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Walt Disney World's Media Office publishes a bimonthly Press Release called Dateline Disney,
which highlights WDW activities for that particular month.

March/April 2009

In This Edition:

Disney's Hollywood Studios: 'The American Idol Experience" among newest Must-Dos; ESPN The Weekend draws ‘Who's Who' list of athletes and ESPN personalities.

Epcot: Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure among newest Must-Dos; Flower & Garden Festival opens with blooming color, horticulture seminars and Flower Power concerts.

Magic Kingdom: 'Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!" Street Party among newest Must-Dos.

Disney's Wide World of Sports: Braves' expanded spring training schedule includes 18 games.

Water parks: Surf's up as Typhoon Lagoon reopens March 22.

Disney Resorts: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge welcomes threatened species' birth.

Walt Disney World Resort: 2009 edition of Disney Dollars available; U.S., UK travel agents vote Walt Disney World Resort top theme park.

What Will You Celebrate?: 'Gifting" service being introduced.

Disney Cruise Line: New service launching for vacationers with toddlers.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests who want to be literally in the middle of the theme park action are in for a treat – or three – at Walt Disney World Resort this spring. Imagine performing a vocal onstage in front of a thousand people. Or being part of an audience that evaluates and votes on vocal performances. Or playing the role of a world adventurer crusading to thwart the bad guys. Or a party-goer who 'gets down" and dances in the street.

Three new experiences will allow spring vacationers to participate in all those activities following debuts in late January and February of ‘The American Idol Experience' at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure at Epcot and 'Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!" Street Party at Magic Kingdom. Here's a snapshot of each experience:

'The American Idol Experience" – Starry-eyed Disney guests get a taste of the pop culture phenomenon 'American Idol" – up close and personal by experiencing the challenge of auditioning and the rush of performing onstage in competition or judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the 'American Idol" set. There are several show times daily. Guests advancing through the screening process to the nightly final competition can earn a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the 'American Idol" TV show by topping the audience voting.

Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure – In an experience inspired by Disney Channel's Emmy Award-winning 'Kim Possible" animated series, guests become secret agents to save the world from comical villains and their mad inventions in this interactive adventure packed with mystery and excitement. Guests team up with members of Team Possible in this high-tech adventure in Epcot's Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom pavilions. Each pavilion features a different mission and villain from the TV series.

'Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!" Street Party – It's party time when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers processes down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as 'Breakout" and 'I Like To Move It." Floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – 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 that takes place three times daily.

While in Magic Kingdom, guests may want to check out the 'refreshed" 3 o'clock parade. New music, new costumes and some new float décor are now part of the parade. The procession also makes more stops – during which party dancers perform to get guests into a celebratory spirit. And to go with the changes, the parade has a new name: 'Celebrate A Dream Come True." It and the street party are part of Disney Parks' program 'What Will You Celebrate?" which began in January.

16th Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
Celebrates Floral Fun and 'Going Green' March 18-May 31

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – An elaborate 'Cinderellabration" topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

Each year, Disney gardeners channel their creative energy into presenting an intricate topiary display against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. This year, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, and Belle and Beast from 'Beauty and the Beast" will debut in all their 'blooming finery" as the grand front-entrance topiary during the festival.

Throughout the 75-day festival, more than 70 topiaries will decorate the park landscape and showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Disney gardeners. Sweeping floral beds and exhibits will feature 30 million blooms. A Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion will tell the 'love story" of plants and perfume, and the English Tea Garden at the United Kingdom pavilion will explore the art and history of blending tea plants. The art of bonsai will 'wow" guests at the Japan showcase.

More information about the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

'60s-'70s Hit Makers Bring Groovy Vibes to Epcot on Weekends
Beginning March 20 during Flower & Garden Festival

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, popular for their Grammy Award-nominated single 'If You Don't Know Me By Now," and other hit makers will strike nostalgic notes during Flower Power concerts each weekend of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, beginning
March 20, at Walt Disney World Resort.
The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and '70s begins with opening-weekend performances by Davy Jones, known for multiple pop singles including 'Daydream Believer." Flower Power concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord at America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and are included with regular Epcot admission.
Concerts start at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. except on March 20, March 27 and April 3, when the curtain rises at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m. Here's the lineup for March and April (subject to change without notice):
March 20-22 – Davy Jones
March 27-March 29 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 3-April 5 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 10-April 12 – Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
April 17-April 19 – The Ventures
April 24-April 26 – Harold Melvin's Blue Notes (NEW)
Guest information is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower. Or call 407/824-4321.

Braves' Expanded Home Spring Training Slate at Disney Features Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, World Classic Games

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The 12th edition of Atlanta Braves Spring Training baseball at Walt Disney World Resort promises to be the best yet – headlined by visits by the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox and World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, plus two World Baseball Classic Exhibitions.

Following their home opener in Champion Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on Feb. 26 against the Houston Astros, the Braves will play 17 more home dates in March. The 18-game schedule is the Braves' most expansive home slate since spring training moved to Walt Disney World Resort in 1998.

The Braves drew 138,811 fans at Champion Stadium in 2008 – second among teams in Florida's Grapefruit League.

New immersive fan features like the On-Field Spectator Experience, guest giveaways, and themed games like 80's Night and Family Night mean more excitement for fans than ever before. For more information, visit www.disneysports.com.

The schedule:
Thursday, Feb. 26 –– Houston Astros............................................1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 1 –– Philadelphia Phillies....................................1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 3 –– World Baseball Classic Exb. (Panama).......1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4 –– New York Yankees.......................................1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 5 –– World Baseball Classic Exb. (Venezuela) ...2:05 p.m.
Friday, March 6 –– Houston Astros........................................ .....7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 –– Philadelphia Phillies.....................................1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 12 –– Washington Nationals...................................1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 15 –– Houston Astros.............................................1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 17 –– New York Mets ............................................1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 –– Detroit Tigers................................................7:05 p.m.
Friday, March 20 –– Florida Marlins.............................................1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 –– New York Mets.............................................1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 –– Pittsburgh Pirates........................................6:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 –– Toronto Blue Jays..........................................1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 27 –– Detroit Tigers.................................................1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 28 –– New York Yankees.......................................1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 30 –– Boston Red Sox............................................1:05 p.m.

Surf's Up March 22 at Walt Disney World Resort
As Typhoon Lagoon Reopens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Spring break is here and surf's up at Walt Disney World Resort beginning March 22 when Typhoon Lagoon water park reopens following refurbishment. A day later,
would-be surfers will learn to ride the wave during the season's first Cocoa Beach Surf School session.
Guests can enjoy both 'bobbing" and surfing-size waves during regular Typhoon Lagoon operating hours, but activity is limited to body surfing. However, during reservation-only sessions before and after park hours, 'surf's up" and the boards are in the water:
Cocoa Beach Surf School – With mentoring from professional surf instructors, participants learn the basics during the 2½-hour early-morning class on select mornings. Instruction begins on land, then moves into the water on boards provided by the surf school. Class enrollment is by reservation and size is limited to 12 to 14 participants. For more information and reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY.
Private Surf Events – Accomplished surfers can hold events with custom surfing waves either on mornings when the surf school isn't in session or after normal operating hours. Information and reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-SURF.
While the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool is a 'centerpiece" of Typhoon Lagoon, the park features attractions for the whole family – from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides. Guests can snorkel Shark Reef – with real sharks – and test three different rollercoaster-like water slides on Crush ‘n' Gusher … or grab an inner tube for a gentle journey along Castaway Creek, a meandering stream, 2,000 feet long, that passes through cool mists and grottoes, lush rainforests and invigorating waterfalls.
More information about Typhoon Lagoon is available at DisneyWorld.com. On the home page under the 'Discover" tab, click on Theme Parks & Water Parks.

Online Gifting Allows Family, Friends to Be Part of 'Celebration Vacations'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For a couple's 25th anniversary, they've planned an elaborate celebration complete with customized experiences at the happiest place on earth – Disney. You can't make the trip. So how can you still be a part of their celebration – perhaps thousands of miles away?
As part of 'What Will You Celebrate?", Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California have introduced a Dream Maker service that makes it easier than ever to 'gift" a celebrant with a personalized, magical Disney experience when you can't be there. From high-flying parasailing adventures to romantic carriage rides, room customizations to magical gift baskets, and special dining reservations to fireworks cruises, the possibilities for an unforgettable magical moment are many. To learn about what's available, an online planning tool has been created.
Through www.disneyparks.com, the gift-giver chooses the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration 'planner," then indicate the type of celebration – birthday, reunion, personal triumph, true love (wedding, honeymoon or anniversary) or even 'first visit." Based on the occasion, the online 'planner" displays a selection of ideas. After reviewing the possibilities, the giver calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. All that's needed are the reservation name, vacation dates and the name of the person celebrating. Walt Disney World Dream Makers are at 407/WDW-GIFT. Disneyland Dream Makers can be reached at 714/781-GIFT.

2009 Edition of Disney Dollars Celebrate Celebrating

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Collectors of Disney Dollars, the colorful 'official currency" of Walt Disney World Resort, have cause for celebration: The 2009 series has been issued. And in concert with Disney Parks' 'What Will You Celebrate?" in 2009, the theme of the $1, $5 and $10 denomination bills calls attention to celebrating.

Mickey Mouse and Pluto with a cake are on the front of the $1 bill, while Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse grace the $5. On the $10, Goofy is joined by Donald Duck and Mickey as he blows out the candles on a cake.

Disney Dollars, which debuted in 1987, are individually numbered – making each a unique keepsake or gift. The bills also can be used for purchases throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Dollars can be purchased at theme park Guest Relations, resort front desks and Downtown Disney Marketplace at Guest Relations, and at the information desk at the World of Disney merchandise shop.

Sports Stars, ESPN Personalities Going to Disney World for Weekend Event at Disney's Hollywood Studios Feb. 27-March 1

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – ESPN the Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios Feb. 27-March 1 will feature a 'who's who" lineup of athletes and ESPN personalities involved in a one-of-a-kind experience for sports fans of all ages at Walt Disney World Resort.

The growing list of big names from sports scheduled to appear during the sixth edition of ESPN the Weekend includes Super Bowl heroes Kurt Warner, Hines Ward, Adam Vinatieri and Brandon Jacobs, along with Major League Baseball stars Rickey Henderson, Jim Palmer, Curt Schilling and Joba Chamberlain. This year's event will feature the 'Mike and Mike" show, starring Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg, as well as award-winning telecasts 'Baseball Tonight" and 'NFL Live" that feature personalities Peter Gammons, Stuart Scott, Karl Ravech and Trey Wingo.

An interactive sports area and celebrity motorcades deliver an up close and personal experience for guests, all included with regular theme park admission. This year's event also includes the inaugural ESPN the Weekend 5K race on Feb. 28, with special appearances by ESPN talent and sports-themed trivia throughout the Disney's Hollywood Studios course. For more information, visit www.espntheweekend.com.

British Travel Industry Honors Walt Disney World as 'Best Theme Park'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World Resort has earned a 2009 Globe Travel Award as Best Theme Park in voting to recognize the best in the British travel industry. The award represents a repeat honor for the popular family vacation destination in central Florida.

A total of 48 awards were presented in trade and consumer categories. The Best Theme Park award is among 40 categories voted for solely by industry professionals. According to information about the voting process, 'It is the travel agents who vote for the winner, ensuring the highest standards and the ultimate service is recognised."

Travel Trade Names Walt Disney World Resort Best Theme Park

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World Resort has been selected Best Theme Park by Travel Trade in the magazine's first-ever Reader's Choice Awards. More than 3,000 travel agents from the U.S. voted on the awards, with agents citing 'overall professionalism," 'attention to detail" and 'service" as top reasons for choosing the resort destination as their favorite theme park.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Welcomes Threatened Species' Birth

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When a Ruppell's Griffon Vulture hatched at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge recently, it was a first at Walt Disney World Resort – and significant far beyond central Florida. Over the past 20 years, the population of Ruppell's Griffon Vultures has been declining, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to raise the status of this species to threatened. Members of Disney's Animal Programs Team hope to increase the species population and generate more awareness of the challenges these birds face.

While weighing less than six ounces and about eight inches long when hatched, a vulture could grow to reach sizes close to three feet in height, with a wingspan of nearly eight feet, and can weigh 15-20 pounds. They are also known for their high-flying skills, being among the highest flying bird on record – once spotted at an altitude of more than 37,000 feet in the skies of West Africa.

Disney Cruise Line to Launch Industry-First Service
Enhancing Its ‘Kid-Glove' Care for Youngest Cruisers

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Traveling with infants and toddlers on Disney Cruise Line will be easier than ever beginning March 15 thanks to a cruise industry-first service that delivers baby supplies directly to guest staterooms onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Families preparing to sail with little ones can make arrangements in advance of their cruise for orders of familiar brands of baby products – in quantities customized to the duration of their cruise – to be delivered onboard, 'eliminating the challenges of packing for infant travel," said Tom Wolber, senior vice president of operations for Disney Cruise Line.

The new service exclusive for Disney Cruise Line guests is provided by Babies Travel Lite, an online retailer offering more than 1,000 brand-name baby products including diapers, baby food, infant formula and specialty travel items. By visiting disneycruise.com, guests will be able to access a special section of the Babies Travel Lite Web site where they can create orders.

The new delivery service joins a host of products and services available to facilitate families traveling with toddlers on Disney Cruise Line:

* Diaper Genie units, cribs and playpens are available complimentary upon request from the stateroom host/hostess for use during the cruise, while bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers and strollers are available complimentary at Guest Services for use during the cruise.
* At Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, wagons are available to facilitate navigating the island's sandy beaches.
* Baby supplies are available for purchase on the ships.
* Disney's infant-care center at sea, Flounder's Reef Nursery, features an 'under-the-sea" soft play area themed to Disney's 'The Little Mermaid" where children 12 weeks to 36 months can enjoy themselves under the watchful eyes of trained Disney caregivers.
* Mickey's Splash Zone is a water playground just for toddlers inspired by The Sorcerer's Apprentice from Disney's 'Fantasia."

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.