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Special Fireworks Plus Other Patriotic Treats in 
Store for Walt Disney World Theme Park Guests on July 4

Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows plus other patriotic treats – including appearances by “Benjamin Franklin” and “Betsy Ross.”

The spirit of the Fourth of July is up in the air after dark, and three Disney parks will be making a bang, with Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios presenting special pyrotechnics and Epcot adding a patriotic "tag" to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular.

Here's what's in store on July 4 (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight. Park hours are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA IN THE SKY: Guests at Magic Kingdom will be treated to a special fireworks display July 3 and July 4. 
“Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky above the Walt Disney World theme park at 9 p.m. both evenings.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m., providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. In addition, Betsy Ross will be engaging guests inside The American Adventure with storytelling, while Ben Franklin will be making appearances on the promenade near the attraction. Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Disney Unveils Unique Residential Resort 
Community at Walt Disney World Resort
Golden Oak Will Offer Luxury, Single-Family Custom Homes for Purchase 

Disney unveiled Golden Oak on June 23, 2010, a one-of-a-kind luxury residential resort community offering the unprecedented opportunity to purchase a home at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Especially designed for resort living, Golden Oak will provide an entirely new way for families to connect with the world’s best-known family destination and entertainment brand. 
“We have a range of options for guests at all price points to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort. But Golden Oak is something totally new: a residential resort community, right in the heart of the magic,” said Matt Kelly, vice president, Disney Resort Real Estate Development. “Golden Oak will be a place where families can come together and make memories for generations to come – with Disney World right at their doorstep.”

Golden Oak will offer a limited collection of single family custom homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million, with fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. Designed by Disney’s famed Imagineers, the gated community will feature intimate neighborhoods and amenities created with everyone in the family in mind. Disney’s well-known attention to detail is visible in every park, pathway and the custom-design of the proposed private clubhouse. Expansive conservation areas comprise almost half of the entire 980-acre footprint.

This artist’s rendering depicts a Tuscan village courtyard home, one of several architectural styles featured in the unique community.

The proposed private clubhouse, concierge services and collection of Walt Disney World Resort benefits will bring Disney’s guest service culture directly to Golden Oak residents. As previously announced, Golden Oak is planned to include Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, combining Disney’s renowned service and hospitality with Four Seasons’ defining standard of excellence. Golden Oak plans to offer residents access to select Four Seasons’ future amenities including the full-service spa, restaurants, golf course and event space. 

Initially, Golden Oak will consist of three types of single-family homes. Village Homeswill capture the romantic look of a Mediterranean village on home sites up to one-quarter acre. Estate Homes, on approximately one-half-acre home sites, will offer a variety of architectural styles including Tuscan, Spanish Revival, Venetian, Italianate, Dutch Colonial and Island Colonial. At up to three-quarters-acre in size, Grand Estate Homes will include architectural styles consistent with Estate Homes and will accommodate the needs of large families. Homeowners will use one of Golden Oak’s select custom homebuilders to build the home of their dreams. 

More information about Golden Oak is available at www.disneygoldenoak.com. Golden Oak will use a Priority Reservation List for potential homebuyers with an interest in purchasing a home. A position is secured on the list in the order in which a signed Lot Release Priority Agreement and a refundable $25,000 deposit is received. Deposits are now being accepted, with the first completed homes projected for 2011. At build-out, Golden Oak is anticipated to include approximately 450 homes.