Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation


Disney in the News

Disney in the News is brought to you by...

Disney World travel writers John and Donna Gross at WDW!

John and Donna Gross
Authors of "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."

"The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal

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In 1963, at age 61, Walt Disney wrote a short essay in which he discussed the part that prayer and religion played in his personal and creative life. His words still find relevance today:

Prayer In My Life

By

Walt Disney

"Every person has his own ideas of the act of praying for God's guidance, tolerance and mercy to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. My own concept of prayer is not a plea for special favors, nor as a quick palliation for wrongs knowingly committed. A prayer, it seems to me, implies a promise as well as a request; at the highest level, prayer not only is supplication for strength and guidance, but also becomes an affirmation of life and thus a reverent praise of God.

Deeds rather than words express my concept of the part religion should play in everyday life. I have watched constantly that in our movie work the highest moral and spiritual standards are upheld, whether it deals with fable or with stories of living action. This religious concern for the form and content of our films goes back 40 years to the rugged financial period in Kansas City when I was struggling to establish a film company and produce animated fairy tales. Thus, whatever success I have had in bringing clean, informative entertainment to people of all ages, I attribute in great part to my Congregational upbringing and lifelong habit of prayer.

To me, today at age 61, all prayer by the humble or highly placed has one thing in common: supplication for strength and inspiration to carry on the best impulses which should bind us together for a better world. Without such inspiration we would rapidly deteriorate and finally perish. But in our troubled times, the right of men to think and worship as their conscience dictates is being sorely pressed. We can retain these privileges only by being constantly on guard in fighting off any encroachment on these precepts. To retreat from any of the principles handed down by our forefathers, who shed their blood for the ideals we all embrace, would be a complete victory for those who would destroy liberty and justice for the individual. " (Source: startedbyamouse.com)

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NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online.

Red Line

Museum Celebrates Remarkable Life of Walt Disney
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/WireStory?id=7906074&page=1

Disney World Gay Days protest letter - The first week in June is Gay Week in Florida.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/06/disney-world-gay-days-protest-letter.html

Reedy Creek Improvement District recently bought a vehicle designed specifically to evacuate tourists from the resort's monorail in emergencies - scroll down
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-cfbtourism-zip-line-060109060109jun01,0,3142237.story

Walt Disney World Resort Now on the iPhone & iPod Touch
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/walt-disney-world-resort-now-on-the-iphone-ipod-touch-pr-115435.html

Disney's Florida parks report 6 injuries in 1st quarter of '09
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/apr/20/disneys-florida-parks-report-6-injuries-1st-quarte/news-breaking/

Officials at airport, theme parks say they're monitoring swine flu progress
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-swine-flu-florida-042709,0,4639420.story

A Museum to Show Walt Disney’s Human Side
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/movies/01disn.html?_r=2&scp=4&sq=disney&st=cse

Disney hatches an egg-cellent idea for kids
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-bizdizeggs02040209apr02,0,680728.story

Making Disney World Easy For Everyone Although an interesting article, they should have realized that Pleasure Island clubs are gone!
http://www.clickorlando.com/travelgetaways/19012275/detail.html#-

Trips, slips dominate theme-park lawsuits
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-themepark-injury-lawsuits-033009,0,5046537.story

Attention Passholders: Enter to win a piece of Walt Disney World
http://www.examiner.com/x-1712-Walt-Disney-World-Travel-Examiner~y2009m3d11
-Attention-Passholders-Enter-to-win-a-piece-of-Walt-Disney-World-Magic

That's Just Dumb, Disney - a commentary on Disney's new fan club D23
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2009/03/11/thats-just-dumb-disney.aspx

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Disney Announces D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans

Disney’s First Official Fan Organization Launches with New Quarterly Publication, Web Site, Fan Events and Collectibles Line

First Quarterly Publication Features Exclusive Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, as well as behind-the-scenes visit to Pixar Animation Studios

Disney today announced the launch of D23 (www.Disney.com/D23), the first official community for Disney fans in the Company’s 85-year history. Through D23, fans will go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before.

"We have a fantastic legacy that started in 1923 and is based on timeless stories, beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, but it’s our fans that keep the spirit of Disney alive year after year, generation after generation," said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger at the Company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. "D23 is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and celebrating our fans, who bring the magic of Disney to life every day in every corner of the world."

As a part of this new Disney fan experience, today also marks the launch of D23’s new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the all-new D23 Web site at Disney.com/D23; and a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection, which was created specifically with D23 members in mind. D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, highlighted by the organization’s signature event, the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13.

A one-year D23 membership ($74.99) includes:

* Disney twenty-three quarterly publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23’s new collectible magazine filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. This advertising-free keepsake is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future.

* Membership Certificate and Card: The D23 membership card and suitable-for-framing member certificate – both specially created for D23’s Charter Year -- feature many of Disney’s most beloved characters.

* Surprise Collectible Gift and Member Merchandise: Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces.

* D23 Expo and Member Special Events: The D23 Expo - to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center from September 10-13, 2009 -- will be "The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience," featuring incredible speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, interactive experiences, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and much more. All Disney fans are welcome, but D23 members will receive a discount on Expo admissions and early access to the show daily. D23 also offers unique members-only special event opportunities throughout the year.

* Disney.com/D23: All fans can stay connected to Disney every day through D23’s new Web site, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info and more, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.

Disney twenty-three quarterly publication

Disney today launches its new quarterly publication Disney twenty-three, a hybrid entertainment and lifestyle magazine that is the all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney’s past, present and future. Its name pays homage to 1923, the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.

The premiere issue of Disney twenty-three includes exclusive features such as:

* Interviews with Tim Burton, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens

* Inside look at the new Disney/Pixar animated film Up, featuring interviews with Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera, concept and production art, and a look at the new animated short Partly Cloudy.

* A rare look inside Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Meet the Pixar team and learn the secrets behind the success of their films.

* The doors open for two of the most exclusive, magical suites in the world: the Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Dream Suite overlooking New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America at the Disneyland Resort.

Disney twenty-three’s regular featured departments include:

* A Walk with Walt: A look back at the trials and triumphs of the man who made dreams come true and whose imagination started it all.

* D Society: From gala movie premieres and grand openings to candid Disney moments and memories, D Society takes readers backstage and onto the red carpet.

* PHOTOfiles: The legendary Walt Disney Archives Photo Library houses millions of Disney’s most cherished photographic memories, and the Archives team shares its Top 100, five in every issue. Let the countdown begin!

* Where in D?: Try to identify where in the world of Disney each issue’s mystery photo was taken.

* The Funny Pages: For the first time in decades, enjoy the vintage newspaper comic strips that helped make many of Disney’s most popular characters famous.

* Making Magic: Crafts for children of all ages, inspired by Disney’s favorite stories and experiences.

* Recipes from Disney’s most popular restaurants and eateries, past and present.

Disney twenty-three subscriptions are available only by becoming a member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans. Individual issues of Disney twenty-three retail for $15.95 and are available exclusively at all U.S. Barnes & Noble booksellers, all domestic Disney Stores, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disneyshopping.com.

DISNEY.COM/D23

The D23 site on Disney.com will serve as the premier online destination for Disney fans, highlighted by breaking Disney news, exclusive feature stories, blogs, historical retrospectives, a collectibles boutique, special event information, and other content. The D23 online experience includes News & Features, Walt Disney Archives, Disney twenty-three, Expo & Events, and Boutique23. Highlights include:

NEWS & FEATURES

* Late-breaking news, press releases, and photos of interest to fans from every part of Disney.

* "Twilight Bark" - inspired by the Disney animated feature 101 Dalmatians - offers up the latest tidbits and news "bites" from all around the world of Disney.

* Feature articles and interviews on current Disney topics from theme parks and animation to television and motion pictures, as well as historical retrospectives.

* Official Disney Bloggers – Get regular updates on films in production at Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, current Walt Disney Imagineering projects, and the Walt Disney Archives.

WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES

* "This Day in Disney" - A daily walk down memory lane.

* "What’s Old Is News" - Go back in time and enjoy rare, vintage and classic articles, stories, interviews, press materials and other highlights from deep within the Disney Archives.

* "Ask Dave" - Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Dave Smith answers your questions about Disney history.

* "Archives Library" - helpful Disney reference tools including biographies, filmographies, award chronologies, Disney A to Z updates, historical profiles and other archival information.

DISNEY TWENTY-THREE

* The online home of Disney twenty-three, D23’s quarterly publication.

* Expanded stories, interviews and imagery.

* "D Society: Online Edition" - regularly updated photo gallery.

* "The Funny Page: Daily Edition" - a delightful daily dose of vintage Disney comics that haven’t been seen outside the Disney Archives in decades.

* "Making Magic" - An archive of the unique crafts featured in Disney twenty-three.

* "Disney Dish" - Always be able to find your favorite recipes from Disney twenty-three.

EXPO & EVENTS

* "D23 Expo" - The official Web site for everything you need to know about "The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience" September 10–13, at the Anaheim Convention Center, including programming, show hours, celebrity appearances, keynote speakers, ticket information, vacation packages, and more.

* "D23 Member Special Events" - Throughout the year, D23 hosts special events created just for its members. Members can find out which ones they want to attend and how to register.

BOUTIQUE 23

* D23 merchandise and collectibles, including D23 member-only offerings from the Walt Disney Archives Collection

* Hosted by Disneyshopping.com

D23 membership

D23 membership is not required to visit Disney.com/D23, but some merchandise and special event opportunities are exclusive to D23 members.

Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and www.DisneyShopping.com/D23.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. Through the years, Disney has captured the imagination of millions around the world, and, as requested by Disney fans everywhere, D23 gives them a greater, richer connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic. (Source: Press Release, 03/10/09)

Red Line

Disney plans to go greener
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-asec-disney-green-031009,0,6643402.story

Cheers to the 2009 Disney’s Dreamers Academy Graduating Class
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112360&siteid=1

Disney, Lego strike licensing deal
http://losangeles.bizjournals.com/losangeles/stories/2009/02/16/daily2.html?ana=yfcpc

Disney Dreamers Academy teaches teens to reach for their dreams
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-dreamers1409feb14,0,4002292.story

Disney, along with the CPSC, is recalling Playhouse Disney "Handy Manny" tool set
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/Disney-Toy-Recalled/lCFftlXlJE2X3wAd_r15SA.cspx

Muppet Mania arrives at the History Center in Downtown Orlando
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-calbevil06020609feb06,0,5705190.story

4-Year-Old Girl Gets Free Trip To Disney Thanks To Troops In Iraq
http://www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/4-year-old_girl_gets_free_trip_to_disney_
thanks_to_troops_in_iraq/14164/

How Are Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger Celebrating Their Super Bowl Heroics? They're Going to Disney World!
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112205&siteid=1

Health Canada recalls Disney lipstick, lip gloss
http://www.montrealgazette.com/Life/story.html?id=1220001

Orlando-area theme parks rack up 9 injuries in quarter
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-parks1509jan15,0,1299195.story

Disney to install defribrillators at some of resort's thrill rides
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disneyaed1009jan10,0,4702530.story

Academy Award-Nominated Actress Angela Bassett Gives Her Best Disney Vacation Tips to Other Moms
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111914&siteid=1

Disney settles lawsuit over Mission: Space
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney0709jan07,0,6908811.story

Walt Disney steps into the fashion arena with its Mickeys hidden
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/community/news/lakebuenavista/orl-
disney08dec18,0,3111660.story

Water parks scramble to comply with new pool-safety law
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-pools1808dec18,0,1884422.story

Need Disney travel tips? Ask these moms
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-tourism1508dec15,0,4469403.story

Atlanta's Theater of the Stars Indefinitely Postpones Tarzan
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/123905.html

Orlando-area theme parks report 10 ride incidents during past 3 months
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-parks1608oct16,0,2154894.story

Long Island family receives trip to Walt Disney World through Make-A-Wish Foundation.
(http://www.thenorwester.ca/index.cfm?sid=170817&sc=357)

"Disney makes family travel to Europe easy, fun."
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/09/08/disney.adventures/index.html?
section=cnn_latest)

Disney is changing the name of its proposed "Nightly Kingdom" - an experience for well heeled visitors much like that at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove - to "Disney's Jungle Trek" and downsizing the project to save money.
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/08/21/say-nighty-night-to-night-
kingdom-and-jambo-to-disney-s-jungle-trek.aspx)

"Walt Disney World has limited its ban on employee guns at work to the giant resort's main property only -- and with that move Friday received the blessing of Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-disneyguns1608aug16,0,2110783.story)

"Adventures by Disney is designed to take families to places they might be too timid to visit on their own - without loading on the schmaltz."
(http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/travel/03journeys.html?ref=travel)

"A heart attack at Wet 'n Wild and two broken ankles at other attractions were among the serious ride incidents at Central Florida theme parks this spring, according to state records released Tuesday.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-themeparks
1608jul16,0,6978241.story)

"Former Walt Disney World security guard Edwin Sotomayor filed a lawsuit Friday in state Circuit Court in Orlando, challenging Disney's ban on employees bringing guns to work and seeking to get his job back."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-dizguard1208jul12,0,4451874.story)

Disney Music Block Party Tour may be coming to a city near you. For showtimes, locations and ticket prices, see: http://www.disneymusicblockpartytour.com/.

"Throughout Walt Disney World, stage shows, parades and a few of the other attractions offer American Sign Language Interpretation services, at least once a week, for deaf and hearing-impaired visitors."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disneysign0408jul04,0,1251050.story)

"[Walt Disney World] has declared that much of its sprawling property is exempt from a new state law that allows Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to keep firearms locked in their cars at work."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disneyguns0308jul03,0,
4282076.story)

"Walt Disney World fired a security guard on Monday after he protested the company's decision not to allow people with concealed weapons permits to keep guns in their cars on Disney property."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disneygun0808jul08,0,
2597674.story)

Red Line

Audio-Animatronics Timeline

Early 1950s

Walt Disney purchases a mechanical bird while vacationing in Europe. The souvenir becomes the inspiration for Audio-Animatronics technology.

1951

Work begins on "Project Little Man." Roger Broggie and Wathel Rogers, pioneers in Audio-Animatronicstechnology, create a miniature figure that is programmed with cams, cables and tubes to mimic tap-dancing routines performed by the late Buddy Ebsen.

1963

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room opens at Disneyland. It’s the first show to feature Audio-Animatronics technology.

1964

The world’s first fully animated human figure, Abraham Lincoln, debuts at the New York World’s Fair in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The figure causes a sensation, not just with the audience, but with Disney Imagineers, who were able to complete the figure in half the time they anticipated.

Audio-Animatronics figures are also in three other World’s Fair shows designed and produced by Disney: Carousel of Progress (featuring figures animated using a programming harness, a precursor of today’s motion capture systems), Magic Skyway and it’s a small world.

1964

Two Audio-Animatronics birds, Robin and Umbrella, appear in "Mary Poppins." Walt Disney reinvests profits from the film to create MAPO, an organization within Walt Disney Imagineering dedicated to creating and innovating Audio-Animatronics figures.

1965

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln - featuring the Audio-Animatronics figure of Abraham Lincoln (actually, a duplicate since the original was still performing at the World’s Fair) - opens at Disneyland.

1970

Audio-Animatronics technology enters the computer age with the use of DACS (Digital Animation Control System), a computer-controlled playback system for Disney shows and attractions. Imagineers also begin using the Anicon-Animation Console - for animating and programming figures.

1989

The first A-100 Audio-Animatronics figure, the Wicked Witch of the West, debuts as part of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney-MGM Studios) in Walt Disney World Resort. A-100 figures incorporate compliance technology that gives the characters more fluid and realistic movements.

1992

Pirates of the Caribbean opens at Disneyland Paris. Attraction features sword-fighting pirates figures.

1998

Hopper, the grasshopper from the Disney/Pixar film "A Bug’s Life," is the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics figure produced to date. Featuring 74 functions, the character appears in "It’s Tough to be a Bug!"

2002

The first portable, all-electric Audio-Animatronics figure, Meeko, the raccoon from the Disney animated film "Pocahontas," appears. He’s in a basket carried by Pocahontas.

2003

The first totally autonomous Audio-Animatronics figure, Lucky the Dinosaur, makes his debut, at Disney’s California Adventure.

2006

The yeti, a major element of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is the largest and most powerful Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Standing more than 18 feet tall, the thrust of the yeti’s arm has the equivalent amount of force as a 747 jumbo jet.

2007

The Muppet Mobile Lab, featuring Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, marks the first time that free-roaming Audio-Animatronics characters can interact and converse with each other, as well as with guests they encounter along their way.

2008

Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story Mania! at both Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks the first time that anAudio-Animatronics figure features lips with such a wide range of lifelike movements, can remove and re-attach a body part (his ear) and has digitally animated eyes that can look directly at the particular guest with whom he is conversing. Also, since Mr. Potato Head has more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering, it has required more programming hours than any other figure. (Source: Press Release, 07/03/08)

Red Line

Walt Disney World Moms Panel Launches ‘How-To’ Video Series Online

Park-savvy panelists share their best Disney vacation tips with home videos

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Families planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort now have access to a new online resource at disneyworldmoms.com: Moms Panel "How-To" videos.

The Walt Disney World Moms Panelists share quick, step-by-step visual tips about everything from planning a girlfriends getaway without the kids to figuring out how Disney’s Magical Express really works.

"How-To" Videos Preview:

* "Packing for the Park" - Heather Roberts-Nault, Louisville, Ky., with a little help from her daughter, shares tips and personal favorites on what to pack when headed to a Disney theme park for the day, especially with little ones in tow.

* "Fast Pass" - Bret Caldwell, Evanston, Ill., takes the guest inside Walt Disney World Resort to uncover the magic of FASTPASS, including where to find FASTPASS, how to get one and the best ways to use it.

* "Make Flying Fun" - Beth Choisez, Floral Park, N.Y., shares her ‘secret to sanity’ when traveling by plane - Beth provides tactics for dealing with the luggage, strollers, diaper bags, and the kids, so that everyone stays calm and happy.

* "Disney for All Ages" - Laura Spencer, Boston, Mass., and her girlfriends, Julie, Dot and Carolyn, provide some ideas for enjoying Disney without the kids - suggestions include a visit to the Art of Disney in Epcot concluded by a champagne toast in France.

* "Make the Switch" - Michelle May, Lebanon, N.J., and her husband take on an attraction using the Rider Switch Pass - specifically, how families with young children can experience the rides without having to stand in line twice.

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel experts conceived the "How-To" videos as a fun way to provide original and innovative content designed to help alleviate the pressure of planning a memorable Disney vacation - so families can focus more on making memories of a lifetime.

To view the Walt Disney World Moms Panel "How-To" videos or find additional vacation planning tips from experts, visit disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Launched in January 2008, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort from real moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. The Walt Disney World Moms Panel consists of 12 real parents selected to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Guests can pose questions and have them answered by the panelists, as well as gain access to other valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for booking a Walt Disney World vacation. For more information, visit disneyworldmoms.com. (Source: Press Release, 06/30/08)

Red Line

"A 52-year-old construction worker injured in a June 13 accident at Disney's All-Star Resort died Thursday night, officials at Walt Disney World said Friday."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-b3courts28_0508jun28,0,6621469.story)

Jim Hill says that "WDW Entertainment and Food & Beverage are allegedly thinking of using the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' characters to help get [Discovery Island] re-opened."
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/06/06/will-pirates-soon-be-
returning-to-treasure-er-discovery-island.aspx)

Google Earth Presents Walt Disney World Resort in 3D: "Virtual visitors to Walt Disney World now can fall from space into the Magic Kingdom. They can fly around like Tinker Bell, looking in here or there, and then seeking close-up pictures, descriptions or videos of attractions -- while never leaving their computer." Visit http://earth.google.com/ for the required free software download. See Press Release below.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-mapping
0608jun06,0,4336051.story)

"A woman from the Nicholson area accused of trying to bring a concealed weapon into Walt Disney World in Florida had the charge dropped."
(http://www.newage-examiner.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19742713&BRD=2310&PAG=
461&dept_id=480505&rfi=6)

"Economic uncertainty and $4-a-gallon gasoline are not expected to dampen one of the biggest annual tourism events in Orlando this week: the loosely affiliated collection of parties, gatherings and expos aimed at international gay and lesbian visitors."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-gaydays0108jun02,0,7342307.story)

Red Line

Walt Disney World Resort lands on Google Earth: the Next Best Thing to Being There

Walt Disney World Resort in 3D takes vacation planning to new heights as the most detailed 3D rendering within Google Earth to date

Burbank, Calif. - Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is harnessing the power of Google EarthTM to build an interactive, three-dimensional tour of Walt Disney World Resort that brings you one step closer to a true park experience. With direct links to Disney’s online travel-planning tools, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D will re-invent how people plan and book vacations.

Beginning today, Disney guests can use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks. Existing Google Earth 4.3 users can see Walt Disney World Resort in 3D by enabling the "Gallery" folder within Google Earth, or by selecting any of the 3D buildings within the resort.

"You know the phrase ‘next best thing to being there’? Walt Disney World Resort in 3D is going to deliver on that," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "Guests and travel planners can now explore our world with just a few clicks of a mouse, and they can book vacations while being immersed in what the destination has to offer."

Disney’s digital mapping project, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, will become the ultimate online travel guide for Walt Disney World Resort, integrating the Google Earth 3D experience with the planning features of Disney.com. Whether guests book through the Disney reservation center, a travel agent or online, nearly nine out of ten Walt Disney World guests use the internet to plan their vacations and Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides the latest technology available to enhance that experience. From Google Earth, guests and travel planners can click on images of their favorite attractions and hotels to purchase tickets, make reservations, and map out the vacation that is right for their families - in 3D and with the click of a mouse. Disneyworld.com visitors can view videos and other information about viewing Walt Disney World in 3D at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.

The depth and vivid detail of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D project makes this a unique, truly immersive experience within Google Earth. Visitors begin their virtual tour of Disney World with a stratospheric view of the globe, a starting point familiar to anyone who has ever used Google Earth. A skydive takes visitors past the flatlands of Florida to a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon in the Magic Kingdom. Guests can then fly through the streets and explore in and around the hotels and resorts, down Main Street to Cinderella Castle, from the heights of The Tower of Terror to base of the Tree of Life. To enter the virtual park:

* Download Google Earth 4.3 by visiting www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.
* Launch Google Earth and search for 'Disney World'
* Click the Mickey Ears to open an info window.
* In the info window, click "Show Disney World in 3D." Now explore!

"This is the most detailed 3D rendering undertaken within Google Earth to date," continued Rasulo. "The work done here will provide a professional counterpart to the wealth of Disney images and 3D models from around the world contributed by thousands of volunteers. The difference Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides is one of scope and interaction."

During the project’s first phase, eight photographers worked for 10 days to shoot all the visible surfaces of Walt Disney World, including every building façade. A total 100,000 photos were taken in all; these became the start for some 1,500 3D models that populate the virtual tour. Walt Disney World Resort in 3D creates a new level of usability for vacation planners and makes detailed information about one of the world’s foremost destinations available to Google Earth’s 350 million users, furthering the Google Earth team’s goal of recreating the world as it really is. (Source: Press Release, 06/05/08)

Red Line

To Infinity and Beyond! Disney Parks and NASA Send Buzz Lightyear into Space

Mission Coincides with 'Launch' of New Educational Initiative and the Debut of Toy Story Mania! at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Cape Canaveral, Fla., -- It's a dream come true for Buzz Lightyear as Disney Parks and NASA have launched the 12-inch-tall action figure "to infinity and beyond!" Buzz Lightyear blasted off aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-124 May 31. Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center was at 5:02 p.m. ET.

With the spectacular launch, Buzz's dream of going "to infinity and beyond" finally became reality. With the help of the crew, he will fly in zero gravity inside the International Space Station as part of NASA's "Toys in Space" initiative. Through this program, Buzz will help introduce fun elements from space into science and math classrooms across the country.

With Buzz launched the aspiration of millions of school children who dream of space travel. STS-124 coincides with the kickoff of the Space Ranger Education Series -- part of NASA's "Toys in Space," an educational program for teachers and students. The program builds on NASA's educational goals of encouraging students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which are vitally important in sustaining U.S. economic competitiveness and technological leadership.

Developed by Disney and NASA, "Toys in Space" features materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum as well as online, educational games linked to each key component of the mission. The series, hosted at www.nasa.gov, will be available throughout 2008.

"NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station," said Dr. Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. "The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character."

Buzz's groundbreaking mission into space also coincides with the launch of his latest debut on Earth in Toy Story Mania!, Disney Parks new attraction that opens May 31 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and June 17 at Disneyland Resort in California.

"The Space Ranger Education Series will give teachers an opportunity to incorporate a fun and engaging moment into the classroom with a character that children really love," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We're pleased to join NASA in creating a program that can help keep kids excited about math and science."

Buzz's Space Itinerary

Buzz will spend several months in space at the International Space Station (ISS) testing the limits of zero gravity before returning home to a hero's welcome at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida later this year. While in space, Buzz will participate in an experiment flying in zero gravity and appear in a video downlink from the ISS.

The Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-124 travels with seven astronauts to install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) and the lab's robotic arm system.

For additional information about the educational series and NASA programs, guests may visit www.nasa.gov. (Source: Press Release, 05/31/08)

Red Line

"Disney fire crews [asses] fire safety frequently to reassure tourists."
(http://www.wesh.com/entertainment/16464768/detail.html)

"Family wants more ride regulation [after their] teenager's feet [were] severed last year after cables snapped on Kentucky Ride."
(http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/LawPolitics/story?id=4855917&page=1)

"In a pioneering partnership aiming to go online Tuesday, Google Earth and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will make it easy to take a virtual trip to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and 22 Disney hotels and resorts."
(http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-05-15-google-disney_N.htm?csp=34)

"A special-effects entrepreneur from Alabama has come up with a way to fill the sky with foamy clouds as big as 4 feet across and shaped like corporate logos - Flogos, as he calls them." Disney is going to send Mickey shaped clouds into the sky over the Walt Disney World resort next month.
(http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Weather/WireStory?id=4802805&page=1)

"A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a theft from an armored vehicle at the Grand Floridian resort at Walt Disney World."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-cfbriefs02_508may02,0,
3616273.story)

Red Line

Actress Julianne Moore, Swimmer Michael Phelps Live Out Their Disney ‘Fantasea’ In Ariel-Inspired Annie Leibovitz Photography

Celebrities Flip Their Fins in Latest Installment of Disney Dream Portrait Series

BURBANK, Calif. -- For the latest image in the portrait series of celebrities living out their Disney dreams, photographer Annie Leibovitz followed a simple recipe: Just add water.

Continuing the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" that has put stars in all kinds of Disney fantasies, Leibovitz trained her famous lens this time on the undersea world of Ariel, heroine of "The Little Mermaid." To get there, she dressed actress Julianne Moore and American swimming icon Michael Phelps in tails and scales.

"Yes, Julianne has a big mermaid tail; it's interesting," Leibovitz recalled from the shoot. "Michael, too. His movements were so graceful and beautiful you just felt like you were watching a real merman."

The latest Leibovitz photography is part of her acclaimed series as Disney Parks continue, through 2008, the "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration on both coasts.

In the finished image captioned "Where another world is just a wish away," shafts of light pierce the blue depths as Ariel (Moore) sits in her undersea world amid wavy coral and darting sea life. In the foreground of the frame, Phelps slips past, flipping his fins.

Inside The Shoot

Leibovitz worked her mastery on soundstages on both coasts.

Fitted in his silvery fishtail, Phelps was lowered into a backlot tank in Los Angeles used for underwater movie scenes. Leibovitz was on the outside, snapping away, communicating her instructions to Phelps via members of her crew.

"One of the most complicated shots I have ever done," said Leibovitz. "I didn't know if it was going to work, what to expect. I have to tell you, he was beautiful. Michael put on that tailand . . . he just became like a modern dancer. He just took to it and enjoyed himself and swam through this tank. I was blown away."

For the four-time "World Swimmer of the Year" (as designated by Swimming World Magazine), donning flippers was worlds away from the swimming competitions he's used to.

"It was kind of weird to be able to put on a tail and swim around in a tank," Phelps admitted. "To work with Annie and try these crazy sorts of ideas is really an honor and something I won't forget."

A host of swimming stars, past and present, joined Phelps in the water and final image: Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Brendan Hansen and Cullen Jones.

At a New York soundstage, Leibovitz perched the fishtailed Moore on a rock as the starry-eyed Ariel.

"There's a moment in the shoot where Julianne is sitting on a rock in her mermaid tail and her young daughter comes in, and there is not a dry eye in the house," Leibovitz recalled. "She sat in her mother's lap. Her jaw just dropped. She could not believe her mother was Ariel."

When Moore was asked to play Ariel, she recalls, "I leapt at the chance."

"Ariel is my daughter's favorite princess, so I was just really so excited to do it," Moore said. "All the images I've seen that Annie's shot so far -- Cinderella and Alice and the prince one -- are absolutely exquisite. They are so beautiful and so kind of wonderfully emotional. So I was really thrilled to be asked to work with her and do this."

Star-Studded Series

The latest image -- planned for the June issue of Vanity Fair magazine -- continues the renowned Leibovitz series of putting celebrities inside their Disney fantasies. Released in separate flights since January 2007, these have included:

# Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé as Alice in Wonderland and David Beckham as the gallant Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty."

# Rachel Weisz as Snow White, Roger Federer as King Arthur from "The Sword in the Stone," Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" with Abigail Breslin as Fira from "Disney Fairies."

# Jennifer Lopez as Jasmine, Marc Anthony as Aladdin and Whoopi Goldberg playing the Genie; Giselle Bündchen as Wendy Darling, Mikhail Baryshnikov as Peter Pan and Tina Fey as Tinker Bell; and Jessica Biel as Pocahontas.

"It is about bringing great stories to life," Leibovitz says of the series. "Working with great actors -- these are stories that they know. It's embedded in them. And when they start to have their own children it means even more to them.

"These are the stories that are passed on and on, from generation to generation. We just want to do the stories justice. To me it's a lot of play acting, it's a lot of dress-up, that's the joy of it." (Source: Press Release, 04/25/08)

Red Line

"For families planning an upscale vacation, amusement parks don't generally top the list. But Disney delivers the luxury goods." Article includes a slideshow highlighting deluxe activities at WDW.
(http://www.kivitv.com/global/story.asp?s=8095686)

"Bird-watching and fishing are unexpected and lesser-known attractions at Walt Disney World, but they can delight as much as a twirl in a teacup, a wild ride down an Everest look-alike or a face-to-ears encounter with Mickey Mouse."
(http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/travel/unitedstates/stories/
DN-fishbird_0427tra.ART.State.Edition1.1974ed7.html)

"The woman convicted earlier this month of battering a Clermont mother at Disney World last year was sentenced to 90 days in jail Wednesday, after the judge said he was impressed by the remorse she showed at the hearing."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-teacup2408apr24,0,
7950852.
story)

"Theme park operator Six Flags Inc. is aiming to become an entertainment company with its own characters to entice thrill-seekers to its parks much like The Walt Disney Co., its chief executive said Tuesday."
(http://www.ajc.com/services/content/business/stories/2008/04/16/SixFlags.html?cxtype=
rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=6)

For the latest list of injuries reported at Walt Disney World and other Florida theme parks, see:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-themeparks1608apr16,0,7813841.story

"An Alabama grandmother was found guilty of battery Friday after being accused of attacking another woman on a ride at Disney World. The jury returned a not-guilty verdict for a second charge."
(http://www.wftv.com/news/15860543/detail.html)

Red Line

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)

Red Line

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)

Red Line

"Luck and a bit of grandmotherly advice catapulted a Eustis teenager from an Epcot ride to an around-the-world tour of all 11 Disney theme parks."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/osceola/orl-dreams3008mar30,0,5816814.story)

"Three-story mansions and hundreds of other homes -- most valued at millions of dollars apiece -- would be built along the banks of Walt Disney World canals and sold to private individuals in a project under review by Orange County." The community would be built on Disney's Eagle Pines Golf Course and would incorporate the Osprey Ridge Golf Course into the development.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney2808mar28,0,2316702.story)

Red Line

TOY STORY CHARACTERS CHALLENGE GUESTS TO RIDE AND PLAY TOY STORY MANIA!

Disney Parks guests will don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear when Toy Story Mania! premieres this summer. The attraction will debut on both coasts: at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and along the Paradise Pier midway in Disney’s California Adventure at Disneyland Resort in California.

Celebrating the Disney/Pixar classics "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 makes guests a key part of the action as their game play triggers special effects that provide a fourth dimension of fun. "Toy Story Mania!" engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films.

Upon entering the attraction, guests will be welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience, since he is the first attraction-based Audio-Animatronics figure who can engage guests in a two-way conversation.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy, and board the Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles, whose fast travel and spinning add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through "Andy’s Bedroom" filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles spin to face Toy Story Mania! game booths - high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill - and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board "spring-action shooters." Players pair up and sit side-by-side for 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 the targets (or not). 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 serious gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities.

First comes the "Pie Throw Practice" round in which guests can try splattering targets with "virtual" pies.

Next Hamm the pig hosts a "Hamm & Eggs" booth in which players launch "plastic virtual eggs" at various barnyard targets.

"Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop" presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there it’s on to "Green Army Men Shoot Camp" where the challenge is to break plates with baseballs.

Next up is "Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers," a ring-toss game hosted by everyone’s favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets.

For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players will ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in "Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery." 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 with the reward of an onscreen "virtual plush."

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by ingenious musical variations of Randy Newman’s "You’ve Got A Friend in Me," arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to compliment the games - for example, a military brass band version for "Green Army Man Shoot Camp." No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different. (Source: Press Release, 03/20/08)

Red Line

"Even today, more than three decades after it was first diagnosed and just days after two new cases surfaced at an Orlando-area hotel, Legionnaires' disease remains a growing and, some say, misunderstood and misdiagnosed illness."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-legion1808mar18,0,
7725368.story)

See this article for tips on enjoying Walt Disney World as an adult:
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-trvmain1-wk1"

"Plans to build a Disneyland theme park in Shanghai are awaiting approval from Chinese authorities, the state-run Shanghai Securities News reported Friday, citing unnamed sources."
(http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/shanghai-disneyland-may-built-pudongs/
story.aspx?guid=%7B97DF72F2%2DC924%2D4B58%2D9B10%2DCD7D2A47
D785%7D&dist=TQP_Mod_mktwN)

"One of the Walt Disney World visitors who was on the truck that caught fire at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Sunday wrote to say she and her party considered the incident to be a lot scarier than this blog or articles in the Orlando Sentinel had earlier reported."
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/02/sundays-animal.html)

"'Disney's Night Kingdom" is the Mouse's long overdue response to SeaWorld's Discovery Cove... Current plans call for this niche park to officially throw open its doors in October of 2011, just in time for the start of Walt Disney World's 40th anniversary celebration." Cost: $250-$300 per person, including gourmet meal and nonalcoholic beverages.
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/02/15/night-kingdom-to-reimagine-the-
disney-theme-park-going-experience.aspx)

WDWcelebrations.com is planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park April 22.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-tourism1808feb18,0,1303004.
story)

Disney still has problems controlling labor standards in factories in China.
(http://www.reuters.com/article/ousivMolt/idUSSP16307520080212?page
Number=1&virtualBrandChannel=0)

"For the next round of attractions coming to Orlando --SeaWorld's new water park, Aquatica, due this spring; Walt Disney World's next big ride, Toy Story Mania, due this summer; and Universal Orlando's new attractions area, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, due next year -- theme park executives are not offering many details. But they are setting up high expectations."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cover11x08feb11,0,486271.story)

"A widow from New York has sued Disney Cruse Line in federal court, blaming the company for her husband’s death from injuries he suffered during a Mediterranean cruise last summer."
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/01/wrongful-death.html)

For new photos by Annie Leibovitz for Disney's Dream Portrait Series, see:
(http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/photos/popupV2.asp?subID=3450&page=1&gtitle=Annie+
Leibovitz+shoots+Disney+Dream+Portrait+Series&pubdate=01%2F24%2F2008) See press release below for more details.

Red Line

From Never Land to Disneyland Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bündchen and Jessica Biel Live Out Their Disney Fantasies

They’re Among Celebs in Latest Leibovitz Photo Spread

For photos, see:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/photos/popupV2.asp?subID=3450&page=1&gtitle=Annie+
Leibovitz+shoots+Disney+Dream+Portrait+Series&pubdate=01%2F24%2F2008

BURBANK, Calif. - From Never Land to flying carpets to the forested domain of an Indian princess, stars travel to their very own Fantasylands in a new round of celebrity images from famed photographer Annie Leibovitz.

The new images continue the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" of celebrity photography produced by Leibovitz as Disney Parks extends, through 2008, its "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration on both coasts. Leibovitz’s images capture the transformational power of Disney dreams during a celebration that invites visitors to live out their own Disney dreams as never before at California’s Disneyland and Florida’s Walt Disney World resorts.

The latest installment of Leibovitz photography spotlights more celebrities living out their fantasies by starring in Disney dream scenes:

* "Where a whole new world awaits": Aboard their genie-powered magic carpet, Jennifer Lopez (Jasmine) and husband Marc Anthony (Aladdin) soar through the Arabian night. Complete with Whoopi Goldberg (Genie) pushing them among the stars, the two images complete a dream scene straight from a magic lantern in a scene entitled "Where a whole new world awaits."

For Lopez, the Leibovitz shoot was both transformational and inspirational: "It’s unbelievable," she said, "a modern princess and the guy with the flying carpet... and the idea of maybe in the future my children seeing me and Marc as Jasmine and Aladdin... I think that would be pretty cool."

Added Goldberg: "I think those genie-like qualities worked best for me. For me to come out of a bottle and give somebody three wishes seems like a pretty good bargain."

* "Where you never have to grow up": Surprise marks the "you can fly" moment as a mesmerized Gisele Bündchen (Wendy Darling) is beckoned by Mikhail Baryshnikov (Peter Pan) and Tina Fey (Tinker Bell) to fly off over the rooftops of London to Never Land - "Where you never have to grow up." From the dazzle of fashion runways, Bündchen was draped in a simple white nightgown as Wendy for the Leibovitz shoot.

"Coming onto this whole set, it feels like you are living the whole Peter Pan story," said Bündchen. "When I think of all the Disney stories, it actually is my favorite. It isn’t just like a princess finding her prince; Peter was more about finding a true adventure and a different thing, you know?"

* "Where dreams run free": In an image entitled "Where dreams run free," Jessica Biel (Pocahontas) is depicted sprinting, deer-like, through an autumnal forest as a masted English ship sits offshore.

"I was a huge Disney fan growing up as a kid and Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, Ariel - all those characters were huge for me, so I definitely did dream," said Biel. "I never actually thought I would make it! So this is pretty exciting."

Great stars and rich scenes enabled Leibovitz to again work magic with her lens.

"We were going deeper and deeper into fantasy with these new pictures," Leibovitz explained. "Digital tools make it possible to play with the elements of the photographs to a degree that is amazing. And a lot of fun."

Special inserts with the images will appear in select Condé Nast publications in March. Since January 2007, Leibovitz has featured Beyoncé, David Beckham, Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Roger Federer, Julie Andrews and Abigail Breslin in scenes playing out their Disney fantasies. (Source: Press Release, 01/25/08)

Red Line

The theme parks have filed their final quarter injury reports for 2007 and among them was an injury involving a woman who broke her back on Universal Studios' Revenge of the Mummy ride.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-parks1608
jan16,0,2330916.story?coll=orl_tab01_layout)

Red Line

600 families over the next 10 days will be testing Disney's new "Disney Magic Connection" electronic device that allows you to determine:

  • actual wait times for attractions

  • availability of FastPasses

  • show schedules

  • parade routes

  • interactive maps

If this succeeds you could get one of these by spring 2009. But you'll have to give Disney a refundable credit card deposit of $300 to do so. This may be beyond the financial reach of many families.
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/01/14/wdi-r-d-begins-field
-tests-of-disney-magic-connection-wireless-units.aspx)

Red Line

Disney in the News Continues

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