NEWS

Dateline
Disney

Current  Dateline Disney

2008
January/February
March/April

Disney Planner
   September-December
Disney Planner
   May-August
Disney Planner
  January-April

2007
Disney Planner
   September-
    December
Disney Planner
   May-August
Disney Season -
   Spring
Spring

January
February
March
April
May
June
September/October

2006
Disney Season -
    Fall
August - December
May - August
January -April
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2005
January - April
September-December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2004
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2003
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2002
January
February
March
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2001
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2000
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1999
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1998
January
February
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1997
March
April
June
July
September
October
November
December

1996
September
October
December

Disney Planner Disney Planner Spring 2006: January-April

**********

Expedition Everest Provides New Peak of Excitementaat Disney's Animal Kingdom
New Thrill Attraction Highlights Spring 2006

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The mystery, majesty and adventure of the Himalayas are spun together into a new Walt Disney World "E-ticket" attraction that will take the fun to new heights in spring 2006.

Expedition Everest, a high-speed train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter with the legendary yeti, is on the near-horizon at Disney's Animal Kingdom as the peak -- literally -- of a January-to-April season that also will feature the return of four popular events at Walt Disney World Resort.

Here's a closer look at what's in store ...

High Adventure Brings Legend of Yeti to Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains an enormous creature fiercely protects the sacred land from the encroachment of man. That legend comes dramatically to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Expedition Everest.

"Expedition Everest adds a new dimension to our storytelling in Disney's Animal Kingdom," said Joe Rohde, executive designer at Walt Disney Imagineering and lead designer of the park. "It's a thrilling adventure themed to the folklore of the mysterious yeti."

In Expedition Everest, guests board an old mountain railway destined for the foot of Mount Everest. The train rolls through thick bamboo forests, past thundering waterfalls, along shimmering glacier fields and climbs higher and higher through the snow-capped peaks.

But suddenly the track ends in a gnarled mass of twisted metal and the thrills intensify as the train races both forward and backward through mountain caverns and icy canyons and guests head for an inevitable face-to-muzzle showdown with the mysterious yeti (known to some as the abominable snowman).

With a "snow"-capped peak nearly 200 feet high, Expedition Everest is located in the Asia section of the theme park. The attraction features Disney's FASTPASS -- offered at no charge to park guests and designed to reduce wait times at popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Expedition Everest has an anticipated height restriction of 44 inches.

Expedition Everest debuts during the 18-month "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the jubilee honoring 50 years of Disney theme parks.

**********

Flower & Garden Festival Puts the Bloom on Spring Calendar of Events

"Thirteen" is a lucky number for fanciers of flowers, because 2006 marks the 13th spring that Epcot has blossomed with the flora of its International Flower & Garden Festival. Opening April 21 and continuing daily through June 11, the festival features signature topiary, specialty gardens abloom with millions of flowers, how-to gardening seminars and demonstrations, butterfly and ladybug releases plus other activities and areas for junior green thumbs, specially themed weekends and daily Flower Power music concerts.

Epcot guests can make plans for visits to the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by calling 407/W-DISNEY. The festival is included in regular Epcot admission.

The festival puts the bloom on a season that earlier showcases a trio of popular events for sports lovers:

The 13th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend includes a new split-day format, with the 13.1-mile half marathon on Saturday, Jan. 7, and the 26.2-mile full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8. With the races occurring on separate days for the first time in the event's history, Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge is offered for registered participants who complete both races -- a total of 39.3 miles -- across Walt Disney World Resort during the two days. Competitors who accomplish this impressive physical challenge will receive a special Goofy Medal in addition to the Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse medals, which are awarded to half marathon and marathon finishers, respectively.

Some 26,000 participants are expected to compete in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (13,000 in each race). More than 700 participants have registered to compete in both races. Also featured during the weekend: Disney's Health & Fitness Expo at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on Jan. 6 and Jan 7.

The Atlanta Braves, the winningest team in the major leagues over the past 14 years, return for their ninth full season of spring training at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Following the start of workouts in February, the team settles into Cracker Jack Stadium to prepare for the 2006 season with a schedule of "Grapefruit League" games in March. Information on spring training tickets will be available in January.

ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort will team up to offer fans the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and legendary athletes during the third annual ESPN The Weekend, March 3-5 at Disney-MGM Studios. The weekend will feature on-site ESPN telecasts, star motorcades and Q&A sessions featuring athletes and ESPN personalities; sports shows in the ESPN Theater with ESPN commentators and athletes; interactive sports activities; and a special sports edition of the theme park's game show attraction "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire-Play It!" The fun is included with regular admission to the theme park.

**********

So What Else Is New?

Disney's always-changing world has other new features in 2006 -- for guests planning vacations, couples planning weddings, or guests just looking for something new at the Central Florida vacation kingdom. Here's a glance at some of the "headlines":

Disney-MGM Studios Guests Can Step Behind the Scenes of 'Narnia' Motion Picture

For fans of C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Disney-MGM Studios is transforming a soundstage into the frozen world of Narnia and taking guests behind-the-scenes of the movie-making magic in the film based on the book. Guests will enter the frozen world of Narnia through a giant wardrobe. In addition to props and set pieces, guests will see elaborate creatures, costumes, and armor used in making the film. The walk-through experience is located in Soundstage 4 on Mickey Avenue.

Epcot's Place to Pause for Refreshment Gets Refreshed

For years, Epcot guests "in the know" have headed to Ice Station Cool in Future World to cool off and get refreshed with samples of Coca-Cola products from around the world. Now the area itself has been refreshed with bright colors and a new name: Club Cool. There's no age limit for this club, and the samples of an interesting array of Coca-Cola products are still offered on a complimentary basis. Club Cool is located near the central fountain in Future World.

Irish Hospitality and a Bit of Blarney Come to Downtown Disney

Raglan Road, an authentic Irish pub and restaurant featuring the best of Irish food, flair, heritage and entertainment, has opened at Downtown Disney. Traditional and contemporary Irish music, storytelling and dance help create a lively social ambience. Dinner reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

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

Guests cruising aboard the Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic in 2006 can 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 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.

Ambience of Africa is Newest Choice for a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding

Lovebirds considering "tying the knot" at Walt Disney World Resort have a new choice of a romantic venue for a Disney "Intimate Wedding" in 2006 -- Asante Terrace at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which overlooks Arusha Savannah with its African wildlife. Disney's Intimate Weddings are romantic experiences designed just for the couple and a small group of special guests. The Cake & Champagne Toast accommodates 4 guests as part of the package. Five other venues are offered in addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: Disney's Polynesian Resort / Sunset Pointe; Disney's Wedding Pavilion; Disney's Yacht Club Resort / Wedding Gazebo; Disney's BoardWalk / Sea Breeze Point; and Disney's Wilderness Lodge / Sunrise Terrace. For more information about Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, please phone a Disney Wedding Specialist at 321/939-7100 or visit disneyweddings.com.

World of Disney at Downtown Disney Adding More Fun During 10th Anniversary Year

Young princesses and youthful adventurers will have more fun to look forward to in spring 2006 when the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace introduces the enchanted Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique, immersive Princess Room and interactive Adventure Room. The boutique will be a magical salon that transforms little girls into their favorite Disney princess through hairstyling, make-up, and manicures. Merchandise becomes the event in the Princess Room with young guests creating, trying on, and playing dress up. In the Adventure Room, swashbucklers can build their own pirate hat or skull and sharpen their skills at the latest video games. There's gear and apparel for youthful pirates, cowboys, superheroes and space explorers.

Ultimate Vacation Package -- Magic Your Way Platinum -- Introduced for 2006

Walt Disney Travel Company has added a fourth tier of Magic Your Way vacation package for 2006. Magic Your Way Platinum Package is nearly all-inclusive, beginning with personalized itinerary planning before the vacation. Accommodations are exclusively at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Vacation Club Resorts (other Magic Your Way packages can be at Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts or Deluxe Resorts as the guest builds the package their way). Dining can be at all types of Disney restaurants -- including the AAA 5-Diamond Victoria & Albert's. A fireworks cruise and special seating for "Fantasmic!" are included, as are a spa treatment, one-on-one in-room childcare, select theme park tours not available with other packages (such as Aqua Tour and Epcot DiveQuest) and a specially created keepsake. If three meals a day aren't adequate, then there's more good news: a light snack each night is included. Several features available with the Magic Your Way Premium Package are carried over: Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option and Water Park Fun & More option; selected recreation such as golf, water sports, guided fishing excursions and horseback riding; admission to Cirque du Soleil La Nouba; and admission to select Disney's Children's Activity Centers. Pricing for the Magic Your Way Platinum Package varies by resort and room type, time of visit, number and age of guests, and length of stay -- all factors that are determined by the guest as they custom-design a Disney vacation. A sample vacation: two adults, a child age 10-17 and a child age 3-9, staying for six nights and seven days at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge during regular season, from $7,065. Information is available by calling 407/W DISNEY, visiting a local travel agent or going online to disneyworld.com.