Dateline Disney

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

November 2006

In This Edition:

Disney-MGM Studios: ABC daytime stars to shine at annual Super Soap Weekend; Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights now dancing under the stars; Walt Disney World Florida Classic fun begins here for Bethune-Cookman, FAMU fans.

Epcot: Jon Secada brings down the curtain on Eat to the Beat! concert series; "The Admiral" launches Candlelight Processional.

Magic Kingdom: Mickey hosting more nights of Christmas merriment than ever.

Downtown Disney: Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie® showcases more art than you can shake a brush at.

Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Inaugural Old Spice Classic basketball features tourney-tested teams.

Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wonder emerges from dry dock with new features for the whole family.

Susan Lucci Headlines 11th ABC Super Soap Weekend Nov. 11-12; Historic 'General Hospital' Wedding Commemorated Nov. 10

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- "All My Children" star Susan Lucci will headline a lineup of ABC's daytime stars at the 11th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend Nov. 11-12 at Disney-MGM Studios with a special guest appearance by "The View's" newest co-host, Rosie O'Donnell.

On the eve of the weekend, Colgate Total will present "The 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wedding of Luke & Laura" on Nov. 10 at Disney-MGM Studios. ABC and Disney will join together to commemorate the infamous nuptials that were seen by more than 30 million viewers -- the largest audience in daytime TV history.

The can't-miss celebration will unite Anthony Geary and Genie Francis in their first public appearance in decades, which coincides with Ms. Francis' return as Laura Spencer to ABC's "General Hospital" this October. Fans are invited to join in the festivities for this momentous event on Friday afternoon.

Then, during the ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate Total, Walt Disney World guests will be treated to a cavalcade of favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital."

Festivities at Disney-MGM Studios include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, talk shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars.

ABC Super Soap Weekend is included with admission to Disney-MGM Studios. For updates and more information about ABC Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the Super Soap Hotline recording at 407/397-6808, or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at abc.com.

Jon Secada Brings Diverse Musical Repertoire to Epcot For Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Finale Nov. 9-12

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When Jon Secada brings down the curtain on the 2006 Eat to the Beat! concert series at Epcot Nov. 9-12, the question is: What beat will he be raising the roof with?

The Cuban-born singer and songwriter has won Grammy Awards for Latin pop, has a master's degree in jazz vocal performance, and gets categorized variously as adult contemporary, urban and pop -- an appropriate final act for a 15-artist music series as diverse as the array of food and wine it accompanies during the 11th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

With the theme "Exploring Regional Flavors," the festival showcases more than two dozen international marketplaces around Epcot World Showcase featuring cuisine and wine from regions of countries that include Spain, India, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Poland and more. Guests can immerse themselves in cultural experiences or sip to learn at a wine seminar. They can expand their culinary repertoire at one of many cooking demonstrations.

And daily at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m., guests can take in a concert at America Gardens Theatre. The November lineup of performers begins with The S.O.S. Band, who complete a four-day engagement on Nov. 1. Here are the acts scheduled to follow them to the stage:
-- Nov. 2-4 -- The Contours
-- Nov. 5-6 -- Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
-- Nov. 7-8 -- Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
-- Nov. 9-12 -- Jon Secada

The special entertainment is included with regular Epcot admission.

Alabama Artist Leads More than 200 Honored Visual Artists Into 31st Festival of the Masters Presented by Sharpie®

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Alabama artist Jeannie Maddox's photorealistic oil paintings have been embraced by art collectors on four continents. She's also been embraced by Disney's Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie®.

The Dothan, Ala., resident will be participating in the Walt Disney World art show for a record 29th time Nov. 10-12, heading a list of more than 200 visual artists from 29 states plus Israel who will transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the 31st edition of the event.

Participants, who are honorees from art festivals around the United States, will vie for awards totaling $40,000 in 10 categories: clay; drawing, printmaking, and digital art; glass; jewelry; leather, wood, fiber and paper; mixed media and collage; painting; photography; sculpture; and watercolor.

In addition, House of Blues has confirmed 40 folk artists for the eighth annual "Where the Art Meets the Soul" Folk Art Festival which runs concurrently with Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie®.

The weekend also features live musical entertainment, chalk art and children's activities during festival hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10-12.

There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/art.

'The Admiral' Launches Candlelight Processional Nov. 24 as Epcot Begins Holidays Around the World Celebration

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- "The Admiral" -- former Naval Academy and National Basketball Association star David Robinson -- will launch Disney's beloved holiday tradition, Candlelight Processional, as guest narrator Nov. 24-26 at Epcot.

Candlelight Processional, which takes place at America Gardens Theatre, is a retelling of the Christmas story in narration complemented by music performed by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. There are three presentations each evening, at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

Robinson is the first of 12 narrators scheduled from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30. Narrators in November following Robinson are:

-- Nov. 27-29 -- John O'Hurley (TV's "Seinfeld" and "Dancing With The Stars")

-- Nov. 30-Dec. 2 -- Rita Moreno ("West Side Story")

For an extra special treat, guests can ring in the holiday season with a Candlelight Dinner Package which includes dinner at a select Epcot restaurant and reserved general seating for Candlelight Processional. To make dinner reservations, guests can call 407/939-3463.

Candlelight Processional is a centerpiece of Holidays Around the World at Epcot. Some of the other highlights of the celebration:

-- Holiday Storytellers such as France's Pere Noel, Italy's LaBefana and America's Santa Claus share legendary holiday folklore from around the world throughout World Showcase.

-- Mickey Tree Lighting Treat features Mickey Mouse and friends in the holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree every night at 6 p.m.

--"IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," the nighttime light and sound spectacular at World Showcase Lagoon, features a special holiday finale which includes the classic song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and the voice of Walter Cronkite offering a special holiday message.

-- Lights of Winter, a festive, synchronized light show set to a joyous holiday score, runs nightly at World Showcase Plaza through Jan. 9, 2007.

Holidays Around the World activities are included with regular Epcot admission.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios Will Be Dancing Under the Stars This Holiday Season

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- By day, the backlot area of the Disney-MGM Studios theme park is alive with "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show." By night this holiday season, it will sparkle with "lights, music, dancing" as the popular Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights presented by Sylvania comes alive in a whole new way beginning Nov. 13 and continuing through Jan. 7, 2007.

The spectacle has been enhanced to include choreographed "dancing" lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among Florida "snow flurries."

Also bringing the Disney-MGM Studios backlot to life are three-dimensional and motion-based displays -- some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter. After the home exhibit grew larger and brighter over the years, the million-light display was transported to Disney-MGM Studios in 1995. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today are a giant Mickey Mouse light, dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Fun Begins Nov. 13 as Celebration Grows to Record 18 Evenings in Magic Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is back -- and bigger than ever with 18 evenings of holiday merriment in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. The special after-hours party fun begins Nov. 13 and continues with four more dates before the calendar turn -- on Nov. 17, 27, 28 and 30. Party dates upcoming in December are: Dec. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22.

Guests experience the enchantment of the famous "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade" (featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus), festive live stage shows, Disney characters in their holiday best for meet-and-greets, and the nighttime spectacular "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," a winter wonderland of dazzling fireworks set to classic holiday tunes. There are carolers, cocoa, Christmas cookies and even snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. In addition, guests can experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions.

The party begins at 7 p.m. (following regular Magic Kingdom closing) and requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $37.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 (but with advance purchase, guests can save $6 per ticket for select dates). Note: Many party nights have sold out in advance. To purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com.

Jiko-The Cooking Place Noted Among 50 "Amazing Wine Experiences"

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge was named one of "America's 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences" by Food & Wine magazine in the October 2006 issue. Food & Wine searched coast to coast for "unforgettable wine adventures," and Jiko was one of just two honored in Florida.

Jiko is noted for the largest restaurant list of South African wines in America, including hard-to-find bottles from boutique producers. "The combination of African-influenced dishes and shockingly good wine redefines theme-park food," the magazine extols.

Fan Fun Leading Up to Walt Disney World Florida Classic Begins Nov. 17 at Disney-MGM Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Fans of old rivals Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University can get into the mood for their annual football skirmish with Fan Day at Disney-MGM Studios on Friday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. The fan day is the first in a weekend of activities leading up to the 27th edition of the Walt Disney World Florida Classic Nov. 18 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

A tradition unlike any other, the Classic draws more fans than any other Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football game in the nation with an average attendance of more than 72,000 fans. The Florida Classic, formerly held in Tampa, relocated to Orlando in 1998. Walt Disney World Resort became the game's title sponsor in 2000.

Tickets for the game are $35 each and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or through Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. The Walt Disney World Florida Classic will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU for the second straight year.

Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the Disney Wonder -- Something New For Every Member of the Family

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- One of the most magical ships afloat has gotten an extra dose of pixie dust during two weeks in dry dock in October. The Disney Wonder is offering more options for adults, children and families. Here's what's new:

-- An extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey's sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones.

-- At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it's like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship's bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports, similar to the view from the actual ship's bridge.

-- Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) has expanded its Neverland theme and revamped the Captain's Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play.

-- A state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9 allows Disney Wonder guests at the Goofy Pool (family pool area) to enjoy poolside movies -- classic Disney animated or live-action movies -- plus popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events on a giant 24-by-14-foot screen.

-- At the Vista Spa and Salon, new treatment suites with ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship. The three specifically designed spa villas feature an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge.

-- The fitness center has been expanded by 1,700 square feet as part of the Vista Spa expansion, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations.

-- The Quiet Cove adult pool has undergone a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool.

-- The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 have been transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room contains state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space also hosts a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on deck 9.

A leader in the family cruise segment, 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.

Inaugural Old Spice Classic Includes Tourney-Tested Teams at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex Nov. 23-26

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex will host some of the nation's top basketball teams Thanksgiving weekend for the inaugural Old Spice Classic. Five of the tournament's eight teams saw post-season action last year -- West Virginia, Arkansas, Minnesota, Southern Illinois and Montana. Rounding out the competition are Marist, Virginia Tech and Western Michigan.

Played on Nov. 23, 24 and 26, the Old Spice Classic will be televised live, with nine games on ESPN2 and three on ESPNU. The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) will serve as the sponsoring conference of the event.

Opening Round Match-Ups for Thursday, Nov. 23:
--12 noon -- Arkansas vs. Southern Illinois
-- 2 p.m. -- Minnesota vs. Marist
-- 7:30 p.m. -- Virginia Tech vs. Western Michigan
-- 9:30 p.m. -- West Virginia vs. Montana

To book a package for the Old Spice Classic, visit anthonytravel.com or call 800/736-6377. Tournament tickets (12 games) are available for $90 through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com and 407/839-3900.