Mickey Monitor – August 2006

 

New! at Epcot
Wondering what happened after Marlin, Dory and the undersea gang
found Nemo? Starting this October, the whole family will enjoy finding out at The Seas with Nemo & Friends—a new Epcot® adventure inspired by Disney’s presentation of Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Your “clamobile” will glide you and the kids through an “immersive” environment where an original story takes up where the movie left off. “The new story is that Nemo is happily exploring his world,” Alex Wright of Walt Disney Imagineering told us. “Marlin and Dory—and all of us—are trying to keep up with the little guy.

“We’ll start off by running into Mr. Ray’s field trip—he’s taking the other little fish for their daily exploration. Every time Dory sees Nemo, but she keeps forgetting and can’t tell Marlin.” The attraction is brimming with memorable moments. “When you encounter the jellyfish, they’ll light up as Dory bounces over them,” Alex adds. “There’ll be a pretty scene where everyone’s mesmerized by the lights of the anglerfish. And when the sharks pop out from the
ruins and tease you, they claim they have no intention of eating Marlin, though he doesn’t quite believe them.”

The most amazing part of the new attraction will occur when your clamobile enters the gigantic aquarium where Nemo and all his friends will appear to actually swim alongside the real-life creatures of the coral reef. The fun continues with the totally awesome Turtle Talk With Crush, also inspired by Disney’s presentation of Pixar’s Finding Nemo, where Guests or kids can ask questions of the gnarly dude of the deep, as well as a whole ocean of interactive exhibits featuring Nemo’s pals.

DON’T MISS THE PASSHOLDER PREVIEW!
You can look forward to a special Passholder Preview of The Seas with Nemo & Friends before the official Grand Opening. We’ll announce the dates and details soon, so be sure you’re registered at
disneyworld.com/passholder. If you haven’t registered yet, or need to update your profile, visit now!
 

Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Swim!

New! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Theater in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will become a magical undersea world—as well as an indoor theater—when Finding Nemo—The Musical splashes down in late 2006.

Inspired by Disney’s presentation of Pixar’s Finding Nemo, the new Broadway-caliber show combines the talents of Walt Disney Creative Entertainment, Walt Disney Imagineering, and a team of Tony Award® winners, plus astonishing puppetry, effects and acrobatics.

“Our master puppeteer is Michael Curry, who you know from The Lion King on Broadway and Tapestry of Nations at Epcot®,” said Disney show producer Taz Marosi. “For the first time, we’re not hiding the puppeteers. At various times, you’ll see the actor, the puppet, and both of them together.” At the heart of it all will be warm, witty new songs by Tony winner Robert Lopez that will add even more dimension to the story you loved in the film.

When Marlin advises his son Nemo to avoid danger, he
sings, “We swim out, we swim back in!” This leads to “Big Blue
World,” which is sure to become a classic. Our favorite forgetful fish trills her own “Dory’s Ditty.” Toe-tapping sharks belt out “Fish Are Friends, Not Food.” Little lost Nemo sings the plaintive, “Where’s My Dad?” Dory’s advice in song to Marlin is “Just Keep Swimming.” And it’s beach party time when Crush’s nest of turtle dudes rock to “Go With the Flow.”
 

Big stars perform for your little ones−live!

August 13 to September 30 at Disney-MGM Studios, bring your little ones to share the star-studded new Playhouse Disney in Concert, presented by HUGGIES® and PULL-UPS® Brands.

These interactive shows will have the kids laughing, singing and dancing with a “who’s-who” of beloved entertainers, live on stage. Plus, get ready for the amazing new “Mickey’s Magic Show,” produced by Feld Entertainment. And it’s all included with your Pass!

Concert Schedule*
Imagination Movers - 8/13–8/14
Mickey’s Magic Show - 8/15–8/19
The Doodlebops - 8/20–8/23
Mickey’s Magic Show - 8/24–8/27
The Wiggles® - 8/29–9/1
Johnny and the Sprites - 9/2–9/10
Ralph’s World - 9/11–9/16
Imagination Movers - 9/18–9/24
Dan Zanes and Friends - 9/25–9/30

*Scheduled to perform on select dates. Appearances subject to change without notice.

This new fun is just part of the new Magical Beginnings program
presented by PLAYSKOOL®, which offers planning tools, services and
amenities that make navigating Disney parks with little ones even easier and more enchanting. Be sure to look for the new Resort guide that shows all there is to do.
Visit disneyworld.com/littleones for more details.

TOM JOYNER AND “THE FAMILY”
Join LL Cool J, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, Ne-Yo and more in performance at Disney-MGM Studios. It’s the Tom Joyner Family Reunion Concert, Saturday, September 2, 2006, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $65 plus tax, available by calling 407-W-DISNEY or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Entertainment subject to change without notice.

The Ultimate “ladies weekend!”
If After years of fun with her girlfriends at ABC Super Soap
Weekend® presented by Colgate® Total®—which you can enjoy this
November 11 & 12—Katherine Laguna actually decided to become
a Disney Cast Member.

“That’s the reason,” the 19-year-old Disney-MGM Studios
hostess told us. “I love this park because they have the event here!”
Over the years, Katherine and her girlfriends have bonded with fellow fans, shared laugh-filled memories and met daytime stars.

“It’s just so much fun,” she said. “We like to get up early and plan the whole day together—what stars we might meet, all the events to
do—and we have a great time. We can get pretty silly, too!” You can see many stars at once in the motorcade down Hollywood
Boulevard. You may even get to act in scenes with TV hunks and divas at I Wanna Be a Soap Star, plus see interviews and previews at the Wide World Of Soaps Live! Talk Show.

“The Street Jam is like a big nighttime finale,” she explained.
“The stars sing, dance and let loose. They put on a great show.”
Sharing the soaptacular fun bridges generations, too. Karen
Foster of Plano, Texas, loves sharing the Weekend with her
lovely daughter, Amy. “I first heard of it in a soap magazine. And
we flew out —just the girls—for a long weekend.”

Karen also recommends a Disney Resort stay: “Then you plan
on being there when the gates open and do as much as you can.”
“I look forward to seeing new faces every year,” Karen smiles.
“And catching up with the old ones, too!”

Find out more at abc.com, disneyworld.com/supersoap weekend or at the ABC Super Soap Weekend Hotline Recording at 407-397-6808.

NEW PIRATE AND PRINCESS EVENT
Become the pirate or princess of your dreams as you embark on a quest for treasures throughout the Magic Kingdom® Park at this
brand-new, one-of-a-kind party filled with special entertainment, characters, and adventure! It’s all happening select nights Jan.
22–Mar. 8, 2007. Look for more information in our next issue.

New WORLD OF DISNEY NYC PASSHOLDER SAVINGS
Now extended through October 31st, Passholders can also be
treated like VIPs in New York City. Just head to 5th and 55th and use your pass at World of Disney® New York City store to receive 10% off your merchandise purchases there. While you’re there, check out
the incredible gallery of Disney Art and pick up some of their exclusive New York merchandise with a unique Disney twist.
Some restrictions may apply. See disneyworld.com/passholder for details.

More stars than in the heavens at Disney-MGM Studios
Disney-MGM Studios is THE place where you can meet and greet today’s top characters from movies and television every day! Pick
up a Times Guide at the Disney-MGM Studios entrance or merchandise areas to find specific times to get autographs and photos of these friends.

In addition to all the meetin’ and greetin’, you can also be eatin’ with favorites like Little Einsteins when you Play ’N Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Call 407-560-PASS (7277) for breakfast or lunch reservations.

Festival of the Masters boasts over 200 award-winning artists
Disney’s Festival of the Masters, presented by Sharpie®, ranked among the country’s top outdoor art festivals, is back at the Downtown Disney® area November 10, 11 and 12.

This year, it will boast more than 200 fine artists who have all earned a primary award in a juried art festival in the last few years. You’ll also be treated to special entertainment. Watch the European tradition, chalk art, come to life on Downtown Disney Marketplace sidewalks. There’s the 8th Annual House of Blues® Folk Art Festival, plus live music and children’s activities throughout the Downtown Disney area.

Of course, event merchandise will be on sale—posters, shirts, pins and more, all featuring the signature Festival of the Masters art.
For more information, go to disneyworld.com/art.

Last chance to save on an unforgettable Cirque du Soleil
experience at Downtown Disney® West Side

Offer ends September 30, 2006!
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at a last-of-its-kind price. As a Passholder, you only have a few weeks to enjoy the Walt Disney World® Resort-exclusive Cirque du Soleil® show, La Nouba at 25% off* of the non-discounted price of Category 2 admission. This offer is good for performances from now through September 30, 2006 (there are no shows on Sundays and Mondays, nor 8/1, 9/17–25, 2006).

Andyou can bring up to three guests along to enjoy the savings as well! Tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance, so call
407-939-7604 to take advantage of this offer. But hurry! Time’s running out.

Discount is not valid on previously purchased tickets, gift certificates or with any other offer.Passholder must present valid Passholder ID at box office to pick up tickets. Please arrivea minimum of one hour prior to show time. Advance reservations required. Availability is limited and restrictions apply. Limit 4 tickets per transaction.

BE PART OF THE EMMY AWARD WINNING MAGIC
Imagine your family and friends tuning in to the Walt Disney World®
Christmas Day Parade—winner of the 2005 Emmy ® Award for
Outstanding Special Class Special—and seeing you right there on
the ABC Network, cheering all the fun! It could happen if you attend
the star-studded taping sessions December 1, 2 & 3. Keep an eye
on disneyworld.com/passholder for information.
Dates subject to change without notice.
 

Night of Joy

To honor over two decades of delighting more than 900,000 attendees and over 110 top Christian music artists, Night of Joy recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association. And it gets more extraordinary every year.

Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9, 2006, from 7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.*, you can share music and fun—and select Magic Kingdom® attractions—under the heavens themselves.

“I actually grew up going to Night of Joy,” said Mike Scheuchzer of MercyMe, whose song, “I Can Only Imagine,” has become a huge hit. “I grew up in Bartow, Florida. Never in a million years did I think I would get to do music for a living, and get to play the same places as [artists] I had looked up to. And then last year we played in front of [Cinderella] Castle—I couldn’t believe it! “The entire family comes out, from kids to grandparents. For us, seeing all of them worshipping God together is a really cool thing.”

Also back is Rebecca St. James, Dove Award winner for her work on The Chronicles of Narnia CD, inspired by the Oscar®-winning Disney/Walden film (and #1 DVD of the year).

“Disney is a real treat for me,” she told us. “I remember the first
year that I performed at Night of Joy I was [in Tomorrowland®].
It was such a cool experience!”

Passholder advance single-night Night of Joy tickets are just
$34.95 plus tax (a $5.00 savings). If you buy tickets on the day of
the event, they’re $44.95 plus tax. Two-night tickets are $67.95
plus tax. Both nights sell out fast, though, so call 407-560-PASS
(7277) or visit disneyworld.com/passholder now.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival explores new regional flavors

SEPTEMBER 29 - NOVEMBER 12, 2006

Get your taste buds ready. It’s back and better than ever.

We’re marking the 11th anniversary of the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, and to celebrate, we’re dialing up the fun to “eleven.” This year the Festival is themed around exploring
regional flavors with food, wine and beer marketplaces
representing more than 25 different countries and regions.

See demonstrations, sample wines and shop for exclusive merchandise at the Festival Center. And once you’ve wined and dined to your heart’s content, you can sit back and enjoy great music at our Eat to the Beat concert series! But how do you make sure you’re making the most of this gastronomic gala? We spoke with Festival
developers and learned a few tips.

Tip #1 — Make it easy. Use the card.
New this year: Food & Wine Festival locations, including the
marketplaces, will accept Disney Gift Cards as a form of payment.
How’s that for easy? The Disney Gift Card can be purchased at
Walt Disney World ® Resort merchandise locations, ticket booths,
and at the Food & Wine Festival Center. To learn more about the Disney Gift Card, please visit DisneyGiftCard.com.

Tip #2 — Beer lovers rejoice!
So maybe you don’t know the difference between a Bordeaux and a claret*, but love a good lager. No worries. Beer aficionados will be pleased to taste more than 30 varieties of beer and attend any of 100 beer seminars offered throughout the Festival.
*(A Bordeaux is a claret.)

Tip #3 — Be a teetotaler
Are wine and beer not your cup of tea? Check out our complimentary tea seminars and learn from a master brewer where the best tea leaves are grown and how they are transformed to make the perfect cup! Seminars hosted by Twinings® take place every Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. Just go to the United Kingdom Pavilion, behind the Twinings Tea Caddy in the courtyard.

EAT TO THE BEAT CONCERT SERIES
Enjoy great live music from some of the biggest names around
at America Gardens Theatre. Concert times are 5:45, 7:00 &
8:15 p.m. every night of the Festival.

September 29 – 30 Survivor
October 1 – 3 Family Stone Experience
October 4 – 7 Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
October 8 – 11 Loverboy
October 12 – 14 David Sanborn
October 15 – 16 The Beach Boys
October 17 – 18 Little Richard
October 19 – 21 Three Dog Night
October 22 – 25 The Four Tops
October 26 – 28 Gloria Gaynor
October 29 – November 1 The S.O.S. Band
November 2 – 4 The Contours
November 5 – 6 Chubby Checker & the Wildcats
November 7 – 8 Southside Johnny
November 9 – 12 Jon Secada

A Yeti-sized Expedition Everest event

The world celebrates the official Grand Opening
Your Mickey Monitor was on the scene last April, when stars and conservationists gathered for the official Expedition Everest grand opening.

The teen scene
The new attraction offered lots of thrills. But at least some of the goosebumps were due to the stars of the Disney Channel movie High School Musical who explored Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

Fans also spotted R&B group B5 (who appear on the #1 hit High School Musical soundtrack album) as they got in on the Expedition Everest excitement. “You have to get on this,” said Dustin Breeding,
eldest brother of Kelly, Patrick, Carnell and Bryan. “There’s a surprise on there that you won’t forget, my friend!”

Aly and AJ’s Everest adventures
“It’s amazing,” said Hollywood Records pop star Aly. “You go up this huge hill and then you stop.
Then you go backwards in the dark!”
“And the Yeti—he rips up the track and the whole car shakes,” her sister AJ continued. “It’s so cool!
You’ve got to get here and check it out!”

Celebrating conservation
Disney also saluted the Disney Conservation Wildlife Fund, which, with the help of Disney Guests, has raised and distributed more than $10 million to help 450 wildlife projects worldwide since the Disney’s Animal Kingdom opening in 1998. Visit disneyeverest.com for more Expedition Everest comments from celebrities, and disneyworld.com/passholder for more Passholder comments.

More Tricks. More Treats. More Nights.

Mickey’s annual Magic Kingdom Halloween event is now bigger than ever!

If you haven’t been to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you’re in for a (trick or) treat.
It’s turned into one of our most popular Disney events.

According to entertainment producer, Laura Offerdahl, this year’s MNSSHP (as Disney insiders call it) is even better than ever. “We’ve had so much fun dreaming up the Halloween parade. This year, we’re very excited about a whimsical new candy factory float at the end. It
features Goofy ruling over his own candy squad.”

Laura also told us of new “treat trails” that let Guests trick-or-treat with Disney characters. There’s also a production in which the villains take over the castle stage then mix and mingle with the Guests.

Of course, visitors can trick-or-treat for candy throughout the park and enjoy popular Magic Kingdom® attractions. This year also marks the return of Disney’s one-of-a-kind Halloween fireworks show. It’s incredible! As always, Guests are welcome to arrive decked out in
costume—many of the Disney characters will be dressed in theirs.
Tickets are now available for one of 18 nights of family-friendly Halloween fun.

The annual Magic Kingdom event takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight on September 15, 22, 29, October 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 & 31.

Disney Mobile comes to call

Disney has redefined the mobile phone! With the help of Disney Imagineers, Disney Mobile adds magical touches to your mobile phone experience like special ringtones, wallpapers, games—and for the first time, state-of-the-art “family management applications” that help busy families like yours stay connected.

With Family Center TM, you can use GPS technology to locate your kids’ phones, prioritized messaging for important family messages, the ability for you to restrict phone use by day and time, and set allowances for phone usage to avoid phone bill “surprises.”

Individual Plans start at $39.99, Family Plans start at $59.99,
including 2 lines. Disney Mobile offers two camera flip-phones
loaded with great features. With a two-year service agreement, the
new DM-L200 phone is $109.99 and the DM-P100 phone is $59.99.
*Disney Mobile service is not available in all areas. Activation of
service subject to credit and application approval. Additional terms
and conditions apply.