Brad and Kimberly Paisley visit WDW

'BOO'THDAY CELEBRATION: Country music artist Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley ("Father of the Bride," "According to Jim"), pose Oct. 25, 2010 with a Halloween-clad Minnie Mouse in front of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The singer and his wife also were celebrating Brad's October 28th birthday at Walt Disney World this week. On Nov. 10, 2010, Paisley will co-host "The 44th Annual CMA Awards" telecast on ABC-TV. He will share hosting duties with Carrie Underwood. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Dateline Disney - November and December 2010

15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 

Continues Through Nov. 14

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Food and wine aficionados – and music fans who like to “eat to the beat” – have two weeks at the beginning of November to get their fill of “delicious discoveries” before the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival comes to a close on Nov. 14.

Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each of the 27 international marketplaces along the World Showcase promenade.  The festival also includes live regional entertainment, daily wine and beer tastings, a series of special culinary programs, and the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series.  

November’s six-act lineup for Eat to the Beat! music concerts includes three artists who will be playing the event for the first time – Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp), Hanson and Rick Springfield.  Here’s the full November schedule (artists subject to change without notice):

Nov. 1-3: Boys II Men (“End of the Road”)

Nov. 4-5: Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp) (“Give a Little Bit”)

Nov. 6-7: Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”)

Nov. 8-9: Hanson (“MMMBop”)

Nov. 10-11: Rick Springfield (“Jessie’s Girl”)

Nov. 12-14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)

The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, take place nightly at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. More info: disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Lights Up Magic Kingdom
On 19 Magical Evenings between Nov. 8 and Dec. 19, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Larger-than-life gingerbread men, giant toy soldiers and Florida “snowflakes” combine to create the perfect holiday setting on 19 magical evenings between Nov. 8 and Dec. 19, 2010, during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

The after-hours party (requiring a separate admission ticket) features special entertainment, including “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade,” the“Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular and the centerpiece of Magic Kingdom – Cinderella Castle – draped with 200,000 sparkling white lights. 

Party-goers also enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and apple slices, meet and greets with Disney characters decked out in their holiday best and unlimited admission to favorite attractions.

The party kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings and continues until midnight. Party dates are: Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19, 2010. Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9). Advance tickets are available with $6 savings for most dates. More info: disneyworld.com/christmasparty.

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Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney Nov. 12-14, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Approximately 145 award-winning fine artists, 200 chalk artists and 40 folk artists will showcase their one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculptures, jewelry and more at Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie® Nov. 12-14, 2010, at Downtown Disney. 

One of the Southeast’s most highly regarded juried art festivals since 1975, Festival of the Masters features live entertainment and family-friendly activities each day.  Admission and parking are complimentary. More info: disneyworld.com/artfestival.

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PGA TOUR Returns to Walt Disney World Resort

For 40th Golf ‘Classic’ Nov. 11-14, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The PGA TOUR returns to Walt Disney World Resort for the 40th consecutive year Nov. 11-14 for the 2010 Children’s Miracle Network Classic.  The Fall Series event, held at Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses, features some of the world’s top golfers playing in one of the resort’s longest-running traditions.

Initially held as the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, Jack Nicklaus claimed the first three titles, including the inaugural event in December 1971 less than three months after the resort opened.  More recently, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Davis Love III have held aloft the Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck-themed trophy.

In its fourth year with current title sponsor Children’s Miracle Network, the Classic has enjoyed three straight thrilling finishes, with one stroke providing the winning difference for Stephen Ames (2007 and 2009) and Davis Love III (2008).  The recent nail-biters, which included a three-man playoff in 2009, mark a continuation of the Classic “norm”: 21 of the last 28 events have been decided by one stroke or in sudden-death playoffs.

This year, guests can check out the Wine & Dine Walk – themed after the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – during all four days of the tournament.  Spread across the Magnolia golf course, the food, beer and wine stations are positioned along key holes and offer culinary treats from some of Disney’s newest and most popular restaurants.

A popular destination for golfers and their families, the Classic serves as the season finale for the PGA TOUR and the final opportunity for golfers on the threshold to play their way into the Top 125 on the money list.  More info: childrensmiraclenetworkclassic.com.

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Candlelight Processional Returns to Epcot Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Lucci, Brad Garrett and Isabella Rossellini are all part of a lineup of 12 celebrity narrators who retell the joyous story of Christmas during Candlelight Processional Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2010, at Epcot.

Joined by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra, this renowned holiday tradition takes place at America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

Scheduled celebrity narrators include (subject to change without notice):

Nov. 26-28:                  Isabella Rossellini
Nov. 29-Dec. 1:            TBD
Dec. 2-4:                     Corbin Bernsen
Dec. 5-6:                     Susan Lucci
Dec. 7-9:                     Jodi Benson
Dec. 10-11:                 Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 12-15:                 Steven Curtis Chapman
Dec. 16-18:                 Thomas Gibson
Dec. 19-21:                 Trace Adkins
Dec. 22-23:                 Brad Garrett
Dec. 24-27:                 Edward James Olmos
Dec. 28-30:                 Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason

Performances are included with Epcot admission, and guests are advised to arrive early.  To ensure a seat for this joyous favorite, Candlelight dinner packages are available at select Epcot restaurants and include guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional and a special viewing location for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”  Dinner packages can be booked by calling 407/WDW-DINE.  More info: disneyworld.com/holidays.

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Old Spice Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Nov. 25-26 and Nov. 28

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The fifth annual Old Spice Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will feature eight college basketball teams in 12 games over three days, Nov. 25-26 and Nov. 28, 2010.  The field includes five schools that participated in NCAA Tournament “March Madness” this year – California, Notre Dame, Temple, Texas A&M and Wisconsin – plus Boston College, Georgia and Manhattan.

Each teamwill play one game per day through a bracket-tournament format at Walt Disney World Resort.

First-round games on Nov. 25 (all times are ET) are as follows:

Game 1: Boston College vs. Texas A&M, Noon (ESPN2)

Game 2: Wisconsin vs. Manhattan, 2 p.m. (ESPN2)

Game 3: Georgia vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Game 4: Temple vs. California, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

The two teams that remain undefeated through the first two days of play will face off in a championship match on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

Tickets to the 2010 Old Spice Classic can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 407/839-3900.  Fans can also purchase travel packages to the tournament by going to anthonytravel.com or by calling 1-800/736-6377. More info: oldspiceclassic.com or espnwwos.com.

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Pop Warner Football Players ‘Going to Disney World’
In Quest for Super Bowl Glory Dec. 4-11

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For more than 20 years, Super Bowl heroes have looked into a camera and shouted, “I’m going to Disney World!”  In a twist on that famous TV commercial, about 1,600 youth football players from across the country will be proclaiming “We’re going to Disney World!” this fall … in the quest for Super Bowl glory.

The players are members of 64 Pop Warner Little Scholars football teams that will earn spots in the Pop Warner Super Bowl Dec. 4-11 on the fields of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.  Teams nationwide battle through local and regional playoffs to earn spots in the Super Bowl field.  There are teams in four divisions based on size and age – Jr. Pee Wee (ages 8-10 yrs.), Pee Wee (9-11 yrs.), Jr. Midget (10-12 yrs.) and Midget (11-14 yrs.).

In addition to football, Pop Warner activity at Disney also includes hundreds of squads competing in the Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships. More info: popwarner.com.

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Disney Named Top Cruise Line by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as the No. 1 cruise experience at the Annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler magazine in New York City.

Known as the leader in family cruising, Disney Cruise Line took the top honors in the Mega-Ship category, which is part of the magazine’s annual readers’ survey that recognizes the best in travel for resorts, destinations, airlines, cruise lines and car rental agencies.

Samantha Brown, renowned travel expert and television host on The Travel Channel, presented the award to Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz at the awards gala in New York City.

“We are delighted to be recognized by such an esteemed travel community,” said Holz.  “This award is a testament to our continued dedication toward creating an unparalleled family cruise vacation.  We appreciate the support of our guests who have sailed with us time and again and who helped make it possible for us to receive this highly regarded award.”

Since 2007, Disney Cruise Line has consistently placed in top spots with Condé Nast readers’ polls; however, this is the first time for the company to place No. 1 overall.

The accolade comes on the heels of an honor by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, which recently named Disney Cruise Line the Top Family-Friendly Large-Ship Cruise Line in the 2010 World’s Best Awards poll.

Since first setting sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has received more than 50 distinguished awards and recognitions from the travel industry.  The awards have applauded aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment … to youth activities and spa facilities.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.  Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

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Special La Nouba Performances at Downtown Disney on Dec. 31, 2010

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – New Year’s Eve is a special evening at the Cirque du Soleil theater at Downtown Disney as the cast sets the stage for the New Year with artful performances of La Nouba toasted with a sip of champagne.  Guests will also receive a special limited-edition La Nouba pin created for the New Year’s Eve event.

Tickets for the Dec. 31 performances are available by calling 407/939-7328 or at the box office at the plaza level of the theater.  More info: cirquedusoleil.com/lanouba.

Alamo Rent A Car and Disney Renew Alliance - Theme park and resort guests benefit from exclusive promotions and quick, convenient car rentals

ORLANDO, Fla., October 14, 2010  – Alamo Rent A Car and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have renewed a multi-year alliance, extending Alamo’s designation as the official rental car company of the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando and Disneyland® Resort in California.   

“This partnership remains a natural fit because of Alamo’s and Disney’s strong emphasis on providing a superior customer experience,” said Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Enterprise Holdings, which operates the Alamo brand through its regional subsidiaries. “We are proud to offer families and individuals traveling to Disney resorts the speed and convenience of our airport kiosks combined with exclusive Alamo promotions to help provide for an exceptional vacation experience.”  

Disney guests who take advantage of the agreement can experience the speed and convenience of the rental car industry’s first and largest system of easy-to-use, self-service kiosks. This award-winning technology enables travelers to skip counter lines, getting them to their destinations easier and quicker than ever before. Alamo has more than 163 kiosks at 67 U.S. airports, as well as on-site branches at the Disney Car Care Center at Walt Disney World® Resort and at Disneyland® Resort.  

“Through our ongoing alliance agreement, Alamo has helped our guests make countless memories,” said George Aguel, senior vice president, Alliances and Operating Participants, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We share a commitment to the highest quality guest service and to making all aspects of the vacation experience as seamless as possible. We look forward to working together to continue to exceed our guests’ expectations.”

The agreement extends Alamo’s position as the official rental car provider for Walt Disney Travel Company, Inc., one of the country’s largest tour operators, specializing in Disney vacation packages to Southern California and Central Florida. Alamo is the only car rental company with a rental branch office on-site at Walt Disney World Resort at the Disney Car Care Center, and on-site at Disneyland Resort at Downtown Disney.  

Alamo will continue to promote the alliance using television and online advertising, at its rental facilities and on its Web site. A link on Alamo’s website will offer online ticket sales as well.

Disney Fantasy Sets Sail in April 2012 – Disney Cruise Line 2012 Itineraries Open for Booking

CELEBRATION, Fla. (Oct.18, 2010) – The Disney Fantasy will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalized service for which Disney Cruise Line is renowned. A sister ship to the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy will feature an AquaDuck water coaster, magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages with beloved Disney stories and characters.

Guests will be able to book Disney Cruise Line sailings, including the Disney Fantasy, for the initial part of the 2012 season beginning Oct. 20, 2010. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla. on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

 

The Disney Dream will continue to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Disney Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

“The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

Additional Disney Fantasy details and 2012 itinerary information will be released at a later date.

Disney Fantasy 2012 Schedule (April – Aug.)The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage April 7, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Dream 2012 Schedule (Jan. – Aug.)The Disney Dream will sail alternating three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Five-night itineraries will include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for Disney Dream Bahamas cruises start at $333 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)
The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $658 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 Schedule (Jan. – April)
Prior to the Disney Fantasy entering service on April 7, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean itineraries on the Disney Magic start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, government taxes and fees not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

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Kids also indulge at Vero Beach Spa

 

KIDS INDULGE: Youngsters can get pampered at the Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort with a selection of tween services such as the Clean Tween Facial or Ice Cream pedicure. Kids must be accompanied by an adult during all spa services and must be four to 12 years old. The new spa uses organic products and is located at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Disney's Vero Beach Resort Spa

TRANQUIL THERAPY: The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers a balanced selection of pampering therapies including the Vichy Shower Treatment. This relaxing and unique process uses water massage for a therapeutic spa experience. Several variations of the Vichy Shower are on the menu designed to energize, exfoliate and hydrate. The new spa is located at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Fla. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Unique New ‘Wild Africa Trek’ at Disney's Animal Kingdom Brings Thrills of Faraway Adventure to Walt Disney World Resort

Bookings Begin Oct. 15 for Experience Launching in Early 2011

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Navigating a rickety footbridge over a river chasm can be dicey enough for explorers. In an all-new Disney adventure, what lurks below that bridge may quicken their step to get to the other side: Crocodiles!

A ravine of menacing-looking crocs, pools of hippos, bushwalks along untracked terrain and other thrills await guests on Wild Africa Trek, a unique wildlife experience scheduled to launch in early 2011 into the deepest, most-remote reaches of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Reservations can be booked beginning Oct. 15, 2010, for the three-hour, expert-led adventure that will immerse guests in the realms and wildlife thrills of far-off Africa – without leaving Walt Disney World Resort. In small groups, guests on the Wild Africa Trek will enjoy an “up-close-and-personal” experience with African wildlife species that make their home in Pangani Forest as well as other areas of the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve

As part of the adventure, guests will clip onto a lifeline as they step to the very edge of a cliff to get amazingly close to the hippos and crocs waiting just below. Talk about cliff-hangers!

WILD AFRICA TREK: Depicted in this artist's rendering, adventure comes alive in Wild Africa Trek, a new experience coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom in early 2011. The new add-on offering invites intrepid explorers to up-close encounters with the park's wildlife.  

Highlights of what’s in store for guests on this add-on adventure

• Trekking with experienced guides through areas of Harambe Wildlife Reserve that aren’t explored during regular Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences.
• Navigating through fern and vine forests on a bushwalk that sets a course for adventure.
• Clipping into a harness attached to a safety line, crossing a seemingly precarious rope bridge over the Safi River and cliff-hanging at the edge of gullies that are home to hippos and crocodiles.
• Experiencing the thrill of “over-landing” in customized open-air vehicles following the edge of a magnificent, wide-open savanna.
• Unwinding from an unforgettable adventure at a private safari camp for wildlife viewing.  At this station elevated above the savanna, guests savor sample tastes of Africa as their adventure draws to a relaxing and satisfying close.

Wild Africa Trek will be offered several times daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Groups will be kept small, consisting of no more than 12 trekkers per safari.

Reservations for Wild Africa Trek can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally. Guests who reserve a booking from Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2011, may take advantage of an introductory offer starting at $129. Park admission is required for participants.

Adventure-minded guests will have the experience of a lifetime as they get immersed in an authentic African safari experience that only Disney can deliver,” said Michael Colglazier, vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom. “We are thrilled to be offering this unique outdoor adventure aimed at active vacationers, taking interactions with the incredible animals that inhabit the Harambe Reserve to the next level and literally blazing new trails in our park.”

Walt Disney World Guests Can Make More Memories with Special ‘Free Dining’ Offer in 2010, 2011

 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – As guests of Walt Disney World Resort are starting to “Let the Memories Begin,” sharing special vacation memories with each other, they have ways to make those memories with a special offer.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will find a feast of savings with a great “free dining” offer for select dates from October 2010 through September 2011.  Dates include arrivals on most nights during the following date ranges: In 2010: Oct. 1-7; Oct. 22-28; Nov. 12-18; Nov. 27-Dec. 2; Dec. 10-21; In 2011: Jan. 1-5; Jan. 9-13; Jan. 21-Feb. 3; Feb. 11-17; Feb. 25-March 3; May 27-June 2; Aug. 19-Sept. 29.

Guests booking a 4-night/5-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts can add the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan for FREE.  The plan includes two quick-service meals and two snacks for each night of the package stay.  The plan also includes one (1) Resort refillable drink mug per person, per package (eligible for refills at Quick Service locations only in the guest’s Disney Resorthotel).

For example, purchase a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Value Resorts and save $467 for a family of 4.  That's like paying just $70 per person per day in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort for a family of 4 – or a total package price of $1,397 for stays most nights 8/19/11 – 9/29/2011.

Guests booking a 4-night/5-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts can add the Disney Dining Plan for FREE.  The plan includes one quick-service meal, one snack and one table-service meal at up to 100 restaurants for each night of the package stay.

For example, purchase a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package at select Disney Moderate Resorts and save $599 for a family of 4.  That's like paying just $88 per person per day in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort for a family of 4 – for a total package price of $1,751 for stays most nights 8/19/11 to 9/29/11.

Packages can be booked now through Dec. 20, 2010.

 

How to Book

Guests can book these special offers at disneyworld.com/deals or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (407/934-7639) or their local travel agent.

 

* Price based on 2 adults, one junior and one child. Number of rooms allocated for these offers is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.

 

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