LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2009) – Celebrating an exceptional opening year, Disney Parks has launched its second consecutive Walt Disney World Moms Panel, www.disneyworldmoms.com. Academy Award nominated actress Angela Bassett, star of television’s “ER” and the movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It” welcomes vacation planners to the two year old site and shares her own vacation planning tips. A mother of toddler-aged twins, Ms. Bassett joins 16 other travel savvy parents, The Walt Disney World Moms Panel, in giving free, tried and true advice for planning an unforgettable Walt Disney World Vacation.

This interactive online forum consists of 15 moms and one dad, who have proven their Disney knowledge and ability to field vacation-planning questions from all park-goers. Truly an eclectic group of parents – from the suburbs of New Hampshire and Louisiana to our neighbors abroad in Ottawa and England – these panelists are equipped and eager to share insights to make trips to Disney magical for every family.

Featuring a grandmother from Indiana who treasures celebrations at the parks to a New Jersey mom whose mastered Disney vacations with a special needs child, these Walt Disney World experts will ensure that no hidden Mickey is left undiscovered.

“We are extremely excited for our 2009 panelists to share their unique secrets, suggestions and personal traditions with other families looking to enhance their Disney vacation experience,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Our 2008 panel answered close to 12,000 questions in its first 10 months, which further emphasizes how invaluable the Moms Panel has been for families planning a Walt Disney World vacation.”

Welcoming the Moms into their new roles is former inaugural panelist, Kim LaPaglia from Annville, Pa., who will continue to lend her Disney smarts – this time to families sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line.

Get to Know the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel

The members of the Disney Parks 2009 online Walt Disney World Moms Panel are:

Kathryn “Kay” Belin Valparaiso, IN ; – A parent and grandparent of two boys who has celebrated reunions, birthdays and graduations to weddings, engagements and business reward trips – you name it, Kathryn’s celebrated it!

Diane Campagna; Bristol, R.I. – This mom has mastered planning successful trips that please both her sons of 10 and 7 years old as well as her 2-year-old daughter.

Margaret Fries; Oak Lawn, Ill. – Paralegal turned PTA president, Margaret and her three boys ages 12, 8 and 6 have spent close to every major holiday at the parks.

Jodi Grundig; Natick, Mass. – Successful mom and blogger who travels to Disney every year with her husband, 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

Doug Ingersoll; Carmel, IN – Father of two girls who grew up traveling the world, Doug calls Disney World his true home as the author of “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2009 Edition.”

Diane Luba; Plymouth, Conn. – There’s no stopping this mother of two teenaged boys and a tween girl who has traveled to Disney by planes, trains and automobiles.

Joanne McCabe; Ottawa – Single mom to her daughter, 8, who has driven to Disney from Canada and marathoned throughout Disney with three generations of her family.

Tanya McNally; Basking Ridge, N.J. – Vice-president of HR turned vice-president of her household, this mom of two boys ages 6 and 4 – one child with special needs – has mastered traveling to Disney throughout her 32 visits in 34 years.

Whitney Pickering; Laurel, Miss. – Mother of four children, ages 3 to 13, who boasts about leading her family brigade of 19 to Disney as well as having dined at more than 50 park restaurants.

Karen Prince; Plymouth, N.H. – Disney Vacation Club member and mom of three young children has experienced Disney while pregnant, with newborns, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Cathy Schikowski; Richfield, Ohio – Mom to a 5-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter who has enjoyed nearly 40 trips to the parks celebrating anything and everything, with a specialty for birthdays.

Anna Skamarakas; Bellmawr, N.J. – Mom of three mouse-crazed daughters ranging in age from 17 to 3, she has planned more than 200 trips and has stayed in every Walt Disney World Resort.

Jackie Stevens; Luling, La. – Married to her high school sweetheart and mother to three rambunctious boys, this mom knows how to make the most of a Disney trip – even when the majority was spent in a hotel room with the flu.

Amber Vaughan; Washington, Pa – A stay-at-home-mom of 26 years old, she loves to re-visit her families’ Disney adventures with her two children.

Jennifer Wilkes; Acworth, Ga. – Mother to three princesses of her own ranging in age from 13 to 5, she can plan a Disney vacation to satisfy the tiniest of travelers – including having traveled when her youngest was 6-months-old.

Joanne “Jo” Young; West Malling, Kent England – A busy mom of two tween girls who is an expert in planning a Disney vacation from overseas.

For more information and to “meet” the new panel members, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Entering its second year, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World from real moms and dads who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Due to the overwhelming response since its launch in 2008, Disney increased its panel from 12 to 16 members for 2009, featuring 15 moms and one Disney dad.

Each panelist was selected to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. Guests can pose questions and have them answered by the panelists, as well as gain access to other valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for booking a Walt Disney World vacation.

“Birthdays are the one occasion that we all share every year,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We thought a free birthday ticket would be the icing on the cake as we extend this ‘celebration vacation’ trend to Disney Parks.

“We see our parks as the ideal setting for a personal celebration,” Rasulo continued. “Guests can immerse themselves in their favorite stories and their favorite characters, creating a visit they’ll never forget.”

Walt Disney World guests can choose from experiences ranging from breathtaking (magical fireworks cruises, sunrise safaris, diving the depths with undersea creatures) to mirth-making (Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character dining, kids’ pirate adventures) in order to personalize their celebration. Even the Disney florist has gotten into the act, creating special offerings that silently scream “surprise!” when vacationers open their guest-room door.

And to aid guests as they plan their personal celebrations, a new Web-based tool at www.DisneyParks.com helps guests sort through the possibilities – whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, reunion, personal accomplishment, first visit or something else.

New immersive fun in theme parks
Disney Parks’ initiative to create more immersive experiences continues in 2009 at Walt Disney World Resort with premieres in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Here’s what’s in store:

* “The American Idol Experience” (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Starry-eyed Disney guests will get a taste of TV’s pop culture phenomenon – up close and personal – when Disney’s Hollywood Studios grand opens this “American Idol” attraction in mid-February. It’s another immersive opportunity as guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive setting modeled after the “American Idol” set. There will be several showtimes daily. Guests advancing through the screening process have the chance, in the nightly final competition, to win a guaranteed reservation for a regional audition for the “American Idol” TV show.

* Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure (Epcot) – Inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Kim Possible” animated series, guests of all ages will become secret agents to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions in this ultra-interactive adventure packed with mystery and excitement. Guests team up with members of Team Possible in this high-tech experience slated for a late-January opening in seven World Showcase pavilions representing countries on three continents.

* “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party” (Magic Kingdom) – It’s party time beginning in mid-February when a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and other performers processes down Main Street, U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle to high-energy tunes such as “Breakout” and “I Like To Move It.” Five floats decked out as gift-wrapped packages are part of the procession, and near the castle, Mad Hatter, Genie, Lumiere and Sebastian – the life and light of the party – pop out of four huge boxes. They join about a dozen other Disney characters headed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to mix and mingle and dance in the street with Magic Kingdom guests during a 12-15-minute party scheduled to take place three times daily.

New high-tech innovations on land and sea
High-tech innovations will help guests navigate theme park fun and treat guests to new thrills on both land and the high seas:

* Verizon (in Disney theme parks) – Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up to enhance the guest experience at Walt Disney World Resort (and at Disneyland Resort in California). Guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones including the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more.

* Disney Digital 3-D (aboard Disney Cruise Line ships)– Movie entertainment at sea is being revolutionized with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience just introduced onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Guests will delight as first-run, feature Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension in the onboard theaters. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive movie-going experience like no other at sea. During these once-a-cruise special engagements, guests will feel the rush of being part of the hottest show in town.

* The Hall of Presidents (in Magic Kingdom) – An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened. Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements. Reopening is slated for early July.

‘Re-imagining’ Downtown Disney
Following the fall 2008 opening of T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, the “re-imagining” of Downtown Disney continues with:

* Transformation of the Portobello Yacht Club – The name of this long-time favorite restaurant is shortened to “Portobello,” and an all-new menu reflects a new, warm, Italian trattoria décor. Portobello is open daily for lunch and dinner and is owned and operated by Levy Restaurants.

* New waterfront dining spot – A high-energy restaurant and bar opening in spring 2009 will feature Mexican and South American cuisine, an international wine bar and a tequila bar of more than 50 kinds of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas. The new as yet unnamed restaurant is being developed by E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bars, Samba Rooms, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of cities across the United States. The Downtown Disney restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night with nightly entertainment.

‘Re-branding’ the sports complex
Aligning the world’s No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports, Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN are joining forces to “re-brand” Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand, creating an entertaining and immersive experience for the nearly 2 million athletes, coaches and spectators who come through the sports complex each year. Plans for the re-branding initiative are still in the development stage, but initial concepts involve:

* Renaming the sports complex and incorporating the signature elements of ESPN – Throughout the 220-acre facility, which is a leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country, the project aims to enhance the experience of both athletes and spectators by connecting them to their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements and making them feel like they’ve made it to the “big time.”

10 new places to go, 4 new places to settle down
In 2009, Disney Cruise Line is charting two new eastern Caribbean courses. Meanwhile, Adventures by Disney is adding eight destinations, including some of the most exotic and remote locations in the world, to its list of trips. And Disney Vacation Club is offering guests visiting Disney Parks four new resort experiences. Here’s a look at what’s coming:

* New eastern Caribbean itineraries (Disney Cruise Line) – St. Croix will be a featured stop on one new seven-night itinerary, and Tortola will be featured on another seven-night itinerary, giving Disney Cruise Line guests more choices than ever before to explore the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Both islands are new to Disney Cruise Line, increasing the seven-night Caribbean choices on the Disney Magic to four itineraries (Disney’s traditional eastern and western Caribbean itineraries will continue). Itineraries with St. Croix and itineraries with Tortola sail select dates throughout 2009.

* New family-friendly adventure vacations (Adventures by Disney) – An expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, a safari in Africa, and an exploration of Alaska are among eight new adventures in 2009, giving guests a total of 23 vacation options to choose from. Other new Adventures by Disney itineraries: Italy and Switzerland; Boston, Newport, New York City; Central Italy; Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San Francisco; and Glacier National Park and Banff National Park.

* New ‘home-away-from-home’ accommodations (Disney Vacation Club) – Four new options in 2009 will combine to revive “treehouse living” at Walt Disney World Resort, immerse guests in the African experience … in Florida, bring vacation ownership so close to Magic Kingdom that families can blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight and use Cinderella Castle as their nightlight, and provide the first Disney Vacation Club accommodations on the West Coast:

* The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the opening (scheduled for summer) of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, providing Saratoga Springs with a new room category.

* Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Having completed the conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and hewn timber design. Kidani means “necklace” and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with guest villas forming the beads, garden-like walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center.

* Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The 15-story curvilinear tower (slated for a fall opening) is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building, which opened with Magic Kingdom on Oct. 1, 1971. The crescent shape, which features 295 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort – some of scenic stretches of Bay Lake, others with views of Magic Kingdom.

* The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Offering 50 two-bedroom-equivalent vacation villas (in late fall), this expansion of the existing hotel at Disneyland Resort is an architectural and artistic celebration of California’s renowned Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

DaCosta, who turns 49 today, redeemed his "Free On Your Birthday" registration at the Magic Kingdom Guest Relations window at 7:31 a.m.

Jan. 1 is the first day of the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. In addition to offering everyone who visits a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park on their birthday in 2009 free admission, the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign features new theme park entertainment, added celebration experiences and new ways for guests to customize their own "celebration vacation" at both vacation resorts.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 19, 2008—Every day, two special guests are recruited to help rid the newly renovated pool at Ole Port Royale of pesky pirates at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Donning pirate hats and eye patches, the young lads and lassies take up their swords to defend the pool’s territory from the buccaneer who is later locked away in the pirate dungeon.

As part of the Disney Difference, this Magical Moment reflects the unique events Walt Disney World Resort guests can experience only at Disney. Robin Burkett, area manager of recreation for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Pop Century Resort, said more guests are volunteering to participate in the Magical Moment openings. “It’s something out of the ordinary that makes the guest experience unforgettable,” she said.

The new pirate-themed pool and deck, which opened in early September, nearly doubles the capacity of the previous facility and features an 82-foot-long slide from a pirate fort. The nine-month upgrade also includes two anchor-shaped spas, another pool and a children’s “aqua play area,” which sits under a crow’s nest, emptying water on young mateys every few minutes.

Recreation Host Rich Alvis, one of the original creators of the resort’s Magical Moment, said the pool’s pirate theme sets the stage for imaginative adventures. “It’s a real Magical Moment for the kids because it’s personally involved. They make sure the pool deck is safe before we can open it,” he said. “It’s our way to make children feel a part of the magic at Disney”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (Dec. 12, 2008)— Walt Disney World Resort, in partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, today announced its selection of 100 nationwide high school students to participate in the Disney’s Dreamers Academy of 2009. Selected students and a guardian will travel to Walt Disney World Resort to take part in an innovative career inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun. The program will take place February 12-15, 2009, during national Black History Month.

“With the nation’s attention on change and a spirit of renewed hope, we are very pleased with the excitement centered on this year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy and the overwhelming enthusiasm it has generated from young people spanning America,” said Xiomara Wiley, a vice president of marketing at Disney Destinations. “We want to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspiring them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead.”

Celebrating its second “Dreamers Class,” the Disney’s Dreamers Academy reaches out nationwide to teens, grades 9-12, extolling the virtues of preparing for the future. The program’s aim is to expose teens to creative and nontraditional career opportunities in everything from culinary arts to animation, set design and show production to the business of sports, while inspiring them to exceed the boundaries of their dreams and imaginations.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show conducted the Dreamer’s Contest to identify the participants in Disney’s Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise – but may need additional motivational support to excel. However, all of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated more than 4,000 aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program.

“The Walt Disney World organization has been a great partner in this initiative, and their commitment to providing students with a once in a life time experience, such as Disney’s Dreamers Academy, is commendable,” said Steve Harvey. “Together, we have the ability to enhance the lives of these deserving kids by showing them that there are many ways to follow your dreams.”

During Disney’s Dreamers Academy, students are given unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort. As part of their experience this group of dreamers will participate in interactive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney Imagineering techniques, entertainment, the business of sports, culinary arts, and more. Disney cast members, executives and celebrities will share their blueprints for success. Participants will also explore Disney’s theme parks and then end their special weekend with a graduation ceremony where a special guest will deliver a motivational address.

Participants in this year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy class were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including: Harvey; Wiley; Rushion McDonald (executive producer of the Steve Harvey Morning Show); Reverend Randolph Bracy (president of the NAACP, Orlando); Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed (president, Bethune-Cookman University); Terrence J. (host of BET 106 & Park); Eugene Campbell (vice president of community relations & minority business development, Walt Disney World Resort); Steve Smith (NBA TV analyst/Ex-NBA player); Stephen A. Smith (ESPN Radio host/sports journalist); Cassie Davis (actress, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”); Mark Hayes (WAGA-TV anchor, Fox Atlanta); and Eduardo Correia (director, Kodak Multicultural Marketing).

The Disney’s Dreamer Academy was launched in 2007. For more information visit http://steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy/.

Kids Sail Free on Three-Night Disney Wonder Sailings this Winter and Spring

Disney Cruise Line Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience at Sea

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line

From Toy Soldier Fun to High School Musical Excitement: Kids are having a Blast with New Youth Programs

Disney Cruise Line Guests Discover Disney’s Legacy of Innovation During a New Adult Enrichment Series

Kids Sail Free on Three-Night Disney Wonder Sailings this Winter and Spring

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Disney Cruise Line, a leader in the family cruise segment, is making it easier than ever for families who have dreamt of taking a Disney cruise vacation to sail the most magical ship afloat with a “Kids Free” special offer on three-night cruises this winter and spring.

Guests 12 and under can sail free on three-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests within the same stateroom. This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. While the cruise fare with this special offer is free for guests 12 and under, guests who book will be responsible for Government Taxes and Fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 12 and under.

“At Disney Cruise Line, we pride ourselves on offering a vacation that caters to the individual needs of every member of the family,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. “This special offer is a great value – perfect for families that have never experienced the magic of Disney at sea, or those who want to come back to create new memories.”

Guests who sail during this time period will enjoy a whole host of new offerings on the Disney Wonder. The ship recently launched a 3-D cinematic experience in both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theatres where guests can enjoy first-run, full-length 3-D films such as Walt Disney Pictures’ “Bolt” and the upcoming “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience.” This past spring the Disney Wonder premiered a lavish theatrical production, “Toy Story-The Musical.” Additionally, young cruisers will delight in new activities at the Oceaneer Club and Lab featuring characters and storylines from popular Disney Channel movies, such as “High School Musical,” and Disney•Pixar films.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., guests sailing on the Disney Wonder will experience a cruise vacation that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

To book a vacation or to get complete details on the “Kids Free” special offer, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com/kidsfree or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Guests should mention or input booking code “FREE” when making the reservation.

Disney Cruise Line Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience at Sea

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line is revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering exclusively onboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder.

Guests will delight as first-run Disney films leap off the silver screen and take on a whole new dimension thanks to Disney Digital 3-D technology featured in both the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre. Disney Cruise Line is the first cruise line to introduce full-length 3-D entertainment onboard its ships. Disney Digital 3-D premiered onboard the Disney Wonder during the Nov. 20 sailing and on the Disney Magic during the Dec. 6 sailing.

Leveraging this new technology, Disney Cruise Line will take 3-D into uncharted waters in early 2009 with the debut of an exciting new cinematic experience that combines full-length Disney Digital 3-D films with in-theatre effects. Tridimensional images will combine with lasers, fog, streamers, and special lighting effects to create an immersive movie-going experience like no other at sea. During these once-a-cruise special engagements, guests will feel the rush of being part of hottest show in town as in-theatre effects enhance 3-D films featuring popular Disney popstars in concert.

“With Disney Digital 3-D we can provide extraordinary cinematic experiences for our guests that no other cruise line can offer,” said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line. “Innovation and high-quality family entertainment are Disney Cruise Line hallmarks, and the addition of Disney Digital 3-D perfectly complements our industry-leading collection of entertainment options already onboard our ships.”

Disney Cruise Line celebrated the debut of Disney Digital 3-D with a special screening event for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest animated feature, “Bolt,” onboard the Nov. 20 three-night Disney Wonder cruise. As the calendar turned from Nov. 20 to Nov. 21, guests attended a special midnight screening of “Bolt” at the Walt Disney Theatre – complete with meet-and-greet opportunities with lovable walk-around characters from the film.

The film features super-dog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), whose every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and the help of two unlikely traveling companions – a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino (voice of Mark Walton) – Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.

“Disney Cruise Line picked the perfect time to introduce Disney Digital 3-D to its guests,” said Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Group. “ ‘Bolt’ kicks off an extraordinary lineup of 3-D movies debuting over the course of the next year, including ‘Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience,’ Disney•Pixar’s ‘Up,’ ‘G-Force,’ Disney•Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol.’ The 3-D immersive experience is better than ever.”

Disney Digital 3-D is the latest enhancement to join the robust menu of premium guest experiences and amenities included with a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Dazzling Broadway-style musical spectaculars, over-the-top deck parties with the only fireworks display at sea, a unique rotational dining concept, first-run movie releases and fantastic kids programming are just some of the advantages of cruising with Disney.

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder, both decked to the “raft-ers” with holiday cheer.

From Thanksgiving and continuing through to the new year, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, from traditional “turkey day” fanfare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.

The spirit of the season surrounds guests the moment they arrive at Port Canaveral, Fla., with Disney characters in their finest holiday attire welcoming guests to the beautifully decorated private Disney Cruise Line terminal.

Special stem-to-stern holiday events on both ships, beginning Nov. 22, include:
“King Triton’s Tree Lighting” in the atrium lobby, where a young guest will help Disney characters light the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.

An afternoon Tropical Pool Party every day with fun, food, games and activities. Plenty of Disney characters join the celebration, including Lilo and Stitch, Chip ‘n Dale, Mickey and Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. Be sure not to miss the “Winter-Sunnyland” conga line around the pool.

Special family time with holiday crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.

Holiday storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions. Plus, an all-new story just for Disney Cruise Line guests about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.

Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms.

“ ‘Til We Meet Again,” a special holiday edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

And when cruises during the holiday period put in at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, the celebration continues:

Guests will delight with “snow flurries,” decked-out Christmas trees, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday carolers.

Youngsters will be busy with holiday-themed activities such as making candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles.

The Disney Magic will host a 7-Night Holiday Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 20, with visits to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and, as a special holiday treat, two stops at Castaway Cay. The Disney Wonder 4-night Christmas cruise departs Dec. 24, with visits to Nassau and Castaway Cay. On Christmas morning at the lobby tree, Santa Claus and his elves will have surprises for all the kids, along with cookies and milk. Guests can attend sunset Hanukkah services and Christmas services, including midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

To celebrate the new year, Disney Magic departs on its 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary Dec. 27; Disney Wonder departs Dec. 31 for its 4-night cruise. These voyages will feature a special New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2009, complete with DJ music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes, confetti and balloon drop, and a midnight countdown.

From Toy Soldier Fun to High School Musical Excitement: Kids are having a Blast with New Youth Programs Onboard Disney Cruise Line

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- With nearly an entire deck devoted to entertaining children ages three months to 17 years, Disney Cruise Line offers a jam-packed menu of activities for young cruisers. Now the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are adding even more kid-friendly fun with the debut of three new youth activities programs and a rockin’ end-of-cruise celebration.

At Disney’s Oceaneer Club, a Neverland-themed play space for 3-7 year olds, children are immersed in the world of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story with a new program titled Toy Story Boot Camp. Led by Corporal Green, a green-army toy soldier, children become toy recruits and participate in a series of interactive activities and craft projects inspired by the film. They even create their very own soldier dog tag to take home as a keepsake.

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, a whacky and interactive laboratory for 8-12 year olds, is premiering a new program inspired by Disney Channel’s original movie High School Musical. All for One sends children ages 8-10 on a madcap scavenger hunt throughout the entire ship. Miss Darbus, the quirky drama teacher from the popular Disney Channel movie, is organizing a talent show onboard the ship but somehow all the props and costumes have gone missing. Now it is up to the children to embark on a fun-filled, clue-solving mission to locate the missing props. The hunt concludes as the children celebrate in true Wild Cat Spirit with a High School Musical talent show performed for their parents.

The Stack (Disney Magic) and Aloft (Disney Wonder), the cool hangouts for 13-17 year olds, are launching the T.O.R.C.H. (Teen Only Resource and Communication Hub), a new social website developed exclusively for teens traveling on Disney Cruise Line. While onboard, teens will have the opportunity to post messages to a community board, check out photos and videos from their cruise and even develop a customized itinerary including activities and events tailored to their taste.

What better way cap all the excitement of a Disney cruise than with a new end-of-voyage celebration for children who attended the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab. Friendship Rocks!, presented in the Walt Disney Theatre, brings families together for a high energy show featuring songs by Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers and other Disney Channel stars. Friends and family will cheer as children take the stage to become part of a musical celebration set against the backdrop of a multimedia presentation showcasing the children’s experience during the cruise. Even Mickey and Minnie Mouse join-in the festivities and make a special appearance during the celebration.

Disney Cruise Line Guests Discover Disney’s Legacy of Innovation During a New Adult Enrichment Series

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Guests sailing on the Disney Magic can discover unique aspects of The Walt Disney Company during a new shipboard adult enrichment series titled Disney Innovations.

The new seminar features a series of multi-media presentations showcasing the greatest innovations that The Walt Disney Company has brought to animation and themed entertainment experiences.

Presented in the widely popular “countdown” format, the program features the Top Ten breakthroughs as determined by an esteemed panel of “Disney Experts” composed of Imagineers, Animators and Disney Historians. A notable member of this panel is Roy E. Disney, Director Emeritus, The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney’s nephew. Disney was instrumental in the development of the series, providing personal commentary and a unique perspective on many of the innovations featured in the program.

Guests will learn how Disney's addition of a synchronized soundtrack to Steamboat Willie led to improvements in the entire field of motion picture sound, how the creation of the world's first theme park changed the presentation of every park thereafter and how audioanimatronics technology opened the doors to a whole new way to tell stories.

At the conclusion of the program, guests will discover that they’ve been part of another Disney innovation: the series format is designed so participants can continue their own “innovation conversation.” As they gather in shipboard cafes and at quiet meeting spots, they can conduct their own self-guided sessions to discuss their own Top Ten selections.

Disney Innovations is the newest addition to the adult enrichment series presented onboard Disney Cruise Line. The sophisticated series also features programs like The Art of Entertaining, Disney’s Behind-the-Scenes and Disney’s Navigator Series.

ANAHEIM, CALIF, December 15, 2008 - As Disneyland Resort celebrates the holiday gift-giving season, a newly launched Monthly Payment Program for Annual Passholders will make it easier for Southern California residents to have their own frequent Disneyland Resort celebrations in the year to come.

This new program lets Southern California residents enjoy the Disneyland Resort magic throughout the year with an Annual Passport, while paying in 12 monthly installments.

By selecting the payment option, Guests will pay for the cost of a 1-Day, 1-Park ticket upon purchase and will pay the remaining amount over the next 12 months, with no finance charges applied. For example, a Guest purchasing a Southern California Select Annual Passport for $134 would pay $69 at the time of purchase - with the remaining balance of $65 spread out over the next 12 months.

"Annual Passports provide a great entertainment value and flexibility for our Guests who make frequent visits to our parks throughout the year," said Jill Estorino, senior vice president of Marketing for the Disneyland Resort. "Through this new program, Guests can literally turn a one-day ticket into an Annual Pass for less than $6 a month.

"This program was based on feedback from our current Annual Passholders - and we're excited to provide them with this new option just in time for the holidays," added Estorino.

The Monthly Payment program for Annual Passports is offered only to Southern California residents within the 90000 and 93599 zip codes.

All Annual Passport options are available through the program, including Premium, Deluxe, Southern California and Southern California Select Annual Passports. The program is available only at the ticket booths. Next year, it will be offered for online purchases.

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)

Each holiday season, the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida sparkle with five million lights. In 1995, Walt Disney World® Resort adopted the displays from Little Rock's Jennings Osborne after his neighbors grumbled. Now, Disney crews start work in March to get ready for guests in November and December.

For more information about how Walt Disney World celebrates the holidays, visit www.disneyworld.com/holidays

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 5, 2008 -- Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomed the 28th gerenuk calf weighing in at six pounds and approximately two feet tall, after a seven-month gestation.

A gerenuk, which in Somali means “giraffe-necked,” is an African antelope with a unique long neck allowing them to eat leaves off the tree versus savannah grass. Unlike other gazelles and most antelopes that graze on grasses, gerenuks often stand erect on their hind legs and stretch their long necks to browse on taller bushes. They are typically found in areas of dry, bushy shrub and because of their arid habitat, they do not need to drink, because they get enough water from the plants they eat. Typical size for an adult gerenuk is approximately three feet at the shoulder with a weight between 80 and 115 pounds.

The female calf, just recently named Presley, was born November 16. Her mother, Tupelo, is six years old and has been at Disney's Animal Kingdom since 2004. Both are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Gerenuk Population Management Plan.

Effective January 1, 2009, RCI will become the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Disney Vacation Club, enrolling Disney Vacation Club’s more than 135,000 member families into RCI’s global exchange network. RCI has one of the most expansive portfolios of high-end affiliated vacation resorts, as well as more choices in more countries than any other exchange network.

Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to enjoy vacations at a variety of destinations across six continents and 25 countries and will have access to a significantly broader range of resort experiences, including more all-inclusive options, more nightly exchanges than ever before and even a selection of luxurious, high-end fractional properties.

Similarly, RCI’s more than 3.6 million members will now also enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Disney Vacation Club resorts and may rent at Disney Vacation Club resorts throughout the year.

“Group RCI has the management depth, technology resources and global marketing infrastructure to align with Disney Vacation Club’s strategic growth plan,” said DVC President Jim Lewis. “This relationship will provide our member families with the most diverse experiences possible beyond our signature Disney Vacation Club resorts.”

Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI, notes that the company is looking forward to working with Disney Vacation Club and its member families in the coming years.

“It’s an honor for all of us at Group RCI to have been selected by one of the most internationally recognized and revered brands on the planet,” commented Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI. “For more than 50 years, Disney has been offering unique family vacation experiences with legendary service, superb accommodations and magical touches at every turn. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Disney Vacation Club members into the world’s largest vacation network and we look forward to working closely with Disney Vacation Club to continue to build new and innovative programs that will provide even more member benefits and opportunities.”

About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN) is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The company is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI®, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry CollectionÒ, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation RentalsSM , Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, English Country Cottages, French Life®, Cuendet®, and more than 30 other vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

About Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By becoming a member of Disney Vacation Club, families can enjoy vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Vacation Club resort accommodations blend Disney's famed attention to storytelling detail with all the comforts of home. From well-appointed studios equipped with convenient kitchenettes to sprawling, one-, two- and three-bedroom villas complete with full-size kitchens, washers and dryers, luxury tubs and other homelike amenities, Disney Vacation Club resorts create flexible options to meet the needs of thousands of families from around the world.

Since its inception in 1991, Disney Vacation Club has grown to serve more than 135,000 member families from approximately 100 countries and all 50 states. Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company.

Disney's new "Santa Paws" invites dog owners to bring their canine friends for a photo opportunity and meet and greet with old St. Nick himself. "Santa Paws" continues through Dec. 24. Santa Paws is located near World of Disney store at Downtown Disney Marketplace. For hours and more information about Festival of the Seasons, visit disneyworld.com/holidays

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