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)

Mickey and Minnie Planning to Show Off New Costume-Party Look at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates, Beginning Sept. 5

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look. Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball. Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon – bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 26 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

DUCK-O-LANTERN: Donald and Daisy Duck are decked out in their newest Halloween party-wear in front of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It's all part of the fun that takes place when the Magic Kingdom hosts "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party." Activities include trick-or-treating, a Halloween parade and Disney's "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks show. A separate ticket is required to attend.

Disney's Official Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Website

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.

Disney Chefs present an elaborate fish dish, Sept. 26, 2008, created by Chef Richard Rosendale of Rosendales in Columbus, Ohio, during the Bocuse d'Or USA semifinal competition held during the launch of the 13th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The legendary Chef Paul Bocuse (right) and sole female Bocuse d'Or International winner -- Chef Lea Linster (left) of Luxembourg, judge the platter during the competition at Walt Disney World. The rigorous competition was held before a live audience. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A kaleidoscope of colors and elaborate light displays will decorate the skies on the final night of 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on Dec. 31 make it a popular spot to ring in the new year.

-- At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:40 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

-- Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 9 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.

-- Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

-- Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.

For more information, visit Disneyworld.com or contact 407/824-4321.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen and PGA TOUR Comeback Player of the Year award contender Scott McCarron have accepted sponsor’s exemptions to play in the 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart Nov. 6-9 at Walt Disney World Resort.
“We are pleased to have Lee and Scott join what we feel will be a talented Children’s Miracle Network Classic field this year,” said tournament chairman Kevin Weickel. “Lee is one of the marquee names in the sport and Scott’s resurgence is one of the most inspiring stories of the year. Both players add excitement and tradition to this year’s tournament, which we expect will be one of the best ever.”

Janzen, an Orlando resident, won the U.S. Open in 1993 and 1998, and eight total PGA TOUR titles. He also is a two-time Ryder Cup participant.

This year he is currently 147th on the TOUR money list and will be part of the frenzied scramble at Disney to be among the final top 125 money winners who earn full exemptions for the 2009 PGA TOUR season.

He has played at Disney 16 times since 1990, with his best finishes a sixth in 1992 and a seventh in 1997.

A three-time PGA TOUR winner, McCarron is enjoying a resurgent 2008 after missing the majority of 2006 and the entire 2007 season while recovering from a shoulder injury. This season, he has posted a pair of top five finishes -- second at the Wyndham Championship and tied for fifth at the RBC Canadian Open -- along with a 93rd ranking on the TOUR money list.

This will be McCarron’s ninth tournament at Disney since 1995, with his best finish a sixth (tied) in 2001.

The Children’s Miracle Network Classic has four sponsor’s exemptions to extend to players who otherwise wouldn’t qualify for the field of 132 players that will tee off in the PGA TOUR Fall Series finale on Disney’s Palm and Magnolia courses.

The defending champion is TOUR veteran Stephen Ames, who joined the likes of Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart and Raymond Floyd as winners of the prestigious Disney tournament.

Tickets for individual rounds ($20) and badges for Classic week ($30) are available at www.ChildrensMiracleNetworkClassic.com. Net proceeds go to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, including the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, and Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville.

EN VOGUE ROCKS THE HOUSE -- En Vogue sings "Hold On" and other pop hits during Eat to the Beat! concerts at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

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)

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.

As fireworks fill the sky at the Magic Kingdom, 2008 Walt Disney World Ambassadors Kerri MacPherson and TC Newman join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in wishing everyone have many reasons to celebrate in the coming year.

Brazilian celebrates fifth straight Disney victory and sixth overall; event record 22,000 runners compete in first of Disney’s 12 endurance series races in 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Jan. 11, 2009) – In what is becoming an extraordinary Walt Disney World Marathon tradition, Adriano Bastos of Brazil celebrated another Disney Marathon victory Sunday by coasting to his fifth straight win and sixth overall. Lisa Mizutani won the women’s title.

Bastos, 30, led a Disney record field of 22,000 runners virtually from start to finish around the 26.2 mile course which traced through all four of Disney’s theme parks. He crossed the finish line in 2:20:38 – roughly seven minutes ahead of second-place finisher Aaron Church (South Riding, Va.), who was followed by Matthew Fecht (Warren, Mich.) in third. Bastos’ time was 20 seconds faster than last year when he posted a time of 2:20:58.

“My goal is to win 10 Disney Marathons,” said Bastos, who adds another Disney-themed tattoo after each marathon win. “I love running this marathon because I can run and then have fun in the Disney theme parks.”

Mizutani of Japan easily outran the women competitors. The 23-year-old, who made the transatlantic trip specifically to run in the Disney Marathon, broke away from the pack early partly because of the enthusiastic cheers from spectators along the route and ran unchallenged virtually the entire 26.2 miles. She cruised to the finish in 2:46:27, comfortably ahead of Melanie Peters (St. Petersburg, Fla.), who was last year’s women’s champion, and Christa Benton (St. Petersburg, Fla.), who finished third a year ago.

In the wheelchair division, Krige Schabort of Cedartown, Ga., crossed the line first (1:37:19). Among the women, Shirley Reilly of Tucson, Ariz., won the title (2:09:51).

The victories by Bastos and Mizutani capped a weekend of endurance events at Disney, including the Disney Half Marathon, the Circle of Life 5K, Disney’s Kid Races and a Health & Fitness Expo. David Jankowski of Rochester Hills, Mich., and Elizabeth Chelagat of Las Cruces, N.M., won the Disney Half Marathon men’s and women’s titles, respectively. In all, more than 45,000 runners competed in events throughout the weekend, making this the largest Disney Marathon Weekend since the event’s debut in 1994.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Walt Disney World Marathon, registration for the 2010 Disney Marathon Weekend begins Monday Jan. 12, 2009. To register for the marathon or for any Disney endurance race, visit www.disneyworldmarathon.com or www.disneyenduranceseries.com

About Disney’s Endurance Series

Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker (March), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Please visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The storybook setting and amorous ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort has lovebirds flocking to the Vacation Kingdom for a romantic getaway. Moonlit strolls, luxurious spas and intimate dining make it feel like Valentine’s Day every day. And new for 2009: as part of Disney’s “What Will You Celebrate?” couples commemorating their commitment have a “heart full” of enchanting ways to customize their Valentine’s vacations.

Couples who’ve been bitten by the love bug don’t need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world’s most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast – and don’t forget America’s sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Throughout the 40-square-mile playground, love is in the air at the Vacation Kingdom. During a couples spa experience. In the middle of a romantic dinner. Or on one of the “love boats” that cruise Walt Disney World waterways.

Honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts.

And for couples who want to make their own fairy tale dream come true – complete with Cinderella’s coach and her famous glass slipper – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can create an unforgettable union.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance – whether it’s a stroll along the lush Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a relaxing stop for espresso and pastries at a sidewalk table in the France pavilion at Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the parks, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences that seem designed just for them:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ and ‘Flies’ Together….. – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/824-2332.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – fly through the sky with your loved one on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heightscan spend 10 minutes alone soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Rates start at $170 (plus tax) for a tandem flight. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations.

Magical Resorts – From the romance of an African lodge to the Victorian splendor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises begin at $480/hour (plus tax),including captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/824-2682.

At Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Marina, a 1920s-style 26-foot mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Half-hour afternoon cruises are $95 (plus tax) for up to six people. For $300 (plus tax),up to six guests can take a Fireworks Cruise into Epcot (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The craft – complete with captain – travels across Crescent Lake for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

The name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless II.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular. And with this year’s “What Will You Celebrate?” Disney offers new entertainment and services that allow guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.

* Disney’s three-course, prix fixe Sweetheart Dinner for Two is the perfect way to create a memorable evening, ending with a shared dessert. Dinners include a specially selected beverage in a souvenir toasting glass to commemorate a special moment and are available at all Walt Disney World signature restaurants except Victoria & Albert’s. Guests who prefer an in-room romantic dinner can check with their Disney resort hotel’s front desk.

* California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant’s award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. Lovebirds can catch a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.

* One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as “maids” and “butlers” provide stellar service to each of the 18 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.

* For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel.

* Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort& Spaneed only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.

* For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 30 minutes long for $45, available from 5:30-10 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m., respectively. For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ – The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, approximately 1,600 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella’s glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, a country hoe-down at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail.

Disney’s wedding specialists become the fairy godmother, incorporating all the elements including ceremony, entertainment, cuisine, floral arrangements, audiovisuals and accommodations. For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.

Couples who are tying the knot back home can arrange a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon by calling 321/939-4623 or visiting the Web site at disneyhoneymoons.com.

Renewing Vows – Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.

(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.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Mar. 5, 2009) – Thousands of women from around the world are bringing out their inner Princess at the inaugural Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker. Runners from every U.S. state and 17 other countries is taking part in this three-day celebration of women’s health and fitness that includes special features that are all things Princess.

Participants and their family and friends can experience a variety of exclusive opportunities including Princess meet and greets, a character breakfast, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney's Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight.

The weekend, kicks off Friday, March 6, with Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo at the Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. The expo, open to everyone, will involve renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment. (Expo schedule below.)

“This is a tremendous opportunity for women to educate themselves about their health and fitness all in one place,” said Disney’s Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. “Not only does it provide awareness and empower women to live a healthy lifestyle, but they will have a great time doing it.”

More than 11,000 runners are competing in various races throughout weekend, making this event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women. The signature event, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, is Sunday, and takes runners on a 13.1 mile royal journey through Magic Kingdom and Epcot. On Saturday, there is the Royal Family 5K at Epcot and the Princess Kids’ Races.

Every runner will receive a commemorative Champion Ladies Tech shirt and runners crossing the finish line will receive a special Princess tiara-shaped medal. While the event is geared towards women, men can run in support of the special women in their lives.

For a complete schedule of events, visit disneyprincesshalfmarathon.com. Also, additional post-race party tickets can be purchased for family and friends at the Fit for a Princess Expo or at the party.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Disney has a long-standing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation that stretches more than 27 years. Disney has contributed more than $11 million in cash and in-kind donations each year and used its magic to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. With more than 6,000 wishes granted every year - including visits to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruises, Disney Characters visits, attending sporting events and visiting TV and movie sets - Disney-themed wishes continue to be the most popular requests by children to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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Speaker Series & Character Appearances
Jostens Center at Disney’s Wide World of Sports

Friday, March 6, 2009 Expo Hours 12:00pm – 7:00pm

12:30 – 1:15 pm Sonja Friend-Uhl is a USATF elite runner and coach. She will present Fit for a Princess Running Clinic, featuring tips on training & racing strategies, nutrition for runners & positive imagery techniques.

1:30 – 2:15 pm Liza Hunter-Galvan is a two-time Olympic Marathoner. She won the San Antonio Marathon six times, participated in the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2004, Liza won the Dallas Marathon and was named “San Antonio Sportswoman of the Year” in both 2004 and 2008. In 2008, she was presented with UTSA, Distinguished Service Alumnus Award.

2:30 - 3:00 pm BREAK - Character Appearance

3:00 – 3:45 pm
Tara Gidus is a nationally-recognized expert on nutrition and fitness. Good nutrition is vital to sport performance. Learn how what you eat and when you eat it can affect your energy and how well you do during your race. Get the latest tips on what to eat before, during, and after training runs and races, how to prevent injuries through good nutrition, and the most updated hydration guidelines.
~~AND~~
Betsy Hughes is Co-owner of Track Shack Orlando. Come and hear Last Minute Tips – Preparing for Event Day.

4:00 – 4:30 pm BREAK - Character Appearance

4:30 – 5:15 pm Sally Edwards and Maggie Sullivan present Running Faster, Running Further - The Secrets of Running Far and Fast. If you are ready to turn up the intensity and increase your stride, ultra-marathoner Sally Edwards can show you ways to accomplish that and even more. You can get stronger, lose weight and run further than ever before if you add a blend of power and fun to your running program. Join Sally Edwards for this motivational and entertaining presentation.

5:30 – 6:00 pm BREAK - Character Appearance

6:00 – 6:30 pm Jon Hughes, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Marathon Race Director is joined by Tom Ward, Technical Director, to provide Last Minute Tips and Information and a final look at the half marathon course.

Saturday, March 7, 2009 Expo Hours 10:00am–5:00pm

10:15 – 10:30 am Make-A-Wish - Twelve year old Wish Kid Jerry describes the experience of his wish to meet author R.L. Stine. Jerry’s mother discusses what the wish meant to Jerry’s family.

10:30 – 11:00 am BREAK - Character Appearance

11:00 – 12:00 pm Lady Foot Locker presents Sarah Haskins, Finding Your Passion. Learn about setting goals to pursue that passion, the journey it takes for you to achieve your goals and the techniques to achieve your own personal dreams.

12:00 – 12:30 pm BREAK - Character Appearance

12:30 –1:00 pm Tari Rose, faculty member and education specialist with the American Council on Exercise, as well as a free-lance writer, TV guest and motivational speaker, will share her health & nutrition philosophies included in her upcoming book BodyInstinct – Creating Lean Strong Healthy Bodies Discover how to get the most out of food, exercise and your bodies metabolism!

1:15 – 2:00 pm Sally Edwards and Maggie Sullivan present Running Faster, Running Further - The Secrets of Running Far and Fast. If you are ready to turn up the intensity and increase your stride, ultra-marathoner Sally Edwards can show you ways to accomplish that and even more. You can get stronger, lose weight and run further than ever before if you add a blend of power and fun to your running program. Join Sally Edwards for this motivational and entertaining presentation.

2:00 – 2:45 pm Liza Hunter-Galvan is a two-time Olympic Marathoner. Liza won the San Antonio Marathon 6 times, participated in the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2004, she won the Dallas Marathon and was named “San Antonio Sportswoman of the Year” in both 2004 and 2008. In 2008, she was presented with UTSA, Distinguished Service Alumnus Award.

3:00 – 3:30 pm BREAK - Character Appearance

3:30 –4:15 pm Jon Hughes, Tom Ward, and Betsy Hughes provide Last Minute Tips and Information and a final look at the half marathon course.

4:30 – 5:00 pm Patricia Fox, PhD, LMFT, is a motivational sports therapist & running coach and Certified ChiRunning® & ChiWalking® Instructor. Learn How to get the most out of your run—effortless & injury free: Power Running, Pose Method® or ChiRunning©.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – (Mar. 8, 2009) – In a perfect end to a fairytale weekend, Liza Galvan of San Antonio, Tex., led over 7,500 women runners from around the world to victory at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon on Sunday. Galvan, 39, battled second-place finisher Nadezhda Tuptova for most of the 13.1 mile race through Magic Kingdom and Epcot before cruising to the finish line in 1:18:18. Tuptova (Gainesville, Fla.), 33, crossed the line in a time of 1:19:24. Firaya Sultanova, 47, also from Gainesville, Fla., posted a time of 1:20:26 to finish third.

In the Masters Division, Lilian Kroner (Monroe, N.Y.), 43, won in a time of 1:22:25 – besting the next competitor by nearly four minutes. Jacqui Kapinowski from Point Pleasant, N.J. crossed the finish line in a time of 1:22:26 to win the wheelchair division.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the signature event that saw more than 11,000 women runners compete in various races that included the Royal Family 5K and the Princess Kids’ Races, making the inaugural event one of the largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.

The weekend also involved a health and wellness expo that included renowned fitness experts leading seminars on training, racing and nutrition, and the latest running and fitness equipment. Participants and their guests experienced Princess meet and greets, a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and a Princess-themed after party at Disney's Hollywood Studios with live entertainment and a special gift at the stroke of midnight. While the weekend is designed for women, more than 200 men participated on behalf of the women in their lives.

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events are the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Expedition Everest Challenge (September), Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (October) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (October). Visit disneyenduranceseries.com for more information.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, presented by Disneynature, March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of more than 30 million blooms, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun.

Every spring, Disney gardeners channel their creative energy into presenting an intricate topiary display against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. This year, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Snow White and the seven dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip, and Belle and Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” debut in all their “blooming finery” as the grand front-entrance topiary during the 75-day festival. Seventy other topiaries appear throughout World Showcase and Future World.

Flower Power concerts spread a groovy vibe each weekend (Friday-Sunday) at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Acts appearing for 2009 include Davy Jones, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Jose Feliciano, Chubby Checker, and for the first time at Epcot, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes.

More information about the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

California family wins the biggest character breakfast ever -- as part of last year's Year of a Million Dreams program, this family won the chance to have breakfast with two dozen characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Peter Pan and more!

The Disney Endurance Series' fall lineup offers a full slate of new immersive features for guests including never-before-seen medals, new road races and exclusive post-race parties. Runners registering for Disney's Race for the Taste 10K and either the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K or the Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion will receive a bonus medal.

Finishers of two fall races to earn one-of-a-kind medal; events to feature expanded race options; registration now open


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 29, 2009) – Disney Sports is creating a one-of-a-kind bonus medal for runners who complete the Fall Race Challenge, competing in two of Disney’s three fall endurance events at Walt Disney World Resort. Runners that record an official time for Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K and either the Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K will receive the bonus medal in addition to individual race medals – a total of three race medals for running two races. Registration for all three fall events is now open.

“Disney is dedicated to providing guests with new, interactive features to make their race experience more fun, more exciting and more memorable,” says Disney Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. “We are always looking for new ways to differentiate our Disney events by creating unique, immersive experiences.”

Disney’s fall lineup includes expanded race options. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13k event will feature a 5k and an exclusive post-race party. Disney’s Race for the Taste 10k event will include a new 3k race designed for casual runners and those looking to compete in their first endurance event.

The Disney Endurance Series fall lineup includes:

Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion (Sept. 26, 2009): This second-year event is the first urban adventure race in Disney’s Endurance Series. The two-person team competition features a 5k, scavenger hunt and an obstacle course designed to challenge runners physically and mentally. There is an exclusive post-race party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the finishers. A portion of all entry fees will benefit the Himalayan Youth Foundation and Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (Oct. 11, 2009): This race takes runners through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and around the 11 pavilions of Epcot World Showcase. Guests have access to a post-race picnic that includes food samples from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, live Disney entertainment, music, games and face painters.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (Oct. 24, 2009): This road race returns for its third year and the journey includes a haunting course through the vacant streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event includes an exclusive post-race party with family and friends.

To register for these and more Disney Endurance Series events including the Walt Disney World Marathon (Jan. 7-10, 2010), visit disneyenduranceseries.com.

About Disney’s Endurance Series
Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way “around the world.” From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events include the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (March) and the Disneyland Half Marathon (September).

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 7, 2009 – The animal care team from Walt Disney World Resort has been busy since last Mother’s Day, assisting with the births of more than 440 animals and more importantly, helping to ensure that the relationship between mother and child remains uncompromised.

While much focus is given to the expert care of the animals during the birthing process, equal attention is given to the delicate and complex mother-child bonding process which uniquely varies among species and among individual animals.

For example, animal care experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were recently monitoring two baby vultures hatched from two different sets of new parents. One pair adapted quickly to their new parenting roles, while the other pair struggled and had difficulty feeding their new offspring. Concerned about malnourishment, the animal husbandry team intervened by providing supplemental food to the smaller bird. Eventually, the struggling parents began copying the behaviors of the adept parents and improved their parenting skills. Their efforts have been successful and today, both young chicks are of equal size.

“Disney’s Animal Programs team constantly balances animals’ physical needs such as food and shelter with the social needs of both mother and child.” said Matt Hohne, animal operations director at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “By sharing this information with guests and with other researchers, Disney’s Animal Programs hopes to protect species and learn more about breeding, animal behavior, health and natural habitats, which are paramount to the success of long-term conservation efforts.”

Among mammals, nearly all of the primary caregivers are mothers, but in some groups, it may take an entire village to raise a child. For instance, Walt Disney World Resort welcomed a black and white colobus monkey baby – the first of its species born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Animal keepers are typically more anxious about the parenting skills of any first-time mother, but this baby continues to thrive under the attentive and watchful eyes of first-time mother, Kabibi. She’s also getting some extra help from three other adults that take turns watching the baby while the mother sleeps or eats.

Last June, second-time mother Moyo gave birth to a 327-pound male elephant calf – the heaviest animal yet to be born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. During the baby’s first days, mother and son bonded quickly and the animal care team quickly became confident about the calf’s future since nursing was early and successful. Some of that confidence may be attributed to experience. Having groomed and nursed a first-born, Moyo quickly remembered her prior parenting skills.

At Disney‘s Animal Kingdom, animal experts carefully monitor the progress of mother and baby, starting with the infant’s eating habits and activity levels. They also closely watch the care-giving habits of the mother to ensure the baby receives appropriate care and grooming. This level of attention is maintained not only during infancy but throughout an animal’s entire lifespan.

Through successful breeding programs, Disney’s animal experts are helping to increase the population of endangered animals such as the Key Largo woodrat and the Micronesian kingfisher. The goal is to eventually reintroduce these captive-born animals in the wild. Such was the case with a pair of endangered white rhinos that were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and transferred to a wildlife preserve in Africa. This was the first reintroduction of white rhinos from the United States to Africa and marked the beginning of efforts to re-establish a rhino population -- extinct since 1972 when white rhinos were a casualty of civil unrest in the region.

This commitment to animals reaches beyond the boundaries of Disney theme parks through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, (DWCF). Since establishment in 1995, the DWCF has donated $13.8 million in funding to 750 projects in 110 countries. One of the current projects is a gorilla rescue center in the Democratic Republic of Congo where animal experts are working to rehabilitate and reintroduce orphaned gorillas that lost both parents due to poaching and other illegal activities.

NOTE: Registration for Goofy's Race and Half Challenge is reopened due to unprecedented demand and increased Half Marathon course capacity for 2010. Come celebrate the 5th anniversary of Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with 7500 of your closest friends!

Ever thought you could run the Disney Marathon? How about in three minutes or less? Take a tour of the Walt Disney World Marathon from start to finish. See the sights, sounds and entertainment along the way on this 26.2 mile magical journey through all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot) in just three minutes.

And as the country kicks off Independence Day weekend, these brand-new Americans will attend a premiere performance of the newest Walt Disney World attraction, a re-imagined Hall of Presidents, now featuring a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama.

From more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 18 to 82, the immigrants will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a Friday morning ceremony jointly hosted by Disney Parks and Resorts and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

USCIS’s highest-ranking official will preside over the ceremony on the forecourt of Cinderella Castle. The event will feature a welcoming address by Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton, the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, the Oath of Allegiance and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Actor Andy Garcia – a naturalized citizen himself – will deliver a keynote address during the ceremony. Garcia, originally from Cuba, is an acclaimed actor known for roles in films as diverse as “The Untouchables,” “The Godfather: Part III” and “Oceans Eleven.”

“This year, Disney parks are asking our visitors, ‘What will you celebrate?’ ” Crofton said. “And on a weekend when our entire nation celebrates its independence, we are honored to host – and celebrate – 1,000 individuals who are embracing American citizenship.”

New Citizens to Preview Revised Hall of Presidents

To cap a star-spangled morning, the new citizens and their family members will get to preview the Hall of Presidents attraction – which reopens July 4 in the Liberty Square area of Magic Kingdom. The attraction has been closed since Election Day last November for a makeover that included installation of a lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure based on President Obama.

The figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded recently at the White House – is part of an eight-month makeover so significant that the iconic attraction has been retitled Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom guests since 1971:
A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.

For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.

Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.

“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”

Presentations of the Hall of Presidents show will take place daily beginning July 4 and are included with Magic Kingdom admission.