Plenty of Press Releases for 8/18/08

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Here is a collection of press releases just made available by Walt Disney World. First off is some details about the Night of Joy event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of “news” surrounding a lineup featuring a “Who’s Who” of Christian music Sept. 5-6:

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time
  • First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.
  • “Rap sessions” will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artistsA stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the YearCasting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.  Here’s the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change): FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

  • Brandon Heath – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    Britt Nicole – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Matthew West – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Chris Tomlin – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    BarlowGirl – Icon Stage – 8:30pm, 9:45pm
    Rush of Fools – Premier Theater – 10:45pm, Midnight
    Rebecca St. James – Icon Stage – 11pm, 12:15am
    MercyMe – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am  

    SATURDAY, SEPT. 6

    Artist – Stage – Showtimes

    Red – Lights, Motors, Action! – 7:15pm
    PureNRG – Icon Stage – 7:30pm
    Mandisa – Premier Theater – 8pm, 9:15pm
    Casting Crowns – Lights, Motors, Action! – 8:15pm, 9:45pm
    Marcos Witt – Icon Stage – 8:45pm, 10pm
    GMA Winner – Icon Stage – 9:35pm
    Aaron Shust – Premier Theater – 10:30pm, 11:45pm
    tobyMac – Lights, Motors, Action! – 11:15pm, 12:45am
    Fred Hammond – Icon Stage – 11:30pm, 12:45am

One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.  Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information. Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.

Applications will soon be accepted for the 2009 WDW Moms Panel:

Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.

The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World “know-it-alls” and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com.  From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel.  The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays — about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.

“The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year.  They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.  “We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents.”

Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.

Here is the complete Eat to the Beat Concert series line-up for this year:

Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26.  Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.

From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows.  The lineup (subject to change) includes:

Sept. 26-27 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 — Sheena Easton (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 1-4 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 — En Vogue (NEW) 
Oct. 8-9 — Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 — Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys) 
Oct. 13-14 — Sister Hazel (NEW) 
Oct. 15-16 — David Sanborn (6 Grammys) 
Oct. 17-18 — Jon Secada (2 Grammys) 
Oct. 19-21 — Spyro Gyra (NEW) 
Oct. 22-23 — Otis Day & the Knights 
Oct. 24-26 — Exposé 
Oct. 27-28 — Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy) 
Oct. 29-30 — Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys) 
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW) 
Nov. 3-5 — David Cassidy 
Nov. 6-7 — Night Ranger (NEW) 
Nov. 8-9 — Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)

Details on the 2008 Race for the Taste on October 12:

The 9th annual Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and past Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival. 

At the finish line, runners — along with ticketed friends and family members — will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.

There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids’ Races, including a Heelys’ Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14.  Other kids’ races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).  

Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92.  Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef’s hat.  Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.

Details on the T-Rex restaurant opening now in late October (another change) at the Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.

 T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment.  The concept is built around water, fire and ice:  Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.

Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as “edutainment,” noting that this “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils — all carefully labeled — that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.

A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).

Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts.  Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and “Chocolate Extinction.”  Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Mickey and Minnie Get New Halloween Costumes

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

In an official press release today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look.  Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball.  Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon — bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 25 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular.  There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.  To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

This costume change comes as no surprise, as a number of upcoming Disney pins show off the new costumes, as well as the new pumpkin decorations that will be coming to the Magic Kingdom this year:

WDW Gets Stormstruck?

WDWNT on August 18, 2008

Hurricane Fay may make Monday a very interesting day for everyone at the Walt Disney World Resort. While it is still unknown what impact, if any, the storm will have on the Resort’s regular operations, they seem to be prepared:

“It’s business as usual at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re continuing to monitor the weather,” said Andrea Finger, a Disney spokeswoman.

While the storm is not expected to directly hit the central Florida area, be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information on this story.

Food & Wine Fight

WDWNT on August 15, 2008

Culinary greats will put their spatulas to the test in an elaborate cook-off Sept. 26-27 – during the opening weekend of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – in a quest to represent the United States at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest.

Eight two-person teams will turn up the heat in the kitchen at Walt Disney World Resort in the hope their culinary creations land them a top spot representing Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest – commonly called the “Culinary Olympics” – in Lyon, France, in January 2009.

Walt Disney World guests can attend the competition and observe the chefs performing their culinary wizardry and savor the flavors. Each of the eight teams will serve up elaborate fish and beef dishes before a live audience and prominent panel including the country’s top chefs: Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Trotter, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Georges Perrier, Michel Richard, Laurent Tourondel and former Bocuse d’Or USA competitors.

The eight finalists competing for a spot on the U.S. Team include:

  • Timothy Hollingsworth, Sous Chef, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.
  • Chef Hung Huynh, “TopChef” Season 3 Winner, Executive Chef, Solo, New York City
  • Rogers Powell, Instructor, French Culinary Institute, New York City
  • Chef John Rellah Jr., Executive Chef, Hamilton Farm, Gladstone, N.J.
  • Richard Rosendale, US Culinary Olympics Team Captain, Chef/Owner, Rosendales, Columbus, Ohio
  • Michael Rotondo, Chef de Cuisine, Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago
  • Kevin Sbraga, Culinary Director, Garces Restaurant Group, Philadelphia
  • Percy Whatley, Executive Chef, Delaware North Parks, Yosemite, Calif.

    • The competition at Disney culminates Sept. 27 with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony recognizing the first, second and third place teams. The evening will feature a silent auction, live musical entertainment, dancing and a chance to meet and mingle with some the world’s top chefs, including the Gala Dinner Chefs, as well as Paul Bocuse, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the Deans of The French Culinary Institute, Alain Sailhac and Andre Soltner.  The star-studded dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, a four-course tasting menu, and a dessert reception prepared by Chefs Daniel Boulud (Daniel, New York City), Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago), Patrick O’Connell (Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.), Michel Richard (Citronelle, Washington, D.C.), Georges Perrier (Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia), Laurent Tourondel (BLT, New York City), Daniel Humm (Eleven Madison Park, New York City), David Myers (Sona, Los Angeles) and Traci des Jardins (Jardiniere, San Francisco), and will be paired with Diageo Reserve Signature Cocktails and Moët Hennessy Champagnes.  The highlight of the evening will be a Dom Pérignon toast and theannouncement of the Bocuse d’Or USA winning team.

    The newly selected Bocuse d’Or USA team will go on to compete among 24 teams from around the world at the Bocuse d’Or World Competition in Lyon, in the gold standard event held every two years.

    Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $450 per person, plus tax including gratuity, and can
    be purchased beginning Aug. 25 by calling 407/WDW-FEST, with proceeds benefiting Bocuse d’Or USA (a not-for-profit organization sponsoring the competitors’ training, travel and culinary education).

    Throughout the six-week-long Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 26-Nov. 9, guests can sample food and wine from around the world at international marketplaces and specialty dinners, attend seminars and wines schools and meet guest chefs. For more information, contact www.disneyworld.com/food.

    Chris Lastrapes’ 8/14 Photo Report

    WDWNT on August 15, 2008

    Our new staff member Chris Lastrapes is at the Disneyland Resort today & tomorrow, & he’s got some pictures for us from his first day:

    The It’s a Small World logo sign is back… New colors once again folks


    Here are a few construction shots of It’s a Small World


    As previously reported, the Small World flume has been painted


    The rather unpredictable goat is currently at Big Thunder Mountain


    A look at the Monorail/Railroad roundhouse… Can’t see any of the Mark VII’s


    As usual, Monorail Purple was the only Monorail running today


    No visible progress over at the Plaza Pavilion


    The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries is due to end after Labor Day


    And to end off this photo report, a few shots from the Disneyland Hotel


    A nice few out of Chris’ hotel room


    I’m guessing this is on the hotel room windows

    Stay tuned tomorrow, as Chris should be giving us some more pictures from his day at the parks tomorrow. Also we’re going to have a special video podcast up for you!

    New Walt Disney World Resort Discounts Now Available

    WDWNT on August 14, 2008

    Here are some details on some new discounts Walt Disney World will be offering for those visiting in the fall this year:

    If guests purchase a provided 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way package, they’ll get accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Value Resort or a select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort and a 6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for just –

    $49* per person, per day for a family of four in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort (total package price is $1,168). These vacation packages are valid for stays most nights Sept. 28 – Nov. 25, Nov. 29 – Dec. 3 and Dec. 13-23, 2008.

    or

    $94* per person, per day for a family of four in a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort (total package price is $2,236). These vacation packages are valid for stays most nights Sept 28 – Oct 1, Oct 24 – Nov 1, Nov 10 – Nov 25, Nov 29 – Dec 3, Dec 13 – 23, 2008.

    Discount Booking Codes Are:
    DGL – Magic Your Way Package Discount
    QXD – Magic Your Way Plus Dining package discount
    UVL – Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining Package Discount

    *Rates are based on two adults, one junior and one child. The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Theme Park tickets are valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply.

    You can get more information and book these special packages through Magical Travel, or get more information by participating in the Trip Planning area of the WDW News Today Community Forums.

    Hotel Strike Tonight

    WDWNT on August 14, 2008

    You might wanna watch out if you’ll be at the Resort tonight, becuase Unite HERE Local 681 will be holding a protest to the Disney Company:

    Police to Arrest Mickey Mouse
    Clergy and Community Leaders to Join Hotel Workers and
    Supporters dressed in Disney Characters in Civil Disobedience

    WHO: Orange County Religious and Community Leaders, Labor Leaders, Students, and Hotel Workers

    WHAT: A 1,000 person march from the Paradise Pier Hotel to Harbor Blvd. The marchers will block traffic at Harbor Blvd. Approximately 30 people (including workers, Supporters dressed in Disney characters, and clergy) will participate in civil disobedience as they call Disney to “be faithful” to the workers and the community.

    WHEN: Thursday, August 14th

    LOCATION:
    4:30pm — Picket Line at the Paradise Pier Hotel
    5:00pm – March from Paradise Pier Hotel
    6:00 pm – Civil Disobedience blocking Harbor Blvd.

    WHY: DISNEY IS UNFAITHFUL. Approximately 2,300 employees of the Disneyland Hotels, including bellmen, dishwashers, room attendants, and cooks, have been working without a contract since February 2008. Disney is unfaithful to the community and the workers because they do not uphold their espoused family values. Many hotel workers who have given years to the company will be faced with increased difficulty in obtaining healthcare for their families due to the proposals of Disney. The company is proposing to increase both cost and eligibility requirements to these low wage workers for benefits like healthcare, vacation and seniority. This will cause suffering to many workers and their children.

    “That is Our Dino!!!”

    WDWNT on August 13, 2008

    In case you didn’t get the Dinosaur attraction joke in the article title, here are some details on Downtown Disney’s newest resident:

    A two-story tall dinosaur is pictured August 13, 2008 being transported on a flatbed truck past a pedestrian crossing sign at the Downtown Disney entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The dinosaur will be featured inside a new restaurant, currently under construction, called “T-Rex: a Prehistoric Family Adventure.” Developed by Schussler Creative, Inc. and operated by Landry’s Restaurants, the 600-seat restaurant will feature dinosaurs, waterfalls, bubbling geysers and a fossil dig site. “T-Rex” will open in mid-October at Downtown Disney. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

    Notice that the restaurant is once again ahead of schedule and will now open even earlier than was last reported, Sometime in the middle of October. Stay tuned to WDWNT as we continue to update you on the progress of the T-Rex Restaurant at Downtown Disney.

    Details on Tinker Bell Movie Passholder Event

    WDWNT on August 12, 2008

    Registration for the Walt Disney World Passholder advanced screening of the Tinker Bell movie will be opening on August 19, 2008. The four screenings will take place on September 27 and 28 at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM inside the Magic Kingdom, inside the Exposition Hall. You can register for the event If you have a valid WDW annual pass at this link beginning on August 19th.

    More Details on Disney World’s 40th Anniversary

    WDWNT on August 12, 2008

    While we are still a little more than 3 years away from the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 2011, there are many rumors of new additions to the Disney theme parks that are becoming more and more likely. We have already told you about the plan to renew classic attractions at the Magic Kingdom such as Space Mountain, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, The Enchanted Tiki Room, The Country Bear Jamboree, and the Hall of Presidents, as well as add a few new attractions such as a Little Mermaid dark-ride and some new nighttime entertainment offerings. Now details are emerging on some planned projects for Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the celebration.

    By now, you are all aware of the world’s worst kept secret of Star Tours receiving its new story, queue, film, and store sometime in 2011, but you may not be aware of another film change that is now making the rounds. It appears that filming for the proposed “Soarin’ Around The World” film is set to begin soon and we can plan on seeing the updated Epcot and California Adventure E-Ticket debut sometime in late 2009/early 2010 if all goes according to plan. Epcot is also expected to be replacing Illuminations Reflections of Earth with a new show sometime in the 2009 and who can forget the still unofficial Monsters Inc. roller coaster that’s coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With all these big-budget projects and the expected financial downturn that WDW is about to go through, it will be interesting to see what from this list actually makes it off the blueprints and into the parks.

    Be sure to stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available on these rumors as we get closer to Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary.