Mouse Voyages

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort, regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, will feature a 16-act lineup Sept. 5-6 that includes Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as current Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Aaron Shust plus 2004 Artist of the Year MercyMe and enduringly popular tobyMac and Rebecca St. James.

Now in its 26th year, Night of Joy is moving to a new venue, Disney's Hollywood Studios, which features both outstanding concert locations and must-do thrill attractions. Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin' Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-'em-up fun of Toy Story Mania! slated for a summer premier.

Concerts will take place at several stage locations, with eight national recording acts performing each evening. Here's how they'll line up:

• Sept. 5 -- Tomlin, MercyMe, St. James, BarlowGirl, Matthew West, Rush of Fools, Brandon Heath and Britt Nichole.

  Sept. 6 -- Casting Crowns, tobyMac, Fred Hammond, Marcos Witt, Mandisa, Shust, RED and Pure NRG.

The lineup represents a continuation of Night of Joy's historic blend of musical talents -- from Christian pop and rock to contemporary Gospel, Urban and hip-hop to Praise and Worship. Half of this year's acts have won Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, one of Christian music's highest honors. More than one million guests have experienced Night of Joy from 1983 through 2007, a 25-year period during which the event was held in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A Hannah Montana-inspired makeover that transforms youngsters into "Secret Stars" is now offered exclusively at the Downtown Disney location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Spurred by the popularity of the Disney Channel show and concert tour, Disney's Secret Star Makeover decks out young Walt Disney World guests to look "just like Hannah" -- right down to a blond wig and microphone headset. Then, holding a guitar that looks just like Hannah's, they begin posing for the camera.

When the shoot is complete, guests receive a commemorative photo and also take home the Hannah Montana wig, microphone headset, Hannah Montana guitar purse, their choice of T-shirt and a backstage pass/make-up kit. The cost is $109.95 plus tax.

For parents who want to be able to complete the look at home, the full Hannah Montana costume including jacket and pants is available. Additional photos also may be purchased.

Reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (939-7895).

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Spaceship Earth, the iconic centerpiece of Epcot, has relaunched with changes and refinements installed during more than seven months of construction and detailing in 2007 and early 2008.

Presented by Siemens, the relaunched Spaceship Earth looks on the outside like it did when Epcot opened a quarter century ago. But on the inside, Spaceship Earth has undergone changes that will treat guests to an innovative "interactive" attraction with many new scenes, new costumes and set decorations, new lighting and special effects, a new musical score and narration, and a totally re-themed interactive post-show.

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from caves to the cosmos.

During the journey, new scenes depict: a family in the late 1960s viewing the moon landing on television; a massive, two-story computer room of the late 1960s with reel-to-reel-computers; a garage of the early 1970s where the "personal computer" is born; and a "tech tunnel" in which guests become part of a digital data stream.

Even scenes that guests have experienced since 1982 have been touched by the project. "Practically every Audio-Animatronics figure in Spaceship Earth has been updated in one way or another," said Show Producer Bob Zalk of Walt Disney Imagineering. "To make the figures more realistic, they've received a makeover of everything from their hair to their costumes to their movements."

Meanwhile, the makeover of the narration and music benefited from some "star power":

• The new narration is delivered by English actress Dame Judi Dench, who earned an Oscar as best supporting actress in 1999 for her role in the motion picture "Shakespeare in Love." While Dench delivers the ride vehicle narration in English, guests can also choose five other languages for their vehicle, a Disney "first" -- French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
• The new musical score was composed by Bruce Broughton, who has won a record 10 Emmy Awards and has been nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy during a career writing in every medium -- from theatrical releases and TV feature films to the concert stage and computer games. A 62-piece orchestra and 24-voice choir brings his latest composition to life.

As the ride-through adventure nears its finish, interactive touch-screens in the ride vehicles light up with a series of questions, soliciting guests' preferences concerning things such as where they'd like to live and work in the future. Then guests are treated to a personalized view of themselves in their idyllic future.

When guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow" presented by Siemens, where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future. The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here, guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe. Project Tomorrow includes:

• Body Builder, a 3-D interactive game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
• Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident avoidance systems developed by Siemens.
• Innervision, a view into the future of medical diagnostics in the home.
• Power City, a game that demonstrates how to manage power in a growing city.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Floral fun is "beachy keen" with topiary surf, sand and popular Disney characters during the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19-June 1 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 Fun in the Sun theme, Goofy rides a perfect floral wave while Mickey Mouse and gal pal Minnie soak up sun and sand -- all as intricately designed topiaries. Other topiary whimsy includes: a volleyball beach scene with Donald Duck and Daisy, a frolicking green Pluto and a colorful "lifeguard" Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch."
• More than 70 topiaries will include beloved Disney characters like Lady and the Tramp and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Three Caballeros -- Donald Duck, parrot Jose Carioca and Panchito, the Mexican charro rooster -- also come to life as topiaries to celebrate their Epcot show, "Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros" in the Mexico pavilion.
• The largest character topiary at this year's festival is Goofy, which towers 14 feet above guests on a six-foot wave.
• 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.
• Three butterfly topiaries are on display. Also, Doc, Grumpy and the rest of the seven dwarfs appear at the Germany showcase 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.
• Nearly 40 varieties of trees, plants and flowers are featured in this year's Key to Outdoor Living garden, an upscale outdoor living area presented by Dupont Garden Systems with the laid-back ambiance of Key West near the Morocco pavilion, including an innovative kids play zone. Forty-five "flower towers" of impatiens line Innoventions Plaza. 100 floating mini-gardens of multi-hued impatiens, each three feet in diameter, provide splashes of color on two ponds that border the walkway between Future World and World Showcase.
• 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 one full year to prepare for the annual festival.
• The festival's Flower Power is bolstered by thrice-daily appearances of musical hit makers of the 1960s and '70s including The Guess Who, Davy Jones, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, and Petula Clark -- a total of 22 acts this year.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Beekeepers, plein air artists, dolls, teddy bears and beloved Disney characters make special appearances on different themed weekends during the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19 through June 1. Each of the 11 festival weekends features a special theme with events and activities that add to the daily festivities.

Premiere -- March 21-23

• The festival opens with 30 million blooms, special Easter activities, topiary magic, gardening activities and new exhibits.
• Easter Brunch is served Sunday, March 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at World ShowPlace. Guests can call 407/WDW-DINE for reservations.
• The Guess Who launches the weekend Flower Power concert series (3/19-22) at America Gardens Theatre; Petula Clark appears March 23. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m.
• Joe Lamp'l (aka joe gardener) entertains guests with practical tips to help homeowners "go green" when revamping home landscapes as part of the Great American Gardeners series presented by the American Horticultural Society. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Garden Town at Future World East next to Universe of Energy.

Characters in Bloom -- March 28-30

• Dozens of Disney characters pop up throughout the park for a character extravaganza.
• Paul Revere and the Raiders (3/28-29) and The 5th Dimension (3/30) make Flower Power concerts sing each weekend day. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Great American Gardener Ellen Zachos tackles "Prehistoric Planting" and explains how to grow a dinosaur garden. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Garden Town.
• Peter Pan's Never Land Garden showcases Peter Pan and Captain Hook topiaries, providing fun for everyone, especially younger children. The new Pluto's Play Zone features climbing fun for kids 6 and up.

Art in the Garden -- April 4-6

• Guests get a first-hand look at nature through the eyes of more than 25 plein air artists who will paint at several locations throughout World Showcase.
• New Flower Power musician Jay Black ("This Magic Moment") entertains guests (4/4-5); Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone (4/6) return by popular demand. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• TV garden host Shirley Bovshow offers "out of the box" ideas to give gardens artistic edge. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Garden Town.
• The renowned Highwaymen Artists appear with their legendary Florida landscape paintings.
• Children can enjoy the Kids Paint Out experience (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the Sculpture Garden at Future World East. Easels and special paint bottles are set out for kids to paint freehand (or any other style) with the assistance of a professional artist nearby.

Wellness -- April 11-13

• Field Day activities designed to enhance well-being include aerobic fun in the Sculpture Garden and at Garden Town.
• The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill in concert (4/11-13) belt out nostalgic tunes during the Flower Power concert series. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Author of Get Fit Through Gardening, Jeffrey Restuccio offers a game plan for turning gardening into a lifelong wellness program. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Garden Town.

Green -- April 18-20

• The Department of Agriculture hosts special activities for children.
• Guests learn that it is easy being "green" at the new Green Garden and at the Lush Xeriscapes exhibit.
• Peter & Gordon flex their Flower Power with hits like "A World Without Love" (4/18); Starship starring Mickey Thomas draws crowds for "We Built This City" (4/19-20). Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Tovah Martin, TV guest on PBS's "Cultivating Life," serves up tips for going "green" in home gardens and landscapes. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Garden Town.

I Dig Bugs -- April 25-27

• Guests discover that bugs are fun and keep gardens healthy.
• Beekeepers meet guests and share the buzz on bees with displays and free honey samples.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom bug specialists appear to give guests a close-up look at caterpillars, spiders and other creatures.
• The Ventures bring "Hawaii Five-O" sizzle to the Flower Power concert stage (4/25-26) and B.J. Thomas keeps raindrops from fallin' on your head (4/27). Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Author of award-winning Passalong Plants, Felder Rushing shares secrets to year-long garden beauty with herbs, flowers and even "designer" veggies. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.
• Jiminy Cricket and friends make special appearances in Future World throughout the weekend at various times.
• Ladybugs will be released more frequently throughout the I Dig Bugs Weekend at Green Garden and Growing Future Gardeners.

Florida Farmer's Market -- May 2-4

• Visit the ultimate Florida Farmer's Market at Garden Town. From Zellwood to Apalachicola, the bounty is vast.
• Arlo Guthrie strikes a nostalgic note for music fans (5/2-3) and The Searchers (5/4) make their Flower Power concert debut. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Central Florida gardening celebrity Tom MacCubbin piques interest with talks on edible landscapes. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.

Coming Up Roses -- May 9-11

• Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs exhibit a spectacular display of floral arrangements at the Garden Town festival center.
• Families can celebrate mom at the Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11, at World ShowPlace (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
• The Tokens rev up concert audiences with "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (5/9-10); Flower Power great Davy Jones makes moms swoon during Mother's Day concerts (5/11). Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Guerlain perfume specialist Raymond Western talks about the intimate relationship between perfumes and plants like those displayed at the France pavilion's Fragrance Garden. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.
• Children can craft a dried-rose-petal "dream pillow."

Garden Party -- May 16-18

• Beloved Disney characters host a series of whimsical garden parties.
• The 20th Teddy Bear & Doll event is open to all festival guests Saturday, May 17, 1-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at World ShowPlace. Meet more than 30 artisans showcasing their handcrafted dolls and teddy bears.
• Jose Feliciano (5/16-17) and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals (5/18) rock the concert series audience. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Robert Bowden, director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, showcases plants with unusual textures, habits and colors for weekend landscaping fun. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.

Outdoor Living -- May 23-25

• Children can take part in Fun in the Sun activities in Future World East with beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun.
• Fans dig Gary Puckett (5/23-24) and see The Cowsills (5/25) in their concert debut. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• TV host and gardening expert Melinda Myers shares creative ideas for maximizing a small garden space or creating an intimate garden in a large lot. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.

Festival Farewell -- May 31-June 1

• Jon Carloftis, author of First a Garden and Beyond the Windowsill, offers ideas for integrating plants and nature in every aspect of life, from interior spaces to urbanscapes. Great American Gardener series 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.
• Tony Orlando "ties a yellow ribbon" to wrap the Flower Power concert series. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.
• Surprise craft activities let kids enjoy end-of-festival fun.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Plants that chomp bugs and caterpillars that transform to colorful butterflies are main attractions for kids during the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19 through June 1. A new garden playground and an interactive Fun Fair keep active children happy as families enjoy cascades of floral color across the park's landscape.

And who can resist some fun at the beach? Water babies won't want to miss the eye-popping Epcot main entrance topiaries featuring a 14-foot floral Goofy riding a 6-foot wave of flowers and plants. Mickey and Minnie topiaries pose on a floral beach towel spread upon a sandy "beach" featuring sandcastles and palm trees. At World Showcase Plaza, a topiary volleyball beach scene stars Donald Duck and Daisy while, nearby, Pluto frolics and colorful Stitch from "Lilo and Stitch" plays lifeguard.

Lady and the Tramp and Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs join other beloved characters making topiary appearances throughout Epcot, where 30 million multi-hued blossoms paint the landscape.

At the popular Growing Future Gardeners exhibit, children can observe carnivorous plants ensnare their prey, and families can get creative ideas for spicing up their own backyard gardens. There's even a pizza garden designed to produce herbs and veggies needed to make a healthful, mouth-watering pie. When it's time to burn off some energy, the new Peter Pan's Never Land Garden offers pirate-themed fun, and Pluto's Play Zone lets kids climb aboard an EVOS Playsystem.

Entertainment is on tap for the whole family throughout the event, with highlights including themed weekends -- from I Dig Bugs weekend to Characters in Bloom weekend. And the Flower Power concert series stars pop hit-makers of the 1960s and '70s. Kids will love:

• Peter Pan's Never Land Garden (Imagination Walkway), with pirate ship theme, a shaded play structure and whimsical topiaries of Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and Tic Toc Croc. Also, Pluto's Play Zone (Test Track Walkway) with a fun-filled climbing system.
• Growing Future Gardeners (Germany pavilion), a hands-on exhibit and collection of gardens where parents and children can get ideas for their own gardening activities; a kids' play area, too.
• Daily ladybug releases (1 and 3 p.m.) at Growing Future Gardeners (Germany). Children can participate in each release.
• Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden (Test Track Walkway), where hundreds of butterflies inhabit a screened-in gazebo lush with foliage and color.
• A miniature German landscape and village that sets the scene for the elaborate Garden Railway with bridge walkway at the Germany pavilion.
• Kidcot Fun Stops at every World Showcase country that entertain children with a lineup of creative activities linked to each country's culture.
• Garden Town Kid Fun Fair (Future World East next to Universe of Energy). Young and young-at-heart can test their skills at interactive stations.
• Special festival weekends for kids and their families, including the fun-loving Characters in Bloom Weekend March 28-30; Art in the Garden Weekend April 4-6 with Kids's Paint Out activities; and the back-by-popular-demand I Dig Bugs Weekend April 25-27.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2008) -- Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an "American Idol" attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it was jointly announced today by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform “live” in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it’s lights up and showtime in front of a “live” audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Rasulo. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Added Fuller, "One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar. Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality."

"This partnership," noted Hindle, "brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It's a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the 'American Idol' experience."

The coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today's Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" plus coming attractions "Block Party Bash," an interactive and moving Disney-Pixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" characters.

© Disney / as to Disney artwork, logos and properties

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While millions of "High School Musical" fans are buzzing about Disney Channel's recent big hit, "High School Musical 2," Walt Disney World Resort in Florida brings the global "High School Musical" phenomenon to life with a new high-energy interactive street party featuring new hit songs and dance acts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The spread of "Wildcat Fever" has guests literally dancing in the streets to the new "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" The new show is inspired by the hit Disney Channel original movie "High School Musical 2."

A high-energy cast of talented performers invites audience members to join in the fun of the show, which showcases five great new songs from "High School Musical 2" and one from the original show. "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" replaces "High School Musical Pep Rally," which was inspired by the original movie.

"It's been a blast working with the talented young cast of "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" said Angie Howard, show producer. "They energize Hollywood Boulevard with the tunes from the show, and with the incredible dance moves inspired by the Wildcats' summer fun. You can tell they really enjoy it, which makes it even more fun for our guests."

Drawing its inspiration from the new movie, which follows the "High School Musical" characters as they head out for summer jobs and vacation, "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" entertains and engages audiences in a rockin' musical celebration. The show concludes with an all-out dance finale featuring the latest "High School Musical 2" soundtrack hit, "All for One," and a reprise of the original smash, "We're All in This Together," from the movie that started it all.

"High School Musical 2: School's Out!" performs daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in front of Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat on Hollywood Boulevard.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," "Little Einsteins" and more entertain Walt Disney World guests with animated graphics, music and songs in a new interactive, fun stage show, "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Casey, the "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" host, assists the audience in a variety of dance and sing-along activities, encouraging children to join in the fun throughout the show. The stars of the entertaining new show are characters from the Disney Channel's hit Playhouse Disney programming block geared to preschool audiences.

The 22-minute stage show, performed several times daily at Disney's Hollywood Studios, hosts some of the world's most popular children's TV characters, where they come to life as never before in the all-new "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" Children are invited to sing, dance and play along as their beloved friends from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," "Little Einsteins" and others appear in a new live adventure.

Mickey's colorful clubhouse opens up with delightful characters and marvelous special effects to make kids a part of the interactive magic -- helping their pals create the best birthday party ever for Minnie Mouse. In addition to the bubbly, breezy effects, music also fills the air as youngsters join the gang in singing along with catchy tunes that make Playhouse Disney such a fun place every morning -- only this time, they're a part of the wonderful new fun.

• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" -- The ever popular "Fab Five" Disney characters -- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and the ever-silly Goofy -- pop out in new life-like animated puppetry for young audiences at the new show.

• Little Einsteins" -- Leo, Annie, Quincy and June are joined by Rocket, a fully animated on-stage toy rocket with all the bells and whistles. Together they battle their nemesis, Big Jet, in a high-speed rocket race to the finish line.

• Handy Manny" -- From his first Hola, Handy Manny and his handyman tools are front and center in the new "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" show for yet another busy day of helping his friends. When the bubble-making machine conks out on stage, Handy Manny and his animated tools save the day.

Disney's Hollywood Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show business 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class entertainment and interactive film, television and radio production facilities.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Searchers, The Ventures and The Cowsills join other new and returning hit makers to strike nostalgic notes during the Flower Power concert series March 19-June 1 at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins with opening-weekend performances by The Guess Who, known for pop singles like "American Woman" and "These Eyes." Other beloved chart-toppers featured by some of the festival's 22 musical acts include "Downtown," "Daydream Believer," "Light My Fire" and "Henry the 8th." B.J. Thomas, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark and Jose Feliciano are among returning acts to appear during the 75-day Flower Power concert series. Davy Jones will perform again this year during the Coming Up Roses themed weekend featuring the popular Mother's Day Brunch.

Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord daily at America Gardens Theatre at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. and are included with regular Epcot admission. Here's the lineup (subject to change without notice):

• March 19-22 -- The Guess Who "American Woman"
• March 23-24 -- Petula Clark "Downtown"
• March 25-29 -- Paul Revere and the Raiders "Good Thing"
• March 30-31 -- The 5th Dimension "Up, Up and Away"
• April 1-3 -- Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection"
• April 4-5 -- Jay Black (NEW) "This Magic Moment"
• April 6-9 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone "Henry the 8th"
• April 10-13 -- The Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill "Midnight Confessions"
• April 14-16 -- The Happenings (NEW) "See You in September"
• April 17-18 -- Peter & Gordon "A World without Love"
• April 19-23 -- Starship starring Mickey Thomas "We Built This City"
• April 24-26 -- The Ventures (NEW) "Hawaii Five-O"
• April 27-30 -- B.J. Thomas "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"
• May 1-3 -- Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant"
• May 4-5 -- The Searchers (NEW) "Bumble Bee"
• May 6-10 -- The Tokens "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
• May 11-15 -- Davy Jones "Daydream Believer"
• May 16-17 -- Jose Feliciano "Light My Fire"
• May 18-20 -- Felix Cavaliere's Rascals "Good Lovin'"
• May 21-24 -- Gary Puckett "Over You"
• May 28-June 1 -- Tony Orlando "Tie a Yellow Ribbon"
• May 25-27 -- The Cowsills (NEW)"The Rain, the Park, and Other Things"

BURBANK, Calif. – From Never Land to flying carpets to the forested domain of an Indian princess, stars travel to their very own Fantasylands in a new round of celebrity images from famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

The new images continue the “Disney Dream Portrait Series” of celebrity photography produced by Leibovitz as Disney Parks extends, through 2008, its “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration on both coasts. Leibovitz’s images capture the transformational power of Disney dreams during a celebration that invites visitors to live out their own Disney dreams as never before at California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Walt Disney World resorts.

The latest installment of Leibovitz photography spotlights more celebrities living out their fantasies by starring in Disney dream scenes:

“Where a whole new world awaits”:  Aboard their genie-powered magic carpet, Jennifer Lopez (Jasmine) and husband Marc Anthony (Aladdin) soar through the Arabian night.  Complete with Whoopi Goldberg (Genie) pushing them among the stars, the two images comprise a dream scene straight from a magic lantern in a scene entitled “Where a whole new world awaits.” 

For Lopez, the Leibovitz shoot was both transformational and inspirational: “It’s unbelievable,” she said, “a modern princess and the guy with the flying carpet…and the idea of maybe in the future my children seeing me and Marc as Jasmine and Aladdin…I think that would be pretty cool.” 

Added Goldberg: “I think those genie-like qualities worked best for me.  For me to come out of a bottle and give somebody three wishes seems like a pretty good bargain.”

“Where you never have to grow up”:  Surprise marks the “you can fly” moment as a mesmerized Gisele Bündchen (Wendy Darling) is beckoned by Mikhail Baryshnikov (Peter Pan) and Tina Fey (Tinker Bell) to fly off over the rooftops of London to Never Land – “Where you never have to grow up.” From the dazzle of fashion runways, Bündchen was draped in a simple white nightgown as Wendy for the Leibovitz shoot.

“Coming onto this whole set, it feels like you are living the whole Peter Pan story,” said Bündchen.  “When I think of all the Disney stories, it actually is my favorite.  It isn’t just like a princess finding her prince; Peter was more about finding a true adventure and a different thing, you know?”

“Where dreams run free”:  In an image entitled “Where dreams run free,” Jessica Biel (Pocahontas) is depicted sprinting, deer-like, through an autumnal forest as a masted English ship sits offshore. 

“I was a huge Disney fan growing up as a kid and Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, Ariel – all those characters were huge for me, so I definitely did dream,” said Biel.  “I never actually thought I would make it!  So this is pretty exciting.”

Great stars and rich scenes enabled Leibovitz to again work magic with her lens.

“We were going deeper and deeper into fantasy with these new pictures,” Leibovitz explained. “Digital tools make it possible to play with the elements of the photographs to a degree that is amazing. And a lot of fun.”

Special inserts with the images will appear in select Condé Nast publications in March.  Since January 2007, Leibovitz has featured Beyoncé, David Beckham, Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Roger Federer, Julie Andrews and Abigail Breslin in scenes playing out their Disney fantasies.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida. – “The Year of A Million Dreams” rocks on at Walt Disney World Resort this spring with “Block Party Bash,” a funtastic parade featuring favorite Disney•Pixar characters. Currently scheduled for a mid-March opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the high-energy extravaganza cranks up the music and excitement to the max, putting guests in the middle of the wildest Disney parade ever – a non-stop musical block party that doubles as a fun-filled interactive street spectacular.

The famous Green Army Men lead the procession of favorite Disney-Pixar characters that entice guests to dance, play and party as the "bash" makes its way down Hollywood Boulevard.

In addition to an eclectic mix of fun-inducing retro tunes, "Block Party Bash" includes appearances by some of the most popular characters including Woody and Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story," Mike and Sully from "Monsters, Inc." and Flik and Atta from "A Bug's Life."

"Guests won't be able to resist the show's energetic performers, lovable characters, familiar pop tunes and never-ending surprises," said Robin Trowbridge, show director. "What a fantastic opportunity to share this incredible show with so many guests. I have no doubts that this show with all its fun, energy and surprises will knock the socks off of everyone visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios."

The "block party" transforms into major choreographed sections that immerse guests into a feeling of playing with the "toys," screaming with the "monsters" and dancing with the "bugs." The performance is bursting with dancers, acrobats, jumping stilts and a "mini" caravan of electric scooters that combine to fill the performance area with an awe-inspiring array of visuals and sound sensations.

The elaborate set pieces for this interactive parade/show include large floats themed to "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life," trampoline units (invented specifically for "Block Party Bash"), and "tweeners" (smaller floats that look like stacks of toy blocks that double as dance stages, decorative prop boxes and sources of amazing special effects). These rolling stages camouflage impressive telescoping towers that rise during the finale of the extravaganza revealing Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Frozone from the Disney presentation of a Pixar Film, "The Incredibles."

"Block Party Bash" marks a continuation of new interactive entertainment created to premiere during "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, which continues through Dec. 31, 2008, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Friday, Jan. 18, 2008) -- Walt Disney World Resort Thursday night opened the doors of the magic behind Disney to 100 creative and imaginative teens from all across the United States -- from New York to New Orleans, from Compton, Calif., to Wichita, Kan. -- at the kickoff of the inaugural Disney's Dreamers Academy. Working with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, Disney developed the innovative program for launch during "The Year of a Million Dreams" and fittingly scheduled activities to occur during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, a national celebration of the ultimate dreamer.

Designed to immerse high school students in creative and non-conventional career opportunities, Disney's Dreamers Academy is taking place in a most creative classroom, providing the young dreamers unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort through Sunday, Jan. 20.

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton led the welcome ceremony by announcing that, due to the overwhelming response from young dreamers, Disney's Dreamers Academy will return to Walt Disney World in 2009.

Celebrating his 51st birthday, Harvey hosted the event with Crofton and Xiomara Wiley, vice president of Disneyland marketing and vice president of Walt Disney World Multicultural Marketing. And, of course, Mickey Mouse was on hand to welcome the 100 dreamers and their families.

During the first-ever career enrichment program of its kind, students are participating in interactive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney World Imagineering techniques, entertainment, sports, culinary arts, and more. Throughout the three-and-a-half days, Disney cast members, executives and celebrity guests will share their blueprints for success including tips on networking, making a good first impression, job interview skills and finding the right career path. The 100 teens will also have the opportunity to enjoy Disney's world-class theme parks.

Celebrity participants in the Academy include R&B artists Keyshia Cole and Musiq Soulchild; actors Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris," "Martin"), Victoria Rowell ("The Young & the Restless"), Kyle ("Cory in the House") and Chris Massey (Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101"); truTV Host Star Jones Reynolds; and hosts of BET's Top 10 countdown show "106th and Park" Roci and Terrence J.

Harvey will share his secrets to "Hosting a Radio Show" in one session. Noted experts from the world of professional sports -- including NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers star linebacker Derrick Brooks; ESPN on-air talent Stephen A. Smith and Jemele Hill; sports marketing consultant Erin Patton, whose clients have included Michael Jordan and Stephon Marbury; renowned sports agent Greg Nared, who has worked with Tiger Woods and Michele Wie, and Disney sports executive Kellen Winslow (Pro Football Hall of Famer) -- will offer their expertise about "The Business of Sports" and other sports-related topics. And members of Walt Disney Entertainment -- including performers from the "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" at Disney's Hollywood Studios -- will offer tips on making it in the entertainment business.

The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony featuring noted entrepreneur Bob Johnson, founder of BET Networks and current owner of the NBA Charlotte Bobcats, as the keynote speaker.

"When you talk about the Disney World organization, it has as many jobs as a single corporation can have and I'm excited to see these kids have an opportunity to experience everything that Disney has to offer them," said Harvey. "We'll show these kids that there are many ways to follow your dreams."

"The Steve Harvey Morning Show" conducted the Dreamer's Contest to help identify the participants in Disney's Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise -- but may need a little motivation. All of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 3,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program. Participants were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including educators, civic leaders, business professionals and Disney Parks' executives.

"This is a special program that we have created as part of 'The Year of a Million Dreams' celebration at Disney Parks," said Wiley. "We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspire them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead."

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line will transform one of the most beloved animated features of all time into a stage spectacular aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship when "Toy Story-The Musical" makes its debut at the Walt Disney Theatre this spring. This is the first time the popular Disney•Pixar classic has been adapted for the stage.

         Preserving the humor and heart of the original "Toy Story" film from Pixar Animation Studios, "Toy Story-The Musical" explores the true meaning of friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show's elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun and energizing way.

         "World-class Disney entertainment is an important hallmark of Disney Cruise Line that sets us apart from the rest of the cruise industry and one of the reasons guests sail with us again and again," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. " 'Toy Story-The Musical' represents the next generation of staged entertainment for Disney Cruise Line and a great enhancement to our incredible array of entertainment aboard the Disney Wonder."

         Following the storyline of the original Disney•Pixar film, "Toy Story-The Musical" will give guests a toy's eye-view of life in Andy's room. The musical opens with an introduction to Woody, a pull-string talking cowboy who has long been six-year-old Andy's favorite toy.

         But Andy's birthday brings a new arrival -- Buzz Lightyear, the coolest action figure in the universe. Woody's jealousy gets the better of him and he schemes to get rid of his new rival, but things go dreadfully awry. Woody and Buzz find themselves outside of Andy's room and in a hostile world. Working together and overcoming their differences, they find their way back to Andy -- along the way developing an appreciation of one another and creating a friendship.

         "The 'Toy Story' film offered us a rich story and some incredible visual elements to build upon," noted Jim Urry, vice president of Entertainment for Disney Cruise Line. "The team we assembled created costumes, set designs and a whole new musical score to literally transport our guests into the middle of the whimsical world of Buzz and Woody."

         Taking audiences into that world was no small task. Larger-than-life props help transform the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre into a toy-sized world of fun and adventure. A rear projection screen aids the transformation between human-sized and toy-sized scenes and takes the show from the comfort of Andy's room ... to the frenzied world of Pizza Planet ... to the frightening room of Andy's neighbor, Sid.

         Using Randy Newman's Oscar nominated hit song "You've Got a Friend in Me" as a departure point, this production has a new eight-song score that brings the story to life. New York-based Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn from the band GrooveLily blended together pop, rock and folk music to create a contemporary score that truly captures the heartfelt whimsy of the animated tale.

         The costumes for "Toy Story-The Musical" are some of the most complex ever developed for a Disney Cruise Line production. Costume designer Ann Closs-Farley created an extraordinary vision for what the characters would look like on stage. With a combination of articulated puppets and inflatable costumes, the "Toy Story" characters come to life -- including a nearly 9-foot-tall version of Rex the dinosaur and a 4-foot-round Hamm the piggybank.

         In all, "Toy Story-The Musical" represents one of the largest productions ever developed for a cruise ship. This is just the second time a Pixar animated feature has been adapted for the stage by Disney Creative Entertainment. In early 2007, "Finding Nemo-The Musical" debuted at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and has been a tremendous success.

         "When we first thought of bringing 'Toy Story' to the stage, there was a great deal of excitement about the project," said Anne Hamburger, Disney Creative Entertainment executive vice president. "Everyone on our team could immediately see how the heart and comedy of these characters could come alive in a memorable way that is unique to musical theatre."

         "Toy Story-The Musical" compliments an already stellar lineup of entertainment performed every voyage on the Disney Wonder, joining stage shows "The Golden Mickeys" and the award-winning "Disney Dreams."

         A leader in the family cruise segment, 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.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For the millions of families planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort this year, Disney Parks has a new resource -- a mom at your fingertips! As part of "The Year of a Million Dreams," Disney Parks announced the first-ever Walt Disney World Moms Panel, www.disneyworldmoms.com, an online forum led by real, park-savvy parents to assist with the vacation planning process.

Guests looking to get a jump start on their family vacation planning can log on to www.disneyworldmoms.com for information on "anything and everything" Walt Disney World. The Moms Panel is composed of 12 parents -- well, 11 moms and one dad -- who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Whether it's traveling to Walt Disney World Resort on a budget, or deciding which dining experience best suits your family of eight, the Moms Panel is designed to help make the entire vacation planning process easier.

Following an intensive review of 10,000 applications that asked for Disney tips and tricks, as well as a personal interview among the final applicants, Disney Parks selected the 12 most-knowledgeable and park-savvy parents to lead its first-ever online Moms Panel.

The panelists provide guests with valuable vacation insights, reliable strategies and tools, as well as share their personal secrets to navigating the resort. The site also offers guests the opportunity to pose specific questions and have them answered by any of the 12 panelists.

"More families are using the Internet to plan their vacations and we created the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to serve as an effective way for parents to ask park-savvy parents specific questions about visiting the resort," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "With more than 20 resort hotels, four theme parks, two water parks, shopping, dining and entertainment, planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort can feel a bit overwhelming -- this Moms Panel will help parents maximize their families' Disney vacation."

ORWALK, Conn. (Dec. 4, 2007) -- Best Friends Pet Care Inc. has signed an agreement to build and operate a full-service, luxury pet "resort" at Walt Disney World Resort. The one-of-a-kind facility will cater to park and resort guests as well as Walt Disney World employees, providing a full range of pet hospitality services including dog and cat boarding, day care and grooming services, and doggy day camp.

Pet guests will enjoy such amenities as luxury suites with television and raised bedding, activities such as nature walks and playgroups, and pampering services ranging from ice cream treats to bedtime stories. The state-of-the-art facility will be located on Bonnett Creek Parkway in the Walt Disney World Resort, and is expected to open in mid-2009.

In anticipation of opening the new facility, Best Friends will assume operating responsibility for the five existing pet boarding facilities in Walt Disney World Resort, beginning in January 2008. Kennels on the Walt Disney World property are located at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and provide both daytime and overnight boarding.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to come to Walt Disney World Resort to create the premier vacation destination for pets," said Dennis Dolan, president and CEO of Best Friends Pet Care. "This project is still in the design phase, but our goal is to create a true resort destination for pets. This facility will be designed to fit into the Walt Disney World vacation experience and will be unlike anything else in the industry.

"We are also fortunate to be taking over operation of the existing boarding kennels in January," he added. "It will allow us to get to know the pets and pet parents who already use the Walt Disney World kennels, so we can be sure our new facility will meet their needs."

"We are very pleased to have Best Friends working with us on this project," said Kenneth Janik, regional manager, Walt Disney World Operating Participants. "Best Friends is well-respected both for the quality of care they provide, and for their innovative pet amenities and hospitality services. We know they will deliver a unique experience for the family pets of our guests and employees that is both fun and consistent with the Disney approach."

Best Friends is a leading provider of pet hospitality in the United States, with 44 locations in 18 states. The company introduced the concept of a "pet resort" to the industry in 1996 and has been responsible for popularizing such services and care options as luxury suites and doggy day camp programs. For more about Best Friends Pet Care, visit www.bestfriendspetcare.com.

Disney Cruise Line has released their 2009 rates dates and itineraries. New this year are Eastern Itineraries stopping in Tortula and St-Croix. Disney has also advised the following official information as indictaed on their website.

"Special Update: Disney Cruise Line® has not implemented a fuel surcharge and has committed not to impose a fuel surcharge on any existing bookings or any new bookings made through April 1, 2008."

For more information on rates and dates, visit www.tpimousevoyages.com .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A dazzling new lighting spectacle is transforming the iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time.

• Five weeks and 65 elves
• Two cranes
• 15 miles of cables, cut and dyed castle colors, supporting...
• 32,000 square feet of fishing nets, supporting...
• 200,000 energy-efficient LEDs, interspersed with...
• 500 strobes
• One Fairy Godmother working some very special magic...

"Show Before the Glow" Stars Disney Characters

Newly Recovered Priceless Art From ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’Joins Amazing Three-Dimensional ‘Toy Story’ Zoetrope at the Disneyland Resort
ANAHEIM, Calif. (November 7, 2007) – Unique celebrations of two motion picture icons will be on view beginning Saturday, Nov. 17, exclusively at the Disney Animation attraction in Disney’s California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort.
 
The Walt Disney Animation Research Library has spent more than seven months creating “The Fairest One of All,” a stunning and rare collection of more than 120 pieces of concept art, story sketches, animation drawings, backgrounds and cels created during the development and production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney recently acquired many of the pieces from a private collection including several that have never been publicly displayed.  The exhibition, which provides an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into the creation of this motion picture classic, will take over the Courtyard Gallery entrance hall of the Disney Animation pavilion at Disney’s California Adventure.  Meanwhile, in an adjoining gallery, visitors can explore the principles of animation itself as they marvel at the new Toy Story Zoetrope, an amazing three-dimensional 21st century variation on the Victorian novelty device which presented early “moving pictures.”
 
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, celebrating the 70th Anniversary of its original 1937 release, was Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated film and earned him a special Academy Award: one full-size Oscar and seven little ones. Toy Story, produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1995, was the first feature-length computer-animated film and won an Academy Special Achievement Award for its director, John Lasseter, now Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Separated by nearly 60 years of animation history, Snow White and Toy Story are the only two animated motion pictures on the most recent American Film Institute list of the top 100 films of all time, and they represent a continuing legacy of animation excellence at The Walt Disney Company.
 
“The Fairest One of All” exhibition includes a never-before-seen collection of priceless art used in the creation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs created by such Disney animation “legends” as Joe Grant, Eric Larson, Art Babbitt and Milt Kahl.  Among the rare items presented in the exhibition are visualizations of such early concepts as a panther companion for the story’s Evil Queen, redheaded and blonde versions of Snow White, various story gags not used in the film, and depictions of the Queen based on actresses Joan Crawford and Katharine Hepburn.
 
The Toy Story Zoetrope is unique in its own way.  Originally created for the “20 Years of Pixar Production Art Show” at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Zoetrope creates the illusion of movement by presenting a rapidly changing sequence of images – actual three-dimensional models – of characters from both Toy Story films:  Woody, Buzz Lightyear, cowgirl Jessie, horse Bullseye and even the little green Aliens. The figures are mounted on a spinning disk and lit with a strobe which creates a sense of continuous motion, as if the characters have actually come to life before your eyes.
 
Both “The Fairest One of All” exhibition and the Toy Story Zoetrope can be found, beginning Nov. 17, in the Disney Animation pavilion, located in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot area of Disney’s California Adventure park.  Admission to Disney Animation is free with general admission to Disney’s California Adventure.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- PGA TOUR player Stephen Ames had planned to go to Hawaii at Christmastime to celebrate the fact that golf is no longer a pain in the back for him. But thanks to an overhauled swing that has alleviated his physical problems and one magical bunker shot sprinkled with some Disney pixie dust, Ames finished the 2007 PGA TOUR season with a victory that will send him to Hawaii for a winners-only event ringing in the new professional golf year.

The Trinidad-born Canadian resident saved par from 65 feet out of a bunker on the final hole Sunday (Nov. 4) to preserve a one-stroke margin for victory in the Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart at Walt Disney World Resort. Ames' 17-under-par 271 total was one stroke better than Tim Clark in the final official-money event of the year. The victory earned Ames $828,000 of a $4.6 million purse.

It marked Ames' third PGA TOUR victory and first of a 2008 season during which he triumphed over nagging back problems.

"Over all it's been a nice development, it's been painfree, which is the biggest thing for me," Ames said. "My back hasn't hurt whatsoever this whole year, so those are the things I've got to look at and progressively getting better and better at a ripe old age of 43."

Ames' prospects for victory on Disney's long (7,516 yards) Magnolia course ironically got better and better following a bogey on No. 11 that dropped him from the top of the leaderboard. It lit a proverbial fire under him, inspiring him to reel off birdies on Nos. 13, 14 and 15.

"I didn't want to let [the bogey] get to me," Ames said.

Of the three back-nine birdies, "the one that I really enjoyed the most was that form that I held up there on 15 that finished about 6 feet behind the hole. It was a clutch shot there that I enjoyed the most for the day, and I knew what I had to do coming down to the end -- it was just myself to beat there, to an extent."

When Ames rolled in his 6-foot birdie putt on the 203-yard par 3 No. 15, he climbed to 17 under par and a one-stroke advantage that he made stand up by playing par golf on his final three holes. But the strategy hit a bunker at No. 18 that required his fourth successful sand save of the tournament.

Ames' clutch shot put him in a position to nail down the victory with a two-foot putt that left him feeling real good. "Nothing in my body hurts at this stage," he said, and then added, "My head might hurt tomorrow."

ANAHEIM, Calif., and LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Framed through the lens of renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, more stars are playing out their fantasies, living out their Disney dreams.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 30, 2007) – The Walt Disney Travel Company offers complete vacation packages to Disneyland Resort in 2008.

Beginning January 3, 2008, a Disneyland Resort vacation booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company offers a variety of special benefits including the opportunity to enjoy the new Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage up to one hour before it opens to regular guests. On designated mornings, guests who have purchased a vacation package with a minimum three-day Park Hopper ticket can get an early start to their day with the Magic Morning program. Guests can join Nemo and his friends in a submarine adventure or experience other popular attractions in the adjacent Fantasyland including Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and King Arthur Carrousel. The Magic Morning program lets guests experience these attractions first, then spend the rest of the day exploring the park and going on adventures to exciting new places such as Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island.

Guests can also join in the fun of Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness. This interactive experience allows guests to spend time with their favorite Disney characters one hour before Mickey’s Toontown opens to the general public, and provides another excellent opportunity to enjoy the attractions in this area of the park. New for 2008, Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness features a scavenger hunt element with a map that reveals special secrets for a fun family adventure through Mickey’s Toontown.

Each Walt Disney Travel Company package includes a collectible pin and lanyard and a Downtown Disney District Fun Card for discounts to stores including House of Blues, Build-a-Bear Workshop and Club Libby Lu. Preferred seating at four entertainment attractions in Disney’s California Adventure park is also available.

Following are the most popular vacation packages and available add-ons:

ANAHEIM, Calif. (October 26, 2007) – New enchantment arrives in Disneyland as the holiday season finds “Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle” covered in freshly fallen snow. With its exciting new look, the Castle will serve as a shimmering centerpiece for a daytime holiday celebration, and as a snow-capped stage for the new music, lighting and special effects that will precede the legendary “Believe ... in Holiday Magic” nighttime fireworks spectacular.

If you haven't already heard, Disney's MGM Studios will be changing it's identity but retaining it's soul. On January 7th, 2008; Disney MGM Studios will be changing it's name to Disney's Hollywood Studios and today the new logo was unveiled.

As you can see, te new logo blends the magic of Disney with the glamour of Hollywood. "Mickey still plays a prominent role for us," said Studios vice-president Michael O'Grattan, "and Hollywood now truly is our middle name."

Text by: Rob M

As to Disney photos, logos and properties: ©Disney

GLENDALE, Calif., October 17, 2007 -- The Walt Disney Company today unveiled a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim that continues its growth as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination.

Announced by Disney President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo at a press conference at Walt Disney Imagineering’s Glendale headquarters, the expansion will bring new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney’s California Adventure, including an entirely new Cars Land inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film Cars.

“Consumer demand for outstanding Disney experiences has generated record performance at The Disneyland Resort over the last several years, and our new vision for Disney’s California Adventure will create even more opportunities for Guests to enjoy the best of Disney storytelling, including an all-new themed ‘land’ entirely dedicated to one of our hit films, Disney•Pixar’s Cars,” said Iger.  “Cars Land is a great example of how we are leveraging the full creative resources of Pixar in amazing new ways as we reinvent and expand the park.”

Disney Imagineers will be bringing more of Walt Disney into Disney’s California Adventure, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s.  Guests entering the new Plaza will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer. The new, interactive Walt Disney Story attraction will set the stage for the unfolding story of Walt that will permeate the park.

The expansive program reaches throughout Disney’s California Adventure, with an amazing Little Mermaid attraction, a groundbreaking, signature nighttime spectacular and new viewing area for 9,000, and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land featuring the world of Radiator Springs with three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new retail and dining will create an even richer environment throughout the park in ways that reinforce Guests’ connection with Walt.

“Our Disneyland Guests have a deep emotional connection with Walt Disney, whose life story really captures the pioneering spirit of California in the 1920s,” said Rasulo.  “The creative evolution of Disney’s California Adventure will connect guests to Walt’s own California adventure and reflect the place that he found when he first arrived with a cardboard suitcase in his hand and a head full of dreams.”

The expansion is part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ overall growth strategy of continuing to invest in its core business of existing parks and resorts around the world, while exploring new opportunities to capture more of the growing family vacation market.  This announcement follows Disney’s ground-breaking last month for a 250-room expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, including 50 rooms dedicated to the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, the company’s growing time share business.

Multi-day, World-Class Tourist Destination

Today’s announced expansion builds upon the transformation of the Disneyland park into a multi-day destination resort that began in 2001 with the creation of the Disneyland Resort and the opening of Disney’s California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Since then, the Disneyland Resort has continued to grow with the addition of popular attractions and shows, including: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!, Block Party Bash, High School Musical 2: Schools Out!, Disney Princess Fantasy Faire, and Jedi Training Academy, along with the re-Imagineering of Space Mountain and enhancements to Pirates of the Caribbean.

“This expansion builds on a commitment we made more than a decade ago to create and grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world-class tourist destination where guests would want to stay for more than one day,” said Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier.  “That investment has become a success for Disney, the Anaheim community and for the economy of Southern California.”

According to the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Anaheim is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country, enjoying some of the highest hotel occupancy rates in the nation and attracting millions of visitors each year who spend billions of dollars.

Coming to Disney’s California Adventure Over the Next Several Years

In addition to the new themeing and attractions, Disney’s California Adventure will receive new restaurant and retail innovations, landscaping to enrich the placemaking, facade and graphics enhancements, and an extensive menu of entertainment and events. 

Disney’s California Adventure is already home to some of the Disneyland Resort’s highest-rated attractions and shows, including: Soarin’ Over California, California Screamin’, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Broadway-caliber show, Disney’s Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.

Cars Land
The expansion will culminate with an entirely new, 12-acre addition: Cars Land, immersing guests into a world inspired by the hit Disney/Pixar movie, Cars, playing to America’s love affair with automobiles. 

Radiator Springs Racers, a major “E-ticket” attraction, places guests right in the middle of the amazingly detailed, dimensional Cars world of Mater, Lightning McQueen, Doc and Sally.  Guests get a quick race briefing from Doc and Lightning, and suddenly find themselves in the midst of a race around hairpin turns and steep banks.

Cars Land increases capacity to the park with two additional immersive family rides, featuring Luigi and Mater from the movie.  Cars Land represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Imagineering to create this extensive new area. The new land will substantially extend the total area of Disney’s California Adventure park.

Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier will host major new attractions beginning next summer with the opening of Toy Story Mania!, a ride-through, interactive adventure where Guests ride into a high-energy 4-D carnival midway hosted by Toy Story characters.  Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Hamm and the gang come to life in amazing ways, immersing guests in the rich stories of the Pixar blockbuster Toy Story films.

A major ride based on Disney’s classic The Little Mermaid comes to the park’s Paradise Pier with leading-edge animation and special effects.  Guests will dive into the magnificent scenes and magical songs from the movie.  A Mermaid Grotto area with a fountain and sand castle will offer new play experiences for children.

Unique Nighttime Spectacular
The dramatic and unique Disney’s World of Color will bring new nighttime excitement to Paradise Pier.  This nightly panorama of spectacular water effects, colorful lighting and music will bring Disney animation to life with an entirely new creative and technical approach. The 9,000 person viewing area offers prime waterside viewing of the show – and provides a site for live entertainment, music festivals, and outdoor film premieres.

Entry Plaza and Gateway
The totally new gateway to Disney’s California Adventure welcomes guests into an immersive world of historic California streets as Walt experienced them as a young artist arriving with big dreams.

A new visual icon in the tradition of Los Angeles, California’s great entertainment palaces will draw guests into the heart of the attractions. This new facility, which was inspired by Los Angeles’ historic Carthay Circle Theatre that premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937,  will house a next generation Walt Disney Story featuring an interactive tribute to Walt’s California experiences, and his entertainment legacy that continues world-wide today.  Red Car trolleys reminiscent of the old Pacific Electric Railway will travel up and down the main street.  New dining and shopping experiences and a slate of unique, live entertainment will bring energy to the Walt Disney Plaza.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot
Hollywood Pictures Backlot will be a new home for a slate of special ticketed events and chances to hear first hand from innovative directors, writers and animators. An update of the popular family show “Playhouse Disney” will provide an experience for younger children.

Golden  State
The “Golden State” area of the park will see the addition of numerous new dining opportunities tied to the incredible bounty of California’s farmland and its rich ethnically diverse food heritage. Food and wine festivals that celebrate the seasons, tastes and cultures of the dynamic communities of the Golden State will entertain guests, bringing unique one-of-a-kind experiences.

Preview Center
A Preview Center located on San Francisco Street in the Golden State region of the park will feature models, Imagineering concepts – giving park guests a sneak peek at the excitement that lies ahead. The Preview Center is scheduled to open in late 2008.

The property, located on the island's western side in the picturesque Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Honolulu's premier resort destination, will be home to Disney's first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, will have more than 800 units including hotel rooms and villas for Disney Vacation Club.

"This resort will give our guests another way to visit an exciting part of the world with a brand they trust," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "In fact, Hawaii has been among our most requested Disney Vacation Club getaway locations beyond our theme parks. Thus, we are looking forward to building a special family resort that honors the cultural diversity of Hawaii and reflects the spirit of aloha that makes this location so unique."

Consistently ranked as one of the top family destinations in the world, Hawaii's natural beauty and extensive offering of family activities make it an ideal location for a Disney resort.

"Disney and Hawaii have something special in common, and that is the recognition of the importance of 'ohana,'" said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. When the resort is completed, it is anticipated to create more than 1,000 new jobs in Oahu with opportunities to develop long-term professional careers. Disney was recently named one of the top places to launch a career by Business Week magazine and is a competitive employer.

Disney Vacation Club

Part of the Disney resort in Ko Olina will be dedicated to Disney Vacation Club, a timeshare program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By becoming a member of Disney Vacation Club, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Vacation Club has grown to serve more than 350,000 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

"We are delighted to create a place in Hawaii that our Disney Vacation Club members can call home," said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. "We know that both our existing members and new members will be thrilled about this resort in Ko Olina."

Design Work Celebrates Hawaiian Culture

Designs for the resort are still being finalized by Walt Disney Imagineers, who have been traveling extensively throughout Hawaii for the past several months as they garner ideas to develop a resort celebrating Hawaii's vibrant culture and rich heritage. The team is working closely with local cultural advisors, conducting research and exploring the region, building on a tradition that has long been a hallmark in the creation of everything from Disney films to Disney vacation destinations.

Plans for the resort are expected to be finalized and revealed in early 2008.

Disney's Long-Standing Love for Hawaiian Islands

While the announcement marks Disney's first resort development in Hawaii, the company's love affair with the islands began in the company's infancy with founder Walt Disney. From the 1937 Mickey Mouse animated short "Hawaiian Holiday" to the Hawaiian setting of Disneyland's groundbreaking Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, which debuted in 1963 and established the Audio-Animatronics art form, to the inclusion of Disney's Polynesian Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort, Walt often pulled inspiration from the popular islands.

Walt Disney Pictures continued the Hawaiian legacy in 2002 with the hit animated film "Lilo & Stitch," an original story about a Hawaiian girl who tames a seemingly untamable alien by teaching the meaning of "ohana," the Hawaiian tradition of family. The Walt Disney Company also does extensive film work in Hawaii, including on-location production for the hit ABC series "Lost." The feature film "Pearl Harbor" was also shot on location in Oahu.

"We are very excited about becoming part of the Ko Olina community," Jay said. "Clearly, Hawaii already has a special place in our hearts and in Disney's history. Building a resort in Hawaii is the next chapter in our effort to create immersive Disney experiences that allow families to reconnect and recharge in the areas of the world they most long to visit."

The Walt Disney Company today unveiled a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim that continues its growth as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination.

The expansion will bring new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney's California Adventure, including an entirely new Cars Land inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film Cars.

"The success of the Disneyland Resort over the past few years provides us with both the opportunity and the need to invest for growth, to enhance and expand the experience for our guests and attract new visitors, while at the same time delivering attractive returns on the investment. This plan is a reflection of our belief in the bright future of the Disneyland Resort and our continuing commitment to grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world class tourist destination," said Bob Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer the Walt Disney Company.

Disney Imagineers will be bringing more of Walt Disney into Disney's California Adventure, celebrating the hope and optimism of California that attracted Walt to this land of opportunity in the 1920s. Guests entering the new Plaza will be instantly immersed in the world that inspired Walt during his early days as an animation pioneer. The new, interactive Walt Disney Story attraction will set the stage for the unfolding story of Walt that will permeate the park.

The expansive program reaches throughout Disney's California Adventure, with an amazing Little Mermaid attraction, a groundbreaking, signature nighttime spectacular and new viewing area for 9,000, and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land featuring the world of Radiator Springs with three new attractions. Extensive landscaping, new retail and dining will create an even richer environment throughout the park in ways that reinforce Guests' connection with Walt.

"Our Disneyland Guests have a deep emotional connection with Walt Disney, whose life story really captures the pioneering spirit of California in the 1920s," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "The creative evolution of Disney's California Adventure will connect Guests to Walt's own California adventure and reflect the place that he found when he first arrived with a cardboard suitcase in his hand and a head full of dreams."

The expansion is part of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' overall growth strategy of continuing to invest in its core business of existing parks and resorts around the world, while exploring new opportunities to capture more of the growing family vacation market. This announcement follows Disney's ground-breaking last month for a 250-room expansion of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, including 50 rooms dedicated to the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, the Company's growing time share business.

"This expansion builds on a commitment we made more than a decade ago to create and grow the Anaheim Resort Area as a world-class tourist destination where Guests would want to stay for more than one day," said Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier. "That investment has become a success for Disney, the Anaheim community and for the economy of Southern California."

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line strives to offer guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. And beginning this fall, select guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line will find their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This new service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport.

Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In will enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage will be transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes will be delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate.

In order to take advantage of this service, guests will need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of the seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests will be able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or one of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desks at the Walt Disney World Resort and turning it in during check-in at Port Canaveral.

(Oct. 1, 2007) – Disney Parks announced today that its “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration will extend throughout 2008 at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, highlighted by the debut of blockbuster attractions and entertainment – and the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway in which Disney will award more than one million more dreams.

“Our guests tell us they see Disney theme parks as the place where their dreams come true,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  “That has never been more true than during ‘The Year of a Million Dreams.’  The 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway is a chance for us to award even more over-the-top experiences that can only come true at Disney.”

In a bi-coastal event that began in late 2006, guests have discovered that wishing upon a star isn’t the only way to make their dreams come true.  By being in the right place at the right time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts, more than one million guests have been selected through a random process as winners in the Disney Dreams Giveaway.  Dreams also were awarded to mail-in participants.

When it was time to decide what to do for an encore in 2008, Disney Parks heard resoundingly from guests.  They asked for: 

• More dreams. 
• Even bigger dreams.  
• More dreams money can’t buy.
• More dreams that only Disney can make come true.

And, just as both vacation resorts did throughout 2007, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort also will introduce new attractions, shows and immersive entertainment as “The Year of a Million Dreams” continues through 2008. 

The Toys are Back in Town in a New Disney•Pixar-inspired Attraction
Beginning in summer 2008, the toysare back in town at Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts with Toy Story Mania! an attraction that combines the popular characters from the smash hit Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” films with whiz-bang technology to create an interactive ride-through video game – in three dimensions.  Guests board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games.  Using spring-action “shooters,” they launch darts at balloons, toss rings at aliens and throw eggs at whimsical barnya