Disney News Blog

MORE DREAMING IN 2009: Famed television and radio entertainer Steve Harvey poses with Mickey and Minnie Mouse prior to the 2008 Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic in Chicago. Mickey and Minnie joined Harvey as he announced plans for next year's "Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey" -- a motivational event for teens which will take place at Walt Disney World in Florida in early 2009. Harvey said nominations for the 2009 "Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey" are available at his Web site: www.steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy.

Jacquez Walker (left), a Chicago-area student from Kelvyn High School, shared the spotlight with famed television and radio entertainer Steve Harvey (right) prior to the 2008 Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic in Chicago. During the parade, Walker shared the Grand Marshal honor with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in recognition of his selection to the inaugural "Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey.

(Clifton Henri, photographer)

Actress and best-selling author Brooke Shields, star of the fashion-themed, NBC television series “Lipstick Jungle,” poses Aug. 17, 2008 with an evening gown-clad Minnie Mouse and daughters Grier, age 2 (left), and Rowan, age 5 (right), at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. “Lipstick Jungle” returns for its second season on Sept. 24, 2008. Shields also is the author of a new children's book, "Welcome To Your World, Baby." The book, which focuses on the joys of sisterhood, was inspired by her two young daughters. Shields and her family are on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Brooke Shields poses with a jungle explorer-themed Goofy and husband, writer/producer Chris Henchy (right) and daughters Grier, age 2 (left), and Rowan, age 5 (second from right), at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

(Todd Anderson, photographer)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 21, 2008) – When the world’s most popular teenager turns “Sweet 16,” it’s cause to celebrate. And when that teen is Miley Cyrus – star of Disney’s “Hannah Montana” – there’s no better place to celebrate than at a Disney Park.

To honor the occasion and Miley’s philanthropic passion, Disneyland Resort in California has created “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration,” an unforgettable event for Miley and her fans that also will serve to recognize Youth Service America and help drive awareness of the need for youth volunteerism.

The Hollywood-style bash is planned for Sunday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 11 p.m., with ticket sales limited to 5,000 fans.

Tickets, priced at $250, go on sale at 9 a.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 30, at www.disneyparks.com/miley.

For Miley, the birthday bash is a once-in-a-lifetime event and she plans to make new Disney theme park memories during the evening. “I only turn 16 once, so it’s going to be an awesome party with my favorite rides, hanging out with friends, fireworks and more,” she said. “I’ll even get to sing a couple songs.”

The evening will celebrate Miley’s career as a Hollywood Records solo musical artist and as the “secret pop star” she portrays on the wildly popular Disney Channel series, “Hannah Montana.”

Miley’s Sweet 16 at Disneyland will feature a medley of party elements, large and small, that will allow guests to join in the celebration of Miley’s magical milestone. Special Party Zones will highlight the music and fun of Miley and Hannah Montana with themed activities and entertainment. Some of Miley’s favorite attractions will be open in each Party Zone, and the party will end with a bang as fireworks fill the Disneyland sky.

Sharing the Celebration with Youth Service America

In addition to all the birthday fun, Miley’s Sweet 16 will shine a spotlight on Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people, ages 5 to 25, serving as volunteers. (For more information, visit www.YSA.org.)

In keeping with Miley’s passion for youth volunteerism, Disney Parks will make a significant contribution to Youth Service America.

With the organization’s involvement in “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration,” Miley said she hopes that other young Americans will be encouraged to volunteer in their own hometowns.

“The best part of the party is we’re going to recognize some really cool kids from Youth Service America who are giving back to their community,” she said. “That’s so awesome because I think it’s really important for kids like us to volunteer.”

For More Party Information

For ongoing information about “Miley’s Sweet 16 - Share The Celebration” party at Disneyland Park in California, as well as details on how to obtain tickets, fans may go to www.disneyparks.com/miley for details.

Michael Phelps Wins Record-Setting Gold in Beijing… What's He Doing Next? "He's Going to Disney World!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 29, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Direct from the Beijing Games where he won a record eight Gold Medals, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World Resort.

In a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps was honored for his record-setting wins and for the spirit in which he captivated the world in his quest for Gold.

The 23-year-old from Baltimore beamed as he rode through the park alongside Mickey Mouse, waving to fans who chanted his name. Magic Kingdom guests joined in "America's Homecoming Parade" for the swimmer who broke records in each event he entered in Beijing.

For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing.

"I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me," said Phelps. "It's great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world. To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible."

During his celebration in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps also took time to meet a group of local swimmers from the central Florida area. The aspiring young swimmers had the chance to talk with Phelps, ask about his record-breaking experiences and see the Gold Medals he won in Beijing.

Phelps' celebration at Walt Disney World is planned to be the next feature on his wildly popular Facebook.com page. Phelps, one of the most popular public figures on the social networking site, has nearly 1.5 million Facebook "fans" who have subscribed to receive his latest news and updates. Phelps said he plans to offer photographs and video of his Walt Disney World visit on his Facebook.com site.

Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14).

Actress Melora Hardin, star of NBC's hit series "The Office," at the Magic Kingdom - Sept. 7, 2008

Actress Melora Hardin (left) star of NBC's comedy series "The Office," takes time with daughters Rory (age 6, second from left) and Piper (age 3, right) to meet a business suit-clad Mickey Mouse Sept. 7, 2008 at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. New episodes of "The Office" return to NBC on Sept. 25, 2008 with a one-hour season premiere. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Contest to Culminate Sept. 27 in Star-Studded Gala Featuring World’s Top Chefs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When the gold-standard Bocuse d’Or USA culinary cook-off unfolds Sept. 26 and 27 at Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort, TV personality Al Roker will emcee the excitement. When the contest concludes and spatulas rest, culinary great Charlie Trotter, along with other star chefs from around the world, will host a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony fit for the most discriminating gourmet.

The opening-weekend event of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, open to park guests, promises to deliver celebrity panache, high kitchen drama and extraordinary culinary moments.

Roker, together with Dana Cowin, editor-in-chef of Food & Wine magazine, will spotlight the action for Epcot guests in the park’s World Showplace arena-like setting. There, eight two-person teams of the country’s top chefs will turn up the heat in the kitchen with the hope that their culinary creations land them a top spot representing Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest – commonly called the Culinary Olympics – in Lyon, France, Jan. 27-29.

Epcot guests can attend the competition and observe the culinary wizardry. Each of the eight teams will serve up elaborate fish and beef dishes to be judged by a top-chef panel: Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Trotter, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Georges Perrier, Laurent Tourondel, and former Bocuse d’Or USA competitors. Dishes will be judged on excellence in taste, presentation, technical skill and overall kitchen organization.

The competition culminates Sept. 27 with a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony recognizing the first-, second- and third-place teams. Tickets are still available for the star-studded event featuring gourmet cuisine, live musical entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and a chance to meet and mingle with some the world’s top chefs, including the Gala Dinner Chefs, as well as contest founder Paul Bocuse, and the Deans of The French Culinary Institute, Alain Sailhac and Andre Soltner.

The Gala Dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, a four-course tasting menu, and a dessert reception prepared by Chefs Boulud (Daniel, New York City), Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago), Patrick O’Connell (Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.), Perrier (Le Bec Fin, Philadelphia), Tourondel (BLT, New York City), Soltner (French Culinary Institute), Salihac (French Culinary Institute), David Myers (Sona, Los Angeles) and Traci des Jardins (Jardiniere, San Francisco), and will be paired with Diageo Reserve Signature Cocktails and Moët Hennessy Champagnes. The highlight of the evening will be a Dom Pérignon toast and the announcement of the Bocuse d’Or USA winning team.

The eight finalists competing for a spot on the US Team include:

# Timothy Hollingsworth, Sous Chef, French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.
# Chef Hung Huynh, “Top Chef” Season 3 Winner, Solo, New York City
# Rogers Powell, Instructor, French Culinary Institute, New York City
# Chef John Rellah Jr., Executive Chef, Hamilton Farm, Gladstone, N.J.
# Richard Rosendale, Chef/Owner, Rosendale’s, Westerville, Ohio
# Michael Rotondo, Chef de Cuisine, Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago
# Kevin Sbraga, Culinary Director, Garces Restaurant Group, Philadelphia
# Percy Whatley, Executive Chef, Delaware North Parks, Yosemite, Calif.

The newly selected Bocuse d’Or USA team will join 24 teams from around the world at the Bocuse d’Or World Competition in Lyon, held every two years.

Reservations for the Gala Dinner and Awards event are $450 per person, plus tax, at 407/WDW-FEST and include 2-day Epcot admission (a $150 value). Proceeds benefit Bocuse d’Or USA (a not-for-profit organization sponsoring the competitors’ training, travel and culinary education).

Throughout the six-week-long Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 26-Nov. 9, guests can sample food and wine from around the world at international marketplaces and specialty dinners, attend seminars and wines schools and meet guest chefs. For more information, call 407/WDW-FEST or visit www.disneyworld.com/food.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The giant Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern and the Town Square Christmas Tree will be the symbols of celebration for their respective holidays at Disneyland this fall. But the traditional fan favorites are only the beginning as Disneyland Resort welcomes new shows and immersive experiences, along with an exciting preview of things to come at Disney’s California Adventure park.

It’s all part of the fun as Disney Parks poses the question to guests: “What Will You Celebrate?” Whether it’s the holidays, an anniversary, a family reunion or another special occasion, there’s something for everyone at Disneyland Resort.

The fall season kicks off with a very special event: a once-in-a-lifetime private party in Disneyland for teen sensation Miley Cyrus. “Miley’s Sweet 16 – Share The Celebration” will take place Sunday evening, Oct. 5, inside Disneyland. (The ticketed event is sold out). Miley will celebrate with family, friends and fans, perform a couple of songs, and recognize the outstanding contributions of Youth Service America, an organization that seeks to improve communities by increasing the number and diversity of young people serving as volunteers.

Beginning later in October, guests can enjoy an array of new attractions at Disneyland Resort, adding to the fun of the Halloween and Holiday seasons.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: On Friday, Oct. 24, “High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now!” premieres at Disney’s California Adventure. The new street show celebrates the infectious energy of the upcoming theatrical motion picture “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Featuring a cast of 14 dynamic singers and dancers, the show takes place on a traveling “rock concert” stage with stacks of speakers and rows of lights. Interactive sequences featuring hot new songs from the movie will draw guests into the streets of Disney’s California Adventure for an exciting live concert experience.

PIXIE HOLLOW: The magical realm of Pixie Hollow appears in Disneyland on Tuesday, October 28. Entering along a pathway with an enchanted pool, between the entrances of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, guests are gradually immersed into the community of fairies. Guests will get the strange feeling that they are shrinking to fairy size as they encounter statues of Tinker Bell and her friends, and spot other evidence of the pixies’ presence. When guests arrive at Tinker Bell’s home, they will meet some of the pixies in person.

BLUE SKY CELLAR: For those who want to stay in-the-know about the expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park, a preview center opens Monday, Oct. 20 at the Golden Vine Winery in Disney’s California Adventure. The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar – named for the Imagineers’ ‘blue sky’ creative process – displays never-before-seen models and art outlining the concepts and design for the park’s coming attractions, along with a video presentation. The showcase will be updated regularly so that fans can stay abreast of developments.

SLEEPING BEAUTY CASTLE WALKTHROUGH: Sleeping Beauty Castle, a beloved Disneyland landmark since the park’s debut in 1955, will open a “reawakened” version of its classic Castle walkthrough in time for the December holiday season. The new scenes inside the corridors tell the Sleeping Beauty story with modern special effects technology that recreates the look of the original Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough of the 1950s through the 1970s.

The new attractions and shows offer added value for Disney fans this fall as they enjoy all the traditional holiday attractions at Disneyland Resort.

Halloween highlights at Disneyland include the 16-foot-tall Mickey Mouse Jack-o’-Lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.; Woody’s Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch; and Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas,” which continues into the Christmas season.

At Disney’s California Adventure, Halloween is celebrated at Candy Corn Acres, featuring Goofy’s whimsical candy corn “crops.” Families also will enjoy a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience at the separate-admission nighttime Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat party, with treat locations throughout the park.

The Christmas holiday season gets underway on Friday, Nov. 21, when the traditional “A Christmas Fantasy” daily parade and “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks make their seasonal debuts. The towering Christmas tree appears on Main Street, U.S.A., and the décor and nighttime show surrounding Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle will be will be more spectacular than ever. The lights and effects that appear after dark extend into Disneyland Central Plaza, down Main Street, U.S.A., and to the Christmas tree at Town Square for a sparkling transformation that sets the scene for “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks with their magical snowfall finale.

Additional holiday highlights include the return, Nov. 21, of the “it’s a small world” holiday attraction, celebrating holiday traditions around the world. Guests will visit Santa Claus throughout the season at Santa’s Reindeer Round-up in Big Thunder Ranch, and those looking for a unique experience may book time with a guide for Disney’s Holiday tours.

Singer and actor Lance Bass (right) and his “Dancing with the Stars” professional dance partner Lacey Schwimmer (left) get into the Halloween spirit and kick up their heels Oct. 23, 2008 in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. As of Oct. 23, 2008, the pair was one of seven couples remaining on the current season of the popular ABC-TV dance competition show.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow honored with Disney Spirit Award, Maxwell Award at Disney's BoardWalk - Dec. 11. 2008

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow holds the two awards -- the Disney Spirit Award (left) and the Maxwell Award (right) he took home from the The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards, which took place Dec. 11, 2008 at Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, whose remarkable humanitarian efforts have captivated college football fans nationwide, was presented the 2008 Disney Spirit Award given annually to college football’s most inspirational figure. Tebow was presented with the award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008. The 18th annual awards show was broadcast live on ESPN. (Preston Mack, photographer)

Celebrity narrators of the 2008 Candlelight Procession at Epcot share their favorite holiday memories. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot is a Walt Disney World Resort holiday tradition; a telling of the Christmas story featuring celebrity narrators, a mass choir and a 50-piece orchestra. For more information about how Walt Disney World celebrates the holidays, visit www.disneyworld.com/holidays.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – “Steeler Nation” shifted the victory celebration east from Tampa to Walt Disney World Resort Monday as thousands of black-and-gold-clad, Terrible Towel-twirling fans of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers lined Main Street, U.S.A. They came to Magic Kingdom to be part of something that has become an iconic moment of post-Super Bowl celebration – to cheer one of their newest conquering heroes, Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes, in a victory parade.

Just hours after he and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hooked up for a surgically precise touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining to earn Pittsburgh a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, Holmes was riding high, smiling and waving back from a convertible as he celebrated at Walt Disney World Resort.

Holmes was doing precisely what he said he was going to in the latest episode of the long-running Disney commercial that asks people who have just experienced a milestone, “You are celebrating your (accomplishment) … What are you going to do next?”: In chorus with Roethlisberger, Holmes beamed and screamed, “We’re going to Disney World!”

At Disney World, a shower of red, white and blue confetti fluttered down on hundreds of similarly colored mouse-eared balloons interspersed with football-shaped balloons in Steelers black and gold. The police escort – six Orange County Sheriff’s officers aboard motorcycles leading the procession – added more color with flashing red, white, blue and … golden yellow lights.

Mickey Mouse in full game uniform sat next to Holmes in the blue convertible while a group of NFL Youth Football players from Jacksonville, Fla., walked behind holding bouquets of colorful balloons. Goofy in Steelers colors was part of the procession, too, as were Chip ‘n’ Dale wearing referee stripes.

Holmes earned the MVP honor and the celebratory parade at Walt Disney World by catching nine Roethlisberger passes for 131 yards, including the game-winning 6-yard TD reception with 35 seconds left. Roethlisberger finished with 21 completions in 30 attempts for 256 yards. During Pittsburgh’s decisive 78-yard drive in the final 2:37, the pair connected four times for 73 yards as the Steelers earned an unprecedented sixth Super Bowl victory.

The commercial that was shot immediately after the game and aired Monday morning is the milestone 40th of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI. The first “ I'm going to Disney World” commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion. Holmes and Roethlisberger join a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in “I’m going to Disney World” commercials.

(Feb. 12, 2009) -- LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – All seven “American Idol” winners and dozens more finalists gathered Thursday night at the Walt Disney World Resort for the world premiere of a groundbreaking attraction that includes all the thrills and suspense that have made “American Idol” into a television and pop culture phenomenon.

“The American Idol Experience” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park captures the energy and excitement of the TV series with some park guests auditioning to take the spotlight onstage while other guests cheer them on from the audience, voting for their favorite singer with instant results.

For tonight’s grand opening, “American Idol” winners, finalists and celebrities who have performed on the actual “American Idol” set in California came to see the twirling neon signs and multi-layered backdrop of “The American Idol Experience.” The 1000-seat venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort, created by Walt Disney Imagineering and the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.”

“The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.

If shown to have that special “star quality” during the multi-step audition process, it’s on to performance training, hair and make-up. Then, the lights come up and it’s showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme park guests, plus a panel of three expert judges. Fellow park guests will be able to enjoy the performances just like at a live television taping. Then, audience members vote for their favorite performance using the armrest touchpads, with their votes tallied to determine the top singer.

Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows will return for a high-energy, grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer.

The American Idol Experience was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd and based on the smash-hit television show “American Idol” – produced by 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America (FMNA).

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort are again offering fans the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and current and legendary athletes during ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, a one-of-a-kind sports-themed special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Feb. 27-March 1.

ESPN personalities John Anderson, Colin Cowherd, Jay Crawford, Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, Dana Jacobson, Chris McKendry, Karl Ravech, Stuart Scott and Trey Wingo are scheduled to participate, along with more than 30 athletes, including NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner and recently retired Brett Favre; 2009MLB Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson; and U.S. Olympic gold medalists Shawn Johnson and Misty May-Treanor, among many others. The ESPN personalities and sports celebrities expected to attend the sixth annual event are listed at www.espntheweekend.com (click on Who’s Coming).

ESPN The Weekend will feature on-site telecasts of popular ESPN programs (beginning Thursday, Feb. 26), including Baseball Tonight, First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, NFL Live and interview segments on SportsCenter; motorcades and Q&A sessions with athletes and ESPN personalities; Inside ESPN sports shows with commentators and athletes; live ESPN Radio broadcasts; and the ESPN Sports Zone interactive area. Guests also will be able to enjoy all the popular shows and attractions at the theme park during Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate?” celebration. Dick’s Sporting Goods will serve as presenting sponsor of the event for the third straight year.

LIVE ON-SITE ESPN TELECASTS
ESPN will present live daily telecasts -- including First Take (10 a.m., ESPN2) and NFL Live (4 p.m., ESPN, Feb. 26-27 –from a set in front of Mickey’s Sorcerer's Hat on Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Park guests will have a chance to appear on-air via crowd shots while watching the programming on in-park video screens. Popular ESPN Radio shows Mike & Mike in the Morning and The Herd with Colin Cowherdwill be broadcast live from the ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk on
Feb. 26-27.

As Major League Baseball Spring Training games get underway in Florida, ESPN’s on-site program lineup will feature the Atlanta Braves’ home game against the Houston Astros at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex (Feb. 26, 1 p.m.). Also, Karl Ravech will host a special two-hour Baseball Tonight with analysts Peter Gammons, John Kruk, Steve Phillips and Chris Singleton from the theme park March 1 at 4 p.m. as ESPN’s popular baseball news, information and highlights show kicks off its 20th season.

INSIDE ESPN
Live stage shows will bring fans and guests behind-the-scenes of some of the network's most popular programs, including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, First Take, NFL Live and Stump the Schwab. The shows will provide an inside look at favorite athletes, teams and ESPN programs. Fans can get into the action themselves by asking questions directly to ESPN personalities and athletes.

DREAM JOB – THE EXPERIENCE
Guests who think they have what it takes to be on SportsCenter can experience what it’s like to audition for ESPN. Select contestants will go through a series of “on-air” tasks and the audience will select the best “sportscaster” during each show. ESPN personalities and sports celebrities will help mentor contestants as part of the experience.

MOTORCADES AND CONVERSATIONS
Periodically throughout each day, sports stars will motorcade up the park's Hollywood Boulevard to the stage at the base of Mickey’s Sorcerer's Hat and join ESPN commentators for conversations about their careers and Q&A sessions with park guests.

ESPN SPORTS ZONE INTERACTIVE AREA
The ESPN Sports Zone will give guests of all ages the opportunity to test their skills at a wide variety of sports, including biking on an X Games dirt course. MLB-, NBA- and NFL-themed interactive areas within the Zone will have fans swinging for the fences, shooting baskets and throwing passes, as well as Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Sports Caravan, a multi-sport interactive area.

The ESPN Sports Zone will also include an ESPN Play Your Way playground. A fitness initiative launched in May 2004 to address youth obesity, Play Your Way was designed by Team ESPN, the corporate outreach program for ESPN, Inc., to inspirekids 7-12 years old to use their imagination and create their own physically active games.

5K ROAD RACE AND FUN RUN
A new addition to ESPN The Weekend, this 5K race through Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Sat., Feb. 28 at 7 a.m.) will challenge runners along the course with ESPN and sports trivia and will feature athletes and ESPN personalities, including Anderson, Ravech and Wingo. Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, the 5K will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research, and all participants will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. There will also be a Fun Run for kids at 8:30 a.m. To register, visit www.disneyenduranceseries.com

TICKETING AND ADMISSION
Event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Walt Disney World Resort’s innovative ticket pricing system "Magic Your Way" provides guests with the opportunity to customize their vacations, and Florida residents can save on tickets all year long.

ABOUT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
Pittsburgh-based Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is an authentic full-line sporting goods retailer offering a broad assortment of brand name sporting goods equipment, apparel and footwear in a specialty store environment. As of Jan. 31, 2009, the Company operated 384 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 39 states primarily throughout the eastern half of the U.S. The Company also owns Golf Galaxy, Inc., a multi-channel golf specialty retailer, with 89 stores in 31 states, ecommerce websites and catalog operations and Chick's Sporting Goods, Inc., which operates 14 specialty sporting goods stores in Southern California.

Photo © Disney

(February 23, 2009) Child actors from "Slumdog Millionaire" celebrate the film's Oscar win for Best Picture with Mickey Mouse at Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on Monday. Pictured: Ayush Mahesh Khedekar (Young Jamal), Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail Sheikh (Young Salim), Rubina Ali Rafiq Qureshi (Young Latika), Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar (Middle Latika), Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala (Middle Salim), Tanay Hemant Chheda (Middle Jamal) and Madhur Mittal (older Salim). (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

Shawn Johnson, Gold Medal-winning gymnast and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant, appears at ESPN The Weekend 2009 - Feb. 27, 2009

2008 Olympic Gold Medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson strikes a dance pose with Mickey Mouse Feb. 27, 2009 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Johnson, 17, is the youngest celebrity to ever compete on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." Her appearance today is part of "ESPN The Weekend," a special event that continues through March 1, 2009 at the Walt Disney World theme park. Johnson makes her debut on "Dancing with the Stars" when Season 8 of the ABC show premieres Monday, March 9.

... and guess what he's going to do next?!

A PERFECT 10: Mickey Mouse warms up with Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes (left) and 1999 National League MVP Chipper Jones (right) as they exchange their #10 jerseys and autographs March 27, 2009 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Jones, who plays third base for the Atlanta Braves, is currently playing at the complex's Champion Stadium during the Braves' Spring Training season. Holmes, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is training with several of his teammates on the complex's football fields in preparation for the upcoming 2009 NFL season. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

Comedian Brad Garrett ("Everybody Loves Raymond," "'Til Death") does his best blowfish impression April 1, 2009, alongside two characters from the "Finding Nemo - The Musical" show at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The show is based on the animated Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo." Among the show's featured characters are "Bloat," a blowfish (left), who was voiced by Garrett in the feature film, and Nemo (right), a clownfish and star of the film and musical show. Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

TREN-D GRAN-D OPENING: Television and music personality Joey Fatone carries his daughter Briahna April 10, 2009 through the "Tren-D" store at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. during Friday's Grand Opening festivities for the new fashion boutique.

The store, located at Downtown Disney, blends both vintage and modern designs with stylized Disney characters. Apparel and accessories are featured from designers including Tarina Tarantino, Roxy and Kidada Jones. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Wearing Minnie Mouse ears, singer/songwriter Katy Perry (left) and actress Hayden Panettiere (right) strike a pose April 25, 2009 with Minnie Mouse herself at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The duo was enjoying the theme park prior to their evening performance for the Disney Grad Nite, an annual, in-park celebration for high school seniors.

Panettiere stars on the hit NBC series "Heroes." Perry is a multi-platinum recording artist who hit #1 on the "Billboard" charts with two singles from her latest album, "One Of The Boys." Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

‘Adam Lambert or Kris Allen,
You’ve Just Been Named The New American Idol,
What Are You Going To Do Next?’

‘I’m Going to Disney World!’

LOS ANGELES – To celebrate the newly opened “American Idol Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Adam Lambert or Kris Allen will shout the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the show’s star-studded season finale on Wednesday night, May 20, in Los Angeles.

Camera crews will capture Adam Lambert or Kris Allen’s celebratory pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage mere moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announces the champion’s name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Not only will the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, his voice also will be featured throughout the ad as he performs the iconic song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial is scheduled to air on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale.

Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars – including Super Bowl heroes and World Series champs – Adam Lambert or Kris Allen will be the second singer to ever star in the Disney commercial in its 20+-year history. (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first.)

The “American Idol” champion’s role in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World” commercial celebrates “The American Idol Experience,” the new “American Idol”-themed attraction that had a February 2009 grand opening Disney’s Hollywood Studios, part of Walt Disney World in Florida.

“The American Idol Experience” – the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

In the attraction, Disney guests are able to experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite performance from their audience seats.

Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Adam Lambert or Kris Allen joins a line-up of superstar professional athletes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line.

Fittingly, the new “American Idol” will make his celebratory visit to Walt Disney World as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”

ABOUT “THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE” DREAM TICKET:

Dream Ticket recipients must satisfy AMERICAN IDOL* TV program requirements in effect at time of use, such as age and residency (Season 8 - only ages 16-28 and U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents eligible to work full-time in U.S.). Dream Ticket does not include travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.

ABOUT “THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE” AUDITION:
Guests 14 or older inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios may audition to sing onstage that day at the attraction, subject to requirements in FAQs at Disneyworld.com/idol. Only a few singers will be chosen to sing onstage for each show. FAQs subject to change.

‘I’m Going to Disney World!’

New ‘American Idol’ is Seen – and Heard! – in Famous Disney Ad

LOS ANGELES – To celebrate the newly opened “American Idol Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Kris Allen shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the show’s star-studded season finale on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles.

Disney camera crews captured Allen’s celebratory pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage mere moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced the champion’s name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Not only does the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, Allen's voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the iconic song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial aired on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale.

Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars – including Super Bowl heroes and World Series champs – Allen is the second singer to ever star in the Disney commercial in its 20+-year history. (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first.)

The “American Idol” champion’s role in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World” commercial celebrates “The American Idol Experience,” the new “American Idol”-themed attraction that had a February 2009 grand opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, part of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

“The American Idol Experience” – the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

In the attraction, Disney guests are able to experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite performance from their audience seats. Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Allen joins a lineup of superstar professional athletes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line.

Fittingly, the new “American Idol” will make his celebratory visit to Walt Disney World Resort as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 29, 2009) – Dreams keep coming true for new “American Idol” Kris Allen.

Last week, the 23-year-old singer from Conway, Ark., became the newest “American Idol” by garnering the most fan votes in the television series’ thrilling Season Eight finale. Moments after his victory, Allen did what dozens of sports celebrities and heroes have done for more than two decades: He looked into a television camera and shouted, “I’m going to Disney World!”

This week, America’s newest star lived out his post-finale show pronouncement when he basked in the glow of a victory parade and gala celebration at “The American Idol Experience,” the new Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park attraction based on the “American Idol” television show.

Celebrating with Allen Friday at Walt Disney World was his new bride, Katy. The longtime sweethearts were married eight months ago.

Thousands of fans turned out May 29 for Allen’s day in the Disney sun, which included a party-filled procession through the theme park and a chance for fans to see the newest “American Idol” amidst the celebratory setting.

In the iconic commercial shot on the Nokia Theater stage in Los Angeles following the May 20 season finale show, Allen not only shouts the famous “I’m Going to Disney World!” line, but his voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the famous song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.” And with the same immediacy that has made the Disney spot one of the most beloved commercials of all-time, the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial debuted on television within hours of the “American Idol” finale.

By starring in the Disney commercial, Allen joins a line-up of superstar professional athletes and heroes who have shouted the famous “I’m Going to Disney World” line. He is the second singer ever to star in the Disney commercial in its 23-year history (2008 “American Idol” champion, David Cook, was the first).

Fittingly, Allen made his visit to Walt Disney World as Disney Parks asks guests “What Will You Celebrate?”

Allen’s victory on “American Idol” took the country by storm and highlighted Season Eight of the show.

His journey on “Idol” began when he and his brother drove more than eight hours from Arkansas to Louisville, Ky., and then waited another 14 hours to audition. All of Allen’s long hours and hard work were rewarded May 20 in the star-studded season finale when he was crowned the newest “American Idol.”

“The American Idol Experience” at Walt Disney World Resort – which had a February 2009 grand opening – is the first major theme park attraction in the world based on the popular television series. Walt Disney Imagineering developed the interactive attraction in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 TV Ltd.

“The American Idol Experience” lets Disney guests experience the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show, whether they are auditioning for a Disney producer, performing on-stage in front of a packed theater or voting for their favorite singer from their audience seats. Attraction performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.