Disney Parks to create attraction based on the television and pop culture phenomenon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an “American Idol” attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, according to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.
The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive “American Idol” set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all eligible to register, where guests perform “live” in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios producer for the chance to be cast in a theme park show. If shown to have that star quality during the screening process and after backstage preparation — working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up — it’s lights up and showtime for the lucky guest in front of a “live” audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition — to ensure no waiting in long lines — for the “American Idol” TV show. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

“Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the ‘American Idol’ stage,” said Rasulo. “We’re excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World.”

Added Fuller, “One of the most remarkable elements about ‘American Idol’ is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America’s next superstar. Disney’s new attraction perfectly captures what we at ‘American Idol’ feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality.”

“This partnership,” noted Hindle, “brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It’s a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the ‘American Idol’ experience.”

The coming “American Idol” attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction’s stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today’s Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” plus coming attractions “Block Party Bash,” an interactive and moving Disney-Pixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” characters.

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John Lasseter, who currently holds the title of chief creative officer of
the Walt Disney Co., selected a stockholders annual meeting in New Orleans
Thursday to announce that Disney will return to hand-drawn animation in 2009
with a feature set in New Orleans. The feature, The Frog Princess, will be
directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, who oversaw The Little Mermaid and
Aladdin, and who were forced out by the studio’s previous management when it
decided to abandon hand-drawn animation in 2004. The movie will also feature
the first African-American princess to appear in a Disney animated film.
“We’re going back to hand-drawn animation,” Lasseter announced at the
meeting. “This movie is going to be classic Disney and yet you have never
seen this before.” The studio said that it plans to rehire many of the
animators it let go during the bloodletting following the failure of 2004’s
Home on the Range, Disney’s last “2D” animated film.

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(MARCH 13, 2007): Ed Mikkin of Long Island, New York, the winner of $34.5 million from the New York Lottery, joins his family son Chris, age 14; wife Donna and son Eddy, age 18, March 13, 2007 on the Main Street USA Trolley at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. During the New York Lottery’s press conference last Wednesday in Long Island, New York to introduce the winner, the Mikkins shouted “I’m Going To Disney World!” and told media that the first thing they did upon winning the lottery was to book a dream vacation for their family and extended family at Walt Disney World. Mikkin, a truck driver, was the sole winner in the $34.5 million Lotto jackpot drawn by the New York Lottery on February 10, 2007.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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.

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — 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 at the Vacation Kingdom.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 25,000-acre 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 enchanting, unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for unscripted 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 collection of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

• The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together, Stays 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 these spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

• 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 Walt Disney World Resort. 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 45-foot yacht — can give couples, or parties up to 13, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises begin at $375.58/hour, including captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682.At Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a handsome reproduction of a 1930 mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Afternoon 10-minute excursions are $28.16 (up to seven people), and half-hour cruises are $79.81 for up to seven people. For $234.74, up to seven guests can take a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The craft travels across Crescent Lake to Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

  Oh, and the name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless.

• Disney Dining Serves Romance — Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from the subdued to the spectacular.

  California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.

  One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as “maids” and “butlers” provide stellar service to each of the 18 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.

  For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.

  Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach — or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion around Seven Seas Lagoon. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Twenty-four hours notice is requested.

  For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

• 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 25,000 acres. 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 700-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. Each respective excursion is 30 minutes long for $35, available nightly from 5:30-9:30 p.m. For reservations, 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 1,500 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 the Wedding Pavilion, a country hoe-down at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, 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 become the fairy godmother, incorporating all the elements including ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623, or visit www.disneyweddings.com.

  Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting www.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.

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The “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation held in Orlando confirmed that Toy Story Mania! will open at the Disney-MGM Studios in 2008, in the space formerly occupied by “Who Wants to be a Millionaire — Play It!” The new ride, also opening in Disney’s California Adventure, marks the first time an attraction has been designed and built simultaneously at Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World. The attraction will “set a new standard” for interactive ride/game technology. When you enter the attraction, you’ll be greeted by the “barker,” Mr. Potato Head, who, using technology similar to that found in Epcot’s “Turtle Talk with Crush,” will interact with guests. Then guests of all ages will put on 3-D glasses and ride themed vehicles along a route lined with “classic midway games of skill,” while shooting their toy cannons at animated targets. As you ride, you’ll pass through a series of games hosted by various Toy Story characters, like Bo-Peep and the Little Green Men. The ride will also be able to determine individual users’ skill levels and will increase the degree of difficulty accordingly.

Also announced, was the pilot program called Disney’s Online Concierge. Now being tested throughout the Contemporary Resort, the program involves each room having its own computer that provides a variety of services to guests. Guests can use the computer to check on flights, order room service, play videogames, connect to Disney internet sites, and contact valet and bell services. The online concierge will also send personal emails to the guests, with information on the upcoming day’s events and weather. If the program proves successful, it will be expanded and may eventually allow guests to make online reservations at Disney restaurants.

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Immersive Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Imagine….

• Suddenly being taken in by pirates, getting a crash course in buccaneering, and pledging allegiance to a Pirate’s Oath.
• In an instant, saddling up on a wooden stick horse among cacti and mine shafts in the wackiest cowboy camp this side of the Pecos.
• Time-traveling back to the renaissance and joining lords, ladies and other merrymakers in royal games and dances.

It’s one thing to dream a dream, even better to actually live that dream. Thanks to new immersive entertainment during “The Year of a Million Dreams,” which started Oct. 1, 2006, guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts have the chance to get inside their own dreams by living out their fantasies.

“These experiences transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Rather than imagine being in a Disney parade or what it’s like to sail with Captain Jack Sparrow, these transformational experiences put our guests right in the heart of their dreams.”

Guests are invited for their special roles by Disney cast members, who are on special assignment as dream makers during “The Year of a Million Dreams.” So anyone with a hankering for the cowboy life or wondering what it’s like to hold court with royals just might see their fantasy come true.

Here’s a rundown of immersive experiences happening every day at Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom) during Disney’s “The Year of a Million Dreams”:

• Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (Adventureland). Train to become a pirate. Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle. Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay? Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace? Faster than you can say “Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho, the Pirate’s Life for Me,” the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate’s Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack’s famous Pirate Crew.
• Let’s Have a Ball! The Happily Ever “After Party” (Fantasyland). In the shadows of Cinderella Castle, Lady Lucinda and Simon, a bumbling but eager Merry Maker, lead guests in the Lord and Ladies Limbo, Lucinda’s Freeze Dance, Simon Says and the Grand Waltz presided over by Princess Aurora (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) and Prince Phillip. To close the festivities, Aurora and Phillip meet their royal subjects. It is music-filled pageantry as everyone has a royal ball.
• Woody’s Cowboy Camp (Frontierland). There’s a rootin’ tootin’ good time in store as Woody, Jesse and Bullseye invite everyone to Woody’s Cowboy Camp! Ridin’ in on a wagon are some of their best cowpoke pals, along with Sam the Singin’ Cowboy who leads a rollicking hoedown. Led by Bullseye and saddled up on wooden stick horses, kids giddy-up their way through a cowboy obstacle course — maneuvering around parents donning hats shaped like cacti, mountains and mine shafts. It’s kick-up-your-spurs, hootin’ and hollerin’ fun as the cowboy spirit comes to life on the dusty streets of Frontierland.
• “Main Street Family Fun Day Parade” (Main Street, U.S.A.). For the very first time, guests are able to parade down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside favorite Disney characters. For guests it’s a pennant-waving, drum-beating rush as they join characters as they march alongside parade floats, a marching band and an old-timey fire truck. To accommodate little paraders and their parents there’s even a stroller drill team. When the parade hits Town Square, guests join the performers gathering around the center of Town Square for a flag-waving patriotic finale.

And new at Disney-MGM Studios (opening late January):

• “High School Musical” Pep Rally. C’mon and get Wildcat fever. It’s infectious as guests learn fun cheers and cool dance moves, wave pom-poms and sing along to the biggest hit songs of today’s most popular entertainment phenomenon come to life in “High School Musical” Pep Rally, a new immersive show for the whole family. Throughout the park, a multi-talented team of entertainers re-create the world of East High — basketball court and all — a place where best friends break into elaborate musical numbers like magic. Guests may even find themselves shooting hoops or joining in as the whole street turns into a rockin’ party as great songs fill the air, from the Disney Channel sensation “High School Musical.”

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — To launch Disney Parks “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration, spectacular new images were unveiled today featuring the work of acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and starring Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a spin in a giant teacup and David Beckham slaying a dragon.

Leibovitz’s images also fulfill one of Beckham’s “dreams,” as the Disney Parks project is his first endorsement since signing a contract to play professional soccer in the United States.

In addition to the three debut images, Disney Parks has commissioned more images by Leibovitz that will feature other celebrities in classic, Disney fairy tale settings.

Asked by Disney Parks to lend her vision to the campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of storybook fantasy come to life. Her photographs for the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style indicative of her world-renowned work.

“I’m really delighted to be part of the ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign,” said Leibovitz. “We live in difficult times and I feel, especially as a parent, that keeping dreams alive is one of the most important things we can do.”

Each image features a scene with the featured celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled Disney character, expressing their own dreams and imagination.

• As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left behind. The tagline reads, “Where every Cinderella story comes true.”

Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara — a dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats of sparkling diamonds and valued at $325,000. The dress worn by Johansson is a custom-made, Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta Santoro.

• David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince Phillip from “Sleeping Beauty,” atop his trusted steed fighting the evil dragon. The tagline reads, “Where imagination saves the day.”

“There were many Disney characters I liked as a kid,” said Beckham. “Now my sons love the Disney characters and it’s a big part of their lives, a big part of many children’s lives around the world. So to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.

“I love going to Disney, I’m like a big kid,” he added.

• Beyoncé appears as “Alice in Wonderland,” twirling in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. The tagline reads, “Where Wonderland is your destiny.”

“It’s two great imaginations coming together — Disney and Annie Leibovitz,” said Lovett. “To be along for the ride really is quite something, just knowing that you’re going to be part of a great Disney character. And then when you step into the imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you’re in another world.”

“The ‘Where Dreams Come True’ campaign is about the imaginations and dreams that are inside us all,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “By capturing these transformational experiences, these emotional images communicate a powerful concept. Working with Annie Leibovitz was a natural fit — Disney is known for immersive storytelling and Annie is a masterful artist whose photos speak volumes.”

The campaign premieres as a special insert in the March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler and Cookie.

As part of the “Where Dreams Come True” initiative, Disney Parks introduced “The Year of a Million Dreams” (Oct. 1, 2006-Dec. 31, 2007). During this 15-month, first-of-its-kind celebration, more than one million very special dreams are being granted to guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The celebration also is highlighted by the debut of innovative Disney attractions and entertainment spectaculars at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.

For more information about Disney Parks, “The Year of a Million Dreams” and “Where Dreams Come True,” guests may visit mydisneyparks.com.

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