Dateline Disney - May 2002

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –- Walt Disney World Resort celebrates American citizenship in the daytime and lights the night on July 4 with its biggest fireworks shows of the year.

At Epcot, 500 immigrants will be sworn in as U.S. citizens in a special ceremony conducted by the Immigration and Naturalization Services at 9 a.m. After the new Americans take their vows to citizenship, they will be delighted by their favorite Disney characters in patriotic garb as well as a special visit from “Betsy Ross.”

The Epcot entertainment schedule on July 4 includes:

“This is America” show at the America Gardens Theatre (12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.). Native American dancers inside the Rotunda.

An authentic bluegrass band inside the Rotunda.

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” with an American fireworks tribute (10 p.m.).

Guests can enjoy explosive fireworks shows at two other Walt Disney World theme parks and at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island as well:

Magic Kingdom – A presentation of “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks more than twice the size of the normal show and featuring special patriotic music (9 p.m.)

Disney-MGM Studios – A rare presentation of “Sorcery in the Sky” fireworks complete with special music and fireworks (9:15 p.m.)

Downtown Disney Pleasure Island – Midnight fireworks show features a special patriotic tribute (12 a.m.)

At Disney-MGM Studios, “Fantasmic!”, the park’s multi-media entertainment extravaganza, will be presented at 10:30 p.m.

Pleasure Island also offers week-long festivities (June 30-July 6) with performances from the '80s All-Stars as well as patriotic décor and entertainment.

Disney’s Grand Floridian, Yacht Club & Beach Club Among 75 Top Golf Resorts Around the World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort have been honored among the 75 Top Golf Resorts Around the World in a reader poll conducted on behalf of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

The resorts garnered recognition in the survey that asked readers to evaluate everything from course design, speed of play and pro staff . . . to accommodations, food and other activities. The results were announced in the June issue of the magazine.

The Condé Nast Traveler honor marks the third time this year that a national magazine has acknowledged Walt Disney World Resort as a top golf resort. Earlier, Disney was among 22 Gold Medal Resorts honored by Golf Magazine and was among the Top 75 Golf Resorts in America selected by Golf Digest.

New Disney Vacation Club Resort
Offers More Options for Guests

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Atlantic seaboard-inspired Disney’s Beach Club Villas opens July 1, 2002, giving families another Disney Vacation Club resort option. The 208-room resort is inspired by the casual elegance of Cape May homes built in the early 20th century, reflecting a light, comfortable ambiance characterized by whimsical “stick-style” architecture, pastel colors, porches and other decorative elements.

The four- and five-story property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom vacation villas, each with an appealing view -- either a pool, garden or courtyard view. Additionally, the resort features a pool area, comfortable guest areas and connecting walkways providing convenient access to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. For reservations guests can call 407/W-DISNEY.

Guests Get Carried Away At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – One of the newest experiences at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers guests private carriage rides amidst the natural charm and backwoods beauty of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Thirty-minute, horse-drawn rides are offered nightly in antique carriages able to accommodate up to four adults, or two adults and three children -- allowing guests to choose a romantic evening for two or a fun-filled excursion for the family.

The horse-drawn carriages quietly glide along lake-lined paths under Spanish moss and tall trees throughout the 700-acre, rustic-themed resort.

Advance reservations are suggested and may be made up to 60 days in advance by calling 407/824-2832. Carriages are available from 6-10 p.m. daily. Departure is from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Cost is $30.

SPORTS

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Hosting Tampa Bay Bucs’
NFL Training Camp

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will prepare for the 2002 National Football League season when new head coach Jon Gruden leads the team in its first summer training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex July 29-Aug. 21.

Fans can observe Bucs players such as Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp, Keyshawn Johnson and Mike Alstott in action when they take to the practice fields for two-a-day workouts beginning Monday, July 29. Practices are tentatively scheduled for 9-11:15 a.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. (subject to change).

The Miami Dolphins will visit training camp Aug. 9-10 to participate in joint team workouts. The visit will feature a scrimmage between the Bucs and the Dolphins on Aug. 10 at the Disney Baseball Stadium.

Buccaneers practices throughout training camp will be free and open to the public, with the exception of the Aug. 10 scrimmage with the Miami Dolphins, for which general admission tickets are $9.75 ($7.50 for ages
3-9). For more information visit www.disneyworldsports.com.

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