Dateline Disney

APRIL 2004

New Online Game Gives Guests at Home
A Taste of Mission: SPACE Attraction

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests at home can now get a taste of the Mission: SPACE attraction experience at Epcot by playing the new "Mission: SPACE Race Online," an interactive game that teams in-park guests with online participants in a race to guide spacecrafts from Mars to their home bases.

This marks the first time guests at home can "connect" with in-park guests in a game at a Disney theme park.

While Epcot guests play the game on giant screens inside the Mission: SPACE attraction, guests at home can play along at their personal computers.

Teams enable their spaceships to go faster by hitting the correct keyboard buttons to apply "fixes" to damaged sections of the ship. The more fixes that are applied, the faster the team's ship will head to their home base, with the winner being the team which first guides its ship back to base.

While already available online in a preview mode, the official launch of the online game will be May 5, 2004, at disneyspacerace.com.

In addition to the game, the site will feature exclusive, in-capsule video of sports and entertainment celebrities -- including golfer Tiger Woods -- experiencing the Mission: SPACE thrill ride. Mission: SPACE Race-themed downloads also will be available at disneyspacerace.com.

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Epcot Delights Fans of the Walt Disney Pictures Presentation
Of the Pixar Animation Studios Film, 'Finding Nemo,'
With New Nemo Exhibits

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Walt Disney Pictures presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film, "Finding Nemo," was the number one box office movie in 2003, and the frenzy continues at Walt Disney World Resort as Epcot guests who take in the action at The Living Seas see Nemo sculptures and can pose for photo opportunities. Inspired by the film, "Finding Nemo," another Nemo enhancement inside the attraction treats guests to a view of more clownfish than ever swimming in sea anemones.

Outside The Living Seas at Epcot sits Nemo's Garden with eight larger-than-life characters from "Finding Nemo" swimming almost life-like in a setting of live plants. Large sea plants, vibrant rockwork and brightly painted sculptures of Nemo stars adorn the garden area where guests can pose for pictures.

Walt Disney Co. and Pixar worked closely to ensure the character sculptures reflected their personalities from the motion picture. Mirrorplex, gold leaf and crushed glass materials compose the different textures found in Sheldon, Dory, Pearl, Tad, Gil, Nemo and Bloat -- the movie's fish characters.

The Nemo & Friends experience -- new to the interior of The Living Seas pavilion -- allows guests to continue their underwater learning and discovery that began in the movie.

Guests can see many of the sea creatures depicted as animated characters in the movie, including clownfish ("Nemo" and "Marlin" in the film), blue tangs ("Dory"), starfish ("Peach"), seahorses ("Sheldon"), sharks (like "Anchor"), puffer fish ("Bloat") and stingrays ("Mr. Ray").

Other Nemo & Friends features include a stingray-viewing habitat called "Mr. Ray's Lagoon," a "Can you Find Nemo?" habitat and a Great Barrier Reef display.

Guests also can meet Nemo during several greeting times daily and see new Coral stilt walkers who entertain in front of the garden near The Living Seas pavilion. Bubbles and music fill the air surrounding Nemo's Garden, setting the backdrop for the Nemo character experience.

"Finding Nemo" is the ninth film of any kind to cross the half-billion-dollar mark in the international market and is the most successful animated film of all time. At home, the film won an Oscar® for Best Animated Feature Film.

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Newest Disney Animated Musical-Comedy
Leads Magic Kingdom Parade

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Until April 16, 2004, Magic Kingdom guests can catch a glimpse of the cast of characters featured in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures' animated musical-comedy "Home on the Range."

The pre-parade mini-show features two floats accompanied by equestrians on horses and characters from the film. Dancers kick up their heels to k.d. lang's new song "A Little Patch of Heaven" from the film's soundtrack as Pearl (the character who owns the "Patch of Heaven" dairy farm in the film) encourages parade-goers to join in the spirited square dance.

The mini-show takes place prior to the daily "Share a Dream Come True" parade. "Home on the Range" will "stampede" into theaters nationwide April 2.

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Night of Joy 2004 Features Biggest Lineup in Event's History,
Tickets on Sale April 21

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort has unveiled plans for an unprecedented Night of Joy in September 2004 that will showcase the biggest, most-decorated lineup of contemporary Christian music talent in the event's 22-year history.

The marquee includes 24 acts spread across three consecutive evenings Sept. 9-11 -- including a first-ever Thursday evening Night of Joy. The expansion to a third night follows early sellouts in recent years.

The result is 24 acts that have amassed 165 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 21 Grammy Awards. The star-studded lineup features three-time and reigning artist-of-the-year Michael W. Smith, six-time artist-of-the-year Steven Curtis Chapman, two-time female vocalist-of-the-year winners CeCe Winans and Jaci Velasquez, king of contemporary gospel Kirk Franklin, three-time and reigning group-of-the-year Third Day, three-time group-of-the-year 4Him, and two-time group-of-the-year winners Jars of Clay and Point of Grace.

But that's not the half of this year's Night of Joy lineup. They are joined by Avalon, Rebecca St. James, Salvador, FFH, Mark Schultz, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Joy Williams, Stryper, 12 Stones, SONICFLOOd, downhere, Across the Sky, Jump 5 and Warren Barfield.

One-, two-, and three-night tickets will be available beginning April 21 by calling 407/W DISNEY or by visiting disneyworld.com/nightofjoy on the Internet. Advance tickets are $36.95 (plus tax) for one night, $59.95 (plus tax) for two nights and $79.95 (plus tax) for three nights. Tickets will also be available at Florida locations of Family Christian Stores. One-day tickets on event days -- if available -- are $41.95. The event has been sold out in advance in recent years.

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Casting Call for ABC's Hit Shows 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' To Be Held at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island April 17

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- On April 17, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island will host a casting call for the hit ABC television shows "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The casting call is open to all those "looking for love," but participants must complete the downloadable application from wftv.com (the Orlando ABC affiliate's Web site) prior to the audition.

Participants should be prepared for on-camera interviews and bring government-issued photo identification for age verification. A complete list of rules and regulations and the downloadable application will be available at wftv.com by April 1.

There is no admission fee to Downtown Disney Pleasure Island during the casting call and the audition is open to the general public.

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Spring 'Price Break' Continues for College Students Until April 16
At Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- College students continue to find extra savings at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island as part of the nighttime entertainment district's Spring "Price Break."

College or university students 18 years of age or older with a valid student ID can take advantage of a 25 percent discount on admission tickets to Pleasure Island. Students must ask for the special discount at the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island box office. The offer is valid until April 16, 2004.

Downtown Disney Pleasure Island is a six-acre nighttime entertainment complex filled with nightclubs, restaurants and boutiques. All nightclubs are included with general admission. Downtown Disney Pleasure Island is open daily from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.

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Pixie-dusted DVD Makes Disney Cruise Line Vacation Planning Fun, Interactive

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line now offers families a free, vacation planning DVD that allows them to learn more about Disney's cruise vacations in a manner that's more interactive than ever before. The DVD features hours of content about the family-friendly line, from descriptions of the different itineraries to photography and video of each stateroom category, entertainment activities and dining options.

Guests can obtain a DVD free of charge by calling Disney Cruise Line directly at 888/DCL-2500 or online at disneycruise.com. Travel agents are also great resources when planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Most travel agents will assist guests in obtaining a Disney Cruise Line DVD or lend them the agency's copy.

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Disney's Wide World of Sports Goes 'To the Dogs'
April 24 with Purina Challenge

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Four-legged fame awaits canine competitors April 24 as many of the nation's "top dogs" compete in Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

From puppies to seniors, dogs will have the chance to showcase their athletic abilities in a variety of competitions including dog diving, flying disc and agility.

This Eastern Regional competition is the first of three across the country to find who will compete in the Ultimate Challenge at the Purina Farms in St. Louis on Oct. 2, 2004.

Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge Schedule
April 24, 2004, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex

(Schedule subject to change)

Time - Event - Description

10 a.m. - "Incredible Agility Competition" - Clear jumps, weave poles, tunnels, etc.

11 a.m. - "Incredible Junior Agility Competition" - Teen and pre-teen run demonstration event

Noon - "Incredible Diving Dog Competition" - Dive off ramp into water to retrieve a bumper

1 p.m. - "Incredible Jack Russell Hurdle Racing Competition" - Six Jack Russell Terriers jump four hurdles and enter a small tunnel

2 p.m. - "Incredible High Jump Competition" - Leap over a bar -- the highest jump wins

3 p.m. - "Incredible Freestyle Flying Disc Competition" - 2.5-minute routine of aerial maneuvers

For more information about Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, guests may visit www.purina.com or call 800/229-4758, ext. 343.

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Spring and Summer Travel Discounts
Offered Across Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests eager to experience the excitement of Walt Disney World Resort this spring and summer can take advantage of a discounted room rate or a special Walt Disney World Resort package.

Room-only rates at Walt Disney World Resort start as low as $74 per night -- a savings of $25 per room, per night -- with accommodations at Disney's All-Star Resorts for travel most nights between April 18 and July 4, 2004. Other resorts are available at varying rates including corresponding savings of up to $100 per night.

For guests interested in a comprehensive Disney experience, Disney's Summer Dream Maker package, also available for travel between April 18 and July 4, starts as low as $357 per adult for three nights, based on adult double occupancy, at a Disney value-category resort. Additional nights and other resorts also are available with this package at varying rates and corresponding savings.

Disney's Summer Dream Maker package includes a Disney's Ultimate Park Hopper ticket, offering unlimited admission from check-in until the end of the day of check-out to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, a water park, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park, and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, with the freedom to visit multiple parks and attractions on the same day.

Walt Disney World packages are a greater value to guests not only because they include the Ultimate Park Hopper ticket, but in addition they include two souvenir Disney trading pins and lanyards and one of the following Choice Features:

One round of miniature golf at Disney's Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens miniature golf courses; $25 worth of dining at the Planet Hollywood location in Downtown Disney West Side (merchandise and alcoholic beverages not included);
Up to two images displayed on one Leave a Legacy tile at Epcot (one per room);
A specially designed Disney character themed poster, only available to guests purchasing a package.

To book the $74 room-only rate or Disney's Summer Dream Maker package, guests can call Walt Disney World Resort at 407/W-DISNEY, visit disneyworld.com or contact a travel agent. Both discounted offers must be booked by April 17, 2004.

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Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Honors Two Disney Hotels As'Green Lodgings' for Environmental Excellence

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection has designated two Walt Disney World Resort hotels -- Disney's BoardWalk and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort -- as two of Florida's very first "Green Lodgings."

In total, four Florida properties earned the new state designation that recognizes environmentally friendly hotels and motels.

"Green Lodgings are leaders in their industry," said Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen Castille. "Their environmental commitment serves as an example and a challenge to other hotels to adopt innovative green practices, conserve resources and save money."

Launched as a pilot initiative, the voluntary program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution.

Hotels and motels reduce costs and earn designation by investing in simple and innovative "green" practices that conserve water, save energy and reduce waste.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, guests may visit FloridaGreenLodging.com