NOVEMBER 2004

In This Edition:

Epcot: Food & Wine "beat" goes on; Holidays Around the World returns; new fun at Innoventions
Disney-MGM Studios: ABC Daytime stars come out for Super Soap Weekend ... and the lights come on for the return of the Osborne Spectacle of Lights
Disney's Animal Kingdom: New "Jingle Jungle Parade" to get guests into the holiday spirit
Disney's Wide World of Sports: Talk about "backing in" to the world record book ...
New York: Disney fun on Fifth Avenue

*****

Stitch's Great Escape! Promises Pandemonium
for Walt Disney World Guests

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Fans of Walt Disney Pictures' hit film "Lilo & Stitch" know him as a cuddly but destructive alien prone to hilarious fits of havoc. But what was Stitch like before the movie?

Starting in mid-November, Walt Disney World guests will find out when they come face to face with the mischievous character in a new Magic Kingdom attraction -- Stitch's Great Escape!

Located on the site of the former attraction The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, the new, kid-friendly Tomorrowland adventure will put guests in the middle of the mayhem caused by the naughty "Experiment 626" -- a.k.a. Stitch -- when he's captured by the Galactic Federation and teleported to a processing center for alien prisoners.

Park guests are recruited to provide additional security as the six-limbed alien arrives with a reputation for playful disobedience -- and an appetite for chaos that exceeds all limits. Sights, sounds and -- ewwww! -- smells add to the pandemonium.

Walt Disney Imagineers took on the challenge of bringing a character from an animated film to life as an Audio-Animatronics figure. The result is a 39-inch-tall version of the unstoppable blue menace animated with a breathtaking degree of realism, one of the most complex creations of its size, custom-made by Imagineers with more than 350 detailed, hand-machined parts and more than 40 separate functions.

Also featured will be two "plasma cannons" that follow Stitch's DNA whenever -- and wherever -- it moves.

Stitch's Great Escape! will offer Disney's FASTPASS, the innovative free service available to all guests that eliminates the need to wait in long lines for popular attractions.

Away from Magic Kingdom, fans of the rambunctious character can have fun with an online game at www.stitchescape.com.

*****

Largest Soap Opera Fan Event in the Country
Returns to Disney-MGM Studios Nov. 13-14

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Susan Lucci ("All My Children") will headline a star-studded lineup of more than 30 actors and actresses from the ABC Daytime dramas Nov. 13-14 at the ninth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios.

Annually, ABC Super Soap Weekend is the largest soap fan event held anywhere in the country.

During Super Soap Weekend, Walt Disney World guests will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Other event festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, star conversations, talk shows, a special soap opera edition of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" game show attraction and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The star-studded event also features live musical performances by cast members in the Colgate Total Street Jam concert.

ABC Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney-MGM Studios. For future updates and more information about ABC Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline at 407/397-6808.

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Food & Wine "Beat" Goes On
At Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. -- Walt Disney World guests can fall into flavorful fun during the ninth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that continues through Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort. The expanded, six-week-long festival features some 100 wineries, celebrated chefs, wine schools, seminars, beer tastings, kids activities and elaborate dinners. Here are some special event highlights for November:

The daily Eat to the Beat! concert series features Blake Shelton (Oct. 31-Nov. 4), Eddie Money (Nov. 5-9) and Chubby Checker & the Wildcats (Nov. 10-14) in concert at America Gardens Theatre.

Celebrity pastry chefs whip up three desserts for sampling during Sweet Sundays. Upcoming Sweet Sundays: Nov. 7 (Keegan Gerhard, a Pastry Art and Design Magazine top-10 pastry chef in 2002) and Nov. 14 (Colette Peters, whose New York company has been cooking up divine desserts for 20 years). Sweet Sundays cost $55 per person at Odyssey.

Party for the Senses grand tasting celebrations Nov. 6 and 13 at World Showplace showcase the talents of 20 eminent chefs and 50 wines and beers, plus entertainment by Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba troupe. Tickets are $95 per person.

Australian Wine School on Nov. 6 and 7 is the final stop on a four-week schedule of Epcot Wine Schools, a trip Down Under for an in-depth look at the emerging leader in the world of wines. Sample wines from the portfolio of Penfolds, Rosemount Estate, and Lindemans -- Australia's pride and joy. The experience will include lunch at Wonders Retreat in Future World. Tickets are $125 per person.

Kid's Weekend, hosted by FamilyFun Magazine Nov. 12-14, features fall crafts at the New England Fair at The American Adventure courtyard and kid's culinary demonstrations with crafts at Odyssey.

Call 407/WDW-FEST or visit disneyworld.com/foodandwine for more information.

*****

Return of Spectacle of Lights Leads Holiday Lineup
At Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- November launches another gala celebration of the winter holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. Across the 47-square-mile Vacation Kingdom, there's enough merriment to fill Santa's sleigh many times over. Here are some highlights:

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is back at Disney-MGM Studios after a one-year hiatus while space was cleared for an exciting new stunt show spectacular. This year's "Spectacle" brings a whole new meaning to "Christmas time in the city" as guests walk Streets of America among glittery angels, twirling carousels of lights, wreaths, bells, snowflakes, toy soldiers, Santa and his reindeer -- all the magic of the original display from Little Rock, Ark., in a whole new setting with five million lights and lots of new surprises from the Osborne family. This year's dates: Nov. 24, 2004-Jan. 2, 2005.

At Epcot, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Guests to The American Adventure pavilion will find storytellers plus Kwanzaa and Hanukkah exhibits. Or they can celebrate with Disney characters each evening at a tree-lighting ceremony, and discover richly diverse holiday traditions from the far corners of the world. Lights of Winter is a dazzling canopy of lights glittering with holiday cheer. "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" -- the World Showcase spectacle of lasers, lights and fireworks -- features a holiday-themed finale.

One cherished Epcot tradition, beginning Nov. 26, is the Candlelight Processional -- a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. Showtimes at America Gardens Theatre are 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. A show-and-dinner package is available by calling 407/WDW-DINE. The tentative lineup of guest narrators includes: Rita Moreno (Nov. 26-28), Heather Headley (Nov. 29-Dec. 1), Kirk Franklin (Dec. 2-4), Jim Caviezel (Dec. 5-7), Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason (Dec. 8-10), Joshua Morrow (Dec. 11-13), Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 17-19), Edward James Olmos (Dec. 20-22), Gary Sinise (Dec. 23-28) and LeVar Burton (Dec. 29-30).

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (beginning Nov. 28) features 12 evenings of special holiday fun in Magic Kingdom: Nov. 28 and 30, Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17. There are special holiday shows, fireworks and treats. For ticket information, guests can contact 407/W-DISNEY.

"Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade" at Disney's Animal Kingdom will blend the spirit of Disney's Animal Kingdom with the spirit of the season into a holiday offering full of jump, joy and jive! That's not all. The creatures are definitely stirring as Santa Goofy and other Disney characters transform Camp Minnie-Mickey into a wild and festive wonderland. Live entertainers ho-ho-ho and characters in their holiday best will be posing for pictures and signing autographs. Dates: Nov. 30, 2004-Jan. 1, 2005.

What would the holidays be without shopping? During Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney, guests can stroll the bustling sidewalks for treasures from some of the most incredible stores in the world, like World of Disney and Once Upon a Toy. There are tempting restaurants for making merry, spectacular window displays and a giant tree. Thousands of holiday lights line the rooftops, creating a magical setting for snuggling up to Santa.
*****

Walt Disney World Resort Voted Among Best Resorts
In Travel + Leisure Family Magazine Poll

NEW YORK -- In its fall/winter 2004 edition, Travel + Leisure Family Magazine announced T + L Family 50 -- the top 50 family-friendly hotels and resorts as selected by readers. In the category of "Top 10 Resorts in the Continental U.S. + Canada," four Walt Disney World hotels were voted best by readers. They were (in order of cumulative placement): Disney's Wilderness Lodge (3); Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (4); Disney's Yacht Club Resort (5) and Disney's Boardwalk (7). Top vote-getter among T + L Family readers was The Cloister, in Sea Island, Ga.

*****

Two New "Entertain and Learn" Attractions
Offered at Epcot Innoventions

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Innoventions -- Epcot's playground of fascination, making technology fun -- has unwrapped two new attractions:

"Where's the Fire?" is a 4,000-square-foot exhibit designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in cooperation with Liberty Mutual's fire safety specialists. The exhibit features an interactive game house that challenges teams of guests to find and eliminate home fire hazards. The exhibit also includes a "Play It Safe" house for younger guests that simulates the direction fire travels and tests children's fire safety knowledge through three "Burning Questions" touch-screen kiosks.

"Fantastic Plastic Works" is a 5,000-square-foot exhibit telling the story of plastics. Sponsored by Plastics Industry, Inc., the exhibit treats Epcot guests to three areas that showcase how plastics enhance our lives every day -- from basic plastic bottles and bags to medical breakthroughs. One interactive area allows guests to create various types of plastics and learn their everyday use.

*****

Cycling Backwards -- Greatest Distance in 24 Hours, Nov. 19-20

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In an attempt to set a world record, Darl Bonnema will cycle backwards for 24 hours at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex Nov. 19-20. Bonnema, an aquatics director in the Orlando area, hopes to cycle more than 1,000 laps (250 miles) while sitting backward on the handlebars of a non-modified bicycle. While there is no current record for this achievement, researchers have deemed it a suitable feat, worthy of a world record. Bonnema has specific rules and guidelines from Guinness World Records that will ensure the accuracy of the attempt and the title of greatest distance cycled backwards in 24 hours.

Spectators are welcome to watch his feat at the track & field venue at the sports complex. Opening ceremonies will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. Bonnema will cycle from noon on Friday, Nov. 19, until noon on Saturday, Nov. 20. All proceeds benefit the Edgewood Children's Ranch, a residential school that serves at-risk youth ages 7-17 in the Orlando community who have behavioral problems and learning disabilities.

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Walt Disney World Resort Continues Florida Classic Sponsorship

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort continues its title sponsorship of the annual college football game between Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University as the Walt Disney World Florida Classic returns to Central Florida.

Walt Disney World Resort became title sponsor of the game in 2002 and has donated more than $1.3 million to the two schools since playing a major role in moving the Classic to Orlando in 1997.

The Walt Disney World Florida Classic is the largest black college football showcase in the country and the largest sporting event in Central Florida. The 2003 game was played before a record sell-out crowd of 73,358 fans.

This year's game celebrates the 25th anniversary of the rivalry and will be played Saturday, Nov. 20, at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. In addition to sponsoring the game, Walt Disney World Resort will host the annual Presidents' Scholarship Gala on Nov. 18, and both school bands for Steppin' in the Park at Magic Kingdom on Nov. 19.

Tickets for the game can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 407/839-3900 or at www.ticketmaster.com.

*****

Flagship World of Disney Store Opens on Fifth Avenue in New York

NEW YORK -- The magic of a Disney theme park has come to New York's Fifth Avenue with the October opening of the World of Disney store -- bringing with it live Disney character interactive experiences, a unique shopping environment and exclusive one-of-a-kind merchandise in the heart of New York City for residents and visitors alike.

"We are thrilled to open our Flagship Fifth Avenue World of Disney store, which has been designed to offer a shopping and entertainment experience for both children and adults," said Disney CEO Michael Eisner. "The World of Disney store reflects our commitment to interactive, memorable experiences that we continuously strive to create for our guests in every form of Disney entertainment -- whether it's in our theme parks, in our movies or television shows, or in our retail establishments."

"The World of Disney store is part of our long-term strategy to bring Disney entertainment and experiences to new audiences and new places," said Jay Rasulo, president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "As a native New Yorker, I am proud and excited that the Big Apple can now experience a taste of Disney theme park magic in the heart of the city."

The three-story, 24,000-square-foot World of Disney store is designed to inspire guests' imagination with immersive, one-of-a-kind shopping experiences featuring imaginative displays and unique products. When guests enter, they will be wowed with pixie dust-adorned fixtures, Mickey Mouse silhouettes and statues of favorite Disney characters including a nine-foot-tall candy-filled Goofy.

Children will discover activities to motivate their creativity. They can design a princess crown, build their own Mr. Potato Head, customize a candy creation or play the latest video games from Walt Disney Interactive.

Two guest experiences with popular Disney characters are offered. Magical Meetings, for which there is no charge, is a Disney character meet-and-greet session, providing hugs and smiles to all. Cinderella's Princess Court, a 60-minute interactive experience for which there is a charge, features songs, storytelling and engaging games that demonstrate the four "Princess Principles" -- Intelligence, Grace, Thoughtfulness and Honesty for would-be princesses.