Across Walt Disney World Resort:
Fourth of July fireworks & fun; Facebook friends offer
advice to first-time Disney guests
Epcot: ‘Captain EO’ begins reprise run; Sounds Like Summer
concert series features tribute bands performing legendary
music; Epicures need to set alarms on July 20 to make
arrangements for special Food & Wine Festival events; Eat to
the Beat! concert series lineup includes 7 first-time acts
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex: World Cup viewing parties
include 3-D for select matches; Youth sports action on the
RISE; Big-name college coaches flock to sports complex; Next
generation of soccer players competing in Disney Cup
Disney Cruise Line: Bookings for “kids sail free” Mexican
Riviera cruises can be made during July
Disney Vacation Club: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort introducing
spa experiences in August
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Makeover of Franck’sBridal Studio to create
planning magic
‘Captain EO’ 3-D Spectacular Returns to Epcot July 2
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Just in time to add more joyous,
uproarious fun to the Fourth of July weekend, “Captain EO”
begins a reprise at Walt Disney World Resort July 2. The
classic musical spectacular that thrilled Epcot guests from
1986-1994 will provide new Epcot audiences the opportunity
to experience the original 3-D production for the very first
time – and give longtime fans a nostalgic look back to see
Michael Jackson in a rare performance created for the big
screen.
Twenty-four years ago, Jackson joined
forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director
Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute
3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO
performing two original songs, and featuring Academy
Award®-winning actress Anjelica Huston, and a cast of merry,
mythical space characters with dual personalities who
undergo magical transformations to become Jackson's
electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness.
For all its technology, “Captain EO” is first and foremost a
musical spectacular and a thrilling space-fantasy adventure.
The realism of the 3-D process will once again make it seem
that Jackson dances right out of the screen into the
theater. While it’s not possible to replicate some of the
special effects elements originally in the theater, it will
boast a new 70mm print of the film and sound better than
ever thanks to acoustical enhancements made to the theater
since the film last played there. The total effect is one of
motion, color and high energy filled with Jackson’s musical
brilliance and various illusions to create an exciting and
realistic journey in space for the audience.
“Captain EO” will be presented multiple times daily at the
Imagination pavilion at Epcot. It replaces “Honey, I Shrunk
the Audience,” which is planned to return at an undetermined
date. «««
Fans of Jackson family entertainment are in for a double
treat heading into July 4 weekend. Not only will “Captain
EO” be returning, but America Gardens Theatre will be alive
with Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson, an act that
celebrates the music of Michael Jackson’s sister Janet, June
27-July 3. Show times each day are 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m.
Performances are included with Epcot admission.
Three Disney Parks Plan Special
Fireworks on July 4
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests celebrating the Fourth of
July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of
fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood
Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a
patriotic "tag" to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of
Earth” spectacular. Here's what's in store (entertainment
and park hours are subject to change without notice):
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the
sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who'd like to begin the
celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special
fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests
can enjoy Disney's “Main Street Electrical Parade” of
lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4
(on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on
July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney's Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock
‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July
4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment
extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9
and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which
features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers,
brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to
amusical score, becomes even
more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented
with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m.
Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of
Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of
singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and
Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America
Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10
p.m.
Disney's Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular
attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
World Cup Viewing Parties (including 3-D for Select Matches)
Taking Place through July 11 at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Complex
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney
Sports and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex have embraced
World Cup fever and are offering unique viewing parties
during the tournament, live from South Africa.
While ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill offered open-seating
viewing parties during the group stage of play (June 11-25),
parties with guaranteed seating and a buffet are planned on
days between June 26 and July 10 when the round of 16,
quarter finals, semi finals and third-place match are
played. The all-you-care-to-eat buffet is $19.99/per person,
per game (plus tax).
A special viewing area will be available for the
championship match July 11. The ESPN Wide World of Sports
Grill features many high-definition television screens
throughout the venue. The World Cup tournament is the first
sports telecast on the new ESPN 3D channel and the Grill
will feature 3-D viewing for select matches.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.
Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings
Nightastic! at Epcot with Music of Rock and Roll Icons
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The
musical sounds of decades of summers gone by will fill July
evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series
performances featuring tribute bands that celebrate the
music of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, U2 and
Chicago.
“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention
is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the
artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior
Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment.
“It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and
visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own
spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each
band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert
series has received written authorization from the band
whose music they play.”
Performances at America Gardens
Theatre are scheduled for 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on
July 4, when shows are scheduled for 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9
p.m. They are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the
schedule (entertainment is subject to change without
notice):
June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi
Tribute
July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago Sounds Like Summer is part of
Walt Disney World “Summer Nightastic!,” which also features
extra fun after the sun goes down at Magic Kingdom and
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Through Aug. 14 at Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights
illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical
Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks
Spectacular”paints the night sky more brightly than ever.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of
Terror adds new effects – and a summer-only drop sequence –
to the mix for guests daring to step into the attraction’s
infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth
dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the
122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are
invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live
rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.
Epicures, Set Your Alarms: Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Special Event Reservations Open July 20
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Don’t
want to miss the celebrated Party for the Senses
grand-food-and-wine-tasting event? Can’t wait to attend the
debut of the First Bites Opening Reception? Ladies and
gentlemen, set your alarms for 7 a.m. July 20! That’s when
the phone lines open to call Disney reservation specialists
and book these and other events scheduled for the 15th
annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which
presents Delicious Discoveries Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney
World Resort. Fans of the festival’s special
programs and events can choose from among one dozen
categories of special wine and culinary events scheduled
during the festival’s six weeks. New programming this year
includes the Sept. 30 First Bites Opening Reception festival
preview, 3-D Disney’s Dessert Discovery and the Taste, Shake
and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier tasting
experience. Returning events include favorites like
Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, Epcot Wine
Schools, Mexico Tequila Tastings and Food and Wine Pairings. Throughout the festival, the
park will present more than 25 international marketplaces
where food, wine, beer and spirits lovers can sample
cuisine, culture and entertainment from six continents. The
new Belgium marketplace will serve Steamed Mussels with
Roasted Garlic Cream, and the new South Korea marketplace
packs plenty of taste into its BBQ Short Ribs with Steamed
Rice and Cucumber Kimchi.
At least 250 Disney and celebrity chefs will conduct
culinary demonstrations and host tasting events. In
addition, the Festival Welcome Center will feature Authentic
Taste Seminars and Authors without Borders weekend
conversations that are included with Epcot admission.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and
to make reservations for special events and programs.
Festival details will be available at
www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine before reservations open
July 20.
Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Welcomes Seven New Acts
During 15th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – They
span four decades of popularity. Collectively, they’ve
thrilled music lovers with everything from Pop, Techno and
Adult Contemporary to Southern Rock, Progressive Rock and
Pop Rock. But they have one thing in common: They are seven
acts playing the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the
first time during the 15th annual Epcot International Food &
Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Appearing for the first time on the Eat to the Beat! stage
are:
§ Sugar Ray (Oct. 6-8) “Fly”
§ Air Supply (Oct. 11-12) “Lost in Love”
§ Howard Jones (Oct. 16-17) “No One Is to Blame”
§ 38 Special (Oct. 20-21) “Hold on Loosely”
§ Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Nov. 4-5) “Give a
Little Bit”
§ Hanson (Nov. 8-9) “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’”
§ Rick Springfield (Nov. 10-11) “Jessie’s Girl”
They are part of an 18-performer concert series that will
bring music to Epcot each evening of the Food & Wine
Festival. Concerts are included with Epcot admission.
Additional information about the Eat to the Beat! concertseries will be available at
www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Kids Sail Free on 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruises aboard
Disney Wonder
CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney
Cruise Line, a leader in family cruising, is making it
easier to experience the magic of Disney Cruise Line on the
West Coast with a special “Kids Free” offer on seven-night
cruises to the Mexican Riviera starting January 2011.
Guests 17 and under can sail free on seven-night voyages
aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare
paying guests occupying the same stateroom (government taxes
and fees excluded). This offer is valid for most sailings
from Jan. 23 to March 20, 2011, and covers a variety of
stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms
with verandahs to standard inside staterooms (categories 4
to 11). However, there are a limited number of staterooms
available for this special offer. Guests can book through
July 31, 2010.
Guests sailing to the Mexican
Riviera aboard the Disney Wonder will experience exciting
ports of call combined with a family-friendly cruise only
Disney can deliver. The seven-night cruises include visits
to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta coupled with
three fun-filled days at sea. Onboard, guests will enjoy
dazzling stage spectaculars, including “Toy Story-The
Musical,” inspired by the Disney•Pixar films; over-the-top
deck parties, featuring the only fireworks display at sea;
nearly an entire deck dedicated to youth activities;
sophisticated offerings for adults and fun experiences for
the entire family.
Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at
$639 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on
double occupancy.
To book a vacation or to get complete details on the “Kids
Free” special offer, guests can visit
disneycruise.com/kidsfree, call Disney Cruise Line at
888/DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. Guests should
mention or input booking code “KFMR” when making the
reservation.
High School Athletes ‘RISE’ Above in Multi-Sport Showcase at
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex July 14-27
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For
two weeks in July, the ESPN RISE Games presented by Target
will bring together more than 13,000 student athletes at the
newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Returning for its second year at the complex, the July 14-27
event features the country’s premier high school basketball,
football, lacrosse and soccer talent, along with competitive
events in baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse,
softball and track & field.
The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target is anchored by four
elite high school sports events:
AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super Showcase presented by
Champion Under Armour High School Softball All-America game
Champion Gridiron Kings, an elite 7-on-7 high school
football event Champion High School Showcase, a US Lacrosse
boys and girls event new in 2010.
One of the first ESPN-themed events since the complex
rebranding in February, this year’s games provide the
opportunity for athletes to experience “the big time”
through multiple broadcast platforms.
The Under Armour High School Softball All-American game,
Champion Gridiron Kings, AAU 17-under Boys Basketball Super
Showcase presented by Champion and Champion High School Boys
Lacrosse Senior Showcase will be televised on ESPNU live and
as pre-recorded shows; and ESPN3.com will carry livecompetitive events.
The ESPN RISE Games presented by Target has grown from
hosting 4,000 student athletes in its 2009 inaugural at Walt
Disney World Resort to an expected 13,000-plus this July.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.
Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament Begins July
12
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – No
sooner will the curtain come down on the World Cup than the
next generation of soccer players will be at ESPN Wide World
of Sports Complex for the Disney Cup International Youth
Soccer Tournament, July 12-17.
Building on the international flavor of the tournament,
participating teams will have the opportunity to improve
their skills and knowledge of Brazilian style of play at the
Zico Soccer Clinic. Zico, a famed Brazilian footballer and
former coach, will provide instruction, along with fellow
professional coaches and former players from the Zico Soccer
Academy in Brazil.
Following the Zico Soccer Clinic, boys and girls in age
groups nine-and-under to 18-and-under will play in the
Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament. Entering
its 11th year, the event features 200 teams from more than
16 countries around the globe.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.
AAU Championships Showcase Nation’s Top Basketball Talent …
and Attract Some Familiar Faces to ESPNWWOS
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – You
recognize the faces from courtside huddles during basketball
games on ESPN, but now they’re sitting in the stands just
like everyone else. The occasion is the “Super Showcase” –
the Amateur Athletic Union National Basketball Championships
– an event that annually draws coaches from top NCAA
basketball programs to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
And as in years past, a “who’s who” of college basketball
will congregate around the courts at The Field House and
Jostens Center July 20-27 for showcases in the boys 15-, 16-
and 17-and-under categories. Each coach will have a similar
two-fold goal: to evaluate the top prep players in the
country, and identify the top hoop athletes to target for
scholarship offers. Noted AAU alumni include LeBron James,
Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.
The AAU, one of the largest
non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the country,
sanctions as many as 12 national championship basketball
events each year at the complex. In all, the AAU conducts
more than 40 national events on Disney property each year,
including baseball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, gymnastics,
inline hockey, track & field, wrestling and several other
sports.
For more information, visit ESPNWWOS.com.
Fairy Tales Come True at Newly Designed Franck's Studio at
Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –
Franck's Bridal Studio at Walt Disney World Resort is
undergoing a major enhancement, bringing high-tech tools to
couples tying the knot at the popular wedding destination.
Franck's, named after the wedding planner character Martin
Short played in the film "Father of The Bride,” was built 15
years ago alongside Disney's magical Wedding Pavilion. The
Victorian summerhouse was created as a one-stop shop for
couples to meet with a Disney wedding planner to review all
the details for the big event. The immersive studio
showcases cakes, linens, floral, table settings and other
details for a dream-come-true affair. A highlight of the Franck's
makeover involves online tools to assist with remote
planning, including a Facebook application so couples can
easily share details of their wedding with friends and
family. The tools also allow guests to accept RSVPs and
purchase tickets and room nights. Using Google Earth images
and video, the Virtual Venue Tool brings storybook wedding
and reception venues at Disney to life with the click of a
mouse.
Two new planning rooms, additional computers and
televisions, andnewly designed furnishings round out the
elegant setting. The new Franck's studio will open mid-July.
Advice for Disney First-Timers from Facebook Friends: Relax
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When
Facebook friends of Walt Disney World Resort were asked what
advice they would give to someone planning to visit the
Vacation Kingdom for the first time, nearly 20 percent of
approximately 5,000 respondents suggested “relax” or “enjoy
your trip” or “make it a vacation.”
Responses fit in 10 main themes, with the second-most-common
suggestion (offered by one in six people) to “wear
comfortable shoes” or “comfortable clothes.” Here’s the
complete results:
1. Relax/Enjoy Your Trip (19.88% of posts)
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes/Clothes (16.75%)
3. Get the Dining Plan (13.75%)
4. Use FASTPASSes/Park Hoppers (11.32%)
5. Read Guide Books/Research (9.23%)
6. Bring Water/Sunscreen (7.98%)
7. Stay On-Property (7.26%)
8. Go to the Parks Early (7.06%)
9. Magic Kingdom Advice (Rides/Parades/Fireworks) (4.04%)
10. Bring Money/Cash (2.73%)
The Disney Facebook page iswww.facebook.com/WaltDisneyWorld.
To become a friend, a person must be a member of Facebook.
For more information about Walt Disney World Resort
vacations, visit www.disneyworld.com.
Treasure Coast Welcomes Relaxing Retreat
At The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
VERO BEACH, Fla. – Soothing
services designed to melt away stress and restore the mind
and body will be available soon at The Spa at Disney’s Vero
Beach Resort. The relaxing retreat will offer pampering
treatments for both overnight guests of the Disney Vacation
Club resort and locals beginning mid-August.
The 1,000-square-foot facility will complement the nautical
design of the picturesque 211-room Disney’s Vero Beach
Resort. The new spa will include one wet treatment room
ideal for indulgent body scrubs and aromatic body wraps,
plus a vichy shower. Two massage rooms, one
manicure/pedicure room and a relaxation room will round out
the space. Couples massages, kids’ treatments and spa
products will be offered.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort offers several dining options,
recreation activities and health club, and a variety of
accommodations – from studios to three-bedroom cottages. For
more information, contact 407/W-DISNEY.
Gaylord Palms Resort:
An Exclusive rate
offer for readers of this website is being offered and these rates
cannot be found anywhere else for the property. Rates are at least 15% lower
than rates found for this resort through Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity and even
the hotel directly.
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way officially connected with The Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates.
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