Walt Disney World News
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"Secret Stars" Inspired by Hannah Montana youngsters are transformed into "Secret Stars" offered exclusively at the Downtown Disney location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Spurred by the Disney Channel show and concert tour, Disney's Secret Star Makeover decks out young guests to look "just like Hannah" -- right down to a blond wig and microphone headset. Then, holding a guitar that looks just like Hannah's, they begin posing for the camera.
When the shoot is complete, guests receive a commemorative photo and also take home the Hannah Montana wig, microphone headset, Hannah Montana guitar purse, their choice of T-shirt and a backstage pass/make-up kit. The cost is $109.95 plus tax.
For parents who want to be able to complete the look at home, the full Hannah Montana costume including jacket and pants is available. Additional photos also may be purchased.
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Disney Dining Experience Changes:
Beginning 2008 Effective November 11, 2007, you will no longer have to wait 3 – 6 weeks to receive your permanent membership card(s). Guest Relations locations at Epcot®, MAGIC KINGDOM® Park, DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Disney-MGM Studios, DOWNTOWN DISNEY® West Side, and DOWNTOWN DISNEY® Marketplace will now be able to print permanent Disney Dining Experience membership cards for immediate use. This service is for existing and new members. Cards produced at the Guest Relations locations will be printed on paper stock similar to the annual pass tickets.
The Disney Dining Experience office will still be available to take applications for current and new members, via the phone, fax or mail for those who do not want to take advantage of the in-park service. Membership cards ordered through the Disney Dining Experience office will be received within 2 - 3 weeks of purchase.
All Guests who have ordered their Disney Dining Experience membership cards prior to November 11, 2007 date will have to pickup their temporary cards at the main entrance Epcot® Guest Relations. Your permanent card will be sent through the mail and arrive in 3-4 weeks from the date of purchase.
Effective January 1, 2008, Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. An 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size.
The status of the Disney Dining Experience at the new Yak & Yeti restaurant in the Animal Kingdom. Has been added to the dining plan
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Disney to build Hawaii resort
Planned for Ko Olina Resort & Marina on the island of Oahu.
BURBANK, Calif., - Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has announced that the company has finalized plans to purchase 21 acres of oceanfront property on Hawaii's island of Oahu.
The property, located on the island's western side in the picturesque Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Honolulu's premier resort destination, will be home to Disney's first mixed-use family resort outside of its theme park developments. The expansive resort, scheduled to open in 2011, is planned to have more than 800 units, including hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas.*
"This resort hotel will give our Guests another way to visit an exciting part of the world with a brand they trust," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "In fact, Hawaii has been among our most requested Disney Vacation Club getaway locations beyond our Theme Parks. We are looking forward to building a special family resort that honors the cultural diversity of Hawaii and reflects the spirit of aloha that makes this location so unique."
Consistently ranked as one of the top family destinations in the world, Hawaii's natural beauty and extensive offering of family activities make it an ideal location for a Disney resort.
"Disney and Hawaii have something special in common, and that is the recognition of the importance of 'ohana," said Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. "Not only does Disney provide wonderful family vacations, but as a media company, it also touches people worldwide with its entertainment offerings. The new Disney hotel will be a great addition to Oahu, and I am pleased to welcome a company that can also bring the world of new media and digital technology to Hawaii, opening new opportunities for innovative partnerships in non-tourism related sectors."
Ko Olina
The new resort hotel will be the latest addition to the Ko Olina development, known for its sweeping ocean views, picture-postcard white sand beaches and tranquil crystal blue lagoons.
Jeff Stone, President of The Resort Group and master developer of Ko Olina, has been working closely with Disney on the land acquisition and project.
"Ko Olina means 'place of joy,' and I can't imagine a more perfect fit here than a Disney resort that will bring joy to people from around the world," Stone said. "For many years, it has been our vision to continue to expand Ko Olina as a premier vacation destination for families and business travelers, and this new Disney resort hotel is making that vision a wonderful reality."
*This resort is not yet registered or offered for sale.
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As the celebration continues, you'll experience brand-new parades, a fantastic new attraction and the dream-making magic Cast Members create every day at the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort. Just remember, this is one magical celebration you won’t want to miss.
You could win a 1 night stay at
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New parking fees as of Sept 1, 2007
Auto/Taxi/Limo/Shuttle/Motorcycle $11
Camper/Trailer $12
Bus or Tractor Trailer $15.
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MAGIC KINGDOM
A second Walt Disney World location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney's magical makeover salon for young princesses and cool dudes, opens in September in Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom theme park. For guests outside the park, the first salon is located at Downtown Disney Marketplace, inside the World of Disney Princess Room.
Princesses can choose from three makeover packages -- the Coach makeover (hairstyle and shimmering makeup), the Crown makeover (hairstyle, nails and shimmering makeup) and the Castle makeover (hairstyle, nails, shimmering makeup, an imaging package and princess costume complete with crown, wand and shoes).
Within each makeover package, young princesses can choose from three different hairstyles -- the Disney Diva, the Pop Princess or the Fairytale Princess.
The Magic Kingdom salon will be open every day from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be three years or older and theme park admission is required. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (407/939-7895) up to 180 days in advance.
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EPCOT
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Two exciting experiences offer Walt Disney World guests visiting Epcot's American Adventure pavilion a fresh new dose of "USA":
National Treasures, a collection of real-life Americana, debuts Sept. 28. Drawing on museums and foundations across the country, National Treasures features items such as the microscopes of George Washington Carver, items from the lives of Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson and the Purple Heart medal awarded to Japanese-American World War II hero and U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. Among many personal items of Abraham Lincoln: one of his stovepipe hats which has never been publicly exhibited outside the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, Vt. The exhibition will be ongoing with displays changing-out periodically.
American Adventure show updates, a dramatic theatrical presentation that combines the magic of Disney Audio-Animatronics with innovations in film and special effects housed inside a 108,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion. The American Adventure story represents great moments and inspired dreamers -- and their contributions -- that have helped shape the spirit of America. The show is anchored by the "Golden Dreams" film that depicts some of America's most moving events. New sequences include images from the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Lance Armstrong's Tour de France victories and Oprah Winfrey's compassionate work with African children.
Canada pavilion: In September, Walt Disney World guests can glimpse today's Canada in a 14-minute motion picture presented in CircleVision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Titled "O Canada!" the updated film includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse populace. In addition, the film is now hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short
France pavilion - New Guerlain Boutique
Modeled after the Guerlain flagship boutique on the Champs Elysees in Paris, the new Guerlain boutique at Epcot's France pavilion is designed to be a stunning showcase for Guerlain's rich history and the company's current and future offerings.
One of only four Guerlain boutiques in the United States, it invites guests to experience limited-edition fragrances and exclusive creations including L'Art et la Matière and Les Parisiennes. L'Art et la Matière is a collection of new fragrances created by outstanding perfumers combining the finest raw ingredients. Les Parisiennes is a collection of vintage fragrances from Guerlain's archives. In September, Guerlain will introduce Quand Vient La Pluie, an ultra-luxurious, limited-edition fragrance showcased in a Swarovski crystal-decorated perfume bottle.
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MGM STUDIOS
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 9, 2007) -- In the Walt Disney World theme park famous for all things Hollywood, it's curtain up on the launch of new attractions, new looks, new breakthrough experiences...
...and a brand-new name.
Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios, effective January 2008, announced Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in music, television, movies and theater," she said.
Framed by the park's supporting cast of classic Hollywood architecture are shows and attractions straight from contemporary Hollywood, such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" and many more. Disney's Hollywood Studios is also the place to meet favorite character stars of today including Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar's "Cars," Power Rangers and Little Einsteins.
With exciting coming attractions and experiences, the best and brightest of Hollywood is about to emerge for park guests, Crofton said.
"As Disney continues to grow and invest in our family entertainment business, we constantly explore new ways to deliver high-quality, immersive experiences for our guests," she added. "As a park all about entertainment, Disney's Hollywood Studios will deliver like never before. Now we can say that Hollywood is literally our middle name."
New Attractions, Experiences
- Toy Story Mania! Guests get sporty in a new, interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story" films and hosted by characters like they've never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite "Toy Story" characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Once inside "Andy's Toy Box," the competition heats up. Who can rack up the most points? Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity -- and beyond. (summer 2008)
- "Block Party Bash." Play, party and dance as the Disney-Pixar Film Pals present "Block Party Bash," the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. New to Disney's Hollywood Studios, "Block Party Bash" will invite guests to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." (spring 2008, replaces "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade)
- "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. ("Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" will be dark most of January 2008, reopens February 2008)
- "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical 2" comes to life on the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (fall 2007, replaces "High School Musical Pep Rally")
- Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny. And what would a Disney theme park be without characters? Disney's Hollywood Studios is center stage for character meet and greets. Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard next to "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (November 2007)
Part of the Disney's Hollywood Studios magic includes events for which the park is famous. To a stellar lineup including ABC Super Soap Weekend, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, ESPN the Weekend and Star Wars Weekends, the park reprises the Playhouse Disney in Concert series with dynamic concerts and special entertainment for little ones.
Headliners include favorite children's acts The Doodlebops, Imagination Movers, Dan Zanes and Friends, and Johnny and the Sprites. The fun happens on select dates Aug. 30-Oct. 28, 2007, during Little Ones Travel Time in a 10,000 square foot, air-conditioned performance venue. For the complete show schedule: disneyworld.com/pdic.
In addition, holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios will have a special sparkle this year as the park hosts the Harlem Gospel Choir Nov. 30-Dec. 25, 2007.
"This is easily one of the most ambitious attractions rollouts in the 18-year history of the park," Crofton said. "With so many great coming attractions, we are thrilled to be launching a Studios year unlike any other. Wrapped in a brand-new name...Disney's Hollywood Studios."
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Beginning in November, guests who travel to the land of Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom will get a real taste of that exotic part of the world with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Inspired by the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, this Asian-fusion establishment will offer table-service dining and a full-service bar, as well as quick-service food and beer-garden options, plus retail offerings from Pan-Asia ranging from silk purses, incense and saris to fine teapots. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a quick-service courtyard.
Tusker House Restaurant in the Africa section of the park reopens in November, converted to a buffet restaurant that includes a character breakfast, Donald's Safari Breakfast. Hours are 8-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. until the park closes. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating.
Restaurantosaurus in the DinoLand U.S.A. section will change its operation, opening daily at 10:30 a.m. (Donald's Breakfastosaurus at Restaurantosaurus closes Nov. 5, and will be moved to Tusker House ) and offering quick-service until park close.
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