Disney News

Special Birthday Parties At Goofy's Candy Company Coming Soon

2008-11-08T13:10:00Z

Soon you will be able to hold special birthday parties at Goofy's Candy Company at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Two different packages will be offered: Goofy's Scien-Terrific Birthday Bash or the Perfectly Princess Party . For $344.99 plus tax, a complete party with all the trimmings accommodates up to 12 guests (including the Birthday Boy or Girl) and lasts 90 minutes. You can add up to three more guests for $25 each plus tax. Here's what's included:

-- a private party room decorated by Disney "elves" with balloons
-- paper plates and napkins
-- specially created invitations
-- "create-a-treat" at the table. Depending on what you have selected, it will be an apple, a krispie treat, pretzels, marshmallows or an oversized deluxe cupcake.
-- themed party games, such as "Goofy's Licorice Limbo" and "Put the Cherry on the Sundae" or "Under The Sea Limbo" and "Put the Gem on the Crown"
-- an exclusive autographed 5x7 photo of Goofy or Cinderella for each guest
-- a customized Goofy's Glacier for each guest: a frosty, concoction inside a foot-tall Disney Character container with a crazy top and bottom. Choose from eight flavors, a blend of several, or all of them (another party exclusive). Each guest can choose a base, cup, top and straw, all washable.
-- a helium balloon for each guest featuring the special birthday party logo. The Birthday Guest of Honor receives a larger, Mylar version.
-- at Goofy's Scien-Terrific Birthday Bash, multicolor light-up glasses for each guest. The Birthday Guest of Honor is given something else not found in the Parks: a fantastic, vintage bubblegum machine PLUS a whole pound of selected candy in the shop.
-- at Perfectly Princess Party, an exclusive light-up Cinderella coach necklace for each guest. The lucky Birthday Guest receives a hand-blown glass slipper mounted on a mirror inside a Plexiglas case, tied up with a pretty blue bow! Princess Birthday Guest of Honor also gets a tiara and a "Birthday Princess" sash.
-- an exclusive "happy birthday" song that was created just for guests at Goofy's Candy Company

New Bounce Back Offer

2008-11-08T13:05:00Z

Disney Cruise Line has announced a special "Bounce Back Offer". If you travel on a 4 or 7 night cruise between January 31 and March 8; and March 21-28 at the prevailing rate (categories 4-12) you can get a 3 night cruise on most sailing dates between August 13 - December 17, 2009 for just $99 per person, double occupancy. When you sail on the qualifiying cruise you will receive a voucher in your stateroom regarding the special 3 night cruise offer. You must book your initial cruise between October 30 - December 15, 2008 and book your second cruise between April 6 - May 30, 2009.

The Wave Brings a Splash of Fun, Healthful Dining to Disney’s Contemporary Resort

2008-06-03T12:25:00Z

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- With drinks like the Antioxidant Cocktail, entrées such as whole-wheat linguine with clams, rock shrimp and fresh thyme in chunky tomato broth, and crispy almond-raisin "baklava" for dessert, The Wave brings a surge of new dining ideas to Walt Disney World Resort.

Located in Disney's Contemporary Resort, the new restaurant is "bold cooking inspired by fresh markets," said Dieter Hannig, vice president of new concepts for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage. "America is more and more a melting pot, and The Wave features American cooking with world flavors."

Guests enter the stylish new space on the first floor of the hotel through a brushed steel arch "tunnel" into The Wave's lounge, one of the largest at Walt Disney World Resort. The sleek, serene décor is earthy browns and golds, with frosted glass lamps for soft ambient light and a copper-colored metal ceiling. Banquettes and booths line the perimeter of the dining room, and wooden tables are set with white linen napkins. A large central table is draped in sheer fabric in purples and golds.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 220-seat restaurant takes casual dining into the health-conscious 21st century. The classic American breakfast menu includes plenty of egg creations, but guests also can make their own Wave muesli or sip a Beta Berry Smoothie with raspberry puree and non-fat yogurt blended with Odwalla Berries GoMega (a great source of Omega-3). The Pure Sunshine breakfast cocktail features organic vodka and orange juice topped with Vitamin Energy Drink. Coffee is organic Colombian (fair trade and "Smithsonian-certified bird-friendly") and teas are whole leaf Pyramid bags in flavors from chamomile blossoms to monsoon chai.

At lunch, light eaters might enjoy lettuce wraps with sautéed lamb and bay scallops, or a lump crab cake with crispy papaya slaw. Entrées include oversized salads and a vegetarian sandwich with grilled tofu, roasted veggies and herb goat cheese on multi-grain bread, but guests also can chow down on an Angus chuck burger with cheese and Applewood smoked bacon, or a classic grilled Reuben.

The dinner menu offers a delicious spin on comfort classics such as pan-seared Alaskan black cod with corn and edamame (soybean) stew with cilantro chutney; braised lamb shank with bulgur lentil stew and red wine sauce, and a nouvelle chicken pot pie with thyme pastry. Sides at both lunch and dinner include braised greens and roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.

"Lots of stocks, lots of broths and seasonal ingredients keep the menu well balanced," said Chef Frank Brough. "We are sourcing ingredients locally and regionally to create fresh flavors, and our fresh catch of the day features sustainable seafood."

Desserts continue the theme with a dozen choices for mixing and matching three mini-favorites for one price. From chocolate mousse with chocolate ganache, to yogurt sorbet with blueberry compote and coconut panna cotta with passion fruit, guests can indulge their sweet tooth without a big hit in calories. Or go overboard with a dessert cocktail like the Mudslide martini: Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla vodka, Kahlúa and vanilla ice cream.

Wine 'With a Twist,' Innovative Spirits Menu

The wine program, with only screw cap wines, is cutting-edge and supports sustainable agriculture, says Master Sommelier John Blazon, manager of wine sales and standards for Walt Disney World Resort.

"The surge in the use of the screw cap is nothing short of a revolution in wine packaging," says Blazon. Industry experts say that the screw cap is the most significant technical evolution in the wine industry since the glass bottle was introduced 250 years ago.

And the options for screw cap wine are growing, said Blazon. The Wave serves no California wines (California Grill on the resort's 15th floor has a corner on the California market), but instead focuses on bright-style New World wines from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Sparkling wines from Tasmania, Rieslings from South Australia, floral New Wave whites from Argentina and Pinot Noirs from New Zealand are among the interesting choices, with 50 available by the glass. A flight of 3-ounce samplings and dessert wines, ports and sherries round out the wine list.

For beer fans, certified organic ales from Orlando Brewing are on the menu. Produced in Orlando, these handcrafted ales use only American-grown certified-organic barley malt. Three Orlando Brewery ales are available on tap, including Blonde Ale, Pale Ale and Blackwater Dry Porter. Also on the menu is gluten-free Redbridge lager.

Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce).

"Natural and flavorful are the buzzwords for cocktails," said Stuart McGuire, director of beverage sales and standards for Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

The Wave is part of a revitalization at Disney's Contemporary Resort that includes a makeover of the hotel's fourth floor with a new game arcade and new quick-service eatery for salads and sandwiches (replacing Concourse Steakhouse). The popular Chef Mickey's restaurant and the monorail station anchor that family-friendly area.

Changes to Resort Airline Check-in Baggage Policy

2008-06-03T12:21:00Z

Effective June 1, the Resort Airline Check-In service will implement several changes in its checked baggage policy:

-- Guests who fly AirTran, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, and US Airways may check one bag per passenger using the Resort Airline Check-in Service. Guests with multiple bags on these airlines will have the option to check additional pieces through their airlines' ticket counters at Orlando International Airport or they may call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline's excess luggage fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. The excess luggage fees vary by airline.

-- Guests flying on American who wish to check bags must call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline bag fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. Otherwise, Guests must check-in at the airport.

NOTE: If paying for excess luggage fees through Baggage Airline Guest Services you must pay with a credit card: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted. Resort Airline Check-In desks are unable to collect luggage fees on behalf of the airlines.

Baggage Airline Guest Services operates seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

-- Guests flying on Alaska and United Airlines are not subject to bag fees at this time. NOTE: Alaska Airlines will be subject to excess bag fees effective July 1.

For all airlines, luggage must be 50 pounds or less in order to use the service and it must comply with their airline's size dimension baggage policy. Overweight and oversized luggage cannot be accepted at the Resort Airline Check-In desks.

REHABS/CLOSINGS ANNOUNCED

2008-05-26T19:54:00Z

Downtown Disney

--Adventurers Club will not open until 9 p.m. tomorrow night, May 21, 2008.
--8TRAX closed for minor refurbishments May 18. It should reopen tonight, May 20, 2008. --Cirque du Soleil La Nouba will be dark now through June 2, 2008.

Magic Kingdom

--Cinderella's Golden Carrousel is closed through May 23, 2008. In addition, the Sword in the Stone is closed through May 22.

--Ariel's Grotto will be closed through May 23, 2008.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

-- Catalina Eddie's will be closed now through May 22, 2008.

Animal Kingdom

-- PetriFries will be closed for refurbishment June 1-20, 2008.

Pop Century

-- Classic Concoctions, the bar/lounge area in the lobby of Pop Century, officially closed on May 6. It will be converted to the Package Pickup area for guests sending items from the parks and some of the hotels. It is set to open on July 26.

Reminder: Concourse Steakhouse will close on May 31, 2008 and will be replaced by The Wave, a new table service location on the 1st floor that will open shortly after Concourse closes. A new quick service location will take the place of Concourse Steakhouse, while traffic flow changes to Chef Mickey's entrance and a new seating area are created. Tempo Grab and Go and Chef Mickey's will remain open during this work.

Disney to Rebrand Wide World of Sports

2008-05-26T19:52:00Z

Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN plan to re-brand Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand in the near future. Plans for the re-branding initiative are still in the development stage, but initial concepts involve renaming the sports complex and incorporating the signature elements of ESPN throughout the 220-acre facility, which is a leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country. The project aims to enhance the experience of both athletes and spectators by connecting them to their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. The re-branding of the Disney sports complex is the latest initiative in the growing sports business at Walt Disney World Resort. In December, the sports complex debuted additional outdoor playing fields for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey competitions. This summer the sports complex will open Jostens Center , a new state-of-the-art field house that will allow Disney to accommodate twice as many indoor sports events each year. Additional expansion plans are being explored. The Disney sports complex annually hosts more than 180 events in 50 different sports involving athletes from more than 70 countries. Among those events are the Atlanta Braves spring training season, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the Major League Baseball Draft, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions, and the Walt Disney World Marathon. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Toy Story Mania! Begins Challenging Walt Disney World Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios May 31

2008-05-19T15:04:00Z

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World guests start donning 3-D glasses and entering a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite "Toy Story" characters when Toy Story Mania! makes its grand premiere May 31 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams," the attraction will also debut on the West Coast, with a scheduled opening in Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort June 17.

Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high-energy, immersive adventure that puts guests right in the action as their game play triggers fun surprises that provide a fourth dimension of fun. Toy Story Mania! engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films.

In the timeless tradition of Disney storytelling, Toy Story Mania! takes its inspiration from the fact that Andy's toys spring to life whenever he is away. Soon after Andy got a "Midway Games Play Set" for his latest birthday, the toys jumped at their first chance to open the box and set up the game booths and carnival trams so everyone could ride and play. That means "no assembly required" for their game-playing guests -- just nonstop fun. (That is, until Andy gets home!)

Upon entering the attraction, guests are welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker, capable of engaging guests in two-way conversation and encouraging them to "step right up" for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy and board Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles which add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through "Andy's Bedroom" filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles angle to face Toy Story Mania! game booths -- high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill -- and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual" objects they've launched leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.

The Toy Story Mania! games -- five of them, plus an introductory practice round -- are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to experienced gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities.

First comes the "Pie Throw Practice" round in which guests can try splattering targets with virtual pies.

Next, Hamm hosts a "Hamm & Eggs" booth in which players launch plastic virtual eggs at various barnyard targets.

"Bo Peep's Baaa-loon Pop" presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there it's on to "Green Army Men Shoot Camp" where the challenge is to break plates with virtual baseballs.

Next up is "Buzz Lightyear's Flying Tossers," a ring-toss game hosted by everyone's favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets.

For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in "Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery." A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their spring-action shooters as rapidly as possible at one last super target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified and they can see how they've done compared to the high scores.

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by creative musical variations of Randy Newman's "You've Got A Friend in Me," arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to complement the games -- for example, a military brass band version for "Green Army Men Shoot Camp."

No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will seem different.

Disney Honors Students

2008-05-19T15:02:00Z

Disney recently honored 100 students as "Dreamers and Doers" during a 25th anniversary ceremony of the program at Walt Disney World Resort. The award acknowledged outstanding students who make a difference through volunteer service in Central Florida. A panel of community leaders and Walt Disney World Cast Members selected the finalists and three top Shining Stars from nearly 400 students nominated by schools throughout Orange, Lake, Polk, Osceola and Seminole Counties. Th e recipients of the 2008 Disney Shining Star Award were: fifth-grade student Emma O'Halloran , who has volunteered more than 500 hours to a wide range of community organizations and projects; seventh-grader Corey Warner, who is trying to launch his own nonprofit organization to raise awareness for abused and neglected children and has volunteered more than 3,000 hours with Children's Home Society; and high school junior Tyler Freeze, who has cerebral palsy, yet still sings in his church choir, reigns as a member of the homecoming court and serves as a tutor. All 400 Disney Dreamers and Doers received four theme park tickets, a certificate and a special pin. The 100 finalists also received a Disney Dreamers and Doers medallion. In addition, the three Disney Shining Star Award recipients received a Mickey Mouse statue along with Walt Disney World Annual Passes for themselves and their immediate families.

Great ‘Foodie’ Cities of the World Shine Sept. 26-Nov. 9 at 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

2008-04-22T17:23:00Z

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Fine cuisine and wines from some of the best "foodie" cities in the world will take a bow at the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 26 through Nov. 9 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot guests can explore these "Cities in Wonderland" -- from trendy Cork, Ireland, to the melting pot of Cape Town, South Africa -- around the World Showcase promenade while also discovering blissful bites at international and regional marketplaces brimming with exotic flavors and comfort foods. The six-week festival will showcase tastes from countries on six continents.

More than 25 international marketplaces will serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties at $2-to-$5 each, and recommended wines and beers make perfect pairings at each kiosk. New festival flavors explore the culinary wonders of Lyon, France; Marrakesh, Morocco; Shanghai, China; Bologna, Italy; Tokyo and Mexico City. Exhibits along the promenade also will showcase entertainment and traditional crafts of several countries.

Daily complimentary wine and beer tastings serve up sips from around the world, and culinary demonstrations dish up featured taste treats. A series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

"We wanted to take our guests on a grand gustatory expedition," says Nora Carey, festival manager. "The cities that we'll feature are known for great dining experiences, and the 'Cities in Wonderland' theme will inspire our guests to enjoy great food and wine in a fresh new way."

The Epcot festival continues to grow dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than one million guests each fall -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to neophytes wishing to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations, including Germany's Biergarten, which specialize in brews from light to dark.

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, soul, R&B, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre along the World Showcase lagoon. New acts to appear include Kool & The Gang, Spyro Gyra, En Vogue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. David Sanborn, Jon Secada and Otis Day and the Knights are among returning crowd-pleasing acts.

Other festival highlights include:

-- The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and an official festival cookbook.
-- Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs are now being signed for the event; last year's lineup included Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Jeff Henderson, Roy Yamaguchi, Todd English, G. Garvin, Suvir Saran, Warren Brown and many others.
-- The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and live entertainment.

Festival guests also can enjoy new Epcot experiences including the re-launched Spaceship Earth attraction in Future World, with narration by Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench, new scenes, sets and costumes, updated Audio-Animatronics figures, plus a touch-screen interactive ride sequence. In the World Showcase, there's a new restaurant at the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia, with cuisine from different regions of Italy. And the Japan pavilion just introduced its new Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo restaurants. Mexico's new tequila bar is perfect for cool sips on a warm autumn evening.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural exhibits, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays, and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission.

New restasurant slated for Contemporary Resort

2008-04-22T17:20:00Z

Reservations are now being accepted for arrivals June 30, 2008, and later at The Wave , located at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The restaurant, a casual dining table service restaurant that features American cooking blended with world flavors, will offer a classic American breakfast, a quick and casual lunch, and dinner. In addition, the stylish contemporary lounge will offer new world wines with a twist and trendy cocktails with natural flavors. The restaurant will accept one entitlement from the Disney Dining Plan and will honor the DVC, Passholder, Disney Dining Experience, and Cast Member discounts as currently accepted at Concourse Steakhouse.

Fort Wilderness adds a new category of campsite

2008-04-08T18:22:00Z

Fort Wilderness now has a new category of campsite: the Premium Site. This new type of site is billed as "big-rig friendly," and features all of the amenities of a Preferred Campsite, plus larger concrete pads, upgraded picnic tables and grills, as well as prime locations. The sites range from $66 to $111 per night, depending on the season, and include water, sewer and electrical hook-ups, cable TV and high-speed internet access (at an additional fee).

Strollers and wheelchairs available at Downtown Disney

2008-03-31T20:49:00Z

Effective Monday, March 10, 2008, strollers and wheelchairs are available at Downtown Disney at Disney's Wonderful World of Memories in the Marketplace and at DisneyQuest Emporium on the West Side. The cost remains $10 per unit. There is a $100 deposit charged to your credit card per unit rented. ECV rentals will remain at Marketplace Guest Relations. The $35 cost remains the same, with a $100 deposit charged to your credit card. You must return a rented ECV, stroller or wheelchair to the original rental location to receive the deposit back. Quantities are very limited at any location.

Two new arrivals at Animal Kingdom

2008-03-31T20:47:00Z

Two animal babies were born recently at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, a female baby giraffe named Makena and a male baby zebra named Kidani. Born on March 8, Kidani is the first Hartmann's Mountain Zebra born at Walt Disney World Resort. The Hartmann's Mountain Zebra is an endangered species native to Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Kidani was named for the new expansion of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Kidani Village. Hartmann's Mountain Zebra is a new species at Animal Kingdom Lodge. They are on a separate savannah from the Grants Zebra at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Makena, which means "Happy One" in Swahili, was born on Leap Day, February 29. At birth, she weighed 118 pounds and stood 5' 6" tall. Makena was standing just one-and-a-half hours after birth and started nursing shortly after.

Disney Cruise Line extends port contract

2008-03-31T20:45:00Z

Disney Cruise Line has extended its contract with Port Canaveral through 2023. In addition, DCL has signed an agreement to base its two new ships, scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, there. Under the 15-year agreement, the Canaveral Port Authority will extend the dock and enhance Disney's terminal building to allow for additional luggage and passenger capacity. The enhanced facility will feature several "Disney touches" for children. The authority has also agreed to build a multi-level parking structure by 2011.

Search For First-Ever Disney Parks CMO Is On

2008-01-22T19:45:00Z

Chief Magic Official Will Oversee Magic in Disney Parks During The Year of a Million Dreams-

Burbank, Ca., January 8, 2008 – Do you wish your M.D. really stood for “Magic Director?” Or perhaps that your Ph.D. had something to do with Pixie Dust? As millions of Americans resolve to search for a new job this New Year, Disney Parks may have just the position they’ve been waiting for!

To prove that making dreams come true is no longer reserved for fairy godmothers, CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic during The Year of a Million Dreams.

The search for the CMO is part of The Year of a Million Dreams, where this year more than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney Parks. This celebration includes incredible new attractions, parades, interactive entertainment and much more!

“We’re looking for that perfect someone to serve alongside our talented Cast of dream makers,” said Craig Dezern, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Disney Parks. “The CMO will serve as an ambassador of dreams to help create the magic that only Disney can bring to its guests.”

"Whatever you dreamed of being when you were growing up, chances are some of your plans hit a snag along the way," said Richard Castellini, a spokesperson for CareerBuilder.com. "In fact, in a recent survey of over 6,000 workers, only 15 percent said they were actually in their dream jobs. The Disney Parks CMO will have the unique opportunity to live out his or her dream and bring a little magic to the lives of others."

Do You have the Character to be the CMO? -- Beginning May 1, 2008, the part-time CMO will help create magical experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney Parks and meet Disney’s real “masters of magic” – the Imagineers.

The ideal CMO candidate must be happy, never grumpy; able to easily befriend dwarfs, dogs, monsters and mice; have good manners – but also be able to pillage and plunder with pirates when necessary. Also required: pockets full of pixie dust, an aversion to poisonous apples, an interest in oversized teacups and flying elephants and, most importantly, a belief in all things magical.

The position will require travel, including travel to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, during the week and some weekends and holidays. While traveling as the Disney Parks CMO, he/she will receive an hourly rate of compensation for hours spent performing the CMO role, as well as airfare, accommodations and a spending allowance.

“The CMO position is an opportunity of a lifetime for someone who has always wanted to be part of the Disney family,” said Dezern. “We will look for the ideal candidate to be naturally outgoing and optimistic, and have a great sense of humor as well as a passion for spreading Disney magic to our guests.”

Show Your DISNEY Magic -- Beginning January 8 and continuing through January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and take the “Magic Aptitude Test” (M.A.T.) to see if they have what it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official. Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60 second video resume – online at www.DreamCMO.com – which captures their personality and visually and verbally supports why they would make the ideal CMO.

Mickey’s Apprentice -- A magical panel of judges will select the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm, knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America. The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.

Disney Vacation Club Announcements at the Annual Members Meeting

2008-01-08T22:36:00Z

Several welcome announcements were made at the Disney Vacation Club's (DVC) annual member meeting:

-- Starting in 2008, all Disney Vacation Club members staying at DVC resorts on points will receive free internet access. (Cash guests will still be charged $9.95 per 24 hours.) This will be for the wired broadband already in the resorts and NOT for WiFi (although WiFI might be included where it already exists). As long as you have an ethernet port on your laptop you should be all set. Internet cables are provided in the rooms.

-- As of 12/30/07, Disney Vacation Club's Member Services will be open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. On February 3, 2008, Sunday hours will be added. This will be done at no additional cost to member dues.

-- In 2008, World Passport Collection will allow exchanges of less than seven days with fewer points.

-- DVC Members will be able to purchase Magic Your Way passes through Member Services in 2008. No additional discounts for DVC members except for the current AP discount.

16th Annual Chef's Gala benefiting Heart of Florida United Way

2008-01-08T22:34:00Z

16th Annual Chef's Gala benefiting Heart of Florida United Way will be on Saturday, April 5, 2008, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Epcot's World Showplace at Walt Disney World. More than 20 of Central Florida's top chefs from the finest dining establishments will prepare unique dishes paired with best in class wines. The event also includes live jazz music and an elegant silent auction, all to benefit local health and human service programs supported by Heart of Florida United Way. Each entree and dessert item is carefully paired with wines that have been identified as complimentary to each menu selection. Sommeliers will be on hand to provide information about each wine and discuss pairings. The Chef's Gala helps provide critical assistance to the nearly 200 programs operated by nearly 100 local social service agencies supported by Heart of Florida United Way. Funds raised at the Chef's Gala will help serve more than 375,000 Central Floridians in need in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Tickets are $175 per individual.

Enhanced Land and Sea Package

2007-12-11T20:16:00Z

Beginning in 2008, Disney Cruise Line guests will have the option to book an enhanced package for Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Vacation. The new vacation package, Disney's seven-night Land and Sea Package Plus Dining, includes all the perks of the existing seven-night Land and Sea package along with the added benefits of the Disney Dining Plan, which provides guests one sit-down meal, one counter-service meal and one snack per person for each night of their Walt Disney World stay. Disney's seven-night Land and Sea vacation package combines a three- or four-night cruise on the Disney Wonder with three or four nights of accommodations and theme park tickets at Walt Disney World Resort. The addition of the Disney Dining Plan creates a more inclusive vacation experience. Combined with Onboard-Airline Check-in and Disney's Magical Express, this enhanced package is yet another way that Disney helps provide a hassle-free vacation experience.

Double the Castaway Cay in 2008

2007-12-11T20:15:00Z

As a special treat during the summer of 2008, Disney Cruise Line has redesigned the four-night itinerary to offer two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the tropical waters of the Bahamas. Castaway Cay continues to be one of the highlights of a Disney Cruise vacation, and with this new itinerary, guests will have twice as much time - two full days - to enjoy all the amenities and activities of the tropical oasis. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and beautiful tropical flowers, Castaway Cay provides the ultimate escape, whether a guest is seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with the family.

Altering the traditional four-night itinerary, these 16 special sailings will bookend a day in Nassau with two visits to Castaway Cay.

Four-Night Bahamian Cruise with Two Stops at Castaway Cay***

Sunday . . . . . . . .Port Canaveral (embarkation)
Monday . . . . . . . .Castaway Cay
Tuesday . . . . . . . Nassau
Wednesday . . . . . Castaway Cay
Thursday . . . . . . .Port Canaveral (debarkation)

***All four-night sailings from 5/11/08-8/24/08 will include two stops at Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line Adds Two Eastern Caribbean Itineraries Amidst a Wave of New Choices for Guests in 2008 & 2009

2007-12-11T20:13:00Z

CELEBRATION, FL, Dec. 4 -- Disney Cruise Line announced today two new eastern Caribbean itineraries for 2009 - giving guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean - and special offerings for 2008. Beginning in 2009, St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven- night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven- night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney's traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue).

"The Caribbean continues to be an extremely popular destination for our guests," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. "Expanding our offerings in the eastern Caribbean provides our first-time cruisers an array of popular destinations to choose from, while also providing seasoned Disney cruisers new destinations to visit and explore with Disney."

McAlpin noted that there are also special offerings during 2008 including a summer season of sailings to the Mexican Riviera, select cruises with multiple stops at Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay, and an enhanced seven-night Land and Sea package that combines the adventure of a Disney cruise with the fun and excitement of a stay at Walt Disney World Resort.

2009 ... New Eastern Caribbean Routes
Disney Cruise Line guests have always enjoyed the beautiful turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches of the eastern Caribbean and, on select voyages throughout the 2009 season, guests will be able to explore either St. Croix or Tortola. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wonderful mix of colonial-style architecture, natural wonders, quaint shops and spectacular marine habitats. Tortola, part of the British Virgin Islands, features centuries-old ruins, botanical gardens, sugar mills, sensational bays and beaches. The new eastern Caribbean itineraries will stop at St. Croix or Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Eastern Caribbean w/St. Croix*

Saturday . . . Port Canaveral
Sunday. . . . .At Sea
Monday. . . . .At Sea
Tuesday . . . .St. Croix
Wednesday . .St. Thomas
Thursday . . . At Sea
Friday . . . . . Castaway Cay
Saturday. . . .Port Canaveral

Eastern Caribbean w/Tortola**

Saturday . . . .Port Canaveral
Sunday. . . . . At Sea
Monday. . . . . At Sea
Tuesday . . . . Tortola
Wednesday . . St. Thomas
Thursday . . . .At Sea
Friday . . . . . Castaway Cay
Saturday. . . . Port Canaveral

*Eastern Caribbean itineraries with St. Croix sail 1/3, 1/31, 2/28, 3/28, 10/10, 11/7 and 12/5/2009

**Eastern Caribbean itineraries with Tortola sail 4/25, 5/23, 6/20, 7/18, 8/15 and 9/12/2009

Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer its current version of the eastern Caribbean cruise with stops at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. The traditional eastern Caribbean voyages will sail in-between the special sailings to St. Croix or Tortola.