NOVEMBER 2005

In This Edition:

Epcot: Final weeks of Food & Wine Festival feature treats for the senses; Rita Moreno helps to kick off 2005 edition of Candlelight Processional.

Disney-MGM Studios: Susan Lucci headlines biggest lineup yet for ABC Super Soap Weekend; There'll be more nights of bright lights this holiday season.

Downtown Disney: 30th annual Festival of the Masters features record number of visual artists; Santa Claus is coming to 'town Nov. 19.

Disney Resorts: New lunch at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers chance to learn about Disney animal programs; Mickey joined by new character friends at `Ohana breakfast in Disney's Polynesian Resort; World's fastest RUBIK'S CUBE solvers to compete at Disney's Pop Century Resort.

Disney Cruise Line: New ... New ... New! Expanded spa and youth area plus jumbo "dive-in" movie screen ... and a new show offered aboard Disney Magic ... and Disney Wonder to test new waters.

Magic Kingdom: New fireworks to brighten Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney's Animal Kingdom: It's a "jingle jungle" out there during the holidays.

Disney Sports: Biggest football weekend for Historically Black Colleges & Universities includes fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

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Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Continues Through Nov. 13 With Fine Wines, Tasty Cuisine and Entertainment

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests can nosh around Epcot during the final two weeks of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort through Nov. 13.

The six-week-long festival has featured some 100 wineries, celebrated chefs, wine schools, seminars, beer tastings, kids activities and elaborate dinners. The final lineup of the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series includes Chubby Checker & the Wildcats (Nov. 1-4), The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman (Nov. 5-7), Loverboy (Nov. 8-10) and Three Dog Night (Nov. 11-13).

Tickets are still available for special events including: Party for the Senses grand tasting celebrations at World Showplace (Nov. 5 and Nov. 12), Vertical Tastings featuring Jean-Luc Colombo Les Ruchets Cornas of Northern Rhone (Nov. 5) and Ferreira Vintage Port of Portugal (Nov. 12), the Brewers Dinner (Nov. 8), and the Signature Dinner at Epcot at Le Cellier (Nov. 6).

Call 407/WDW-FEST, or visit disneyworld.com/foodandwine for more information.

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Disney Guests Get Behind-the-Scenes Peek Into Walt Disney World Animal Programs During New Lunch

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests can get up-close-and-personal with a dolphin trainer, veterinarian or animal curator during a new "Lunch with Walt Disney World Animal Programs."

Each Tuesday (beginning Nov. 1), a Disney animal specialist shares stories, passions and their background over an authentic South African luncheon in the wine room at Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The noon-2 p.m. experience features personalities such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Animal Curator Joe Kalla -- who spent much of his career at the San Diego zoo, traveled to Africa to study baboons and learned Swahili to communicate with villagers.

Chef Anette Grecchi Gray serves up a traditional South African feast with menu items that include whole wheat lavosh flat bread with Moroccan Chermoula, organic field greens, followed by maize crusted and pan-roasted halibut, and oven-roasted tenderloin with sweet potato and potato gratin. For dessert: Pomegranate macerated fruit salad with homemade yogurt.

The cost is $65 per person with a wine pairing option offered for an additional $15. For more information, contact 407/WDW-DINE.

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World's Fastest Rubik's Cube Solvers to Race In Championship at Disney's Pop Century Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Some of the world's best RUBIK'S CUBE solvers will compete Nov. 4-6 in the World RUBIK'S CUBE Game Championship at Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. These "speed cubers," as they are identified in Rubik's parlance, will twist and turn the iconic puzzle in a variety of timed challenges. The championship, which coincides with the cube's 25th anniversary in the United States, includes the traditional 3x3x3 cube competition, 4x4x4 and 5x5x5 contests, and more unusual events like blindfolded cubing, one-handed cubing, foot cubing and even underwater cubing.

For more information, guests may visit rubiks.com.

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More Art Than You Can Shake a Brush At: Downtown Disney Hosts 30th Annual Festival of the Masters Nov. 11-13

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Award-winning visual artists in record numbers will transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the 30th annual Festival of the Masters Nov. 11-13.

More than 200 honorees from art festivals around the country will showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and, for the first time, digital art. Live entertainment and children's activities also will be a part of the weekend event.

Festival guests can also experience culinary offerings and dance to live music. Pleasure Island will feature live bands on the West End and Hub Stages.

Hours for Festival of the Masters are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, Nov. 11-13. There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/art.

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Lilo, Stitch and Pluto Join Mickey for Breakfast Fun at `Ohana

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Some new character friends have joined Mickey Mouse for breakfast at `Ohana in Disney's Polynesian Resort. Say "aloha" (hello) to Lilo, Stitch and Pluto ... and say "aloha" (good-bye) to Chip, Dale and Goofy.

A hearty breakfast -- "island-style" breads, scrambled eggs, bacon and breakfast sausage, island potatoes, biscuits, Mickey waffles, fresh juices, milk and coffee -- is served up family style along with character fun daily from 7 to 11 a .m. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the resort's Great Ceremonial House.

Cost is $17.99 for guests ages 10 and up and $9.99 for ages 3-9. Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

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Susan Lucci to Headline 10th Annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios Nov. 12-13

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Susan Lucci ("All My Children") will headline a star-studded lineup of more than 30 stars from the ABC Daytime dramas at the 10th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World Resort Nov. 12-13.

ABC Daytime once again will partner with Colgate® Total® toothpaste as its presenting sponsor of the event.

Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery on "All My Children") will host "I Wanna Be a Soap Star, Super Soap Edition" at this year's event, bringing the excitement of SOAPnet's hit reality series to Super Soap Weekend. Meanwhile, Walt Willey (Jackson Montgomery on "All My Children") will resume hosting duties for "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire--Super Soap Edition."

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, game shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate® Total® Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars.

The fun is included with regular Disney-MGM Studios admission.

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Walt Disney World Florida Classic XXVI, Nov. 17-19

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 25-year-old rivalry between Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University football returns to the Florida Citrus Bowl for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic, Nov. 17-20. A tradition unlike any other, the Classic draws more fans than any other Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) football game in the nation with an average attendance of more than 72,000 fans.

Three days of activities surround the annual gridiron match-up (which will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19). The festivities kick off Thursday, Nov. 17, with the President's Scholarship Gala at Walt Disney World Resort, followed by "Steppin' in the Park," a parade featuring the BCC and FAMU marching bands on Friday, Nov. 19.

The Florida Classic, which has sold out the past five years, was held in Tampa until 1997. After relocating to Orlando in 1998, Walt Disney World Resort became the title sponsor in 2000. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or through Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University.

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Magical Makeover Brings Jumbo Screen, Spa Delights and More Youth Spaces to Disney Magic

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests cruising aboard the Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic can now enjoy "dive-in" movies under the stars on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo (24-by-14-foot) LED screen on Deck 9 -- one of several additions and amenities added to the cruise ship during its October dry dock.

Other new features include an expanded Vista Spa and an additional youth activities area. The spa is nearly doubled in size and features a cruise industry first -- three specially designed indoor/outdoor treatment suites. A new, nautical-themed hangout just for kids provides a perfect place to play computer and video games, participate in arts and crafts or watch a movie on one of several plasma screens. The space features a kid-size replica of the ship's bridge, complete with LCD screen "windows" that give children a first-hand glimpse of the captain's view via a live video feed from the actual bridge. Kids can play a simulation game steering a ship in and out of ports around the world.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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Disney Cruise Line Offers First-Ever Southern Caribbean Cruise

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line recently announced that its Disney Wonder cruise ship will embark on two special 10- and 11-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean, September 2006. This marks the first time Disney has offered cruises longer than three or four nights aboard the Disney Wonder.

The Southern Caribbean itinerary includes exotic ports such as St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and St. Kitts. Barbados and St. Kitts are new ports of call for Disney Cruise Line. The 10-night cruise will depart on Sept. 7, and the 11-night cruise departs on Sept. 17, 2006.

Voyages to the Southern Caribbean add to an already diverse 2006 schedule of sailings. Starting May 27 and departing every fourth week through Dec. 9, 2006, Disney Cruise Line will offer alternate Western Caribbean cruises aboard the Disney Magic that includes two stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, coupled with a new port of call, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

Rates for the 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise start at $1,299 per person and the 11-night voyages begin at $1,499 per person. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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New Disney Cruise Line Show Creates Twist on Cinderella Story

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With a swish of a wand, several Bibbidi Bobbidi Boos and the turning of storybook pages, the brand new stage show aboard the Disney Magic -- "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story" -- immerses audiences in a new rendition of the happily-ever-after story of Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

The story begins where the original ended -- during the wedding celebration of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Good fortune takes a turn when a new character, wicked Fairy Godfather Franco DiFortunato, enters the picture on behalf of Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's stepmother. Granting Lady Tremaine's wish, he sends the family back in time to break Cinderella's glass slipper, thus destroying her chances of marrying the prince, and writing a whole new story for Cinderella. In true Disney fashion, true love prevails and Cinderella and her Prince still live happily ever after.

As Disney's largest theatrical production ever aboard, the show includes a repertory cast of 21 performers who are well-versed in acting, singing and dancing. This cast not only performs "Twice Charmed," but is also responsible for the two other main stage shows performed in the Walt Disney Theatre throughout the cruise -- "The Golden Mickeys" and "Disney Dreams."

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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Disney-MGM Studios Sparkling with More Nights of Lights as Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights Returns Nov. 14

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Due to popular demand, one of the biggest holiday spectacles at Walt Disney World Resort -- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios -- grows even bigger during the 2005 holiday season, with more nights of lights than ever before. The sparkling spectacle kicks off Nov. 14 and continues through Jan. 8, 2006, and is included in theme park admission.

Disney-MGM Studios guests will also be able to enjoy special showings of a jolly parade -- the "Hollywood Holly-Day" parade -- during which festively dressed parade cars, holiday chorus performers and loveable Disney characters come together to create a seasonal parade with a hometown feel.

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Actress Rita Moreno to Narrate Opening Night of Candlelight Processional Nov. 25 at Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Actress Rita Moreno helps launch the return of a cherished Epcot tradition Nov. 25 as the season's first celebrity narrator for Candlelight Processional -- a joyous retelling of the Christmas story that accompanies narration with music by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir.

Moreno, who'll narrate through Nov. 27, is the first of 12 celebrity narrators for presentations that will take place nightly through Dec. 30 at America Gardens Theatre. The tentative lineup of guest narrators also includes: Phil Donahue (Nov. 28-Nov. 30), Haley Joel Osment (Dec. 1-3), Cicely Tyson (Dec. 4-6), Jaci Velasquez (Dec. 7-9), Eartha Kitt (Dec. 10-12), Lou Diamond Phillips (Dec. 13-15), Harry Hamlin (Dec. 16-18), Marlee Matlin (Dec. 19-21), Jim Caviezel (Dec. 22-24), John Stamos (Dec. 25-27) and Stephen Curtis Chapman (Dec. 28-30).

Showtimes are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. A show-and-dinner package is available by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Also beginning Nov. 25, at Epcot, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Guests will find storytellers such as Père Noël (in France) and visit Kwanzaa and Hanukkah exhibits. Or they can celebrate with Disney characters each evening at a tree-lighting ceremony, and discover richly diverse holiday traditions from the far corners of the world. And as a festive bonus, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," the nighttime spectacular featuring fireworks, water and lasers, will have a touch of holiday magic added to its finale.

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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to Feature New Fireworks Show on 14 Selected Nights Beginning Nov. 27

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There'll be new celestial sights brightening Magic Kingdom nights on Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates beginning Nov. 27 -- a new holiday fireworks spectacular set to classic holiday jingles.

The popular Christmas party, which takes place after regular Magic Kingdom operating hours and requires a separate ticket, has been expanded to 14 nights in 2005 -- Nov. 27 and 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 20.

In addition to the new fireworks show, each evening will feature two presentations of "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade," holiday storytelling, live music, unique merchandise, exclusive Disney character shows and appearances by Santa Goofy.

Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are $43.95 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above, $34.95 plus tax for guests ages 3-9. (Guests can save $5 for select dates by purchasing in advance.) For more information and to purchase tickets, guests can contact 407/W-DISNEY.

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'Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade' Makes Season Bright at Disney's Animal Kingdom Beginning Nov. 14

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade" at Disney's Animal Kingdom blends the spirit of Disney's Animal Kingdom with the spirit of the season, creating a holiday offering full of jump, joy and jive beginning Nov. 14 and continuing through Jan. 8, 2006.

Meanwhile, the creatures definitely are stirring as Santa Goofy and other Disney characters transform Camp Minnie-Mickey into a wild and festive wonderland. Live entertainers ho-ho-ho and characters in their holiday best pose for pictures and sign autographs.

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Santa Claus Coming to Downtown Disney Nov. 19

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Santa Claus is coming to Downtown Disney Nov. 19.

Taking a break from his busy work in the North Pole, Santa will be in front of World of Disney at Santa's Chalet for special photo opportunities from 5-10 p.m. daily, Nov. 19-24, and from noon to 10 p.m. daily, Nov. 25-Dec. 24.

Good little boys and girls aren't the only ones who can expect a visit from Santa. Guests can bring their pet cats and dogs to Santa's Chalet Dec. 3-18 for a photo with Old Saint Nick.

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Travel + Leisure Family Magazine Readers Name Disney's Wilderness Lodge Top Family-Friendly Resort

NEW YORK -- Readers of Travel + Leisure Family Magazine voted Disney's Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., as the best family-friendly resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada, the magazine reported in its Fall/Winter 2005 edition. Disney properties in Florida and California took eight of the top 16 spots.

Readers of Travel + Leisure Golf voted Walt Disney World Resort the best resort for family trips in the Southeast U.S.