Dateline Disney - June 2007

[Carol]

Dateline Disney - June 2007

The Power of the Force Fills Disney-MGM Studios with Fun During Star Wars Weekends in June

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for Star Wars Weekends at Disney-MGM Studios every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 1 through June 24. The annual sci-fi fan-fest invites Walt Disney World guests of all ages to grab their lightsabers, oil their droids and embark on a Star Wars adventure like no other in a theme park not so far, far away.

Dozens of villains and heroes from the entire Star Wars saga -- from Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Kit Fisto to Queen Amidala, R2-D2 and Greedo -- roam the theme park and participate in autograph sessions, parades and photo opportunities. Celebrities from the films make appearances each weekend in Hollywood-style motorcades and star conversations.

Young Padawans have the chance to participate in Jedi Training Academy, where they train with a Jedi Master, learn to wield a lightsaber and test their skills in a climactic battle against the evil Siths.

Also featured: rides on the famous Star Tours attraction, presentations on the making of the Star Wars films, Star Wars trivia contests and a Hyperspace Hoopla party each evening. Guests are invited to wear Star Wars-inspired costumes to the event.

Star Wars Weekends activities are included in regular park admission to the Disney-MGM Studios theme park.

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Reservations Available for Second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests can now make reservations for their little ones to be magically transformed into princesses and princes at a second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which opens in September.

Appropriately located inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, the second Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World Resort will feature similar makeovers to those offered at the initial location at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The only differences are in the surroundings.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom features a magical garden setting based on the scene in Disney's "Cinderella" where Cinderella's rags are turned into a glittering ball gown by the Fairy Godmother. Fairy Godmothers-in-Training (trained by The Fairy Godmother herself) run the shop and a Magical Mirror spotlights each princess at the end of her magical metamorphosis.

Aspiring princesses can choose from three makeover packages. All include hairstyle and shimmering makeup. Available options include nails, imaging packages and princess costume (gown, crown, wand and shoes). Within each makeover package, guests can choose from three different hairstyles: Disney Diva, Pop Princess or Fairytale Princess. Princesses must be at least three years old to participate.

The boutique also offers a service for boys called Cool Dudes that includes colorful hair gel and confetti.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom will transform space which is currently The King's Gallery shop.

For more information about both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations or to make reservations, call 407/WDW-STYLE.

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Epcot Flower Fest Bids Farewell with Finale Weekend June 1-3

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Aspiring gardeners and aficionados alike have one last weekend to marvel at the lavish floral setting of the 14th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort June 1-3. Highlights of Festival Farewell Weekend include:

The Great Gardener Series features Georgia Tasker, veteran feature writer for The Miami Herald and author of three books including Wild Things-the Return of Native Plants. She will present advice on the diverse landscape of Florida at the Odyssey Festival Center at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Flower Power Concert Series wraps with legendary 60's British rock sensation Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone at America Gardens Theatre May 31-June 3 at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Guests can relive the musical finesse of the British Invasion with hits such as "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry VIII, I Am." Noone recently coached contestants on "American Idol" and performed "There's A Kind of Hush" during the popular program.
The seminars, workshops and children's fun are included with regular Epcot admission. Can't make it to the festival? The renowned horticulture team that brings life to the festival will host its final weekly video webcast on www.travelocity.com at www.travelocity.com/gnome. Garden specialists show viewers how to use Disney methodology to bring magic to their gardens at home.

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Mickey and the Gang Have a New Spot at Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Where's Mickey Mouse? Beginning in June, there's yet another answer to one of the most-often-asked questions at Walt Disney World Resort: The busiest Disney character host on the planet is adding a new Epcot Character Spot to his daily schedule.

At the new greeting place, located in Innoventions West, Mickey is joined by longtime Disney character friends such as Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale. They host and present five themed areas -- brightly colored cartoon settings depicting transportation, space, energy, land and communication -- for meet-and-greets and photos with guests during Future World operating hours.

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Bookings Underway for Little Ones Travel Time at Walt Disney World Resort :roll:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers is easier than ever as Little Ones Travel Time returns to Walt Disney World Resort in late August with a resort package and 'preschool palooza' perfect for young families.

A special package for vacations between Aug. 26 and Sept. 22, 2007, includes a five-day, four-night stay at select Disney value resorts, "Magic Your Way" theme park tickets and free Disney Dining plan (one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, one snack per day). Packages begin at $993 for two adults and one child aged 3-9. A second child aged 3-9 costs an additional $182. The package must be booked by June 24, 2007.

During Little Ones Travel Time, Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opens an hour early on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Disney resort guests and their youngsters to explore softer attractions such as "it's a small world," Peter Pan's Flight and Pooh's Playful Spot playground. During this bonus hour, wee ones can play ball with Goofy, enjoy "Peter Says" with Peter Pan, plus participate in other games and activities.

The lively Playhouse Disney in Concert, presented by Huggies and Pull-Ups brands, returns with zany performances by various Disney Channel favorites (including The Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites and Dan Zanes) each Thursday-Sunday during Little Ones Travel Time, Aug. 26-Oct. 28.

Bookings for the Little Ones Travel Time package can be made by calling 407/WDW-PREK, calling a local travel agent, or by visiting disneyworld.com/PreK. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Child rate applies only when occupying room with an adult. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. This offer excludes alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must choose from a children's menu when available.

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Walt Disney World Resort to Offer Quinceañeras

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Quinceañera parties, the traditional Latin coming-of-age celebrations, have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort. From a fully customized celebration based on a family's ideas to pre-designed, themed Quinceañera events that take away all the worry of planning, Disney is offering these tradition-steeped extravaganzas for girls turning age 15 -- a passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and young womanhood.

For Disney, already experienced in creating lavish occasions such as weddings, offering Quinceañera celebrations to the Hispanic community is a natural. With more than one million Latinas turning 15 in an average year, many may want to combine this tradition with the family fun of Walt Disney World Resort while celebrating their Quinceañeras at the Vacation Kingdom.

Working with Disney event planners, guests can enhance any event with memorable options such as superb elegance befitting a real princess, Cinderella's enchanted crystal coach, and much more. And with a variety of magical settings and venues -- from grand ballrooms to intimate spaces in resort hotels to one-of-a-kind locations at Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort offers nearly limitless possibilities.

Disney-designed Quinceañeras include everything from Disney-style entertainment and special menus to fairy-tale linens and specially designed centerpieces, with three choices of theme. For more information, guests may call 321/939-4555.

[Carol]

June Swoon or 'Just Because' -- Disney Florist Makes Dreams Happen

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- At Walt Disney World Resort, tongue-tied Casanovas or parents eager to create a unique Disney moment for their kids need look no further than the Walt Disney World Florist to make dreams come true. "We call our cast members Dream Makers because they are specially qualified to do much more than just send flowers," says Jean Volante, floral event manager. That's especially significant during Disney's "The Year of a Million Dreams," on now.

Guests wanting to set up a special moment but unsure about what they want -- or what to say --can leave it to the Disney experts, whether for a proposal, birthday greeting, anniversary or just a declaration of how they feel. "Our Dream Makers ask about the person to be surprised -- their personalities, favorite characters, colors, pastimes," Volante says. "We can also suggest a message so the gift giver looks like a hero."

There's a Walt Disney World of magical "whats" and "wheres" ...

Maybe a cast member at a Disney restaurant creates a surprise moment during a dining experience. Or after a day in the parks, the lucky recipient opens their guestroom door to rose petals trailing from the door to the bed. Or a child finds, waiting in their room, a life-size Mickey Mouse plush holding a celebratory "candy" cake to mark a birthday.

There are dream opportunities for pirates and princesses, festive balloons, gourmet baskets, a "wishing rose" with a bracelet with a heart-shaped charm -- nearly endless choices. For popping the question or celebrating an anniversary, Disney puts romantics right inside their own fairy tale. Aboard a Disney carriage ride, the driver stops to say "My lord, we've found the lady's slipper." Atop a pillow made of flowers, ribbons and pearls sits a glass slipper with a fairy-tale tiara.

From the hotel lobbies it dresses to the deliveries it makes, the floral operation specializes in the "Disney difference" and has been in the dream-making business since 1971, when the Florida Vacation Kingdom opened. The floral staff (boasting 450 years total experience) includes designers from Japan, UK, Cuba, Philippines, Brazil and China. And the most popular flower? "Still the rose," Volante says.

Guests can get details on the complete selection of gift offerings by visiting www.disneyflorist.com or calling 407/827-3505.

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Walt Disney World Hotels, Disney Vacation Club Resorts Go Smoke-Free

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- All Disney-owned-and-operated hotels at Walt Disney World Resort are smoke-free as of June 1, 2007. The policy also applies to all Disney Vacation Club resorts. With more than 20 Disney-owned-and-operated resorts on property, this represents the largest single site resort complex to institute this type of smoking policy change.

During the last five years guest demand for smoking rooms at Walt Disney World Resort has declined steadily, with less than 3.5 percent of 24,000 resort rooms being smoking optional just prior to June 1.

The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention spaces. Additionally, in January 2000 the Walt Disney World Resort theme and water parks became smoke-free with smoking allowed in designated smoking areas only.

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Registration Open for Two Fall Endurance Series Events

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Registration is currently open for two Walt Disney World endurance series events taking place in October -- fan-favorite Race for the Taste 10K on Oct. 7 and the new nighttime Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K on Oct. 27.

Disney's Race for the Taste 10K is a celebration of fitness, food and wine, combining endurance running with international cuisine. The race takes place in conjunction with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Sept. 28-Nov. 11. A ceremonial toast at 7 a.m. starts the race, which features live music and entertainment. At the finish line, athletes can enjoy a sampling of hors d'oeuvres featured at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The first Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K will be a scary-good run through the night in celebration of the 13th anniversary of Walt Disney World's famous terrifying attraction, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Entry fees include an exclusive race party at Disney-MGM Studios, which will last from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and will feature a live band. The popular Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Great Movie Ride attractions will be open during the party. There also will be a 6.5K beginning at 9 p.m., which spans half of the 13K course.

Registration for both races is available by visiting www.disneysports.com or by calling 407/938-3398 to have a registration form mailed.

[Figment!]

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[Caroleh]

Thanks, Carol!!!!

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