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Mickey
Monitor – August 2005
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Extreme stunts
straight from the driver’s side! |
 They
create Disney-MGM Studios excitement every day with tire-squealing cars,
flying motorcycles and the ultimate peek behind the scenes at the new
Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show. This precision driving team of
seven men and one woman (a 19-year-old motocross champion) has international
experience, from movies to TV shows and even the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt
Spectacular! 11-year stunt veteran and former gymnast, Kurt “Hock”
Hockenberry, did a quick Q & A with Mickey Monitor.
MM: What are some of the highlights of driving the hero car?
KH: The hero comes in bearing down at 60 mph and whips the car around in a
540-degree turn. It’s one of the fastest parts of the show. Then in the
finale, I go over two ramps, crash out of a building through some doors,
over a moat with explosions going everywhere!
MM: How did you learn to drive the villain cars on two wheels?
KH: We use an “outrigger,” a fifth wheel on the left side. The trick is to
find the balance point by tugging at the steering wheel and “scissoring” it
back and forth. When you first take the “outrigger” wheel off, it’s pretty
nerve-wracking! But I look forward to it now, finding the balance point and
fighting to keep the car up.
MM: What’s one of your favorite stunts?
KH: Driving the “reverse hero car.” I drive on stage in an identical version
of the hero car with a body that’s switched around to make it look like I’m
driving backwards. Visibility is very low, but when you’ve driven it for as
long as we’ve been trained, you get used to it.
MM: And afterward, you reveal how it’s done?
KH: Yes, that’s a great thing about our show. We respect the fact that
today’s audiences are very intelligent, so we don’t pull the wool over their
eyes. They really like that.
Secret: The cars in the show are specially equipped with rally
racing cages inside to protect the drivers. Each runs on a 1300 cc
motorcycle engine in the back and has a direct drive transmission. They
weigh less than regular cars but are 2 1⁄2 times more powerful.
|
New Cinderellabration
show is dressed for success! |
 Fashion
and fairy tales mix in Magic Kingdom® stage spectacular.
We love the magic of seeing Cinderella
crowned a princess. We love the majestic musical score and gorgeous
choreography. But for a lot of us former princess
wanna-be’s, the big-time appeal of Cinderellabration comes from its
glamorous array of royal outfits. So, we just had to talk with Lynne Ford,
Senior Costume
Designer at Walt Disney Attractions Japan.
She’s the Disney designer who put the “bling” into the original Tokyo
Disneyland® stage show. According to Lynne, “The Tokyo version of the show
took place at night in winter, so we used a great deal of fur trim for a
luxurious look as well as warmth!” And even though the show is now performed
in the Florida sunshine, its winter roots
remain in the fur-lined capes of Cinderella and her Prince.
The show is cast with a who’s who of Disney Princesses who arrive at the big
event dressed to dazzle. Snow White’s skirt features dozens and dozens of
embroidered sequins. Snow White, Belle, Jasmine and Sleeping Beauty are each
dressed in a kaleidoscope of lavish textures, colors and styles. All in all,
it took over 5,500 yards of fabric to make the show costumes. And no expense
was spared. In fact, some of the fabric was woven in the same French mills
that supply Paris’s most renowned couturiers.
Secret: Disney costume artists logged approximately 100,000
sewing room hours to create the costumes in this show.
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Expedition Everest
inspires mission to Himalayas |
Disney joins team of scientists to explore the legendary
“realm of the Yeti”
 Disney
Imagineers are taking their quest for authentic storytelling to amazing new
heights—in fact, some of the highest heights in the world.
Teaming up with
Conservation International and Discovery Networks, Disney is mounting an
extraordinary expedition to the mountains of the Himalayas to search for new
species and ancient legends. The expedition includes more than 20 renowned
scientists who are spending two months in the Himalayas this fall, searching
for undiscovered species likely to live in these little-known but important
conservation sites.
Imagineers will research cultural and spiritual legends that will be used to
make the Disney’s Animal Kingdom® attraction, Expedition Everest™, as
authentic as possible. The thrill ride, scheduled to debut next spring, will
include the folklore surrounding the Yeti, also known as the abominable
snowman. “At one level, it’s a high-speed train adventure set in an
incredible story,” said Joe Rohde, Imagineering’s lead designer of Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Park, who will accompany the scientists during the research
trip. “It also remains true to the underlying philosophy of the Park about
conservation and the sanctity of the land.”
Rohde said plans also call for talks with Himalayan residents about their
relationship with the Yeti. “To them, the Yeti is a protector of the land,”
Rohde told us. The current itinerary for the expedition goes from August to
October and includes three Himalayan countries, where the team will conduct
a full biological survey. In fact, they believe the mission will likely
result in the discovery of a new species. Look for an update on the progress
of the expedition and Expedition Everest–Legend of the Forbidden Mountain™
in future issues of the Mickey Monitor.
Play awesome, new
online Disney game. Free!
This one goes out to all you kids out there! |
 Seriously.
It’s for the kids. So if you have ’em or know ’em ... give this to ’em!
Because it’s online game time, and the kids have the keys to rule the
kingdom. The “Virtual Magic Kingdom,” that is. Ready to Unleash the Magic?
Then here’s how. All you gotta do (assuming “you” is a reader who is not yet
old enough to drive) is go to
vmk.com
and register to play for free.
Then customize your Avatar for use in the game. You know ... your online
character, complete with the hair and clothes of your choice and such. Now
you’re ready to begin your journey throughout a virtual Disney Park. During
this journey, you can fire cannons and battle buccaneers in Pirates of the
Caribbean, sail along as part of a Jungle Cruise photo safari, master your
own music mix, and even enter a competition to create the most kickin’
fireworks displays ever! Virtual Magic Kingdom (a.k.a. VMK) also lets you
design and decorate guest rooms, join parties, and hang out in your very own
Disney communities with tons of online buddies. Bonus––the game extends
beyond the computer and right into the actual Disney Theme Parks where
rewards, both real and virtual, await.
This means the Walt Disney World® fun can be had before, during and after
your visit. Swing by VMK Central at Main Street Cinema in the Magic Kingdom®
Park to find out how to extend your virtual adventure into the real world.
To play the game, just remember this:
vmk.com.
L8r.
| Cinderella loses
shoes at sea! |
 Wait
a minute ... broken glass slippers? Time-traveling stepsisters? Cinderella’s
dream over before it even starts?
These are a few of the surprising new takes on the classic Disney story in
the new show, “Twice Charmed–An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story,” now
performed on the Disney Magic®, one of the Disney Cruise Line® luxury cruise
ships. In this new musical, the evil stepsisters figure the Prince would
have chosen one of them if it weren’t for Cinderella’s glass slippers.
So they and their evil Stepmother call upon their evil Fairy God-
father, who sends them back in time to destroy the glass slippers and change
the course of the fairy tale. Thus unfolds a new tale about inner beauty and
the importance of following dreams. In addition to favorite tunes from the
film, a magnificent new musical score featuring six original songs was
created for this stage spectacular. “Twice Charmed” is exclusively on Disney
Cruise Line 7-night cruises, so you may want to book one soon.
| New fun to be
served at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival! September 30–November 13, 2005 |
 The
Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is about to hit double digits, and
since its 10th anniversary happens to fall during the Happiest Celebration
On Earth, there’s even more cause to eat, drink and be very merry!
Throughout the years, this much-loved festival has consistently gotten
bigger and better. And this year is no exception. You’ve got over 25
International Marketplaces to discover.
This includes exciting, new marketplaces like Turkey, Puerto Rico, Chile,
India and Singapore. As a Passholder, you’ll also be among the first to get
a glimpse of this year’s awesome “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series talent
lineup. And because it’s such a special year, the series is gonna jazz
things up by introducing ... well, jazz ... to the mix! So prepare your
taste buds (and eardrums) for a deliciously
expanded trip around the world.
To get you started, enjoy the festival fun facts below, “Eat to the Beat”
lineup and, as an added bonus––the recipe for the ever-popular Cheddar
Cheese Soup from Canada! Good stuff, eh?
“EAT TO THE BEAT” ARTISTS & DATES
*Performances at the America Gardens Theatre
 KANSAS
- Sept. 30–Oct. 2
The COMMODORES - Oct. 3–6
EDGAR WINTER - Oct. 7–9
KOOL & THE GANG - Oct. 10–13
THE GAP BAND - Oct. 14–16
ARTURO SANDOVAL - Oct. 17–19
STARSHIP - Oct. 20–23
THE BEACH BOYS - Oct. 24 & 25
FAMILY STONE EXPERIENCE - Oct. 26–28
THE MIRACLES - Oct. 29–31
CHUBBY CHECKER & THE WILDCATS - Nov. 1–4
THE RIPPINGTONS - Nov. 5–7
LOVERBOY - Nov. 8–10
THREE DOG NIGHT Nov. 11–13
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1⁄4 lb smoked, bacon finely chopped
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1⁄2 cup finely sliced celery
1⁄2 cup finely chopped carrots
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups chicken stock
12 oz grated white cheddar cheese
3 dashes TABASCO® Sauce
1⁄2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1⁄2 cup beer, room temp
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 tbsp thinly-sliced chives
Directions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large heavy bottom, non-reactive soup pot
over medium heat until wilted, not browned.
2. Add onion, celery and carrots. Cook until onions are translucent and
bacon has crisped.
3. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in milk and
stock, a little at a time, blending well to ensure there are no lumps. Bring
to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese, TABASCO® Sauce, Worcestershire
sauce and beer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle with chives and serve.
FESTIVAL FUN FACTS
Did you know?
• This Epcot festival is the largest of its kind in the world.
• Over 300 varieties of national and international wines will be offered.
• 840 wine and beer seminars will be held.
• 99,000 miniature desserts will be served.
• 600,000 forks will get the ultimate workout!
| New fireworks put
chills in the air! |
 Mickey’s
annual Halloween event welcomes a tricky new treat Disney’s magic makers
have been hard at work conjuring up a brand-new Halloween fireworks show
especially for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney villain theme
songs and
cutting-edge pyrotechnics highlight the nighttime spectacular as happy
haunts dance in the sky.
Guests can trick or treat for candy throughout the Park and enjoy unlimited
use of popular Magic Kingdom® attractions. Catch a spooky parade plus
special entertainment. Take home a complimentary family photo. As always,
ticket holders are welcome to arrive decked out in costume—the Disney
characters will be dressed in theirs.
Tickets are now available for one of fifteen nights of family-friendly
Halloween fun. The annual Magic Kingdom event takes place from 7 p.m. to
midnight on September 30, October 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27,
28, 30 & 31.
Admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is not included in any
other type of admission media. Tickets valid only during specific dates and
hours. Entertainment subject to change without notice.
SAVE ON PASSHOLDER NIGHTS
Save 25% off our day-of event pricing for the following nights: September
30,
October 2, 6, 20, 23 & 25.
Ages 10 & up $29.95 + tax
Ages 3-9 $23.95 + tax
To purchase tickets, call 407-560-PASS (7277).
| Book online for the
best of all possible “worlds” |
Now
it’s easier and more convenient than ever to book your Disney Resort hotel
accommodations.
Just visit disneyworld.com/passholder and you can access instant, up-to-the-minute
room availability and book right online. When you get online, look for
special offers like the following:
Introducing our Passholder Best Rate Program
 The Deal: Now you can book online under the Passholder Best Rate
Program, and rest easy—knowing you have received our best room rate offered
to the general public*
at that time for the room and nights booked! And, if we subsequently reduce
our room rate to the general public for the same room and nights you booked
online under this Program, we will automatically reduce your room rate to
match that lower rate.
Rooms must be booked at least 120 days in advance and, unlike our normal
cancellation policy, a non-refundable deposit of 1 night’s room charge and
tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently rates for this Program
are only available for arrivals through 2/15/06. The number of rooms and
nights available for this Program is limited. Rooms are available most
nights during the eligible arrival period (except 12/20/05–1/1/06).
This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without
notice.
*Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on
group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements. Program
only available to adult passholders booking online at
disneyworld.com/passholder. Passholder may only book one room per
reservation. Reservations must be made by adult Pass-
holder with Passholder’s credit card. Passholder must present his or her
valid Pass at check-in.
Fall Passholder rate on select Value Resorts
The Deal: If you were planning on visiting us a little sooner, you
can stay at a select Disney Value Resort for just $59* per night, plus tax
(most nights 8/28–10/4/05, but the number of rooms at this rate is limited).
Book online or call 407-560-PASS (7277). Please mention code EXI.
*Proof of valid adult Passholder I.D. required at check-in. Additional
per-adult charges apply if more than two adults (18 or older) per room. No
group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Offer
may also be made to certain non-Passholders in other select promotions.
| New designs to mark
the times |
 Disney’s Visa®
Card
The Deal: Everyone’s getting in on the Happiest Celebration On
Earth these days. Including Disney’s Visa® Credit Card from Chase! So to
honor the 50th anniversary of Disneyland® Resort and the festivities going
on throughout all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, Disney’s Visa® Card
is releasing five new card designs, including a limited-edition card created
especially for the 50th anniversary.
The featured design is none other than Cinderella Castle––the icon of the
celebration. Other whimsical, new card designs include
“Vintage Mickey,” “Mickey and Friends,” “Bambi” and “Pixie Dust.” Each one
perfect for capturing the magic in a whole new way.
If you’re currently a Cardmember, you can request one of the new designs by
calling the customer service number on your statement. And if you’re not yet
a member, you can apply today and receive a $25 Walt Disney World Gift
Certificate after your fi rst card purchase.1To apply, or for more
information on Disney’s Visa® Card, call 1-877-369- 3734.
The Ins & Outs:
This offer is limited to a one-time award of a $25 Walt Disney World Gift
Certificate upon approval of your application for Disney’s Visa® Card, and
will be awarded after your first card purchase. You must use the phone
number, website or application (if provided) contained herein to be eligible
for this offer.
New cardmembers applying for this offer will not be eligible for other
premiums. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks after your first purchase, balance
transfer, convenience check or cash advance for your Walt Disney World Gift
Certificate to be delivered. Gift Certificate is redeemable at participating
locations at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for food, beverage,
merchandise and recreation. You may also apply it towards any portion of
your room account at any Walt Disney World owned and operated Resort in
Florida. Florida law prohibits the purchase, possession or consumption of
alcoholic beverages by any person under the age of 21.
Legal proof of age is required. Not valid for purchase of Disney Dollars.
May not be exchanged for cash. Not valid at the Disney Stores. Must redeem
$25 Walt Disney World Gift Certificate by 12/31/06.
Festival of the Masters celebrates 30 years of artistry
The 30th Anniversary version of the show arrives November 11, 12 & 13 at the
Downtown Disney® Area and it will boast more than 150 artists who have all
earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last few years.
As you stroll through the festival and take in their work, you’ll also be
treated to special entertainment.
See a blank canvas transformed into a Disney masterpiece—all to the tune of
classic Disney music.
Or watch the European tradition of street painting come to life on the
Downtown Disney Marketplace sidewalks. There’s the 7th Annual House of
Blues® Folk Art Festival, plus entertainment from the cast of La Nouba by
Cirque du Soleil® and live music throughout the
entire Downtown Disney Area. Of course, event merchandise will be on sale —
posters, shirts, pins, and much more, all featuring the signature Festival
of the Masters art below.
Let your spirit soar at Night of Joy
What would you call a party, a concert and fellowship rolled into one with
the hottest lineup of pop, rock, urban, gospel and contemporary Christian
musical artists ever to grace the Magic Kingdom® stages? You’d call it Night
of Joy. This year the event also features special performances and a
complimentary Night of Joy CD.
As a Night of Joy special bonus, some of the artists will debut live
performances of their music inspired by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden
Media’s highly anticipated
epic film, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Passholders receive 25% off the day-of single-night ticket price, so your
tickets to Night of Joy are just $31.95 each plus tax per night. One or
two-night tickets are available, but act fast. They often sell out in
advance, so call 407-560-PASS (7277) for tickets or more information.
NIGHT OF JOY PERFORMANCE GUIDE:
 FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 9
7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
MercyMe
Steven Curtis Chapman
Audio Adrenaline
Casting Crowns
Nicole C. Mullen
Mark Schultz
Big Daddy Weave
Matthew West
Vicky Beeching
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
newsboys
Donnie McClurkin
tobyMac
CeCe Winans
Kutless
Superchick
Tree63
Stellar Kart
Kierra Kiki Sheard
Further Seems Forever
Entertainment subject to change without notice.
ABC Super Soap Weekend Celebrates 10 years
 On November 12 &
13, expect drama Because it’s the event’s 10th anniversary, this year’s ABC
Super Soap Weekend® promises to be super special (i.e., bigger and better
than ever)! On November 12 and 13, 2005 at Disney-MGM Studios, join ABC’s
big-time daytime stars (like perennial favorite, Susan Lucci) for the most
spectacular soap event around.
You’ll get a chance to see the stars in enlightening talk shows, jam along
with them as they put on musical performances, and even get their autographs
for your scrapbook. Plus more! It’s the ABC Super Soap Weekend sponsored by
Colgate® Total®. Only at Disney-MGM Studios.
For updates and information, visit abc.com
or
disneyworld.com/supersoapweekend. You can also call the ABC Super Soap
Hotline at 407-397-6808. Entertainment and appearances are subject to change
without notice.
15% off newly enhanced Behind the Seeds tour
 The Deal: Now
Passholders can save 15% off* the regular price on the entertaining Behind
the Seeds Tour. Plus, you can bring up to 9 “buds”
along to enjoy the discount as well!
This enhanced family-friendly tour provides Guests of all ages with an
intimate look at the four greenhouses and fish farm that are part of the
Living with the Land attraction, and includes many exciting activities. For
example, you can visit the fish farm during feeding time, release ladybugs
into the greenhouse, sprout a seed in your pocket to take back home, see
gigantic fruits and vegetables grown without soil, discover some of the
latest plant-growing techniques and more!
To book your tour in advance, call 407-WDW- TOUR (939-8687). At Epcot®, you
can make same-day reservations at the tour desk located in The Land
pavilion. Bring your cameras!
*Discount is not valid with any other offer. Valid Passholder I.D. re-
quired. Passholder must accompany Guests. Tours offered 9:45
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but are subject to change based on demand
and time of year. Program
Still time to save 25% on a Cirque du Soleil experience
 And now
receive a collectible pin!
Passholders still have time to enjoy La NoubaTM by Cirque du Soleil® at 25%
off* the regular price of Category 2 admission. This offer is good for
performances through September 30, 2005 (no shows on Sundays and Mondays or
8/14–17 and 8/28–30, 2005).
And don’t forget you can also bring up to three Guests to enjoy the savings
on this show that can be seen only at the Downtown Disney® West Side! As an
added bonus, Passholders who purchase tickets for performances in August or
September 2005 will receive a limited- edition collectible pin** featuring
the colorful Greenbird character from the show! To get your pin, bring your
Passholder I.D. and ticket stub to the Cirque du Soleil store. Tickets may
be purchased up to 30 days in advance, so call 407-939-7604 today.
*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 purchase/pick up tickets. Please arrive a minimum of one hour
prior to show time. Advance reservations required. Availability is limited
and restrictions apply.
**Limit one pin per Passholder.
Starring those nutty Chipmunks
 This limited-edition
Passholder exclusive, celebrating Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park,
features Chip ’N’ Dale, and is available for purchase beginning August 15,
2005 for $10.95 (plus tax). But only 7,500 are being issued, and there is a
limit of two pins per Passholder per day!
On sale at:
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Island Mercantile
• Magic Kingdom® Park – Uptown Jeweler’s on Main Street, U.S.A.®
• Epcot® – Pin Central
• Disney-MGM Studios – Sorcerer Hat Shop
• Downtown Disney® Marketplace – Disney’s Pin Traders
Remember:
• Valid Passholder I.D. required at time of purchase
• For more information about Disney Pin Trading and collecting, visit
www.DisneyPins.com.
 THE
PERFECT GIFT CARD
This summer, remember to pick up your Walt Disney World® Resort Shopping &
Dining Gift Card and load it up with amounts from $5 to $1500. It makes a
great gift for family and friends! This new card can be purchased, and used,
at select merchandise and food & beverage locations throughout the Walt
Disney World Resort.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE® LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
You asked for it, you got it: A new
disneycruise.com
website!
 Because of some helpful Passholder advice, the site wasn’t just given a
fresh, new look ... it was made easier than ever to use. Some new
features of the site include: • The ability to reserve shore excursions and
childcare. • The ability to book spa treatments, dinner at Palo and more!
• “Just-for-you” paths to find info for kids, teens, adults and families.
And whether or not you know exactly which cruise is best for you, you’ll
find what you need to plan and book. (The easy, new booking page lets you
get a quick quote and compare your options, too!) So log on and ship out.
What’s Next?
The next issue of Mickey Monitor brings you all the fabulous festivities
coming up for this holiday season, including special entertainment in the
Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. And this year, the holidays take on an
added sparkle because they’re happening during the Happiest Celebration On
Earth. It’ll be more than twice the fun, for sure!
The Mickey Monitor is mailed 4 times a year: February, May, August and
November.
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