Mickey Monitor – November 2004
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Bright Lights Move to
the Big City! |
For some people, it
happens in a mall the moment they hear “White Christmas” while they’re
shopping for a tie. For others, it’s fruitcake. Each year, there’s a
particular point in time when the spirit of the holiday season warms you up
like electric orange candle bulbs. But for Passholders who count the Osborne
Family Spectacle
of Lights among their most cherished holiday traditions, and there are many
who do, that special moment usually takes place at Disney-MGM Studios. Now,
after a yearlong hiatus, the millions of lights are back November 24 through
January 2 and they’ve taken up residence in the heart of the big city, right
on New York and San Francisco Streets.
 Hang Lights Like a Pro!
The great thing about the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is that
almost every inch of the display is comprised of holiday lights you
can easily find anywhere. So we thought we’d ask the Disney experts
who hang the lights for some light hanging expertise to help the home
light-hanger.
1. Invest in a 9-volt twinkle-light tester.
2. Use cable ties to help secure lights in place.
3. When hanging long runs of lights, use electrician’s tape to keep the
strands from pulling apart at the plug.
4. Space lights evenly to give them a clean look.
5. For a fuller look, run lights along individual branches, as opposed to
over the whole tree.
6. Change colors on different architectural detail to give the building
definition and depth.
7. Running lights vertically gives the illusion of height and also
prevents sagging.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights Facts:
It will take a crew of 18 electricians 14 weeks to
hang the lights. Approximately 12 miles of extension
cord will be used to light the display.
Each
building along New York Street will have its own
“personality” in the windows. (You’ll see.)
The
70-foot tree is made up of 800 strings of lights and
contains approximately 50,000 lights.
The canopy,
a “Spectacle” favorite, will hang high above the new
brownstone-lined San Francisco Street.
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Tune in to the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade |
 It’s a comfy Christmas tradition—to wear your warm fuzzies
and tune in to ABC for the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day
Parade.
This year promises celebrity guests, music and plenty of
magical fun. It airs at 1 p.m. ET, 12 noon CT, 11 a.m. MT and
3 p.m. PT on your local ABC Television station.
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Christmas Festivities All Around the "World" |
Special Magic Kingdom Holiday Shows
Mickey’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
A musical version of the beloved poem.
Country Bear Christmas Jamboree Special
Disney’s first Audio-Animatronics holiday show.
Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Story Telling
Belle invites kids to help her tell a Yuletide tale.
Celebrate the Season on the Castle Forecourt Stage
Lavish Cinderella Castle spectacular with your storybook favorites.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
All Things Holiday
- in one incredible night!
 It’s an enchanted event that enables you to enjoy all the Magic Kingdom holiday
fun in one evening. You can see every live musical Christmas show throughout the
Park, mingle with characters dressed in their holiday finery, meet Santa Goofy,
pose for a photo to take home, and enjoy cookies and cocoa under flurries of
magical snow. Plus, there’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, the Wishes™
nighttime spectacular, and the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions, too.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is from
7 p.m. to midnight on November 28 & 30 and
December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17.
Advance tickets are available through
disneyworld.com holidays or by calling
(407) 560-PASS (7277), at $36.95 for ages 10 and up,
and $26.95 for ages 3–9. Same-day tickets are $42.95
for ages 10 and up, $32.95 for ages 3–9.
Prices are plus tax.
Holiday Music Fills the Air at Epcot
From a time-honored Disney favorite to a new heart-warming holiday
finale, the spirit of the season is alive and well at Epcot.
Candlelight Processional sparks holiday traditions. The Candlelight Processional
is a tradition almost as old as the Disney Parks themselves. It stretches back
to Disneyland Park in the ’60s when Walt invited Hollywood stars to come down to
Anaheim and narrate the story of Christmas.
Today, the Epcot incarnation has become a holiday institution featuring music
provided by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. This year, that
tradition boasts a new roster of celebrity voices (see schedule, below). It’s
presented nightly November 26 through
December 30 at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre.
The
voices of Candlelight Processional 2004 offers a new roster of celebrities to
narrate the Christmas story.
 Rita Moreno - 11/26–11/28
Heather Headley - 11/29–12/1
Kirk Franklin - 12/2–12/4
Jim Caviezel - 12/5–12/7
Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason - 12/8–12/10
Joshua Morrow - 12/11–12/13
Eartha Kitt - 12/14–12/16
Steven Curtis Chapman - 12/17–12/19
Edward James Olmos - 12/20–12/22
Gary Sinise - 12/23–12/28
LeVar Burton - 12/29–12/30
IllumiNations Gets a New Happy Holiday Ending
We think the new holiday finale of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth has all
the makings of another Yuletide favorite. For the first time in years, there’s
an extra surprise in store for Guests as IllumiNations brightens up World
Showcase with a “holiday tag” at the end featuring a warm rendition of the song,
“Let There Be Peace on Earth.” The music, along with perfectly choreographed
fireworks, left us with a holly jolly feeling in our hearts.
More Epcot Holiday Magic at a Glance
 Every
evening, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and more Disney characters are on hand for a
musically merry Epcot Tree Lighting Treat. We love the way they’ve transformed
the tree this year to make the holidays at Epcot more family-friendly. The
ceremony is performed daily at 6:00 p.m. at the World Showcase Plaza
Each year, kids and adults alike love to hear the tales of Storytellers
from Around the World. Père Noël (France), La Befana
(Italy), and Julenissen (Norway), among others are all on hand. Kids get a kick
out of the Monkey King in China. His pratfalls always incite giggles.
Designed by European craftsmen for the premier holiday celebration at
Disneyland® Resort Paris, The Lights of Winter are an amazing sensory
experience. Each of these thousands of miniature lights is choreographed to
illuminate favorite Christmas carols.
Holiday Traditions You Can Taste
At Epcot, the Yuletide flavors go way beyond candy canes and eggnog.
Celebrate the season— and give your appetite a gift—with a few of our favorite
World Showcase customs.
In Norway, the holiday season starts on December 13, when the oldest daughter
dresses in white, wears a wreath with seven lighted candles, and serves coffee
and kringles (sweet candied pretzels) to her family. You can get a taste of them
at Restaurant Akershus.
A holiday dinner in England often includes trifle, a delectable dessert made up
of scrumptious layers of fruit, cake and cream. Sound good? We recommend the
traditional cherry trifle at the Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room for a taste of
an olde English holiday.
Many families in the central and southern regions of Italy traditionally serve a
variety of fish dishes on Christmas Eve. Often, the holiday menu will include
calamari friti. Give it a try at L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante.
New Holiday Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
 Parade
goes from jammin’ to jinglin’. November 30, 2004–January 2, 2005 Santa’s elves
took Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade and gave it a few new twists. And the
result? Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade––a new, feel-good tradition for the
holidays. First, the safari vehicles were each given their own festive flair.
Second, we found that the changes won’t just be seen; they’ll be heard in the
music, too. And third, even the characters have gotten into the spirit––donning
some seasonal accents of their own. Let’s just say that Santa has gone a little
Goofy... or Goofy has gone a little Santa. Either way, this parade rocks. And
jingles. The proof is in the figgie pudding!
Donald’s Prehistoric Breakfastosaurus “Seasoned” to
Perfection
November 26, 2004 – January 2, 2005
Find the perfectly magical mix of naughty and nice when Donald Duck and Santa
Goofy play a part in a special holiday version of Donald’s Prehistoric
Breakfastosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A.® For Priority Seating, call (407) WDW-DINE
(939-3463).
The Joy of Holiday Shopping
Downtown Disney Festival of the Seasons puts the fun back into finding the
perfect gift. Happy holidays begin on November 26 and continue through December
24 as the Downtown Disney area celebrates Festival of the Seasons. It’s the best
way for shoppers to fill their wish lists with treasures from some of the most
incredible stores in the world. There are tempting restaurants for making merry,
thousands of holiday lights lining the rooftops, and holiday music courtesy of
strolling singers and starry-eyed school groups alike. It all comes together in
a magical setting perfect for snuggling up to Santa. Oh yeah. He’s there, too.
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Where to be when the
CLOCK STRIKES 12! |
PLEASURE ISLAND
 “We’ll
be hoppin.’ ” Ken Harris, Manager, Entertainment Operations, Downtown Disney
Tired of “Auld Lang Syne”? Check out Cheap Trick, live at the West End Stage.
Rap Godfather Kurtis Blow and Hip-Hop’s “Wild Thing” Tone-Loc will perform live
in the club, Motion. Or enjoy tons of great holiday-themed music videos on
screen. Feel free to roam around; the whole island is a big party.
Single ticket gives access to all events. Only ages 21 and up. Entertainment
subject to change.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Show, La Nouba
Enjoy a glass of champagne while witnessing the perfect blend of vibrant live
music, physical daring and awesome acrobatics. You’ll also receive a limited
edition New Year’s Eve souvenir program to take home the memories of this
special occasion. $20 in addition to regular-price ticket.
WALT DISNEY WORLD THEME PARKS
“We go all out!” Angie Howard, Producer, Walt Disney Entertainment
New Year’s Eve in a Walt Disney World Theme Park is a night to remember for the
rest of your life. The sky lights up in millions of colors and music fills up
the atmosphere. And this year there is an unlimited array of surprises waiting
for the clock to strike twelve.
Looking for SOMETHING
DIFFERENT —and Distinctly Disney?
Here are a few gift ideas that anyone would love in their stocking. Just stop by
the Downtown Disney area.
1 This is for one of those people-who-have-everything people. A Cirque du Soleil
gift certificate for an evening of one-of-a-kind entertainment at the La Nouba™
show. Hey, maybe they’ll take you. Just stop by the Cirque du Soleil store or
call (407) 560-PASS (7277).
2 Who wouldn’t love to have a tiny Disney monorail zipping around their tree?
You can find one at Once Upon a Toy along with scale models of the monorail
Resorts. While you’re in the shop, check out the new Test Track race set and the
cool Disney-themed games. We got a kick out of the new pirate version of The
Game of Life.
 3
Stop by the new Disney Tails shop for the perfect gift for your four-legged
friends. There are lots of edible treats, neat collars and accessories–
even this Snow White dog
costume for your princess poochie.
4 We love strolling through Disney’s Days of Christmas for ideas on tree
trimming in very merry Disney fashion. Heirloom ornaments make a great gift that
friends and family will remember season after season.
5 We’re told that these Mickey T-shirts are all the rage, so go to World of
Disney store and pick some up for your fashionable friends. While you’re
there, bask in the world’s largest selection of Disney merchandise and see if
you can spot the next must-have Disney accessory.
6 Peek into Disney at Home for great ideas on how to bring the magic of the
Parks into your own house. We love this Mickey Mouse waffle maker. It’s almost
like having a Disney Character Breakfast in your own kitchen.
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Perks in your Pass
sleeve |
DOWNTOWN DISNEY DISCOUNTS
On Shopping ...
 Now
you can get all those holiday wish
lists taken care of and save while doing it! Passholders get to enjoy a 10%*
discount on merchandise in the World of Disney store located at Downtown
Disney Marketplace. ’Tis the season, after all.
On Dining ...
Work up an appetite after all that shopping? Then grab a bite at Wolfgang Puck
Cafe, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Portobello Yacht
Club or Fulton’s Crab House and
enjoy Passholder savings!
Bank on a New backpack
Apply for your new Disney’s Visa Credit Card from Bank One, and receive your
free backpack after your first card purchase. You also earn Disney Dream Reward
Dollars when you use the card for your holiday shopping. Redeem your reward
dollars when you visit the Theme Parks for items such as merchandise, snacks and
dining, or even toward a hotel stay.
This offer is limited to a one-time award of a backpack upon approval of your
application for a Disney’s Visa Card. 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 Passholder backpack to be delivered.
Subject to availability while supplies last. Void where
prohibited. Must use card by 2/28/2005.
Disney Dream Reward Dollars are subject to the terms and conditions of the
Disney Rewards Program. Available to U.S. residents only, 18 and older, and
subject to credit approval.
The New Pin Is In!
Where Magic Lives Passholder Pin #4
This Disney-MGM Studios pin features Ariel and Ursula from The Little
Mermaid, and is available for purchase beginning November
15, 2004 for $12.50 (plus tax). But only 7,500 are being issued, and there is a
limit of two per Passholder per day!
On sale at:
• Disney-MGM Studios - Sorcerer Hat Shop
• Magic Kingdom Park - Town Square Exposition Hall
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park - Island Mercantile
• Epcot - Pin Central
Save on the Pleasure Island-wide New Year’s Eve Party!
Passholders who want to ring in the New Year Pleasure Island-style will be
happy to hear they can do so at a special rate––just $74* (plus tax). That’s $10
off the regular price of admission!
Call (407) 560-PASS (7277) to reserve tickets today.
Offer is valid for Passholder and one Guest. Valid Passholder I.D. number
required at time of purchase. Valid I.D. and Passholder ticket required at time
of entry. Guest must accompany Passholder. Must be 21 or older to attend. Valid
photo I.D. required for admittance. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy Tour
From November 29 through December 24, discover how classic holiday stories and
folklore have been woven into the decorations found throughout the Walt Disney
World® Theme Parks and Resort hotels.
Passholders just $50.15 (plus tax) per Guest. 15% off the regular rate! For
individual reservations, call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).
For groups of 10 or more, call (407) 566-2620.
Valid Passholder I.D. required. Guests must be at least 16 years old to
participate. Due to behind-the-scenes access, a valid photo
I.D. is also required. Theme Park admission is neither necessary nor included.
Holidays Around the
World
Epcot
November 26 – December 30, 2004
Festival of the Seasons
Downtown Disney area
November 26 – December 24, 2004
Festival of the Masters
Downtown Disney area
November 12– 14, 2004
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
Disney-MGM Studios
November 24, 2004 – January 2, 2005
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom Park
November 28, 30; December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9,
10, 12, 14, 16 and 17, 2004
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
November 30, 2004 – January 2, 2005
Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve
Downtown Disney area
December 31, 2004
Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex
March, 2005
Seasonal block-out dates: Dec. 18, 2004– Jan. 1, 2005, March 19–April
1, 2005, June 11– Aug. 18, 2005
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