!

Disney's Newest Princess Coming to Walt Disney World
Tiana, Disney's first African-American princess from The Princess and the Frog, will appear in “Tiana's Showboat Jubilee” on the Liberty Belle Riverboat starting on October 26, 2009.

Kouzzina Now Open on the Boardwalk
Cat Cora's new restaurant Kouzzina, which is replacing Spoodles on the Boardwalk, opened on Saturday, August 15.  Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

La Cava del Tequila Opens at Epcot
Beginning August 28, La Cava del Tequila, a tequila bar, will open in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion. The venue will feature over 70 types of tequila, several margaritas, and a tapas-sytle menu.

Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages Now Available
The Candlelight Processional Dining Package combines an Epcot dining experience with reserved VIP seating for the Candlelight Processional during holiday season. The packages are available for set time windows and the pricing is tiered depending on the restaurant and time selected. More information about the experience can be found here: http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/wdwparks/annual/candlelight_processional.shtml.

For the 5:00 CP show, ADRs will be from 1:45 – 2:45 p.m.
For the 6:45 show, ADRs will be from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
For the 8:15 show, ADRs will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Tier 1
Adults: $32.99 lunch/$44.99 dinner
Kids: $17.99 lunch/ $22.99 dinner
Biergarten or Garden Grill (dinner only)

Tier 2
Adults: $38.99 lunch/ $44.99 dinner
Kids: $12.99 lunch/ $14.99 dinner
Nine Dragons, Marrakesh, Rose and Crown, San Angel Inn

Tier 3
Adults: $51.99 lunch/ $58.99 dinner/ $60.99 for 8:15 show
Kids: $13.99/ $15.99 dinner (no price difference for 8:15 show for kids)
Chefs De France, Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia

All meals include an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage. This year, those on Disney's dining plan will need to use two table service credits to book the CP dinner package. Also, a preferred viewing area for IllumiNations is included for guests with the package.

August 10, 2009

Ticket Price Increases Take Effect
Walt Disney World increased the base price of a one-day, one-park ticket to $79. The same ticket for a child 3–9 is $68. Multi-day ticket packages also increased a lesser amount. . The Park Hopper add-on and the Water Park Fun and More add-on each increased to $52, up from $50.

Annual Pass Renewal Offer
On the heels of the ticket price increase, Disney rolled out a renewal offer for annual passholders. Passholders with passes expiring September 1 or after are able to renew for 15 months for the price of 12 months! You can renew up to 60 days before your pass will expire. As of now, there isn't an expiration date on this offer. For more information, visit: Disneyworld.com/passholder.

2010 Dining Plan Changes
Disney has released the details of next year's dining plans. For 2010 Disney has added a new twist: the basic Dining Plan carries a variable price depending on season. The price varies from $41.99 to $46.99 for adults and $11.99 to $12.99 for children. Those prices will be in effect for higher-demand seasons similar to resort seasons.

The Quick Service Dining Plan is up to $31.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. The price for the Deluxe Dining Plan has remained the same, at $71.99 and $20.99, respectively. The Premium Plan is up $5 for both adults and kids to $164 and $114, while the Platinum Plan is up $11 for both adults and kids to $220 and $155.

Centralized FASTPASS Distribution
Animal Kingdom will be testing a new centralized FASTPASS distribution system. The machines will allow guests to get a FASTPASS for any ride in the park at one location. The Orlando Sentinel was invited to test this system recently, too. Although the feedback was mostly positive, when they tested it, the system did not offer a way to see the return time before the pass was generated. Hopefully that will be changed as the system is tweaked.

Candlelight Narrators Announced
The list of this year's narrators for the Candlelight Processional has been released. This year's narrators include Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana in the upcoming The Princess and the Frog, and Andy Garcia, who recently was the keynote speaker at the mass naturalization ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle on July 3. This traditional telling of the Christmas story with a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra runs from the night after Thanksgiving through December 30 at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot three times nightly, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. Please remember this information is subject to change, and Disney will most likely announce updates to the schedule in upcoming months.

November 27-29 – Isabella Rossellini
November 30-December 2 – John O'Hurley
December 3-5 – Steven Curtis Chapman
December 6-8 – Anika Noni Rose
December 9-11 – Andy Garcia
December 12-14 – Vanessa Williams
December 15-17 – Abigail Breslin
December 18-20 – Whoopi Goldberg
December 21-23 – Brian Dennehy
December 24-26 – Edward James Olmos
December 27-30 – Angela Bassett / Courtney B. Vance

Changes to Eat to the Beat Concerts
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks has been added to the Eat to the Beat concert series schedule for the upcoming Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. The updated schedule is as follows:

September 25-27: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
September 28-29: Richard Marx
September 30-October 3: Starship starring Mickey Thomas
October 4-6: En Vogue
October 7-8: Better Than Ezra
October 9-11: Sister Hazel
October 12-13: Kool & The Gang
October 14-16: Spyro Gyra
October 17-18: Jon Secada
October 19-20: Sister Sledge
October 21-22: Vanessa Carlton
October 23-25: Taylor Dayne
October 26-28: Boyz II Men
October 29-31: John Waite
November 1-2: Taylor Hicks
November 3-5: Billy Ocean
November 6-8: Los Lobos

Disney World Facebook Application
A new Facebook application allows users to send free virtual Walt Disney World gifts to their Facebook friends. The more gifts users send, the more new gifts they can unlock with the Facebook application.

These virtual gifts are online photographs of classic Disney attractions ranging from the Dumbo ride in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom to clubs at the now defunct Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney. Facebook users can access the free Disney gifts application by entering "Disney World Gifts" in the Facebook search engine. Sent gifts will appear on users' profile and home pages.

Winter Holiday schedule
Disney has announced this winter's holiday events, and it looks very much like last year.

Castle Dreamlights will begin its nightly glow on November 10, the first night of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The party this year runs November 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18. The special holiday events from the party become standard daily entertainment in the Magic Kingdom beginning December 19.

The rest of the theme parks begin their celebration on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. Epcot again presents Holidays Around the World, featuring international storytellers, the Candlelight Processional, and the special holiday tag to "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth." Holidays Around the World runs through December 30.

Disney's Hollywood Studios gets into the act with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which runs from November 27 through January 3, 2010. Meanwhile, Disney's Animal Kingdom turns Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade into Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, also from November 27 through January 3, 2010. There'll also be special holiday entertainment and meet-and-greets.

Downtown Disney won't be left out, either, as the Festival of the Seasons runs from November 17 through December 24, with Santa available for meet-and-greets from 5-10 p.m. from November 17-26 and noon to 10 p.m. from November 27 through December 24.

The resorts will also be putting on their Christmas finery, including the famed gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort and the gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club Resort.