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Mickey Monitor – August 2004

Stitches Great Escape! Means Magic Kingdom Madness

As you might guess, when an uncontrollable, uninhibited, indestructible little alien named Stitch gets his own Magic Kingdom® attraction, all chaos breaks loose!

“But it’s fun chaos,” Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty assured
us. “Stitch is a fun-loving little guy. He has no rules except to make
everything he sees, fun.”

Why has the world embraced the six-armed, toothsome little terror? Let’s face it, Stitch does outrageous things we wouldn’t dare to do, but might wish we could. You’ll experience this firsthand at Stitch’s Great Escape!,™ a zany, lighthearted new Tomorrowland® adventure.

Kevin calls it a sort of “prequel” to the movie story, with members of the original voice cast and a peppy new musical score. The action takes place at the Galactic Federation Prisoner Teleport Center. Stitch (then known as “Experiment 626”) seems so harmless, he is left alone with the “Security Recruits” (that’s us, the Guests). Big mistake. Stitch bounces all over the chamber, talking to us individually, spitting to confuse DNA-tracking plasma cannons and having the time of his anarchic life.

We won’t spoil the ending by revealing where Stitch ends up. As you may recall from the last few Mickey Monitor issues, we’re never quite sure ourselves what he’s going to do next. But that’s all over now … we think.

Passholder Preview Get the details online!
You’re invited to be among the first on your planet to experience Stitch’s Great Escape! before its Grand Opening. For more information, including dates and times, just visit disneyworld.com/annualpass and click on Special Offers. Be sure to have your Pass handy, you’ll need your I.D. number.

A limited edition of 5,000 Stitch bobble-head pins will be sold during the preview at Mickey’s Star Traders and Merchants of Venus for $10.50 each plus tax. Valid Walt Disney World® Passholder I.D. is required for entrance to the attraction preview, and at time of pin purchase. Limit of two pins per day per Passholder.

How to spot a Stitch invasion
As a public service, here are the telltale signs Stitch has made himself right at home:

1. Blue hair in the sink, even though Grandma hasn’t visited in weeks.
2. New issue of Alien Living arrives every month.
3. Teeth marks on your toes each morning.
4. Chunks of wall, side molding and sconces missing.
5. TV always inexplicably set for Disney Channel.
6. Nosy neighbor claims she saw a monster in your living room window.
7. Don’t seem to have to take out trash as often.
8. Car makes growling noises even when turned off.
9. Elvis records somehow moved out of the attic.
10. “Has anybody seen Fluffy?”

Hey-Hey, it's JoJo's Circus!

The arrival of the stars of TV’s JoJo’s Circus at Disney-MGM Studios continues a great Disney tradition. It began when a young Walt Disney marveled at the circus parade in Missouri, and was celebrated with big top wonders in Dumbo, “Circus Day” on the original Mickey Mouse Club, and other three-ring Disney fun. So it’s fitting that the stars
of JoJo’s Circus have become part of the Disney-MGM Studios showbiz excitement.

Now JoJo herself, and her pet lion, Goliath, are appearing in person for autographs and photos on Mickey Avenue. They’re also greeting all their fans as they roll down Hollywood Boulevard in the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. They’ve joined the parade with friends from Bear in the Big Blue House,™ Rolie Polie Olie and others from the popular Playhouse Disney children’s shows seen every morning on Disney Channel.

JoJo’s Circus is another smash success from the talented producers and artists who brought Disney’s Doug, PB&J Otter and Stanley to TV screens. The new series encourages the kids watching at home to get up and dance, jump, bend and wiggle as they watch the adventures of JoJo and her friends in Circustown. It’s a big top blast!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is “on” again!

November 24, 2004 –January 2, 2005

The lights that were too big for Little Rock, Arkansas will have a new home at Disney-MGM Studios. This year, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is back, and looking more elaborate than ever in the most spectacular setting anyone could imagine.

“It’s bigger than ever,” Show Director John Phelan explained, “because they’ve moved from a residential setting to a grand cityscape.”

John referred to the newly renamed “Streets of America,” the former New York Street area, now transformed into a salute to great cities. The first city to be added is San Francisco, with a “forced perspective” scene that is already in place.

It is over this vast canyon of idealized urban glory that millions and millions of lights, carousels, sparkling bells, holiday characters and bold kinetic sculptures will be festooned. Just imagine the breathtaking effect of this towering vertical “canvas,” as the “snow” lightly falls amid the sparkling colors! It will be like seeing the entire magical display for the first time. “We’re mounting the lights and decorations on a much higher, grander scale,” said John. “So it will definitely have
a more dramatic feel. Now you’ll be able to walk under the giant glowing globe.”

As a key figure in the project since the beginning, John will never forget the very first night the lights display opened. “We were walking behind a family and suddenly the mother put her arm around her 12-year-old son,” he recalls. “She stopped, looked at him and said ‘Merry Christmas.’ I can still hear the tone of her voice.

“It’s great to be able to bring that feeling back this year, in a whole new way.”

Food & Wine Festival features new tastes

October 1–November 14, 2004

This year’s Epcot ® International Food & Wine Festival is destined to take the annual gastronomic gala even further, with new flavors of every kind.

Due to popular demand, the ninth-annual festival is extended this fall by more than two weeks, giving you ample opportunity to come back for seconds, thirds, and fourths.

As always, the tasty action will take place at more than 25 international food and wine marketplaces a round World Showcase Lagoon, each of which offer appetizer-sized portions, priced from $1.00–$4.50 plus tax. This year, Guests are also treated to new special exhibits, concerts featuring top-name performers of almost every musical genre, plus culinary demonstrations and wine seminars every single day.

Party for the Senses returns
For the ultimate food and wine experience, Passholders can’t miss Disney’s popular “Party for the Senses” dining experiences. The event begins with VIP seating at the 5:45 p.m. performance of the “Eat to the Beat” concert series.

Then it’s all about the food, featuring flavors from 23 eminent chefs and more than 50 wines and beers. As an added surprise, you’ll also enjoy dazzling performances during the event from members of the
Cirque du Soleil® show, La Nouba.™

It’s an evening featuring the very best in international cuisine and entertainment—the premier food and wine event of its kind anywhere. Party for the Senses will be held each Saturday at World Showplace
Pavilion, only during the Festival. Tickets are $95.00 per person
(including gratuity, plus tax, Park admission required).

Check out the tasty additions
• “Australia: Discover Down Under” returns with a new “outback” feel. Don’t miss the Wine-Walkabout, where you can sample five wines representing the diverse regions of Australia.

• The New England Fair features traditional crafts, foods, and
entertainment in this special new exhibit. Grown-ups will want
to check out “The History of Beer in America” presented by the
makers of Samuel Adams® Boston Lager.

Must be 21 to consume alcoholic beverages. Valid photo I.D. required. Additional charge for Wine-Walkabout.

Call us for all the appetizing extras
Log on to disneyworld.com/foodandwine for prices, dates, details, and an online festival guide. Or contact us at 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) to make reservations.

Eat to the Beat concert series
Your favorite artists from the worlds of disco, rock, pop, and country music are on stage at the America Gardens Theatre. Take in nightly shows at 5:45, 7:00, and 8:15 p.m.

Oct. 1–5 -- Kool & the Gang “Celebration”
Oct. 6 –10 -- Starship featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Oct. 11, 12 -- The Beach Boys “Good Vibrations”
Oct. 13–15 -- Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”
Oct. 16–20 -- Taylor Dayne “Love Will Lead You Back”
Oct. 21–25 -- Commodores “Brick House”
Oct. 26–28 -- Three Dog Night “Joy To The World”
Oct. 29, 30 -- Survivor “Eye of the Tiger”
Oct. 31–Nov. 4 -- Blake Shelton “Austin”
Nov. 5–9 -- Eddie Money -- “Take Me Home Tonight”
Nov. 10–14 -- Chubby Checker & the Wildcats “The Twist”

Festival included with regular Epcot admission.
Entertainment subject to change without notice.

Athens isn’t the only place sporting world-class athletes

While the 2004 Olympics play out in Athens, you can bet that there will be a few Cast Members gathered around the TV backstage at the Cirque du Soleil® show, La Nouba.™ That’s because many of them are
champion gymnasts themselves. The show, at Downtown Disney®
West Side, features no less than 16 former gymnasts, all of whom either participated in the Olympics or World Championships at some point in their careers.

So if you can’t make it to Athens this year, come see our own collection of Olympians. Passholders can save 25% off the regular price of Category 2 admission (select seats only) on performances now through September 30, excluding August 22–25. And you can bring one Guest along to enjoy the savings also. Tickets are available for sale 14 days prior.

Call (407) 939-7604. Discount is not valid on previously purchased tickets, gift certificates or with any other offer. Passholder must present valid Passholder I.D. at box office to receive tickets. Please arrive a minimum of one hour prior to show time. Advanced reservations required. Availability is limited and restrictions apply.

Coastal resort is a day-tripper’s paradise

The beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island are enough to delight anyone seeking fun in the sun. But the fall months are the perfect time to enjoy the area’s historical charm.

Welcome to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, an architectural nod to the past, built to resemble a 1940s fishing retreat. It’s situated just a short drive away from two of our nation’s most historical and beautiful cities: Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia.

Once you’ve headquartered in luxury, venture into Charleston and see the Fort Sumpter National Monument or the famed Magnolia Plantation & Its Gardens. Then traipse through Savannah, the hostess city of the South, with one of the largest historical districts in the United States.

Passholders save on a stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
If you hurry, you can take advantage of great savings on certain dates in October, November and December. A stay in our spacious two-bedroom vacation home is just $99 per night plus tax. You’ll save $66 per night plus tax based on nondiscounted rate for the same room.

Available most nights 10/31–12/31/2004 (excluding 11/24 and 11/25/2004). Other Passholder rates may be available for earlier arrival dates. Space is limited and at these rates, rooms go fast, so book by December 1, 2004. Call (407) 566-PASS (7277) to check
for availability. Additional per adult charges apply if more than two
adults (18 or older) per room. Advanced reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Rate is nontransferable.

New clubs abound on board the Disney Wonder®

Just when you thought we couldn’t pack any more fun onto one ship, we added three new clubs. Diversions, Cove Cafe, and Aloft will all
make their maiden voyage on the October 17, 4-night voyage.

Diversions is a cross between a golf clubhouse and a neighborhood
pub, while Cove Cafe is an adults-only onboard oasis, perfect for reading and relaxing while sipping cool cocktails. For teens who want to chillax at da flyest joint on the vess-izzle fo shizzle, Aloft is all that. (Parents: Don’t worry if you don’t get this part. It’s not about you.)
Play computer games, watch videos and kick it with your new friends, or mix it up on the dance floor. It’s OK now, parents. Here is something that is definitely all about you. Passholder families receive a $50 onboard credit on 3-night cruises commencing November 18 through December 16, 2004. Just call 1-800-370-3086 or your Travel Agent and ask
for offer code APC.

Onboard credit good toward merchandise, spa treatments, shore excursions and other onboard activities. Offer must be requested at time of booking for new bookings only. The onboard credit is per stateroom for each stateroom occupied by an adult Walt Disney World Passholder. Must show proof of active Walt Disney World Passholder status at time of sailing. Any unused portions are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Kids’ love of Nemo bubbles over into Epcot fun

The enthusiasm of countless young Nemo fans actually inspired Disney Imagineers to find a way to really find Nemo at The Living Seas. “We visited aquariums, and saw kids immediately run to the tanks and yell for ‘Nemo!’” recalls Imagineer Kathy Mangum. “We knew we had to come up with ways for them to really find Nemo in person.”

When you approach The Living Seas entrance, look for Nemo’s Garden, inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film, Finding Nemo.

Resembling the Great Barrier Reef Nemo calls home, this is where the star himself arrives for photos. It’s like a mini-celebration, with bubbles and sea chanties floating through the air. You can also pose alongside charming sculptures of Dory and other beloved characters from the hit movie.

The fun continues inside Sea Base Alpha at Nemo and Friends. This is
where real-life Nemos, Dorys and other creatures swim like, well, like fish. Fascinating graphics and the knowledgeable Cast Members are on hand to describe Nemo’s world. Kids do come up with the darndest things, don’t they?

BUZZ worthy

BUCS TRAINING CAMP
Passholders get free admission to see Tampa’s big boys practice at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex from late July thru August. 2.

ECHOES OF AFRICA
This new art exhibit at The American Adventure in Epcot ® will feature priceless African works from the world-renowned Disney/Tishman collection. Opens September 2004. 3.

MOVIE NEWS IN ’04
Our fourth Platinum Double DVD, Aladdin, is now on sale. And to prep for the November release of the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film, The Incredibles, some of the film’s star characters will be making appearances at Disney-MGM Studios beginning in October. 4.

WEST COAST CRUISE IN ’05
Disney Cruise Line® is going Hollywood! Limited-time, 7-night sailings depart from Los Angeles and visit ports along the Mexican Riviera. Space is limited, so call 1-800-370- 3086 for dates and availability. 5.

EXPEDITION EVEREST™
As we count down to the attraction’s 2006 opening, enjoy this construction update from Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: A bridge now connects DinoLand U.S.A.® to Asia, and the mountain is going vertical.

NEW SPA NEWS
It’s a spa. It’s new. It’s at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Which is also new. Features facials, massages and body wraps for … what else? A new you!

All dates and events are subject to change without notice.

Renew your Pass in your PJs!

What’s with the jammies? We’re just illustrating how convenient it now is to renew your Walt Disney World® Annual Pass. Meaning you can now do it online … from the comforts of your own home … in the comforts of whatever you choose to wear.

Just log on to disneyworld.com and click on “Renewal Information” to lock in your renewal savings up to 30 days prior to your Anniversary Date (which is when your Pass expires). All you need is your current Pass number. And online access, of course. Hey––you can even renew for friends and family members! Just make sure you have their Pass numbers handy, too. Renewing has never been easier. Log on today!

Perks in your 2004 Pass Sleeve

Water Sports Savings!
Beat the heat and save. Passholders get 10% off the regular rates on parasailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Reservations are required and certain restrictions apply. Call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for more information.

Relaxing rate at new spa
A new spa means a new Perk for Passholders. Now you can enjoy 10% off the regular price of one treatment each time you visit The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Reservations are required and can
be made by calling (407) 827-4455. Offer good through December 2005.

The new pin is IN!
“Where Magic Lives”
Passholder Pin #3
This Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park pin features Simba and friends, and is available for purchase beginning August 15, 2004 for $12.50 (plus tax). But only 7,500 are being issued, and there is a limit of two per day per Passholder!

On sale at:
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – Island Mercantile
• Magic Kingdom® Park – Town Square Exposition Hall
• Disney-MGM Studios – Sorcerer Hat Shop
• Epcot® – Pin Central

Remember: Valid Passholder I.D. required at time of purchase

Key Dates!

Night of Joy
September 9, 10 & 11, 2004 For tickets, call (407) 560-PASS (7277).

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
October 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 & 31, 2004
Call (407) 560-PASS or visit disneyworld.com to get your tickets today!

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
October 1-November 14, 2004

FUNAI Classic
October 21-24, 2004
For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.

The Festival of the Masters
November 12-14, 2004

ABC Super Soap Weekend®
November 13 & 14, 2004

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
November 24, 2004-January 2, 2005

Festival of the Seasons
November 26-December 24, 2004

Holidays Around the World
November 26-December 30, 2004

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November 28, 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 & 17, 2004
Call (407) 560-PASS or visit disneyworld.com to get your tickets!

Don’t forget your Anniversary Date!
Your "Anniversary Date" is the day your Pass was issued and it’s good for one year from then. If yours is coming up, be sure to renew soon so you can continue the fun for another whole year! Just call 001-407-560-7277 or visit any Walt Disney World® Theme Park ticket window.