‘American Idol’ is “Going to Disney World!”

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an “American Idol” attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, according to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

“The American Idol Experience,” slated to debut January 2009, will be located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive “American Idol” set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all eligible to register, where guests perform “live” in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios producer for the chance to be cast in a theme park show. If shown to have that star quality during the screening process and after backstage preparation – working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up – it’s lights up and showtime for the lucky guest in front of a “live” audience and a panel of judges. 

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World Resort, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition – to ensure no waiting in long lines – for the “American Idol” TV show. 

 

Disney Marathon Weekend Features Free Seminars

With Fitness & Nutrition Experts, Running Coaches, Former Olympians

            LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Fitness and nutrition experts, running coaches and former Olympians will share tips and perspectives – and answer questions from the audience – during the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Seminar Series Jan. 8-10 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.  More than two dozen topical sessions, typically ranging in duration from 30 to 45 minutes, will be offered without charge over the three days.

Thursday seminars start between 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., with Disney Marathon Race Director Jon Hughes wrapping up the day with an hour-long session covering tips and information about this year’s running events.  Some highlights of the opening day include a presentation by former 10,000- and 20,000-meter world record holder and Mexico Olympian Arturo Barrios (2:45 p.m.) and sessions focusing on youth – Healthy Kids Challenge Chef presented by Cigna (3:45 p.m.) and Making it Fun for the Kids featuring world-class coach Kevin Hanson and 10-year-old daughter Samantha (4:30 p.m.).

Friday’s schedule kicks off at 11 a.m. with a discussion of ChiRunning and ChiWalking, revolutionary forms of moving that blend T’ai Chi with running and walking, presented by creator Danny Dreyer.  Hughes wraps up the schedule with a session beginning at 4:45 p.m.

On Saturday, 1972 Olympian Jeff Galloway opens the schedule at 11 a.m. with a session focusing on tips to run a personal best, with Hughes, joined by Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray, wrapping up the series at 3:15 p.m.

More information about 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna is available at disneysports.com.  The program is available at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/disney/wdwmarathon09/.

 

More than 550 Brazilians Following 5-Time Champion Adriano Bastos Into Field of 45,000 Participants for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

            LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Five-time champion Adriano Bastos will lead a contingent of more than 550 Brazilians into 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna Jan. 8-11.  By winning the run through the four Disney theme parks the last four years consecutively and five times since 2003, the
30-year-old Sao Paulo runner has stirred interest throughout his country in the weekend of running and fitness events at the central Florida Vacation Kingdom.

            More than 300 Brazilians join Bastos in a field of some 21,500 participants registered for the full
(26.2-mile) Disney Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 11. Another group of 250 Brazilians is among the approximately 17,000 runners set for the Disney Half Marathon on Saturday, Jan. 10. Both of those races begin near Epcot at 5:45 a.m.

            In all, more than 45,000 people from all 50 U.S. states and more than 60 countries are registered for everything from the famous Diaper Dash for crawlers (12 months and under) to the new Mickey’s Mile (ages 13-under) to the distance road-running events.

            Within the huge field of participants will be the most frequently honored athlete in the 16-year history of the Walt Disney World Marathon.  Saul Mendoza, a wheelchair racer who was honored as Mexico’s Athlete of the Century for the 20th century, will be vying for a 10th Disney championship.  Two athletes new to the Disney Marathon winner’s circle in 2008 also return: Women’s winner Melanie Peters of St. Petersburg, Fla., and women’s wheelchair winner Jacqui Kapinowski of Point Pleasant, N.J.

            Disney Marathon weekend begins at noon Jan. 8 with the opening of Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo, a three-day event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.  More information about Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna is available at disneysports.com.  The program is available at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/disney/wdwmarathon09/.

 

Updated Information About 2009 Edition of ESPN The Weekend Available Online at www.ESPNTheWeekend.com

            LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Sports fans who want to leap into planning for the sixth edition of ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods – Feb. 27-March 1, 2009, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios –can visit ESPNTheWeekend.com for the latest information about the upcoming event.

            The weekend will feature a lineup of athletes and top ESPN personalities such as Mike & Mike as Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts a full slate of live telecasts including “NFL Live” and “Baseball Tonight.” There also will be unique sports experiences such as the Interactive Zone. All the fun is included with regular theme park admission.

 

While Diverse in Their Challenges and Accomplishments, 100 Students Bring Common Trait to Disney’s Dreamers Academy: The Power to Dream

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – They come from America’s West, Midwest, South and Northeast.  And their stories are at least as far-flung and diverse.  There are honor roll students among them … another proud of completing 10th grade despite being homeless.  An oration contest winner … and one who is speech and language impaired. One who dreams of playing professional football … another who won a dirt bike event despite being a paraplegic.

“They” are the 100 high school students selected to participate in the Disney’s Dreamers Academy of 2009, which takes place Feb. 12-15, during national Black History Month.  In partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected students for an innovative career inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun.

The “Steve Harvey Morning Show” conducted the Dreamer’s Contest to identify the participants – high school students who show promise but may need additional motivational support to excel.  Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 4,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program.  The 100 participants were selected by a panel that included educators, communications professionals and business professionals.

All of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM.  And Disney’s Dreamers Academy aims to expose them to creative and nontraditional career opportunities in everything from culinary arts to animation, set design and show production to the business of sports, while inspiring them to exceed the boundaries of their dreams and imaginations.

During Disney’s Dreamers Academy, Disney cast members, executives and celebrities will share their blueprints for success.  Participants will also explore Disney’s theme parks and then end their special weekend with a graduation ceremony where a special guest will deliver a motivational address.

“With the nation’s attention on change and a spirit of renewed hope, we are very pleased with the excitement centered on this year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy and the overwhelming enthusiasm it has generated from young people spanning America,” said Xiomara Wiley, a vice president of marketing at Disney Destinations.  “We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspiring them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead.”

[EDITORS/WRITERS: A complete list of participants is available at wdwnews.com.  

 

Single-Game Tickets for Expanded Braves Spring Training Slate At Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Sale Jan. 10

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Individual-game tickets for the Atlanta Braves’ expanded home spring training schedule at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex go on sale Jan. 10 for an 18-game slate that includes a number of marquee opponents and premier opportunities.

The schedule includes World Baseball Classic Exhibition games featuring Panama (March 3) and Venezuela (March 5), a pair of contests against the Yankees (March 4 and 28) and Mets (March 17 and 21), two visits by the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies (March 1 and 8), and the second visit ever to Champion Stadium by the Boston Red Sox (March 30). Atlanta’s 18 games at Champion Stadium mark the highest number of single spring home contests for the Braves since the franchise moved to Disney in 1997.

Individual game tickets are availablethrough Ticketmaster (online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 407/839-3900) and at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex box office. Prices range from $15 (general admission lawn seats) to $28 (lower reserved); please add $4 per ticket for Premium Games (Yankees, Mets and Red Sox).

Information about group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at disneysports.com. The popular mini-packs will include both three-game and five-game options in 2009 and are currently on sale, giving fans their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves’ 2009 spring training schedule. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Spring Training USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at springtrainingtours.com.

Braves pitchers and catchers report Feb. 14, marking the beginning of the 12th year the Braves have come to Walt Disney World Resort for spring training. Position players arrive Feb. 17, with the first full-squad workouts on Feb. 18.

 

It’s a Bigger Moms Panel for the Mouse: Disney Parks Selects 16 New Parents for its 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney Parks launches its second Walt Disney World Moms Panel in January with an eclectic group of parents – 16 Disney-savvy people from the suburbs of New Hampshire and Louisiana to “neighbors abroad” in Ottawa and England who will share their own tried and true tips for planning a Walt Disney World vacation with families online at disneyworldmoms.com.

The interactive online forum consists of 15 moms and one dad who have proven their Disney knowledge and ability to field vacation-planning questions from all park-goers.  Featuring a grandmother from Indiana who treasures celebrations at the parks to a New Jersey mom who has mastered Disney vacations with a special needs child, these Walt Disney World experts ensure that no hidden Mickey is left undiscovered.

Welcoming the Moms into their new roles is Kim LaPaglia from Annville, Pa., a member of the inaugural panel who will continue to lend her Disney smarts – this time to families sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line.  For more information, visit disneyworldmoms.com.

 

Kids Sail Free on 3-Night Disney Wonder Sailings this Spring

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line, a leader in the family cruise segment, is making it easier than ever for families who have dreamt of taking a Disney cruise vacation to sail the most magical ship afloat with a “Kids Free” special offer on three-night cruises this winter and spring. 

Guests 12 and under can sail free on three-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests within the same stateroom. This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. While the cruise fare with this special offer is free for guests 12 and under, guests who book will be responsible for Government Taxes and Fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 12 and under.

Guests who sail during this time period will enjoy a whole host of new offerings on the Disney Wonder. The ship recently launched a 3-D cinematic experience in both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista theaters where guests can enjoy first-run, full-length 3-D films such as Walt Disney Pictures’ “Bolt” and the upcoming “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience.” This past spring the Disney Wonder premiered a lavish theatrical production, “Toy Story-The Musical.” Additionally, young cruisers will delight in new activities at the Oceaneer Club and Lab featuring characters and storylines from popular Disney Channel movies.

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

Disney’s Endurance Series Introducing 2 Road-Running Events

 

The ESPN The Weekend 5K at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include special appearances by ESPN talent, and a portion of every entry fee will benefit the V Foundation for cancer research.  Kids races are also offered.

The Princess Half Marathon Weekend will bring women of all ages together to participate in an event designed just for them – with the Disney Princesses as the inspiration.  The weekend includes a half marathon, a family 5K, kids races and an expo.

More information and registration for all events is available at disneyenduranceseries.com.

 

Food at the Touch of a Screen at New Contempo Cafe

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Quick-service eats go high tech at the new Contempo Cafe in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Walt Disney World guests peruse the menu on electronic boards with color photos, then place orders at touch screens and head directly to a cashier.  Seating is in a casual 147-seat dining area with red and blue accents and views of the Disney monorail passing through the famous hotel, and a 9-story mural with 18,000 hand-painted tiles by artist and Disney Legend Mary Blair.

A pager blinks when food is ready for pickup at the counter.  Thin-crust pizzas, hearty deli sandwiches on ciabatta and house-made soups of the day are among selections, as well as a healthful grilled mahi sandwich with citrus-apple slaw or vegetable bake with feta cheese. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there also is a “grab ‘n go” area with drinks, salads and fresh fruit.

Prices are not on menu boards but on the touch screens, where guests can order in Spanish or English.  Diners can choose a salad with dressing on the side, for instance, different kinds of cheeses for burgers, or salad or chips with sandwiches. 

Contempo Cafe is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., serving breakfast until 11 a.m.  The “grab ‘n go” is open 6 a.m.-midnight.  The restaurant is part of Disney’s Contemporary Resort revitalization that includes the new Wave restaurant on the first floor and a new game arcade and refurbishment of the Outer Rim lounge on the fourth floor concourse.