Dateline Disney August 2010

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Dateline Disney - July-August 2010

In This Edition:

Across Walt Disney World Resort: Fourth of July fireworks & fun; Facebook friends offer advice to first-time Disney guests
Epcot: ‘Captain EO’ begins reprise run; Sounds Like Summer concert series features tribute bands performing legendary music; Epicures need to set alarms on July 20 to make arrangements for special Food & Wine Festival events; Eat to the Beat! concert series lineup includes 7 first-time acts
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: World Cup viewing parties include 3-D for select matches; Youth sports action on the RISE; Big-name college coaches flock to sports complex; Next generation of soccer players competing in Disney Cup
Disney Cruise Line: Bookings for “kids sail free” Mexican Riviera cruises can be made during July
Disney Vacation Club: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort introducing spa experiences in August
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Makeover of Franck’s Bridal Studio to create planning magic

‘Captain EO’ 3-D Spectacular Returns to Epcot July 2
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Just in time to add more joyous, uproarious fun to the Fourth of July weekend, “Captain EO” begins a reprise at Walt Disney World Resort July 2. The classic musical spectacular that thrilled Epcot guests from 1986-1994 will provide new Epcot audiences the opportunity to experience the original 3-D production for the very first time – and give longtime fans a nostalgic look back to see Michael Jackson in a rare performance created for the big screen.
Twenty-four years ago, Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing two original songs, and featuring Academy Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry, mythical space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson's electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.
For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure. The realism of the 3-D process will once again make it seem that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the special effects elements originally in the theater, it will boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater since the film last played there. The total effect is one of motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and realistic journey in space for the audience.
“Captain EO” will be presented multiple times daily at the Imagination pavilion at Epcot. It replaces “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” which is planned to return at an undetermined date.
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Fans of Jackson family entertainment are in for a double treat heading into July 4 weekend. Not only will “Captain EO” be returning, but America Gardens Theatre will be alive with Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson, an act that celebrates the music of Michael Jackson’s sister Janet, June 27-July 3. Show times each day are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. Performances are included with Epcot admission.

Three Disney Parks Plan Special Fireworks on July 4
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic "tag" to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here's what's in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who'd like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 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 on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney's Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 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. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Disney's Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

World Cup Viewing Parties (including 3-D for Select Matches) Taking Place through July 11 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney Sports and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex have embraced World Cup fever and are offering unique viewing parties during the tournament, live from South Africa.
While ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill offered open-seating viewing parties during the group stage of play (June 11-25), parties with guaranteed seating and a buffet are planned on days between June 26 and July 10 when the round of 16, quarter finals, semi finals and third-place match are played. The all-you-care-to-eat buffet is $19.99/per person, per game (plus tax).
A special viewing area will be available for the championship match July 11. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill features many high-definition television screens throughout the venue. The World Cup tournament is the first sports telecast on the new ESPN 3D channel and the Grill will feature 3-D viewing for select matches.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings Nightastic! at Epcot with Music of Rock and Roll Icons

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The musical sounds of decades of summers gone by will fill July evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series performances featuring tribute bands that celebrate the music of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, U2 and Chicago.

“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”

Performances at America Gardens Theatre are scheduled for 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4, when shows are scheduled for 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the schedule (entertainment is subject to change without notice):

June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago

Sounds Like Summer is part of Walt Disney World “Summer Nightastic!,” which also features extra fun after the sun goes down at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Through Aug. 14 at Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new effects – and a summer-only drop sequence – to the mix for guests daring to step into the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

Epicures, Set Your Alarms: Epcot Food & Wine Festival Special Event Reservations Open July 20

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Don’t want to miss the celebrated Party for the Senses grand-food-and-wine-tasting event? Can’t wait to attend the debut of the First Bites Opening Reception? Ladies and gentlemen, set your alarms for 7 a.m. July 20! That’s when the phone lines open to call Disney reservation specialists and book these and other events scheduled for the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which presents Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Fans of the festival’s special programs and events can choose from among one dozen categories of special wine and culinary events scheduled during the festival’s six weeks. New programming this year includes the Sept. 30 First Bites Opening Reception festival preview, 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and the Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier tasting experience. Returning events include favorites like Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, Epcot Wine Schools, Mexico Tequila Tastings and Food and Wine Pairings.

Throughout the festival, the park will present more than 25 international marketplaces where food, wine, beer and spirits lovers can sample cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents. The new Belgium marketplace will serve Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream, and the new South Korea marketplace packs plenty of taste into its BBQ Short Ribs with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi.

At least 250 Disney and celebrity chefs will conduct culinary demonstrations and host tasting events. In addition, the Festival Welcome Center will feature Authentic Taste Seminars and Authors without Borders weekend conversations that are included with Epcot admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open July 20.

Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts During 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – They span four decades of popularity. Collectively, they’ve thrilled music lovers with everything from Pop, Techno and Adult Contemporary to Southern Rock, Progressive Rock and Pop Rock. But they have one thing in common: They are seven acts playing the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the first time during the 15th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage are:

§ Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
§ Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
§ Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
§ 38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
§ Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a Little Bit”
§ Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
§ Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”
They are part of an 18-performer concert series that will bring music to Epcot each evening of the Food & Wine Festival. Concerts are included with Epcot admission.
Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concert series will be available at www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

Kids Sail Free on 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruises aboard Disney Wonder

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line, a leader in family cruising, is making it easier to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line on the West Coast with a special “Kids Free” offer on seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera starting January 2011.

Guests 17 and under can sail free on seven-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests occupying the same stateroom (government taxes and fees excluded). This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 23 to March 20, 2011, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms (categories 4 to 11). However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. Guests can book through July 31, 2010.

Guests sailing to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Disney Wonder will experience exciting ports of call combined with a family-friendly cruise only Disney can deliver. The seven-night cruises include visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta coupled with three fun-filled days at sea. Onboard, guests will enjoy dazzling stage spectaculars, including “Toy Story-The Musical,” inspired by the Disney•Pixar films; over-the-top deck parties, featuring the only fireworks display at sea; nearly an entire deck dedicated to youth activities; sophisticated offerings for adults and fun experiences for the entire family.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

To book a vacation or to get complete details on the “Kids Free” special offer, guests can visit disneycruise.com/kidsfree, call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Guests should mention or input booking code “KFMR” when making the reservation.

High School Athletes ‘RISE’ Above in Multi-Sport Showcase at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex July 14-27

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For two weeks in July, the ESPN RISE Games presented by Target will bring together more than 13,000 student athletes at the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Returning for its second year at the complex, the July 14-27 event features the country’s premier high school basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer talent, along with competitive events in baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball and track & field.

The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target is anchored by four elite high school sports events:
AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by Champion Under Armour High School Softball All-America game Champion Gridiron Kings, an elite 7-on-7 high school football event Champion High School Showcase, a US Lacrosse boys and girls event new in 2010.

One of the first ESPN-themed events since the complex rebranding in February, this year’s games provide the opportunity for athletes to experience “the big time” through multiple broadcast platforms.

The Under Armour High School Softball All-American game, Champion Gridiron Kings, AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by Champion and Champion High School Boys Lacrosse Senior Showcase will be televised on ESPNU live and as pre-recorded shows; and ESPN3.com will carry live competitive events.

The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target has grown from hosting 4,000 student athletes in its 2009 inaugural at Walt Disney World Resort to an expected 13,000-plus this July.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament Begins July 12

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – No sooner will the curtain come down on the World Cup than the next generation of soccer players will be at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament, July 12-17.

Building on the international flavor of the tournament, participating teams will have the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge of Brazilian style of play at the Zico Soccer Clinic. Zico, a famed Brazilian footballer and former coach, will provide instruction, along with fellow professional coaches and former players from the Zico Soccer Academy in Brazil.

Following the Zico Soccer Clinic, boys and girls in age groups nine-and-under to 18-and-under will play in the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament. Entering its 11th year, the event features 200 teams from more than 16 countries around the globe.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

AAU Championships Showcase Nation’s Top Basketball Talent … and Attract Some Familiar Faces to ESPNWWOS

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – You recognize the faces from courtside huddles during basketball games on ESPN, but now they’re sitting in the stands just like everyone else. The occasion is the “Super Showcase” – the Amateur Athletic Union National Basketball Championships – an event that annually draws coaches from top NCAA basketball programs to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

And as in years past, a “who’s who” of college basketball will congregate around the courts at The Field House and Jostens Center July 20-27 for showcases in the boys 15-, 16- and 17-and-under categories. Each coach will have a similar two-fold goal: to evaluate the top prep players in the country, and identify the top hoop athletes to target for scholarship offers. Noted AAU alumni include LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.

The AAU, one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the country, sanctions as many as 12 national championship basketball events each year at the complex. In all, the AAU conducts more than 40 national events on Disney property each year, including baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, gymnastics, inline hockey, track & field, wrestling and several other sports.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.

Fairy Tales Come True at Newly Designed Franck's Studio at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Franck's Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing a major enhancement, bringing high-tech tools to couples tying the knot at the popular wedding destination.

Franck's, named after the wedding planner character Martin Short played in the film "Father of The Bride,” was built 15 years ago alongside Disney's magical Wedding Pavilion. The Victorian summerhouse was created as a one-stop shop for couples to meet with a Disney wedding planner to review all the details for the big event. The immersive studio showcases cakes, linens, floral, table settings and other details for a dream-come-true affair.

A highlight of the Franck's makeover involves online tools to assist with remote planning, including a Facebook application so couples can easily share details of their wedding with friends and family. The tools also allow guests to accept RSVPs and purchase tickets and room nights. Using Google Earth images and video, the Virtual Venue Tool brings storybook wedding and reception venues at Disney to life with the click of a mouse.

Two new planning rooms, additional computers and televisions, andnewly designed furnishings round out the elegant setting. The new Franck's studio will open mid-July.

Advice for Disney First-Timers from Facebook Friends: Relax

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When Facebook friends of Walt Disney World Resort were asked what advice they would give to someone planning to visit the Vacation Kingdom for the first time, nearly 20 percent of approximately 5,000 respondents suggested “relax” or “enjoy your trip” or “make it a vacation.”
Responses fit in 10 main themes, with the second-most-common suggestion (offered by one in six people) to “wear comfortable shoes” or “comfortable clothes.” Here’s the complete results:
1. Relax/Enjoy Your Trip (19.88% of posts)
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes/Clothes (16.75%)
3. Get the Dining Plan (13.75%)
4. Use FASTPASSes/Park Hoppers (11.32%)
5. Read Guide Books/Research (9.23%)
6. Bring Water/Sunscreen (7.98%)
7. Stay On-Property (7.26%)
8. Go to the Parks Early (7.06%)
9. Magic Kingdom Advice (Rides/Parades/Fireworks) (4.04%)
10. Bring Money/Cash (2.73%)

The Disney Facebook page iswww.facebook.com/WaltDisneyWorld. To become a friend, a person must be a member of Facebook. For more information about Walt Disney World Resort vacations, visit www.disneyworld.com.

Treasure Coast Welcomes Relaxing Retreat
At The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

VERO BEACH, Fla. – Soothing services designed to melt away stress and restore the mind and body will be available soon at The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The relaxing retreat will offer pampering treatments for both overnight guests of the Disney Vacation Club resort and locals beginning mid-August.
The 1,000-square-foot facility will complement the nautical design of the picturesque 211-room Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The new spa will include one wet treatment room ideal for indulgent body scrubs and aromatic body wraps, plus a vichy shower. Two massage rooms, one manicure/pedicure room and a relaxation room will round out the space. Couples massages, kids’ treatments and spa products will be offered.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers several dining options, recreation activities and health club, and a variety of accommodations – from studios to three-bedroom cottages. For more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY.

Gaylord Palms Resort:

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