Carol
04-17-2007, 12:03 PM
The Three Caballeros Reunite for 'Gran Fiesta Tour' at Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests are being treated to a new view of Mexico courtesy of Donald Duck and two of his longtime amigos.
"Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts at Epcot's Mexico pavilion (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."
It's an excursion by tour boat through vibrant, eye-filling sights accompanied by lively music. The people, culture, history and arts of Mexico are showcased, and guests catch a glimpse of some of Mexico's most famous cities, resorts and beaches, including locations such as Mexico City, Chichen Itza and Acapulco.
The "Gran Fiesta Tour" combines new live-action film shot on location in Mexico with an overlay of hand-drawn animation of the Three Caballeros. The custom animation is inspired by the original 1944 classic film and uses the same color palettes, stylistic design and graphic elements.
As the story goes, the caballeros have reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. But along the way, Donald Duck disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend. Their journey is a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages.
Reuniting with their wandering amigo, the friends end their adventure with a grand fiesta celebration at sunset in Mexico City. Guests arrive at the new concert bandstand in Mexico City just in time to see -- and hear -- the much-anticipated Three Caballeros reunion concert.
To add to the fiesta experience, the Three Caballeros finale song has been re-scored and re-recorded. Throughout the attraction, props, set facades, lighting and the sound system also have been refurbished and enhanced.
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AirTran Airways Becomes Participating Airline for Magical Express
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- AirTran Airways becomes an official participating airline for Disney's Magical Express Resort Airline Check-In Service on May 5.
With Disney's Magical Express, guests of Disney hotels check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (OIA) and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to Walt Disney World Resort -- while their bags are delivered directly to their resort room -- after check-in. The complimentary round-trip service between Orlando International Airport and Disney hotels is designed to give Disney hotel guests the stress-free vacation they want.
AirTran is among a growing list of airlines that add another magical dimension to the service by enabling passengers leaving Orlando on domestic flights to check their luggage and receive a boarding pass before departing their Disney hotel, thus avoiding airport check-in lines. Participating airlines in addition to AirTran currently offering this additional service are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines/Ted.
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May Weekends Are Sprouting With Themed Fun During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom in May with themed weekends featuring gardening experts, seminars and workshops enhancing the festival's bouquet of flora and topiaries. This year's pirate and princess-themed festival celebrates moms, kids, classic Disney characters, gardening gurus and more during May weekends:
Cinco de Mayo Weekend (May 4-6) -- Fun-filled activities at the Mexico pavilion uncover the history behind the Cinco de Mayo holiday celebrating the legendary Battle of Puebla. Plus, Central Florida gardening aficionado and author Tom MacCubbin piques interest with workshops on how to create edible landscapes, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
Mother's Day Weekend (May 11-13) -- Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs showcase brilliant floral arrangements at the Festival Center. On Mother's Day, May 13, moms are treated to a complimentary flower. Families can treat mom to brunch during Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, at World ShowPlace. Times are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463). Plus, Guerlain perfume specialist Raymond Western reveals the intimate relationship between perfumes and plants (such as those displayed at the France pavilion's Fragrance Garden) at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center. Children can also honor mom with a homemade Mother's Day card.
Characters in Bloom Weekend (May 18-20) -- Dozens of Disney characters make appearances throughout the park for a character extravaganza. Gardening guru and director of the colorful Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando will share tips on growing an interesting garden using plants with unusual texture, color and habits, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
For kids, Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden showcases a glittering Tinker Bell topiary and the new Pluto's Play Zone offers creative climbing fun. Artisans showcase handcrafted dolls and teddy bears at World ShowPlace on May 19 from 1-5 p.m. and on May 20 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-28) -- Children can take part in an old-fashioned Field Day with activities in Future World East including beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun. Gary Alan, landscape designer and TV and radio personality, talks about ideas and methods to create your own magical landscape at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., May 25-27, in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
The seminars, workshops and children's fun are included with Epcot admission. Can't make it to the festival? The renowned horticulture team that brings life to the festival will host a weekly video Web cast on Travelocity.com at travelocity.com/gnome. Garden specialists show viewers how to use Disney methodology to bring magic to their gardens at home. New episodes will become available each Friday of the festival.
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Flower Power Revisits 'British Invasion' in May With Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark, Peter & Gordon
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. --The British are coming! And when they do, it will be sweet music to the ears of 1960s music fans attending Flower Power concerts in May at Epcot.
Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark, and Peter & Gordon -- all part of music's fabled "British Invasion" of the mid-60s -- will take the America Gardens Theatre stage during May as part of the popular concert series presented during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. And to top off the British influence on the month, Manchester, England, native Davy Jones of The Monkees fame also will be featured.
Petula Clark, who makes her Flower Power debut May 4-5, was both a darling of the British Invasion and an artist who transcended generations, scoring mega-smash hits both with teens and adult contemporary audiences. Her chart debut, "Downtown," became one of her two chart-topping hits (the other was "My Love") between 1965 and 1968, when she had 15 recordings in the top 40 -- six of which climbed into the top 10.
Herman's Hermits, which closes out the Flower Power concert series May 31-June 3, hit the top 40 with 18 recordings, 11 of which soared into the top 10 -- including chart-toppers "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am." Peter & Gordon was the first "British Invasion act" not called The Beatles to top the pop chart when "A World Without Love" hit No. 1 on June 27, 1964. Walt Disney World guests can relive their musical memories April 29-May 1.
Flower Power performances, which are included with Epcot admission, are at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre. Here's the complete lineup for May:
April 29-May 1 -- Peter & Gordon
May 2-3 -- Jose Feliciano
May 4-5 -- Petula Clark
May 6-10 -- Nelson featuring the songs of Ricky Nelson
May 11-15 -- Davy Jones
May 16-19 -- B.J. Thomas
May 20-22 -- Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
May 23-25 -- The Guess Who
May 26 -- The S.O.S Band
May 27-30 -- Gary Puckett
May 31-June 3 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests are being treated to a new view of Mexico courtesy of Donald Duck and two of his longtime amigos.
"Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" debuts at Epcot's Mexico pavilion (replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo") with a storyline and film featuring Donald Duck, José Carioca (the parrot), and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) from the 1944 Disney film "The Three Caballeros."
It's an excursion by tour boat through vibrant, eye-filling sights accompanied by lively music. The people, culture, history and arts of Mexico are showcased, and guests catch a glimpse of some of Mexico's most famous cities, resorts and beaches, including locations such as Mexico City, Chichen Itza and Acapulco.
The "Gran Fiesta Tour" combines new live-action film shot on location in Mexico with an overlay of hand-drawn animation of the Three Caballeros. The custom animation is inspired by the original 1944 classic film and uses the same color palettes, stylistic design and graphic elements.
As the story goes, the caballeros have reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. But along the way, Donald Duck disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito to search for their missing friend. Their journey is a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages.
Reuniting with their wandering amigo, the friends end their adventure with a grand fiesta celebration at sunset in Mexico City. Guests arrive at the new concert bandstand in Mexico City just in time to see -- and hear -- the much-anticipated Three Caballeros reunion concert.
To add to the fiesta experience, the Three Caballeros finale song has been re-scored and re-recorded. Throughout the attraction, props, set facades, lighting and the sound system also have been refurbished and enhanced.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AirTran Airways Becomes Participating Airline for Magical Express
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- AirTran Airways becomes an official participating airline for Disney's Magical Express Resort Airline Check-In Service on May 5.
With Disney's Magical Express, guests of Disney hotels check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at Orlando International Airport (OIA) and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to Walt Disney World Resort -- while their bags are delivered directly to their resort room -- after check-in. The complimentary round-trip service between Orlando International Airport and Disney hotels is designed to give Disney hotel guests the stress-free vacation they want.
AirTran is among a growing list of airlines that add another magical dimension to the service by enabling passengers leaving Orlando on domestic flights to check their luggage and receive a boarding pass before departing their Disney hotel, thus avoiding airport check-in lines. Participating airlines in addition to AirTran currently offering this additional service are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines/Ted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Weekends Are Sprouting With Themed Fun During Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom in May with themed weekends featuring gardening experts, seminars and workshops enhancing the festival's bouquet of flora and topiaries. This year's pirate and princess-themed festival celebrates moms, kids, classic Disney characters, gardening gurus and more during May weekends:
Cinco de Mayo Weekend (May 4-6) -- Fun-filled activities at the Mexico pavilion uncover the history behind the Cinco de Mayo holiday celebrating the legendary Battle of Puebla. Plus, Central Florida gardening aficionado and author Tom MacCubbin piques interest with workshops on how to create edible landscapes, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
Mother's Day Weekend (May 11-13) -- Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs showcase brilliant floral arrangements at the Festival Center. On Mother's Day, May 13, moms are treated to a complimentary flower. Families can treat mom to brunch during Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, at World ShowPlace. Times are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463). Plus, Guerlain perfume specialist Raymond Western reveals the intimate relationship between perfumes and plants (such as those displayed at the France pavilion's Fragrance Garden) at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center. Children can also honor mom with a homemade Mother's Day card.
Characters in Bloom Weekend (May 18-20) -- Dozens of Disney characters make appearances throughout the park for a character extravaganza. Gardening guru and director of the colorful Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando will share tips on growing an interesting garden using plants with unusual texture, color and habits, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
For kids, Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden showcases a glittering Tinker Bell topiary and the new Pluto's Play Zone offers creative climbing fun. Artisans showcase handcrafted dolls and teddy bears at World ShowPlace on May 19 from 1-5 p.m. and on May 20 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-28) -- Children can take part in an old-fashioned Field Day with activities in Future World East including beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun. Gary Alan, landscape designer and TV and radio personality, talks about ideas and methods to create your own magical landscape at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., May 25-27, in the Garden Odyssey Festival Center.
The seminars, workshops and children's fun are included with Epcot admission. Can't make it to the festival? The renowned horticulture team that brings life to the festival will host a weekly video Web cast on Travelocity.com at travelocity.com/gnome. Garden specialists show viewers how to use Disney methodology to bring magic to their gardens at home. New episodes will become available each Friday of the festival.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flower Power Revisits 'British Invasion' in May With Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark, Peter & Gordon
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. --The British are coming! And when they do, it will be sweet music to the ears of 1960s music fans attending Flower Power concerts in May at Epcot.
Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Petula Clark, and Peter & Gordon -- all part of music's fabled "British Invasion" of the mid-60s -- will take the America Gardens Theatre stage during May as part of the popular concert series presented during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. And to top off the British influence on the month, Manchester, England, native Davy Jones of The Monkees fame also will be featured.
Petula Clark, who makes her Flower Power debut May 4-5, was both a darling of the British Invasion and an artist who transcended generations, scoring mega-smash hits both with teens and adult contemporary audiences. Her chart debut, "Downtown," became one of her two chart-topping hits (the other was "My Love") between 1965 and 1968, when she had 15 recordings in the top 40 -- six of which climbed into the top 10.
Herman's Hermits, which closes out the Flower Power concert series May 31-June 3, hit the top 40 with 18 recordings, 11 of which soared into the top 10 -- including chart-toppers "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am." Peter & Gordon was the first "British Invasion act" not called The Beatles to top the pop chart when "A World Without Love" hit No. 1 on June 27, 1964. Walt Disney World guests can relive their musical memories April 29-May 1.
Flower Power performances, which are included with Epcot admission, are at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre. Here's the complete lineup for May:
April 29-May 1 -- Peter & Gordon
May 2-3 -- Jose Feliciano
May 4-5 -- Petula Clark
May 6-10 -- Nelson featuring the songs of Ricky Nelson
May 11-15 -- Davy Jones
May 16-19 -- B.J. Thomas
May 20-22 -- Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
May 23-25 -- The Guess Who
May 26 -- The S.O.S Band
May 27-30 -- Gary Puckett
May 31-June 3 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone