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01-02-2004, 04:22 PM
Dateline Disney Florida/National Edition - January 2004



Disney’s Night of Joy TV Special to Air on Hallmark Channel New Year’s Day

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Contemporary Christian music fans who didn't get to come to Walt Disney World Resort for Night of Joy 2003 can catch performances from their favorite stars on New Year's Day 2004 as the Hallmark Channel airs a two-hour special of highlights from the 2003 event.

"Night Of Joy: A Magical Celebration of Family, Faith, and Fun" will premiere on the cable network at 10 p.m. EST on Jan. 1, 2004.

Hosted by Michael W. Smith and Rebecca St. James, the Night of Joy special features performances by Smith, St. James, Kirk Franklin, Jars of Clay, Point of Grace, Yolanda Adams, Freddie Colloca, Salvador, and Stacie Orrico, with special appearances by ZOEgirl, Petra, and Nicole C. Mullen.

The special also follows some of the artists as they experience a variety of rides and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, and the musicians tell stories about their favorite Disney vacations. Night of Joy in 2004 is scheduled for Sept. 10-11.


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11th Annual Walt Disney World Marathon Sets New Record For Runners

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 11th annual Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon will take to the streets of the Vacation Kingdom Jan. 11, 2004, with a record-setting 24,000 participants -- 15,500 in the full marathon and 8,500 in the half marathon

The 26.2-mile marathon course takes runners on a magical journey through all four Walt Disney World theme parks, resort and entertainment areas, and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Runners encounter all kinds of entertaining surprises along the way, including many of the famous Disney characters, who provide entertainment throughout both the marathon and half marathon.

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon are part of an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. The ever-popular FamilyFun 5K Fun Run and Kids Races will take place on Jan. 10 and will be themed to "Brother Bear" -- the hit animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Guests can also visit the two-day Disney's Health and Fitness Expo presented by Tylenol 8 Hour on Jan. 9-10 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Registration remains open for the FamilyFun 5K and Kids Races. For more information, visit disneyworldsports.com.


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Artists, Athletes and Performers Salute Mickey Mouse's 75th Anniversary With Statues on Display at Magic Kingdom Through April

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- On Nov. 18, 1928, Walt Disney unveiled what would become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters of all time -- Mickey Mouse. Now, in honor of Mickey's 75th anniversary, 75 of Mickey's friends have come together to pay tribute to a legend in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration called "Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations."

The program tapped a diverse array of Mickey's friends, including Disney Legends, painters, actors, musicians, animators and athletes, each of whom designed a 6-foot-tall, 700-pound statue of the beloved Disney icon. Participating artists used Mickey as their muse and inspiration but were allowed creative license for their designs.

All 75 statues were unveiled Nov. 18, 2003 -- 75 years to the day Mickey made his debut in "Steamboat Willie" -- in a gala ceremony at the Magic Kingdom theme park, part of Walt Disney World Resort.

All 75 statues will be on display around the Magic Kingdom entrance through April 2004. Afterward, they'll visit cities across the United States and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Sotheby's will auction every statue in 2005 with all proceeds benefiting charities chosen by each artist.

Statue artists include stars like Andre Agassi, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ellen DeGeneres, Annette Funicello, James Gandolfini, Andy Garcia, Jennifer Garner, Tom Hanks, Janet Jackson, Sir Elton John, Michelle Kwan, Susan Lucci, Shaquille O'Neal and John Travolta.

For more information about Mickey Mouse and the "Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations" program, visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com. (http://www.disneyconsumerproducts.com.)


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Atlanta Braves Spring Training Single-Game Tickets on Sale Jan. 3

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Atlanta Braves are returning to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for Major League Baseball Spring Training in February and March 2004. Single-game tickets go on sale for the Braves' 16-game home schedule at Cracker Jack Stadium. From March 3-April 1, the Braves will play spring training games against 11 professional teams, including the American League champion New York Yankees, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and others.

Individual game tickets for the Braves' seventh home spring training season at Walt Disney World Resort go on sale Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at the Disney's Wide World of Sports box office and through Ticketmaster at 407/839-3900. Ticket prices: $12.50 (general admission lawn seats), $17.50 (upper level reserved and right field bleacher) and $20.50 (lower level reserved). Three- and five-game mini-packs are also available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263). Note: Prior to the start of the game schedule, the Braves will conduct two weeks of spring training workouts at Disney's Wide World of Sports beginning Feb. 20.


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Victoria & Albert's Awarded AAA's Five Diamonds

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Victoria & Albert's restaurant at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was awarded AAA Five Diamond status for the fourth year in a row -- the only Central Florida restaurant to make the coveted list.

There are just 55 restaurants nationwide (six in Florida) awarded Five Diamonds by the American Automobile Association. Victoria & Albert's intimate dining room seats just 60, and the menu is customized daily. A Chef's Table in the kitchen seats up to 10.


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Disney-MGM Studios Guests Can Be a Part of Tapings For the TV Show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" Hosted by Meredith Vieira, Jan. 9-11

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests at Disney-MGM Studios Jan. 9-11, 2004, have the chance to attend tapings for the popular TV game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," with host Meredith Vieira. Vieira, known also to viewers as a co-host of ABC Daytime's "The View," will tape shows inside the theme park's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" attraction venue.

The "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" attraction features an exact replica of the show's famous set, complete with dramatic lighting and the famous "hot seat." Audience members will have the opportunity to be part of the "Ask the Audience" lifeline.

Paid theme park admission is required to attend the tapings. For more information prior to the tapings, as well as additional information about Walt Disney World Resort, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY.


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