WDWPlanner.com Newsletter
December 11, 2008

A WDWPlanner.com publication, Issue #49
Library of Congress ISSN 1939-781X

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In This Issue:

 

     Segways in the Theme Parks

 

     Kids Sail Free on the Disney Cruise 

 

     Holiday Shopping Links

 

     Disney World has been Dedicated to ____?____ for 2009.  See the Video.

 

     Disney Casting for New Shows

 

     Immersive Experiences Starring YOU
  

 

Segways in the Theme Parks

 

Segway Tour at Epcot

Walt Disney Co. agreed to settle a lawsuit over claims a ban on personal two-wheel transporters at its facilities violates federal disabilities laws.

Three residents of Illinois and Iowa sued Disney in November 2007 after they were prohibited from using the Segway Personal Transporter on family vacations at four theme parks in Florida. Disney agreed to acquire at least 15 newly designed electric stand-up vehicles that meet its safety standards, according to papers filed Dec. 5 in federal court in Orlando.

The Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device, allows riders to remain upright and steer with body movements. The device, which debuted in 2002, is used by as many as 7,000 people in the U.S. with mobility-related disabilities, according to the complaint.

As part of the deal, Disney will provide disabled visitors alternate access to parks in Florida and Disneyland in California. The new vehicles, called ESVs, are intended to replicate in dimension and operation a common wheelchair or motorized scooter while allowing users to stand upright, according to court papers.

The ESVs will be rented on the same terms as sit-down electric vehicles. Disney will continue to ban guests from using two-wheeled vehicles, including Segways, within resorts, according to the filing.

Segway Tours at Walt Disney World

There is a Segway Tour offered at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  No experience is necessary; training is provided before the tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $85 per person (includes tax)


 There is also a Segway Tour at Epcot.  Cost: $95 per person.

More information: www.wdwplanner.com/segway.htm

Other tours offered at Walt Disney World: www.wdwplanner.com/tours.htm  
 

Kids Sail Free on the Disney Cruise

Travel Dates: January 22 - May 28, 2009

 

Kids 12 and under now can sail free on most 3-night Disney cruises from January 22 through May 28, 2009 with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom. Government Taxes and Fees are not included on the free children.

 

Offer applies to new bookings only. Offer applies to Categories 4-12 only. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply.  See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions

 

Book a 3-night cruise using the booking code FREE. Book online or call (800) 951-3532.

 

For more discount info:  www.wdwplanner.com/discounts.htm

 

 


Holiday Shopping Online

While you are doing your holiday shopping online, help support this website and newsletter by using the following links to websites you probably already use:

iPhone Applications now available at iTunes.com! Shop Now!

Free Shipping on selected Holiday Gifts at Omaha Steaks. Expires December 19th

Disney Collectibles                           20% off at Franklin Mint! Use Code: LSNP1

Barnes & Noble                                        MyTwinn Dolls

Enter Coupon Code: YG05 and Take 5% Off Your Order at TheBabyOutlet.com

Own a share of real Disney Stock              Open a storefront on eBay.com

Disney Shopping.com                                 Amazon.com 


Disney Parks Dedication to Diane Kelley for 2009:


 


Disney Casting

The following Disney Channel and Disney XD shows are currently in production and are now casting principal acting roles and extras:

JONAS, Sonny with a Chance, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Zeke and Luther, Suite Life on Deck, and the pilot episode for Oops! In addition, the following Disney Channel Original Movies and Feature Films will begin pre-production shortly: Camp Rock 2, High School Musical 4, Avalon High, and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie.  

Always follow strict submission guidelines and submission etiquette when sending your photos and resumes to casting directors.

These are not Open Calls, you must submit a photo and resume.


More Info:  www.wdwplanner.com/casting.htm


Immersive Experiences Starring YOU

Guests Become Part of the Show at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “I can’t believe I was hula dancing in front of 200 people,” said Stacey Miller of Arlington, Va., following a show-stopping performance at Disney’s Polynesian Luau. “It’s something my kids are never going to let me forget!  It was a blast!”

Whether hula dancing or singing or learning the tricks of Caribbean pirates or Star Wars Jedi, Walt Disney World guests discover a realm of magic and enchantment where they are not only dazzled and entertained, but may also have a chance to be part of the show.

The debut of “The American Idol Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009 marks a continuation of what Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo describes as “transformational experiences (that) put our guests right in the heart of their dreams.  These experiences transport our guests deep into the magical realms of what Disney parks are all about.”

Here’s a rundown of immersive experiences that happen throughout Walt Disney World Resort:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania!  An innovative ride-game experience combines memorable film characters from Disney•Pixar classics “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” with games that match their motion picture personas.  Donning 3-D glasses, guests seemingly shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles that follow a midway-themed route.  At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter.  The challenges are designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to serious gamers.
Toy Story Mania

“Block Party Bash”  A new fantastic traveling show featuring favorite Disney•Pixar characters from smash-hit animated films like “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monster’s, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life” is rocking and rolling throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, putting guests right in the middle of an unbelievable impromptu party during one of the wildest, most interactive street spectaculars ever.
Jedi Training Academy  Taking a cue from the popular Star Wars Saga, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for an original and intergalactic entertainment experience.  Young Jedi hopefuls – known in ‘Star Wars-speak’ as “Padawans” – learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master before facing off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.  Created with Lucasfilm Ltd., Jedi Training Academy is presented multiple times daily, adjacent to the popular Star Tours attraction.
Bear“Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!”  Some of the most beloved characters from the Disney Channel lineup are featured in a singing, clapping and be-bopping show designed for preschoolers.  The show stars favorites from popular Disney Channel programs including “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more.
“Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show”  This fast-paced show spotlights the high-octane best of the movie industry’s stunt masters.  The action extravaganza sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening and jumping across an enormous Mediterranean village set.  Lucky guests may find themselves onstage to “drive” one of the stunt cars.
“Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!”  If getting in the middle of the action is your style, you could be chosen as an extra to brave earth-shattering crashes and fiery explosions in a backstage view of movie-making.  
“The American Idol Experience” (coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009)  Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV’s pop culture phenomenon – up close and personal – by experiencing the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set.  There will be several show times daily.  Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show.
 
Magic Kingdom
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (Adventureland)  Train to become a pirate.  Looking for new recruits, Captain Jack and his mate Mack lead guests through a series of pirate skill tests to prove their mettle.  Who is craftiest at wooden swordplay?  Who can flash their most menacing pirate grimace?  Faster than you can say ”Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho, the Pirate’s Life for Me,” the big moment arrives: getting officially sworn in with the Pirate’s Oath to become honorary buccaneers of Captain Jack’s famous Pirate Crew.
“Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” (Tomorrowland)  Guests laugh, joke, sing songs and match wits with the beloved animated characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” in an engaging and interactive attraction created by Disney Imagineers.  “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” features one-eyed hero Mike Wazowski, who has opened a comedy club to collect laughs that will generate power for the future.  As Monster-of-Ceremonies, Mike recruits two comedian wannabes whose slapstick humor delights and engages audiences.  Guests even get to text-message jokes on their cell phones for possible use in the show.
 
Epcot
“Turtle Talk With Crush”  Crush, from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” has made a different kind of screen debut in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot – as a chatting, joking quipster who engages guests in conversation from his movie-screen undersea environment.  “Turtle Talk With Crush” showcases real-time animation using digital projection and sophisticated, voice-activated animation.  
Turtle Talk with Crush

Biergarten Restaurant  This indoor German “courtyard” in Epcot World Showcase features a German Oktoberfest buffet and fun for the whole family.  Throughout the night, guests are invited onstage to join yodelers, dancers and other traditional Bavarian musicians – all clad in lederhosen or dirndl – to play accordions, cowbells and other instruments.
Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure(coming to Epcot in 2009)  Inspired by the Disney Channel’s Emmy-Award-winning “Kim Possible” animated series, guests of all ages will become secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions in this ultra-interactive adventure packed with mystery and excitement.  Guests team up with members of Team Possible in this high-tech experience played in seven of the World Showcase pavilions.
 
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
“Festival of the Lion King”  Animal heroes and villains of Disney’s “The Lion King” movie star in this spectacle that combines the pageantry of a parade with the excitement of an African tribal celebration.  Young guests are invited to entertain the audience with a variety of African musical instruments as they join the performers in a parade around the theater, followed by audience participation in competing groups singing a rousing rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Festival of the Lion King

Rafiki’s Planet Watch  Inspiring a love of animals and concern for their welfare is the underlying theme, both subtle and obvious, throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  The Affection Section is the destination for those who want to meet animals face to face and hand to fur.  This is not just a petting zoo, but a place where young and old can find out all about the animals they see and touch, where they’re from, how they live and what dangers they face in the world.  Attendants are on hand to explain each of these domestic animals who welcome this kind of attention.
 
Resorts
“Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” (Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground)  If you’ve ever wanted to be a country-music star, here’s your chance!  Join the whooping and hollering troupe of singers and dancers at Pioneer Hall.  As guests enjoy barbecued ribs, fried chicken and strawberry shortcake for dinner, the enthusiastic performers sing, dance and joke up a storm.  If you’re caught misbehavin', you may find yourself onstage with them!
Hoop Dee Doo Revue

“Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show” (Disney’s Polynesian Resort)  Guests experience paradise in the Pacific at this interactive Polynesian luau set in the beachfront backyard cabana of a Hawaiian house.  The luau features authentic Polynesian music and dancing, and a three-course family-style feast.  Guests are encouraged to join in the hula-dancing fun.
Spirit of Aloha Luau Dinner Show at Walt Disney World
Jellyrolls (Disney’s BoardWalk)  If you’re in a singing mood, then Jellyrolls is the place to be!  The main attraction within this rustic, saloon-like club is the crowd itself.  Here, people of all ages gather in song as quick-witted pianists bang out old-time favorite sing-alongs.  Jellyrolls is a foot-stomping, hootin' and hollerin' kind of place with lots of uproarious laughter and fun.
 

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Diane Kelley
http://www.wdwplanner.com

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