Dateline Disney - September/October 2007

[Carol]

Families with Little Ones Can Bop Along with Zany Music and Fun During Playhouse Disney in Concert Series at Disney-MGM Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Question: What do you get when you mix music, dancing, humor, games and skits -- all safe, fun and friendly for everyone from preschoolers to grandparents? Answer: Playhouse Disney in Concert presented by HUGGIES and PULL-UPS brands, which returns to Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World Resort this fall.

Each Thursday through Sunday from Aug. 30 to Oct. 28, Coaster Courtyard Concert Stage comes alive with entertainment designed for Little Ones Travel Time, a special vacation period for families with young children -- and grandchildren. The Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites, and Grammy Award-winning Dan Zanes and Friends are on the marquee of the nine-week concert series (subject to change without notice):

Aug. 30-Sept. 2 -- Imagination Movers
Sept. 6-9 -- The Doodlebops
Sept. 13-16 -- Playhouse Disney Live!
Sept. 20-23 -- Imagination Movers
Sept. 27-30 -- Choo-Choo Soul
Oct. 4-7 -- Choo-Choo Soul
Oct. 11-14 -- Ralph's World
Oct. 18-21 -- Johnny and the Sprites
Oct. 25-28 -- Dan Zanes and Friends

Shows will be presented at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. at Coaster Courtyard Concert Stage near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. For more information, visit disneyworld.com/PDiC.

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David Crowder*Band to Open 25th Night of Joy, Lifting Curtain on Star-Filled 19-Act Christian Music Event Sept. 7-8 in Magic Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- David Crowder*Band will lift the curtain on the 25th annual Night of Joy with a 7:30 p.m. concert on Cinderella Castle Stage Sept. 7 ... and newsboys will have the honor of blowing a kiss and offering a final "God bless" from the same Magic Kingdom stage late in the night Sept. 8 as the last of 19 music acts performing during the milestone contemporary Christian event at Walt Disney World Resort.

David Crowder*Band and newsboys are among a half-dozen performers who will "play the Castle" during the two-night musical extravaganza that takes place after regular park hours (a special ticket is required for admission). Friday evening, 2006-2007 Dove Awards "Artist of the Year" Chris Tomlin and 2001 "Artist of the Year" Third Day will follow David Crowder to the landmark stage. On Saturday, Salvador opens the show at the iconic stage followed by Christian music's most-honored artist, Steven Curtis Chapman.

But that's just for starters. Three other stages throughout Magic Kingdom will also be alive with Christian music each evening -- and Night of Joy guests can also enjoy popular Magic Kingdom attractions during party hours. Here's the complete entertainment lineup (talent, show times and locations are subject to change without notice):

FRIDAY, SEPT. 7, 2007

Artist - Stage - Showtimes

BarlowGirl -Fantasyland - 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
David Crowder*Band - Cinderella Castle Stage - 7:30 p.m.
Jessie Daniels - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - 9:15 p.m.
Leeland - Galaxy Palace Theater - 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Brian Littrell - Galaxy Palace Theater - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Sanctus Real - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Third Day - Cinderella Castle Stage - 11:30 p.m.
Chris Tomlin - Cinderella Castle Stage - 9:30 p.m.
Jaci Velasquez - Fantasyland - 10:20 p.m. & 11:35 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 8, 2007

Artist - Stage - Showtimes

Steven Curtis Chapman - Cinderella Castle Stage - 9:30 p.m.
Flyleaf - Galaxy Palace Theater - 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Rachel Hurt (GMA contest winner) - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - 9:15 p.m.
Kutless - Fantasyland - 11:20 p.m.
Mary Mary - Galaxy Palace Theater - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
newsboys - Cinderella Castle Stage - 11:30 p.m.
Smokie Norful - Fantasyland - 7:30 p.m.
Red - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Salvador - Cinderella Castle Stage - 7:30 p.m.
Mark Schultz - Fantasyland - 9:25 p.m.

Advance tickets ($41.95 plus tax for one night, $71.95 plus tax for both nights) are available by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting disneyworld.com/nightofjoy online. Tickets purchased on the date of the event will be $46.95 plus tax if available (Night of Joy is frequently sold out in advance).

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American Dreamers and Doers Celebrated in Epcot Pavilion

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Two exciting experiences offer Walt Disney World guests visiting Epcot's American Adventure pavilion a fresh new dose of "USA":

National Treasures, a most amazing collection of real-life Americana, debuts Sept. 28. Drawing on museums and foundations across the country, National Treasures features items such as the microscopes of George Washington Carver, items from the lives of Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson and the Purple Heart medal awarded to Japanese-American World War II hero and U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. Among many personal items of Abraham Lincoln: one of his stovepipe hats which has never been publicly exhibited outside the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vt. The exhibition will be ongoing with displays changing-out periodically.

Updates have been made to the American Adventure show, a dramatic theatrical presentation that combines the magic of Disney Audio-Animatronics with innovations in film and special effects housed inside a 108,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion. The American Adventure story represents great moments and inspired dreamers -- and their contributions -- that have helped shape the spirit of America. The show is anchored by the "Golden Dreams" film that depicts some of America's most moving events. New sequences include images from the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Lance Armstrong's Tour de France victories and Oprah Winfrey's compassionate work with African children.

"These additional scenes portray the resilience and breadth of the American spirit," said executive show director and Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild.

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Epcot Soarin' Fun Begins Even Before Guests Board the Attraction

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Epcot guests will discover something new, dynamic and huge to engage and entertain them as they await their turn to experience Soarin', one of the top-rated attractions at Walt Disney World Resort: Disney Imagineers, who have a legacy of engaging guests into the story during attraction queues, have used immersive graphics to provide a first-of-a-kind group game experience.

The interactive experience combines large video screens and leading-edge motion detection technology that encourages children and adults to move and play together, creating and manipulating different scenes from nature and other exciting settings. Guests can virtually fly a bird through a narrow river canyon and launch paint balls against a digital canvas to reveal hidden images. A series of five large video screens (each approximately 11 feet by 20 feet) showcase increasingly more challenging games as guests move through the queue.

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Spectacular Scenes Surround Audiences in Canadian Film

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In September, Walt Disney World guests can glimpse today's Canada in a 14-minute motion picture presented in CircleVision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Titled "O Canada!" the updated film includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse populace.

In addition, the film is now hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short, whose charm, warmth and wit add a distinct and authentic flair. Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to update the film, including new orchestration and images, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"

The motion picture takes guests from the far northeastern shores of Newfoundland's Bay of Fundy by railroad to the southwestern beauty and tranquility of Buchart Gardens in British Columbia. Canada's natural beauty is majestically displayed -- from the 800-year-old redwood trees of Cathedral Grove to the astounding splendor of Horseshoe Falls to the snowy mountains of Kananaskis Valley.

The film includes the nation's capital, Ottawa, with its Parliament buildings and Rideau Canal; the sophistication of Toronto, with its nightlife and film festivals; and Quebec City, the cradle of French civilization in Canada. Also mentioned: the not-so-famous but artfully named small towns of Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat. The people of Canada are featured in outdoor activities including skiing, whitewater rafting and hockey.

[Carol]

New Guerlain Boutique in Epcot Features Exclusive Fragrances

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Modeled after the Guerlain flagship boutique on the Champs Elysees in Paris, the new Guerlain boutique at Epcot's France pavilion is designed to be a stunning showcase for Guerlain's rich history and the company's current and future offerings.

One of only four Guerlain boutiques in the United States, it invites guests to experience limited-edition fragrances and exclusive creations including L'Art et la Matière and Les Parisiennes. L'Art et la Matière is a collection of new fragrances created by outstanding perfumers combining the finest raw ingredients. Les Parisiennes is a collection of vintage fragrances from Guerlain's archives. Elegant and sophisticated, they are each housed in the legendary sculpted bee bottles.

In September, Guerlain will introduce Quand Vient La Pluie, an ultra-luxurious, limited-edition fragrance showcased in a Swarovski crystal-decorated perfume bottle.

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New Disney-themed Crocs Make Fun-filled Fashion Debut

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney guests can step out in style and comfort with Disney Crocs, a new style of the wildly popular, lightweight and slip-resistant shoe that has taken a "bite" out of the footwear industry.

Disney Crocs feature Mickey's familiar mouse-eared silhouette where the circular ventilation holes are found on traditional Crocs. To customize the shoes even more, 61 varieties of Disney-themed "Jibbitz" -- small, rubber representations of favorite characters that pop snugly into the top-side holes of the shoe -- also are available. Seasonal and themed varieties of both Disney Crocs and Jibbitz also are offered -- such as an orange and black pair of Crocs for Halloween and a pack of themed Jibbitz featuring characters in their holiday best. Disney Crocs are available in 10 bright colors and 13 sizes at merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort.

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New Grand 1 Yacht Offers VIP Treatment with Disney Twist

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a VIP boating experience aboard a new 52-foot Sea Ray yacht on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the yacht from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests can book morning, afternoon or evening excursions, each offering spectacular views of Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts. On select nights, guests can view the "Wishes" fireworks show from the boat deck, or from the dining and salon areas that feature panoramic windows. For the ultimate cruise, private-dining staff can whip up an evening snack or gourmet five-course meal with wine pairings. A private butler can also cater to guests' every need.

Up to 18 guests can sail for $450 per hour, plus tax. Dining service and butler are available for additional fees. Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY.

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New Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Offers Sparkly Makeovers & Cool Do's

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Young princesses and cool dudes can get the royal treatment at the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -- Disney's pixie-dusted makeover salon -- opening in September in Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Princesses can choose from three makeover packages -- the Coach makeover (hairstyle and shimmering makeup), the Crown makeover (hairstyle, nails and shimmering makeup) and the Castle makeover (hairstyle, nails, shimmering makeup, an imaging package and princess costume complete with crown, wand and shoes).

Within each makeover package, young princesses can choose from three different hairstyles -- the Disney Diva, the Pop Princess or the Fairytale Princess. Young princes can choose the Cool Dude service offering hairstyling with colored gels and sparkles.

The Magic Kingdom salon will be open every day from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be three years or older and theme park admission is required. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (407/939-7895) up to 180 days in advance.

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12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Kicks Off Sept. 28

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 28 through Nov. 11 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot guests can explore the nuances of great wines from around the world and sample blissful bites from dozens of countries against the backdrop paintings inspired by food and wine. The paintings are served up from the palettes of artists in China, Italy, France and beyond as a fitting accompaniment to first-rate food, wine and beer that spotlight regional experiences from Turkey to Chile to Scandinavia during the six-week-long festival.

More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, and recommended wines and beers available at each kiosk make for picture-perfect pairings. New marketplaces this year include Oklahoma, Dominican Republic and Peru.

Meanwhile, daily seminars offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. In addition, a series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

The festival theme, Tastefully Inspired, emphasizes the relationship between two expressions of art -- the canvas and the table. This year's festival showcases great artwork from around the world that celebrates food and wine.

Other festival highlights include:

The nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers.

The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and the official festival cookbook.

Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.

Special exhibits featuring authentic cuisine, entertainment and traditional crafts.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event presented by Vanity Fair, with tempting tasting stations and featuring entertainment by Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.

Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary exhibits and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at: disneyworld.com/food.

[Carol]

Music Hit-makers Turn Epcot's America Gardens Theatre Into a Living Jukebox During Eat to the Beat! Concert Series
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Their musical styles range from classic rock, pop and R&B to country, jazz and funk. But the artists who make up the lineup for the 2007 Eat to the Beat! concert series Sept. 28-Nov. 11 during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival have something in common: They made hits!

Among them, the 16 acts figured in more than 100 top-10 hits -- including no fewer than 25 songs that went No. 1 -- from the 1950s through the 1990s. America Gardens Theatre will be a living jukebox for the hit-makers behind "Tutti Frutti," "The Twist," "Good Vibrations," "We Built This City," "Morning Train," "Just Another Day" and dozens of other mega hits.

Here's who's scheduled to take the stage
(lineup is subject to change without notice):

Sept. 28-29 -- Al Stewart
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 -- Otis Day and the Knights
Oct. 2-3 -- The Beach Boys
Oct. 4-6 -- The Original Family Stone
Oct. 7-9 -- Sheena Easton
Oct. 10-13 -- Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 14-16 -- David Cassidy
Oct. 17-18 -- Little Richard
Oct. 19-21 -- Juice Newton
Oct. 22-25 -- The Four Tops
Oct. 26-27 -- The Village People
Oct. 28-30 -- The Outlaws
Oct. 31-Nov. 3 -- Jon Secada
Nov. 4-6 -- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
Nov. 7-8 -- The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts
Nov. 9-11 -- David Sanborn

Showtimes are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. daily and are included with regular Epcot admission.

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Grand Floridian Portrait Sessions Offer One-On-One Photo Moments

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There's a new occasion to "say cheese" at Walt Disney World Resort: during individual portrait sessions now available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests who desire a more one-on-one photo experience during their Walt Disney World vacation can book a shoot at the majestic Victorian-style resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer escorts the group through some of its most picturesque backdrops. Consultations are available prior to the shoot to discuss wardrobe, session location and theme options.

Guests can create a portrait package that suits their individual needs with two current offers: a single sitting ($49.95), and a package that includes a sitting and a PhotoPass CD with all of the digital images taken by theme park photographers during a guest's vacation ($124.95). For more information or to book a portrait session, visit Disney's PhotoPass desk on the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or call 407/824-1700.

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Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Offers 'Spooktacular' Fun

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A haunting good time awaits families during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights between Sept. 14 and Nov. 2 at the Magic Kingdom theme park. The not-so-frightful special-ticket party will be brimming with treats, grinning ghosts and goblins galore on Sept. 14, 21, 28, 30; Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31; and Nov. 2.

Guests are invited to dress in costumes and trick-or-treat through the park, after dark (the party begins at 7 p.m. -- after park closing -- and ends at the wonderfully witching hour of midnight). Favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween garb make up the popular "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade followed by the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular. The most popular Magic Kingdom attractions are operating, too.

Tickets are $45.95 plus tax (ages 10-up) and $39.95 plus tax (ages 3-9), with advance-purchase savings available for 12 select evenings. For additional ticket information, guests can visit disneyworld.com/halloween online or call 407/W-DISNEY.

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Rooms to Roam: Name Change to 'Disney Deluxe Villas Resorts' Calls out Villas' Availability for Nightly Rental at Walt Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests shopping for Walt Disney World accommodations will discover a "new" category of resort at the Vacation Kingdom. In an effort to alleviate confusion about the availability of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodations as nightly rentals, Disney vacation planners are now using the term Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts in reference to the DVC properties for non-members.

The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts category tops off a lineup of Disney resorts for every taste and budget including Disney Value Resorts, Disney Moderate Resorts and Disney Deluxe Resorts. The Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts offer comforts of home with most rooms featuring full kitchens or kitchenettes, washer/dryers, whirlpool tubs and living areas. Villas available include studios and accommodations with up to three bedrooms.

Currently the Disney Deluxe Villa Resort option is available at: Disney's Old Key West Resort, The Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's BoardWalk Villas, The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

[pdrlkr]

Thanks Carol!

[scottgr]

Thanks

[KAJUNKING]

thanks carol

[Red Randal]

[B][SIZE="4"]Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"

But will we still get the original song? Canada is a lifetime journey. Don't deprive us of this knowledge!!

[goofy for pluto]

Lots of great information!
Thanks Carol!

[battle beast]

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In September, Walt Disney World guests can glimpse today's Canada in a 14-minute motion picture presented in CircleVision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Titled "O Canada!" the updated film includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse populace.

FINALLY!!! CANADA =

[January-2007]

Oh my gosh I could just die. David Cassidy is going to be performing during the week in which we were originally planning to be in WDW, but no, we went and changed things up to get the Free Dining. I'm so mad at myself!!! It's past our 45 days too, so there's really no changing it now. Oh my gosh this is just so huge I can't believe it. 2 weeks in WDW is better than 1 week + seeing someone you've always wanted to see, right? Tell me it is.... I can't believe this.

Oh, and the new Canada movie. I recall Martin Short being in the "Making of Me" movie too, wasn't he? The voice of the baby? Or am I too young to remember?

I just can't believe I changed the dates and now the original dates have David Cassidy. Wow.

[tomorrowschild]

Yeah Moose Jaw!!!!!! Can't believe our small city is mentioned!!!!

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates.

[CanadianWDWFan]

It sure is about time that "O Canada" got an update. I sure am looking forward to checking out all the new things this October.

Yeah Moose Jaw!!!!!! Can't believe our small city is mentioned!!!!

On Moose Jaw! I have got to get out there one day.

Last time I checked The Bay of Fundy wasn't in Newfoundland.

Thanks for the updates Carol!

[Darbylew]

Thanks for all the great information. We are
going to be at WDW in November and looking
forward to a lot of new things.

[AliceinDisney]

Thanks!

My friend works for Guerlain and would definitely be intrigued to know about the exclusive fragrances at that particular boutique! She just got back from touring the one in France for business.

[happydisneygirl]

As a Canadian I have been hoping for this day for a long time can't wait to get out there and see it. (Maybe dec. !!)
I actually was so annoyed with the dated film I emailed the department of canadian tourism quite a while back, I mean how many people visit disney every year . I don't remember how many now but I had looked up the stats and included it in my email (and that we were not representing what a beautiful country we had to such a huge number of potential visitors). And those dated images from the 70's was an embarrasing misrepresentaion ,etc if it takes being brutally blunt to get a change i 'm not afraid
of course I doubt they even read my email but if they did.....
Now who has the email address for the disney department for ride development, we still need a brother bear themed log ride over there!