NEWS

Dateline
Disney

Current  Dateline Disney

2009
January/February
March/April
May/June
July/August
September/October

DisneyPlanner:
January - April
Summer
Summer - Updated
Fall
Holiday Season

2008
January/February
March/April
May/June
July/August

Disney Planner
   September-December
Disney Planner
   May-August
Disney Planner
  January-April

2007
Disney Planner
   September-
    December
Disney Planner
   May-August
Disney Season -
   Spring
Spring

January
February
March
April
May
June
September/October

2006
Disney Season -
    Fall
August - December
May - August
January -April
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2005
January - April
September-December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2004
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2003
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2002
January
February
March
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2001
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

2000
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1999
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1998
January
February
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

1997
March
April
June
July
September
October
November
December

1996
September
October
December

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

May/June 2009

In This Edition:

Downtown Disney: Fun soars to new heights with iconic attraction, dining option and hip retail offering.
Epcot: Music galore with Flower & Garden Festival Flower Power concerts plus Sounds Like Summer concert series featuring legendary music.
Magic Kingdom: Zany Stitch takes to stage in new outdoor show.
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Power of "the Force"returns.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Picnic lunches now on the menu; Street party fun closes each day.
Disney's Wide World of Sports: Competition continues withSpecial Olympics and Muddy Buddy Ride and Run.
Disney Resorts: Two unique resort offerings opening their doors; Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge guests have new dining experience; Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa guests offered new fun after sundown.

Anyone Up for Bird's-Eye View of Downtown Disney Area
Is in For a Treat When Characters in Flight Ascends

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney with an iconic new tethered balloon that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.

Characters in Flight operated by Aerophile, a 72-foot-diameter balloon, can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with unparalleled, 360-degree vistas.
Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-served basis.

New Downtown Disney Retail Offering Blends Retro Style and Current Trends
With a Touch of Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A stylish boutique with designer flair and eclectic offerings becomes a premier shopping spot at Downtown Disney Marketplace with the opening of Tren-D. The urban-inspired Walt Disney World specialty store is a one-of-a-kind, hip destination for fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories.

Offerings include organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and trendy accessories set among stylish art and unique furnishings. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct fixtures and mod furnishings.
Much of the merchandise is not available anywhere else at Downtown Disney. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy will showcase their artistry – blending it with Disney-inspired creations.

Tren-D is in a 2,500-square-foot venue near Pin Traders and Once Upon a Toy. The space previously was used by Summer Sands.

Hit Makers of '60s and '70s Bring Groovy Vibes to Epcot
During Flower Power Concerts Each Weekend in May

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – From Chubby Checker & The Wildcats to Tony Orlando, a lineup of music hit makers from the 1960s and 1970s will strike nostalgic notes each weekend in May during Flower Power concerts that are part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

Flower Power concerts are presented at the America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and are included with regular Epcot admission. Concerts begin at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each day. Here's the May lineup (subject to change without notice):

May 1-May 3 — Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
May 8-May 10 — Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons
May 15-May 17 — Jose Feliciano
May 22-May 24 — The 5th Dimension
May 29-May 31 — Tony Orlando
Guest information is available at www.disneyworld.com/flower. Or call 407/824-4321.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney guests have two new adventurous resort choices opening in time for summer-vacation stays – Kidani Village at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and The Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Both are Disney Vacation Club properties offering deluxe villa accommodations with home-like amenities. Overnight accommodations are also available to non-DVC members.

The Kidani Village villas were designed with intricate African-inspired details plus sweeping views of a savannah of African animals. Guests who visit this resort live their very own true-life adventure in a setting inspired by intrepid explorers and historic expeditions of 19th-century Africa.

Phase One of the villas opened in July 2007 in the original Jambo House building of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The newly constructed Kidani Village is set to open in May as a separate structure. Other features of Kidani Village are a table-service restaurant, Sanaa, celebrating African-inspired cuisine with a dash of Indian flavor; a zero-entry themed pool, Samawati Springs; and Uwanja Camp (Swahili for play area), a wet activity playground. The final phase of Kidani Village is scheduled to open fall 2009.

The new Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are nestled among trees just around the river bend from Downtown Disney. Sixty, three-bedroom cabin-like vacation homes are elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the natural forest setting. Opening in summer 2009, The Treehouse Villas will sleep nine and offer cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and flat-screen TVs.

Sanaa Brings Flavors of Africa, India to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Fans of Jiko-The Cooking Place and Boma-Flavors of Africa have a new reason to dine at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge as Sanaa debuts May 1 in the resort's Kidani Village expansion.

The new Walt Disney World restaurant's unusual name, pronounced "Sah-NAH," is the Swahili word for "artwork." With interiors inspired by African art and remarkable views of the resort's Sunset Savannah through 9-foot windows, diners experience "the art of African cooking with Indian flavors" in the 150-seat, family-oriented restaurant located on the ground floor just below the lobby.

Sanaa's cuisine is a melting pot of tastes from the Indian Ocean islands that are considered part of Africa – Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Mauritius and Madagascar.

Entrées include tandoori-roasted meats, curries, and sides such as dahl (stewed lentils), curried crushed potatoes, stir-fried green beans and slow-cooked spinach and paneer (a mild South Asian cheese). Indian-style flatbreads including naan, roti and paratha are paired with chutneys, Indian-style pickles and raita (yogurt-based dip).

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m. An adjacent 24-seat lounge serves African wines, beer and spirits. For reservations, call 407/WDW-DINE.

Picnic in the Park a New Mealtime Option at Disney's Animal Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With plenty of shady spots for outdoor dining, Disney's Animal Kingdom now serves up an alternative to restaurant mealtimes: Guests can order a "Picnic in the Park" for al fresco dining.

The to-go meal includes either sandwiches (chicken wrap, ham grinder, tuna pita or turkey foccacia, and you can request a variety) or rotisserie chicken or ham. All meals include sides, desserts and bottled water for each guest. Sandwich picnics range from $24.99 for a meal for three to $48.99 for a meal for six; rotisserie picnics range from $29.99 for three to $56.99 for six.

Guests can make arrangements by stopping at a podium near the entrance of Disney's Animal Kingdom between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, or if they're already in the park or it's after 1 p.m., they can order picnics at the podium at Tusker House Restaurant. Picnics are ready for pick-up within two hours at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in the park. For guests on the Disney Dining Plan, the picnic is considered a "quick-service meal."

Magic Kingdom Hosts Bash with Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Interactive wizardry that combines comedy, real-time animation and live musical madness will dazzle guests during Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom.

Beginning in May, Stitch will host a zany interactive experience at the new Rockettower Plaza Stage. Guests are invited to participate in a Galaxy Day celebration when the new outdoor stage comes to life with music and a giant LED screen displays real-time, interactive animation.
The new show incorporates the same interactive technology used in "Turtle Talk With Crush" and "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor." Shows will take place six times daily.

Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star WarsWeekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22 through June 14, Disney's Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.

A giant, "A to Z" gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – will roam the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event's main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Guests can also purchase one-of-a-kind Star Warsmemorabilia, participate in Star Warstrivia contests, autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses, enjoy special Star Warsparades, and ride the famed Star Tours attraction.

Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or disneyworld.com/star-wars-weekend.

Sweet Fun Now Offered Nightly at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – There's a lot "s'more" new fun in store at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa each evening when guests staying at the resort can roast marshmallows around a Mickey-shaped campfire, sing favorite camp tunes on the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon and see the "stars" – both on the silver screen and in the sky – as they watch a family-friendly Disney film on the moonlit beach. S'mores kits and marshmallows are available for purchase during the campfire and movie. For more information about recreational activities at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.

Sounds Like Summer Musical Revival Returns to Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The whole family will be rockin' and rollin' to legendary music this summer at Epcot when popular tribute bands take the stage at America Gardens Theatre.

Seven tribute bands will recreate classic hits from musical icons under the stars as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series. Concerts, which are included in regular Epcot admission, are nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. (except July 4, when show times will be 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.).

Here is the lineup (subject to change):

June. 15-21 – Stayin' Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
June 22-28 – Hotel California – A Tribute to the Eagles
June 29-July 8 – Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi
July 9-19 – Bjorn Again – A Tribute to ABBA
July 20-26 – The Sounds of the Supremes – A Tribute to the Supremes
July 27-Aug. 2 – 2U – A Tribute to U2
Aug. 3-9 – Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty.

For more information, visit Disneyworld.com or call 407/824-4321.

New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney in May

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table beginning in May on Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The lakeside eatery will serve up menu offerings representing the countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 kinds of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.

The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bars, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of cities across the United States.

The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night with entertainment during the evening.

Muddy Buddy Ride and Run May 9 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Muddy Buddy Ride and Run returns to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on May 9 for its 10th Anniversary.
The event includes two-person teams that alternate running (a total of three miles, one mile at a time) and mountain biking (also three miles, a mile at a time) through five separate obstacles. The "partners in grime" meet at the last obstacle, the infamous mud pit, and crawl to the finish together.
The event is expected to draw 3,500 participants (1,750 teams) after recording the largest field in Muddy Buddy history last year (2,800 participants/1,400 teams). Registration is now open at disneyenduranceseries.com.

Special Olympics Florida Summer Games May 15-16 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The 37th annual Special Olympics Florida Summer Games will take place May 15-16 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Summer Games is the largest Special Olympics Florida event each year. More than 2,000 athletes from 41 Florida counties will compete during the two-day event. To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the Summer Games, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests can don fashionable Mickey Mouse ears that show off their true personality at a new Create Your Own Ears Hat boutique located inside Disney's Wonderful World of Memories at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort.

While the traditional black Mickey Mouse Ears have been popular at Disney parks since the '50s, this new offering lets guests design fun keepsakes that reflect their particular style.

Park guests can choose from a variety of decorations to make their Ears unique. The "hats" come in 19 colors – among them purple satin, blue velvet and glow-in-the-dark green. Sassy snap-on mix-and-match "ears" come in 19 varieties such as metallic, rhinestone adorned or furry.
Prices vary based on the add-ons. A basic hat – a base, two ears and a chin strap – starts at $7.50. Character patches, letters, stickers and embroidery are available. The new shop joins the original Create Your Own Ears shop that opened last summer in Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Serves Up Celebration Gathering
As 'Goodnight Kiss' for Guests at Park Closing Time

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney's Animal Kingdom guests get so involved in adventures with birds and beasts of many kinds that they tend to put off one of their priorities all day long: a little quality time with Disney characters.

"So when guests come out of the park, they are absolutely determined to see our characters," said Chris Ambrose, general manager of entertainment at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

In a classic example of giving guests what they want, Disney's Animal Kingdom has launched Adventurers' Celebration Gathering, an interactive experience near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing.

Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.

"We've created a way for our guests to experience our characters … and it's a way for us to have a fun, exciting way to end the day at Animal Kingdom," Ambrose said.