Mickey Monitor – November 2005

The holidays are always a special time around the Walt Disney World® Resort. But this year they’re certain to be even more magical. As we mark 50 years of Disney Theme Park magic with the Happiest Celebration On Earth—the biggest celebration in Disney history—it only seems fit to recognize the special place the holidays have had in that half century.

Here in Florida, where there’s not even an outside hope for a white Christmas, many of our most devoted Guests turn to Disney to put them into the Christmas spirit. So bring your friends and family as you enjoy classic Walt Disney World holiday traditions along with the new shows and attractions we’ve introduced for this celebration year. During this special season, the Happiest Celebration On Earth is bound to turn into the merriest celebration on earth.
 

How to Display millions of lights in five easy steps!

Let’s just say you’d like to create the
biggest holiday light display imaginable, right on your own block. How much fuss could it be? We asked Walt Disney Entertainment
Producer Chris Pieser how the Osborne
Family Spectacle of Lights is created at
Disney-MGM Studios.

STEP 1. Get millions of lights. “We order our lights far in advance,” says Chris. “Every year we replace 50% of our rope lights, and all of our twinkle lights.” They do this shortly after they take down the previous year’s display (so you have some catching up to do at home). When the lights arrive, they’re sorted and assembled for the set pieces and buildings.

STEP 2. Prepare your buildings. Let’s assume you have your own cityscape with two-story structures suggesting streets of New York and San Francisco (and who doesn’t?). You’ll need to install the
“infrastructure” for the lights and displays—like steel mountings, wire cables (to hold up things like those 100 angels) and 12 miles of extension cords. Disney’s crew already started this in July.

STEP 3. Hang up everything by Nov. 14.Gather up your 15 miles of rope lights and begin hanging! You’ll need 30,000 red lights for your San Francisco Street canopy and over 50,000 for the 70-foot tree on Chicago Street. It takes 24 Disney technicians 14 weeks
to meet their deadline, with the help of lots of carpenters, welders, painters, and maintenance folks. Whew!

STEP 4. Flip the switch and everybody say “Oooooh.” Chris remembers when he first saw a test lighting last year, when the Disney-MGM Studios had first moved the display to the city buildings: “Our crew stood us on one side of San Francisco Street and flipped the switch. It was amazing to see how big it was, all the detail, and the number of lights. It was truly awesome to stand underneath it. It far surpassed our vision of how it was going to look. I’ve been in this business 30 years and I don’t get goose bumps very often, but this was a very special, emotional moment.”

STEP 5. Skip steps 1–4 and visit Disney-MGM Studios instead. Why do it yourself when you can enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios? We’ve even added extra days this year, from November 14 to January 8. Leave the extravagant decorating to us!
 

New fireworks show makes spirits bright at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingom Park has always represented everything we love about the holidays with a generous dose of Disney fantasy. But this year marks the premiere of a brand-new reason to attend the beloved annual event. A very special holiday surprise awaits everyone attending the big event—an all-new fireworks extravaganza called Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season. The spectacular show features narration from Jiminy Cricket weaving a Yuletide tale around some of the world’s favorite traditional holiday songs. And it’s exclusive to party Guests through December 20.

Of course, party ticket holders will also be treated to two showings of the all-time favorite Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. There’s plenty of special holiday entertainment on hand including live Disney character stage shows and the chance to exchange holiday greetings with the Disney characters throughout the Park. Plus to get us all in that jingle bell spirit, there’ll be snow on Main Street, U.S.A.® and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.

What completes the fantasy? Unlimited use of some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions, of course. There’s no better way to put yourself in the holiday spirit. The special holiday event takes place from 7:00 p.m. to midnight and is scheduled for November 27, 29, December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 20.

Some popular dates sell out fast, so buy your tickets today to
make sure you get the night you want. Tickets are on sale now
and can be purchased by calling 407-560-PASS (7277).

SPECIAL PASSHOLDER DISCOUNT NIGHTS
Passholders enjoy a special
discount for the following nights:
November 29 December 4
December 1 December 13
Discount prices for these special nights are:
Ages 10 and up ................$32.95 (plus tax)
Ages 3–9 ..........................$25.95 (plus tax)

BE PART OF CHRISTMAS PARADE TV MAGIC
Ever wonder who is lucky enough to be on Main Street, U.S.A.® while the ABC TV cameras are capturing all the star-studded holiday magic for the Walt Disney World® Christmas Day Parade broadcast? It could be you. Portions of the parade show are pre-recorded in early December, and Passholders are welcome to be part of the World’s most magical audience.

Once again this year, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa will host the two-hour extravaganza. In past shows, Clay Aiken, Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, and Wynonna have given memorable performances—so who knows who you might see this year? For dates and details about the tapings, check disneyworld.com/passholder. To find out when to tune in on Christmas Day, check your local TV listings.
 

Holidays Around the World offers a sleighful of surprises at Epcot

Candlelight Processional is a holiday must-see

As we mark 50 years of Theme Park magic in this special year, it’s easy to see how the original Disneyland Park laid the foundation for Florida magic. But did you know our own Candlelight Processional is a tradition that stretches back to Disneyland Park in California? Back in the sixties, Walt Disney would invite 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 of 400 voices. This year, that tradition boasts a roster of both new
celebrity voices and returning favorites. Catch it November 25 through December 30 at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre.

A LEGENDARY STAR PREPARES
When Eartha Kitt receives the advance script for her return to the Candlelight Processional stage December 10–12, the Grammy®, Tony,® and Emmy®-nominated entertainer intensely embraces the narration’s feeling in order to convey it to the audience. “These are not just words to me,” she says in her crisp, unmistakable voice.

“Therefore the understanding I express through the reading is that these words are very, very important.” Ms. Kitt further hones her interpretation at Epcot rehearsals with the choir and orchestra. “It’s going to be a great pleasure to be doing this event again,” she says. “I enjoyed it so much last year. “It becomes part of you, and you impart that personal feeling to the audience—whether it is a song, recitation or role. That’s the way I feel about everything that I do. I believe in what I am doing, therefore I have to believe in what I am reading.”

The Voices of Candlelight Processional
2005 offers a new roster of celebrities to narrate the Christmas story.
Narrators
Rita Moreno .....................................11/25 - 11/27
Phil Donahue ...................................11/28 - 11/30
Haley Joel Osment ..........................12/1 - 12/3
Cicely Tyson ....................................12/4 - 12/6
Jaci Velasquez .................................12/7 - 12/9
Eartha Kitt .......................................12/10 - 12/12 Lou Diamond Phillips .......................12/13 - 12/15
Harry Hamlin ....................................12/16 - 12/18
Marlee Matlin ...................................12/19 - 12/21
Jim Caviezel ....................................12/22 - 12/24
John Stamos ...................................12/25 - 12/27
Steven Curtis Chapman ...................12/28 - 12/30
Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

More Epcot holiday magic at a glance
Just for the holidays, there’s an extra surprise in store for Guests watching IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. A unique holiday finale featuring the voice of veteran newsman Walter Cronkite and a stirring rendition of the song, “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” offers a special message of peace and good will along with an indescribably warm holiday feeling in your hearts. Nightly at 9:30 p.m.

Every evening, the Disney characters are on hand for Mickey’s Tree Lighting Treat. It’s performed daily at 6:00 p.m. at the World Showcase Plaza tree stage. Each year, kids and adults alike love to hear the tales of Storytellers from Around the World.

Discover (or rediscover) the colorful traditions of the Three Kings (Mexico), Père Noël (France), La Befana (Italy), and Julenissen (Norway), among others. Kids really get a kick out of the Monkey King in China. His mischievous 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. The thousands of miniature lights are choreographed to illuminate favorite holiday music.
 

Enter the enchanted world of Narnia!

On December 9, Walt Disney Pictures’ and Walden Media’s epic motion picture becomes a new Disney-MGM Studios attraction with the opening of Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. And you can be among the first to experience it, as often as you wish.

Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue will be transformed into a behind-the-scenes walk-through experience, with a mysterious wardrobe cabinet as its portal into fantasy. “One of the most magical moments from the story is when little Lucy goes through the wardrobe and finds herself in Narnia for the very first time,” explains Walt Disney Imagineering Show Producer Theron Skees. “So here at Disney-MGM Studios, you’ll of course start out in sunny Florida, then walk through that wardrobe and be immersed in a frozen forest scene, walking around 25-foot trees, in a dimensional representation of a region of Narnia called ‘The Lantern Waste.’

“We’ve taken Guests in ride vehicles through forests on attractions like DINOSAUR or Universe of Energy, but this is the only one of its kind where you walk around.” The icy forest scene is the threshold to your exploration of the creative process in bringing the C.S. Lewis classic to the screen. It will feature actual props, precious artwork and even some of the amazing creatures that populate Narnia. Sounds like it’s going to be really “cool”!

Catch the holiday spirit Nov. 25–Dec. 25, 2005 During the Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney® area, you can really get into the holiday spirit! Here, you can find a wonderful world of unique holiday shopping. And if you need some great gift ideas, try these on for size: For the all-in-one electronics, movie and Mickey fan ... wrap up a 7˝ Mickey Mouse portable DVD player from Once Upon a Toy.

(Toss in a couple of DVDs from the Virgin Megastore.) Real men wear fleece. So grab him one featuring Santa Mickey from the World of Disney® Store. Plus, if you need a little something for someone with a sweet tooth––head to the new Goofy’s Candy Co. And the Disney Tails pet store has just the thing for your furry friends. Where else can you have this much fun filling your wish lists? In addition to the Downtown Disney shopping, you’ll find a ton of festive holiday décor, spectacular window displays, live musical entertainment, a
magnificent Christmas tree and lights galore. And if you want a picture with the “big guy,” then head to Santa’s Chalet starting November 19.

Two great ways to ring in the New Year

An Island-wide party Pleasure Island-wide to be exact!
And with the special Passholder discount, one great price gets you one unforgettable evening. You’ll get to rock out with live, top-name musical talent like Smash Mouth, S.O.S. Band, and jazz star Paul Jackson, Jr. You’ll have access to all the clubs.

You’ll be part of a huge street party. And when the clock strikes twelve, you’ll enjoy an extra-special fireworks display and a sparkling champagne toast. All for just $79* (plus tax)! Call 407-560-PASS (7277) to get your tickets today.
Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

*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.
Tickets are nonrefundable.

A special show for a special night
Every masterfully scored performance of the Cirque du Soleil® show, La Nouba is an absolute marvel. But on New Year’s Eve, there’s that extra-special something in the air. Whether it’s the bubbles popping from your glass of champagne or the special grand finale surrounding you, a Cirque du Soleil New Year is a happy one, indeed.

Especially when you get a commemorative souvenir program to go with it. Tickets are only $22 more than the base price*! Get yours by calling 407-939-7956 or visiting the Cirque du Soleil box office at Downtown Disney West Side. But get them soon.
This special event sells out every year!*

Base prices are as follows––
Category 1 admission: $109 (ages 10 and up) and $87 (ages 3-9). Category 2 admission: $97 (ages 10 and up) and $78 (ages 3-9). Category 3 admission: $81 (ages 10 and up) and $66 (ages 3-9).

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade returns Nov. 14, 2005–Jan. 8, 2006. Back for its second blockbuster holiday run is Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. After some wrestling around with boxes in the attic, and some time spent untangling the lights, Mickey and his pals are ready! And in order to really get into the spirit of the season, they’ve ornamented themselves with the merriest of accessories!

Even the safari vehicles are sporting some festive flair of their own. You’ll see that every part of this high-energy jammin’ parade-turned-jinglin’ spectacle has been magically infused with the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings of the holidays––complete with special seasonal music and classic favorites. Come on out and make this new Disney tradition one of yours, too.

Holiday treats at Donald’s Breakfastosaurus
Naughty meets nice when Donald Duck and Santa Goofy join in a special holiday version of Donald’s Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. For reservations, call 407-560-PASS (7277).

More festive fun
A towering 65-foot Christmas tree decorates the Park’s entrance as carolers welcome you in. Santa Goofy and pals show off their holiday attire at Camp Minnie-Mickey while campfire carolers sing in “toon.” More fun holiday décor than you can shake a pine-needled branch at!