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Disney Season
Disney Season Holidays 2010: Walt Disney World Resort Offers
Sleighful of Merriment with Festive Holiday Favorites Galore
From a sparkling ice castle and symphony of dazzling lights … to legendary international customs and wondrous displays … to magical entertainment and musical delights, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps an enchanting celebration of the holiday season in 2010.
Electrifying fireworks, charming parades and all the sounds of the season help transform the 40-square-mile resort into a winter wonderland where holiday fun begins as early as Nov. 8. Guests who believe “there’s no place like home for the holidays” can enjoy the merriment at Disney and still curl up in a cozy place at home for Christmas ... while other guests can spend the holidays at Mickey’s place, since many seasonal happenings continue through Jan. 3, 2011.
Disney’s stocking full of cheer includes:
Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 magical nights between Nov. 8 and
Dec. 19, holiday revelers can sip cocoa, catch a “snowflake” on a fingertip and catch the spirit of the season through enchanting entertainment that includes live shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which kicks off at 7 p.m. on select evenings (after regular Magic Kingdom closing), is pure, time-honored Disney magic:
Dancing gingerbread, marching soldiers and Santa’s sleigh parade down Main Street, U.S.A. to seasonal melodies during the twice-nightly “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” … Cinderella Castle is draped radiantly with 200,000 glistening white lights … and “Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks lights the night sky during a pyrotechnics show orchestrated to holiday melodies.
ENCHANTING TRADITION: On 19 select evenings in November and December, guests can experience the enchanting "Mickey's
Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" and the excitement of a holiday-themed fireworks spectacular, "Holiday Wishes, Celebrate the Spirit
of the Season," during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This favorite special after-hours party takes place inside the Magic Kingdom
The night wouldn’t be complete without the forecasted flurry of snowflakes along Main Street, U.S.A. and a warming cup of cocoa in hand. Party-goers also enjoy complimentary cookies and apple slices and enjoy unlimited admission to favorite attractions.
This after-hours family-friendly outing takes place Nov. 8, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 28, 30 and Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 19. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. and continues until midnight. Day-of-party ticket pricing is $59.95 ($53.95 for ages 3-9). Advance tickets are available with $6 savings for most dates. Guests can visit
Disneyworld.com/christmasparty or call 407/W-DISNEY.
Castle Dream Lights – When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.
ICE CASTLE: Shimmering lights illuminate Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom during the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Magic Kingdom icon is bathed in more than 200,000 tiny white lights that add a special sparkle to the season.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Millions of brilliant bulbs blanket the backlot with dancing lights and animated displays synchronized to high-energy holiday tunes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 8, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011.
Colorful wreaths, twirling carousels, flying angels and Santa and his reindeer bedazzle park-goers amid swirling snow flurries during The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, a megawatt, multi-colored spectacle that Show Director John Phelan calls “the ultimate Americana Holiday lights display.”
“Imagine it,” Phelan said. “One private citizen (Jennings Osborne), overwhelmed by the spirit of the season, created his own ‘Holiday Wonderland,’ complete with a giant rotating globe with ‘Peace on Earth’ above it and a massive canopy of red lights that people could walk under. He said he wanted the people to feel like they were inside the lights, looking out. Only in America!”
In fact, originally it was only in Little Rock, at the home of Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne. The rich tradition began some 20 years ago when he strung 1,000 lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter. After the exhibit grew larger and brighter – into millions of lights – it was transported to Walt Disney World Resort in 1995, where the light display now delights guests from all over the world each year.
Epcot
Holidays Around the World – Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and lore from their heritage from Nov. 26-Dec. 30. Strolling around the promenade during the Holidays Around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are showcased as well.
The evening is capped by the visual splendor of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the mesmerizing Epcot spectacular featuring fireworks, laser and water – all spruced up for the season with a spirited holiday finale.
EPCOT LIGHTS UP HOLIDAY NIGHTS: The giant Christmas tree at Epcot, seen here glistening in front of the iconic Spaceship
Earth attraction, is the centerpiece of the holiday celebration at the theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It's all part of the
park's annual "Holidays Around the World" celebration, in which international traditions of the season unfold all throughout World Showcase.
Candlelight Processional – The poignant story of Christmas unfolds during this renowned event featuring celebrity narrators, a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra at America Gardens Theatre. On Nov. 26, Isabella Rossellini is scheduled to lead off the star-studded celebrity lineup that later in the season is scheduled to include Whoopi Goldberg and Jodi Benson among others (lineup of narrators is subject to change without notice). To ensure a seat for this joyous favorite, Candlelight Dinner packages are available with dinner at select Epcot restaurants, a special spot for fireworks viewing and guaranteed seating for the heartfelt Candlelight Processional. For bookings call
407/WDW-DINE.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – The wild side of Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays during “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.” Mickey and pals present seasonal melodies with a world beat twist during a whimsical cavalcade throughout the park. The high-energy afternoon parade runs daily from Nov. 26, 2010, through Jan. 3, 2011.
Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village is adorned with festive décor and perfectly trimmed Christmas trees and crooning carolers. And Santa Goofy and spirited friends greet guests for photo opportunities.
Downtown Disney
Festival of the Seasons – Santa Claus is coming to town – to Downtown Disney, that is – and he’ll be meeting kids, listening to wishes and posing for pictures daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 at Santa’s Chalet.
Santa is at the center of Festival of the Seasons, during which school choirs and bands often perform at the dock stage to help ring in the season … and shoppers can enjoy holiday gift buying every day.
With dozens of shops from boutiques to gigantic toy stores, there is something for every style and budget. Tren-D has hip fashions and accessories, D Street offers all the latest Vinylmations, the World of Disney store showcases character, princess and pirate merchandise, and lots more. And you could fill Santa’s sleigh with all the games and goodies at Once Upon a Toy. There’s also Ghirardelli chocolates, Basin (soaps and bath products), LEGO Imagination Center and much more.
Disney Season Spring 2011: Disney’s Newest Ship, Pro Baseball,
Millions of Blooms, Magical Miles and Dreams of Teens
Soon after the calendar pages turn to 2011, Disney will celebrate the launch of a new year with the launch of its newest ship, Disney Dream.
And that’s not all that is happening at Walt Disney World Resort during early 2011. From January through April, the events calendar is highlighted by gardening, health and fitness and youthful dreams, plus a full schedule of Major League Baseball Spring Training.
Here’s a spring snapshot of special events taking place:
A Dream-Come-True
Disney Dream Sets Sail on Maiden Voyage
The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Dream, will set sail on her maiden voyage Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Fla. Taking family cruising to all-new heights, Disney Dream embraces the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent choice for families since 1998.
Two decks taller than the existing Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new 4,000-passenger liner increases the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line by nearly 75 percent.
Disney Cruise Line introduces a cruise industry innovation on the Disney Dream with the debut of AquaDuck, the first-ever
shipboard water coaster. Guests aboard the new Disney Dream can get swept away on the exhilarating high-speed flume ride
which features twists, turns, drops, acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
The Disney Dream also expands the one-of-a-kind family experience guests enjoy while on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Here are some of the highlights:
• The ship will feature a first-of-its-kind water coaster – AquaDuck – that will send guests racing above and around the upper decks of the ship.
• Inside staterooms will have a “special” view thanks to a cruise industry first, the Virtual Porthole concept.
• Animator’s Palate restaurant will magically transform into an undersea wonderland with live, impromptu interactions with Crush, the animated sea turtle from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”
• Elaborately themed children’s spaces will immerse children in their favorite Disney stories and feature some of today’s most innovative technology.
• A nighttime entertainment district just for adults will be filled with sophisticated, trendy, fanciful and fun-filled venues.
The Disney Dream will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer 2011, the ship will sail four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a cruise vacation onboard the Disney Dream, guests can visit
disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent.
Run Disney!
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Features Magical Miles
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Jan. 6-9, 2011), part of Disney’s Endurance Series, culminates with a magical 26.2-mile journey through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and several resort hotel areas that is regarded as one of the top marathons for “first-timers” (and veterans alike).
The gala, sports-filled weekend features a variety of events for all ages and running abilities – kids races, a Family Fun Run 5K, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, the Disney Half Marathon and the Disney Marathon, plus the Health & Fitness Expo.
For the first time in event history, athletes and fans took part in an online poll to choose the design that would grace the coveted medal given to finishers of the full marathon. After receiving more than 50,000 votes, the top vote-getting design – Mickey Mouse, in his running gear, breaking the tape at the Disney Marathon finish line – was chosen. The medal will be awarded to full marathon athletes who finish the race within the time limit.
Athletes run past Cinderella Castle in the annual Walt Disney World Marathon. More than 18,000 registered for the race, an event record.
For athletes that desire even more of an endurance test, there’s Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge. Participants in this event compete in the Half Marathon on Saturday and then the Marathon on Sunday. If athletes finish both races within the time limits, they are awarded a very special “Goofy” medal.
The magical miles in the half marathon and marathon are highlighted by high-energy entertainment – including special appearances by Disney characters – providing a unique form of motivation for athletes. In fact, it’s not unusual to see runners actually stop along the course during the race and stand in line to have their photos taken with the Disney characters.
Note: The Disney Marathon Weekend races traditionally have filled to capacity. Guests can check current registration availability at
www.disneyworldmarathon.com.
Bounty of Blooms at Epcot
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates 18th Year with Millions of Blooms and Blossoms
More than 30 million blooms in artfully designed floral beds, floral islands, vibrant rose gardens and larger-than-life topiaries will grace the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, scheduled to take place at the Walt Disney World theme park March 2 through May 15, 2011.
In addition to the brilliant horticulture displays, guests also can hear from celebrity guest speakers, participate in hands-on seminars and experience innovative planting demonstrations and exhibits.
A favorite festival tradition is the lineup of concerts in the Flower Power concert series. Artists and groups will take the stage in World Showcase to add some tuneful fun to the floral festivities.
Guests can obtain more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by calling 407/W-DISNEY or online at
www.disneyworld.com/flower or
www.disneyparks.com/blog (online information will be updated as it is received). Most activities at the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be included in regular Epcot admission.
Play Ball!
Major League Baseball Returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for Atlanta Braves’ Spring Training 2011
The National League powerhouse Atlanta Braves will return for their 14th consecutive exhibition season at Walt Disney World Resort in March 2011.
Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – where the Atlanta Braves under a new manager will take the field to prepare for the regular season – features more than 9,500 seats, along with luxury skyboxes, suites and patios. The stadium offers many of the amenities of today’s major league ballparks in an intimate sports setting like no other. There’s even seating on grassy knolls that harkens back to the early days of baseball.
The Atlanta Braves will host several marquee spring training opponents in 2011, including visits from the World Champion
New York Yankees, World Series runner-up Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals during the
Major League Baseball Spring Training season at Champion Stadium at the soon-to-be-re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
For more information, guests can visit www.espnwwos.com,
www.disneyparks.com/blog or call 407/939-GAME. Fans also can follow Disney Sports and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Twitter (@DisneySports).
*Note: Schedule, ticket plans and pricing for Atlanta Braves Spring Training 2011 will be available in fall 2010.
Dreams & Inspiration
Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine Inspires 100 High School Students from Across the Country
From March 3-6, 2011, 100 high school students from across the nation will travel to Walt Disney World Resort for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine, an inspiring event featuring interactive workshops and seminars, mentoring and inspiration focusing on careers and life enrichment.
The event will be convening its fourth class at Walt Disney World Resort, where participants will learn about careers in everything from culinary arts to animation, from set design and show production to the business of sports and more.
Upon creating Disney’s Dreamers Academy in 2007, Disney joined forces with Harvey, a nationally syndicated radio personality, actor and best-selling author, to launch the initial nationwide search for high school students who possess a winning combination of attributes that reflect strong character and an attitude that will enable them to seek and take advantage of opportunities for their future. This year, Essence magazine has joined forces with Harvey to make Disney’s Dreamers Academy the biggest and brightest event yet.
Each fall, thousands of teens have been nominated by parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves. A distinguished panel of leaders from communications, education, industry and entertainment reviews the applications and selects a Dreamers Academy class of 100 teens in grades 9 through 12.
While at Walt Disney World in Florida, the 100 students will participate in workshops with Disney cast members and executives, hear inspirational stories from entertainment celebrities and professional athletes, and enjoy the Disney theme parks – where they can see, first-hand, the results of people who turned their dreams into careers as “Disney dreamers.” More information can be found online at
www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com.
*Note: Nominations for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine Class of 2011 are accepted July 2-Oct. 31, 2010, with information about procedures at
DisneysDreamersAcademy.com.
General vacation planning information about Walt Disney World Resort is available at
www.DisneyWorld.com. Guests can initiate reservations and other arrangements at the website or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
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