Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
THE DISNEY NEWS
Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 9, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
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An important message from Beth, our travel agent:
"Anyone considering a cruise with Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, Princess, etc. (all the Carnival Corp brands) should seriously think about booking in the next 10 days or so in order to lock in fuel surcharges where they are. They are becoming a significantly larger portion of the cruise fare. This new increase can cost a family several hundred dollars more for the same cruise. Remember that deposits are nearly always fully refundable until your final payment date so there's no risk in securing space and locking in fares. (Disney cruise line currently doesn't have fuel surcharges. The Royal Caribbean family of lines, including Celebrity, does, though, and it wouldn't surprise me if they follow with more increases soon."
Note: All bookings made on or before April 20, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase.
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Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney World vacation package with FREE dining, Disney PhotoPass special, new Disney sweepstakes, and a vacation package with FREE dining at a non-Disney Theme Park Resort
* The latest news from around the "World" - new restaurant coming to Downtown Disney
* Carole comments on her recent trip to Disneyland Paris
* Joyful Toyful Summer Awaits Walt Disney World Guests
* Walt Disney World Menus Evolving With Healthful Choices
* Disney Parks Announces Top Three Finalists for Chief Magic Official
* Disney Parks Offers Dream-Come-True Quinceañeras In Grand Style To 15 Lucky Girls
* Jungala opens at Busch Gardens Africa
* This week's coupon - save at this Orlando restaurant offering "New World Cuisine"
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
It's back! Disney Vacation Package with FREE Dining for late summer, 2008! Save $38 per adult per day and $10 per child 3-9 per day!
Disney PhotoPass Special! Receive 10 FREE 4x6 prints!
New Disney sweepstakes! Win a Disney vacation or cruise!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Enjoy a Vacation Package with FREE Dining at this popular Orlando theme park resort! Valid August - October, 2008.
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Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Discount codes for special rates at the deluxe Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for Memorial Day, Mother's Day, late Summer, Labor Day and Thanksgiving!
>> Save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion if you're at Walt Disney World right now!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> Deals for the military, teachers, government workers, nurses, Florida residents!
>> Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day Expiration!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $499!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
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VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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New restaurant to debut at Downtown Disney
"The 5,000-square-foot, two-story facility will have a tequila bar and outdoor seating along Village Lake." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 04/09/08)
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"The trade magazine for full-service restaurants and bars said the company's usual attention to themed detail and operational efficiency has made the resort the nation's 'Best Chain Overall Beverage Program.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/08/08)
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Disney has designed a new wedding gown inspired by the movie "Enchanted." (Source: telegraph.co.uk, 04/04/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Busch Gardens opens Jungala
"The Tampa theme park known for both its roller coasters and African animal exhibits is opening Jungala this weekend, offering a couple of new, small rides and focusing attention on new, close-encounter showcases for its Bengal tigers, orangutans and a handful of other animals." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/04/08)
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Click here for photos of the construction of The Simpson Ride at Universal Studios.
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"SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to build a roller coaster billed as the theme park's most ambitious and expensive attraction yet. It will be part thrill ride and part animal attraction, a theme that visitors will experience from the time they take their place in line until the time they leave the post-ride area." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/03/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
A Review of Toy Story the Musical: "Disney Cruise Line, not a company to ignore its showman roots, has just become the first to write, design and mount an honest-to-goodness Broadway-style show for its Wonder ship." (Source: nypost.com, 04/01/08)
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
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Carole writes:
"Hi, John,
Just returned from Disneyland Paris (will write more when jet lag is over!) but quickly wanted to update you that Tower of Terror was open when we were there, March 14-17. Actually, we were stunned how long the fastpass lines were, people were queuing up long before their fastpasses came time, and were pretty hostile about moving to make way if yours came up before theirs--now I know why!
Like I said, I'll write a bit of a review when I can. We had a fabulous time....it was quite a unique experience."
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Disney Season: Summer 2008 -- Joyful Toyful Summer Awaits Walt Disney World Guests
Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' Continues with Launch of Toy Story Mania!
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps a toy chest full of fun for summer 2008 with a new toy-themed street extravaganza plus a breakthrough attraction putting guests in a joyous, midway-themed romp among the characters of the "Toy Story" films.
With a series of special events also sprinkled throughout the period from May through August -- plus the continuation of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" -- it adds up to an unforgettable summer at the Florida Vacation Kingdom.
Toy Story Mania! Ride-Game Sensation Bows at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite Toy Story characters in Toy Story Mania! making its debut as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" in late May at Disney's Hollywood Studios (renamed in January from Disney-MGM Studios).
Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high-energy, immersive adventure that puts guests right in the action as their game play triggers fun surprises that provide a fourth dimension of fun.
Past a welcoming and wisecracking Mr. Potato Head, guests put on 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy and board Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles, entering the world of "Toy Story" characters. As vehicles move among Toy Story Mania! game booths -- high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill -- guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side, scoring points in a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.
As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual objects" they've launched leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.
The Toy Story Mania! games -- five of them, plus an introductory practice round -- are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to experienced gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities -- from launching virtual plastic eggs in the "Hamm & Eggs" booth, hosted by Hamm, to breaking plates with virtual baseballs in the "Green Army Men Shoot Camp."
A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their spring-action shooters as rapidly as possible at one last super-target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified and they can see how they've done compared to the high scores.
Disneyland Resort also welcomes Toy Story Mania! when the attraction debuts in late June at Disney's California Adventure.
Guests Join Disney-Pixar Characters in Wild "Block Party Bash"
Disney's Hollywood Studios fun is nonstop with "Block Party Bash," a new traveling show featuring favorite Disney-Pixar characters, performing daily. The high-energy extravaganza cranks up the music and excitement to the max, putting guests in the middle of the wildest Disney spectacle ever -- a musical block party that doubles as a fun-filled interactive street spectacular, enticing guests to dance, play and party. The "block party" transforms into major choreographed sections starring characters including Woody and Buzz from "Toy Story," Mike and Sully from "Monsters, Inc." and Flik and Atta from "A Bug's Life."
Interactive Fun: Curtain Up on "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!"
Stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," "Little Einsteins" and more entertain Walt Disney World guests with animated graphics, music and songs in a new interactive, fun stage show, "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. An onstage host leads the audience in a variety of dance and sing-along activities, encouraging little ones to join in the fun. The stars of the entertaining new show are characters from the Disney Channel's hit Playhouse Disney programming block geared to preschoolers. "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" is performed several times daily.
Disney Diners Catch The Wave
This summer, The Wave debuts at Disney's Contemporary Resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the first floor with a "superlounge," the upscale restaurant will offer "bold American cooking with flavors from all over the world." The seasonal menu will feature local and regional products when possible, organic beers and trendy cocktails such as the "antioxidant cosmo" with açai juice. The innovative wine list has a quirky claim to fame -- all screw caps, no corks. Cutting-edge wines from around the globe will be showcased.
Disney Indoor Sports Events Double with Opening of Jostens Center
The all-new Jostens Center represents the latest expansion project at the 220-acre Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport fieldhouse will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate basketball, volleyball, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading and dance, team handball, roller hockey and more, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. With the opening of the new facility in summer 2008, Disney has the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.
Dive Into a Thrilling Disney Splash...On Your Cell Phone
It's sum-sum-summertime and Disney's world-famous water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are the splash-tastic choice. Thanks to an all-new Disney WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) site, adults and their kids can immerse themselves in Disney water parks magic before, during and after they actually visit the parks -- and all it takes is their cell phones. Thanks to a new Web site customized for the mobile phone, users can download any of four exclusive wallpapers from artist Jesse LeDoux, get insider tips and take an interactive personality quiz and more. One feature stars actor-singer Corbin Bleu. He had such water parks fun he was happy to express his glee to his legions of fans through their cell phones.
How to get the fun rolling? Guests have three options:
# In their Disney Resort hotel room, guests can view a video and text H20 to SPLASH (775274). Then their cell phone rings with a message from Corbin Bleu plus a link to the WAP.
# Before arriving, a guest can text H2O to SPLASH on their cell and get a call from Corbin.
# Guests familiar with texting on their cell phones can send a picture of their favorite attraction at the water parks to disney@splash.com to receive a special mobile wallpaper.
Guests can access a number of interactive features including tips to "surf" Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or "ski" at Disney's Blizzard Beach water parks. Other great tips for park-goers can be downloaded onto guests' cell phones, and more features are on the way.
Popular Events Add Extra Fun to May-August Period
# Flower-lovers can enjoy the blooms and fun of the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival daily through June 1, with Flower Power music filling evenings at the end of days that feature horticultural exhibits, seminars and demonstrations. The festival is included with Epcot admission.
# Magic Kingdom's newest after-hours special event, Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party, offers fun after the sun on seven evenings in May and early June. Centerpiece of the event is the "Enchanted Adventures Parade" starring a 39-foot pirate ship with swinging and sword-fighting mates. The night's finale is the dazzling "Magic, Music and Mayhem" fireworks spectacular orchestrated to an original musical score. Information and tickets are available by calling 407/WDW-AHOY or by visiting online at disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess.
# Guests can immerse themselves in the power of the Force during Star Wars Weekends, a family-friendly fan-fest scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays June 6-June 29 at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. With the park's famous Star Tours thrill attraction serving as the centerpiece, the annual event features Star Wars celebrities on hand for autographs, photos, Q&A sessions and Hollywood-style motorcades. The special fun is included with regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests can access more information by visiting disneyworld.com/starwars or www.starwars.com.
# What could be more summery than groovin' under the stars to classic hits? At America Gardens Theatre, Epcot again presents "Sounds Like Summer" featuring a lineup of rockin' bands covering timeless tunes from Elton John, The Eagles, The Supremes, Bon Jovi, U2, the Bee Gees and many more. Tribute bands begin performances June 9, with shows nightly through Aug. 10. Concerts are included in Epcot admission.
# Skies above Walt Disney World Resort will be painted in "patriotic" as the Florida Vacation Kingdom presents special Fourth of July fireworks. Among planned spectacles, Magic Kingdom hosts special "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at 9 p.m. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, a patriotic July 4 salute includes 9 p.m. fireworks.
# The NBA Pre-Draft, featuring many of the top pro basketball prospects, takes place May 27-30 inside The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. NBA coaches, general managers and league officials, including marquee names such as Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing and Isaiah Thomas, are expected to attend. Draft prospects (last year's group included Joakim Noah, Kevin Durant and Greg Oden) will work out and compete in games.
# The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back for their seventh training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex from late July to mid-August. Tampa Bay's daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon. Featuring one of the league's most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber. A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002.
# Several AAU National Championships, including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, baseball and track & field, return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex from June to August. Boys and girls of various age groups from around the nation will compete for national crowns in one of the most prestigious national youth sports competitions in the country. Current athletic stars such as Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and USC basketball player O.J. Mayo are among those who've competed previously in AAU National Championships at Disney.
"The Year of a Million Dreams" Marks Its Second Disney Summer
Disney Parks is encoring its 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams" in 2008 with more dreams, even bigger dreams, more dreams money can't buy, dreams only Disney can make come true. It's another "dreamy" summer with over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway being awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time (plus mail-in participants). Included is the chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park; a private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay; a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort; a star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere; and a flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park. Also among awards: hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, or special Dream Mouse Ears or pin and lanyard sets. It all adds up to more than one million more dreams awarded in 2008.
For additional Walt Disney World information and reservations, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY, go online to disneyworld.com or visit a local travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 04/03/04)
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Walt Disney World Menus Evolving With Healthful Choices
"Do you want apple slices or fries with that cheeseburger?"
It's all about healthful choices as Walt Disney World quick-service and fast-casual restaurants refine their menus. French fries aren't going away, but menus are being revised with well-balanced options -- at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée at all table service restaurants, and side options to include salads and fresh fruit.
In October 2006, Disney's Parks & Resorts changed its standard kids meals to feature healthy side dishes and beverages, and the overwhelming majority of guests opt for healthy options, said Ed Wronski, director of Product Development for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage.
Today a kid's meal automatically comes with fruit or vegetables on the side and juice, water or low-fat milk to drink. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost.
Guest research showed that more than three-quarters of parents selected fruit or vegetable side options when they were offered first -- rather than French fries. Recognizing that visits to Disney parks are vacations, parents can still request more indulgent meals and snacks from a wide variety of food offerings.
The number of fresh fruit carts at the parks is steadily increasing while other nutritious snacks like nuts and trail mix are also more readily available.
"The new healthful menus expand the options for our guests," said Wronski. "The reaction, both from the chefs and the guests, has been very, very positive."
Constantly looking for ways to improve the nutritional profiles and tastes of popular entrées, Disney changed to a guest-tested hamburger with fat content less than 20 percent and buns with 10 percent whole wheat. Quick-service pizzas now have whole-grain crusts and lower-fat cheese.
Even desserts get a makeover: anywhere they are served, guests will find options such as reduced fat, low sugar and fresh fruit.
Disney is working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for candy, packaged food and bakery items sold in the parks, or identifying replacement products as the company continues to phase out added trans-fats. Portion-controlled snacks and treats and packaging to promote nutritious food are part of the changes.
Catering to Dietary Needs
Walt Disney World Resort gets more than 7,000 requests a month from guests with special dietary needs. Most requested are meals free of gluten, eggs and dairy, and peanuts and tree nuts.
With a call three days in advance, Walt Disney World full-service restaurants can accommodate special dietary needs such as allergies to gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs.
"We have a team of passionate chefs who get together and discuss guest needs and trends," said Wronski. "They love the challenge."
Lifestyle diets -- sugar free, low fat, low sodium, vegetarian or vegan -- are easily accommodated. When guests call 407/WDW-DINE, they can make the request and then talk with their server or the manager when they arrive at the restaurants.
Kosher meals are available at most full-service restaurants and need to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE. Meals are Glatt Kosher, prepared in Miami and flown to Walt Disney World Resort.
If you don't order in advance, kosher meals are always available at the following quick-service locations: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom, World Premiere Food Court at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Intermission Food Court at Disney's All-Star Music Resort, End Zone Food Court at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Everything Pop Shopping and Dining at Disney's Pop Century Resort, ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Pizzafari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Source: Press Release, 04/04/08)
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CMO Election Heats Up
Disney Parks Announces Top Three Finalists for Chief Magic Official
After three captivating weeks of online voting for Disney Parks’ Top 10 Chief Magic Official (CMO) candidates, Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com today announced the top three CMO finalists: David Hawley of Roseville, Calif., Justin Vance Muchoney from Seven Fields, Pa. and Tripp West from Powder Springs, Ga. The CMO search generated more than 1,300 entries and nearly 500,000 online votes.
After launching creative campaigns to drive the most votes, David, Justin and Tripp will have 10 days to mentally and physically prepare themselves for a two-day competition at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The events will begin Thursday, April 17, and end Friday, April 18. The winner will be crowned CMO on Tuesday, April 22, in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
During Disney’s "Year of a Million Dreams," the first-ever CMO will travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts and help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events and work their wizardry behind the scenes with the Walt Disney Imagineers.
"Each finalist should be proud of making it this far - the top three candidates out of 1,300 entries," said Craig Dezern, vice president, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. "We are excited to see who will lead the Park challenge, earn the most votes and ultimately be named the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official during ‘Year of a Million Dreams.’"
Tests of Creativity, Enthusiasm and Park Smarts
All three finalists will face a series of unique tests designed to challenge their CMO abilities - do they have what it takes to make magical moments and help "dreams come true" for guests?
From stroller derbies and professional towel-folding to face-painting, online voters will decide who gets to be the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Park guests will also be able to cheer on their favorite finalist.
Stroller Derby Expert
Donald Duck has sabotaged the orderly strollers in Magic Kingdom and left a mess for the finalists to fix - the candidate who can put five strollers back in order, with the right bags and accessories in the shortest amount of time, leads this challenge.
Throwing in the Towel
Each finalist will receive training from the towel-folding experts at Disney resort hotels. In the final round, contestants must recreate a randomly assigned towel animal within the specified time frame "will someone "throw in the towel?"
Let’s Make Some Noise!
Stationed along Main Street U.S.A., finalists will select some of Disney’s professional noise-making equipment. Using enthusiasm and creativity with the tools given, it’s up to the finalists to generate the loudest crowd.
So You Think You Know the Parks?
In the fourth challenge, contestants are stationed at the Tip Board at Epcot and will be tested on how well they greet guests, whether they offer helpful service, good tips and accurate information. At some point, certain guests will try to complicate the process - will the finalists crack under pressure?
Make a Face
For the final competition, finalists will be shuttled over to Disney's Animal Kingdom where they will receive a crash course in face-painting. They will have to create a design on one of their family members or friends.
"Job seekers everywhere can be inspired by the creativity, energy and enthusiasm these CMO finalists have used to promote their candidacies," said Richard Castellini, vice president of Consumer Marketing of CareerBuilder.com. "The finalists will get to experience a job interview like no other. We are excited to help Disney Parks and America find the right candidate for this one-of-a-kind position."
Don’t Forget to Vote!
Starting April 17, the in-Park competition videos highlighting each of the three finalists participating in the events will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com for a final round of online voting. The ballots will remain open through April 21 (11:59 p.m. ET), and the top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.
CMO Search
After receiving more than 1,300 videos, each CMO entry was reviewed and judged by a group of Disney and CareerBuilder.com representatives. The top 10 semi-finalists were announced March 3 and online voting nationwide lasted three weeks. Ballots for top 10 voting closed at 11:59 p.m. ET March 22.
For additional information about the CMO search, please visit www.DreamCMO.com. (Source: Press Release, 04/07/08)
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Disney's California Adventure
A Celebration Fit For A Princess - Disney Parks Offers Dream-Come-True Quinceañeras In Grand Style To 15 Lucky Girls
Pixie-dusted dreams will come true April 24 for 15 young ladies from across the United States and Puerto Rico when they celebrate their Quinceañeras with an enchanted experience in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Royal and resplendent, these lucky girls will mark this cultural milestone in true Disney Princess fashion as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.
A tradition in the Latin community, a Quinceañera is a young woman's celebration of her 15th birthday, which marks the transition from a child to a young woman. It is commemorated in a way that distinguishes it from her other birthdays.
The royal evening ceremony at Disneyland Resort will be filled with opulence, pageantry and tradition. It begins with a dream-come-true moment for any teenage girl - a celebrity escort along a red carpet that leads to the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. In the forecourt, she will be greeted by Disney characters and prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Pretty as a princess in her ball gown, each young lady will share a special waltz with her father, step from her flat shoes into Cinderella-like glass slippers and receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her mother.
But while the official Quinceañera ceremony may have concluded, the celebration will have just begun for the young ladies, their families and special guests.
Following the Castle Forecourt ceremony, each celebrated young lady will be accompanied by her special guests to a private dinner party in Fantasyland Theater. The unforgettable fete will include the traditional Quinceañera cutting of the cake and doll ceremony, two aspects of the event that also mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Even then, the celebration doesn’t stop! The bright lights will keep shining on these lucky young ladies, as their magical Disneyland Quinceañera is scheduled to be featured in a one-hour television special on Univision network’s "El Show de Cristina."
To make these dreams come true, Disney Parks launched a national search for prospective princesses in conjunction with selected Univision news affiliates, Coca-Cola, David’s Bridal and The Cristina Show ("El Show de Cristina"). Together, they found these 15 special girls to celebrate their magical Quinceañeras at Disneyland Resort.
All eligible princesses-to-be submitted essays explaining why they wanted to have their coming-of-age celebrations at "The Happiest Place on Earth." The deadline for submissions was March 24.
To ensure each Quinceañera girl is dressed as a true "belle of the ball," David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal retailer, will provide each of the 15 girls with a ball gown, tiara and shoes. Southwest Airlines will provide flights for each young lady and up to seven guests to attend the sparkling soiree. Hewlett Packard is donating laptop computers to provide support to each Quinceañera princess as she pursues her educational goals. Kodak is providing specially created Quinceañera-themed cameras so that each girl can capture her unique and thrilling memories.
Disney Parks, already a home to lavish ceremonies and magical milestone celebrations for guests visiting from around the globe every year, provides a castle-full of Quinceañera celebration options for young women and their families.
Quinceañera celebrations at Disneyland Resort Hotels or Walt Disney World Resort can be traditional, spiritual, large or intimate. Up to 500 guests can enjoy a Quinceañera at Disney Parks, with popular themes including fairy tale treasures like "Cinderella" and "Beauty & the Beast" celebration.
Other custom and lavish options include:
* Disney character appearances, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in formal or elegant charro attire
* Cinderella’s enchanted crystal coach, presented by a quartet of fanfare trumpeters
* An artful cake adorned with Disney princesses or characters
* A towering, 40-foot-wide castle facade creating a storybook setting for a formal dinner
* The Quinceañera girl’s name spelled in lights or illuminated balloons
* Intricate ice carvings
* Ornate floral arrangements and table centerpieces
For more information on Disney Parks’ Quinceañera product offerings, including vacation packages, guests may visit Disneyparks.com/quinceañera or Parquesdisney.com/quinceañera. (Source: Press Release, 04/04/08)
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Jump Into The Jungle At Busch Gardens Africa
New Jungala area features vibrant village, exotic animal habitats, rides and more in the park’s most ambitious family attraction ever
With a nearly 50-year history of caring for animals and the environment, Busch Gardens has created the park’s newest adventure - an exotic jungle where discovery and exploration invite guests to connect with the world around them.
On April 5, 2008, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens Jungala - its newest and most ambitious park enhancement project to date. Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction invites guests to discover exotic creatures, explore a colorful village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides and live entertainment.
At Jungala’s center, a vibrant village comes alive with the sights and sounds of this jungle paradise. Towering trees, cascading waterfalls and elaborate stone structures shape the landscape, transporting guests to a mythical place where the inhabitants - both human and animal - live in complete harmony with nature.
From atop the tallest trees or beneath the jungle floor, guests are completely immersed in the animals’ world. Multi-tiered habitats allow visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered species - Bengal tigers and orangutans. View orangutans as they maneuver overhead on O-lines, or watch them rest in rope hammocks through glass platforms in a specially designed treehouse.
Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled plunge pool, while a pop-up dome brings guests face to face with these magnificent predators. Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and unusual gharials also make this exotic rainforest home.
Two signature rides add to the excitement of Jungala: Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers ages 6 to 13 that offers three different flight patterns above the tree tops. Wild Surge launches 14 passengers out of a mountain crater above a towering waterfall for a thrilling view of the village below. Tree Tops Trails is 3-story climbing area featuring nets, bridges and crawl tubes, allowing families to explore the different layers of jungle life.
In the village, larger-than-life stiltwalkers highlight the beauty and grace of the colorful jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing birds, frogs and even the trees themselves. Zoo Educators introduce guests to jungle creatures such as lemurs, coatimundi and toucans, and children are invited to participate in impromptu games and musical play throughout the day.
Jungala also offers two new dining options for Busch Gardens guests. The Bengal Bistro, a newly remodeled version of the popular Vivi Restaurant, and the all-new Orang Café offer seasonal entrées, salads and sandwiches, premium snacks and expanded childrens’ menus for hungry explorers of all ages.
For more information on Busch Gardens Africa, call 1-888-800-5447. (Source: Press Release, 04/03/08)
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MONEY SAVING COUPON
Norman's
4012 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: 407-393-4333
Fax: 407-393-4336
"'New World Cuisine' reflects the cultural diversity of South Florida. Van Aken is considered the 'visionary who founded and championed a cooking style that fuses Latin, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine.'"
Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with this coupon.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Affordable Disney Books
Disney and other new books 50-90% off the list price. Hundreds of books under $1.00! Plus! Over 700 videos have been marked down to $1.99! To check out the bargains, click here.
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Got Coupons?
With the Orlando Entertainment Book, you can save big on travel, groceries, shopping, movie tickets, and more! Save at hotels and restaurants near Walt Disney World, on car rental, airfare, admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa! For details, click here.
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Affordable Disney Movies and CD's
Save 40-70% on your favorite Disney Movie or CD! Cheap shipping, too! Click here.
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Affordable Accommodations
Enjoy Special Rates at select hotels, condos and vacation rentals near Disney. Plus! Receive up to a $100.00 rebate! For hotels, click here.
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Affordable Luggage
Save up to 60% on Luggage, Backpacks, and more! Donna and I bought a beautiful 5-piece set of Samsonite luggage for our daughter for Christmas for $144! Click here.
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Own a piece of the Magic Kingdom
Disney framed stock certificates are works of art. They feature Walt Disney and the Disney characters. Unlike stock brokers that require you to purchase several shares of stock, OneShare sells one share of stock and mails you the certificate. You can frame the stock certificate yourself or OneShare will frame if for you at a nominal cost. Click here.
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See You Real Soon!
John
AffordableDisney.Com.
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information contained in THE DISNEY NEWS. Always check to be sure. The views and opinions expressed by others in THE DISNEY NEWS do not necessarily reflect the views of AffordableDisney.Com.
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Updates From Affordable Walt Disney World Vacation
April 9, 2008
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved.
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Hi Everyone!
NOTE: If you want to visit Walt Disney World when there is no deal for the general public, you will need to follow the discount strategies that are revealed in our online book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation," to make your vacation affordable.
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An important message from Beth, our travel agent:
"Anyone considering a cruise with Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, Princess, etc. (all the Carnival Corp brands) should seriously think about booking in the next 10 days or so in order to lock in fuel surcharges where they are. They are becoming a significantly larger portion of the cruise fare. This new increase can cost a family several hundred dollars more for the same cruise. Remember that deposits are nearly always fully refundable until your final payment date so there's no risk in securing space and locking in fares. (Disney cruise line currently doesn't have fuel surcharges. The Royal Caribbean family of lines, including Celebrity, does, though, and it wouldn't surprise me if they follow with more increases soon."
Note: All bookings made on or before April 20, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase.
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Now on with the show...
In this blog...
* Deals and specials - Disney World vacation package with FREE dining, Disney PhotoPass special, new Disney sweepstakes, and a vacation package with FREE dining at a non-Disney Theme Park Resort
* The latest news from around the "World" - new restaurant coming to Downtown Disney
* Carole comments on her recent trip to Disneyland Paris
* Joyful Toyful Summer Awaits Walt Disney World Guests
* Walt Disney World Menus Evolving With Healthful Choices
* Disney Parks Announces Top Three Finalists for Chief Magic Official
* Disney Parks Offers Dream-Come-True Quinceañeras In Grand Style To 15 Lucky Girls
* Jungala opens at Busch Gardens Africa
* This week's coupon - save at this Orlando restaurant offering "New World Cuisine"
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NEW THIS WEEK
WALT DISNEY WORLD
It's back! Disney Vacation Package with FREE Dining for late summer, 2008! Save $38 per adult per day and $10 per child 3-9 per day!
Disney PhotoPass Special! Receive 10 FREE 4x6 prints!
New Disney sweepstakes! Win a Disney vacation or cruise!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Enjoy a Vacation Package with FREE Dining at this popular Orlando theme park resort! Valid August - October, 2008.
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Below are just some of the deals drawn from over 50 pages of current specials posted at our password-protected members-only site:
WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Several ways to win a Walt Disney World/Florida vacation!
>> Discount codes for special rates at the deluxe Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for Memorial Day, Mother's Day, late Summer, Labor Day and Thanksgiving!
>> Save up to 40% on a 2008 vacation with this promotion if you're at Walt Disney World right now!
>> FREE Customized Park Maps for Walt Disney World!
>> Deals for the military, teachers, government workers, nurses, Florida residents!
>> Receive a 5th Day FREE when you purchase a Walt Disney World 4-Day Magic Your Way Base or Hopper ticket with 14 day Expiration!
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
>> Book your Tee Times at this site where rates start at $69
>> All you can eat at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure for less than $20
>> Discounts available on tickets to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens!
>> Florida Residents save up to $80.00 at this Florida park!
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
>> Three nights from $499!
>> Onboard credits!
>> Discounts for Florida residents and the military - rates too low to publish!
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
>> Kids fly FREE!
>> Save up to $40.00 per ticket to Disneyland California!
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DISNEYLAND PARIS
>> Discover the secret to getting FREE admission!
>> Kids under 7 stay and play FREE!
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VEGAS
>> Specials at the Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Mirage, Treasure Island and Venetian. Low rates - sometimes as low as $79 per night - dining discounts, show tickets, FREE room upgrades, FREE spa admission, and FREE play money are not uncommon.
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If you are not a member, you can join our Disney family here. Members can use the following URLs to log in:
Lifetime Deluxe Member
Lifetime Basic Member
Deluxe Member
Basic Member
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day in Disney History
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New restaurant to debut at Downtown Disney
"The 5,000-square-foot, two-story facility will have a tequila bar and outdoor seating along Village Lake." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 04/09/08)
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"The trade magazine for full-service restaurants and bars said the company's usual attention to themed detail and operational efficiency has made the resort the nation's 'Best Chain Overall Beverage Program.'" (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/08/08)
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Disney has designed a new wedding gown inspired by the movie "Enchanted." (Source: telegraph.co.uk, 04/04/08)
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Walt Disney World Monthly Calendar.
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Busch Gardens opens Jungala
"The Tampa theme park known for both its roller coasters and African animal exhibits is opening Jungala this weekend, offering a couple of new, small rides and focusing attention on new, close-encounter showcases for its Bengal tigers, orangutans and a handful of other animals." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/04/08)
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Click here for photos of the construction of The Simpson Ride at Universal Studios.
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"SeaWorld Orlando is preparing to build a roller coaster billed as the theme park's most ambitious and expensive attraction yet. It will be part thrill ride and part animal attraction, a theme that visitors will experience from the time they take their place in line until the time they leave the post-ride area." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/03/08)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland Resort Calendar
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DISNEY CRUISE LINE
A Review of Toy Story the Musical: "Disney Cruise Line, not a company to ignore its showman roots, has just become the first to write, design and mount an honest-to-goodness Broadway-style show for its Wonder ship." (Source: nypost.com, 04/01/08)
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NOTE: Links to newspaper articles change quickly and without notice. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the newspaper's archives for the story. Certain newspapers require a free registration to view their articles online. If web addresses are broken into more than one line, copy and paste all lines.
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Carole writes:
"Hi, John,
Just returned from Disneyland Paris (will write more when jet lag is over!) but quickly wanted to update you that Tower of Terror was open when we were there, March 14-17. Actually, we were stunned how long the fastpass lines were, people were queuing up long before their fastpasses came time, and were pretty hostile about moving to make way if yours came up before theirs--now I know why!
Like I said, I'll write a bit of a review when I can. We had a fabulous time....it was quite a unique experience."
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Disney Season: Summer 2008 -- Joyful Toyful Summer Awaits Walt Disney World Guests
Disney's 'Year of a Million Dreams' Continues with Launch of Toy Story Mania!
Walt Disney World Resort unwraps a toy chest full of fun for summer 2008 with a new toy-themed street extravaganza plus a breakthrough attraction putting guests in a joyous, midway-themed romp among the characters of the "Toy Story" films.
With a series of special events also sprinkled throughout the period from May through August -- plus the continuation of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" -- it adds up to an unforgettable summer at the Florida Vacation Kingdom.
Toy Story Mania! Ride-Game Sensation Bows at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Guests don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite Toy Story characters in Toy Story Mania! making its debut as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" in late May at Disney's Hollywood Studios (renamed in January from Disney-MGM Studios).
Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high-energy, immersive adventure that puts guests right in the action as their game play triggers fun surprises that provide a fourth dimension of fun.
Past a welcoming and wisecracking Mr. Potato Head, guests put on 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy and board Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles, entering the world of "Toy Story" characters. As vehicles move among Toy Story Mania! game booths -- high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill -- guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side, scoring points in a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.
As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual objects" they've launched leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.
The Toy Story Mania! games -- five of them, plus an introductory practice round -- are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to experienced gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities -- from launching virtual plastic eggs in the "Hamm & Eggs" booth, hosted by Hamm, to breaking plates with virtual baseballs in the "Green Army Men Shoot Camp."
A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their spring-action shooters as rapidly as possible at one last super-target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified and they can see how they've done compared to the high scores.
Disneyland Resort also welcomes Toy Story Mania! when the attraction debuts in late June at Disney's California Adventure.
Guests Join Disney-Pixar Characters in Wild "Block Party Bash"
Disney's Hollywood Studios fun is nonstop with "Block Party Bash," a new traveling show featuring favorite Disney-Pixar characters, performing daily. The high-energy extravaganza cranks up the music and excitement to the max, putting guests in the middle of the wildest Disney spectacle ever -- a musical block party that doubles as a fun-filled interactive street spectacular, enticing guests to dance, play and party. The "block party" transforms into major choreographed sections starring characters including Woody and Buzz from "Toy Story," Mike and Sully from "Monsters, Inc." and Flik and Atta from "A Bug's Life."
Interactive Fun: Curtain Up on "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!"
Stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Handy Manny," "Little Einsteins" and more entertain Walt Disney World guests with animated graphics, music and songs in a new interactive, fun stage show, "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. An onstage host leads the audience in a variety of dance and sing-along activities, encouraging little ones to join in the fun. The stars of the entertaining new show are characters from the Disney Channel's hit Playhouse Disney programming block geared to preschoolers. "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" is performed several times daily.
Disney Diners Catch The Wave
This summer, The Wave debuts at Disney's Contemporary Resort, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the first floor with a "superlounge," the upscale restaurant will offer "bold American cooking with flavors from all over the world." The seasonal menu will feature local and regional products when possible, organic beers and trendy cocktails such as the "antioxidant cosmo" with açai juice. The innovative wine list has a quirky claim to fame -- all screw caps, no corks. Cutting-edge wines from around the globe will be showcased.
Disney Indoor Sports Events Double with Opening of Jostens Center
The all-new Jostens Center represents the latest expansion project at the 220-acre Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport fieldhouse will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate basketball, volleyball, wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading and dance, team handball, roller hockey and more, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. With the opening of the new facility in summer 2008, Disney has the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.
Dive Into a Thrilling Disney Splash...On Your Cell Phone
It's sum-sum-summertime and Disney's world-famous water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, are the splash-tastic choice. Thanks to an all-new Disney WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) site, adults and their kids can immerse themselves in Disney water parks magic before, during and after they actually visit the parks -- and all it takes is their cell phones. Thanks to a new Web site customized for the mobile phone, users can download any of four exclusive wallpapers from artist Jesse LeDoux, get insider tips and take an interactive personality quiz and more. One feature stars actor-singer Corbin Bleu. He had such water parks fun he was happy to express his glee to his legions of fans through their cell phones.
How to get the fun rolling? Guests have three options:
# In their Disney Resort hotel room, guests can view a video and text H20 to SPLASH (775274). Then their cell phone rings with a message from Corbin Bleu plus a link to the WAP.
# Before arriving, a guest can text H2O to SPLASH on their cell and get a call from Corbin.
# Guests familiar with texting on their cell phones can send a picture of their favorite attraction at the water parks to disney@splash.com to receive a special mobile wallpaper.
Guests can access a number of interactive features including tips to "surf" Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or "ski" at Disney's Blizzard Beach water parks. Other great tips for park-goers can be downloaded onto guests' cell phones, and more features are on the way.
Popular Events Add Extra Fun to May-August Period
# Flower-lovers can enjoy the blooms and fun of the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival daily through June 1, with Flower Power music filling evenings at the end of days that feature horticultural exhibits, seminars and demonstrations. The festival is included with Epcot admission.
# Magic Kingdom's newest after-hours special event, Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party, offers fun after the sun on seven evenings in May and early June. Centerpiece of the event is the "Enchanted Adventures Parade" starring a 39-foot pirate ship with swinging and sword-fighting mates. The night's finale is the dazzling "Magic, Music and Mayhem" fireworks spectacular orchestrated to an original musical score. Information and tickets are available by calling 407/WDW-AHOY or by visiting online at disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess.
# Guests can immerse themselves in the power of the Force during Star Wars Weekends, a family-friendly fan-fest scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays June 6-June 29 at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. With the park's famous Star Tours thrill attraction serving as the centerpiece, the annual event features Star Wars celebrities on hand for autographs, photos, Q&A sessions and Hollywood-style motorcades. The special fun is included with regular admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests can access more information by visiting disneyworld.com/starwars or www.starwars.com.
# What could be more summery than groovin' under the stars to classic hits? At America Gardens Theatre, Epcot again presents "Sounds Like Summer" featuring a lineup of rockin' bands covering timeless tunes from Elton John, The Eagles, The Supremes, Bon Jovi, U2, the Bee Gees and many more. Tribute bands begin performances June 9, with shows nightly through Aug. 10. Concerts are included in Epcot admission.
# Skies above Walt Disney World Resort will be painted in "patriotic" as the Florida Vacation Kingdom presents special Fourth of July fireworks. Among planned spectacles, Magic Kingdom hosts special "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks at 9 p.m. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, a patriotic July 4 salute includes 9 p.m. fireworks.
# The NBA Pre-Draft, featuring many of the top pro basketball prospects, takes place May 27-30 inside The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. NBA coaches, general managers and league officials, including marquee names such as Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing and Isaiah Thomas, are expected to attend. Draft prospects (last year's group included Joakim Noah, Kevin Durant and Greg Oden) will work out and compete in games.
# The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back for their seventh training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex from late July to mid-August. Tampa Bay's daily practices are free and open to the public, with the schedule often incorporating two-a-day sessions in the morning and afternoon. Featuring one of the league's most animated head coaches, the Jon Gruden-led Bucs seek to build on their winning ways from 2007 with a collection of established stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia, linebacker Derrick Brooks and cornerback Ronde Barber. A fertile breeding ground for success, the Buccaneers have produced three division titles and one Super Bowl championship since first arriving at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2002.
# Several AAU National Championships, including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, baseball and track & field, return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex from June to August. Boys and girls of various age groups from around the nation will compete for national crowns in one of the most prestigious national youth sports competitions in the country. Current athletic stars such as Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and USC basketball player O.J. Mayo are among those who've competed previously in AAU National Championships at Disney.
"The Year of a Million Dreams" Marks Its Second Disney Summer
Disney Parks is encoring its 2007 "Year of a Million Dreams" in 2008 with more dreams, even bigger dreams, more dreams money can't buy, dreams only Disney can make come true. It's another "dreamy" summer with over-the-top experiences for the 2008 Disney Dreams Giveaway being awarded to eligible lucky guests in the right place at the right time (plus mail-in participants). Included is the chance for guests to stay inside Disneyland Park; a private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay; a New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort; a star-studded trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere; and a flight of fancy in a hot air balloon above a Disney theme park. Also among awards: hundreds of thousands of dreams in all shapes and sizes, including Dream FASTPASS badges, gourmet dining packages, special viewing for parades, Disney shopping sprees, or special Dream Mouse Ears or pin and lanyard sets. It all adds up to more than one million more dreams awarded in 2008.
For additional Walt Disney World information and reservations, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY, go online to disneyworld.com or visit a local travel agent. (Source: Press Release, 04/03/04)
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Walt Disney World Menus Evolving With Healthful Choices
"Do you want apple slices or fries with that cheeseburger?"
It's all about healthful choices as Walt Disney World quick-service and fast-casual restaurants refine their menus. French fries aren't going away, but menus are being revised with well-balanced options -- at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée at all table service restaurants, and side options to include salads and fresh fruit.
In October 2006, Disney's Parks & Resorts changed its standard kids meals to feature healthy side dishes and beverages, and the overwhelming majority of guests opt for healthy options, said Ed Wronski, director of Product Development for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage.
Today a kid's meal automatically comes with fruit or vegetables on the side and juice, water or low-fat milk to drink. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost.
Guest research showed that more than three-quarters of parents selected fruit or vegetable side options when they were offered first -- rather than French fries. Recognizing that visits to Disney parks are vacations, parents can still request more indulgent meals and snacks from a wide variety of food offerings.
The number of fresh fruit carts at the parks is steadily increasing while other nutritious snacks like nuts and trail mix are also more readily available.
"The new healthful menus expand the options for our guests," said Wronski. "The reaction, both from the chefs and the guests, has been very, very positive."
Constantly looking for ways to improve the nutritional profiles and tastes of popular entrées, Disney changed to a guest-tested hamburger with fat content less than 20 percent and buns with 10 percent whole wheat. Quick-service pizzas now have whole-grain crusts and lower-fat cheese.
Even desserts get a makeover: anywhere they are served, guests will find options such as reduced fat, low sugar and fresh fruit.
Disney is working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for candy, packaged food and bakery items sold in the parks, or identifying replacement products as the company continues to phase out added trans-fats. Portion-controlled snacks and treats and packaging to promote nutritious food are part of the changes.
Catering to Dietary Needs
Walt Disney World Resort gets more than 7,000 requests a month from guests with special dietary needs. Most requested are meals free of gluten, eggs and dairy, and peanuts and tree nuts.
With a call three days in advance, Walt Disney World full-service restaurants can accommodate special dietary needs such as allergies to gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs.
"We have a team of passionate chefs who get together and discuss guest needs and trends," said Wronski. "They love the challenge."
Lifestyle diets -- sugar free, low fat, low sodium, vegetarian or vegan -- are easily accommodated. When guests call 407/WDW-DINE, they can make the request and then talk with their server or the manager when they arrive at the restaurants.
Kosher meals are available at most full-service restaurants and need to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE. Meals are Glatt Kosher, prepared in Miami and flown to Walt Disney World Resort.
If you don't order in advance, kosher meals are always available at the following quick-service locations: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom, World Premiere Food Court at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Intermission Food Court at Disney's All-Star Music Resort, End Zone Food Court at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Everything Pop Shopping and Dining at Disney's Pop Century Resort, ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Pizzafari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Source: Press Release, 04/04/08)
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CMO Election Heats Up
Disney Parks Announces Top Three Finalists for Chief Magic Official
After three captivating weeks of online voting for Disney Parks’ Top 10 Chief Magic Official (CMO) candidates, Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com today announced the top three CMO finalists: David Hawley of Roseville, Calif., Justin Vance Muchoney from Seven Fields, Pa. and Tripp West from Powder Springs, Ga. The CMO search generated more than 1,300 entries and nearly 500,000 online votes.
After launching creative campaigns to drive the most votes, David, Justin and Tripp will have 10 days to mentally and physically prepare themselves for a two-day competition at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. The events will begin Thursday, April 17, and end Friday, April 18. The winner will be crowned CMO on Tuesday, April 22, in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
During Disney’s "Year of a Million Dreams," the first-ever CMO will travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts and help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events and work their wizardry behind the scenes with the Walt Disney Imagineers.
"Each finalist should be proud of making it this far - the top three candidates out of 1,300 entries," said Craig Dezern, vice president, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. "We are excited to see who will lead the Park challenge, earn the most votes and ultimately be named the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official during ‘Year of a Million Dreams.’"
Tests of Creativity, Enthusiasm and Park Smarts
All three finalists will face a series of unique tests designed to challenge their CMO abilities - do they have what it takes to make magical moments and help "dreams come true" for guests?
From stroller derbies and professional towel-folding to face-painting, online voters will decide who gets to be the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Park guests will also be able to cheer on their favorite finalist.
Stroller Derby Expert
Donald Duck has sabotaged the orderly strollers in Magic Kingdom and left a mess for the finalists to fix - the candidate who can put five strollers back in order, with the right bags and accessories in the shortest amount of time, leads this challenge.
Throwing in the Towel
Each finalist will receive training from the towel-folding experts at Disney resort hotels. In the final round, contestants must recreate a randomly assigned towel animal within the specified time frame "will someone "throw in the towel?"
Let’s Make Some Noise!
Stationed along Main Street U.S.A., finalists will select some of Disney’s professional noise-making equipment. Using enthusiasm and creativity with the tools given, it’s up to the finalists to generate the loudest crowd.
So You Think You Know the Parks?
In the fourth challenge, contestants are stationed at the Tip Board at Epcot and will be tested on how well they greet guests, whether they offer helpful service, good tips and accurate information. At some point, certain guests will try to complicate the process - will the finalists crack under pressure?
Make a Face
For the final competition, finalists will be shuttled over to Disney's Animal Kingdom where they will receive a crash course in face-painting. They will have to create a design on one of their family members or friends.
"Job seekers everywhere can be inspired by the creativity, energy and enthusiasm these CMO finalists have used to promote their candidacies," said Richard Castellini, vice president of Consumer Marketing of CareerBuilder.com. "The finalists will get to experience a job interview like no other. We are excited to help Disney Parks and America find the right candidate for this one-of-a-kind position."
Don’t Forget to Vote!
Starting April 17, the in-Park competition videos highlighting each of the three finalists participating in the events will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com for a final round of online voting. The ballots will remain open through April 21 (11:59 p.m. ET), and the top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.
CMO Search
After receiving more than 1,300 videos, each CMO entry was reviewed and judged by a group of Disney and CareerBuilder.com representatives. The top 10 semi-finalists were announced March 3 and online voting nationwide lasted three weeks. Ballots for top 10 voting closed at 11:59 p.m. ET March 22.
For additional information about the CMO search, please visit www.DreamCMO.com. (Source: Press Release, 04/07/08)
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Disney's California Adventure
A Celebration Fit For A Princess - Disney Parks Offers Dream-Come-True Quinceañeras In Grand Style To 15 Lucky Girls
Pixie-dusted dreams will come true April 24 for 15 young ladies from across the United States and Puerto Rico when they celebrate their Quinceañeras with an enchanted experience in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in Southern California. Royal and resplendent, these lucky girls will mark this cultural milestone in true Disney Princess fashion as part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration.
A tradition in the Latin community, a Quinceañera is a young woman's celebration of her 15th birthday, which marks the transition from a child to a young woman. It is commemorated in a way that distinguishes it from her other birthdays.
The royal evening ceremony at Disneyland Resort will be filled with opulence, pageantry and tradition. It begins with a dream-come-true moment for any teenage girl - a celebrity escort along a red carpet that leads to the famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. In the forecourt, she will be greeted by Disney characters and prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Pretty as a princess in her ball gown, each young lady will share a special waltz with her father, step from her flat shoes into Cinderella-like glass slippers and receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her mother.
But while the official Quinceañera ceremony may have concluded, the celebration will have just begun for the young ladies, their families and special guests.
Following the Castle Forecourt ceremony, each celebrated young lady will be accompanied by her special guests to a private dinner party in Fantasyland Theater. The unforgettable fete will include the traditional Quinceañera cutting of the cake and doll ceremony, two aspects of the event that also mark the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Even then, the celebration doesn’t stop! The bright lights will keep shining on these lucky young ladies, as their magical Disneyland Quinceañera is scheduled to be featured in a one-hour television special on Univision network’s "El Show de Cristina."
To make these dreams come true, Disney Parks launched a national search for prospective princesses in conjunction with selected Univision news affiliates, Coca-Cola, David’s Bridal and The Cristina Show ("El Show de Cristina"). Together, they found these 15 special girls to celebrate their magical Quinceañeras at Disneyland Resort.
All eligible princesses-to-be submitted essays explaining why they wanted to have their coming-of-age celebrations at "The Happiest Place on Earth." The deadline for submissions was March 24.
To ensure each Quinceañera girl is dressed as a true "belle of the ball," David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal retailer, will provide each of the 15 girls with a ball gown, tiara and shoes. Southwest Airlines will provide flights for each young lady and up to seven guests to attend the sparkling soiree. Hewlett Packard is donating laptop computers to provide support to each Quinceañera princess as she pursues her educational goals. Kodak is providing specially created Quinceañera-themed cameras so that each girl can capture her unique and thrilling memories.
Disney Parks, already a home to lavish ceremonies and magical milestone celebrations for guests visiting from around the globe every year, provides a castle-full of Quinceañera celebration options for young women and their families.
Quinceañera celebrations at Disneyland Resort Hotels or Walt Disney World Resort can be traditional, spiritual, large or intimate. Up to 500 guests can enjoy a Quinceañera at Disney Parks, with popular themes including fairy tale treasures like "Cinderella" and "Beauty & the Beast" celebration.
Other custom and lavish options include:
* Disney character appearances, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in formal or elegant charro attire
* Cinderella’s enchanted crystal coach, presented by a quartet of fanfare trumpeters
* An artful cake adorned with Disney princesses or characters
* A towering, 40-foot-wide castle facade creating a storybook setting for a formal dinner
* The Quinceañera girl’s name spelled in lights or illuminated balloons
* Intricate ice carvings
* Ornate floral arrangements and table centerpieces
For more information on Disney Parks’ Quinceañera product offerings, including vacation packages, guests may visit Disneyparks.com/quinceañera or Parquesdisney.com/quinceañera. (Source: Press Release, 04/04/08)
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Jump Into The Jungle At Busch Gardens Africa
New Jungala area features vibrant village, exotic animal habitats, rides and more in the park’s most ambitious family attraction ever
With a nearly 50-year history of caring for animals and the environment, Busch Gardens has created the park’s newest adventure - an exotic jungle where discovery and exploration invite guests to connect with the world around them.
On April 5, 2008, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opens Jungala - its newest and most ambitious park enhancement project to date. Set in the Congo area, the 4-acre attraction invites guests to discover exotic creatures, explore a colorful village hidden deep in the jungle and connect with the inhabitants of the lush landscape through up-close animal interactions, multi-story family play areas, rides and live entertainment.
At Jungala’s center, a vibrant village comes alive with the sights and sounds of this jungle paradise. Towering trees, cascading waterfalls and elaborate stone structures shape the landscape, transporting guests to a mythical place where the inhabitants - both human and animal - live in complete harmony with nature.
From atop the tallest trees or beneath the jungle floor, guests are completely immersed in the animals’ world. Multi-tiered habitats allow visitors to connect with two of the world’s most endangered species - Bengal tigers and orangutans. View orangutans as they maneuver overhead on O-lines, or watch them rest in rope hammocks through glass platforms in a specially designed treehouse.
Subterranean caves and underwater windows offer a clear view of tigers swimming in their temperature-controlled plunge pool, while a pop-up dome brings guests face to face with these magnificent predators. Acrobatic gibbons, flying foxes and unusual gharials also make this exotic rainforest home.
Two signature rides add to the excitement of Jungala: Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers ages 6 to 13 that offers three different flight patterns above the tree tops. Wild Surge launches 14 passengers out of a mountain crater above a towering waterfall for a thrilling view of the village below. Tree Tops Trails is 3-story climbing area featuring nets, bridges and crawl tubes, allowing families to explore the different layers of jungle life.
In the village, larger-than-life stiltwalkers highlight the beauty and grace of the colorful jungle flora and fauna with elaborate costumes representing birds, frogs and even the trees themselves. Zoo Educators introduce guests to jungle creatures such as lemurs, coatimundi and toucans, and children are invited to participate in impromptu games and musical play throughout the day.
Jungala also offers two new dining options for Busch Gardens guests. The Bengal Bistro, a newly remodeled version of the popular Vivi Restaurant, and the all-new Orang Café offer seasonal entrées, salads and sandwiches, premium snacks and expanded childrens’ menus for hungry explorers of all ages.
For more information on Busch Gardens Africa, call 1-888-800-5447. (Source: Press Release, 04/03/08)
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Phone: 407-393-4333
Fax: 407-393-4336
"'New World Cuisine' reflects the cultural diversity of South Florida. Van Aken is considered the 'visionary who founded and championed a cooking style that fuses Latin, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine.'"
Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with this coupon.
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