"This years 4th of July show at the Magic Kingdom will be an all new presentation
with new music and new name. The title of the show will be 'Disney's Celebrate
America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.'" This has not been confirmed
by Disney.
(http://wdwmagic.com/magic.htm)
"A Clermont woman who was beaten by another park visitor at Walt Disney World
has sued the theme park, saying that its negligence caused her to
suffer permanent injuries."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-teacup0908may09,0,2834453.story)
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom has been extended
through June, 2008. Hours: 7 PM (after the park closes to the general public)
until midnight. $45.95 + tax for ages 10 and up; $39.95 + tax for ages 3-9.
Call WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers.
Fairytales Unfold and Rowdy Adventures Spring
to Life During Disney's Pirate and Princess Party in April
If you spot Mom strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. crowned with a sequined
tiara escorted by Dad donning pirate motif, it's no April Fools joke. It's
just the young-at-heart overflowing with the spirit of Disney's Pirate and
Princess Party which returns to the Magic Kingdom on April 1, for six additional
nights.
Regal merriment and swashbuckling fun welcome adventurers of all ages to
this after-hours event held on select nights in March and April from 7 p.m.
to midnight in Magic Kingdom. Young bucs and fairytale princesses venture
through the park on a quest for treasures while discovering specialty
entertainment, dance parties, themed princess courts and pirate coves along
the way. Plus, favorite attractions are open throughout the evening.
Two nightly spectacles -- "Enchanted Adventures Parade" and "Magic, Music,
and Mayhem" fireworks -- are sure to delight partygoers with original music
and colorful displays.
The Pirate and Princess party takes place March 1, 6, 11, 14 and April 1,
4, 6, 11, 23 and 29. Ticket prices are $45.95, plus tax, and $39.95, plus
tax for ages 3-9. Call 407/WDW-AHOY or visit
www.disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers. (Source: Press
Release, 02/08/08)
Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party Offers
Perfect Blend of Rowdy and Regal Merriment
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Enter a wonderland of enchanting princesses and
swashbuckling adventurers during Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returning
to Magic Kingdom for 13 magical nights beginning Jan. 21, 2008.
A treasure map leads feisty buccaneers and pretty princesses on a trek through
Magic Kingdom seeking chocolate treasures, colorful beads and encounters
with favorite Disney characters. Youngsters can explore themed pirate coves
and princess courts overflowing with special entertainment, dance parties,
plus favorite attractions are open throughout the evening's festivities.
Centerpiece of the after-hours event is the twice-nightly "Enchanted Adventures
Parade," a colorful cavalcade starring a 39-foot pirate ship with swinging
and sword-fighting mates. And perched high on the gold-filled treasure chest
is Tinker Bell herself guarding the goods from Captain Hook and the
larger-than-life crocodile -- Tick Tock -- that angrily snaps and slithers
along the route.
Disney maidens and princes, knights on horseback, regal dancers and the Jolly
Rogers flag corps make fairy tales come alive in the twice-nightly spectacle.
The night is capped with the dazzling "Magic, Music, and Mayhem" fireworks
spectacular orchestrated to an original musical score with memorable pirate
and princess melodies.
Disney's Pirate and Princes Party takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight on
Jan. 21, 26, 29, Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, 26 and March 1, 6, 11 and 14. Tickets
are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Call
WDW-AHOY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess for special offers. (Source:
Press Release)
Disney Parks "Dream" Up Star-Studded Spectacular
for 24th Annual Christmas Day Parade Holiday Special on ABC-TV Dec.
25
Stars scheduled to appear in Emmy Award-winning special include Jessica Simpson,
Miley Cyrus, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban, cast from "High School Musical 2,"
favorites from "Dancing with the Stars," The Jonas Bros., Menudo, Katharine
McPhee, Harlem Gospel Choir, and more!
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2007) -- This winter, cozy up and get ready
for the holidays -- Disney style -- as Disney Parks prepares to shine brighter
than ever when many of today's biggest stars gather on both coasts for the
24th annual "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade." On Dec. 25, hosts Regis
Philbin and Kelly Ripa once again will lead the Emmy Award-winning holiday
special from Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and Ryan
Seacrest will again host from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.
The special will air Dec. 25, 10 a.m. Eastern and 9 a.m. Central, Mountain
and Pacific times on ABC-TV, and will be broadcast in HD for the first time.
The "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade" is sure to sparkle as it glides
down Main Street U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom park in Florida and Disneyland
park in California to a brand-new musical score.
In addition to the celebrity performances and appearances, this year, viewers
will celebrate Christmas morning with "Enchanting" new Disney characters,
plundering pirates, some of Disney's favorite holiday traditions and
awe-inspiring floats -- all sprinkled with pixie dust.
Stars Shine on Christmas Morning
Stars from stage, screen and song will shine throughout the two-hour special,
with a Christmas morning entertainment lineup for the entire family. Featured
performances include (talent subject to change):
* Kicking off the special will be a blockbuster performance from the hit
show "Dancing With The Stars." Newly crowned champion Helio Castroneves,
Sabrina Bryan, Joey Fatone and Drew Lachey with their professional dance
partners Julianne Hough, Mark Ballas, Kym Johnson and Cheryl Burke will perform
an original holiday dance number choreographed by "Dancing With The Stars"
dancer Tony Dovolani and sung by Grammy Award-winning Latin singer Jon Secada.
* America's hottest entertainment sensation, Miley Cyrus, the multi-talented
performer and star of Disney Channel's popular series "Hannah Montana," will
sing the energetic, seasonal favorite "All I Want for Christmas is You."
* Stars from Disney Channel's blockbusters "High School Musical" and "High
School Musical 2" -- Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman and Ashley
Tisdale -- will give a holiday twist to one of the popular tunes from "High
School Musical 2." The group performs a customized version of the hit song
"What Time Is It?" and answers the song title's question with a new musical
answer, "It's Christmas Time!"
* Internationally renowned vocalist Josh Groban will perform the melodic
holiday classic "Silent Night" from his new Christmas CD, "Noel."
* Songstress and R&B legend Patti LaBelle, who recently released her
newest CD, "Miss Patti's Christmas," will perform "It's the Most Wonderful
Time of the Year."
* Multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jessica Simpson will bring the
curtain down on this year's special with a moving rendition of the Christmas
classic, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Joining Simpson will be the
world-famous, New York-based Harlem Gospel Choir that has performed for Nelson
Mandela and the late Pope John Paul II.
* One of the hottest musical trios performing today, sibling pop-rockers
the Jonas Brothers, sing one of their latest tunes, a seasonal pop-rock song
titled "Girl of My Dreams."
* Latin superstar sensation Menudo will debut their version of the holiday
favorite "This Christmas."
* "American Idol" sweetheart Katharine McPhee will perform a Disney
Princess-inspired number, singing a medley of some of Disney's classic tunes.
Power Rangers, Potato Heads & Princesses, Oh My! The Parade Rolls On
Disney's newest princess, lovely lady Giselle from the new Walt Disney Pictures
smash-hit film, "Enchanted," will make her first small-screen appearance
during the special as she takes center stage along with Disney's most treasured
characters including: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, Daisy
Duck, Goofy, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Ariel
and Jasmine. Disney's characters will be decked out in their holiday best
and joined by gingerbread men, snowmen, toy soldiers and reindeer throughout
the show.
Traveling down Main Street U.S.A. at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney
World Resort, the parade will introduce several new floats this year, including:
* The "Rat Pack" is back at Disneyland Resort, with a "Ratatouille" float
spicing up the day. The float, inspired by this summer's Disney-Pixar hit
animated film, features wanna-be chef Rémy and his Parisian pals.
* A "Toy Story" float featuring Disney-Pixar pals Woody, Buzz Lightyear,
Jesse and their 'toon pals having a joyful -- and toyful -- holiday celebration.
Some of the other highlighted parade floats featured during the bi-coastal
holiday celebration:
* A Christmas tree float with holiday hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
* Disney Parks' famous Toy Soldiers will march in the Toyland March.
* Disney-Pixar's "Cars" will be featured, with gear-jamming good times from
the film's car stars, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.
* Aladdin and Jasmine make their way in the procession on horseback.
* Popular stars from Playhouse Disney, "Monster's Inc." and the Power Rangers
make special holiday appearances.
* A Royal Candlelight Ball is featured, including Snow White, Prince Charming,
Sleeping Beauty, Prince Phillip, Mulan and Shang.
* The Seven Dwarfs trade in their usual diamond mine duties for a very special,
jeweled holiday tree float.
* Closing the parade portion of the program is the big guy himself, Santa
Claus, and his trusty reindeer.
See More in HD -- for the First Time!
Broadcast in HD and Surround Sound for the first time, the 24th annual "Walt
Disney World Christmas Day Parade" airs on ABC Christmas Day. The show will
also be broadcast in English and Spanish (SAP) (Source: Press Release)
"A 63-year old Pennsylvania grandmother is out of jail this morning
after deputies arrested her Sunday for trying to enter Walt Disney World's
Magic Kingdom with a loaded handgun, knife and scissors.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/orl-bk-gun12102007,0,2305207.
story?coll=orl_tab01_layout)
‘Magical Makeovers’ Reign at Bibbidi
Bobbidi Boutiques; Young Princesses (and Princes) Receive Royal Treatment
at Walt Disney World Resort
A new, second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique doubles the fairy tale fun
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Aspiring young princesses (and princes) can now
be treated to the full fairy tale treatment at two different locations during
their visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
Magic Kingdom guests can get a pixie-dusted makeover at the new Bibbidi Bobbidi
Boutique located inside Cinderella Castle, Downtown Disney Marketplace guests
meanwhile, can receive the royal treatment at the original Bibbidi Bobbidi
Boutique located inside the World of Disney's Princess Room.
When young princesses-to-be make their royal entrance at either Bibbidi Bobbidi
Boutique, they are greeted by their very own Fairy-Godmother-in-Training
who magically transforms them in the girl's choice of hairstyles -- the Disney
Diva, the Pop Princess or the Fairytale Princess.
Girls can choose from three different magical makeover packages:
* Coach Package: Includes hairstyle and shimmering makeup -- $35 plus tax.
* Crown Package: Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup and nails -- $45 plus
tax.
* Castle Package: Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup, nails, a princess
costume complete with crown, wand and shoes, as well as an imaging package
(one 6x8-inch photo and four 4x6-inch photos in a princess-themed photo holder)
-- starting at $180 plus tax. Girls receiving the Castle Package can choose
to be dressed as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine
or Tinker Bell.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also features a special treatment for young
princes. The "Cool Dude" makeover for boys includes a special hairstyle with
colored gels, confetti and a "Hidden Mickey," starting at $10 plus tax.
All children must be at least three years or older to receive the royal
treatments.
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily;
theme park admission is required. The Downtown Disney Marketplace salon is
open 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily. There is no admission or self-parking fee required
at Downtown Disney.
Advance reservations are recommended for both locations, and can be made
up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (407/939-7895). (Source:
Press Release)
Thousands of Twinkly Crystal Lights Create
Icy Cascade
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A dazzling new lighting spectacle is transforming
the iconic Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort into a glimmering,
shimmering ice palace at holiday time.
Bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights, the castle glows and glistens
as "Cinderella's Holiday Wish" delights Magic Kingdom guests nightly, starting
Nov. 12.
"We are thrilled to be adding this brilliant new castle spectacle to the
holiday festivities at Walt Disney World this season and for seasons to come,"
said Francois Leroux, vice president of Walt Disney World Entertainment.
"This glistening holiday enchantment creates perfect fairytale magic for
this festive time of year."
"For a park aglow in holiday magic, this becomes the new and eye-filling
superstar," added Disney Entertainment show producer Rob Hamberg who supervised
the weeks-long rigging of the turrets and towers for the light show. "Nothing
will rival 'Cinderella's Holiday Wish' for sheer visual spectacle."
And what a spectacle.
As if suddenly dusted in a million ice crystals, Cinderella Castle shines
like the galaxies, adding to the wintertime wonderment of the holidays at
Florida's Vacation Kingdom.
Fun Facts
To transform Cinderella's fairytale castle into a magical ice palace it took...
# Five weeks and 65 elves
# Two cranes
# 15 miles of cables, cut and dyed castle colors, supporting...
# 32,000 square feet of fishing nets, supporting...
# 200,000 energy-efficient LEDs, interspersed with...
# 500 strobes
# One Fairy Godmother working some very special magic...
"Show Before the Glow" Stars Disney Characters
To mirthful holiday music, Mickey, Minnie and the gang appear onstage, admiring
the festive lights illuminating Main Street, U.S.A. But what to do about
the darkened, unadorned castle?
As they bandy about ideas, the Fairy Godmother suddenly appears. It is Cinderella
who should rightfully decide, she insists.
Enter the princess herself, with her Prince Charming. All agree with Cinderella
that her castle should sparkle the way her beloved glass slippers do -- like
shimmering ice and snow.
With a wave of Fairy Godmother's wand -- and guests joining in to make the
wish come true -- Cinderella Castle magically morphs into a glorious wintry
confection, twinkling in the sky. "The castle suddenly shines like a glistening
blanket of ice," explained Disney show writer/director Alan Bruun. "Guests
won't believe their eyes at the spectacle as Cinderella's holiday wish comes
true."
Show times will be nightly at 5:45 p.m. Cinderella Castle aglow will also
play a supporting role in other Magic Kingdom entertainment such as live
stage shows, the nighttime fireworks extravaganza "Holiday Wishes," and the
after-hours Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a specially-ticketed event
featuring the new "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade."
Like a global necklace, dazzling castle lighting spectacles also adorn Disneyland
Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Resort. Disneyland Paris, now
marking its 15th anniversary, started the castle lighting tradition in 2005
when Leroux conceived the concept. (Source: Press Release)
"Those animatronic skeletons drinking wine and steering a ship may not be
the only dead ones inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. A suspicious
powder that may or may not have been cremated remains was spotted
in the water in the popular attraction,"
(http://www.ocregister.com/news/powder-disney-ashes-1922542-ride-security)
Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion: "Jim Hill begins a new series
that takes an in-depth look at this Magic Kingdom favorite which recently
underwent a three-month-long overhaul that significantly enhanced many of
the effects found in this Liberty Square attraction."
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/10/22/wdi-s-x-scream
-makeover-of-wdw-s-haunted-mansion-part-1.aspx)
For a video of Disney's current Halloween parade and fireworks show
at the Magic Kingdom see:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2007/10/boo-to-you.html
"If you've noticed extra vats of eyeliner being carried into Disney World's
Magic Kingdom lately, it's because Captain Jack Sparrow from Disney's
megapopular 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie series has been appearing daily
in Adventureland." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/25/07)
"Night of Joy, a Christian rock gathering, has been happening at Magic
Kingdom for 25 years now, but last night was my very first trip. The event
was sold out, and it was crowded near the stages but there was room to breathe
in the park, which leaves most of the attraction operating and a good deal
of the dining." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 09/08/07)
Disney has been refurbishing the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion since
June 6. It will reopen September 13 with more ghosts and improved audio visuals.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios will close September
4 for a month of maintenance. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/03/07)
New Boat Ride at Disney World: A 52-foot Sea Ray yacht now sails the
Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake near the Magic Kingdom. The Grand 1 sets sail
from the the Grand Floridian's marina. Morning, afternoon and evening excursions
are available. Accommodates up to 18 guests. Cost $450 + tax. Includes captain
and crew. Disney also offers dining and butler service at an extra charge.
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/30/07)
"One mother faces a felony trial and another the threat of lifelong
head and neck injuries after a run-in at Walt Disney World's Mad Tea Party
ride." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/19/07)
‘Preschool Palooza’ Featuring Dan Zanes,
Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites Returns During Little Ones Travel Time
Aug. 26-Oct. 28
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Beloved children's musician and Grammy Award winner
Dan Zanes and Friends will be part of the lineup that gets kids bopping and
singing when Playhouse Disney in Concert returns during Little Ones Travel
Time beginning in late August -- after the busy summer vacation season --
at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Doodlebops and Johnny and the Sprites are also part of the concert series
featuring a total of eight acts during Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct.
28, 2007. The concerts will be presented each Thursday through Sunday during
the expanded nine-week travel season.
Created for young families traveling to Disney with preschoolers and toddlers,
Little Ones Travel Time also offers targeted on-line planning tools and other
services.
During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour
early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their
youngsters to explore softer attractions such as "it's a small world," Mad
Tea Party, Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During
this bonus hour, wee ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with
Peter Pan, participate in other games and activities and even experience
classic Fantasyland attractions with characters.
Some new Magic Kingdom fun is coming in September with the opening of Bibbidi
Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella Castle. Little girls can step into their
favorite fairytale and become a princess with fancy hairstyles, glittery
makeup, sparkly nails and regal costume makeovers. Reservations for Bibbidi
Bobbidi Boutique can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE.
Playhouse Disney in Concert will showcase zany performances with entertainment
for the preschool set, presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands. Youngsters
can dance and sing along with Disney Channel favorites The Doodlebops; Johnny
and the Sprites, featuring Johnny Tartaglia; Imagination Movers; and Dan
Zanes and friends -- all scheduled to appear during the nine-week travel
time.
Performers scheduled to appear:
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 6-9 - The Doodlebops
Sept. 13-16 -Playhouse Disney Live on Tour
Sept. 20-23 - Imagination Movers
Sept. 27-30 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 4-7 - Choo Choo Soul
Oct. 11-14 - TBD
Oct. 18-21 - Johnny and the Sprites
Oct. 25-28 - Dan Zanes and friends
Performance times and venues will follow. For more information, contact
407/W-DISNEY. (Source: Press Release, 07/02/07)
"Two Orange County parents were arrested on child-abuse charges after
telling authorities they accidentally left their 3-year-old daughter in a
stroller while they rode Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/26/07)
The Haunted Mansion at Disney's Magic Kingdom is closed now through
mid-September! "Disney plans its first major overhaul of the popular Humor-driven
attraction this summer, including technology updates and a few new ghosts."
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/09/07)
Captain Jack Sparrow trains youngsters in the art of sword fighting
just outside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom at
Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Several times daily the
feisty pirate and mate Mack entertain Disney guests with a fun-filled pirate
tutorial. (Source: Press Release)
"A Lake County woman says she was attacked while waiting for the Mad Tea
Party ride at Disney World and Disney's delay in calling sheriff's deputies
could keep her alleged attacker from ever facing charges." (Source: cfnews13.com,
05/30/07)
"Three teens and two adults were arrested at Walt Disney World's Magic
Kingdom after deputies said they spat on guests, cursed and brawled with
an Orange County deputy, according to a report released Monday." (Source:
Orlando Sentinel, 05/22/07)
Beneath the Magic Kingdom: "Down, below the footsteps -- on the real
ground level -- is a mile-and-a-half long network of hallways and offices.
Only Disney workers, the 'cast members,' set foot in this secret world beneath
a world." (Source: firstcoastnews.com, 05/14/07)
"After running the dual-themed, after-hours events for 13 nights this past
winter, Disney is bringing 'Pirate and Princess Parties' back [to
the Magic Kingdom] for eight nights starting Aug. 11... The events, to run
from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights in August and September, feature
a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed parade, complete with a pirate ship, princess
courts, a pirate action cove, live entertainment and dance parties." Advance
purchase: children 3-9: $32.95; adults: $38.95. Gate price: $39.95 and $45.95
at the gate. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/07/07)
Smoking areas in the Magic Kingdom: "every time me and the kids go
up or down the path near the castle, we have to push our way through a cloud
of cigarette smoke coming from the designated smoking spot RIGHT ALONGSIDE
THE CASTLE." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel, 05/07/07)
"If you’re a parent of young kids, especially preschoolers, there’s
a part of the Magic Kingdom that you probably will want to check out even
though it doesn’t get all the attention like Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
It’s Tom Sawyer’s Island... [It's] a great place to let
the kids burn off a little energy while you slow down a bit, preferably in
the shade of the island’s tree canopy or as you aimlessly wander the
island’s many paved paths." (Source: blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 05/04/07)
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor comedy show is finally open at the Magic
Kingdom. Mike Wozowski, the one-eyed character from Disney's film Monsters
Inc, "and other animated comedians run through an 11-minute comedy routine,
mixing jokes and interactive technology to talk with and respond to the
audience." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/09/07)
Some guests turn down the opportunity to spend the night at Cinderella's
castle. "'Sometimes, believe it or not, which I can't understand, people
say, 'Nah, I'm leaving tomorrow or I don't want to move my stuff . . .'"
said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. 'We have had some guests
for whatever reason say that they couldn't do it, so we go to the next person.'"
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, 02/28/07)
First Canadian family selected to stay overnight
in Disney's Cinderella Castle
A Prince Albert, Saskatchewan family made history Tuesday night as the first
Canadian guests to win a night's stay inside Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
Park as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. The Day family gained
the key to the new Cinderella Castle Suite during "The Year of a Million
Dreams," a Disney spectacular celebrating the dreams of guests at Walt Disney
World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
Danielle Day and her family spent Tuesday night in the regal dwelling place
-- the world's most exclusive resort, with only one room available and no
reservations accepted -- through the Disney Dreams Giveaway, which awards
extra-special dreams through a totally random process. Now, nearly every
night for the remainder of 2007, other eligible lucky guests will win a similar
stay.
The Day family was honoured in a special ceremony, dined at Cinderella's
Royal Table restaurant, and bed down for the night amid the splendour of
Cinderella Castle Suite some four stories above the surrounding Magic Kingdom
-- a salon, bedchamber and bathroom off of a private marble-floored foyer,
all replete with rich details. The Suite was created from unused space within
the Magic Kingdom landmark once envisioned as in-park living quarters for
members of the Disney family.
Danielle and her family were on their first ever trip to WDW when they were
approached by the Disney Dream Squad and awarded their prize that was randomly
determined by the Disney Dreams Giveaway computer to award the Cinderella
Castle Suite.
"It was the first day of our first family trip to Disney. We were on the
first attraction and it was within the first hour that we were selected to
stay the night in the Cinderella Castle Suite! We were treated like royalty,"
explained Danielle Day. "We called our friends and family from the suite
that night and said, 'We are the only guests inside the Magic Kingdom! When
we wake up tomorrow we will already be inside the Magic Kingdom: nobody else
can say that except for us!'"
In case you were wondering...
"The average family going to the Magic Kingdom has 3.3 members, and 55 percent
of them have arrived by plane. It takes the average Magic Kingdom family
almost three years to save for the vacation, and more than 70 percent are
repeat visitors." (Source: mlive.com, 02/11/07)
Disney will pick someone every night through 2007 to spend the night in
Cinderella Castle. Disney says that it plans to continue its "magic
moments" giveaways indefinitely at Walt Disney World!
Sandy writes:
"Here's a question that doesn't have anything to do
with saving money, but I thought you might know the answer.....How are the
grand marshals for the Magic Kingdom parades chosen? We noticed that
they were always a different family. Any ideas?"
I recommend that all of you wear matching Disney shirts
that stand out. Disney hats or mouse ears with pins may help as well. Arrive
early and take your time milling around Main Street to get noticed. No
guarantees, but that might do the job.
Melissa writes:
"I have a question for you. My family and I went to
WDW for the first time last summer. We videotaped Cinderella's castle
and we walked through it a few times, but we did not know that you could
actually go inside. I know that Cinderella's Breakfast dining is there (which
we don't have any plans to attend because of the price); but I'm wondering
are there other things available to do there besides the dining?
Thanks!"
Anyone is welcome to enter the restaurant to just
look around. There is also a gift shop on the ground floor. On our last trip,
Donna and I entered the store and I joked that I came in looking for a $1,000
painting. A man next to me laughed and pointed to a picture on the wall next
to the door which was priced at $1,000!
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party - Select Nights
Event Immerses Guests in World of Pirates and Princesses
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Dreams of becoming a young buccaneer or pretty
princess can come true during the new Disney's Pirate & Princess Party,
a fun-filled after-hours event coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Resort.
Tickets are now on sale for 13 select nights from Jan. 22 through March 8,
2007.
With an adventure map and treasure pouch in hand, families can embark on
a quest for colorful beads, chocolate doubloons and fun throughout the Magic
Kingdom theme park. Adventurers can explore Magic Kingdom on a quest for
pirate coves and princess courts brimming with specially themed entertainment,
participate in character meet-and-greets and experience some of the most
popular Magic Kingdom attractions open throughout the evening. Guests are
invited to dress up as a wily pirate or favorite Disney princess.
Adding to the magic of the event will be two new nighttime entertainment
spectaculars:
* "Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade" features a new 39-foot-long raucous
pirate ship overflowing with swashbuckling adventurers, plus a treasure-filled
float with Captain Jack Sparrow himself. The colorful cavalcade moves down
Main Street, U.S.A. with members of a flag corps each twirling the Jolly
Roger, plus royal knights on horseback, court dancers and a regal processional
of Disney princesses and princes.
* "Magic, Music and Mayhem," a fireworks display orchestrated to an original
musical score, will fill the sky above Magic Kingdom.
"This new party allows guests to live out the adventures of scurvy pirates
and pretty princesses," said Tara Anderson, Disney show director. "We have
created a new Magic Kingdom event that lets you step right into your favorite
stories and fairytales."
Party highlights:
* Adventureland: Captain Jack Sparrow leads a pirate tutorial offering young
buccaneers sword fighting tips; plus a chance to join Princess Jasmine's
Royal Guard Recruitment and share laughs with the hilarious Genie.
* Fantasyland: A fish called Flounder and crazy crab Sebastian kick it up
with an "Under the Sea" dance party, and meet-and-greets with Ariel.
* Mickey's Toontown Fair: Court musicians and strolling jugglers hail princesses
Cinderella, Belle and Aurora in a princess pavilion. Pirate Mickey and Donald
invite guests to step right up and try their luck at games in a themed play
area.
* Liberty Square: Singing sensation Riverboat Roulettes lure guests to a
haunted river boat where the ghost of Jolly Roger spins tales.
* Tomorrowland: Young guests meet a space pirate, boogie down at Stitch's
cosmic dance party, and enjoy break-dancing pirates and other entertainment.
Day-of tickets are priced at $42.95 plus tax (ages 10 and over), $35.95 plus
tax (ages 3-9). Phone 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/pirateandprincess.
Advance tickets for all nights are $36.95 plus tax (ages 10 and over) and
$29.95 plus tax (ages 3-9). Party nights: Jan. 22, 26, 29, Feb. 1, 5 ,8,
12, 15, 23, 26 and March 2, 5, 8. from 7:30 p.m. -12:30 a.m. (Source: WDW
Press Release, 01/22/07)
"A comedy club show based on the popular Monsters, Inc. movie apparently
isn't quite ready for the big time. Walt Disney World has confirmed that
the opening of its next big attraction -- The Monsters, Inc. The Laugh
Floor Comedy Club show -- will be delayed a few months so that Walt Disney
Imagineering can make adjustments now that test audiences got to try it out
earlier this month." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 12/28/06)
