NEWS FROM AROUND THE "WORLD"
WALT DISNEY WORLD
This Day
in Disney History
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Click here for
a review of breakfast at Boatwright's Dining Hall at Disney's Port Orleans
Riverside Resort.
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"'Fuel for Thought' is a new exhibit at Epcot sponsored by GM. The exhibit
features "fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles and ethanol-powered cars
and trucks." The exhibit is located outside the exit from Test Track. (Source:
Orlando
Sentinel, 01/10/07)
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Walt
Disney World Monthly Calendar
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OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY
WORLD
"Theme-park operator Six Flags Inc., which has been struggling with
falling attendance and a large debt load, said Thursday it will sell seven
of its 30 North American parks for $312 million... The seven parks include
Six Flags Darien Lake near Buffalo, N.Y.; Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver;
both Frontier City and the White Water Bay water park in Oklahoma City;
SplashTown in Houston; Waterworld USA in Concord, Calif.; and Wild Waves
and Enchanted Village in Seattle." (Source:
nypost.com,
01/11/07)
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DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Disneyland
Resort Calendar
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BRANSON MISSOURI
Click
here to see what's happening in 2007.
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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.
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New Itineraries and Pixie-Dusted Enhancements Await Disney Cruise Line
Guests in 2007
CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With the elegant style of classic ocean liners and upgraded
amenities worthy of a palace, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are setting
sail in style during 2007. The Disney Magic will for the first time call
on ports in Spain, Italy and France throughout the summer. The Disney Wonder
was recently refurbished to include a spa makeover, jumbo poolside LED screen
and a new toddler splash-zone for non-potty trained children.
Itineraries -- Throughout the entire year, Disney Wonder offers fun and
excitement as it voyages to the popular port of Nassau, the Bahamian capital
teeming with tropical and historic sights. Guests then sail on to Castaway
Cay, where the livin' is easy and the fun is non-stop. A tropical paradise
fringed with palms and framed by sparkling seas, the island offers special
amenities for kids, teens and adults.
Disney Magic voyages promise plenty of adventure in 2007. The tropics envelop
guests who embark on Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings to white-sand
beaches and colorful island towns and villages. Beginning May 26 and continuing
through August, Disney Magic ventures "across the pond" for 10- and- 11-night
itineraries that include Barcelona, Spain; Palermo, Sicily; Naples, Italy;
Olbia, Sardinia; Rome; Florence, Italy; and Marseille, France.
Entertainment -- Princesses and other popular Disney characters rule the
stage while pirates take over the deck to keep guests entertained nightly
aboard Disney Cruise Line. An accomplished cast, elaborate costumes, lavish
sets, surprising special effects and classic Disney tunes as well as original
compositions enrich the shows shown in the 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre,
which include:
* "The Golden Mickeys," a salute to Walt Disney and his legacy of animation
magic with theatrical song and dance, animated film, video and some of the
most technologically advanced special effects at sea.
* "Disney Dreams," a bedtime story featuring Peter Pan, Belle and the Beast,
Aladdin, Cinderella, Ariel and many other popular Disney characters who help
a young girl realize the power of her dreams.
* "Hercules -- The Muse-ical," a musical comedy in which the title hero teams
up with a motley villain, a Greek goddess, two wacky sidekicks and, of course,
the muses to deliver romance, laughs and sensational songs from the Disney
animated hit film, "Hercules." (Disney Wonder only)
* "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story," which begins
where the original ended and features Cinderella, Prince Charming and other
favorites from the classic fairy tale, plus a zany new character. (Disney
Magic only)
During each cruise, guests also can join in the fun of the "Pirates IN the
Caribbean" dinner and deck party, an evening of adventure beginning with
a feast fit for a pirate and continuing with a duel between Captain Hook
and Captain Mickey. Guests don bandanas, stunt performers rappel from atop
the ship's funnel and the night sky illuminates in a blaze of fireworks.
First-run films and classic Disney features play daily in the state-of-the-art
Buena Vista Theatre. And now guests can chill out on lounge chairs and enjoy
movies and major sporting events on a jumbo LED screen located poolside on
Deck 9.
Dining -- The novel dining experience aboard Disney Cruise Line rotates guests
through three imaginatively themed restaurants during the cruise -- the casually
elegant Lumiere's (Disney Magic) or Triton's (Disney Wonder), the whimsical,
island-inspired Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate, where Disney animation
paints the evening with living color. For adults, Palo offers an elegant
dining alternative with sweeping ocean views and northern Italian cuisine.
On longer cruises, champagne brunch and afternoon high tea draw adults back
to Palo during the day, and the entire family can enjoy the Disney character
breakfast or tea with Wendy. The casual Topsider Buffet (Disney Magic) or
Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder) serves up a bounty of great tastes for
a laid-back breakfast or lunch.
Youth Activities -- Peter Pan might never grow up given the choices of activities
in the Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7), Oceaneer Lab (8-12) and The Stack or Aloft
(teens only). In fact, Oceaneer Club is themed to Peter Pan's Neverland and
Captain Hook's pirate ship, offering a storybook escape where kids can scramble
around a rope bridge and slide, watch movies and participate in activities
that sometimes include Disney's popular cast of characters. Activities are
broken down further by specific age groups -- children ages 3 and 4 can dance
with Snow White, engage in craft activities or join Sebastian's Musical Sea
Search; kids 5-7 can dig into some funny science by creating a sticky-green
goo like Flubber or learn how to draw Mickey Mouse in an animation workshop.
Oceaneer Lab offers older kids a chance to check themselves in and out of
activities at parents' discretion. This virtual world of fun includes a video
wall with wireless controllers, flat-screen computers with "family-rated"
software, plus loads of other age-related toys and activities. Fun stuff
for kids 8-9 includes building your own volcano, baking cookies and producing
wacky radio commercials with sound effects. Ten- to 12-year-olds can participate
in a trivia game show, search for clues in a Mystery Challenge and join friends
at a nighttime pool party.
At The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder), teens have their own
dance floor, Internet café and lounge with big-screen plasma TVs --
even the counselors are cool. Teens who want to get involved can join in
poolside games, learn the latest hip-hop dance moves and tap into some karaoke
to find their inner rock star.
And the brand-new Ocean Quest hangout, found only on the Disney Magic, offers
a fourth onboard location just for youth activities. The nautical-themed
space is filled with computer and video games and arts and crafts activities.
Plasma screens show movies, and a simulator game, complete with kid-size
replica of the ship's bridge and LCD screen "windows" with views from the
actual bridge, lets kids steer the Disney Magic in and out of ports around
the world.
The youngest sailors (12 weeks to 3 years old) get special care at Flounder's
Reef Nursery so that parents get some down time to explore the ship on their
own.
Adult Activities -- First-rate pampering is in store for guests who seize
the opportunity to enjoy the newly expanded Vista Spa and Salon complete
with indoor spa treatment suites attached to breezy, private outdoor verandas.
The 10,700-square-foot Vista Spa includes a spacious fitness area -- recently
doubled in size -- with cardio and weight-training equipment, spinning classes,
and even private salons designed for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty
and fitness consultations.
Nighttime is for burning up the dance floor at WaveBands (Disney Wonder)
or Rockin' Bar D (Disney Magic). And there's room for romance at the Cadillac
Lounge (Disney Wonder) or Sessions (Disney Magic), where live piano music
pairs perfectly with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Game devotees can play board
games or watch sporting events at Diversions, a classy sports pub with every
amenity.
Enrichment programs for adults include a wine tasting and a behind-the-scenes
peek at onboard entertainment. The Quiet Cove Pool with adjoining whirlpool
spas is a haven for adults, and on the private island Castaway Cay, Serenity
Bay is just for adults with a private beach, open-air bar, couples' hammocks
and private massage cabanas. (Source: Disney Cruise Line Press release)
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Cyndi writes: "Just wanted to say 'thanks'
for the link to best deals on Downtown Disney... I've looked on every website
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on other things."
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
BLUE MAN GROUP SEEKS BLUE MEN & BAND MEMBERS FOR NEW UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
RESORT SHOW - OPENING SUMMER 2007 -
New York, NY - Blue Man Group, the wildly popular entertainment phenomenon,
will be opening its newest production at Universal Orlando Resort in June
2007, and the casting department is launching a search in Florida to discover
potential Blue Men. All open casting calls will take place at Universal CityWalk,
with the open casting call for potential Blue Men on Wednesday, January 24
from 11am-4pm, and the open calls for local musicians on Thursday, January
25 from 11am-4pm.
Previous Florida casting calls have proven very successful for Blue Man,
with Scott Kinworthy and Anthony Parulli having been chosen as Blue Men.
Blue Man Anthony Parulli, a Tampa native, currently performing in the Blue
Man Las Vegas show but relocating next spring to his home state of Florida
for the upcoming production, will be in attendance at the open casting call
and available for interviews.
As part of a national search for performers with the unique combination of
qualities to be a Blue Man, the Orlando open casting call is the first in
a series to complete the cast of the new Blue Man production at Universal
Orlando Resort, as well as make additions to existing casts in New York,
Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, London, Berlin and Amsterdam. Blue Man Group
Orlando will permanently occupy a newly created live performance venue accessible
from both Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios and will add an entirely
new dimension in live entertainment for Universal Orlando theme park guests
and Florida residents.
The critically acclaimed Blue Man Group creates experiences that defy
categorization. Known for multimedia performances featuring three bald and
blue characters who take the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent
and visually stunning, Blue Man Group is accompanied by a live band whose
haunting tribal rhythms drive the show to its unforgettable climax. Florida
residents will get a taste of Blue Man Group when they travel through the
state in February 2007 with their "How to Be a Megastar Tour 2.0." Completely
unique from the Blue Man theatrical show, this one night only, not-to-be-missed
rock concert will visit 6 Florida markets.
Do you have what it takes to be a Blue Man? Blue Man is an egoless, genderless
being. Male and female performers are encouraged to audition. All necessary
equipment will be provided. The basic criteria for Blue Man performers are:
· Height between 5’10" and 6’1" tall (athletic build)
· Solid drumming skills
· Excellent acting skills
· Willingness to relocate
How to be a Blue Man Musician? Blue Man Group is seeking guitarists, bassists,
and drummers. Multi-instruments are a plus. For information about ongoing
Blue Man Group casting efforts, performers may visit bluemancasting.com and
blueman.com.
Blue Man Group Orlando Open Casting Calls at Universal CityWalk
Blue Man Performer Open Casting Call
Wednesday, January 24 - 11-4pm
Blue Man Musician Open Casting Call
Thursday, January 25 - 11-4pm
(Source: Press Release, 01/12/07)
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Disney Changes Trip Insurance Policy
Disney's travel insurance, Travel Guard, now covers airfare, booked through
Disney, a travel agent, or on your own. There is no charge for children 17
and under when all the adults buy the policy. Disney is applying the new
coverage to all existing reservations. Claims will be processed as usual.
For more information, call Travel Guard at 1-800-826-3899. Disney's trip
insurance is pricey: $59.95 per adult. See InsureMyTrip.com to do some comparison
shopping.
Are You Suffering Withdrawal From WDW?
You know ... that empty feeling you get when you arrive back home from your
vacation at WDW and realize it may be a while before you experience that
Disney magic again? We have had that feeling ourselves many times. Yet, we
always seem to feel better when we read about the experiences of others who
share their trip reports with us. It's almost like being there again.
We invite you, our readers, to send us some feedback about your experiences
during your latest vacation at WDW. Reports on Disney weddings, honeymoons,
cruises, and resort vacations on and off Disney property are all welcome.
Send your email to:
johngross@affordabledisney.com
. Thanks!
Beth, our travel agent, explains some confusing terms for travelers:
"I was just reading a Disney-themed newsletter and came across a comment
from another reader about the difference between connecting and adjoining
rooms. Assuming that most of you don't read as many Disney-themed newsletters
as I do, I thought it was worth repeating here.
'Connecting' rooms are side-by-side rooms with a door that opens in between.
'Adjoining' rooms are simply two rooms that share a common wall. They do
NOT have a connecting door. This terminology also applies to cruise ships,
not just hotels.
Another pair of terms that confuse some travelers are 'direct' and 'nonstop'
(with reference to air flights). Direct flights go from point A to point
B without requiring a change of planes; however, they land one or more times
before reaching point B. You can usually stay on the plane if you want to
(and during short layovers they request that you do), but other times they
may ask you to get off. Direct flights can be surprisingly lengthy given
that sometimes the intermediate stop is rather out of the way. Nonstop flights,
in contrast, go directly from point A to point B with no intermediate stops.
These flights are the fastest way to get to your destination, but they also
fill up the fastest and, as such, go up in price faster than direct and
connecting flights."
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Well, that's it for now. THE DISNEY NEWS is a free service provided by
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See You Real Soon!
John
http://www.affordabledisney.com
johngross@affordabledisney.com
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by others in The Disney News do not necessarily reflect the views of
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