Ahoy, Mateys! Jake and the Never Land Pirates Landing at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Part of Show Debuting March 4

[Walt Disney World News]. -- Jake and the Never Land Pirates are landing at Disney's Hollywood Studios March 4, 2011, less than a month after they cast off on their first adventure on Disney Channel as part of the launch of Disney Junior programming designed for 2-to-7-year-old children.

 

 At the Walt Disney World theme park, they are playing a role in "Disney Junior--Live on Stage!", a theme park show created for young guests. Co-starring roles in the show are played by the cast of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins -- other shows that are part of the Disney Junior schedule
.
"Ever since 'Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!' premiered in 2001, it has been a chance for our younger guests to experience their Disney Channel friends at Disney's Hollywood Studios," said Dan Fields of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative director for "Disney Junior--Live on Stage!" "As their circle of TV friends has grown and changed during the years, we've endeavored to make sure those new friends are part of their vacation fun, too."

Like the previous show ("Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage"), "Disney Junior--Live on Stage!" will be presented several times during the theme park day. Guests should check their Times Guide for show times.

Belle of the Ball

 

Tony Dovolani, one of the professional dancers starring on the ABC-TV series "Dancing with the Stars," joins Belle, the princess from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," Feb. 23, 2011 for a dance at the France pavilion in the Epcot theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Albanian-born dancer will be back on the reality show when it makes its season premiere March 21, 2011 on ABC-TV. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

FastPass to the Big Cheese

 

For the first time in Disney Parks history, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to reserve meet-up time with Mickey Mouse. Starting this spring, Walt Disney World Resort will be offering guests a FASTPASS option for Mickey as he moves to his new permanent home, Town Square Theater, located inside the current Exposition Hall near the entrance to the park. Guests electing FASTPASS will enjoy face time with Mickey without waiting in the standby queue, freeing them up for other Magic Kingdom experiences. (Disney Parks Rendering)

Magic Kingdom Guests Will Be Able To Determine a Time To Meet with Mickey Mouse Beginning Later This Spring

[Walt Disney World News] Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really "hot ticket" in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it's a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.

When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able obtain a Disney's FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs -- without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the "must-do list" of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.

The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. "This isn't just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse," Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.

"Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well," Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. "We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey's Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street."

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse's stardom -- with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there's a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue -- with an extra touch of Disney magic -- and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests "backstage," where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.

HGTV Design Celebrities and Disney Character Heroes Headline Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- While Woody and Buzz battle the latest toy villain, HGTV's design gurus just might give their toy box a stylish makeover. As the lead toys of the Disney(Pixar film "Toy Story 3" take the art of Disney topiary "to infinity and beyond" for the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15, HGTV adds star power to the festival lineup.

 

Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip and a constellation of HGTV stars bring their flair for design to the festival with weekend appearances covering a variety of design and landscaping topics. Meanwhile, the floral facsimiles of Buzz Lightyear, Woody and their nemesis Lotso the strawberry-scented teddy bear will welcome guests at the Epcot World Showcase front entrance garden.

As part of the HGTV sponsorship, the Festival Center will open daily with entertaining presentations and Disney gardening workshops. And Bambi's Butterfly Garden expands to accommodate more butterflies, plants and  guests in celebration of the upcoming release of "Bambi" Diamond Edition on Blu-ray Hi-Def.
Also new at the festival:

• At Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, favorite Disney Fairies will pose for photos and sign autographs throughout the day. Young fans who enter this whimsical garden also discover play structures for children ages 2-5.
   
• Sleek floral topiaries of "Cars 2" stars Mater and Lightning McQueen will shine at the World Showcase Plaza in anticipation of the June 24 release of the original film's sequel.
   
• A Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display sets the scene for topiaries of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and pals, set to appear in the "Winnie the Pooh Movie" this summer.

More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

HGTV Stars Meet 'Toy Story 3' Heroes at 18th Epcot Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15

 New: HGTV Design Celebrity Appearances, ‘Toy Story 3’ Topiaries

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A constellation of HGTV design stars lights up the 18^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 through May 15, while “Toy Story 3” heroes Woody and Buzz take Disney topiary magic “to infinity and beyond!”

Genevieve Gorder, Vern Yip and nine other HGTV design gurus appear for the first time at the Walt Disney World Resort festival during weekend presentations that cover topics ranging from “Life, Love and Landscaping” (Yard Crashers’ Ahmed Hassan, April 8-10) to “Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction” (Curb Appeal: The Block’s John Gidding, April 29-May 1).

Disney’s topiary craftsmen pack powerful curb appeal into the festival’s Future World front-entrance garden where the lead toys of Disney’s Oscar-nominated film “Toy Story 3” meet arch-enemy Lotso (a.k.a. Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear) in a larger-than-life floral spectacle. The popular Disney-Pixar characters hit the sandbox as seven- and eight-foot-tall topiaries surrounded by a sand castle, strawberry-scented field and playground toys featured in the film.  With bold strokes of seasonal color, the topiary display marks the first time that “Toy Story” characters have been featured at the festival. It’s also the first time in seven years that the front-entrance floral display showcases all-new topiary characters, says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden.

“It created unique challenges,” Darden says, “and it’s meticulous work. Woody is skinny, and it was a challenge to create his legs. The detail on Buzz is pretty daunting.” And the buzz on the pink-floral Lotso (a.k.a. Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear) is that he will smell like strawberries, just like his big-screen character, when guests stroll by.
This year’s 75-day festival showcases more than 100 expertly crafted topiaries, and another show-stopper will be the brand-new “Cars 2” display at the World Showcase plaza, Darden says. Large floral topiaries of “Cars” characters Mater and Lightning McQueen will park their colorful chassis beneath a black-and-white checkered arch. To complete the scene, gardeners will create floral flags representing Japan, France, Italy and the United Kingdom – destinations of the car characters in the sequel due in theaters June 24. 

And Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and pals appear in topiary splendor among a Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display between Future World and World Showcase. They’re just in time to spread the happy news about the “Winnie the Pooh Movie” debuting Summer 2011.
New in the Park!

HGTV’s festival sponsorship adds fresh excitement to an event that has expanded and endured through the years. Festival Center presentations showcase HGTV and HGTV.com celebrities on weekends and other experts seven days a week. Located next to Mission: Space in Future World, the center presents workshops and talks by a solid lineup of master gardeners, Walt Disney World horticulturists and a mix of TV and radio personalities, authors and educators.
Also adding fresh fun to the festival: 

• A roomier-than-ever Bambi’s Butterfly House more than doubles in size this year in its new location along the Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West in Future World. It’s the first time the popular garden has expanded since its 2005 debut, and guests will see more butterflies than ever, Darden says. 
• For the first time at Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, favorite Disney Fairies will pose for photos and sign autographs throughout the day. Young fans who enter this whimsical garden also discover play structures for children ages 2-5.
• HGTV presents a Sustainable Beauty Garden with ideas for your own home garden.
   
• Rapunzel lets down her hair at Rapunzel’s Tower in the Tangled Magical Garden inspired by Walt Disney Pictures’ animated film, “Tangled,” located between the Germany and Italy pavilions.
   
• Flower Power grows with new-to-the-festival pop acts. Melissa Manchester, March 25-27 (Don’t Cry Out Loud) and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., April 8-10 (You Don’t Have to Be a Star) are set to light up America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes.
   
• A new Festival Special Weekend is slated for May when Disney*Pixar presents a Pixar Animation Studios celebration in conjunction with the upcoming “Cars 2” big-screen debut set for June 24.

Throughout the festival, elaborate floral beds and entertaining exhibits will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary talents of Disney gardeners.  A blooming Guerlain Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion returns with its never-ending “love story” of the relationship between plants and perfume. At the Japan showcase, the art of bonsai will mesmerize guests who stop at the pavilion’s vermilion torii gate.

Don’t miss:

• Flower Power concerts – Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Jose Feliciano is scheduled to kick off the concert series March 4-6. The Flower Power lineup also will feature pop favorites like Davy Jones and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats.
• The Festival Center – Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend workshops and demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners. 
• Disney Gardening at Home presentations – Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity.
• Special Festival Weekend Celebrations – Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists March 25-27; Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute April 29-May 1; Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and Guerlain’s Enchanted Gardens events May 6-8; and the Disney*Pixar weekend celebration May 13-15. 

More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Festival Center Abuzz with Garden and Design Know-How During Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Presented by HGTV

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Festival Center at the 18th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV will be alive with expert-led seminars, demonstrations, discussions and Q&A sessions daily throughout the 75-day event that begins March 2 at Walt Disney World Resort. Located next to Mission: Space in Future World at Epcot, the Festival Center showcases HGTV and HGTV.com celebrities on weekends and other experts -- including "Master Gardeners" from University of Florida, Walt Disney World Horticulturists and a mix of national and regional TV/radio personalities, authors and educators -- seven days a week. Here's what's happening:

• The HGTV Designers' Stage in the Festival Center features presentations daily at noon and 3 p.m. on a broad range of garden and design topics -- beginning with "Butterflies & Beyond" by entomologist Jaret Daniels on the opening two days of the festival. Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 15, popular experts from HGTV will take over, beginning with Genevieve Gorder (HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve) March 4-6 on the topic "The Art of Sculpting Space."
   
• Meanwhile, at the Festival Center's Greenhouse Stage daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Disney Horticulturists, authors and educators will share tips and secrets guests can plant in their own garden. These limited-space sessions include interactive hands-on discoveries during which guests make something to take home.
   
• Experts from University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) present Planting Pointers -- gardening ideas for everyone -- daily at 1 and 4 p.m. Guests also can Ask an Expert -- a UF/IFAS "Master Gardener" -- their gardening questions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Here are topics and speakers scheduled for HGTV Designers' Stage and Greenhouse Stage:

HGTV Designers' StagePresentations daily at noon and 3 p.m.
(HGTV/HGTV.com celebrity distinctions are noted in parentheses)

March 2-3: "Butterflies & Beyond" -- Jaret C. Daniels
March 4-6: "The Art of Sculpting Space" -- Genevieve Gorder (HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve)
March 7-10: "Passalong Plants" -- Felder Rushing
March 11-13: "Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips for Designing Your Favorite Rooms" -- Lisa LaPorta (Designed to Sell)
March 14-17: "Grow Great Grub" -- Gayla Trail
March 18-20: "The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space" -- Kim Myles (Myles of Style)
March 21-24: "10 Heirloom Plants You Should Be Growing" / "New & Exciting Plants for Every Garden" -- Danielle Sherry
March 25-27: "Mobile Gardens" -- Brian Patrick Flynn (Design Happens, HGTV.com)
March 28-31: "Secrets of the Garden Revealed & More Plants For Free" -- Ken Druse
April 1-3: "Adding Value to Your Home without Breaking the Bank" -- Taniya Nayak (Designed to Sell and Destination Design)
April 4-7: "Four Season Garden & Proven Combinations" -- Erica Glasener
April 8-10: "Life, Love and Landscaping" -- Ahmed Hassan (Yard Crashers)
April 11-14: "Container Gardening: From Dirt to Design & The Secret to Combining Plants" -- Steve Aitken
April 15-17: "Gardening with Kids: Fun Seed Starting Projects" -- Patti Moreno (Garden Girl, HGTV.com)
April 18-21: "Year-round Garden-tainment" -- Melinda Myers
April 22-24: "Creative, Back-to-Basics Style for All Things Natural and Decorative" -- Michele Beschen (B. Original)
April 25-28: "Herbal Blends from Around the World" -- Susan Belsinger & Tina Marie Wilcox
April 29-May 1: "The Design Process: Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction" -- John Gidding (Curb Appeal: The Block)
May 2-5: "The Small-Budget Gardener" -- Maureen Gilmer
May 6-8: "Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low Cost Secrets to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside" -- Frank Fontana (Design on a Dime)
May 9-12: "Slow Gardening" -- Felder Rushing
May 13-15: "Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible" -- Vern Yip (HGTV Design Star)

Greenhouse StagePresentations daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
(Visit the Festival Center for topics on days not noted)

March 4-6: "Groceries from the Garden" -- Robert Bowden
March 10-13: "Gardening for all Generations" -- Brenda Sandberg & Scott Hulett
March 17-20: "Gardening in Miniature" -- Joseph Rainey
March 24-27: "Helpful Mower & Small Equipment Tips" -- Scott Franklin
March 31-April 3: "Tropical Edibles" -- Jarrod Stewart
April 7-10: "Fun Holiday Projects" -- Doug Benedict
April 15-17: "Gardening Challenges" -- Tom MacCubbin
April 21-24: "Seed, Sow & Grow" -- Ed Buhler
April 28-May 1: "Inspiring Patio Designs" -- Allison Brooks
May 6-8: "Mastery & Mind in Living Flowers" -- Ricardo Bansho Carrasco
May 12-15: "A to Z on Herbs" -- Tracy Fischer
The presentations are included with Epcot admission, but seating is limited and on a first-come basis. Speakers, presentations and guests are subject to change without notice. For more Epcot International Flower & Garden information, visit disneyworld.com/flower.

2011 Flower Power Concert Series Returns with Favorite Pop, Rock & Roll, R&B Hit-Makers

The Flower Power Concert Series is back at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring. Which means artists involved with hit songs of the 1960s through the '90s will be on stage each Friday-Sunday from March 4 through May 15, 2011.

Collectively, the 11 artists performing this spring at Walt Disney World Resort were involved in 133 Billboard Top 40 hits -- 58 Top 10s including 16 No. 1 chart-toppers.

Biggest hit-makers in the lineup: Chubby Checker (22 Top 40s) and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone (18). Newcomers Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., a husband-wife duo, were founding members of the '60s-'70s group The 5th Dimension that produced 20 Top 40 hits.

This year's lineup includes one other newcomer: Melissa Manchester.

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here's the lineup (subject to change without notice):

• March 4-6 -- Jose Feliciano
• March 11-13 -- The Guess Who
• March 18-20 -- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
• March 25-27 -- Melissa Manchester
• April 1-3 -- Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• April 8-10 -- Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
• April 15-17 -- Juice Newton
• April 22-24 -- Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
• April 29-30, May 1 -- Paul Revere & The Raiders
• May 6-8 -- Davy Jones
• May 13-15 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone

Flower Power performances are included with Epcot admission. For additional information about the festival, visit disneyworld.com/flower.

Woody, Buzz, Lotso Seize Topiary Headlines at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival March 2-May 15, 2011

 New: ‘Toy Story 3’ and ‘Cars 2’ Topiaries, Expanded Butterfly House

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The heroes of “Toy Story 3” have left the toy box. Woody and Buzz Lightyear meet arch-enemy Lotso the teddy bear on the Future World playground for the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 through May 15, 2011, at Walt Disney World Resort.

The popular Disney•Pixar characters hit the sandbox as seven- and eight-foot-tall topiaries at the Epcot front entrance flower bed featuring a sand castle, strawberry-scented field and playground toys. Created by Disney gardeners and topiary experts with bold strokes of seasonal color, the topiary display marks the first time “Toy Story” characters have been showcased at the festival which, along with more than 100 topiaries, features seminars and gardening demonstrations, gardens bursting with millions of blooms, “flower power” music and more. 

The “Toy Story” display marks the first time in seven years that the front-entrance floral spectacle showcases all-new topiary characters, says festival horticulture manager Eric Darden.

“It created unique challenges,” Darden says, “and it’s meticulous work. Woody is skinny, and it was a challenge to create his legs. The detail on Buzz is pretty daunting.” And the buzz on the pink-floral Lotso (a.k.a. Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear) is that he will smell like strawberries, just like his big-screen character, when guests stroll by.

Among the expertly crafted topiaries, another show-stopper will be the brand-new “Cars 2” display at the World Showcase plaza, Darden says. Large floral topiaries of “Cars” characters Mater and Lightning McQueen will park their colorful chassis beneath a black-and-white checkered arch. To complete the scene, gardeners will create floral flags representing Japan, France, Italy and the United Kingdom – destinations of the car characters in the sequel due in theaters June 24.  

And Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and pals appear in topiary splendor among a Hundred Acre Wood wildflower display between Future World and World Showcase. They’re just in time to spread the happy news about the “Winnie the Pooh Movie” debuting summer 2011.

New in the Park!

An expanded Bambi’s Butterfly House, a new Healthy Living Garden, special gardener appearances on a new Festival Center stage and first-time Flower Power performers add fresh twists to the 18th annual festival:

A roomier-than-ever Bambi’s Butterfly House grows three-fold this year in its new location along Imagination Walkway by Innoventions West in Future World. It’s the first time the popular garden has expanded since its 2005 debut, and guests will see more butterflies than ever, Darden says. 

The Healthy Living Garden invites park guests to join in fun activities designed for improving their health and well being. Areas of the garden, presented by Syngenta, focus on healthful eating, fitness, relaxation and meditation. An adjacent children’s play area keeps it all in the family.

 A new Festival Center stage brings nationally recognized garden personalities to the festival twice daily.
 

Rapunzel lets down her hair at Rapunzel’s Tower in the Tangled Magical Garden inspired by Walt Disney Pictures’ animated film, “Tangled,” located between the Germany and Italy pavilions.
 

 Flower Power grows with new-to-the-festival pop acts. Melissa Manchester, March 25-27 (Don’t Cry Out Loud), Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., April 8-10 (You Don’t Have to Be a Star) and Juice Newton April 15-17 (Playing with the Queen of Hearts) are set to light up America Gardens Theatre with their timeless tunes.
 

 A new Festival Special Weekend is slated for May when Disney?Pixar presents a Pixar Animation Studios celebration in conjunction with the upcoming “Cars 2” big-screen debut set for June 24.

Throughout the festival, elaborate floral beds and entertaining exhibits will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary talents of Disney gardeners. A blooming Guerlain Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion returns with its never-ending “love story” of the relationship between plants and perfume. At the Japan showcase, the art of bonsai will mesmerize guests who stop at the pavilion’s vermilion torii gate. 

Don’t miss:

Flower Power concerts – Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Jose Feliciano is scheduled to kick off the concert series March 4-6. The Flower Power lineup also will feature pop favorites such as Davy Jones, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats, and Paul Revere & the Raiders.
 

The Festival Center– Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend demonstrations and get ideas and tips from master gardeners. Includes Disney Gardening at Home and other presentations.
 

Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden –Fabulous Disney fairies alight to greet young fans who enter this whimsical garden designed with play structures for children ages 2-5.
 

Disney Gardening at Home presentations – Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, take-home activity.
 

 Special Festival Weekend Celebrations – An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 25-27; the popular I Dig Bugs event is set for April 15-17; and a Fresh from Florida Farmer’s Market salute is slated for April 29-May 1.  A date will be announced for the May Disney?Pixar weekend celebration.

More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

HGTV Sponsors 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Star Designers Bring Expertise to New HGTV Stage

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2011) -- HGTV kicks up the "curb appeal" of the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 through May 15 with a first-time sponsorship featuring weekend appearances by its acclaimed designers and landscaping experts. The star-studded lineup includes Genevieve Gorder, Lisa LaPorta, Kim Myles, Brian Patrick Flynn, Taniya Nayak, Ahmed Hassan, Patti Moreno, Michele Beschen, John Gidding, Frank Fontana, and Vern Yip.

The country's leading home and lifestyle television brand brings an addictive blend of design, decorating and landscaping inspiration to the enduring, 75-day gardening extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort.

At the Festival Center presented by HGTV, popular celebrity experts will appear each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival on the HGTV Stage. The HGTV hosts will deliver valuable tips to Disney guests on topics including "Mobile Gardens," "Secrets to Bringing Indoor Style Outside" and "Gardening with Kids."

"We are thrilled to welcome HGTV and so many of the network's great Talent to Epcot this spring," said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. "HGTV's design and gardening personalities add an exciting, and entertaining new element to a festival that reinvents itself year after year."

As part of the sponsorship, HGTV also will present a new, twice-its-previous-size Bambi's Butterfly House along the Future World Imagination Walkway. Inside this popular festival stop are hundreds of native butterflies and character topiaries from the timeless Disney classic film, "Bambi." This year's display celebrates the upcoming release of "Bambi" Diamond Edition, for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

"People visit Disney for a memorable experience where they are inspired, enlightened and entertained," said Jim Samples, president, HGTV. "Our star designers will provide just such an experience for the Disney guest during The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV.  Disney is the ideal venue and destination for us to connect face-to-face with our passionate viewers."

The HGTV celebrity lineup includes:

Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve (March 4-6)
The Art of Sculpting Space

Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell (March 11 - 13)
Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips for Designing Your Favorite Rooms

Kim Myles, Myles of Style (March 18 - 20) The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space

Brian Patrick Flynn, Design Happens, HGTV.com (March 25-27)
Mobile Gardens

Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell and Destination Design (April 1-3)
Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Ahmed Hassan, Yard Crashers (April 8-10)
Life, Love and Landscaping

Patti Moreno, Garden Girl, HGTV.com (April 15-17)
Gardening with Kids: Fun Seed Starting Projects

Michele Beschen, B. Original (April 22-24)
When Nature Calls: Creative, Back-to-Basics Style for All Things Natural and Decorative

John Gidding, Curb Appeal: The Block (April 29-30, May 1)
The Design Process: Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction

Frank Fontana, Design on a Dime (May 6-8)
Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low-Cost Secrets to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside

Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star (May 13-15)

Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible

Dozens of Disney character topiaries are back by popular demand at this year's festival. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and chief villain Lotso of the Oscar-nominated Disney blockbuster, "Toy Story 3," make their first topiary appearance in front of Spaceship Earth at the park's front-entrance garden. Topiary craftsmen also will debut floral versions of Lightning McQueen and Mater, stars of "Cars 2," to be released in theaters this June.

Flower Power concerts will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre stage three times each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening with popular acts like Davy Jones and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. New-to-the-festival performers will include Melissa Manchester, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
More information about the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs, presentations and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

About HGTV
HGTV, America's leader in home and lifestyle programming, is distributed to more than 99 million U.S. households and is one of cable's top-rated networks.  HGTV's website, HGTV.com, is the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination, which attracts an average of more than 5 million unique visitors per month.In addition to its own celebrity stage appearances, HGTV will present the popular twice-daily Disney Gardening at Home series, where guests can join a workshop and take home projects ranging from hanging baskets to water garden features. The Festival Center's HGTV Theater will present a special-engagement film featuring tips and hints from HGTV shows.

Cheers, Applause and Another Confetti Shower Greet Packers’ Aaron Rodgers at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2011) – Super Bowl XLV hero Aaron Rodgers continued to ride a wave of adulation and cheers Monday – about a thousand miles east of Arlington, Texas, where his MVP performance propelled the Green Bay Packers to victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night in the National Football League championship game.


Riding in a red convertible, the Packers quarterback waved and smiled back at cheering fans lining Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort Monday afternoon. It marked the continuation of a grand tradition that began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms proclaimed “I’m going to Disney World” in a television commercial spot right after Super Bowl XXI.

Rodgers, the centerpiece of the 44th "I'm going to Disney World" spot, did exactly what he said he was going to do in a commercial that aired Monday morning. Joined by Mickey Mouse, the Packer star was immersed in applause -- much coming from theme park guests decked out in Packers green and gold. And he was showered with confetti for the second time in less than 24 hours.The Magic Kingdom Philharmonic Band provided a musical backdrop to the procession that included Minnie Mouse (decked out as a cheerleader), Chip ‘n’ Dale in referee garb, and “football Goofy” plus players from a central Florida NFL Youth Football team.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Super Bowl XLV Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers takes a celebratory ride with Mickey Mouse Feb. 7, 2011 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. following the Green Bay Packers' 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Feb. 6, 2011. Rodgers was 24 for 39 for 304 yards and threw three touchdowns in the Packers' Super Bowl win. Immediately after Super Bowl XLV was over, Rodgers shouted "I'm Going to Disney World!" and "I'm Going to Disneyland!" for TV cameras as the star of the latest Disney Parks advertisement. (Scott Miller, photographer)

Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romantic Playground for Lovebirds on Valentine's Day and Every Day

[Walt Disney World News]. – The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine’s Day every day.  With all the choices available, couples commemorating their commitment have a “heart full” of enchanting ways to customize their Valentine’s vacations.

Couples who’ve been bitten by the love bug don’t need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world’s most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast – and don’t forget America’s sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 40-square-mile playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the “love boats” that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts.

And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true – complete with Cinderella’s coach and her famous glass slipper – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can create an unforgettable union.

         The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance – whether it’s a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ and ‘Flies’ Together….. – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – fly through the sky with your loved one on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heightscan spend 10 minutes alone soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations.

Magical Resorts – From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682. 

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.  For Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463) or check out all the possibilities at www.disneyworld.com/dining
.

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ – The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 
1,600 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

            For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella’s glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

            Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail.

         
Disney’s wedding specialists incorporate all the elements in a one-stop shop including the ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.
         
Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting the website at disneyhoneymoons.com.

Renewing Vows – Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.