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First, An Insider Tip:
Disney World
Celebration Buttons for your First Visit, Just Married,Anniversary, or Birthday:
If you're celebrating a special event at Walt Disney
World, make sure you stop by ‘City Hall’ in the Magic Kingdom or ‘Guest
Services' in EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom and ask for a complimentary button to wear during your
visit. (They'll write your name on the Birthday Buttons.) These always generate special
attention from the Cast Members as well as other guests. The buttons are 3 inches round. Take a look and be sure to get yours –
they’re free!
  
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NEWS
Star
Wars at Disney's Hollywood Studios:
 
 
SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER Concert Series (Epcot):
 
OBAMA COMES TO DISNEY (almost):
President Obama is coming to Disney on July 4th
(kind of)! While currently in a warehouse, and still learning a few things, his
audio-animatronic version will be soon added to the Hall of Presidents. We're
all wondering if there will be an animatronic teleprompter too!
Characters in Flight (at Downtown Disney):Now
open! Our guests are
getting
a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort as they soar to new heights in a
whimsical attraction that is now open Downtown
Disney. Characters in Flight, operated by Aerophile, is a giant tethered
balloon that ascends up to 400 feet
into the sky every 10 minutes (depending on weather). Riders can catch
the flight daily for $16 ($10 for ages 3-9). To enjoy, just go the bridge on
the West Side near Plante Hollywood!!
 
Remy, from Ratatouille, come to Epcot:
 
Kris Allen (the NEW American Idol Winner) Comes to Disney:
 
 
The NEW American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios:
  
 
 
The
NEW Block Party Bash at Hollywood Studios:
(Little
Mousekateer Interactive)
     
     
The New T-Rex Cafe has opended at Downtown Disney and we
have photos!
The new T-Rex Café has just opened
at Downtown Disney, and a thundering heard of life-size dinosaurs has found a new home!
Imagine, family dining with the Dinosaurs! On
the day it opened, we just had to try it out. We
know your family will enjoy the full-size T-Rex right out front, another dino 28 feet tall
and 122 feet wide near by, and the many, many dinosaurs throughout the restaurant! This new restaurant also features several different
environments, including a geothermal region with a “kitchen of fire” and a 26
foot high lava wall oozing over ancient geological formations, an ice cave room with a
wooly mammoth and her baby, and an aquatic region, where you can eat with a 45 foot span
octopus with animated arms at the shark bar!
For us, T-Rex was a little noisy, but
a lot of fun. While we don’t think is the
place for a relaxing, quiet dinner for two, we do think it is a wonderful
educational and fun opportunity for families. Too, we’re certain older Mousekateers
would enjoy sitting at the shark’s (ice) bar and having a favorite beverage. Before you decide to have dinner with the
dinosaurs, you may wish to take a stroll through the restaurant and enjoy all the animated
dinosaurs and the different (and realistic) prehistoric environments. T-Rex, while it offers wonderful dinners such as
mushroom ravioli simmering in lobster cream sauce with Roma tomatoes and fresh spinach, is
more what Disney calls “eattainment” rather than a place to have a romantic
dinner for two! T-Rex is for families. It is much more than a restaurant; it is rally an
interactive mix of décor, show, dining, and education.
 
 
 
PLAYHOUSE DISNEY LIVE ON
STAGE:
Disney
has updated their Playhouse Disney Live on Stage show so that we now
recommend it as a "not to be missessed" attraction
if you have little Mousekateers. If your little one watches Disney on TV, this
one will be a hightlight! Mickey and all his frieneds, Tigger, Roo, Pooh,
Little Einstiens, and more - they are all here!
  
  
DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL
MUSICAL:
Disney
also has a favorite for your older teen Mousekateers; the Wildcats are here too!
THE NEW
SPACESHIP EARTH:
The
walls around Spaceship Earth have been removed and we've been on the new ride!
This
time, Spaceship Earth tells a slightly different story, one essentially about how all the
innovations of one generation influence and inspire another. There's definitely a
relationship between the caveman in the early scenes, who is writing on walls, to our era
in which we write on computers. The new set is a series of building blocks that add upon
each other as you travel through Spaceship Earth. Once we reached the top of the 165-foot diameter Spaceship Earth geodesic
dome, the new, interactive touch screens on our "time machine" vehicle
invited us to create our own vision of the future and actually see ourselves yourself in
that future. It is then we realized why they took our photos at the start of the
ridc! We watched our future as the ride ended, but did note that several older
scenes were no longer there. But the essence of Spaceship Earth
remains a constant. Everything that everyone loved about the attraction—the smell of Rome burning, the
monk snoring— is still be there, but it sure is a new experience in a many ways.
After
we left the time machine, we explored the new interactive area with lots of fun and
fascinating exhibits. "There's Body Builder, in which we wore 3-D glasses to assemble
a digital human body (who talks back to you!), and simulates remote surgery
technology," and Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases auto
accident avoidance systems. "Innervision
shows you the future of medical diagnostics in your home—something like your bathroom
mirror giving you diagnostics on your body. And Power City is a game what
shows how to manage power in a growing city, from routing power to neighborhoods where
it's needed to replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar power."
Here is a couple of photos of the new scenes
(including one in a "California garage that changed our world"
 
TOY STORY MANIA is now open!
The new
attraction is in the former "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" soundstage along Mickey Avenue at the Disney
MGM- Studios. A new generation "Living
Character" audio-animatronics figure is included as part of the pre-show queue area.
The 6ft tall Mr Potato head figure breaks new ground for an audio-animatronics figure by
participating with the audience (similar to Turtle Talk with Crush), and has the ability
to remove body parts (just like the animated Mr Potato Head).
It's
the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army! Our guests
are now getting to ride and play inside an energy-filled toybox of fun with the debut on
both coasts of "Toy Story Mania." Celebrating
the Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," "Toy
Story Mania" takes the interactive ride-game experience to exciting new heights.
High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, "Toy Story Mania" matchs
the delightful characters of the films with games that best suit their very animated
personalities. Fun for the whole family,
"Toy Story Mania" immerses guests into the "Toy Story" world as never
before. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy, and hop into fanciful
ride vehicles that travel and twist along a colorful midway-themed route. Upon arriving at
each game booth, they aim for animated targets using their own special on-board
"toy cannon." As guests score
points, they are cheered on by favorite "Toy Story" friends like Woody, Buzz
Lightyear, Hamm,
Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. Hidden targets garner players extra points and lead to
different levels of play. The energy of the characters, the competition with other riders
and the hilarious, unpredictable game action make this a unique experience that families
will want to try again and again.
The attraction features games that audiences of all ages and skills -- from beginner to
serious gamer -- can enjoy. No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they
can be sure every ride-through will be different. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for
a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises. Each ride vehicle accommodates
8 guests, with seating in 4 groups of 2, and, instead of physical sets, the majority of
the environment will be a video display system, making use of 3D technologies. The ride vehicles begin by stopping at a training
game, to familarize the riders with the controls. The
vehicles then pass through a number of games, stopping at each to allow for the game play
to take place. The games are able to
automatically adjust the difficulty level to suit the player. This means that beginners
and expert players can find the game play rewarding and challenging. The game play vary with every ride, and it also has
the ability to constantly change. During the games, the riders experience
3D imagery, wind effects, vehicle motion, water spray, and smells. Each rider has their own toy canon. One of the
unique features however, is that the canon is not be
limited to being just a regular canon, as it is in Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin by
being a laser blaster. In some games it fire pies, and in another it is
eggs and balls, and in another, a ring tosser. Games
include midway style ring-toss, dart throwing, ball throwing. Each game booth is manned by a Toy Story character, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm,
Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. You are
going to want to ride this over and over again, and the way the attraction can increase
difficulty on an individual rider basis, and change game play, will really make this
happen.
Finding Nemo - THE Musical:
The
undersea world that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney-Pixar smash-hit film
"Finding Nemo" has come to life in an all-new musical stage show at Disney's
Animal Kingdom. We took our granddaughter to
see it and it was absolutely wonderful, lasting almost 40 minutes and without a minute to
miss. This one is an absolute!
"Finding Nemo-The Musical" really
did immerse us in the story of Marlin and Nemo -- an overprotective clownfish father and
his curious son -- through a dazzling production that combined puppets, dancers,
aerialists and animated backdrops. The
visually inventive show represents the first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated
feature, as well as the first Pixar film, and transformed it into an original musical
production. It will was presented in the newly enclosed 1,500-seat Theater in the Wild,
completely redone to accommodate first-class theatrical productions.
The show was filled with unforgettable characters and a story rich with honest emotions
that we all just loved, including our 8 month old granddaughter. The Theater in the Wild
becam a magical undersea environment with innovative lighting, sound, special effects,
animated projections, and theatrical magic. Principal
characters such as Marlin, Nemo and Dory are represented by live performers operating
animated puppets. Some puppets are larger-than-life -- such as Crush, the cool sea turtle,
who is nearly the size of a Volkswagen, and Nigel the pelican, who stands 22 feet tall! Our granddaughter could not take her eyes of Nigel! Other
characters are portrayed by a diverse array of puppetry styles, including rod, Bunraku and
shadow. Tap dancing sharks, puppets riding bicycles, and a punk rock routine by Bruce the
shark create theatrical magic and fun throughout the big blue world. It really is Broadway-caliber!
"Finding Nemo-The Musical" tells the story of a father clownfish, Marlin, and
his son, Nemo, each on a separate journey that ultimately teaches them how to love and
understand each other. The two have been separated -- and Marlin will stop at nothing to
get his son back, facing undersea challenges with his new friend Dory, who swim with the
sharks, take on the jellyfish, and ride the current with Crush the turtle. Meanwhile,
Nemo, relocated to a fish tank in Sydney, makes
new friends who teach him that he's stronger than he thinks. When news of his father's
heroic journey reaches the tank, Nemo is inspired to do whatever is necessary to escape
the tank and see his father again.
"Finding Nemo-The Musical" is not to be missed; just ask
Paulette and Lee
is fantastic. Crush, the
surfer-dude sea turtle from the Disney/Pixar hit “Finding Nemo,” is now at
Epcot. Turtle Talk with Crush now presents
the animated sea turtle on a large aquarium like screen.
It is a voice-activated, real-time animation technology which allows Crush to
“talk” to tourists! It is not
just push a button and see a film - the presentation is really personalized to people in
the room. Also, another Nemo Character now has
his own Living Seas exhibit: Bruce, the shark with a down-under accent, will headline a
shark-education area.The Imagineers have created
an amazing technology giving an animated version of Crush the ability to have real-time
conversations with the audience. You're
ushered into a small theater. There are curved benches for the grownups to sit on, while
children are encouraged to sit on the carpeted floor close to the screen. A Cast Member
hosts the session and it begins with everyone calling for Crush to appear. When he makes
his entrance, he can "see" the audience. Crush makes comments about the
"dude with the orange shell" (the color of the kid's shirt), when pointing out a
child, much to their delight.
 
The
children are encouraged to ask questions. In our session, we also were taught
"dude-speak." Since this is a live interactive chat, each visit is different. While the focus is on the kids,grownups will be
just as enchanted by this attraction. It's incredible to watch, and Crush is very funny.
Everyone leaves with a smile.
It's "totally awesome
dude!"
The SEAS WITH
NEMO AND FRIENDS(formerly Living Seas)
 
The Living Seas is now "The Seas with Nemo and
Friends." Not only are the underwater stars featured, you can hear "Mine, Mine,
Mine" from a few of those pesky seagulls while entering. Mr. Ray, Bruce and Crush are
among the featured characters that grace the entryway.
Once guests reach the
boarding area, you are transported by "Clam-Mobiles", joining Mr. Ray on a field
trip. (The space formerly used for the Living Seas hydrolaters and theaters is now part of the
tracking for the Clam-Mobiles.) As you can expect, Nemo goes missing and the pursuit
begins.
Through the use of new
technology, it seems as if the stars from "Finding Nemo" are inside the 5.7
million gallon aquarium. You'll watch Marlin and Dory as they go in search of everyone's
favorite clownfish.
The musical finale features
Nemo being reunited with his Dad and friends. All of the characters from "Finding
Nemo" sing "Big Blue World" as they say goodbye.
 
 
The Laugh Floor
Comedy Club
In the Magic Kingdom those mischievous characters from Monsters,
Inc. are already to take you on an interactive adventure.
Guests at the Laugh Floor Comedy Club are ushered into the 400 seat "Laugh
Floor Comedy Club" where the host enlists two comedy hopefuls for a slapstick
filled performance. The technology is be similar to the Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. We've really enjoyed the show where you can
sing-along, joke and laugh with the one-eyed host overseeing the festivities. Oh, and
bring along your cellphone. That's right, guests are able to text message jokes that may
be used in the show.
BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOUTIQUE SPREADS PIXIE DUST
AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM::
A second location of Bibbidi
Bobbidi Boutique, Disney's "magical makeover" salon for young princesses and
"cool dudes," is to open in September at Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. We’re
told Princesses can choose from three makeover packages -- the "Coach" makeover
(hairstyle and shimmering makeup), the "Crown" makeover (hairstyle, nails and
shimmering makeup) and the "Castle" makeover (hairstyle, nails, shimmering
makeup, an imaging package and princess costume of their choice complete with crown, wand
and shoes). Within each makeover package,
young princesses can choose from three different hairstyles -- the Disney Diva, the Pop
Princess or the Fairytale Princess. Insiders tell us the Magic Kingdom salon will be open every day from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be three years or
older. Looks like our granddaughter will have
wait a little while longer! The first salon is located at Downtown Disney Marketplace,
inside the World of Disney Princess Room. Reservations are absolutely recommended, and can
be made up to 180 days in advance.
 
Adventure Room in the World of Disney:
Young
guests will live out their most adventurous dreams – being a pirate, battling
villains, finding treasure, or saving the world – in the newly refurbished Adventure
Room at World of Disney, opening in April. To
be opened at Disney Downtown, it really is the first time Disney will create a completely
interactive experienced focused on boys! (The
princesses already have a room of their own!) The
interior of the Adventure Room, one of 12 rooms in World of Disney, will be enhanced and
feature pirate themed décor, complete with pirate flags, treasure-map carpeting and a
starry night sky. We hear that the room will
offer an Audio-Animatronics pirate that will interact with youngsters just passing by!
We’re told too, that the room will also include a free, interactive gaming area where
young pirates can test their skills at adventure-themed video games. Imagine, free gaming!
The Disney Wilderness Preserve (When you
need a break from THE Mouse or shopping)
Why You Should Visit
Disney Wilderness Preserve is a remarkable place for nature lovers of all ages
and interests. The preserve is home to hundreds of wildlife species and is bordered by one
of the last remaining undeveloped lakes in central Florida.
A 3-mile hiking trail and off-road buggy tours are available to visitors who
want to learn about the preserve’s resident plants and animals and the
Conservancy’s efforts to restore and protect them.
Hours
The preserve is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., October through May. Buggy tours are
held on Sundays at 1:30 p.m., October through May. (From June through
September the preserve is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
How to Prepare for Your Visit
- Tours
Entrance fees are $3 for adults, $2 youth (ages 6-17) and $2 for Nature Conservancy members.
- Bring drinking water, hats, sun
protection, bug repellent, and wear appropriate footwear. Soda and water vending
machine is available.
Directions
From I-4:
- Exit onto Hwy. 535 and head
south.
- Follow 535 to Poinciana Blvd.
Turn right (south) onto Poinciana
Blvd.
- Follow Poinciana Blvd. approximately 15 miles until you reach the
intersection of Poinciana Blvd. and Pleasant Hill Road. Turn right onto Pleasant Hill Rd.
- Approximately 1/4 mile, turn
left onto Old Pleasant Hill Road. To make this turn, you’ll need to enter
a left-hand turning lane. Watch for these landmarks: a sign for Old Pleasant Hill Rd., a green sign reading "The Nature
Conservancy," and a large Poinciana sign on stone work — all are on the
right-hand side of the road opposite of the turn.
- After turning left, go a 1/2
mile to Scrub Jay Trail.
- Turn left and follow Scrub Jay Trail to The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation Learning Center. (If you miss the left turn onto Old Pleasant
Hill Rd., turn left onto Dover Plum Ave., right on Pleasant Hill Rd., and left onto Scrub
Jay Trail.)
A
buggy tour
Look what a
recent guest said:
There's
something great about traveling to a natural area for the first time and being instantly
rewarded for your visit. You might get a rush from the beautiful view, or you might easily
find the trail you went for. Instant gratification.
For my
first visit to Disney Wilderness
Preserve, it was like that for me: I saw a sandhill crane sitting on a nest beside
the road on the drive in. What a way to begin my visit!
More
recently, I went back for a swamp buggy tour of the preserve. Just south of Orlando's tourist buzz,
the quiet Disney Wilderness Preserve may bear the Disney name, but it's far from the
culture of Mickey Mouse. Visitors
usually arrive to hike the 3 trails that lead into scrub and cypress habitats, and to a
view of Lake Russell via
the Reedy Creek Swamp. But
the preserve's buggy tours are another way to explore this land that embodies what central
Florida
originally looked like.
The tour
starts with a 20-minute video in the 4-year-old visitor center classroom that explains how
the Disney Wilderness Preserve came to be. Basically, Walt Disney Company used this former
ranch as a mitigation area to "make up" for another wetland it destroyed,
spending $40 million. The land got preserved, Disney got its mitigation requirement and
The Nature Conservancy gets to run the place. The preserve has protected 29,000 acres for
the past 10 years.
The tour
group was made up of a variety of people, mostly from out of state. We waited for everyone
to assemble while sitting in the rocking chairs on the “back porch” of the
visitor center. The butterfly garden nearby looked dry and empty of its winged customers,
but it still drew our attention. A Canadian woman on the tour with her family wondered
aloud if one of the plants was in the same family as another in her yard. Meanwhile, her
son and daughter looked around the restroom area for a snake they'd seen go in that
direction.
The
large, covered buggy was full as we gently bounced off the road past some new grass that
volunteer David Siegel pointed out while Sharon Overton, another volunteer, drove.
Standing at the front of the buggy, David mentioned that the roadside area had been burned
2 weeks before. Part of the Conservancy's management of the preserve involves restoring
the former ranchland to prairie, which David said would then become pine forest, pointing
to the line on the horizon where pines met prairie. David said some of those pines had
been cleared for Florida scrub jay
habitat. The farther down the dirt road we went, the more easily we could see where the
old pastureland still was and where the newer native vegetation was taking root.
The dirt
road came to an end near a row of houses just outside the preserve property line. David
discussed the area's rapid development and the importance of being good neighbors with the
community. It turns out, not surprisingly, that most of the preserve's volunteers live
close by. (Some of them are also Disney employees.) Although the preserve would like to
get rid of all the previous rancher's ditches that unnaturally drain the land and reduce
flooding, David pointed out that the proximity of the neighborhood will keep the
Conservancy from removing all of the ditches and culverts, especially those near houses.
The land
here is naturally wet. Lake Russell is fed by Reedy
Creek -- yes, the same Reedy Creek in the Walt Disney World environs. Rain falling on
Disney World eventually ends up in Florida Bay via Reedy Creek,
then Lake Russell, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
We
followed the dirt road south, paralleling the property line past the houses as David
introduced his backpack full of goodies: pine cones, a cow vertebra, laminated
before-and-after maps of the preserve and other interesting handouts that we buggy
trippers passed around.
Suddenly,
someone saw a snake near the road. Going over to the left side of the buggy to look, we
saw the snake -- possibly a diamond-back rattlesnake, someone said -- which hid in the
tall grass, imperceptible even though only a couple feet away.
Jostling
farther down the road, the houses disappeared, and the buggy engine sound startled a great
egret. What appeared to be a family of snakes gliding through water on the side of the
road caught everyone's attention once again. Snakes must love the preserve!
The buggy
turned east down a grassy pathway, where scorched pine tree stumps and logs were proof of
the prescribed burning David had mentioned. He pointed out the new growth on the pine
trees. It can take 6 to 10 years for a pine tree to reach 6 feet, but then, its growth
really spurts quickly, he told us.
While
talking about pine trees, David and Sharon missed a turn-off to another part of the
preserve. Sharon labored over the
wheel, inching the buggy back and forth on the narrow road, driving the left wheels into
the oozy mud. Our rigid ride sank off the road and tipped to the left. We all gasped. I
thought for sure we'd be on our sides in an instant, covered in mud, and I sat literally
on the right edge of my seat as if the buggy were a sailboat I could tack. Although Sharon was a new
volunteer and had never driven the buggy before, she managed to get us out of the muck and
rolling upright again. Everyone cheered.
By this
time, David's microphone battery was dying, and the buggy was on the way back to the
visitor center. So we riders just studied the pine- and prairie-filled landscape as we
passed it. We came back to the visitor center with a bumpy buggy finish.
As I left
the preserve, I saw 3 or 4 brilliantly colored wild turkeys along the road. Instant
gratification is a good way to end a visit as well as begin it.
Try It!
The preserve is
open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. October through
June, and Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 from July through September. Admission is $3
for adults, and $2 for kids 6 to 17 and for Conservancy members.
Two-hour buggy
tours run on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. October through
June and cost $10 for adults, $5 for kids 6 to 17 and $8 for members.
Lights, Motors, Action - Extreme Stunt Show:
The secrets behind Hollywood 's most astounding stunts are being
revealed in the high-octane “Lights, Motors, Action –
Extreme Stunt Show” at MGM direct
from Paris. This
outstanding attraction features the bombastic best of the movie industry's stunt masters.
Fast-paced and high-energy, the stunt show sends cars, motorcycles and jet skis careening
across the studios backlot, giving the audience of 5,000 seated in a custom built
grandstand a behind-the-scenes look at movie mayhem.
  
Expedition Everest:
The enormous Expedition Everest thrill ride
in the Asia area of Disney's Animal Kingdom has opened
and the legend of the yeti has come to life
in a dramatic high-speed train adventure that combines coaster-style thrills with the
excitement of a close encounter with the abominable snowman.
Disney
Called it nahtazu in its TV ads – defining Animal Kingdom as anything but a zoo. Now, Disney is proving it! Expedition Everest, Disney’s
first large outdoor roller coaster is now opened and our guests tell us
that it is super (we prefer the stage shows!!!). For
those of you who are into roller coasters, it is 4, 400 feet long, goes to a height of 112
feet, drops 80 feet and travels 50 miles per hour. So
now you know why we prefer the stage shows!
Disney Water Parks:
Water fun is a main event at Disney’s two
world-class water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney's Blizzard Beach - What do you do when a freak snowstorm hits Florida? Build a ski resort, of course! As legend has it, as
the ski-lift went up, so did the temperature, leaving some of the world's fastest,
longest, slushing, gushing, downhill thrills. Disney's largest water park offers 66 acres
of whitewater raft rides, water slides and floats. Guests can travel side by side at
speeds up to 25 mph on the Downhill Double Dipper or plunge 120 feet at speeds up to 55
mph from the peak of Summit
Plummet. Designated areas for pre-teens
and young children in addition to a one-acre wave pool create a magically wet experience
for the entire family.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon - Disney legend tells of boats that were tossed and palms
that were bent in a terrible storm, and when the storm of storms finally blew out to sea,
it left behind a topsy-turvy tropical playground for all to enjoy. A paradise for
snorkeling (with tropical fish and small safe sharks), sliding and bodysurfing, the giant
water park also includes a 2.75-million-gallon wave pool with waves cresting up to six
feet. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon features speed slides, and a 362,000-gallon salt-water coral
reef where guests can snorkel amid colorful fish, live sharks and coral. See photos of us enjoying Typhoon Lagoon at http://www.VacationEARS.com.
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To Help You Plan,
Here is Disney' Schedule
for the Entire Next Year (at least as much as our memories will allow):
ALL YEAR
EVENTS:
Year of a Million Dreams:
Now through the end of 2008, Disney World theme park guests can enjoy "The Year of a Million Dreams." This very special event
emphasizes special experiences that are only available at Disney's theme parks.
Guests have an opportunity to experience fabulous Disney "dreams" such as
spending a night in Cinderella Castle, enjoying a meeting with a Princess, or receiving a special FASTPASS
allowing the bearer to jump to the head of the line.
In 2006, Disney began The Year of a Million Dreams, and it was
originally scheduled to run only through 2007. Now,
it has been been extended through the end of 2008! The Year of a Million Dreams, provides Disney opportunities which you can't buy for any amount
of money…if you are lucky enough to win them.
Through Disney Dreams Giveaway, guests have an opportunity to win
fabulous Disney "dreams" such as the night in Cinderella Castle, or traveling around the world as a parade Grand Marshal visiting all
the Disney theme parks. The giveaway also includes hundreds of thousands of smaller items
such as a special FASTPASS allowing the bearer to jump to the head of the line on every
FASTPASS attraction for one day, or a lanyard and pin set. Good luck from Paulette and
Lee!!
Attraction Previews
(a special hint from Paulette and Lee):
We thought you might like to know, that, from time to time, Walt
Disney World offers special previews of new attractions on an informal basis,
before the attractions officially open. These previews are called "soft
openings." During previews, the attraction may be open intermittently or not at all. Attractions
that are in the "soft opening" stage are usually NOT listed in the official Park
Times & Information guide. You'll have to check the Park Tip Board upon arrival at
the theme park or, better yet, ask a Cast Member. Since previews are used to test
new attractions, there may be delays, the ride/show may shut down, etc. However, if you want to be the very first to ride
the very latest, be sure to ask!
Thanksgiving
While Disney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade, the Christmas
decorations are in full place the day after and most of the Christmas shows get under way! There are special meals available at most Disney
World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher
prices) may be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character
meals) November 18-24, 2007. Others are only charging a premium on the actual holiday, so be sure
to ask when booking reservations.
WINTER EVENTS (but it
really is never “winter” here):
Christmas Decorations:
Paulette and I thought you might like to know that Disney’s
Christmas decorations usually begin going up around the first of November, and are
gradually added at night until they are fully completed by Thanksgiving weekend. The Disney parks are wonderfully decorated for the
holidays with each park also having special shows and events. So, if you are thinking about visiting Disney at
Christmas, remember, Christmas in the land of THE Mouse begins Thanksgiving Weekend!
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:
This is certainly one of our favorite Christmas things to see! Watching our grandkids
enjoy the lights and snow (yes, “Florida snow”) is an absolute delight. The display uses millions
(really) of Christmas lights, “Florida snow” and various vignettes to get you in the Christmas spirit. It was originally created by Jennings Osborne at
his home in Little Rock,
Arkansas. After he was
forced to remove the display due to complaints by his neighbors, Disney happily agreed to
use it at Disney-MGM Studios, where it has become an annual event. In 2006, the spectacle was enhanced to include
choreographed “dancing” lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of
holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400
dimmers. Every building façade on New York Street, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic
tunes among “Florida
snow” flurries. For the 2007 holiday season,
this display was offered 11/12/07-1/6/08. The
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios
and certainly should not be missed.
Harlem Gospel Choir:
The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir appeared at Disney-MGM Studios
for the first time in the 2007 holiday season. Three performances (at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:30 pm) were offered at Theater of
the Stars (Beauty and the Beast show location) on Sunset Blvd each night between
November 30 and December 25. Performances
included holiday favorites such as "Joy to the World," "Silent Night"
and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The show is included in regular admission
to Disney-MGM Studios.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (and an inside tip from Paulette and Lee):
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular
closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate
admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the
special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights, usually
running from the weekend after Thanksgiving through approximately December 20. Admission to the event includes complimentary hot
chocolate and cookies, "Florida snow" on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday
parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions are open.
Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Well,
we think it really depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows,
"snow" experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are
offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ends (@ December 22) through New Year's Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between December 22-31, there
is very little reason to spend the extra money to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Party. However, if you will be visiting Mickey
before that date, the party is certainly wonderful event not to be missed. – but remember to be sure the little Mousekateers are well
rested for this evening event.
Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's
Very Merry Christmas Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and
the last couple of nights it's offered, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. It
can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late
November or early December, but don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The
party is more about the parades and Christmas "atmosphere."
We think it is fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern
just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities
begin. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2007 was offered on November 12, 15, 16,
25, 27, 29, and 30; December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21, from 7:00 pm to
midnight in 2007.
Epcot Holidays Around the World:
Epcot is where we get our exercise!
We walk around the lake a couple of times to see if we can stay in shape (a
winning battle for Paulette, but a losing one for Lee)!
But, for Holidays Around the World, Epcot's World Showcase has far too many distractions just for
exercise. It transforms into a splendid
display of international Christmas traditions and storytelling. For
2007, the special holiday fun took place daily from November 28 through December
30. Holidays Around the World is included with regular Epcot admission.
Don’t forget to be sure you little ones get to meet the Santas Around the World. Christmas icons delight children around the globe
-- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana – and many more make special
appearances in their respective countries, while (the real) Santa Claus himself pays
visits to the American Adventure showcase. Guests also see holiday traditions and legends
as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs on display as
well.
At 6 pm nightly, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a giant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with
music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" --
illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The Epcot evening
spectacular of lights, lasers and fireworks, "Illuminations:
Reflections of Earth," completes your celebration
with a magical holiday finale. But, don’t forget to take in the Candlelight Processional!
Candlelight Processional:
The Candlelight Processional is an annual event at Epcot that includes
a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a very large
choir and full orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. In
2007 it was held at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase area of Epcot
from November 23 through December 30. There are three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. (No 5:00 show on December 2.) Each show rans
about 40 minutes. There is no additional charge for
the performance over and above your Epcot admission.
Candelight Processional Lineup for 2007 was:
- 11/23-11/25 - David Robinson
- 11/26-11/28 - John O'Hurley
- 11/29-12/01 - Neil Patrick Harris
- 12/02-12/04 - Dennis Franz
- 12/05-12/07 - Monique Coleman
- 12/08-12/10 - Steven Curtis Chapman
- 12/11-12/13 - Chita Rivera
- 12/14-12/16 - Andie MacDowell
- 12/17-12/19 - Kirk Cameron
- 12/20-12/22 - Edward James Olmos
- 12/23-12/25 - Gary Sinise
- 12/26-12/28 - Rita Moreno
- 12/29-12/30 - Marlee Matlin
Holiday Sleigh Rides (Little
known fun!):
Most folks visiting Disney miss the many “other” things to
do. We certainly want you to be aware of some
thinks most folks miss! From December
1-December 30, Disney offers 25-minute "sleigh" rides through the
woods from the Wilderness Lodge. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but made to look like
a red sleigh, complete with sleighbells!) The
sleighs depart from the Porte Cochere (covered entry) in front of the Lodge every
half-hour, with departures between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. The cost in 2007 is $35
(includes tax but not tip) per sleigh. A sleigh can hold up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3
kids. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:
In addition to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and the Osborne
Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios and the special parades, shows, "Florida snow" experience and
fireworks at Magic Kingdom, there are special meals
available at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Note that
"holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) may be in effect for some restaurants
(particularly the buffets and character meals) December
16, 2007-January 5, 2008. Others are only charging a
premium on the actual holidays, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.
Religious services are held on Christmas Day only in the Fantasia
Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass will be held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service
will be held at 9:00 am. You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get
there, you must do one of the following:
- take the monorail to the Contemporary
- take a boat to the Contemporary
- take resort transportation (monorail, boat or bus) to the Magic Kingdom and transfer to
a shuttle bus serving the Contemporary resort
Paulette and Lee thinks you might like to know that, if you plan to
visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, you should be aware the parks usually reach
full capacity at some point during the day. For that reason it's best to arrive first
thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Stow the “stuff” you may
need later in the day in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get
FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will
be very long by noon. Now, having said that, Christmas Day at Disney is a
wonderful experience!
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day:
Theme
Parks
Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios all
stay open late on New Year's Eve and offer extra excitement and entertainment, usually
including live performances, extra parades and fireworks. These festivities are included
in regular park admission and you really do not need to make any other plans for New
Years.
Special theme park events for New Year's Eve:
- Epcot celebrates the New Year "around the world"
with DJs and evening dance parties located throughout World Showcase and lasting late into
the evening, as well as a special presentation of the fireworks.
- Disney-MGM Studios celebrates New Year's Eve not only with multiple presentations of
Fantasmic, a spectacular of Disney movies and music, but also with a special Happy New
Year fireworks spectacular.
- Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the SpectroMagic parade and multiple
nighttime fireworks displays. The Holiday Wishes fireworks show lights up the sky early in
the evening, and guests who make it to midnight can also see Fantasy in the Sky fireworks,
which begins just before the New Year kicks off.
New Year Epcot Event for 2007: New Year's Eve at Carnation Gardens
This is one of our favorite ways
to bring in the New Year - New Year's Eve at Carnation Gardens! The
World Showcase Events Pavilion, located between Canada and the United Kingdom in Epcot, hosts a special all-you-can-eat dinner (Lee’s favorite
words) and dancing event for New Year's Eve 2007. The evening is inspired by Date Night at
Disneyland, which was
held at Disneyland's Carnation Gardens on Friday nights in the 1950s
and 60s. The price, including tax and
gratuity, is $59.99 for adults (age 10+) and $24.99 for children (age 3-9). If you go, you may see
Paulette and Lee dancing the night away!
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil presents special New Year's Eve performances of La
Nouba. Guests are treated to a champagne toast, a limited-edition full color souvenir
program and a special show finale. We think you should know that tickets for these New
Year's Eve performances are more expensive than usual.
Atlantic Dance Hall
New Year’s Eve at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort includes champagne toast at midnight, snacks and dancing to tunes
from the ‘80s through today. You must be 21 years of age or older (with ID) to enter Atlantic Dance Hall on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets for this event are $20 and go on sale on December 31 at the Atlantic Dance Hall box office. Doors open at 9:00 pm.
Pleasure Island
Every December 31, Pleasure Island hosts a New Year's Eve Party with live entertainment. This party
requires a special ticket and is not included in regular admission or Pleasure Island
Annual Passes. You must be 21 or older (with ID) to attend.
The New Year's Eve party is held from 8:00
pm to 2:00 am and includes bands and DJs mixing it up all night long. Music
includes Top 40, Latin, Tropical, Hip-Hop, 70s and 80s, and Techno. You'll enjoy a wide
variety of performers, plus a special fireworks show and a champagne toast at midnight. The food menu is expected
to include such items as skewered shrimp, smoked salmon and seared beef medallions. The
clubs are open as usual during this event. Regular
2007 tickets are on sale now at $99 plus tax per person.
Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon:
In 2008, the Walt Disney World
Half Marathon will be held on January 12 and the Walt Disney World Marathon, a 26.2-mile
trek through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and hotel resort areas, will be on
January 13. The Walt Disney World Marathon
and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort.
Other highlights include Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex. Events for the Marathon Weekend will take place January 10-13, 2008. Registration for the 2008 Marathon and Half Marathon have
already opened online. (Don't wait too long to register for the 2008 Marathon -- the 2007
Marathon and Half Marathon registration filled up by August 2006!)
Disney's Pirate & Princess Party: 2008-January 21, 26, and 29; Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, and
26; March 1,6,11,14
If you have either a little pirate, or a beautiful princess of your
own, you may want to consider one of these Pirate & Princess Parties. Guests embark on a quest for beads and chocolate
treasures as they are immersed in a world of pirates and princesses during the
“Pirate & Princess Party” at the Magic Kingdom. The first run of the Pirate & Princess Party in January-March
2007 was so successful, Disney brought it back for eight select nights in August and
September 2007, and now it's returning for
January-March 2008.
The party is held after regular park closing, from 7:00 pm - 12:00 midnight. Entry to the party requires
separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the
special after-hours event.) Reportedly guests with Pirate & Princess Party tickets
have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park
after the party begins.
With an adventure map and treasure pouch in hand, families can enjoy a
quest for colorful beads, chocolate doubloons and fun throughout the Magic Kingdom theme park. Adventurers can
explore Magic Kingdom on a quest for pirate coves and princess courts brimming with
specially themed entertainment, participate in character meet-and-greets and experience
some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open throughout the evening. Guests
are invited to dress up as a wily pirate or favorite Disney princess.
Adding to
the magic of the event are two nighttime entertainment spectaculars:
- "Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade" features
a new 39-foot-long raucous pirate ship overflowing with swashbuckling adventurers, plus a
treasure-filled float with Captain Jack Sparrow himself. The colorful cavalcade moves down
Main Street, U.S.A. with the twirling
Jolly Roger Flag Corps -- plus royal knights on horseback, court dancers and a regal
processional of Disney princesses and princes.
- "Magic, Music and Mayhem," a fireworks display
orchestrated to an original musical score, fills the sky above Magic Kingdom. (Note from Mary:
in my opinion, this is the most impressive fireworks display Disney has ever created!)
Party highlights:
- Adventureland: Captain Jack Sparrow leads a pirate
tutorial offering young buccaneers sword fighting tips; plus a chance for photos with
Jasmine and laughs with the hilarious Genie.
- Fantasyland: A fish called Flounder and crazy crab
Sebastian kick it up with an "Under the Sea" dance party, and meet-and-greets
with Ariel.
- Toontown: Court musicians and strolling jugglers hail
princesses Cinderella, Belle and Aurora in a princess pavilion. Pirate Mickey and Donald invite guests
to step right up and try their luck at carnival games in a themed play area.
- Frontierland: Singing sensation Riverboat Roulettes lure
guests to a haunted river boat where the ghost of Jolly Roger spins tales amidst magicians
and more.
- Tomorrowland: Young guests meet a space pirate, boogie
down at Stitch's cosmic dance party, and enjoy break-dancing pirates and other
entertainment.
It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town
Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This
allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up
quickly, so make reservations as early as possible.
The Pirate & Princess
Party will return in 2008. Dates are January 21, 26, 29; February 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26;
March 1, 6, 11, 14.
- Advance purchase price $36.16 ages 10 & up (tax
included) and $31.90 ages 3-9 (tax included). Ticket prices will be higher at the gate, if
the event is not already sold out.
Chinese New Year:
Each year the China Pavilion in Epcot has a Chinese New Year
celebration. Usually there are Chinese acrobats and special activities for kids. The next
Chinese New Year will be on February 7, 2008.
Valentine's Day
Pleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of
Valentine's Day each year. In 2007 the Pleasure Island events were February 9, 10 and
14, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The Love Prophets foretell
guests' romantic futures in the West End plaza and Cupid roams the streets. A Matchmaker-Matchbreaker
character pushes her way into everyone's business, a Lovelorn Loser tries desperately to
land the love of his life, and there are other surprise performers. Guests may
experience the outdoor elements of the Sweetheart Island celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate
ticket.
Mardi Gras (Disney):
"Parti Gras" puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition each year. In 2007 the Pleasure Island events were February 16, 17
and 20, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Jester heads and giant beads
feature in this colorful celebration, where the Krewe of Confusion and the World's
Dinkiest Mardi Gras Parade are among the tongue-in-cheek acts seizing the night. There are
a wide range of special entertainment offerings such as Mardi Gras stilt walkers,
jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional and a beaded person (a
person literally covered with beads). Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the
Parti Gras celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate
ticket.
Mardi Gras – (Universal Studios) February 2 - April 19, 2008
Universal Orlando
offers guests a perfect way to experience the idea of Mardi Gras in a very safe, clean,
and fun environment. If you have the opportunity to see this, you must! Cast members walk
the streets dressed in crazy costumes and stilt walkers tower above the crowds. With 13
original floats from New Orleans, authentic Cajun food, extravagant costumes, and live
jazz music, you'll feel like you’re in the French Quarter.
ESPN The Weekend:
Each year ESPN and Disney offers fans the opportunity to see and hear
ESPN personalities and athletes during "ESPN The Weekend," a special event at
Disney-MGM Studios. The 2008 ESPN The Weekend will be February 29-March 2. Typically ESPN The Weekend features
on-site ESPN telecasts including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Cold Pizza and
BassCenter; star motorcades and Q&A sessions featuring athletes and ESPN
personalities; appearances by Disney characters; sports shows in the ESPN Theater with
ESPN commentators and athletes; a visit from ESPN The Truck; live ESPN Radio broadcasts;
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter telecasts and interactive sports activities.
SPRING
EVENTS:
St. Patrick's Day
Pleasure Island turns green for St. Patrick's
Day each year with "Sham Rock 'n' Roll" festivities. In 2007, the Pleasure Island events were March 15, 16 and 17 fro 7:00
pm to 2:00 am. So far, we’ve been unable to find the specifics
for this year, but it is sure to be on St. Patrick’s Day! In 2007, the celebration included live music by
Irish artists, leprechauns and green specialty beverages. The outdoor elements of the St. Patrick's Day
Celebration are free of charge, but admission to the nightclubs requires a ticket.
You can also celebrate St.
Patrick's Day in Downtown Disney. In 2007, the Irish owners of Raglan Road Irish
Restaurant & Pub at Downtown Disney lined up a non-stop program of Irish music, song
and dance to match anything found in their native Dublin, Ireland. That's in addition to a heady mix of Celtic Cocktails, Irish Dance
Competitions and Raglan's Irish cuisine and Irish beers -- all the ingredients needed to
create one fine Irish hooley (party). There was a $10 cover charge until 3:00 pm and a $15 cover charge after 3:00 pm.
Easter
Spring is in full swing at Easter, with tons of blooming flowers and
outdoor displays. You can just feel the
anticipation of great things to come! Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny appear in several meet and
greet times for your little Mousekateer. As a
special activity, Disney usually offers very special meals available at many restaurants
on Easter Sunday. Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) may be in
effect for Cinderella's Royal Table, and perhaps others. Too, you can celebrate the joy of
Easter by participating in one of the special church services offered by Disney. In 2007, special religious services were
offered at the Fantasia Ballroom of the Contemporary Resort:
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am -
Roman Catholic Mass 9:00 am - 10:00 am - Protestant service
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am - Roman Catholic Mass
Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney's Wide World
of Sports:
The Atlanta Braves hold their Spring Training season at Disney's Wide
World of Sports Complex. After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play a series of games
against major rivals at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. However, if
you are a fan of another team, just let us know and we’ll give you specifics
since 7 Major League Baseball teams train in the
area surrounding our homes. Individual
game tickets for the Braves home spring training games are at Disney's Wide World of
Sports box office.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage. There usually is a relatively low-key Cinco
de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, and it usually features some
sort of special activity for families. In
addition, there is a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. The outdoor elements of the
Cinco de Mayo celebration are free of charge. Admission to the clubs however, requires a
ticket.
Minnie Marathon Weekend May
2 - 4, 2008
Disney's Minnie
Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker returns May 2-4, 2008. Registration is now open for the 2008 Disney's
Women Run the World 15K and Disney's Go Red for Women 5K!
Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend is a Women's Endurance event. With a
15K, a 5K and Kids' Races Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend truly has something for
everyone and every fitness level. Disney's
Minnie Marathon Weekend is THE Women's Endurance Event at the Walt Disney World with
something for everyone and every fitness level. Bring your grandmothers, your daughters,
and, in our case, granddaughters! The whole
family for a weekend of fun and fitness.
Mother's Day
While all
of the Disney World restaurants will be open on Mother's Day, one of our favorite Mother's
Day dining experiences is the brunch hosted at Epcot as part of the International
Flower and Garden Festival. A talented team of chefs prepare culinary
specialties amidst colorful blossoms. A strolling guitarist provides entertainment while
you dine. This brunch is held at the World
ShowPlace Pavilion which is located between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions.
Continuous seating begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm.
Regular Epcot admission is required.
The 2007 Mother’s Day brunch was $45.99 adult, $19.99 child (age 3-9).
If you are interested in 2008 reservations, be sure to call Disney early!
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower
and Garden Festival is an outstanding annual event, not to be missed. The 2008
festival is ongoing until June 1.
CELEBRATING
'FUN IN THE SUN'
One of the most
welcome signs of spring is Epcot's annual International Flower & Garden Festival.
While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival
takes them to the next level. The 2008 theme
is "Fun in the Sun" with 70 amazing topiaries featuring your favorite
Disney characters. When you come through the main entrance, you'll find a 14 foot tall
Goofy 'surfing' a 6 foot 'wave' of plants and blossoms. Mickey and Minnie will be at the
beach party posing on a flowery beach towel surrounded by starfish, tropical palms and
sandcastles. If you're looking for Donald and Daisy Duck, head to the World Showcase.
They'll be depicted in topiaries playing a game of beach volleyball. You may not want to
go near the water when you see Stitch on the lifeguard stand. Pluto will be close at hand
playing with sand crab topiaries. Mexico's 'Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three
Caballeros' will come to life with Jose Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck featured in
greenery.
Sailors
will be put to the test as they try to decode the message spelled out in the flower beds
with nautical flags. These will line the shores of the East and West lakes in Future
World. If you're missing last year's pirates theme, don't despair. You'll find topiaries
of Captain Hook at 'Peter Pan's Neverland Garden' along with Tinker Bell, the Croc and of
course, Peter Pan. This pirate ship garden will feature a shaded play area that will be
great for the kids.
Perennial
Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, Minnie's Butterfly
Garden, I dig Bugs, Art in the Garden, Mother's Day festivities, Growing Future Gardeners,
Great American Gardeners and Disney Gardening at Home will be returning. For the kids,
there will be Pluto's Play Zone, daily ladybug releases and the Peter Pan Neverland Garden.
Over at
the France Pavilion, there will again be a "lift and sniff" Fragrance Garden
focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes. Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists will
conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.
The 2008 International Flower
& Garden Festival has expanded from 60 to 70 days and will include Easter weekend.
For more information, you may be interested in knowing 2007 festival features
included:
- The Festival Center, where guests could 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." .
- 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 shared 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.
- Flower
Power Concert Series (We go every group, but the men have grey hair, no hair, or mouse
ears, while all the ladies are blond!)
SUMMER EVENTS:
Star Wars Weekends
Each year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters
in costume appear in special motorcades and autograph sessions at Disney-MGM Studios.
Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests are also held. In 2007, dates for Star Wars weekends were
June 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24. 2007
Celebrities included: Jay Laga'aia ("Captain Typho"),Warwick Davis ("Wicket
the Ewok"), Kenny Baker ("R2-D2"), Ray Park ("Darth Maul"),
Daniel Logan ("Boba Fett" - Episode II), Jeremy Bullloch ("Boba
Fett"), Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca"), Anthony Daniels ("C-3PO"),
Bonnie Piesse ("Beru Lars"), etc. Too Star Wars celebrities will certainly be
participating in daily autograph sessions, the Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade
and Stars of the Saga Talk Show. Here are
a few of the 2007 Star War Weekend events:
- Jedi Training Academy – Selected
audience members can train with a Jedi Master, and test their skills against Darth Vader
and Darth Maul.
- Star Tours Attraction – Blast your speedster through the ultimate Star
Wars adventure.
- Behind the Force – Get a behind-the-scenes look at
the making of the films.
- Padawan Mind Challenge – Compete in a kid trivia
contest complete with Star Wars prizes.
- Hyperspace Hoopla – Join together with Star Wars
characters and Guests for an entertaining conclusion to each day's events.
Sounds Like Summer
All summer long you can dance to classic rock n' roll hits under the
skies of the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. Last summer, the summer concert
series featured a lineup of bands covering timeless tunes from Billy Joel, ABBA, The
Eagles and Chicago. Get the family together
and groove to the songs you all know and love! The 2007 "Sounds Like Summer"
concerts was offered June 11-August 12, 2007. Three shows nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm are included in park admission. These
are all the "soundalike" bands from last year:
- June 11-17 - Kevin White (Garth Brooks)
- June 18-24 - Stayin' Alive (Bee Gees)
- June 25-July 1 - Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
- July 2-8 - Charlene Bedassie (Aretha Franklin)
- July 9-17 - Bjorn Again (ABBA)
- July 18-24 - Hotel California (The Eagles)
- July 25-29 - 52nd
Street (Billy Joel)
- July 30-August 5 - Captain Fantastic (Elton John)
- August 6-12 - Transit Authority (Chicago)
July 4
Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios
all offer special fireworks shows in the evening on July 4. These festivities are included
in regular park admission. Disney's Animal
Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals.
Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island: An evening of
special July 4 family fun is in store at Downtown Disney featuring a DJ dance party and
fireworks. In 2007 there was live entertainment at Pleasure Island and the Marketplace from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm. A special fireworks display took place at 11:00 pm. Guests may
experience the outdoor elements of the July 4 celebration at Downtown Disney free of
charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket.
Bastille Day
On July 14 the France
Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French
Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults.
The 2007 Bastille Day events were offered from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Disney's Magical
Beginnings
Magical Beginnings is a program devoted to families with little
ones. Designed to make a Disney vacation with young children easy and fun, it's the
perfect introduction to an enchanting visit. With age-appropriate attractions,
entertainment, special services and awesome special events, Magical Beginnings is just
wonderful. In 2007, it was from 8/26/07 through 10/28/07. Your family could have also danced and sung along
with Playhouse Disney in Concert and Playhouse Disney favorites - The Doodlebops, Johnny
and the Sprites and Dan Zanes – and more!
|
To Help You Plan,
Here is Disney' Schedule
for the Entire Next Year
(at least as much as our memories will
allow):
ALL YEAR
EVENTS:
Year of a Million Dreams:
Now through the end of 2008, Disney World theme park guests can enjoy "The Year of a Million Dreams." This very special event
emphasizes special experiences that are only available at Disney's theme parks.
Guests have an opportunity to experience fabulous Disney "dreams" such as
spending a night in Cinderella Castle, enjoying a meeting with a Princess, or receiving a special FASTPASS
allowing the bearer to jump to the head of the line.
In 2006, Disney began The Year of a Million Dreams, and it was
originally scheduled to run only through 2007. Now,
it has been been extended through the end of 2008! The Year of a Million Dreams, provides Disney opportunities which you can't buy for any amount
of money…if you are lucky enough to win them.
Through Disney Dreams Giveaway, guests have an opportunity to win
fabulous Disney "dreams" such as the night in Cinderella Castle, or traveling around the world as a parade Grand Marshal visiting all
the Disney theme parks. The giveaway also includes hundreds of thousands of smaller items
such as a special FASTPASS allowing the bearer to jump to the head of the line on every
FASTPASS attraction for one day, or a lanyard and pin set. Good luck from Paulette and
Lee!!
Attraction Previews
(a special hint from Paulette and Lee):
We thought you might like to know, that, from time to time, Walt
Disney World offers special previews of new attractions on an informal basis,
before the attractions officially open. These previews are called "soft
openings." During previews, the attraction may be open intermittently or not at all. Attractions
that are in the "soft opening" stage are usually NOT listed in the official Park
Times & Information guide. You'll have to check the Park Tip Board upon arrival at
the theme park or, better yet, ask a Cast Member. Since previews are used to test
new attractions, there may be delays, the ride/show may shut down, etc. However, if you want to be the very first to ride
the very latest, be sure to ask!
FALL EVENTS:
Night of Joy
Contemporary Christian music acts perform at Magic Kingdom on two nights each September. This is an after-hours
event that requires a separate ticket. The
2007 Night of Joy concerts were September 7 & 8 from 7:30
pm - 12:30 am. 2007
single-night tickets were $44.68 plus tax in advance. Two-night tickets were $76.63 plus
tax. Reportedly the 2008 Night of Joy event will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios
(the new name for MGM). Keep a close watch to see when tickets are available.
US Open Water Ski
Championships
This annual event takes place on the lake adjacent to Downtown Disney.
Spectators can watch
the competition from the waterfront areas of Downtown Disney. Carts selling food and beverages are set up along the viewing areas
during the event. The 2007 event was held on September 15 and 16, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
Walt Disney World
Triathlon
Each fall, athletes exhilarate the body and mind as they swim, bike,
and run through the Walt Disney World Resort in this USA
Triathlon sanctioned event. This event consists of a 1.5K
swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run in and around Walt Disney World. The 2007 Triathlon was held September 23, 2007. The Triathlon
capped a weekend full of events for athletes beginning 9/21/07.
Epcot International Food
and Wine Festival
Each fall, Epcot hosts the International Food and Wine Festival, a
several-weeks-long celebration that includes both "free" (i.e. included in Epcot
admission) and separately ticketed events such as Food and Wine Pairings, Specialty
Dinners, wine classes and Party for the Senses. The 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
is currently scheduled for Sept. 26 – Nov. 9.
More than 100 wineries offer tastings, and guests can sample the food
from the various countries in tasting portions ranging from $1.50 to $4.50. The 2007 Food
& Wine Festival Marketplaces included foods and beverages from the following countries
and categories: Argentina;
Australia; Canada; Champagne; Chile; China; France; Germany; Greece; Hops & Barley; India; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Mexico; Morocco; New Zealand; Poland; Scandinavia; South Africa; Spain; Turkey; USA.
Other
highlights included:
- The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bar, commemorative posters and other festival
keepsakes.
- Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary
demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.
- Up to 1,200 wine and beer seminars providing
complimentary samplings.
- Elegant dinners, the weekly Party for the Senses grand
tasting with entertainment by Cirque du Soleil and other by-reservation-only events.
- Along with the music, dance, acrobatics and avant-garde
entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions, festival guests can enjoy EAT TO THE BEAT
CONCERTS performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre. Once again, these are the “oldies” or 60s
and 70s groups Lee just loves!
Entrance to the Epcot
International Food and Wine Festival, plus wine and beer seminars and cooking
demonstrations, is included with regular Epcot admission.
2007 Food and Wine Festival (extra ticket required)
Certain International Food and Wine Festival events, including special
dinners, vertical wine tastings, cooking classes and Party for the Senses, require advance
reservations and cost extra. Here are just a
few:
Afternoon Tea with Stephen Twining
Cheese Tastings
Chefs A'Field
The Cook, The Book and the Bottle
Discovering Wine
Exquisite Evenings at Epcot
Food and Wine Pairings
Odyssey Kitchen Conversations
Party for the Senses
Regional Feasts
Signature Dining Events
Sweet Sundays
Vertical Wine Tastings
Wine Schools
and more!
If you are interested in any specially ticketed event, check early!
These events are very popular and it is advisable to book as early as possible.
ANOTHER
ONE OF LEE’S FAVORITES during the Food and Wine:: Eat to the Beat Concerts
Enjoy 60s and 70s musical evenings during the Food & Wine Festival
with the "Eat to the Beat!" concerts scheduled daily at 5:45, 7:00 and 8:15 pm on the America Gardens
Theatre stage, and they are “free” if you have an Epcot admission.
"Eat to the Beat!" Concert Series Lineup for 2007 was:
- September 28 & 29 - Al Stewart
- September 30-October 1 - Otis Day and the Knights
- October 2-3 - Beach Boys
- October 4-6 -The Original Family Stone
- October 7-9 - Sheena Easton
- October 10-13 - Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
- October 14-16 - David Cassidy
- October 17-18 - Little Richard
- October 19-21 - TBD
- October 22-25 - The Four Tops
- October 26-27 - The Village People
- October 28-30 - The Outlaws
- October 31- November 3 - John Secada
- November 4-6 - Chubby Checker and the Wildcats
- November 7-8 - The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts
- November 9-11-David Sanborn
Mickey's Not So Scary
Halloween Party (and an insider tip from Paulette and Lee):
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween
Party is held on selected nights in October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to
midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid
admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Admission to
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids,
costume parades for little ones, character meet-and-greets, fortune tellers, Halloween
riverboat ride, two performances of a unique holiday parade, and a special fireworks
display. Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety
and appropriateness). Plus, most of the major attractions are open.
You may wonder, is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the
money? Depends on how much you are "into" Halloween. Some of the experiences
available during the party are not offered at any other time, so it allows you to enjoy Magic Kingdom in a unique way. We thought
it was a lot of fun and would gladly pay to attend again.
Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's
Not So Scary Halloween Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and
Halloween night, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. Don't necessarily expect to
get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parade, shows and Halloween
"atmosphere." It's fun to have
dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be
in the park right when the festivities begin. Make reservations as early as possible.
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2007 was offered on September
14, 21, 28 and 3; October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12,14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31;
November 2, from 7:00 pm
to midnight. This event closes very early, so if you plan to
attend, secure your reservation early!
Haunted Hayrides at Fort Wilderness
Here is one of those things most people don’t know about. Each October
Fort Wilderness offers a Haunted
Hayride based on the classic Washington Irving story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". These wagon
rides include a performer who tells the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman.
In 2007 the hayrides took place on October 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,
29, 30 and 31. The wagons depart across from Pioneer Hall beginning around dusk. October
12-27, there were 6 rides per night, starting at 7:30 pm. October 28-31, there were 9 rides per night, starting at 6:00 pm. Wagons depart approximately
every 20 minutes. The 2007 Haunted Hayrides
cost $15 adult, $10 child (3-9), plus tax.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K
Wow, with all these athletic events, Mickey and Minnie must be in
great shape! This new nighttime running
event (along with a 6.5K race) debuted on October 27,
2007. This endurance event, which began and ended at
Disney-MGM Studios, was tied into the 13th anniversary of The Twilight Zone Tower of
Terror attraction. The entry fees included access to an exclusive party in Disney-MGM
Studios from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. The party offered a live
band and Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and
The Great Movie Ride were open.
Halloween
In addition Mickey’s
Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Haunted Hayrides there
are also special events at Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island for Halloween. Family-oriented
events such as trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch and a dance party are usually offered at
Downtown Disney from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on October 30 and 31. Trick-or-treat bags are distributed at Disney's
Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney. Kids can visit close to
a dozen locations that were distributing treats (most or all of the Disney-owned stores
and carts participate). A Dance Party is held at the Dock Stage. Pleasure Island offers Halloween-themed entertainment and dancing on Halloween (October
31) as well as the Friday and Saturday nights prior to Halloween (if Halloween doesn't
fall on a Friday or Saturday).
Festival of the Masters
Award-winning visual artists transform Downtown Disney into a vast
outdoor gallery during the Festival of the Masters each November. The 2008 Festival of the Masters is currently
scheduled for Nov. 7-9. To qualify for
Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival
within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and slides
of their works to a jury of art experts, who then have the formidable task of reviewing
the slides and selecting the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the
Festival will be treated to one of the finest displays of art in the nation. Hence,
Festival of the Masters has become one of the most sought-after shows among artists. Over 200 honorees from art festivals around the
country showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing,
jewelry and digital art. Live entertainment and
children's activities are also part of the weekend-long event. Festival guests can
experience culinary offerings and dance to live music.
Other highlights of the Festival of the Masters include:
- House of Blues Folk Art Festival – Enjoy the annual
"Where the Art Meets the Soul" festival, featuring 40 local and national folk
artists, great music and captivating children's activities.
- Central Florida
Chalk Artists Association – Watch as over 6,000 square feet of sidewalk at Downtown
Disney Marketplace are turned into a giant canvas for more than 50 chalk artists. And kids
can create their own works of art in a special chalk-art area just for them!
- Children's Activities – Show your children the world
of art as they're taught by experts how to draw some of their favorite Disney characters
outside DisneyQuest. Families can enjoy other art-related activities throughout Downtown
Disney, and kids can boogie at a special DJ Dance Party at the Dock Stage every afternoon.
- Live Entertainment by performers from Cirque du Soleil La
Nouba as well as face painting and balloons outside Cirque du Soleil.
- Performance Artists – Experience this unique event
where an artist transforms a blank canvas into a colorful painting featuring a favorite
Disney Character — right in front of your eyes!
- Additional Live Entertainment – Keep your groove
going all weekend with live performances throughout Downtown Disney.
ABC Super Soap Weekend
This annual event held at Disney-MGM Studios offers soap opera fans an
opportunity to see their favorite ABC Soap stars at
various events, including autograph sessions, motorcades, interviews, talk shows, game
shows and performances.
The 2007 Super Soap Weekend was held November 10 & 11.
Thanksgiving
While Disney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade, the Christmas
decorations are in full place the day after and most of the Christmas shows get under way! There are special meals available at most Disney
World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher
prices) may be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character
meals) November 18-24, 2007. Others are only charging a premium on the actual holiday, so be sure
to ask when booking reservations.
WINTER EVENTS (but it
really is never “winter” here):
Christmas Decorations:
Paulette and I thought you might like to know that Disney’s
Christmas decorations usually begin going up around the first of November, and are
gradually added at night until they are fully completed by Thanksgiving weekend. The Disney parks are wonderfully decorated for the
holidays with each park also having special shows and events. So, if you are thinking about visiting Disney at
Christmas, remember, Christmas in the land of THE Mouse begins Thanksgiving Weekend!
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:
This is certainly one of our favorite Christmas things to see! Watching our grandkids
enjoy the lights and snow (yes, “Florida snow”) is an absolute delight. The display uses millions
(really) of Christmas lights, “Florida snow” and various vignettes to get you in the Christmas spirit. It was originally created by Jennings Osborne at
his home in Little Rock,
Arkansas. After he was
forced to remove the display due to complaints by his neighbors, Disney happily agreed to
use it at Disney-MGM Studios, where it has become an annual event. In 2006, the spectacle was enhanced to include
choreographed “dancing” lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of
holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400
dimmers. Every building façade on New York Street, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic
tunes among “Florida
snow” flurries. For the 2007 holiday season,
this display was offered 11/12/07-1/6/08. The
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios
and certainly should not be missed.
Harlem Gospel Choir:
The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir appeared at Disney-MGM Studios
for the first time in the 2007 holiday season. Three performances (at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:30 pm) were offered at Theater of
the Stars (Beauty and the Beast show location) on Sunset Blvd each night between
November 30 and December 25. Performances
included holiday favorites such as "Joy to the World," "Silent Night"
and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The show is included in regular admission
to Disney-MGM Studios.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (and an inside tip from Paulette and Lee):
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular
closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate
admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the
special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights, usually
running from the weekend after Thanksgiving through approximately December 20. Admission to the event includes complimentary hot
chocolate and cookies, "Florida snow" on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday
parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions are open.
Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Well,
we think it really depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows,
"snow" experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are
offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ends (@ December 22) through New Year's Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between December 22-31, there
is very little reason to spend the extra money to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Party. However, if you will be visiting Mickey
before that date, the party is certainly wonderful event not to be missed. – but remember to be sure the little Mousekateers are well
rested for this evening event.
Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's
Very Merry Christmas Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and
the last couple of nights it's offered, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. It
can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late
November or early December, but don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The
party is more about the parades and Christmas "atmosphere."
We think it is fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern
just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities
begin. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2007 was offered on November 12, 15, 16,
25, 27, 29, and 30; December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21, from 7:00 pm to
midnight in 2007.
Epcot Holidays Around the World:
Epcot is where we get our exercise!
We walk around the lake a couple of times to see if we can stay in shape (a
winning battle for Paulette, but a losing one for Lee)!
But, for Holidays Around the World, Epcot's World Showcase has far too many distractions just for
exercise. It transforms into a splendid
display of international Christmas traditions and storytelling. For
2007, the special holiday fun took place daily from November 28 through December
30. Holidays Around the World is included with regular Epcot admission.
Don’t forget to be sure you little ones get to meet the Santas Around the World. Christmas icons delight children around the globe
-- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana – and many more make special
appearances in their respective countries, while (the real) Santa Claus himself pays
visits to the American Adventure showcase. Guests also see holiday traditions and legends
as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs on display as
well.
At 6 pm nightly, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a giant tree-lighting ceremony, complete with
music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" --
illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The Epcot evening
spectacular of lights, lasers and fireworks, "Illuminations:
Reflections of Earth," completes your celebration
with a magical holiday finale. But, don’t forget to take in the Candlelight Processional!
Candlelight Processional:
The Candlelight Processional is an annual event at Epcot that includes
a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a very large
choir and full orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. In
2007 it was held at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase area of Epcot
from November 23 through December 30. There are three performances each night, at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 pm. (No 5:00 show on December 2.) Each show rans
about 40 minutes. There is no additional charge for
the performance over and above your Epcot admission.
Candelight Processional Lineup for 2007 was:
- 11/23-11/25 - David Robinson
- 11/26-11/28 - John O'Hurley
- 11/29-12/01 - Neil Patrick Harris
- 12/02-12/04 - Dennis Franz
- 12/05-12/07 - Monique Coleman
- 12/08-12/10 - Steven Curtis Chapman
- 12/11-12/13 - Chita Rivera
- 12/14-12/16 - Andie MacDowell
- 12/17-12/19 - Kirk Cameron
- 12/20-12/22 - Edward James Olmos
- 12/23-12/25 - Gary Sinise
- 12/26-12/28 - Rita Moreno
- 12/29-12/30 - Marlee Matlin
Holiday Sleigh Rides (Little
known fun!):
Most folks visiting Disney miss the many “other” things to
do. We certainly want you to be aware of some
thinks most folks miss! From December
1-December 30, Disney offers 25-minute "sleigh" rides through the
woods from the Wilderness Lodge. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but made to look like
a red sleigh, complete with sleighbells!) The
sleighs depart from the Porte Cochere (covered entry) in front of the Lodge every
half-hour, with departures between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. The cost in 2007 is $35
(includes tax but not tip) per sleigh. A sleigh can hold up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3
kids. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:
In addition to the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and the Osborne
Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios and the special parades, shows, "Florida snow" experience and
fireworks at Magic Kingdom, there are special meals
available at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Note that
"holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) may be in effect for some restaurants
(particularly the buffets and character meals) December
16, 2007-January 5, 2008. Others are only charging a
premium on the actual holidays, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.
Religious services are held on Christmas Day only in the Fantasia
Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass will be held at 8:00 am and 10:15 am. A Protestant service
will be held at 9:00 am. You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get
there, you must do one of the following:
- take the monorail to the Contemporary
- take a boat to the Contemporary
- take resort transportation (monorail, boat or bus) to the Magic Kingdom and transfer to
a shuttle bus serving the Contemporary resort
Paulette and Lee thinks you might like to know that, if you plan to
visit one of the theme parks on Christmas Day, you should be aware the parks usually reach
full capacity at some point during the day. For that reason it's best to arrive first
thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day. Stow the “stuff” you may
need later in the day in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get
FASTPASSes right away if you think you will want to ride anything, because the lines will
be very long by noon. Now, having said that, Christmas Day at Disney is a
wonderful experience!
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day:
Theme
Parks
Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios all
stay open late on New Year's Eve and offer extra excitement and entertainment, usually
including live performances, extra parades and fireworks. These festivities are included
in regular park admission and you really do not need to make any other plans for New
Years.
Special theme park events for New Year's Eve:
- Epcot celebrates the New Year "around the world"
with DJs and evening dance parties located throughout World Showcase and lasting late into
the evening, as well as a special presentation of the fireworks.
- Disney-MGM Studios celebrates New Year's Eve not only with multiple presentations of
Fantasmic, a spectacular of Disney movies and music, but also with a special Happy New
Year fireworks spectacular.
- Magic Kingdom features special presentations of the SpectroMagic parade and multiple
nighttime fireworks displays. The Holiday Wishes fireworks show lights up the sky early in
the evening, and guests who make it to midnight can also see Fantasy in the Sky fireworks,
which begins just before the New Year kicks off.
New Year Epcot Event for 2007: New Year's Eve at Carnation Gardens
This is one of our favorite ways
to bring in the New Year - New Year's Eve at Carnation Gardens! The
World Showcase Events Pavilion, located between Canada and the United Kingdom in Epcot, hosts a special all-you-can-eat dinner (Lee’s favorite
words) and dancing event for New Year's Eve 2007. The evening is inspired by Date Night at
Disneyland, which was
held at Disneyland's Carnation Gardens on Friday nights in the 1950s
and 60s. The price, including tax and
gratuity, is $59.99 for adults (age 10+) and $24.99 for children (age 3-9). If you go, you may see
Paulette and Lee dancing the night away!
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil presents special New Year's Eve performances of La
Nouba. Guests are treated to a champagne toast, a limited-edition full color souvenir
program and a special show finale. We think you should know that tickets for these New
Year's Eve performances are more expensive than usual.
Atlantic Dance Hall
New Year’s Eve at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort includes champagne toast at midnight, snacks and dancing to tunes
from the ‘80s through today. You must be 21 years of age or older (with ID) to enter Atlantic Dance Hall on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets for this event are $20 and go on sale on December 31 at the Atlantic Dance Hall box office. Doors open at 9:00 pm.
Pleasure Island
Every December 31, Pleasure Island hosts a New Year's Eve Party with live entertainment. This party
requires a special ticket and is not included in regular admission or Pleasure Island
Annual Passes. You must be 21 or older (with ID) to attend.
The New Year's Eve party is held from 8:00
pm to 2:00 am and includes bands and DJs mixing it up all night long. Music
includes Top 40, Latin, Tropical, Hip-Hop, 70s and 80s, and Techno. You'll enjoy a wide
variety of performers, plus a special fireworks show and a champagne toast at midnight. The food menu is expected
to include such items as skewered shrimp, smoked salmon and seared beef medallions. The
clubs are open as usual during this event. Regular
2007 tickets are on sale now at $99 plus tax per person.
Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon:
In 2008, the Walt Disney World
Half Marathon will be held on January 12 and the Walt Disney World Marathon, a 26.2-mile
trek through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and hotel resort areas, will be on
January 13. The Walt Disney World Marathon
and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort.
Other highlights include Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex. Events for the Marathon Weekend will take place January 10-13, 2008. Registration for the 2008 Marathon and Half Marathon have
already opened online. (Don't wait too long to register for the 2008 Marathon -- the 2007
Marathon and Half Marathon registration filled up by August 2006!)
Disney's Pirate & Princess Party: 2008-January 21, 26, and 29; Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, and
26; March 1,6,11,14
If you have either a little pirate, or a beautiful princess of your
own, you may want to consider one of these Pirate & Princess Parties. Guests embark on a quest for beads and chocolate
treasures as they are immersed in a world of pirates and princesses during the
“Pirate & Princess Party” at the Magic Kingdom. The first run of the Pirate & Princess Party in January-March
2007 was so successful, Disney brought it back for eight select nights in August and
September 2007, and now it's returning for
January-March 2008.
The party is held after regular park closing, from 7:00 pm - 12:00 midnight. Entry to the party requires
separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the
special after-hours event.) Reportedly guests with Pirate & Princess Party tickets
have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park
after the party begins.
With an adventure map and treasure pouch in hand, families can enjoy a
quest for colorful beads, chocolate doubloons and fun throughout the Magic Kingdom theme park. Adventurers can
explore Magic Kingdom on a quest for pirate coves and princess courts brimming with
specially themed entertainment, participate in character meet-and-greets and experience
some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open throughout the evening. Guests
are invited to dress up as a wily pirate or favorite Disney princess.
Adding to
the magic of the event are two nighttime entertainment spectaculars:
- "Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade" features
a new 39-foot-long raucous pirate ship overflowing with swashbuckling adventurers, plus a
treasure-filled float with Captain Jack Sparrow himself. The colorful cavalcade moves down
Main Street, U.S.A. with the twirling
Jolly Roger Flag Corps -- plus royal knights on horseback, court dancers and a regal
processional of Disney princesses and princes.
- "Magic, Music and Mayhem," a fireworks display
orchestrated to an original musical score, fills the sky above Magic Kingdom. (Note from Mary:
in my opinion, this is the most impressive fireworks display Disney has ever created!)
Party highlights:
- Adventureland: Captain Jack Sparrow leads a pirate
tutorial offering young buccaneers sword fighting tips; plus a chance for photos with
Jasmine and laughs with the hilarious Genie.
- Fantasyland: A fish called Flounder and crazy crab
Sebastian kick it up with an "Under the Sea" dance party, and meet-and-greets
with Ariel.
- Toontown: Court musicians and strolling jugglers hail
princesses Cinderella, Belle and Aurora in a princess pavilion. Pirate Mickey and Donald invite guests
to step right up and try their luck at carnival games in a themed play area.
- Frontierland: Singing sensation Riverboat Roulettes lure
guests to a haunted river boat where the ghost of Jolly Roger spins tales amidst magicians
and more.
- Tomorrowland: Young guests meet a space pirate, boogie
down at Stitch's cosmic dance party, and enjoy break-dancing pirates and other
entertainment.
It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town
Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This
allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up
quickly, so make reservations as early as possible.
The Pirate & Princess
Party will return in 2008. Dates are January 21, 26, 29; February 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26;
March 1, 6, 11, 14.
- Advance purchase price $36.16 ages 10 & up (tax
included) and $31.90 ages 3-9 (tax included). Ticket prices will be higher at the gate, if
the event is not already sold out.
Chinese New Year:
Each year the China Pavilion in Epcot has a Chinese New Year
celebration. Usually there are Chinese acrobats and special activities for kids. The next
Chinese New Year will be on February 7, 2008.
Valentine's Day
Pleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of
Valentine's Day each year. In 2007 the Pleasure Island events were February 9, 10 and
14, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. The Love Prophets foretell
guests' romantic futures in the West End plaza and Cupid roams the streets. A Matchmaker-Matchbreaker
character pushes her way into everyone's business, a Lovelorn Loser tries desperately to
land the love of his life, and there are other surprise performers. Guests may
experience the outdoor elements of the Sweetheart Island celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate
ticket.
Mardi Gras (Disney):
"Parti Gras" puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition each year. In 2007 the Pleasure Island events were February 16, 17
and 20, from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Jester heads and giant beads
feature in this colorful celebration, where the Krewe of Confusion and the World's
Dinkiest Mardi Gras Parade are among the tongue-in-cheek acts seizing the night. There are
a wide range of special entertainment offerings such as Mardi Gras stilt walkers,
jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional and a beaded person (a
person literally covered with beads). Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the
Parti Gras celebration free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate
ticket.
Mardi Gras – (Universal Studios) February 2 - April 19, 2008
Universal Orlando
offers guests a perfect way to experience the idea of Mardi Gras in a very safe, clean,
and fun environment. If you have the opportunity to see this, you must! Cast members walk
the streets dressed in crazy costumes and stilt walkers tower above the crowds. With 13
original floats from New Orleans, authentic Cajun food, extravagant costumes, and live
jazz music, you'll feel like you’re in the French Quarter.
ESPN The Weekend:
Each year ESPN and Disney offers fans the opportunity to see and hear
ESPN personalities and athletes during "ESPN The Weekend," a special event at
Disney-MGM Studios. The 2008 ESPN The Weekend will be February 29-March 2. Typically ESPN The Weekend features
on-site ESPN telecasts including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Cold Pizza and
BassCenter; star motorcades and Q&A sessions featuring athletes and ESPN
personalities; appearances by Disney characters; sports shows in the ESPN Theater with
ESPN commentators and athletes; a visit from ESPN The Truck; live ESPN Radio broadcasts;
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter telecasts and interactive sports activities.
SPRING
EVENTS:
St. Patrick's Day
Pleasure Island turns green for St. Patrick's
Day each year with "Sham Rock 'n' Roll" festivities. In 2007, the Pleasure Island events were March 15, 16 and 17 fro 7:00
pm to 2:00 am. So far, we’ve been unable to find the specifics
for this year, but it is sure to be on St. Patrick’s Day! In 2007, the celebration included live music by
Irish artists, leprechauns and green specialty beverages. The outdoor elements of the St. Patrick's Day
Celebration are free of charge, but admission to the nightclubs requires a ticket.
You can also celebrate St.
Patrick's Day in Downtown Disney. In 2007, the Irish owners of Raglan Road Irish
Restaurant & Pub at Downtown Disney lined up a non-stop program of Irish music, song
and dance to match anything found in their native Dublin, Ireland. That's in addition to a heady mix of Celtic Cocktails, Irish Dance
Competitions and Raglan's Irish cuisine and Irish beers -- all the ingredients needed to
create one fine Irish hooley (party). There was a $10 cover charge until 3:00 pm and a $15 cover charge after 3:00 pm.
Easter
Spring is in full swing at Easter, with tons of blooming flowers and
outdoor displays. You can just feel the
anticipation of great things to come! Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny appear in several meet and
greet times for your little Mousekateer. As a
special activity, Disney usually offers very special meals available at many restaurants
on Easter Sunday. Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) may be in
effect for Cinderella's Royal Table, and perhaps others. Too, you can celebrate the joy of
Easter by participating in one of the special church services offered by Disney. In 2007, special religious services were
offered at the Fantasia Ballroom of the Contemporary Resort:
- 8:00 am - 9:00 am -
Roman Catholic Mass 9:00 am - 10:00 am - Protestant service
- 10:15 am - 11:15 am - Roman Catholic Mass
Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Disney's Wide World
of Sports:
The Atlanta Braves hold their Spring Training season at Disney's Wide
World of Sports Complex. After two weeks of workouts, the Braves play a series of games
against major rivals at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. However, if
you are a fan of another team, just let us know and we’ll give you specifics
since 7 Major League Baseball teams train in the
area surrounding our homes. Individual
game tickets for the Braves home spring training games are at Disney's Wide World of
Sports box office.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage. There usually is a relatively low-key Cinco
de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, and it usually features some
sort of special activity for families. In
addition, there is a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. The outdoor elements of the
Cinco de Mayo celebration are free of charge. Admission to the clubs however, requires a
ticket.
Minnie Marathon Weekend May
2 - 4, 2008
Disney's Minnie
Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker returns May 2-4, 2008. Registration is now open for the 2008 Disney's
Women Run the World 15K and Disney's Go Red for Women 5K!
Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend is a Women's Endurance event. With a
15K, a 5K and Kids' Races Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend truly has something for
everyone and every fitness level. Disney's
Minnie Marathon Weekend is THE Women's Endurance Event at the Walt Disney World with
something for everyone and every fitness level. Bring your grandmothers, your daughters,
and, in our case, granddaughters! The whole
family for a weekend of fun and fitness.
Mother's Day
While all
of the Disney World restaurants will be open on Mother's Day, one of our favorite Mother's
Day dining experiences is the brunch hosted at Epcot as part of the International
Flower and Garden Festival. A talented team of chefs prepare culinary
specialties amidst colorful blossoms. A strolling guitarist provides entertainment while
you dine. This brunch is held at the World
ShowPlace Pavilion which is located between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions.
Continuous seating begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm.
Regular Epcot admission is required.
The 2007 Mother’s Day brunch was $45.99 adult, $19.99 child (age 3-9).
If you are interested in 2008 reservations, be sure to call Disney early!
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
The Epcot International Flower
and Garden Festival is an outstanding annual event, not to be missed. The 2008
festival is ongoing until June 1.
CELEBRATING
'FUN IN THE SUN'
One of the most
welcome signs of spring is Epcot's annual International Flower & Garden Festival.
While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival
takes them to the next level. The 2008 theme
is "Fun in the Sun" with 70 amazing topiaries featuring your favorite
Disney characters. When you come through the main entrance, you'll find a 14 foot tall
Goofy 'surfing' a 6 foot 'wave' of plants and blossoms. Mickey and Minnie will be at the
beach party posing on a flowery beach towel surrounded by starfish, tropical palms and
sandcastles. If you're looking for Donald and Daisy Duck, head to the World Showcase.
They'll be depicted in topiaries playing a game of beach volleyball. You may not want to
go near the water when you see Stitch on the lifeguard stand. Pluto will be close at hand
playing with sand crab topiaries. Mexico's 'Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three
Caballeros' will come to life with Jose Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck featured in
greenery.
Sailors
will be put to the test as they try to decode the message spelled out in the flower beds
with nautical flags. These will line the shores of the East and West lakes in Future
World. If you're missing last year's pirates theme, don't despair. You'll find topiaries
of Captain Hook at 'Peter Pan's Neverland Garden' along with Tinker Bell, the Croc and of
course, Peter Pan. This pirate ship garden will feature a shaded play area that will be
great for the kids.
Perennial
Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, Minnie's Butterfly
Garden, I dig Bugs, Art in the Garden, Mother's Day festivities, Growing Future Gardeners,
Great American Gardeners and Disney Gardening at Home will be returning. For the kids,
there will be Pluto's Play Zone, daily ladybug releases and the Peter Pan Neverland Garden.
Over at
the France Pavilion, there will again be a "lift and sniff" Fragrance Garden
focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes. Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists will
conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.
The 2008 International Flower
& Garden Festival has expanded from 60 to 70 days and will include Easter weekend.
For more information, you may be interested in knowing 2007 festival features
included:
- The Festival Center, where guests could 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." .
- 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 shared 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.
- Flower
Power Concert Series (We go every group, but the men have grey hair, no hair, or mouse
ears, while all the ladies are blond!)
SUMMER EVENTS:
Star Wars Weekends
Each year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters
in costume appear in special motorcades and autograph sessions at Disney-MGM Studios.
Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests are also held. In 2007, dates for Star Wars weekends were
June 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24. 2007
Celebrities included: Jay Laga'aia ("Captain Typho"),Warwick Davis ("Wicket
the Ewok"), Kenny Baker ("R2-D2"), Ray Park ("Darth Maul"),
Daniel Logan ("Boba Fett" - Episode II), Jeremy Bullloch ("Boba
Fett"), Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca"), Anthony Daniels ("C-3PO"),
Bonnie Piesse ("Beru Lars"), etc. Too Star Wars celebrities will certainly be
participating in daily autograph sessions, the Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade
and Stars of the Saga Talk Show. Here are
a few of the 2007 Star War Weekend events:
- Jedi Training Academy – Selected
audience members can train with a Jedi Master, and test their skills against Darth Vader
and Darth Maul.
- Star Tours Attraction – Blast your speedster through the ultimate Star
Wars adventure.
- Behind the Force – Get a behind-the-scenes look at
the making of the films.
- Padawan Mind Challenge – Compete in a kid trivia
contest complete with Star Wars prizes.
- Hyperspace Hoopla – Join together with Star Wars
characters and Guests for an entertaining conclusion to each day's events.
Sounds Like Summer
All summer long you can dance to classic rock n' roll hits under the
skies of the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. Last summer, the summer concert
series featured a lineup of bands covering timeless tunes from Billy Joel, ABBA, The
Eagles and Chicago. Get the family together
and groove to the songs you all know and love! The 2007 "Sounds Like Summer"
concerts was offered June 11-August 12, 2007. Three shows nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm are included in park admission. These
are all the "soundalike" bands from last year:
- June 11-17 - Kevin White (Garth Brooks)
- June 18-24 - Stayin' Alive (Bee Gees)
- June 25-July 1 - Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
- July 2-8 - Charlene Bedassie (Aretha Franklin)
- July 9-17 - Bjorn Again (ABBA)
- July 18-24 - Hotel California (The Eagles)
- July 25-29 - 52nd
Street (Billy Joel)
- July 30-August 5 - Captain Fantastic (Elton John)
- August 6-12 - Transit Authority (Chicago)
July 4
Theme Parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios
all offer special fireworks shows in the evening on July 4. These festivities are included
in regular park admission. Disney's Animal
Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals.
Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island: An evening of
special July 4 family fun is in store at Downtown Disney featuring a DJ dance party and
fireworks. In 2007 there was live entertainment at Pleasure Island and the Marketplace from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm. A special fireworks display took place at 11:00 pm. Guests may
experience the outdoor elements of the July 4 celebration at Downtown Disney free of
charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket.
Bastille Day
On July 14 the France
Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French
Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults.
The 2007 Bastille Day events were offered from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Disney's Magical
Beginnings
Magical Beginnings is a program devoted to families with little
ones. Designed to make a Disney vacation with young children easy and fun, it's the
perfect introduction to an enchanting visit. With age-appropriate attractions,
entertainment, special services and awesome special events, Magical Beginnings is just
wonderful. In 2007, it was from 8/26/07 through 10/28/07. Your family could have also danced and sung along
with Playhouse Disney in Concert and Playhouse Disney favorites - The Doodlebops, Johnny
and the Sprites and Dan Zanes – and more!
Disney's Pin
Celebration Weekend
The biggest Disney pin trading event of the year is the annual
Disney's Pin Celebration. The three-day event features a unique collection of specially
designed pins, trading activities and much more. Disney's
Pin Celebration 2007 was held at Epcot from September
7-9, 2007 during regular park hours. For 2008, the current schedule has it on Sept. 5-7.
It is a private, separately ticketed event. Admission to Epcot is not included in the
price of event admission, but is required for attendance. Registration is required.
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Please email us at drherron@mindspring.com or telephone us toll free at 1-800-749-3573, for more information!
To see many, many photos of recent events at Disney
and all the parks, simply click on "Special Photos on the navigation bar at the top
of the page. Enjoy!
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Got Questions?
For more information, to make reservations or to request our
14 page brochure, please:
Call us at: (407) 351-9530
or toll free at 1-800-749-3573
E-mail us at: drherron@mindspring.com
or use our on-line Questions / Reservation Request Form
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A Great Family Vacation is Waiting!
"See you real soon!"
SUN-cerely,
Paulette and Lee
Last Updated June 09, 2009
Copyright 1999-2008 Great Family Vacation Rentals |
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