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Celebrating in the Parks
Disney is unwrapping all-new entertainment with memory-makers in mind,
allowing guests to focus their celebration on favourite characters, favourite
attractions and favourite stories to create a custom celebration in the park.
New park experiences coming in 2009 for all park guests to enjoy:
 
- "New Additions: On Main Street U.S.A. The call to "Celebrate Today!" goes out to guests, music floods the streets and dancing kicks into high gear with new parties and parades. There will be new celebration costumes for all of the characters. Watch for Goofy the Jester. Finally," Illumintations," Epcot's firework and laser extravaganza, will add a celebration theme.
- "Move It! Shake it! Celebrate It!" Party: The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort comes to life with this new interactive show, which is performed three times daily at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, & 5:15 PM. Held in front of Cinderella Castle, this show will take place several times each day and will involve the participation of 12 to 15 guests. The magic kicks off as an emcee entices you to join in the fun and Disney Characters, floats resembling giant gift-wrapped packages, stilt-walkers and other performers promenade toward Cinderella Castle. Included will be contemporary songs like Breakout by Miley Cyrus and much more.
- The times for Dream Along with Mickey will change to make way for the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party”. The new performance times will be 9:35 AM, 10:35 AM, 11:40 AM, 1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, and 4:00 PM.
- The Fireworks Dessert Party will open nightly until January 2, 2010 in the Magic Kingdom one hour prior to the nighttime spectacular and includes a self-service buffet featuring a wide range of sweets and beverages. Offerings for Guests with special dietary needs will be available. Reservations will be accepted beginning Monday, June 22 by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended due to the anticipated popularity of this experience. Seating is limited. Space permitting, seating for walk-ups may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The price for this experience is $23.42 for Guests ages 10 and over and $12.77 for Guests ages 3 - 9. The Disney Dining Plan is not currently being accepted. Prepayment will be required reserving seats for this event in advance.
- Pirates League: This new attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom and will perform swashbuckling makeovers. The League will be located in the area between the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Pirates Merchandise shop. Participants will receive pirate names before receiving a variety of accessories, including beards, eye patches, scarves, scars, earrings and gold teeth. These will be applied by a "veteran pirate" with sea-sailing tales. After taking a sacred oath and an official portrait, guests will be part of Jack Sparrow's gang. Reservations (for boys, girls and adults) can be made beginning May 11th by calling 407-WDW-CREW.
- Disney's "A Dream Come True" Parade: You're sure to spot some of your Disney favorites in this dazzling and delightful parade that winds its way between Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. and Frontierland. The upbeat music will have you swaying to the tunes as you enjoy the colorful floats filled with so many popular Disney Characters. 3:00 p.m. each day.
- In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing. Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.
- Park Décor: The parks will be decorated with colourful banners,
balloons and festive party hats - as if awaiting your celebration.
- Buttons: Complimentary celebration buttons will help Disney cast
members and fellow guests recognize you and your celebration.
  
Customizing Your Celebration
In-Room Celebrations by Walt Disney World Florist
Whether you want to mark a birthday, send special congratulation wishes, or just give your family a magical "vacation welcome”, the celebrating can start right in your Walt Disney World resort room. Let Disney specialists create the perfect setting by decorating your Resort Room with surprise presents, magical treats, banners, confetti and more. Call (407) WDW-GIFT or visit the Walt Disney World Florist web site to customize the picture-perfect look for your stay or have the perfect occasion present or floral arrangement waiting in the room for your arrival. You can even have your gift delivered to any of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Celebration Dining Enhancements
To make advance arrangements for any of the following celebration options call (407) WDW-DINE.
I. Available at Character Dining and Buffet Locations
 Magical "Pop-Up" Party Pack: Celebrate by putting a real "pop" in your party with any or all of the following festive options:
• "Pop-Up" centerpiece is the perfect table decoration for your party
• Basic Goodie Bag contains a Mickey party hat, fun game, coloring book and crayons
• Deluxe Goodie Bag has all the Basic Goodie Bag components, PLUS a magnet activity set and Mickey shaped straw all in a special celebration tote
My Mini Cake Surprise: Purchase a Disney Pirate Treasure Chest or a Disney Princess Jewelry Box, each brimming with surprises and an individual cake.
II. Available at Most Full-Service Restaurants
A Sweet Ending to Your Celebration: Enrich any special occasion with a selection of special Celebration-inspired desserts. Ask your server.
Celebrate Today! Cake: Create an instant celebration with a six-inch vanilla cake, topped with rich vanilla icing and fun confetti sprinkles. No notice is necessary—you can order at the podium at most table-service restaurants.
Disney Custom Bakery Cakes: Choose from a regular cake, a Mickey Mouse-shaped cake, or a custom cake with enhanced decoration. Call 407-827-CAKE (2253) 48 hours in advance for more information and to order.
III. Available at Select Walt Disney World Resort Locations
Sweetheart Dinner for Two: The ideal way to put the thrill and happy sentiment into any special occasion. A meticulously prepared three-course Prix Fixe meal begins with an appetizer, continues with a signature entrée, and finishes with a shared decadent celebratory dessert, served with flair. A souvenir toasting glass is yours to keep in commemoration of the moment.
Fantasmic Dinner Package: Take in dazzling views of the fireworks, dancing water jets and breathtaking action of Fantasmic—all with reserved seating without rushing dinner. Seasonally, on select nights. Call to reserve in advance.
Magical Experiences
Disney will be promoting over 200 experiences at Disney World alone, ranging from magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris and diving the depths with undersea creatures to mirth-making at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining and a kids’ pirate adventures. Below is a partial list of new or popular experiences. For a complete list visit disneyparks.com.
Professional Portrait Sessions and PhotoPass Services: Preserve and personalize your fond Walt Disney World memories by scheduling a special 30-minute session with a Disney PhotoPass Photographer (special sitting fees apply). Call (407) 934-4004 to book a session at a select Resort location. OR, take advantage of Disney's PhotoPass Services and create special memories you can relive again and again.
Birthday Hats: Nothing puts the fun in a birthday celebration like Disney's super-silly Birthday Hat that's shaped like a cake. The candles adorning the cake light up and flash, adding to the festivities. Hats are available at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney Marketplace area, as well as other merchandise locations across the Walt Disney World Disney Resort.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Little girls become royal princesses at this glamorous boutique. Fairy Godmothers-in-training apply your selections for hairstyle, make-up and a flowing princess gown. You'll love your picture-perfect transformation! Located in the Magic Kingdom and at Downtown Disney. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Pirates League: This new attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom and will perform swashbuckling makeovers. The League will be located in the area between the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Pirates Merchandise shop. Participants will receive pirate names before receiving a variety of accessories, including beards, eye patches, scarves, scars, earrings and gold teeth. These will be applied by a "veteran pirate" with sea-sailing tales. After taking a sacred oath and an official portrait, guests will be part of Jack Sparrow's gang. Reservations (for boys, girls and adults) can be made beginning May 11th by calling 407-WDW-CREW.
My Disney Girl Perfectly Princess Tea Party AND Wonderland Tea Party: Dress your princess in her finest and join your enchanted hostess Rose Petal for storytelling, songs, and a dainty meal. Princess Aurora will be visiting! OR, children ages 4-12 can join Alice and her curious friends for a divine lunch, delicious cupcakes and, of course, a spot of tea. Located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Pirate-Themed Rooms: Add an adventurous touch to your stay at a tropical paradise when you select a Pirate-Themed Room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Whether you're a seafarer or a landlubber, the whimsical décor is sure to thrill and enchant. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage: Beginning July 13, 2009 the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage will be open to all guests. It was originally just for Grand Gatherings. The cruise leaves the Contemporary and includes a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes (weather permitting). The cost is Children 3-9 $30.99 and Adults 10 and over $53.99. Reservations can be made at 407-939-7529 (WDW-PLAY) beginning April 17, 2009.
Assorted Pirate Adventure Cruises: Little landlubbers (ages 4 to 12) can go on a two-hour hunt for treasure and adventure on the high seas of Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and other Walt Disney World waterways. Eat a hearty lunch, learn pirate lingo and find treasure at every port. Located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter). Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Specialty Firework Cruise: Explore scenic waterways aboard a guided pontoon boat and thrill to views of the kaleidoscopic IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks and laser spectacular, departing from select Epcot area resorts. Add an onboard dinner to make your voyage a grand occasion! Seats 8-10. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Ultimate Specialty Firework Cruises: Hop aboard the “Breathless”, a majestic mahogany 1930s reproduction ChrisCraft Runabout boat, to view Illuminations. Seats up to 6 and departs from Disney's Beach and Yacht Club Resorts. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve. OR, For the ultimate luxury voyage with private dining, captain and butler service, book the 45-foot Sea Ray® yacht for your unforgettable celebration. The crystal-clear view of fireworks is unparalleled. Seats up to 18 and departs from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Call (407 (407) 824-2682 in advance to reserve.
Carriage Rides: A horse-drawn carriage pulls you along at a leisurely pace while you enjoy the greenery and scenery of Resort grounds and tranquil woodlands. This relaxing ride lasts a delightful 25 minutes. Available at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Safaris: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests can ride in specially designed vehicles around the stunning savannahs of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Enjoy photo opportunities with furred and feathered friends galore! Club Level Guests take to the savannahs at sunrise along the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride path to commune with the birds and the beasts. The Safari ends with a breakfast buffet. Call (407) WDW-MAGIC in advance to reserve.
Children’s Birthday Parties: Enjoy crafts, activities, a Disney movie and games. You can even invite a Disney Character to play at the Neverland Club at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Call (407) WDW-PLAY in advance to reserve. OR, Host your birthday party in the heart of Downtown Disney Goofy's Candy Co. Call (407) WDW-BDAY in advance to reserve.
Customized Parties: Available for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a dessert reception—groups of 20 or more can celebrate an anniversary, birthday or any special event, customized to your tastes. Call (407) 828-3200 to begin planning!
Personalized Souvenirs: Personalized Mouse ears, character T-shirts, pins and more with the opening of two new stores at Downtown Disney, Design a Tee and the Create Your Own Ears Hat boutique (located in Disney's Wonderful World of Memories).
Characters in Flight: Downtown Disney treats guests to breathtaking, 360-degree panoramas with a new iconic attraction, Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile. The tethered gas balloon takes guests 400 feet into the air from the waterfront of Downtown Disney West Side near Pleasure Island. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can accommodate up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute “flight” by day or night, weather permitting.
Picnic in the Park: Summer guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom have a new casual option to restaurant mealtimes – Picnic in the Park for al fresco dining. The to-go meal includes either sandwiches, rotisserie chicken or ham, or vegetarian offerings. Meals include sides, desserts and bottled water for each guest. Prices range from $17.99 for a meal for two to $48.99 for a "tier 1" meal for six. To order your picnic, stop by the Picnic in the Park counter outside the Island Mercantile store in Discovery Island by
1:30 p.m. Picnics are ready for pick-up within two hours at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in the park.
Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure: Invites Epcot guests of all ages to take on the role of secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. This ultra-interactive, high-tech adventure packed with mystery and excitement is offered in seven World Showcase pavilions. Click here for more info.
Go Inside the Magic: Behind-the-scenes tours
To see a complete list of Celebration Options, visit Disney's web site.
Other Magical Experiences
For even more Walt Disney World Experiences, visit the following TheMouseForLess Resources.
Quinceañera Celebrations
Grand Gatherings
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Character Meals
PhotoPass Services
June 19, 2009
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