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AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 1/6/09

ARMED FORCES SALUTE TICKET

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/30/08

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/23/08

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/16/08

Special Guest Lee Cockerell to Appear at Mousefest's Mega Mouse Meet

At-a-Glance: 'Celebration Vacations' Come to Life at Disney Parks

Coming to Your City: Disney Parks "What Will You Celebrate?"Tour

Tips and Insights from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to Create Your Own Magical Celebration

Fun Around the Table a Delicious Part of ‘Celebration Vacations’ at Disney Parks

What Will YOU Celebrate?
Special Disney Parks Announcement Thursday, 9/18/08 at1:00pm

Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Confirmed

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY 2009 TRIPS

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 1/6/09

The Year (or Two) of a Million Dreams has ended, and as of January 1, 2009, Disney's "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion began. The very first visitor to Walt Disney World to get free entry on his birthday as part of this new campaign was Andrew DaCosta from Seattle, Washington.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/01/happy_new_year_happy_birthday.html

Read more about the "What Will You Celebrate?" promotion here:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/01/what_will_you_celebrate_launch.html

http://allears.net/tp/celebrate.htm

As part of "What Will You Celebrate?", guests who are eligible for a free 1-Day Magic Your Way base ticket for their birthday, but already have a multi-day pass will have the opportunity to choose from alternative offers, including a Birthday Fun Card. The Birthday Fun Card will be in the amount equal to the price of a 1-Day Magic Your Way base ticket (adult for amount equivalent to an adult's ticket; children ages 3-9 for amount equivalent to a child's ticket). This Birthday Fun Card will be redeemable for merchandise purchased in Disney-owned and operated retail stores at the Walt Disney World Resort and will have no expiration date.

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A restaurant and bar opening in spring 2009 in Downtown Disney will feature Mexican and South American cuisine, an international wine bar and a tequila bar of more than 50 kinds of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas. The new, as-yet-unnamed restaurant is being developed by E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group that currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bars, Samba Rooms, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of cities across the United States. The restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night, with nightly entertainment.

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"Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party" is scheduled to begin in the Magic Kingdom in mid-February. It will feature a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers parading down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to tunes such as "Breakout" and "I Like To Move It." Five floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian will pop out of four huge boxes. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12- to 15-minute party scheduled to take place three times daily.

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Space Mountain will close April 19 through late 2009 for refurbishment.

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Disney has announced its second Walt Disney World Moms Panel, an interactive online forum consisting of 15 moms and one dad who have proven their Disney knowledge and ability to field vacation-planning questions from all park-goers. Truly an eclectic group of parents -- from the suburbs of New Hampshire and Louisiana to Ottawa and England -- these panelists are equipped and eager to share insights to make trips to Disney magical for every family. In addition to the panelists, Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett , mother of toddler-aged twins, now welcomes vacation planners to the 2-year-old site at disneyworldmoms.com, and shares her own vacation planning tips.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/01/academy_award_nominated_actres.html

ARMED FORCES SALUTE TICKET

Starting January 4, 2009, through December 23, 2009, active and retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can obtain ONE complimentary 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Ticket (Base Ticket with the Park Hopper option and Water Park Fun & More Option. The No Expiration option is not available, and this ticket is not upgradeable.) Those eligible include:

-- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard
-- Retired military personnel
-- Federal/State National Guard and Reserves (with active papers dated 1/1/08-12/23/09)

NOTE: Department of Defense (CIA, FBI, Secret Service) and Coalition Forces are excluded.

Military members may also purchase 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets for up to five family members and/or friends for $99 plus tax (Park Hopper Option and Water Park Fun & More Options may be purchased for an additional $25 + tax for each option. No Expiration option is NOT available). These tickets may also be upgraded to Premium, Annual and Seasonal Passes. Seasonal Pass upgrade requires proof of Florida Residency. No other upgrades, such as adding on additional days or the NE option, are available. Tickets may be upgraded anytime between January 4 -December 23, 2009 as long as there is usage left on the ticket within the 14 day window.

Tickets will expire on 12/23/09 and have no block-out dates.

Locations:
-- at any Vacation Planner or Guest Relations Window
-- at Shades of Green (ticket is tax free) (purchase an exchange voucher)
-- on Base (ticket is tax free) (purchase an exchange voucher)

Military Personnel must present valid United States Military identification (active or retired). Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists must present active duty orders in addition to valid Military ID. Sales locations should refer to the Military ID Reference Sheet for verification.

The entire party needs to be present for purchase (Spouse or military dependents can receive the companion discount without the military service member being present as long as they have their military ID).

This offer is only available once per service member.

In addition to this ticket offer, eligible members of the U.S. Military can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts, for stays most nights January 4 to December 23, 2009 (not available at all 2/13-2/15, 4/4-4/18, 5/22-5/24, 7/3-7/4, 11/25-11/26/09). Ask about special rates through December 23, 2009 at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. For details:

http://www.disneyworld.com/military

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/30/08

Effective immediately, the booking window for Walt Disney World dining, recreation and tours will be 90 days, instead of 180 days. All existing reservations will be honored as booked.

Disney Resort Hotel Guests are now able to book 90 days prior to their scheduled check-in date for the first 10 days of their stay. (Guests of the Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, Downtown Disney Area Hotels and Good Neighbor Hotels are not eligible for this benefit.) Day guests can book 90 days before the date they wish to dine.

Grand Gathering experiences and La Nouba reservations can still be made up to 180 days in advance.

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New Year's Eve at Downtown Disney: Although there will be no fireworks on December 31 at Downtown Disney this year, a number of special activities are scheduled. Shopping and dining hours for Downtown Disney Marketplace and West Side are extended until midnight, and various live entertainment will be featured from 6:30 p.m. to midnight:

-- DJ Kids' Dance Party at the stage at the Marketplace
-- variety entertainment in front of Adventurers Club at Pleasure Island
-- DJ Host on Pleasure Island
-- Nova Era classical musical trio in front of Fulton's Crab House
-- musical entertainment in front of Virgin Megastore and in front of Wetzel's Pretzels on the West Side
-- DisneyQuest is open until 10 p.m.
-- Cirque du Soleil will celebrate the New Year at both the 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows.

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REHABS/CLOSINGS:

-- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will be closed for refurbishment March 2-9, 2009.
-- As reported previously, the Frontierland Fry Cart is being expanded. It will reopen January 10, 2009, as "Golden Oak Outpost," with outdoor seating.
-- Sounds Dangerous at Disney's Hollywood Studios is temporarily closed. It will begin operating on a seasonal schedule starting January 4, 2009.

Resort Pool Closings:
-- Caribbean Beach Resort's Trindad South Pool will be closed for refurbishment February 9-20, 2009.
-- Contemporary Resort's pool will be closed January 5 - March 15, 2009.
-- Fort Wilderness Meadows Pool will be closed January 12 - March 13, 2009.

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Certain dining locations around the World will have special hours and menus for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the dates surrounding this holiday. Some examples:

-- Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary will serve brunch on New Year's Day from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
-- Mickey's Backyard BBQ will offer a special showing tonight, December 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Be sure to ask if there are special hours at your resort's dining locations.

In addition, the Magic Kingdom eateries will expand their services to accommodate the heavy crowd volumes expected.

The following locations will offer breakfast items:

-- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe : scrambled eggs, french toast, and cereal, 8–10 a.m. daily through December 31.
-- Sleepy Hollow: waffles daily at opening time
-- Main Street Bakery: continental breakfast at opening time
-- Plaza Ice Cream Parlor: coffee and pastries at opening
-- Scuttle's Landing, Westward Ho and The Lunching Pad: coffee and pastries

-- The Diamond Horseshoe will be open for dinner on December 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. ($29.99/adults; $15.99 for ages 3-9.) Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Dinner will be served family-style, all-you-care-to eat, and will offer roasted turkey breast, carved beef, pork loin, mashed potatoes, etc. It will also offer quick service lunch now through January 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-- The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station will be open for lunch/dinner December 29-31, from 11 a.m. until midnight; January 1-3, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

-- El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante will be open for lunch today, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours on December 31, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

-- Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland will serve burgers, snacks and beverages now through December 30 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-- The Adventureland Veranda will be open as a Grab-and-Go location, serving sandwiches, salads, and beverages through December 31, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

-- There will be special carts added in Tomorrowland (corn dogs and nachos); Fantasyland (turkey wrap and sandwiches); and Liberty Square (cheese pizza and beverages)

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American Idol Passholder Preview: The American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios is holding a special Passholder preview February 5–8, 2009! S ign up online for a specific date and time, and choose how you'd like to experience the show from one of the following options:

-- Be a voting audience member during a live show
-- Audition for the chance to perform at one of the live shows

This exclusive preview is for Passholders only , so you will need your valid Walt Disney World Pass, a valid photo ID and the printed out confirmation from your online sign-up. Space is limited, so sign up soon:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/newsAndEventsFull?id=PassNewsAmericanIdolPreviewArticlePage

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/23/08

Religious Services for Thursday, December 25, 2008, will be held at Disney's Contemporary Resort in the Fantasia Ballroom. Catholic Mass will be held 8 - 9 a.m. and 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Protestant Service will be held 9 - 10 a.m. You MUST use WDW transportation to get to the Contemporary Resort on this day. If you are staying at a Monorail resort, take the monorail or watercraft system to the Contemporary Resort. All other WDW Resort Guests MUST use WDW Bus Transportation to the Magic Kingdom to transfer to a shuttle bus to the Contemporary. The Contemporary Resort parking lot will be under parking restrictions, as will the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

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Select restaurants around the World will have special operating hours and menus on Christmas Day , and the days surrounding the holiday. These include:

Cape May Cafe
-- December 25: open 2 – 9:30 p.m.

Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet:
-- December 25: brunch 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.; dinner 3:45 – 9:30 p.m.
-- January 1: brunch 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Whispering Canyon Cafe:
-- December 25: dinner noon – 10 p.m.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ:
-- December 23 and 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

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As of Sunday, December 21, 2008, shipping and handling rates increased on retail and package Walt Disney World ticket orders placed though disneyworld.com, Walt Disney Travel Company, Disney Reservation Center and Disney Vacation Club Member Services:

-- U.S. Domestic & Canada Standard Shipping $4.00
-- U.S. Domestic & International Express Shipping $14.00

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Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk will be closed on December 24 and 25. On December 31, Atlantic Dance Hall will offer Dance Your Way into New Year's Eve from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cost is $25 per person; must be age 21 and up (ID required). Limited tickets, sold in advance, are required. Price includes complimentary Champagne Toast at midnight. Tickets can be purchased at Atlantic Dance Hall now through the time of the event, and at ESPN Club beginning Friday, December 26, from 11:30am – midnight. Call 407-939-2431 for more information.

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In the news: AllEars.Net was mentioned prominently in an article, "A guide to Disney World parks for Tampa Super Bowl visitors," in the St. Petersburg Times: http://www.tampabay.com/features/travel/attractions/article945123.ece

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Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course will open at 1 p.m. on December 28, 2008. (Normal opening time is 10 a.m.)

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AllEars.Net has discovered Facebook ! You can find us on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/httpallearsnet/54506296008

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 12/16/08

Official opening date for the new American Idol Experience, which will be housed in the Superstar Television Theater, is February 14, 2009. Read Senior Editor Debra Martin Koma's report on the Passholder tour of the new attraction that was held this past weekend here: http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2008/12/not_ready_annual_passholders_a.html

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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for Friday, December 19, 2008 is sold out. As of this writing, tickets are still available for December 16 and 18.

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HOLIDAY DINING: The Diamond Horseshoe will be open for dinner December 24-31 from 5 -9 p.m. ($29.99 for adults; $15.99 for ages 3-9.) Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Dinner will be served family-style, all-you-care-to eat, and will offer roasted turkey breast, carved beef, pork loin, mashed potatoes, among other items.

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Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will make its 2008 daytime debut on December 20 at 3 p.m. in the Magic Kingdom. After that, the parade will be presented twice daily the remainder of the week, at noon and 3:30 p.m. The Holiday Wishes Fireworks will also begin regular showings beginning at 9 p.m. on December 20 and for the remainder of the week.

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Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney West Side turns 10 on December 23, 2008. Here are some fun facts about the show, as it approaches its milestone anniversary:

-- Trampoline artist Alexander Daniltchenko will have performed La Nouba for 853,740 minutes on its anniversary (he hasn't missed a show in 10 years).
-- There have been 341,424 German Wheel revolutions
-- 155,537 of total feet balanced on chairs by Rokardy (who will extend his balancing stack by 3 feet starting on December 23, to a total of 33' above the stage!)
-- 85,374 vertical feet dropped to flat ground by mountain biker
-- 360,468 aerial flips by The Red Pierrot
-- 52,173 flips by Green Bird
-- 2,094,484 feet walked across the high wire
-- 7200 hours of training in 10 years
-- In 10 years, the wardrobe department has gone through 3593 costume pieces, 5026 shoes, 1503 hats, 4076 pairs of socks, 17,650 containers of makeup, and 64,031 loads of laundry.
-- In 10 years, the musicians have gone through approximately 7500 electric bass strings, 6000 guitar strings, 4000 drum sticks and about 5000 sax reeds.
-- The melody of La Nouba (the parade music) has been played 104,346 times since December 1998.
-- Four out of six musicians have been there since the start (Benoit Lajeunesse started at the media opening).

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ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick's Sporting Goods will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios February 27-March 1, 2009. The weekend will feature a lineup of athletes and top ESPN personalities such as Mike & Mike, as well as live telecasts including "NFL Live" and "Baseball Tonight." There also will be other sports experiences, such as the Interactive Zone. All the fun is included with regular theme park admission.

Also during ESPN The Weekend, Disney's Endurance Series will introduce the ESPN The Weekend 5K on February 28. The race 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. More information and registration is available at disneyenduranceseries.com.

For more details about the weekend's events, visit ESPNTheWeekend.com or http://allears.net/tp/mgm/espn.htm

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Disney is offering a 25% discount on the Magic Your Way Platinum Package, valid most nights January 4 - April 4 and April 19 - June 30, 2009. You must book by February 15. Contact MouseFanTravel.com for details.

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Disney's Hollywood Studios received all new strollers this past Thursday night. They are the molded plastic type, both single and double strollers. You can see photos of the new strollers on our Stroller FAQ page here: http://allears.net/pl/strol_faq.htm

EDITOR'S NOTE: We have heard that there are new strollers in the Magic Kingdom, too. We'll have photos of those new strollers online later this week.

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Disney has released a list of tentatively scheduled performers for the 2009 Flower & Garden Festival Flower Power Concerts:

3/20 - 3/22 -- Davy Jones ("Daydream Believer")
3/27 - 3/29 -- Paul Revere and the Raiders ("Good Thing")
4/3 - 4/5 -- The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie ("Happy Together")
4/10 - 4/12 -- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone ("Henry the 8th")
4/17 - 4/19 -- The Ventures ("Hawaii Five-O")
4/24 - 4/26 -- Harold Melvin's Blue Notes (NEW) ("If You Don't Know Me By Now")
5/1 - 5/3 -- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats "The Twist"
5/8 - 5/10 -- Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons ("(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection")
5/15 - 5/17 -- Jose Feliciano ("Light My Fire")
5/22 - 5/24 -- The 5th Dimension ("Up, Up and Away")
5/29 - 5/31 -- Tony Orlando ("Tie a Yellow Ribbon")

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Walt Disney World Resort, in partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey , has announced its selection of 100 nationwide high school students to participate in the Disney's Dreamers Academy of 2009. Selected students and a guardian will travel to Walt Disney World Resort to take part in an innovative career inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun. The program will take place February 12-15, 2009, during national Black History Month. The Disney's Dreamers Academy, launched in 2007, reaches out nationwide to teens, grades 9-12. The Steve Harvey Morning Show conducted the Dreamer's Contest to identify the participants. For more information visit http://steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy/ .

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Disney Cruise Line is offering a "Kids Sail Free" special offer on three-night Disney Wonder sailings 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 January 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. 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.

Special Guest Lee Cockerell to Appear at Mousefest's Mega Mouse Meet

AllEars.net is honored and proud to announce the appearance of Lee Cockerell, Former Executive Vice President, Operations at the Walt Disney World Resort to the AllEars.net table during the 2008 Mousefest MegaMouse Meet.

Lee will be available from 10 A.M. to Noon to meet and greet all guests and to sign his new book, "Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney."

About the Man

Lee Cockerell spent 10 years as Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort. During that time he led Walt Disney World cast members every day in helping to create magic for the millions of guests who visited both the parks and the resorts. He also is the creator of the Disney Great Leader Strategies offered by the Disney Institute.

About the Book

In "Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney" Lee Cockerell takes his readers on a leadership journey in which he shares the lessons he has learned in his remarkable career and shows how these common sense lessons can help us all in our own careers and personal lives.

The lessons he shares applies to leaders in every organization and reminds us that leadership is not a title or a position, but a personal responsibility.

Come visit Lee at the AllEarsnet table, Saturday December 13th from 10 to Noon at the 2008 Mousefest MegaMouse Meet located at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center (Grand Harbor Ballroom North)

Read Mike Scopa's interview with Lee!

Purchase Lee's Book and have him autograph it for you!

At-a-Glance: 'Celebration Vacations' Come to Life at Disney Parks

WHAT: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will invite guests to celebrate their lives’ special moments – large and small – with family and friends at the place where dreams come true. New research shows that families are planning trips around life’s special moments, memories and milestones to celebrate with loved ones. It’s a newly identified, national trend dubbed by experts as “celebration vacations.”


WHEN: Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, for guests at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts.


‘CELEBRATION VACATION’ TREND: A national study by a leading travel research firm – Ypartnership – reveals a widespread new trend. The study shows that consumers are taking more and more “celebration vacations” as a way to mark milestones and other special moments in their lives with a family vacation. Some of the study’s key findings include:

o 7 out of 10 revealed they have taken a vacation primarily to celebrate a special occasion.
o Most people taking “celebration vacations” are looking for: a variety of activities for everyone, kids’ activities and activities that adults and children can experience together.
o Disney parks topped the survey of destinations for a family “celebration vacation.”


BIRTHDAY FUN FOR FREE: Crowning the celebration is a Disney Parks first: Guests can receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009. All it takes is a valid ID including proof of birth date. (Guests who already hold a multi-day ticket or an annual pass that they will use on their birthday can choose an alternate birthday treat instead, but will not be entitled to a cash refund or credit.) Guests can get more details and start the process by registering their birthdays at www.disneyparks.com.


HOW DO I CELEBRATE? MAGICAL EXPERIENCES APLENTY: At Walt Disney World Resort, guests can add on to the fun, choosing from more than 200 experiences ranging from breathtaking (fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths among sea life) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures). At Disneyland Resort, more than 50 magical experiences can be selected including “My Disneyland Birthday Party” and unique Disneyland guided tours.


PLANNING NOW EASIER THAN EVER: New Web planning tools will make it easier than ever for guests to create celebrations large and small, with opportunities to customize and personalize their experiences.


PUTTING ‘SPECIAL’ IN SPECIAL OCCASION: Disney advance planners can custom-order cakes, flowers, balloons and more. The fun even extends to table-service restaurants where celebrants can make special dining arrangements.


IT'S A PARTY IN THE PARK!: A celebration street party invites guests of all ages into the heart of the castle parks to join Disney characters and dozens of performers in a celebratory song and dance party at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.

Coming to Your City!

WHAT: Disney Parks “What Will You Celebrate?” Tour

BACKGROUND: In a new national trend, American families are traveling in celebration of milestones in their lives – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, triumphs. Disney parks in the U.S. embrace “celebration vacations” in 2009 with new experiences that turn milestones into memories. The new parks-wide party poses the question “What Will You Celebrate?” To get the party started early, Disney is taking “What Will You Celebrate?” on the road.

DETAILS: Disney Parks brings the “What Will You Celebrate?” message in a magical and interactive way to 30 cities this fall and winter. Colorful vehicles – a party on wheels – roll out the fun from town squares to Times Square, featuring thousands of free Mickey Mouse balloons, a chance to win a “celebration vacation” to a Disney park and the opportunity to register for a special birthday celebration surprise. Disney characters and ambassadors also go on-air with fun celebration moments.

WHEN: Sept. 24, 2008-Feb. 20, 2009

WHERE:
Central Eastern Western
9/25 Minneapolis 9/24 Toronto 1/19 Vancouver
9/29 Chicago 9/29 Boston 1/21 Seattle
10/1 Milwaukee 10/1 Providence 1/23 Portland
10/3 Detroit 10/3 New York 1/26, 1/27 Sacramento
10/6 Pittsburgh 10/6 Hartford 1/30, 2/2 San Francisco
10/8 Cincinnati 10/8 Philadelphia 2/4, 2/5 Fresno
10/10 Indianapolis 10/10 Wash. DC 2/9 Las Vegas
10/14 Dallas 10/13 Baltimore 2/11 Salt Lake City
10/16 Houston 10/15 Charlotte 2/16 Denver
10/20 New Orleans 10/17 Atlanta 2/19, 2/20 Phoenix

FOR MORE: www.disneyparkscelebrations.com

Tips and Insights from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to Create Your Own Magical Celebration

When it comes to “celebration vacations,” a new travel trend identified in a recent national survey, who better to suggest ways to make the Disney Parks experience over the top than the Walt Disney World Moms Panel?

Formed in December 2007, the 12-person Moms Panel brings together park-savvy moms – and one dad – to help vacation-planning families map out the perfect Disney vacation. Panelists offer personal insights and advice in an online forum – www.disneyworldmoms.com.

As Disney Parks prepares to ask guests “What Will You Celebrate?,” Moms panelists were asked how they would celebrate a special occasion at America’s favorite vacation destination. Their answers were as varied as the Moms Panel – from spas and surprise floral arrangements to special underwater messages and character surprises.

For guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, reunion or another milestone, here’s a Moms Panel sampling of ideas, aimed at putting the “special” in special occasion.

Darcie Maranich, Vail, Ariz., mother of four:
“There are a million and one ways to celebrate at the parks. When our family decided to hold a big reunion down in Walt Disney World, one of the best activities we planned was renting surrey bikes and riding along the boardwalk [at Disney’s BoardWalk]. All four generations of our family were on one bike; it was hilarious! The memories of that bike ride have kept us laughing.”

Laura Spencer, Boston, Mass., freelance writer, married with one child:
“My husband and I are celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary at Walt Disney World, along with our family. It is going to be unforgettable, mainly because we are dressing up as Cinderella and Prince Charming…glass slipper and all! We are having dinner at Victoria & Albert’s [the premiere restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa], but the real surprise is for our daughter. While she is having dinner with her grandma at Chefs De France [Epcot], we have arranged for a special floral arrangement to be delivered to the restaurant complete with light-up headbands to wear when they see ‘IllumniNations’ later that evening.”

Bret Caldwell (first dad on the Moms Panel), Chicago, Ill., married with three children:
“Our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary is coming up and when I thought about how to celebrate, I immediately thought – Disney. My ideal plan would be to schedule a lunch at the Coral Reef [Epcot] and prearrange for a DiveQuest diver to swim by our table with a sign reading ‘Happy Anniversary, Honey.’ Since the Coral Reef lets you create a custom menu for your celebration, I would also have our wedding picture and vows featured – my wife would be so surprised.”

Bret on celebrating his son’s birthday at the Parks:
“We let him choose which park he wanted to visit… he picked the Animal Kingdom. I had special T-shirts made up for all of us; his shirt said it was his birthday and featured Animal Kingdom designs. We also picked up a birthday button from Guest Services, which often gets you special recognition from cast members that day.”

Erin Foster, Scarsdale, N.Y., married and mother of three:
“My husband and I want to do something really special when our daughter graduates from eighth grade – we would love to take her to Walt Disney World with her best friends and her sisters. Knowing my girls, a day of pampering at a Disney spa would be the perfect prelude to a night out in Epcot, where they could sample a special dessert in each country. It would be really fun to have a PhotoPass photographer accompany us around the park and take pictures of our family and friends enjoying the day.”

For more tips and insights from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel on ways to celebrate special milestones in the parks, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com. To date, the Moms Panel has answered nearly 10,000 vacation questions from guests looking to plan the perfect Disney vacation for their family.

Fun Around the Table a Delicious Part of ‘Celebration Vacations’ at Disney Parks

At dining tables around the world, life is shared over a meal, a joyful part of any celebration with friends and family. And more than ever before, American families are hitting the road to mark birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more with “celebration vacations.”

In 2009, Disney Parks isembracing this growing trend with a parks-wide party with the theme “What Will You Celebrate?” that includes free admission to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park for everyone who visits on their birthday.

As so many festivities take place around a table, culinary treats are a delicious part of the celebration. From your own birthday cake to appealing sweets to sip, here’s a sumptuous sampling of food and beverage options that can be purchased to put the “extra special” in special occasions:

Happy Birthday
For an impromptu party, guests can order the Magical Pop-Up Party Pack, goodie bags filled with fun activity sets and a surprise pop-up centerpiece. Character dining and buffet locations at Walt Disney World Resort offer the treat; at Disneyland Resort, they are available at full-service restaurants, character dining restaurants and through room service.

A magical way to enjoy your big day is “My Disneyland Birthday Party” at the Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park. Featuring guest appearances by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the daily celebration is hosted by Pat E. Cake, a wacky character who has everyone singing and dancing. There are plenty of sweet treats to decorate your own “mouse-terpiece” mini-cake, along with a souvenir party hat and cup. Park admission is required plus cost per person for the party.

Sweets to the Sweet
Make any occasion special with A Sweet Ending to Your Celebration dessert, from indulgent to delicious low-fat and no-sugar-added treats. Available at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants and all Disneyland table-service restaurants.

My Mini-Cake Surprise includes your own mini celebration cake with a special treat, packaged one of three ways: in a Sorcerer Mickey Celebration Bucket (Disneyland Resort only), Disney Princess Jewelry Box or Disney Pirate Treasure Chest. Available at Walt Disney World character dining and buffet locations; at Disneyland Resort in full-service restaurants, character dining and through room service.

Guests who prefer a Disney Custom Bakery Cake can order at least 48 hours in advance of their celebration. Choices include a custom cake (6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch and quarter sheet), an 8-inch Mickey Mouse cake or a themed cake with enhanced inscription and edible decorations (8-inch,
10-inch and quarter sheet), available at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants and all table-service restaurants at Disneyland Resort. To order at Walt Disney World Resort, call the cake ordering hotline at 407/827-2253.

At Walt Disney World Resort, create an instant party with the Celebrate Today! Cake, a 6-inch vanilla cake with vanilla icing and fun confetti sprinkles. No notice necessary, just order at the podium in most of the table-service restaurants.

Sweetheart Dinner for Two
For romantics, Disney’s three-course, prix fixe Sweetheart Dinner for Two is the perfect way to create a memorable evening, ending with a shared dessert. Includes a specially selected beverage in a souvenir toasting glass to commemorate a special moment. Dinners available at all Walt Disney World signature restaurants except Victoria & Albert’s; available at Disneyland Resort at Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Yamabuki and Blue Bayou.

Guests who prefer an in-room romantic dinner can check with their Disney resort hotel’s front desk.

Fun for Any Reason
At Disneyland Resort, the festive “Celebration Roundup and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch” features family-style service with barbecue chicken and ribs with all the fix’ns. The party includes live “frontier” entertainment and goodie bags, plus a special treat for everyone.

Cheers!
Appealing sweets to sip at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants include the Magical Star Cocktail with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and Minute Maid pineapple juice, cooled by a multicolored glow cube. For an apéritif or sweet ending, Magicale, Brachetto Piemonte DOC is an off-dry rosé with fresh red berry and Bing cherry flavors – perfect with chocolate. Or pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly Fairy Tale by Iron Horse, Celebration Cuvée, festively crafted by Disney’s sommeliers exclusively for Disney parks and resorts.

For more information, visit www.disneyparks.com.

Special Disney Parks Announcement
Thursday, 9/18/08 at 1:00pm

Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resort announces
"What Will You Celebrate?" at Disney Parks in 2009

In 2009, Disney Parks will help guests commemorate special moments in their lives in a what that the whole family remembers together!

Celebration buttons at Disney Parks will enable Cast Members and Guests to join your celebration!

New in-park decor will invite guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland to "Celebrate Today!"

NEW YORK (Sept. 18, 2008) – Everyone who visits a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park on their birthday in 2009 can get in free, as Disney Parks embraces a newly identified family travel trend called “celebration vacations.”

In this new national trend, American families are hitting the road to mark life’s special occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions and more – with a “celebration vacation.” In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts will lead this growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.

And to kick it all off – a first-ever opportunity for guests to receive a free ticket to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on their birthday in 2009.

“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at an announcement event today in New York. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this new ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.”

Disney parks provide the perfect setting for this new style of vacation that celebrates the special occasions in life, Rasulo added.

Whether a guest is celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, Quinceañera or any special occasion, Disney parks already are filled with favorite characters, world-class attractions and entertainment, and legendary guest service – exactly the “something for everyone” that trend-watchers say families look for in a “celebration vacation.”

“The special moments in your life become truly magical when you celebrate at a Disney park,” Rasulo said. “Sharing a milestone at Disney connects families, friends and generations.”

Nationwide Survey Reveals ‘Celebration Vacation’ Trend

A nationwide survey of nearly 4,600 adults conducted by Ypartnership – co-author of the influential National Travel Monitor – showed that 70 percent of U.S. leisure travelers have taken a vacation with the primary purpose of marking a special occasion in their lives – a “celebration vacation,” as Ypartnership President and CEO Peter Yesawich termed it.

Respondents mentioned a broad range of events worth celebrating with a special vacation – not just birthdays and anniversaries but a first vacation with children, a job promotion or recovery from an illness.

Whenever something positive happens in their lives, people seek out ways to make them more special, Yesawich said, and vacations are clearly perceived as both an appropriate and desirable way to do so.

Time does pass quickly and there is a growing trend to slow down our frenetic lifestyles and stop to rejoice around the things that matter,” he said. “Families on ‘celebration vacations’ are looking to truly commemorate moments in their lives – in special places everyone can enjoy.”

Research showed that when they take that “celebration vacation,” families are looking for destinations that provide activities for children and – better yet – activities adults and children can enjoy together.

Given these findings, it’s not surprising that Disney Parks topped the list of destinations where families would most like to celebrate these special occasions,” Yesawich said.

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LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN -- Chef Mickey Mouse and Chef Goofy are baking up fun surprises as Disney Parks embraces a new travel trend called "celebration vacations." Disney Parks will lead the growing trend with new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries into magical Disney experiences. As part of the celebration, everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park in 2009 can get in free on their birthday.

FREE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY – It’s party time at Disney Parks during 2009. As part of a special park-wide celebration, everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme park in 2009 gets in free on their birthday. Disney Parks have embraced a new travel trend called “celebration vacations.” Wondrous new entertainment and special services such as character greetings can be booked to help guests transform personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries into magical Disney experiences.

Free theme park admission details: To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests who already hold a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead, however, no cash refunds or credits will be given.

CREATING MEMORIES – During “What Will You Celebrate?” at Disney Parks, world-famous characters are always part of the fun at Disney Parks. Each character sets a magical tone, creating even more smiles and memories as children of all ages see fantasies come true and discover worlds of fun at Disney Parks. Special character experiences may be booked at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

MARKING THE MOMENT - Whether it's a graduation, retirement or birthday, Disney Parks are the place to celebrate. Celebration vacations are the hottest trend in travel and Disney Parks are responding to demands by adding immersive entertainment, specialized services, add-on amenities and fun-filled adventures to turn these milestones into grand Disney experiences.

A ROYAL CELEBRATION - Fantasies become reality more than ever during "What Will You Celebrate" at Disney Parks. Embracing a new travel trend called "celebration vacations," Disney has created special entertainment, immersive experiences and add-on services such as magical character greetings to mark once-in-a-lifetime occasions and personal milestones, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.

Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Confirmed

This morning, Disney finally revealed plans for its long-rumored Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, confirming reports that the 15-story tower rising just beyond the Magic Kingdom will be used for the Disney Vacation Club, Disney's version of timeshares. The company also unveiled plans to sell timeshares at the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a secluded community of 60 units that is being rebuilt in a forested pocket of Walt Disney World. The twin announcements ensure that Celebration-based Disney Vacation Club, which has grown to nine resorts and more than 350,000 members, will have more timeshares for sale in 2009 than it has ever had before.

All Ears Fact Sheet with official Announcement and Photos!

Read the full story in the Orlando Sentinel: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney1608sep16,0,3037600.story

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY 2009 TRIPS

Adventures by Disney has announced eight new itineraries today (7/29/08) with pricing and dates to be announced later.

Eight new destinations plus 2 new signature offerings combine with 15 returning trips to give travelers even more choices for their next vacation.

The eight new itineraries are as follows:

Alpine Magic – Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
Beantown & The Big Apple – Boston, Newport, New York City
Bella Italia – Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence
Gateway to the Galapagos – Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
Golden Path to Yosemite – Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco
Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – Montana and Alberta, Canada: Glacier National Park and Banff National Park
Safari to South Africa – South Africa: Capetown, The Garden Route and Kapama Game Reserve
Taming the Last Frontier – Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Kenai Peninsula