Dateline Disney May 2006

Disney-MGM Studios: The power of the Force is back during Star Wars Weekends.
Epcot: Flower Power concerts add some music to Flower & Garden Festival evenings; Great American Gardeners share 'green' ideas; weekends are abloom with special activities.
Magic Kingdom: Night of Joy receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Gospel Music Association.
Disney Sports & Recreation: First "Minnie Marathon Weekend" encourages women to get in the running for fitness; Summer Price Slice returns with good deals on Disney golf.
Disney Dining: Expedition Everest inspires some yummy new desserts.
Disney Cruise Line: New itinerary to take Disney Magic to Mediterranean in summer 2007.

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Ewok Actor Warwick Davis Playing New Role -- Celebrity Host For Star Wars Weekends in May and June at Disney-MGM Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for Star Wars Weekends, a family-friendly fan-fest scheduled for four consecutive weekends in May and June at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. The fun kicks off May 19 and continues each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until June 11.

With the park's famous Star Tours thrill ride serving as the centerpiece of the celebration, the annual Star Wars Weekends event fills Disney-MGM Studios with dozens of heroes, heroines, droids and villains from the famous Star Wars films. Star Wars celebrities often take part in meet-and-greet sessions, star conversations and Hollywood-style motorcades.

Actor Warwick Davis -- best-known to audiences as loyal Ewok scout Wicket W. Warrick, lead roles in the films "Willow" and "Leprechaun," and as Professor Flitwick in the popular "Harry Potter" motion pictures -- will play the new role of celebrity host throughout the festival.

Other Star Wars celebrities scheduled to appear during weekend one, May 19-21: famed Star Wars producer Rick McCallum and Peter Mayhew, the 7'3" actor who portrayed everyone's favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca.

Throughout Star Wars Weekends, guests never know which Star Wars character they'll find around the corner, whether it's the heroic Jedi Luke Skywalker, the mysterious bounty hunter Boba Fett, the furry, loyal and lovable Chewbacca or the evil Siths Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Jedi Mickey Mouse has even been known to make an appearance during the festival.

The special fun is all included with regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios.

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Pop Music Legends Bring '60s-'70s Hits Alive During Flower Power Concerts

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- From Gary Puckett to Tony Orlando in Concert, the May lineup of Flower Power talent will turn America Gardens Theatre into a "living jukebox" of musical hits from the 1960s-70s during daily concerts presented in conjunction with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

With artists such as Davy Jones (of The Monkees fame), The Association, The Tokens and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, the May lineup is rich with star power. Among them, May's 10 Flower Power artists were part of 114 recordings that reached the Billboard Top 40, including 15 No. 1's --hits such as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," "Cherish," "Groovin'," and "Daydream Believer."

Concerts at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre are included with regular Epcot admission. Here's the May lineup with their biggest hit(s) noted:

May 1 -- Gary Puckett ("Young Girl," "Lady Willpower" both peaked at #2)
May 2-4 -- Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill ("Midnight Confessions" peaked at #5)
May 5-8 -- Paul Revere and the Raiders ("Indian Reservation" was #1)
May 9-11 -- The Association ("Cherish" and "Windy" were both #1)
May 12-15 -- Davy Jones ("Last Train to Clarksville," "I'm a Believer," and "Daydream Believer" by the Monkees were all #1)
May 16-18 -- The Tokens ("The Lion Sleeps Tonight" was #1)
May 19-22 -- B.J. Thomas ("Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Hey Won't You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" were both #1)
May 23-25 -- Felix Cavaliere's Rascals ("Good Lovin'," "Groovin'," and "People Got to Be Free" were all #1)
May 26-29 -- The Guess Who ("American Woman" was #1)
May 30-31 -- Tony Orlando in Concert ("Knock Three Times," "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree," and "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" were all #1)

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Nature and Gardening Gurus Dig Into Popular Topics During May

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A nature photographer, a butterfly expert and a gardener with herbs on the menu join other Great American Gardeners to share outdoor know-how with Walt Disney World guests in May during the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

The popular Great American Gardener series, presented in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, features some of the most respected gardeners and nature experts in the country every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Seminars are presented at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Festival Center, located in Innoventions West at Epcot.

The speakers reveal gardening tips and entertaining stories during the series, which is open to all Epcot guests. The May lineup:

Clyde Butcher and Robert L. Bendick Jr. (May 5-7) -- Renowned wilderness photographer Clyde Butcher, who explores the natural environment through stunning black and white images, offers outdoor photography tips. Robert L. Bendick Jr., The Nature Conservancy's southeast division vice president, shares details about the Conservancy's role in creating Disney's Wilderness Preserve.
Raymond Western (May 12-14) -- A Guerlain perfume specialist, Western offers insights into the world of fragrance and the intimate relationship between plants and perfume, such as those displayed at the Fragrance Garden located at the France pavilion.
Jaret Daniels (May 19-21) -- A University of Florida butterfly expert and conservatory curator, Daniels gives the inside scoop on how to landscape a garden to attract butterflies.
Pat Lanza (May 26-28) -- Known for her book "Lasagna Gardening," Lanza discusses how to use household refuse to improve gardens and techniques for great gardens with less work.

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May Flower & Garden Festival Weekends Bloom With Themed Activities

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Like sprays of colorful crepe myrtle on a perfect spring day, family-fun themed weekend activities bloom across the May landscape of the 13th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Plein air art, doll and teddy bear displays, interactive bug releases and other family-friendly activities add to the festivities. Here's the lineup of special Friday-Sunday events during May:

Art in the Garden Weekend (May 5-7) - Twelve artists working in various mediums create a variety of works in the Epcot gardens. Guests also can observe nature through the eyes of 16 plein air artists May 6 and 7.
Festival poster artist Michael Sullivan signs his artwork for guests. Children can paint their own visions during the Kids Paint Out experience located inside the Sculpture Garden daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mother's Day Weekend (May 12-14) - Members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs exhibit spectacular floral arrangements at the Festival Center. On May 14, moms are treated to a complimentary photo and a flower. Families can celebrate mom at the Mother's Day Brunch May 14 at World ShowPlace between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests can make reservations at 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463). Children can create the perfect Mother's Day card.

Characters in Bloom Weekend (May 19-21) - Dozens of Disney characters pop up throughout the park for a character extravaganza. The Home Depot hosts gardening-related activities and hands-on fun throughout the weekend. FamilyFun magazine features kids craft activities at the Test Track walkway. On May 21, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., artisans showcase handcrafted dolls and teddy bears.

Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-29) - Children ages 3-9 can take part in Field Day activities near The Land with beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun.

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Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Night of Joy, which has filled Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort with contemporary Christian music annually since 1983, received the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Lifetime Achievement Award during GMA Music Week 2006 in April in Nashville, Tenn. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an entity to recognize major contributions to the gospel music community for 20 or more years.

In two-plus decades and with more than 900,000 attendees and over 110 artists, Night of Joy has mixed the fun of Disney's signature theme park with the best Christian music in the world.

In 2006, on Friday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 9, the 24th Night of Joy event will feature MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac heading a 16-act lineup that includes BarlowGirl, Rebecca St. James, Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, David Crowder Band, Smokie Norful, ZOEgirl, Building 429, Matthew West, Hawk Nelson, Tonex and Vicky Beeching. All acts will play either Friday or Saturday except for BarlowGirl, which will perform both days.

Night of Joy hours are 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (after regular Magic Kingdom closing) and require a special ticket. Advance tickets ($39.95 plus tax for one night, $67.95 plus tax for both nights) are available by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting disneyworld.com/nightofjoy online. Tickets purchased on the date of the event will be $44.95 plus tax if available (Night of Joy is frequently sold out in advance).

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Inaugural Minnie Marathon Weekend May 5-7 Promotes Women's Wellness

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The first-ever Disney Minnie Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker, May 5-7 at the Walt Disney World Resort, aims to promote women's wellness and a healthy, active lifestyle with three separate races of varying lengths and an expo featuring educational opportunities and products specifically for women.

The three races -- a one-mile run and walk, 5K run, and 15K run -- are offered to allow women of all abilities to participate in the weekend. The one-mile and 5K will take place on Saturday, May 6, followed by the Women Run the World 15K on Sunday, May 7.

With the debut of the event, a new medal designed in the shape of Minnie Mouse will be awarded to those who complete the 15K.

While the weekend, which will benefit the American Heart Association, is designed for women, men are welcome to participate on behalf of the women in their lives.

Athletes can register online at disneyworldsports.com (click on "Sports" and then "Endurance" to find the race) or by calling 407/938-3398. Registration is $25 for the 1 mile, $30 for the 5K and $40 for the 15K.

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Disney Offering the Kind of Slice Golfers Will Like -- a Price Slice

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Seldom does "slice" mean something positive in golf. Usually, it means a player wishes he could have his swing back -- to stroke the ball again ... straighter this time. But this summer, Walt Disney World Resort is offering a slice every golfer will like -- a price slice to play the award-winning Disney courses.

Beginning May 22 and continuing through Sept. 30, Disney's Price Slice means big savings on greens fees after 10 a.m. daily. Here's what is offered:

Magnolia course, which has tested some of the world's top golfers annually since 1971 in a PGA TOUR event, for $55;
Eagle Pines course, a challenging Pete Dye layout, for $55;
Palm course, which will join the Magnolia in hosting the PGA TOUR Funai Classic in October, for $49;
Lake Buena Vista course, which has hosted both LPGA and PGA TOUR events, for $45.
The rates include use of an electric cart and reflect savings of $34-$44 compared to regular rates in effect for May-September.

Meanwhile, the fifth Disney course, Osprey Ridge, is scheduled to be closed May 15 through Sept. 23 as part of a multi-year course improvement program. Greens will be resurfaced with an improved variety of bermudagrass called TifEagle, replacing the Tifdwarf previously on the greens. Tee areas will also be laser leveled during the refurbishment.

Osprey Ridge is the third Disney championship course to undergo a makeover. Previously, the Palm course was improved in 2004, and the Magnolia course in 2005.

Walt Disney World Resort is a Golf Magazine Gold Medal Resort -- among 25 facilities in the continental U.S. and Hawaii distinguished with the honor. Guests can call 407/WDW-GOLF or visit disneygolf.com for tee times. Magic Your Way vacation packages including accommodations, theme park tickets, dining and recreation -- including golf and golf instruction -- are available by calling 407/W-DISNEY, through a local travel agent, or at disneyworld.com.

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Expedition Everest Inspires Disney Desserts to New Heights

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- If Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom is the new "main course" that Walt Disney World guests are plunging into, then what's for dessert? Well, how about a summit of fluffy white meringue crowning a warm chocolate "mountain"? Or mountains of candy crumbles atop a peaches-and-cream concoction?

They are two of the new mealtime finishes that are on the menu at Walt Disney World Resort as Disney chefs get inspired by the resort's newest attraction, Expedition Everest, the new high-speed runaway-train adventure. The fluffy white meringue tops "Everest Cake" at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, while the candy crumbles are the topping for a mélange of fluffy vanilla sponge cake with honey-scented cream, peaches, nectarines and crunchy candy crumbles being offered at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Here are other new sweet endings in restaurants across the Vacation Kingdom:

"Snow-Capped Everest Cakes," at Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, are soaked in Amarula, an African liqueur, and topped with white chocolate "snow."
The "Expedition to Everest Sundae," at Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, is a caramelized banana split with Amarula, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, malted whipped cream peaks and chocolate wisps.
The "Everest Snowball," at Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, is Oreo cake dipped in white chocolate and coconut, served with a chocolate cookie and chocolate and strawberry sauces.
The "Everest Expedition," at Narcoossee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a brown sugar tart in a chocolate and raspberry sauce with mounds of vanilla ice cream.

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Disney Cruise Line Charts Course in Mediterranean in 2007

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- The Disney Magic is "going home" to Europe for a visit. Crafted in Italy and launched from Venice in 1998, the Disney Cruise Line ship will embark on Mediterranean voyages beginning in May 2007.

Based out of the Port of Barcelona in Spain, the 10-night and 11-night cruises will include eight ports of call providing gateways to such famous cities as Florence, Rome, Pisa and Cannes. The four 11-night cruises will depart on Saturdays: May 26, June 16, July 7 and July 28; the four 10-night cruises will depart on Wednesdays: June 6, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 8.

Two 14-night trans-Atlantic sailings will bookend the 10- and 11-night adventures with the eastbound itinerary departing from the Disney Magic home port of Port Canaveral, Fla., May 12, 2007, and the westbound voyage starting from the Port of Barcelona on Aug. 18, 2007.

Bookings for the new itineraries can be made now by contacting a travel agent, visiting disneycruise.com or calling Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

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