Saturday, April 30, 2011

Walt Disney World Resort Gears Up for Summer Hiring

 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- April 29, 2011 - Walt Disney World Resort is gearing up for summer hiring by filling jobs for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles beginning April 30 with a week-long, online job fair.  

Through the website www.WaltDisneyWorld.jobs/jobfair, prospective cast members can apply for diverse positions in the resort’s four theme parks, two water parks, Downtown Disney and 24 hotels.  

Opportunities are available in a variety of areas including quick service foods, lifeguards, merchandise, attractions and entertainment.  

In addition to competitive pay, cast members receive unique benefits including theme park admission, on-site health and wellness center, discounts on select dining and merchandise, affordable on-site child care, learning opportunities and exclusive access to Mickey’s Retreat, a 19-acre recreation complex.  

The job fair ends May 8.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Island Construction Workers Join Disney Aulani Team Members To Celebrate Construction Milestone



It’s ‘Time to Add the Magic!’ at New Disney Hawaii Resort

KO OLINA, Hawai'i, April 21, 2011 – Today, in a ceremony on the lagoon fronting the site of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai'i, local crew members from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., joined with Disney cast members (employees) to celebrate the completion of major structural work on the Disney resort and the beginning of Disney’s “time to add the magic.”

The event was a symbolic representation of the shared efforts of Disney and Hawaiian Dredging in building the new resort, which will welcome its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. The construction crew and Aulani Disney team met on the beach to exchange gifts – lei from the construction workers to the Disney cast, and Mickey Mouse ears from the Disney cast to the construction workers. As part of the milestone moment, Hawaiian Dredging “handed over the keys” to the people who will add final detailing, theming, landscaping and all the other magical touches guests expect to find at a Disney resort. 

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai'i, joined with Eric Hashizume, vice president of Hawaiian Dredging and Elliot Mills, managing director of Aulani, to bring the construction workers and Disney team members together to begin “adding the magic” to Aulani. They gathered on the sand to form the image of the trademark Aulani arch and then transformed it into the familiar silhouette of Mickey Mouse. Mickey, Minnie and their Disney character pals joined in the celebration.

As Walt Disney Imagineers continue adding the magic to Aulani, they are weaving Hawaiian stories into the buildings, interiors, art and gardens of the resort with the help of local architects, artisans and historians. The celebrated Disney magic, storytelling and service will create wonderful family vacation memories at the resort, drawing on the beauty, fun, enchantment and traditions of the islands.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Built on 21 acres adjacent to a crystal blue lagoon and a white-sand beach in Ko Olina, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, will feature 359 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas upon its completion. Rooms are housed in two 15-story towers with commanding views of the ocean, mountains and magnificent grounds. On-site are two restaurants, an 18,000-square-foot spa, a wedding lawn, a conference center and extensive water activities, including a central swimming pool, 900-foot tube floating watercourse, wading pool, body slides, sunset-facing hot tubs, a quiet adult pool, a snorkel lagoon, and a conservation pool. Aulani will also include a signature kids’ club – Aunty’s Beach House – where kids can explore Hawaiian culture through fun and games, arts and crafts, and many other experiences created just for them.
 
The resort will also offer excursions that invite families to discover the island of Oahu. Guests can enjoy one-of-a-kind adventures that blend the wonders and excitement of Hawaii with the Disney tradition of storytelling, choosing from a variety of experiences that include surfing, rainforest hiking and learning how to prepare Hawaiian cuisine.
 
Reservations for Aulani are now open. Guests may visit http://www.disneyaulani.com/ or call (866) 44-DISNEY.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Walt Disney World News Updates - May and June 2011

Disney-Pixar's 'Cars 2' Stars Line up for Checkered-Flag Finish to Epcot Flower Fest, Celebrating 25th Anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios with Special Activities May 13-15
The 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is revving up for a dash to the finish line with Pixar's 25th Anniversary Weekend celebrating "Cars 2." The May 13-15, 2011 event at Walt Disney World Resort will bring this year's flowerfest to a checkered-flag conclusion with:

Pixar character meet-and-greets throughout Future World and World Showcase.

"Race Around World Showcase" kids activity that, when completed, earns a collectible button.

Informal discussions (May 14 and May 15) featuring Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino, Oscar®-nominated Pixar producer Jonas Rivera, and "Cars" franchise guardian Jay Ward. Ward is currently involved with Disney-Pixar's "Cars 2," scheduled for release on June 24, 2011.
Entertainment is subject to change without notice. The special experiences are included with Epcot admission. More information about the special weekend is available at pixarweekend.com.

Star Wars Weekends Brings Sci-Fi Saga to Life at Disney's Hollywood Studios Beginning May 20, 2011
Jedi, Wookiees and Ewoks, Oh My!Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20-June 12, 2011, Disney's Hollywood Studios becomes the galaxy's home for out-of-this-world characters including Sith, Bith, droids, bounty hunters, Twi'leks and Rodians.

Dates are May 20-22, May 27-29, June 3-5 and June 10-12. This year, guests blast into the universe of Star Wars like never before in a new attraction -- in 3-D! "Star Tours -- The Adventures Continue" takes Jedi from Tatooine to Coruscant and beyond. With several possible missions, you never know where the Force may take you.

There will be Star Wars characters roaming the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Also featured: the chance to purchase special- and limited-edition Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, Jedi Training Academy, Star Wars parades and the popular "Hyperspace Hoopla" dance party.

There'll also be celebrities from the Star Wars films and creative geniuses who helped create the saga on hand each weekend for star conversations and autograph sessions. Already announced:

Anthony Daniels, known worldwide for his portrayal of everyone's favorite protocol droid, C-3PO, will return this year for Weekend 1 (May 20-22) and Weekend 2 (May 27-29).

Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," will appear each weekend as Celebrity Host of a behind-the-scenes talk show entitled "Clone Wars: Behind the Force."
Guests can visit StarWars.com and Disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends for information updates.

Event activities are included in theme park admission.

Tickets Available May 1 for Disney's Night of Joy 2011 featuring Christian Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Newcomer Chris August,TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay, Skillet
Christian music Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet will headline one of the most-decorated lineups in the 29-year history of Disney's Night of Joy Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011. Filling the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort with the sound of contemporary Christian music will be 16 artists with a 20-year legacy of accolades -- 70 GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY® Awards.

Thirteen of the 16 acts were 2011 Dove Award finalists in 19 categories that span the musical spectrum -- from rap and hip hop ... to rock and pop ... to contemporary gospel and praise and worship. They won 11 categories. Nobody was decorated more highly than Battistelli, who also received Dove Awards as Female Vocalist of the Year and for pop/contemporary recorded song (for "Beautiful, Beautiful"). Night of Joy newcomer Chris August earned the nod as New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year plus the Dove for pop-contemporary album (No Far Away).

Here's the night-by-night Night of Joy 2011 lineup:

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011: newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Disciple.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: MercyMe, TobyMac, Jars of Clay, Marvin Sapp, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Chris August and VaShawn Mitchell.

Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests.

Tickets are available beginning May 1, 2011. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Additional information is available at http://www.nightofjoy.com/.

Monkees' Davy Jones, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone Featured on Final Weekends of 2011 Flower Power Concert Series
They both came to America from Manchester, England, and both landed at the top of the pop music charts in the mid-1960s. "They" are Davy Jones and Peter Noone, who will bring the hit-making sounds of The Monkees and Herman's Hermits, respectively, to Epcot in May as the final two acts of the 2011 Flower Power Concert Series:

Davy Jones, who'll take the America Gardens Theatre stage May 6-8, traveled from the television screen -- along with other The Monkees cast members -- to the top of the charts in 1966 aboard "Last Train to Clarksville." They scored two more No. 1's over the following 14 months, "I'm a Believer" and "Daydream Believer."

Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, who'll bring down the curtain on this year's series (May 13-15), scored 11 Top 10 tunes over a 25-month period from early 1965 to early 1967. Included were two No. 1's in 1965, "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am."
May begins with the final day of Paul Revere & The Raiders' weekend at Epcot.

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 May lineup (subject to change without notice):

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.

HGTV Design Star Judge Vern Yip Scheduled as Final Speaker at 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Award-winning architectural and interior designer Vern Yip will be the featured presenter during the final weekend of the 18th annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV. Host of Deserving Design and judge for HGTV Design Star, Yip will take the HGTV Designers Stage May 13-15 to share "Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible."

HGTV Designers Stage is in the Festival Center (located next to Mission: Space in Future World at Epcot), which 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 are topics and speakers scheduled for HGTV Designers' Stage and Greenhouse Stage in May:

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

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

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.

New Character Fun Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Winnie the Pooh, Phineas and Ferb and the car stars of the Disney•Pixar motion picture "Cars 2" are joining the ever-changing cavalcade of characters involved in meet-and-greets at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here's what Walt Disney World guests have to look forward to:

Winnie the Pooh replaces Lotso in the meet-and-greet location at Feature Animation on May 16. Lotso will continue to be seen in the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun parade.

Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas and Ferb beginning May 16 near Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano.

A "Cars 2" meet-and-greet is scheduled to open June 5 near Muppet*Vision 3-D.

Lightning McQueen replaces Herbie the Love Bug on stage in Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Spectacular beginning June 5.
The experiences are included with regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. More information about the Studios is available at Disneyworld.com.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot June 12
The Sounds Like Summer concert series returns to Epcot beginning June 12 featuring tribute bands that will bring back the sounds of decades of summers gone by. Opening with Hotel California -- A Salute to the Eagles, June's lineup of bands will also "play" tribute to the timeless tunes of the Bee Gees and Bon Jovi.

"The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating," explains Associate Creative Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. "It's not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play."

Sounds Like Summer concerts are under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Here's the June lineup (subject to change without notice):

June 12-18: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
June 19-25: Stayin' Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 26-July 2: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional information is available at Disneyworld.com.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

‘Star Tours – The Adventures Continue’ Brings Star Wars™ Thrills in 3-D to Disney's Hollywood Studios Theme Park


Photo ©  Disney
[Walt Disney World News] – The power of the Force and the magic of Disney have combined to create “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue,” a new 3-D attraction set to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park on May 20, 2011. The attraction also will open at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., on June 3, 2011.

Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours will take Walt Disney World Resort guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they will interact with characters from throughout the Saga. And it will all be in 3-D.

With eye-popping 3-D digital filming, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests will be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with Lucasfilm, Ltd. and Industrial Light & Magic – the groundbreaking visual effects division of Lucasfilm – to bring the out-of-this-world attraction to life.

Star Tours, which had thrilled Disney Parks guests since the 1980s, was “powered down” at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2010 so Imagineers could begin work on the new attraction.
And in a new twist, guests may be able to enjoy the attraction multiple times without ever experiencing the same adventure. More than 50 story combinations are possible for guests to experience aboard Star Tours.

Photo ©  Disney

Just as the Star Wars films immerse movie-goers in storylines that keep them on the edge of their seats, Star Tours will feature multiple stories and scenarios that will hurtle park guests throughout the Star Wars galaxy. And all of the storyline’s twists and turns will be random, affording guests the chance to ride the attraction multiple times.

Whether it’s a battle with Darth Vader and his legion of stormtroopers or a plea from Princess Leia to help her save the Rebellion, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action – literally – in the 3-D, multi-sensory attraction.

Entering the attraction queue area, Star Tours guests walk into a bustling spaceport. The famed Star Wars droid duo, C-3PO and R2-D2, greet them as the Starspeeder 1000 is prepped for service. Anthony Daniels, the voice of C-3PO and the only actor to appear in every theatrical chapter of the Star Wars Saga, reprises his role as the golden protocol droid. Daniels worked with Walt Disney Imagineering to record new dialogue for the attraction. Guests also are introduced to AC-38, a hotshot droid pilot known simply as “Ace,” and Aly San San (voiced by actress Allison Janney), the “spokesbot” for the spaceport.

After winding through the spaceport, guests board the Starspeeder 1000 spacecraft and prepare for Star Tours Flight #1401. Through a series of mishaps, however, C-3PO finds himself in the pilot’s seat instead of Ace, and it’s up to him and R2-D2 to navigate their passengers through the galaxy. However, the tyrannical Empire is out to stop the Starspeeder at all costs. C-3PO and R2-D2 take the controls and try to outwit and outrun the Imperial forces and a galactic bounty hunter hired to pursue the spaceship and its passengers.

Utilizing the 50+ random story combinations, the Starspeeder then embarks on a wild trip through the galaxy, visiting several planets made famous in the Star Wars films. Among the locations that might provide haven from the Empire’s pursuit are the icy planet of Hoth, the lush jungles of Kashyyyk and the underwater Gungan world of Naboo. And along the way guests may encounter Star Wars characters that offer to help (or hinder) their journey, including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Darth Vader and Boba Fett. “Skytroopers,” a legion of stormtroopers created just for the Star Tours attraction story, might even join in the chase.

In fact, with multiple ways to experience each flight, guests will never know where the Force will take them.


At Walt Disney World Resort, Star Tours opens May 20, 2011, the same day the annual Star Wars Weekends event begins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Star Tours and Star Wars Weekends event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

For more information and to purchase theme park tickets or book vacation packages, guests may visit disneyworld.com/startours or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Itineraries and Ports for 2012 – Disney Ships Bound for New York, Galveston and Seattle

(Walt Disney World News) For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston, Texas – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to guests around the country. Additionally, the cruise line will offer more choices than ever before with several new itineraries planned.

“In 2012, we’re making it easier than ever for families to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line vacation by offering cruises from a variety of regional homeports,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz.  “Guests can now enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind Disney cruise experience with the convenience of departures from their own backyard.”
 
2012 New York Schedule

Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York – including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada plus two-night cruises that will give a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience over a weekend:
  • The eight Bahamas cruises will include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral, Fla., giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. As part of this itinerary, each guest will receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between their Disney ship and the resort.

    Rates for the new eight-night Bahamian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $1,240 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
     
  • The nine five-night cruises up the New England coast will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. In these popular Canadian ports, guests can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafes and charming shops, and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market.

    Rates for the new five-night Canadian cruise itinerary departing from New York start at $715 per person  for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
     
  • Three two-night cruises (June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10) out of New York are perfect for families looking for a quick getaway with a day at sea over a weekend. Rates for the new two-night cruises start at $370 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

                                                         Disney Magic 2012 – New York
Eight-Night Bahamas
5/25, 6/2, 6/22, 6/30,
7/20, 7/28, 8/17, 8/25
Five-Night Canada
6/10, 6/17, 7/8, 7/15, 8/5, 8/12, 9/2, 9/7, 9/12
New York
New York
At Sea
At Sea
At Sea
Halifax
Nassau
Saint John
Castaway Cay
At Sea
Port Canaveral
New York
At Sea
 
At Sea
 
New York
 
 
 
2012 Galveston Schedule
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel.

A Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic offers families a tropical getaway with world-class entertainment and impeccable guest service found only on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Guests will enjoy three magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Magic and three days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to their heart's content in exotic marketplaces.

Rates for the seven-night Western Caribbean cruise itinerary departing from Galveston start at $840 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

                                                           Disney Magic 2012 – Galveston
Seven-Night Western Caribbean
9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8
Galveston
At Sea
At Sea
Grand Cayman
Costa Maya
Cozumel
At Sea
Galveston
 
 
2012 Seattle Schedule
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 seven-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.
           
These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line works closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale. They can explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.

Rates for the seven-night Alaska cruise itinerary departing from Seattle start at $917 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

                                                          Disney Wonder 2012 – Seattle
Seven-Night Alaska
5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27
Seattle
At Sea
Tracy Arm
Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
Victoria
Seattle
 
2012 Los Angeles Schedule
The Disney Wonder is scheduled to continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of the year – throughout winter, spring and fall.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Additionally, the Disney Wonder will sail four seven-night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles (on Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7), calling on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the new seven-night Pacific Coast itinerary departing from Los Angeles start at $770 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
 
For the first time, the Disney Wonder will offer a special 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.

Rates for the 15-night Hawaiian itinerary (departing April 29, 2012) start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
 
2012 Port Canaveral Schedule
The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral.
           
The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 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). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy 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.

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

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $471 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Until she is repositioned to New York, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries and four- and five-night Bahamian cruises.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the entire 2012 schedule open April 8, 2011.

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.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Save 25 Percent with Voucher When You Dine Off Hours at Disney Parks

[Disney Parks Blog] Back by very popular demand, a voucher for 25 percent off dining with the purchase of any entrée at select quick-service restaurants – this time, from April 17-23 at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

To save money – and alleviate wait times during one of the busiest seasons – you must dine before 11:30 a.m. or between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Alcohol is excluded.

Walt Disney World Dining Voucher


In Magic Kingdom Park, try a hearty meatball sub at Pinocchio Village Haus, or a veggie burger or chicken wrap at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. Go for the oak-grilled veggie flatbread sandwich at Sunshine Seasons at Epcot. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we recommend the Asian salad at ABC Commissary, and the tasty barbecue from Flame Tree Barbeque at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At Disneyland park, it’s a great opportunity to try out the new fried green tomato sandwich and other new menu items at Hungry Bear Restaurant. The full list of restaurants is below.

Disneyland Resort Dining Voucher


You can print out the voucher from this website, or find one in the Walt Disney World Resort Times Guide, at the bottom of select merchandise receipts or at the bottom of receipts from select resort quick-service restaurants. At Disneyland Resort, it’s on the Entertainment Times Guide or on select merchandise receipts.
Sorry, can’t be combined with any other offer or promotion. Theme park admission is required and taxes and tips are not included.

Participating quick-service locations:

Disneyland Park
  • French Market Restaurant
  • Village Haus
  • Hungry Bear Restaurant
  • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
  • Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port
  • Tomorrowland Terrace
Magic Kingdom Park
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Epcot
  • Electric Umbrella
  • Liberty Inn
  • Sunshine Seasons
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Backlot Express
  • ABC Commissary
  • Studio Catering Company
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Flame Tree Barbecue
  • Pizzafari
  • Restaurantosaurus
  • Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Friday, April 1, 2011

Magician Mickey Mouse Now Greeting Guests at New Magic Kingdom Location

... and Guests Can Skip Standby Queue with Disney’s FASTPASS
[Walt Disney World News] Mickey Mouse now reigns at a new location in Magic Kingdom to meet and greet his friends at Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can now go backstage at Town Square Theater for photos and autographs with Mickey -- without waiting in a standby queue!

Mickey's new location in the park also heralds the first-ever use of Disney's FASTPASS Service for a character meet-and-greet experience. FASTPASS allows guests to reduce waiting by designating a window of time when they can return for a theme park experience.

ABRACADABRA: Mickey readies to meet and greet guests at his new magical permanent location, where for the first time, guests will be able to obtain a FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs – magically bypassing the standby queue.
The fun takes place at the Town Square Theater presented by Kodak, located just inside the Magic Kingdom entrance. Previously known as Town Square Exposition Hall, the venue has been re-imagined as a turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century theater where posters proclaim Mickey Mouse as the star of a magic show.

A glistening marquee with gold-leaf trim and sparkling lights beckons guests to enter a lobby that serves as a hub for character meet-and-greet queues, the Box Office Gifts merchandise shop and Tony's Town Square Restaurant. Lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs, polished-brass chandeliers and a huge tile floor mosaic of the Town Square Theater logo adorn the space.

Just beyond the lobby, guests pass through an ornate arch and enter a queue to meet Magician Mickey Mouse -- or a queue to meet the Disney princesses, for whom Town Square Theater will be a meet-and-greet location during New Fantasyland construction.

CURTAIN CALL COLLECTIBLES: After their meet and greet, guests exit through Curtain Call Collectibles where some of the contraptions used in Mickey’s best magic tricks – including a dunk tank, sword basket and saw of dread – have been repurposed to showcase Mickey merchandise. (Gene Duncan, photographer).
The meet-and-greet experience begins when magical posters featuring Mickey's various magic acts come to life, enhancing guests' journey through queues into the backstage corridors of the theater. Mickey greets guests in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props. It's a classic backstage area with a wood floor and ceiling. One wall is brick, the others are papered in red and black -- Mickey colors.

During the Princesses' limited engagement at Town Square Theater, they will greet guests in an area fit for royalty -- replete with plush carpeting, lush velvety-blue drapes with gold tiebacks, and a large mural backdrop of a chateau amid green, tree-covered hills and fields.
Exiting the meet-and-greet areas, guests pass through Curtain Call Collectibles, a shop with design elements suggesting a backstage area used for theater shipping and receiving -- with large, barn-like doors through which props and set pieces could pass.

Guests wanting to meet Mickey or the Princesses can either obtain a Disney's FASTPASS ticket or get in standby queues. FASTPASS tickets, which are available near Town Square Theater, designate an hour window of time during which the guest can return to the theater and have their "magic moment" with Mickey or the Princesses without joining the standby queues.