Dateline Disney - March 2007

• Disney-MGM Studios:ESPN The Weekend returns, welcoming sports celebrities to Walt Disney World Resort; ‘High School Musical’ moves to Disney-MGM Studios.
• Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party wraps up the loot with final event days in March.
• Downtown Disney: Pleasure Island goes green for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
• Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex: 10th year anniversary festivities commence; Atlanta Braves Spring Training continues.
• Disney Cruise Line: Disney Magic announces 2008 California cruises.
• Plus, Pin Trading Nights continue in March!

Read the rest of this entry »

add to del.icio.us

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Guests to Epcot, the ever-changing theme park of discovery, can experience a Segway Human Transporter (HT) for themselves, firsthand, as part of two different programs.

“Around the World at Epcot” is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate the two-wheeled, one-person transportation device throughout World Showcase before the area opens for other park guests. The cost is $80 per person. Tours are daily at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
Read the rest of this entry »

add to del.icio.us

Tours Offered at Walt Disney World Resort
No photography is permitted in any backstage areas
Photo IDs are required at check-in for all tours
To book a tour, call 407/WDW-TOUR (407/939-8687) . . . for Custom Guided Tours, call 407/560-4033, Prices subject to change

Tour: Around the World at Epcot
Location: Epcot
When: daily
Duration: 2 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $85
Details: Guests “test drive” the Segway Human Transporter; weight maximum 250 lbs.; Epcot admission required (extra).

Tour: Backstage Magic
Location: MK, Epcot, Studios
When: M-F
Duration: 7 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $199
Details: Lunch included; no theme park admission required.

Tour: Backstage Safari
Location: Animal Kingdom
When: M, W, Th, F
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $65
Details: Tour backstage animal facilities such as the veterinary hospital and elephant barn; Disney’s Animal Kingdom admission required (extra).

Tour: Behind the Seeds
Location: Epcot/The Land
When: daily
Duration: 45 minutes
Ages: all ages
Cost : $14/ages 10 and over, $10/ages 3-9
Details: Epcot admission required (extra); get a closer look at the four greenhouses and the fish farm that are part of the Living with the Land attraction.

Tour: Disney’s Family Magic Tour
Location: Magic Kingdom
When: daily
Duration: 2½ hours
Ages: all ages
Cost : $27
Details: Magic Kingdom admission required (extra); this is a primer for first-time visitors with children, a skip (literally) through the magical lands.

Tour: DiveQuest
Location: Epcot/The Seas with Nemo & Friends
When: daily
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 10 & up (*)
Cost : $140
Details: (*) Open-water scuba certification required; ages 10-11 must be diving with an adult; waiver required for guests ages 10-17; bring swimsuit (locker room provided); diving gear provided; no theme park admission required.

Tour: Dolphins in Depth
Location: Epcot/The Seas with Nemo & Friends
When: M-F
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 13 & up (*)
Cost : $150
Details: (*) Minors must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18+; no theme park admission required; guests get up close & personal with the animals knee-deep in the water; swimsuit required; T-shirt, refreshments & photo included.

Tour: Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
Location: Epcot/The Seas with Nemo & Friends
When: daily
Duration: 2½ hours
Ages: 8 & up (*)
Cost : $100
Details: (*) Guests ages 8-11 must be accompanied by parent or guardian; scuba certificate not required; snorkel provided; includes refreshments, T-shirt, photo; no theme park admission required.

Tour: Gardens of the World
Location: Epcot
When: T, Th
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $59
Details: Epcot admission required (extra); explore the styles of landscaping represented in each pavilion at World Showcase.

Tour: Hidden Treasures of World Showcase
Location: Epcot
When: T, Th
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $59
Details: Epcot admission required (extra).

Tour: Keys to the Kingdom
Location: Magic Kingdom
When: daily
Duration: 4½ hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $60
Details: Magic Kingdom admission required (extra); take a look at the history, heritage and philosophies behind the park; visits themed lands and backstage.

Tour: Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour
Location: Magic Kingdom
When: M, W, F
Duration: 2 hours
Ages: 10 & up
Cost : $25
Details: Magic Kingdom admission required (extra); take a look at history and philosophies behind the park; visits themed lands and backstage; lunch included.

Tour: The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains
Location: Magic Kingdom
When: M, T, W, Th, Sat
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 10 & up
Cost : $40
Details: Magic Kingdom admission required (extra); no cameras; it’s an inside look at the Walt Disney World Railroad and an opportunity to learn about Walt Disney’s love of steam trains; see how the trains are prepared for their daily operation.

Tour: The Undiscovered Future World
Location: Epcot
When: M, W, F
Duration: 4 hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $49
Details: Epcot admission required (extra); hear stories about Walt Disney’s ultimate dream; get rare glimpses at backstage areas.

Tour: Wild by Design
Location: Animal Kingdom
When: Th, F
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: 14 & up
Cost : $58
Details: Disney’s Animal Kingdom admission required (extra); stories behind the making of the park - how art, architecture, artifacts and story-telling combine to transport guests to exotic lands; insight into the care of wild animals and their habitats.

Tour: Yuletide Fantasy
Location: throughout WDW
When: seasonal M-Sat
Duration: 3½ hours
Ages: 16 & up
Cost : $69
Details: No theme park admission required; visits resorts and theme parks to see how holiday traditions are woven into decorations that turn Walt Disney World Resort into a winter wonderland.

Tour: Custom Guided Tours
Location: custom itinerary
When: by arrangement
Duration: minimum 6 hours
Ages: all ages
Cost : $125 per hour (*)
Details: (*) Overnight guests at Walt Disney World Resort hotels are offered a $95 rate on most dates during the year; Disney Special Activities phone number is 407/560-4033.

add to del.icio.us

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant – Downtown Disney - Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2007 at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort. Raglan Road features the very best of fresh, bistro-style Irish food, fine Irish beers and whiskies, and live musical entertainment, all in an authentic and lively atmosphere.

Restaurateurs Paul Nolan and John Cooke, both native Dubliners, brought their pub and restaurant concept to Downtown Disney - one of the themed entertainment districts at Walt Disney World. All of Raglan Road’s furniture and fixtures were imported to Florida from Ireland, including the antique Irish bars that date back more than 130 years. Also featured, entertainment by Irish musicians and Celtic dancers. Irish master chef Kevin Dundon, who has prepared meals for the President of Ireland, Queen Elizabeth and the rock band U2, is Raglan Road’s signature chef.

add to del.icio.us

Below is a Complete List of Prizes to be Awarded for The Year of a Million Dreams! Many of these prizes are specific to a individual parks. Keep in mind that the majority of these prizes are only going to be given to just one or a few people total, so if you actually win you are extremely fortunate. Some prizes, like the Dream FastPass and the Dream Mickey Ears are given out each day. According to Disney, many prizes will be given out earlier in the day so guests would be able to use them for the full day. In order to win these prizes, we recommend arriving early to increase your chances of actually winning one of the prizes being given away during this huge promotion! Out of the total 1,250,000 prizes, 60 are vacation-related rewards worth more than $5,000 each, 1,186 are mid-level prizes worth $160 to $587 each, and the rest (over 99.9%) are the low-level prizes.

Good luck and if you win be sure to contact us about your winnings! Or submit your photos from your winnings, after all, you do have bragging rights from being one of the few guests to actually win one of these incredible prizes!

• Membership in the Disney Vacation Club
• Grand Marshal World Tour (15-day vacation)
• Adventures by Disney “Viva Italia” vacation package
• Adventures by Disney “Cities of Knights and Lights” vacation package
• Adventures by Disney “Path to Pura Vida” vacation package
• Adventures by Disney “Quest for the West” vacation package
• Disney Cruise Line® 10-night Mediterranean Cruise
• Disney Cruise Line® 3-night Bahamian Cruises in the Disney Suite
• Disney Cruise Line® 14-night Eastbound Trans-Atlantic Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line® 14-night Westbound Trans-Atlantic Cruises
• Walt Disney World® Resort trips (4-day vacation)
• Disneyland® Resort trips (4-day vacation)
• ONE-NIGHT STAYS AT MICKEY MOUSE PENTHOUSE in Disneyland Hotel
• ONE-NIGHT STAYS AT CINDERELLA CASTLE SUITE
• Party for the Senses at the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival Event
• $500 Shopping Spree at the World of Disney® Store
• Dinner at a Disney Restaurant
• Dinner on the Balcony of the Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square
• VIP Tour of Walt Disney’s Main Street Apartment
• Holiday Dinner at the Walt Disney World® Resort
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• VIP Seats for World Premiere
• Access to a Press Event Ceremony
• Disney’s Princess and Pirate Party
• Star Wars Weekend Meet ‘n Greet
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Press Event Package
• ABC SuperSoap Weekend® Event
• ESPN-The Weekend (meet athletes and anchors)
• Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival
• Special Park After Hour event in Epcot®
• Special Park After Hour event in Disney-MGM Studios
• Special Park After Hour event in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
• Special Park After Hour event in Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Special Park After Hour event in Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Special Park After Hour event in Magic Kingdom® Park
• Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park DREAM FASTPASS
• Magic Kingdom® Park DREAM FASTPASS
• Epcot® DREAM FASTPASS
• Disney-MGM Studios DREAM FASTPASS
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom® DREAM FASTPASS
• Pin and Lanyard Set
• Dream Mouse Ears
• Where Dreams Come True Photo Voucher

add to del.icio.us

The State Attorney’s Office announced today that no charges will be filed against the Tigger cast member accused of punching a 14 year old boy while being taped for a home video at Disney-MGM Studios last month. WAY TO GO TIGGER!! We knew you were innocent!

add to del.icio.us

Atlanta Braves Spring Training Feb. 15-March 29

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves take on several of their toughest rivals during the 2007 Major League Baseball Spring Training season at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, the No. 1 sports venue for amateur and professional sporting events in the United States. After two weeks of February workouts, the Braves play a 16-game home schedule that includes marquee clashes with the Mets, Astros, Yankees and World Champion Cardinals in one of the club’s fiercest spring training schedules ever at The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

Braves pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 14, with their first workout set for Feb. 15, marking the tenth year the perennial National League powerhouse has trained at Walt Disney World Resort. Position players arrive Feb. 20, with the first full-squad workouts on Feb. 21.

Individual game tickets for the Braves’ home spring training games are currently on sale through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900 and ticketmaster.com and at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex box office. Prices range from $14 (general admission lawn seats) to $22.50 (lower reserved).

Information on the Braves’ spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at disneyworldsports.com. The popular mini-packs will include both three-game and five-game options in 2007 and are currently on sale, giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2007 spring training schedule. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Sports Marketing USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com/Braves/braves.html.

To apply for media credentials, please visit www.wdwpress.com/braves.

Disney’s Spring Training, Feb. 19-April 22

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – There’s no better place for teams to train than at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, and beginning Feb. 19, hundreds of high school, college and club teams from around the country will converge at Disney to train for upcoming spring sport seasons. Disney’s Spring Training offers baseball, lacrosse, softball and track & field teams the opportunity to call Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex their spring training headquarters over 20 one-week sessions.

For the third straight year, Disney’s Baseball Spring Warm-Up features high school and college teams shaking off the winter rust on world-class baseball fields, while softball players hone their skills on the spectacular softball Diamondplex. Lacrosse players will battle for starting roster spots on the Hess Fields, and track & field athletes will work to improve their marks and times at the Track & Field Complex.

In addition to training, Disney’s Spring Training participants will enjoy the Disney theme parks, resorts and other amenities at Walt Disney World Resort during their stay in central Florida.

---

Disney’s Wide World of Sports — February Events Calendar

Date -Event

• Feb. 9-11 - Disney’s Field Hockey Showcase
• Feb. 15-March 29 - Atlanta Braves Spring Training
• Feb. 16-19 - Twirl Mania 2007 (Baton Twirling)
• Feb. 16-19 - Disney’s President’s Day Fastpitch Open
• Feb. 17-19 - Disney’s President’s Day Soccer Festival VIII
• Feb. 19-April 22 - Disney’s Softball Spring Training
• Feb. 19-April 22 - Disney’s Baseball Spring Training
• Feb. 19-April 22 - Disney’s Track & Field Spring Training
• Feb. 19-April 22 - Disney’s Lacrosse Spring Training
• Feb. 22-25 - AAU Spring Field Hockey Classic

---

The Sports Experience is open on event days at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. This interactive, multi-sport play area is available to all sports complex guests and participating athletes as part of the general admission to the facility.

General admission to Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex is $11.25 for guests ages 10 and over and $8.50 for guests ages 3-9.

For more information on events at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, visit disneyworldsports.com.

---

About Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex

Opened in 1997 at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex is the preeminent sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States. The sprawling 220-acre state-of-the-art complex features The Milk House, a 30,000-square-foot field house which seats 5,000 for basketball; the 9,500-seat Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex; and the Hess Sports Fields, which include multiple baseball, softball and soccer fields. In addition, the complex has 10 tennis courts including a stadium court, and a track & field complex.

The complex is home to more than 170 amateur and professional sports events each year, including the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, the Major League Baseball Atlanta Braves spring training, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, AAU National Championship events, the Sports Experience interactive play area and the All-Star Café sports-themed restaurant.

The complex is the centerpiece of Disney’s Wide World of Sports, which includes 99 holes of golf among six golf courses, including the site of the PGA TOUR’s prestigious Walt Disney World Classic; the Richard Petty Driving Experience; the Walt Disney World Marathon; BASS fishing excursions; plus Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the two most popular water parks in the United States; and a variety of sports and recreation activities such as boating, fishing, parasailing and surfing.

add to del.icio.us

Disney Flower Fest Expands to 60 Days

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A flower-festooned pirate ship will drop anchor and Disney princess topiaries will color the landscape at the 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival April 5-June 3 at Walt Disney World Resort. Previously running for seven weeks, the popular festival expands to 60 days this year and offers more floral fantasy and gardening fun than ever before.

The first-ever pirate ship topiary will feature Peter Pan and his nemesis, Captain Hook, plus Tinker Bell — all as intricately designed topiaries. Pirate Mickey Mouse and Princess Minnie Mouse, plus Cinderella and Prince Charming, Belle and her Beast from “Beauty and the Beast,” and other popular characters make topiary appearances throughout the park. A towering Pirate Goofy, with Donald Duck and Pluto, offer Disney gardeners a chance to reach new topiary heights.

In all, there will be more than 70 topiaries — plus 30 million blooms, artfully designed floral beds, expertly crafted bonsai trees and lush rose gardens gracing the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase. For the first time in the festival’s history, Disney’s horticultural team will plant two crop rotations during the fest — which will produce “the biggest opening show ever” and allow for a more brilliant floral display for the festival’s duration, says horticultural manager, Eric Darden.

Beyond the dazzling displays of bursting blooms, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits.

Each evening, Flower Power concerts rock the park with live entertainment from top acts of the 1960s and ’70s. Past lineups have included The Turtles, Davy Jones, The Association and other crowd pleasers.

Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden is back with hundreds of butterflies in a screened, walk-through enclosure that will include a live exhibit showing how caterpillars form a chrysalis and emerge as butterflies. The family-oriented Growing Future Gardeners area, complete with colorful (and tasty) planting ideas for kids and parents, doubles in size this year following an overwhelming family response during its 2006 debut.

New themed weekend events will salute spring romance and Easter whimsy. Back by popular demand are the child-friendly I Dig Bugs weekend, Art in the Garden weekend, and the time-honored Mother’s Day celebration, among others.

Other festival features include:

• The Festival Center, where guests can find program guides and festival merchandise and attend speaker presentations and demonstrations.
• The popular Great American Gardeners series, opening with Paul James of HGTV’s “Gardening by the Yard,” April 5-8.
• A “Lift and Sniff” Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion showcasing flowers and plants used to create several Guerlain perfumes.
• Disney Gardening at Home presentations during which Disney horticulturists share tips and secrets for at-home gardening.
• Kids’ activities, including an upgraded, fun-filled Tinker Bell’s Fairy Garden, Disney character meet and greets and daily ladybug releases.

More information about the 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.

And while millions of blooms adorn Epcot, one million very special dreams will be granted to guests visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts during a first-of-its kind celebration, “The Year of a Million Dreams.” Guests will find Disney cast members delivering an unprecedented level of guest service. The celebration will also be highlighted by the debut of innovative Disney attractions and entertainment spectaculars at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

add to del.icio.us

(FEB. 14, 2007): A dream-come-true Valentine’s Day wedding became a reality today for John Kinney and Julie Parsons of Hillsboro, Ore. during the “Brides” magazine “Dream Team Wedding” at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The couple was selected from a nationwide search conducted by “Brides” magazine for a fantasy wedding in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom during Disney Parks’ “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. Top bridal industry experts worked their magic to create a once-in-a-lifetime wedding fit for a princess.

add to del.icio.us

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Downtown Disney Pleasure Island is buzzing in February as the nighttime destination presents two annual events:

• Pleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 9, 10 and 14. Red and silver reign supreme on these special evenings, setting the stage for a host of heartwarming and humorous performances honoring the lovelorn and lovebirds alike.
• Parti Gras puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition Feb. 16, 17 and 20. On these nights, feathered banners, fabric swags, purple and green garland, Mardi Gras masks and more are the backdrop for a party that includes special entertainers, live bands and more.Guests may experience the outdoor elements of these celebrations free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Guests may visit the Pleasure Island ticket booths for details on ticket pricing and age restrictions.

add to del.icio.us