Nominations Open for the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine

Disney’s Dreamers Academy Celebrates

its Fifth Year of Igniting Lives, Dreams and Passions

[Walt Disney World News] – Plans are underway for the 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. Parents, teachers, mentors and youth can nominate U.S. high school students ages 13-19 to attend this innovative outside-the-classroom educational and mentoring program. Nominations must be submitted on www.disneysdreamersacademy.com by October 31, 2011.

Entering the search for its milestone fifth “class,” Disney’s Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, 100 students – selected from thousands of applicants – experience notable personal and professional advancement. Students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths ranging from Animation to Zoology. Each participant learns important interview skills, communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in an unusual and magical setting: The Walt Disney World theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant ‘classrooms’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and “DREAM BIG.” Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

“Over the past four years, we have helped more than 400 Dreamers unlock their potential and get started on their journeys in life,” said Disney’s Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell. “The fifth Disney’s Dreamers Academy marks another year of continued motivation, education and success. Steve Harvey and Essence Communications share in our vision of enriching lives. Everyone leaves this program inspired to live their best life.”

Participants and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where they will engage in life-changing sessions and indulge in all of Disney’s magical theme parks. The 2012 Disney’s Dreamers Academy will take place March 8-11, 2012.

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio personality, along with Essence Magazine and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney’s Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. The fifth year of this program will prove to be the best yet. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.”

Launched in 2007 by Disney Parks, Disney’s Dreamers Academy has evolved into a year-round initiative with its informational Facebook and Twitter social media platforms, an interactive website, presence at community-outreach-partner events like the Essence Music Festival, the National Association of Black Journalists Convention, the Bud Billiken Parade, and the addition of the recently formed Disney’s Dreamers Academy Speakers Resource Group, which consists of various Dreamers Academy event speakers and presenters who serve as program ambassadors. This year, Dreamers also had the chance to win internships, allowing them the chance to test skills learned at Disney’s Dreamers Academy.

Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the fifth Disney’s Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey serves as a firm commitment to the community and leaders of tomorrow.”

This fall, a distinguished panel of leaders from the communications, education and entertainment industries will judge all of the nomination submissions. Winners will be announced in early December 2011.

Pop Icons ‘Bring It’ to America Gardens Theatre At Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

18 ‘Eat to the Beat!’ Musical Acts Perform Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011

[Walt Disney World News] – Live retro sounds of pop, rock, jazz and funk fill the night when top musical acts unleash their greatest hits during the the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, at the Walt Disney World Resort.

GIN BLOSSOMS: Set to rock audiences Oct. 27-28 during with 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with top hits like "Hey Jealousy." -- GIN BLOSSOMS: One of three new Eat to the Beat concert acts appearing at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Gin Blossoms are set to rock audiences Oct. 27-28 with top hits like "Hey Jealousy." Photo by Disney.

Three new Eat to the Beat! acts – The Pointer Sisters, Gin Blossoms and The Orchestra starring former members of ELO – and 15 returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Shows are scheduled 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily.  The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

• Sept. 30-Oct. 2     Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
• Oct. 3-5                38 Special “Hold on Loosely”
• Oct. 6-7                Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
• Oct. 8-9                Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp “Give A Little Bit”
• Oct. 10-12            Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
• Oct. 13-16            Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• Oct. 17-19            Sugar Ray “Fly”
• Oct. 20-21            The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (NEW) “Don’t Bring Me Down”
• Oct. 22-23            Howard Jones “No One Is to Blame”
• Oct. 24-26            Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
• Oct. 27-28            Gin Blossoms (NEW) “Hey Jealousy”
• Oct. 29-30            Sister Hazel “All for You”
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1     Hanson “Give a Little”
• Nov. 2-3               The Pointer Sisters (NEW) “He’s So Shy”
• Nov. 4-6               Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
• Nov. 7-8               Air Supply “Lost in Love”
• Nov. 9-10             Richard Marx “Right Here Waiting”
• Nov. 11-13           Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

Guests nibbling and sipping their way around the World Showcase can see performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics, comedy and other acts into the festivities.  A sampling of World Showcase entertainment includes:

• High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
• The Arabic rhythms of Mo’Rockin (Morocco)
• Perfect harmony of Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
• Infectious beat of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
• Retro British hits by British Revolution (United Kingdom)
• Jaw-dropping stunts by Dragon Legend Acrobats (China)
• Hilarious antics of World Showcase Players (Italy and United Kingdom)

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights up the World Showcase with lasers, music and fireworks to provide a “wow” ending to each festival evening.

Reservations Open August 16, 2011, for Special Events at 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

[Walt Disney World News] -- Dreaming of a festive autumn evening at the grand-scale Party for the Senses food and wine event at Epcot? Or maybe a more intimate artisanal Cheese Seminar with New York City fromager Max McCalman is on your radar.

Foodies who want to lock in their favorite events at the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 should save the date of Aug. 16, 2011, and set their alarms for 7 a.m. That's when reservations open for all special culinary and beverage programs offered during this year's 45-day food, wine, beer and cocktail extravaganza. These special events have proven to be extremely popular and availability is limited.


Party for All the Senses

 Guests can book ...

• First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
• "3D" Disney's Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
• Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
• Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
• Kitchen Memories -- formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
• Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
• Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5, 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
• Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
• Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13)

Additional special events slated will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations: 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378). Event updates and details will be posted at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Familiar Musical Sounds Are in the Air at Epcot in July During Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Performances

[Walt Disney World News] -- Epcot guests strolling past America Gardens Theatre on July evenings in 2011 might comment, "That sounds like ..." and finish the sentence with "Bon Jovi" or "Heart" or "Journey" or "Janet Jackson" or "U2."

Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute

Welcome to the Sounds Like Summer concert series, which fills the air with the music of summers past performed by tribute bands -- musical artists who strive to sound like the performers who recorded the songs. "Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play," said Associate Creative Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World entertainment.

July dawns with Slippery When Wet -- The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute on July 1-2. Four additional acts will step to the stage through July 30. The schedule (entertainment subject to change without notice):

June 26-July 2: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 3-9: Little Queen ~ The Music of Heart
July 10-16: Frontiers ~ A Tribute to Journey
July 17-23: Karin Lawson ~ A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 24-30: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. -- except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission. Additional information is available at disneyworld.com.

Fourth of July to Rock the Skies above Walt Disney World Resort With Special Fireworks Shows at Three Parks

Photo by Disney

Walt Disney World News – Walt Disney World Resort will pixie dust the night skies July 4 with special pyrotechnic shows, including a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n’roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here’s what’s in store:

Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4^th of July Celebration”! These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.

Photo by Disney

At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out  “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with "The Heartbeat of Freedom," an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to “Voices of Liberty 4^th of July Concert” and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Cars 2" Walt Disney “Wheels” - Resort Steers Guests to High-Octane, Gear-Spinning Good Times

[Walt Disney World News] -- Gear-spinning good times get rolling at Walt Disney World Resort, where car-lovers can experience auto-themed attractions and shows, climb behind the wheel for a high-octane thrill ride and even settle back for a meal in a setting reminiscent of a time when families watched motion pictures from a cozy car seat.

Here's a spin around of "Walt Disney Wheels":

Photo by Disney

"Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" -- This fast-paced show takes Disney's Hollywood Studios guests behind the scenes of big-budget movies to spotlight the high-octane best of the movie industry's stunt masters -- including precision driving, edge-of-your-seat jumps, pyrotechnics, high-speed spins and plenty of surprises. The extravaganza sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening and jumping across an enormous, 177,000-square-foot outdoor stunt arena themed as a Mediterranean village movie set. Joining the cast later this summer is Lightning McQueen, the star of “Cars” and “Cars 2.” 

      

Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Photo by Disney.

            Take the Wheel, For Real, at the Richard Petty Driving Experience -- Auto enthusiasts have the chance to step into a scene most only dream about -- getting into the seat of a real stock car and tipping speeds up to 145 mph. The Richard Petty Driving Experience features a choice of daily ride-along and driving programs in cars with about 600 horses under the hood. Plenty of celebrities -- from NASCAR champions Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart to swimmer Michael Phelps to actors John Travolta and Leonardo di Caprio-- have joined in the fun at Walt Disney World Speedway. Reservation information is available by calling 800/BE-PETTY or online at www.1800bepetty.com.

      

Jon Stewart and his children ride the Tomorrowland Speedway
in February of this year. Photo by Disney.

      Feel the Need for Speed (at 7.5 miles per hour) -- It may not be the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort, but Tomorrowland Speedway lets young hopefuls and seasoned veterans take turns around the Magic Kingdom's half-mile track at a whopping 7.5 miles per hour. One of the popular Magic Kingdom attractions that debuted on the theme park's opening day in 1971, Tomorrowland Speedway welcomes drivers and riders (adults and children) to replicas of landmarks made famous by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the famed Yard of Bricks and Gasoline Alley. Through the years, the attraction has been home to many first-time drivers, with many guests climbing behind the wheel of the colorful, scaled motorcars long before taking the wheel of a full-sized automobile.

Test Track. Photo by Disney.

     Test Track -- Sponsored by General Motors, this high-speed thrill attraction in Epcot invites guests to buckle up and brace themselves for a series of automobile tests. It's the fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort and is modeled after real-world, GM automobile proving grounds. The rigorous testing schedule includes an engine-roaring, three-story ascent, a wildly out-of-control skid and a high-intensity speed loop pushing 65 miles per hour around the massive testing facility.

      

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre at Disney Hollywood Studios
Photo by Disney

      Just Eat in the Car, Under the Stars -- Cars and film combine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, a drive-in movie-inspired eatery inside the Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. Diners sit in vintage-style cars as fiber-optic stars twinkle overhead. The theater's movie screen shows outrageous sci-fi movie clips as servers' journey from car to car dishing out classic American cuisine. The 1950s-themed restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and guests can arrange reservation times by calling 407/WDW-DINE.  



Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Photo by Disney.



             Speed Thrills on Car-Themed Coaster -- A wild, stretch limousine ride through the Hollywood Hills provides guests high-speed thrills aboard Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, an indoor roller coaster in Disney's Hollywood Studios. The legendary rock group Aerosmith teamed with Walt Disney Imagineering to create a one-of-a-kind coaster that features a high-speed launch (0 to approximately 60 mph in 2.8 seconds), three inversions, rock-concert lighting and a customized Aerosmith soundtrack thundering from 120 onboard speakers in each train. Each coaster train is constructed to resemble a super-stretch limousine, complete with headlights, taillights and a trunk.

     

      For more information about Walt Disney World Resort or to book a vacation, guests may visit disneyworld.com.

Water Parks for Summertime Cooling

AAAAAHHHHHH: As summer heats up in Central Florida, water parks of Walt Disney World Resort offer guests the chance to relax and refresh. Whether it’s Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach, the cooling, splashy fun is nonstop. Guests can beat the heat in myriad ways, whether inner-tubing down a lazy waterway or blasting down a speed slide.

16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: A Passport to a World of Flavors Sept. 30-Nov. 13

[Walt Disney World News]. -- Exotic cocktails will pair like a tropical daydream with fresh new tastes from more than one island paradise at the 16th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, at Walt Disney World Resort. The one-of-a-kind 45-day festival serves up international cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents, with more than 25 international marketplaces featuring tapas-sized portions paired with beer, wine and inventive new cocktails.

Marketplace tasting menus offer variety and adventure for guests on a mission to tantalize their taste buds during a scenic stroll around the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon. The adventure can take them to the festival's first Hawaii marketplace, which will cook up Kalua pork sliders and tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips to team with a refreshing Seven Tiki Mai Tai or a Kona Longboard or Pipeline beer. A new Caribbean Islands marketplace will serve ropa vieja with rice and jerk-spiced chicken with mango salsa. A beverage menu featuring a frozen Dragon Berry Colada and frozen Rock Coconut Mojito is sure to conjure steel-drum fantasies.

With a swing across the Atlantic, guests will be transported to the new Portugal marketplace, where the Portugal Wine Bar will offer best sips to pair with calamari salad with olives and smoked paprika. The Scandinavia marketplace will return after a hiatus with a fresh new Xante Sunshine cocktail made from Xante pear and cognac liquer. And the Canada marketplace will introduce a sweet treat: apple ice wine.

Disney and celebrity chefs will team with winemakers and brew masters from around the world to get the party started Sept. 30. During the six-week festival, guests will discover:

• Three new tasting marketplaces -- Hawaii, Caribbean Islands and Portugal -- plus new menu offerings at popular returning marketplaces
• Celebrity chef appearances starring top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio, Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Buddy Valastro, Warren Brown, Art Smith, Keegan Gerhard and more.
• First-ever HGTV home entertaining seminars each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• The Cranberry Bog display by Craisins telling the story behind the venerable cranberry's rich agricultural heritage.
• Daily wine seminars, bottle signings, author events and culinary demonstrations at the Festival Welcome Center.
• Eat to the Beat! concerts three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre.  

New Sips, Fresh Bites
Festival guests can make a day of circumnavigating the World Showcase Promenade, grazing and sipping as they go. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $3 to $8 each, and recommended wines, cocktails and beers make perfect pairings at each marketplace. For quicker marketplace visits, guests can purchase a festival-themed mini-Disney Gift Card that can be worn on a wristband and loaded and reloaded at several park locations.

Live daily entertainment showcases many cultures with music, acrobatics and improv performances along the promenade. Evening Eat to the Beat! concerts at America Gardens Theatre feature acts from many musical genres. Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are The Pointer Sisters, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and Gin Blossoms. Fan favorite Taylor Dayne kicks off the festival Sept. 30-Oct. 2, and crowd pleaser Big Bad Voodoo Daddy wraps the event Nov. 11-13.

The festival attracts a diverse audience -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to novices wishing to boost their culinary IQs. Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

Festival highlights include:

• The Festival Welcome Center, with a Wine Bar, Authentic Taste Seminars, Authors Without Borders weekend conversations and more.
• More than 270 chefs including Disney chefs and culinary stars from across the country conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting dinners and tasting events.
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport to be stamped at each international marketplace visited for the perfect scrapbook souvenir.
• Popular returning events that include First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29; Kitchen Memories (formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen); Mixology Seminar; and "3D" Disney Dessert Discovery.
• The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event beginning Oct. 8 and with a new Saturday evening time of 7:30-10 p.m. featuring tempting bites from eminent chefs, more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment presented by Cirque du Soleil.  

Festival guests can enjoy fresh Epcot experiences including the latest Future World high-tech fun at Innoventions and the celebrated return of "Captain EO," the classic musical 3-D production starring Michael Jackson in a rare big-screen performance. In World Showcase, new and recently updated restaurants welcome guests at the Italy, Japan, Mexico and China pavilions.

What's Included with Epcot Admission:
Authentic Taste seminars and Authors Without Borders programs with special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Discovery Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:
The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations. Information and reservations for select events and programs are available at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

What's New at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

[Disney Parks Blog] Details will continue to unfold between now and the start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, themed “Passport to a World of Flavors,” but here are the early highlights for the 16th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

From Sept. 30-Nov. 13, Epcot World Showcase Promenade features a panoply of delicious tastes, wine and cocktail pairings and other drinks, live entertainment and special culinary fun. More than 25 international marketplaces feature tapas-sized portions ($3 to $8) paired with beer, wine and cocktails.

Photo by Disney on the Disney Parks Blog

What’s hot this year? Here are the headlines:

• Hawaii, the Caribbean islands and Portugal all debut Marketplaces – look for Kailua pork sliders in Hawaii, ropa vieja in the Caribbean and calamari salad in Portugal.
• The new Odyssey Lounge opens, where guests can check in with friends and family back home, play games and surf the web while enjoying a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine or beer. There’s even a charging station for mobile phones and other electronic devices.
• Celeb chefs are back – top culinarians like Jeff Henderson, Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Gale Gand, Suvir Saran, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Celina Tio and more. All told, more than 270 chefs participate.
• There’s always fun stuff at the Festival Welcome Center, from a wine bar to tasting seminars and free sessions with cookbook authors.
• Eat to the Beat! Concert Series is back at America Gardens Theatre with first timers the Pointer Sisters, The Orchestra starring former members of ELO and Gin Blossoms. Taylor Dayne kicks it off opening weekend.
• Also back are First Bites Opening Reception on Sept. 29 (one time only); Kitchen Memories (formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen); Mixology Seminar, and “3D” Disney Dessert Discovery. And of course the grand Party for the Senses!
• A new Cranberry Bog display by Craisons tells the story behind the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage.
• The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs (Aug. 16 is the date you can start booking). Festival details are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland Tickets Prices on the Rise

Ticket prices are increasing at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The new prices go into effect on June 12.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Your Way ticket offers a variety of options for you to customize your ticket purchase and save on your visit. Florida residents can also take advantage of the monthly payment plan we launched last year to give them greater flexibility when they purchase an annual pass. All updated pricing isposted on the Blog and also will be added to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tickets-passes/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY11Q3DisneyParksTicketingUpdate10-06-11@0003.

And at Disneyland Resort, details about ticket prices are posted on a special page we’ve created on the Disney Parks Blog. The information will also be available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY11Q3DisneyParksTicketingUpdate10-06-11@0004 on June 12, including details about special summer values for Southern California and Northern Baja residents, as well as our Southern California resident pass, which is more popular than ever with the monthly payments option.

More Fall Events at Walt Disney World

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic – PGA TOUR thrillers have been the norm in this $4.7 million season-ending event on Disney’s Magnolia and Palm courses. Twelve of the most recent 16 editions of the pro golf event have been decided by one stroke or a playoff. A field of 128 players will tee off in the 41^st Classic Oct. 20-23, 2011. The 2010 winner was Robert Garrigus. More information: www.ChildrensMiracleNetworkClassic.com.


Festival of the Masters – Nearly 150 award-winning artists who turn clay, wood, metals, oils, watercolors and more into creations that treat the eyes – such as paintings, jewelry, sculptures and photographs – will show off their works Nov. 11-13 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.  For more information, guests may visit www.disneyworld.com/artfestival.

Old Spice Classic – The eight-team college basketball tournament again will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Nov. 24, 25 & 27, 2011 – at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Arizona State, Dayton, DePaul, Fairfield, Indiana State, Minnesota, Texas Tech and Wake Forest make up the field. Seven of the teams reached the 2010 postseason. The Old Spice Classic will feature 12 games over the three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 27. Additional information can be found on the Old Spice Classic website at www.OldSpiceClassic.com.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 select evenings between Nov. 8 and Dec. 18, 2011, guests can experience the enchantment of Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle plus two special entertainment extravaganzas, “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and the holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season.”  The special after-hours party, which requires a separate admission ticket, also features live Disney character stage shows, character greetings, cookies and cocoa, and even “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.  More details are available at www.DisneyWorld.com/holidays.

Fall Events at Walt Disney World

Some of the most popular and enduring special events at Walt Disney World Resort happen during the fall. Here are snapshots:

Disney’s Night of Joy – 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 contemporary Christian music event Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011, in Magic Kingdom. The 16 artists have a 20-year legacy of accolades – 70 GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY^® Awards including reigning Christian music Artist of the Year (Francesca Battistelli). 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. More information is available at http://www.nightofjoy.com/.
 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – The headless horseman romps down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard his steed, ghostly apparitions flit among the buildings of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle is draped in eerie hues and the night sky is painted with bursts of orange and green fireworks during this popular after-hours Magic Kingdom party on 23 select autumn evenings between Sept. 13 and Nov. 1, 2011. The special-ticket event features trick-or-treating throughout the park, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, “Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” – including Disney characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction – and the opportunity to experience popular attractions. Information about dates and tickets is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween.

 
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – A veritable world of culinary adventures is on the menu Sept. 30-Nov. 13, 2011, during the 16^th edition of the festival presented by Vanity Fair Napkins. The journey along the promenade around World Showcase Lagoon includes more than two dozen marketplaces where everyone from neophytes to epicures and aficionados can nibble and sip their way across six continents of food and beverage adventures. Talented culinarians from across America and around the world will be involved with specialty dinners, seminars featuring cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, the popular Saturday night grand tastings – Party for the Senses – and more.  The festival also will feature the popular Eat to the Beat! concert series each evening. Details are available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Sweet views and a whole lot more

Fourteen floors up in the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort tower, guests who don’t want to take a vacation from a wellness lifestyle will have a new haven – 23 luxury rooms and suites that exude relaxation and fitness, complete with panoramic views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. 
The luxury accommodations (scheduled to be available beginning late fall 2011) will feature eco-friendly décor like bamboo flooring, 100-percent cotton linens and non-allergenic wrapped mattresses. Bathrooms will be equipped with rainwater showers and tea tree oil.

Fourteenth-floor guests also can enjoy the benefit of having cardio equipment right in their room. And they’ll have daily access to seasonal and organic fresh foods at the concierge lounge and can enjoy yoga sessions and spa treatments at the resort’s renovated wellness studio.

Booking information is available from the Disney Reservation Center (407-934-7639) or a local travel agent.

A ‘Tropical Serenade’ rekindling memories

Original ‘Enchanted Tiki Room’ Hosts Squawking up a Storm Again, Giving Guests Even More to Chirp (and 'Tweet') About

The Sunshine Pavilion, featuring a show variously known as “Tropical Serenade” and “The Enchanted Tiki Birds,” debuted on Oct. 1, 1971, in Magic Kingdom. In 1998, following substantial refurbishment, it re-launched as The Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, with two famous Disney birds – Iago from Aladdin and Zazu from The Lion King – taking control and trying to spruce up the show.

The “new management” has been let go and the future of the Adventureland landmark is in the wings and wit of José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre – four crooning parrot hosts who ushered in sophisticated Audio-Animatronics technology at California’s Disneyland in 1963 at The Enchanted Tiki Room. 


In time for fall 2011 vacations, The Enchanted Tiki Room (as the Magic Kingdom attraction now will be called) is being prepared to reflect the show at Disneyland that represents a milestone in Disney theme park entertainment. While Walt Disney’s creative team previously had produced movable figures, none had the sophistication of the bird-brained cast of the Tiki Room. José, Fritz, Michael and Pierre produce movements when solenoid coils hidden inside receive signals recorded onto magnetic tape and are regarded as the first “true” Audio-Animatronics figures.


They introduce a musical presentation by more than 200 birds, flowers and tikis. Even the audience gets into the act, joining in during the musical ditty “Let’s All Sing Like the Birdies Sing.” 

The Enchanted Tiki Room (tentatively slated for opening in August 2011) has shows throughout Magic Kingdom operating hours.

Phineas and Ferb Now Greeting Guests at Disney Hollywood Studios

The brothers finally arrived at their new meet-and-greet location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over Memorial Day Weekend. The experience is themed after a movie-making adventure, in which Phineas and Ferb are filming all of their summer activities. Guests are welcome to serve as “extras” in each “scene” in their movie and pose for photos along the way. The meet-and-greet location is located near Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and is the only place at Walt Disney World where families can meet these characters.