Disney News Blog

(AUG. 6, 2009): Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (left), who provides the voice of Disney's newest princess, Tiana, in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film "The Princess and the Frog," poses with the new Princess Tiana character (right) as she will soon appear at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Thursday night's event marked the very first public appearance of the Princess Tiana theme park character and took place during the 2009 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention in Tampa, Fla. In addition, Rose performed a song from the film for convention-goers. "The Princess and the Frog" film will premiere in theaters nationwide Dec. 11, 2009. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.

A giant, “A to Z” gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – will roam the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.

Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.

Star Wars Weekends At-a-Glance

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 22-June 14, 2009

Celebrity Host -Jay Laga’aia (“Captain Typho”) with special guest Ashley Eckstein (“Ahsoka Tano”)

Activities

A Galaxy of Photo Opportunities – Encounter more than 50 Star Wars characters from the entire saga. From Darth Vader to Darth Maul and Greedo to Chewbacca, you’ll find heroes, bounty hunters, droids and villains from throughout the galaxy.

Celebrities from Star Wars will attend each weekend and participate in:

Autograph Sessions
Legends of the Force – Star Wars themed motorcade

Stars of the Saga – Talk Show and Q&A hosted by Jay Laga’aia

Clone Wars: Behind the Force – A behind-the-scenes show that explores the excitement of Star Wars: The Clone Wars led by Ashley Eckstein,the talented voice behind “Ahsoka Tano.” In addition to being the voice of “Ahsoka Tano” in The Clone Wars TV series and feature film, she has appeared on shows such as “That’s So Raven” and in films including “Sydney White,” which starred Amanda Bynes. She and her husband, Major League Baseball player David Eckstein (a two-time All Star who won the 2006 World Series MVP Award), were married at Walt Disney World Resort in 2005.

Jedi Training Academy – Each young “Obi-wanna-be” who is chosen will learn a lightsaber combination as they prepare to face the dark side!

Star Tours Attraction –Blast your starspeeder through the ultimate Star Wars adventure.

Padawan Mind Challenge – Kids under 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council!

Hyperspace Hoopla – Star Wars characters and guests gather for an entertaining conclusion to each day’s events.

Wicket’s Warehouse – Shop a galaxy of Star Wars themed and limited-edition merchandise developed just for Star Wars Weekends 2009.

Weekend Celebrities

Weekend 1 (May 22-24)
Ray Park (“Darth Maul”)
Warwick Davis (“Wicket the Ewok”)
James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan in Star Wars: The Clone Wars)**

Weekend 2 (May 29-31)
Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”)
Matthew Wood (“General Grievous”)

Weekend 3 (June 5-7)
Jeremy Bulloch (“Boba Fett”)
David Prowse (“Darth Vader”)
Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin in Star Wars: The Clone Wars)**

Weekend 4 (June 12-14)
Dave Filoni (Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
Temuera Morrison (“Jango Fett”)

** Guest appearances in Clone Wars: Behind The Force presentations

‘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?”

‘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.

UP, UP AND AWAY!: Characters from the new Disney-Pixar animated comedy "UP" made a surprise visit May 14, 2009 to Disney's Hollywood Studios. The three stars -- (L-R): Russell, an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer; Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman; and Dug, a dog -- pose in front of the Sorcerer Hat. Beginning May 15, the characters will make meet-and-greet appearances inside the "Magic of Disney Animation" attraction. "UP," the 10th film from Disney-Pixar, debuts in U.S. theaters nationwide on May 29, 2009.

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.

(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).

The above video gives a glimpse into what the Auditioning process is like for the new attraction, American Idol Experience, opening February 14, 2009, in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Also, take a look at the list of songs available for you to audition with:

Disney Songs

* Best of Worlds
* Bet On It
* Breaking Free
* Circle of Life
* Colors of the Wind
* Ever Ever After
* Go The Distance
* Part of Your World
* Play My Music
* Reflection
* Rock Star
* This Is Me
* You'll Be In My Heart

Country

* Achy Breaky Heart
* All-American Girl
* Amazed
* Boot Scootin' Boogie
* Breathe
* Do You Believe Me Now
* How Do I Live (Without You)
* I Hope You Dance
* I Like It, I Love It
* I Told You So
* Independence Day
* It's Good to be Us
* Life is a Highway
* Lost
* Man, I Feel Like A Woman
* My Wish
* Our Song
* Sweet Home Alabama
* This Kiss
* Walkin' After Midnight
* What Hurts The Most

Disco

* Dance Best of My Love
* Fame
* Hot Stuff
* I Will Survive
* Knock On Wood
* Last Dance
* Never Can Say Goodbye
* Turn Your Love Around
* You're The First, The Last, My Everything

Latin

* 1-2-3
* Bailamos
* Just Another Day
* La Bamba
* Smooth
* Turn The Beat Around
* Waiting for Tonight

Rock/Pop Up Tempo

* Big Girls Don't Cry
* Black Horse and a Cherry Tree
* Bohemian Rhapsody
* Breakaway
* Don't Stop The Music
* Express Yourself
* Face Down
* Footloose
* Hit Me With Your Best Shot
* I Can See Clearly Now
* I Feel The Earth Move
* I Wanna Dance With Somebody
* If Everyone Cared
* No One
* Old Time Rock and Roll
* Over You
* Rock With You
* Since U Been Gone
* Somebody to Love
* Suspicious Minds
* Sway
* The Great Escape
* Walk Away
* Walking On Sunshine
* You Really Got Me Now
* You're My Best Friend

Rock/Pop Ballad

* A Moment Like This
* Alone
* Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
* Drops of Jupiter
* Home
* If It Makes You Happy
* Iris
* Just Once
* Kiss From a Rose
* Looks Like We Made It
* Stand By Me
* Unchained Melody
* Walkin' In Memphis
* What a Wonderful World
* Your Song

Motown

* 100 Ways
* Ain't No Mountain High Enough
* Ain't Too Proud To Beg
* For Once In My Life Meduim
* Get Ready
* I Heard It Through the Grapevine
* I Want You Back
* I Wish
* I'll Be There
* Midnight Train to Georgia
* New Attitude
* Reach Out, I'll Be There
* RESPECT
* Signed, Sealed, Delivered
* Stop In The Name of Love
* Superstition
* Then Came You
* Vision of Love
* You Are The Sunshine of My Life
* You Keep Me Hangin' On
* (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
* You're All I Need To Get By

Former American Idol contest David Archuleta talks about the new
American Idol Experience attraction opening February 14, 2009 at
Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida.

See what it's like to sit in the audience of the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park in Florida – cheering for the guests auditioning on stage and voting for your favorite singer.

IT'S SHOWTIME!: Disney's Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, "The American Idol Experience" on Feb. 14, 2009, with all the excitement of the popular "American Idol" TV show. In this first-of-its-kind attraction, Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage.

As the debut of the show nears, Disney has released a few preview videos to give you a taste of what's to come!

Everywhere you look in Walt Disney World, the holidays are coming to life, starting with the 200,000 lights that decorate Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and cover it with sparkling ice from top to toe. See how the Disney Imagineers make this phenomenal transformation take shape.

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

IT'S SHOWTIME!: Disney's Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, "The American Idol Experience."

Opening in 2009, all the excitement of the popular "American Idol" TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction. Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

Susan Lucci, Emmy Award-winning star of the ABC Daytime drama "All My Children," strikes a pose with her "Dancing with the Stars" professional dance partner, Tony Dovolani, Nov. 15, 2008 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Lucci and Dovolani, who were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" on Nov. 5, appeared at "ABC SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend," a soap opera fan event being held this weekend at the Walt Disney World theme park. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Cameron Mathison Headlines ABC-SOAPNet Super Soap Weekend at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Thorsten Kaye, Erika Slezak and Jason Thompson Join the Event

This year’s event marks the last in Orlando as ABC’s Daytime Division embarks on the 2009 Soap Nation Tour, a collection of nationwide initiatives designed to interact with fans more often on a year-round basis.

BURBANK, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2008) – Cameron Mathison will headline ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend Nov. 15 and 16 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Also joining the stellar lineup of 30 stars from the ABC daytime dramas are Thorsten Kaye, Aiden Turner and Rebecca Budig from “All My Children,” Erika Slezak, Michael Easton and Kristen Alderson from “One Life to Live,” and Laura Wright, Kelly Monaco and Jason Thompson from “General Hospital.” Soapnet.com will reveal the full Super Soap Weekend all-star lineup on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

This year will mark the last Super Soap Weekend in Orlando as ABC’s Daytime Division embarks on the 2009 Soap Nation Tour, a collection of nationwide events designed to interact with fans on a year-round basis offering greater access to stars in more cities, more often. The final Walt Disney World weekend will be dedicated to the fans with special retrospectives and exclusive productions.

This year, special trivia and commemorative clip packages honoring the 45th anniversary of “General Hospital,” the 40th anniversary of “One Life to Live,” “All My Children’s” 10,000th episode, and past Super Soap Weekends will be shown during the event. Super Soap Weekend will become more interactive than ever before with the introduction of new mobile programs and text trivia. A special musical number will be developed for Colgate Total Street Jam that honors the final event, as well.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital.” Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, game shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite daytime stars. Colgate Total toothpaste has served as the presenting sponsor of the event for nine consecutive years.

“We recognize that we live in a ‘Soap Nation’ – from primetime soaps to daytime soaps to reality and celebrity soaps, they are all around us. The 2009 tour will be a collection of coast-to-coast fan-based events that will ignite our ‘Soap Nation’,” said Brian Frons, president, Daytime Disney-ABC Television Group.

“Our fans have told us that they want us in their neighborhoods so we are traveling our daytime talent to better serve them. The new year will bring new ways we will involve our stars in more events, in more cities, more often.” Frons continued, “We thank Walt Disney World for being a wonderful host and partner and look forward to our plans to send Super Soap off with a bang and the celebration it deserves.”

“We have certainly enjoyed hosting the ABC soap stars – and their fans – over the years, and we’re going to make sure this year’s event is a fitting finale,” said Rilous Carter, vice president, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Confirmed events within the 2009 Soap Nation Tour that support the new effort begin on the West Coast with the maiden voyage of SOAPnet Presents Rock the Soap, a three-day cruise (from Los Angeles to Mexico) hosted by Bob Guiney and filled with top daytime stars including Rebecca Budig, Thorsten Kaye, Jason Thompson, Kelly Monaco, Kassie DePaiva and Bree Williamson, featuring musical performances, autograph sessions and parties. More information about the event can be found at www.rockthesoap.com; new contests will be developed to provide trips to New York so winners can attend “Broadway Cares,” a one night musical celebration featuring daytime stars; and continued participation in the CMA’s Music Festival with stars attending the event weekend. Additional information regarding new fan experiences and expanded affiliate events will be released next year.

ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business. For future updates and more information about ABC-SOAPnet Super Soap Weekend, guests may call the recorded Super Soap Hotline recording at 407/397-6808, or visit the ABC Daytime Web site at ABC.com.

IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

A trio of Green Army Men characters from the Disney-Pixar animated films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” march through “Pixar Place” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The newest addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Pixar Place” is modeled after Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. The street is adorned with larger-than-life versions of classic childhood toys and games, including Barrel of Monkeys, Scrabble and Battleship. “Pixar Place” is also home to “Toy Story Mania!,” a cutting-edge ride-through attraction that combines the fun of a video game with 4-D technology and interaction with favorite Disney-Pixar stars.

(Gene Duncan, photographer)