News From Around the World - Walt Disney World News

NEW! Pleasure Island Clubs to Close September 27!

NEW! Animal Kingdom Welcomes a New Baby Elephant

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 7/8/08

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 7/1/08

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/24/08

Walt Disney World Resort lands on Google Earth:
the Next Best Thing to Being There

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/17/08

Changes to Resort Airline Check-in Baggage Policy

To Infinity and Beyond! Disney Parks and NASA Send Buzz Lightyear into Space

'David Cook, you've just been named the new American Idol, what are you going to do next?'

Toy Story Mania! Begins Challenging Walt Disney World Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios May 31

Baby Sable Antelope Debuts in Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom Marks 10th Anniversary

NEW! Walt Disney World Resort Unveils Bold New Vision for Downtown Disney

Plans Include New and Enhanced Shopping, Dining and Other Experiences

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (June 27, 2008) – Walt Disney World Resort today unveiled a new vision for Downtown Disney, with extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences including a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island. Also planned are numerous enhancements to popular Downtown Disney locations, as well as additional theming and storytelling brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineers.

"We are committed to offering guests new and exciting experiences they can only have at Walt Disney World Resort," said Downtown Disney Vice President Kevin Lansberry. "Our bold new vision for Downtown Disney reflects the feedback we receive from our guests each and every day and will enable us to continue to offer the high-quality entertainment that is our hallmark."

Over the next year, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex will add a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests. Downtown Disney will even get its own iconic attraction, in the form of a giant, tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet into the air to view the amazing vistas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other new experiences include:

· In fall 2008, guests will enter a world of prehistoric creatures at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve up pizzas, pastas, seafood and more, and will feature life-size animated dinosaurs that dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig site.

· Also this fall, a design-your-own t-shirt store from Hanes will add to the growing collection of merchandise guests can personalize at Downtown Disney.

· E-brands Restaurants, an Orlando-based, multi-concept restaurant group, will premier its newest concept at Downtown Disney in spring 2009. The high-energy, casual eatery will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and live music along the waterfront.

Guests also will enjoy a brand new mix of shopping and dining experiences at Pleasure Island as it is transformed over the next two years.

"Our guests tell us they want additional shopping and dining experiences at Downtown Disney," added Lansberry. "We are currently considering a number of unique concepts from around the globe as we re-imagine Pleasure Island and look forward to sharing our progress over the coming months."

To make way for the new offerings, all of the clubs currently on Pleasure Island will close on Sept. 27. Other locations on Pleasure Island, including Raglan Road, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval, Orlando Harley-Davidson and outdoor food and beverage locations, will remain open during the transition.

To complement these new experiences, many popular Downtown Disney locations will undergo enhancements.

· Beginning this summer, Portobello Yacht Club will be transformed into a Tuscan Country Trattoria. The refreshed menu features authentic Italian dishes and signature favorites and a re-designed interior along with an outdoor dining space.

· This fall, Goofy's Candy Company will add a special new room that will enable families to host one-of-a-kind birthday parties at Downtown Disney.

· The Marketplace Stage will be completely replaced with a larger, covered stage this fall to welcome even more entertainment to Downtown Disney and serve as a new premier venue for Disney Magic Music Days.

· Fulton's Crab House will update its interior fixtures and furnishing and exterior in Spring 2009. The enhancements include a refreshed third floor deck dining area to offer additional Disney guests and larger private parties the traditional Fulton's experience.

· Next year, Wolfgang Puck Café will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and will feature an enclosed glass patio offering guests a year-round outdoor dining experience.

These efforts come on the heels of recent enhancements at World of Disney, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Earl of Sandwich and Cap'n Jack's Restaurant.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 7/8/08

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts launched The Disney Parks Channel on YouTube.com on June 25, 2008. The "My Favorite Disney Parks Memory Contest" kicks off the channel's launch, giving families a chance to win a once in a lifetime Disney dream vacation, including a night in the exclusive Disneyland Dream Suite. To enter the contest, simply submit a creative video that captures your all-time favorite memory of visiting Disney Parks between now and August 5. Ten finalists will be chosen by Disney by August 12, and then YouTube visitors will vote until September 9 on the Grand Prize Winner of the Disney dream vacation. The remaining nine finalists will receive an annual pass to the Disney park of their choice. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on or around September 20, 2008. The Disney Parks Channel and contest rules are available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/disneyparks

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Citricos and Citricos Chef's Domain at the Grand Floridian Resort are open daily now through the week ending September 27, 2008.

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Le Plume et Palette, in Epcot's France Pavilion , will be the site of the premiere of a new fragrance, Escale a' Portofino, created by Dior. A Dior representative will be on hand at Le Plume et Palette July 10-14, offering complimentary Eau de Toilette samples of the scent, which will retail for $60 for 75ml. If you can't make it to Epcot, you can place an order for the fragrance with Walt Disney World Mail Order at 407-363-6200 beginning July 10 (ask for Escale a' Portofino, sku: 28684026).

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A Celebration of Precious Dreams , a two-day event featuring Precious Moments collectibles, will be held September 12-13, 2008, at the Contemporary Resort. Guest of honor at the event will be the creator of Precious Moments, Sam Butcher. A new line of Disney character-themed Precious Moments collectibles will be introduced, as well as two brand new sculptures exclusive to Disney theme parks. Event registration is $175 per person. For more information:

http://www.register123.com/event/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x120195aa85

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The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are offering guests the chance to win a gas rebate check. Through Labor Day, Florida residents who drive to the resort will be entered into a weekly random drawing for a check reimbursing them $1 for every mile -- round-trip -- from their home to the resort. Those who drive to the resort in hybrid cars will receive complimentary valet parking and "extra pampering" for their vehicles.

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Walt Disney World is featuring special summer golf rates starting from $49 (plus tax) every day beginning at 10 a.m. Call 407-WDW-GOLF for tee times.

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Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will be offering an additional Trail Ride time at 4 p.m. now through July 14, 2008.

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Owner's Locker co-owners John and Brian hold a monthly get-together in Epcot outside the France pavilion in World Showcase. This month, they're meeting on July 15 between 7:30 p.m. and the start of IllumiNations. Stop by the wine kiosk outside of France and say hi!

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 7/1/08

Walt Disney World Resort announced Friday that it will be completely "re-imagining" Downtown Disney , with new shopping, dining and other experiences, including a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island . Also planned are numerous enhancements to popular Downtown Disney locations, as well as additional theming and storytelling brought to life by Walt Disney Imagineers. Over the next year, the 120-acre entertainment-shopping-dining complex will add a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests. Downtown Disney will even get its own attraction, a giant, tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet into the air to view the amazing vistas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other new experiences include:

-- In fall 2008, T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, will open. The dinosaur-themed family eatery will serve up pizzas, pastas, seafood and more, and will feature life-size animated dinosaurs that dwell among bubbling geysers, waterfalls and a fossil dig site.

-- Also this fall, a design-your-own t-shirt store from Hanes will add to the growing collection of merchandise guests can personalize at Downtown Disney.

-- E-brands Restaurants, an Orlando-based, multi-concept restaurant group, will premier its newest concept at Downtown Disney in spring 2009. The high-energy, casual eatery will feature authentic Central and South American cuisine, specialty drinks and live music along the waterfront.

To make way for the new offerings, all of the clubs currently on Pleasure Island will close on September 27 . Other locations on Pleasure Island, including Raglan Road, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval, Orlando Harley-Davidson and outdoor food and beverage locations, will remain open during the transition.

To complement these new experiences, many popular Downtown Disney locations will undergo enhancements.

-- Beginning this summer, Portobello Yacht Club will be transformed into a Tuscan Country Trattoria. The refreshed menu features authentic Italian dishes and signature favorites and a redesigned interior along with an outdoor dining space.

-- This fall, Goofy's Candy Company will add a special new room that will enable families to host one-of-a-kind birthday parties at Downtown Disney.

-- The Marketplace Stage will be completely replaced with a larger, covered stage this fall to welcome even more entertainment to Downtown Disney and serve as a new premier venue for Disney Magic Music Days.

-- Fulton's Crab House will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and exterior in Spring 2009. The enhancements include a refreshed third floor deck dining area to offer additional Disney guests and larger private parties the traditional Fulton's experience.

-- Next year, Wolfgang Puck Cafe will update its interior fixtures and furnishings and will feature an enclosed glass patio offering guests a year-round outdoor dining experience.

http://allears.net/btp/faq_pi.htm

EDITOR'S NOTE: As is appropriate whenever you want to share your feedback on any of Disney's policies, write to the management directly. You'll find relevant mailing addresses on our Contact page here: http://allears.net/pl/contact.htm

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4th of July Reminder: Magic Kingdom will present a special preview of its new fireworks show tonight, July 1, 2008. Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will be presented at 10 p.m. in place of Wishes. The show will officially debut on July 3 and 4 at 9 p.m., with additional holiday special effects.

Also, Voices of Liberty, the a cappella singing group featured in the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, will perform at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 pm. on July 4.

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Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual hometown-style parade. From 9 to 10 a.m., the parade will begin at the intersection of Frontier Way and Fort Wilderness Trail, continue north on Fort Wilderness, and end at Pioneer Hall. Fort Wilderness guests are part of the parade. Participation is free and golf carts and bicycles join in. Guests wanting to be in the parade can pick up a registration form at the Outpost, the Settlement, or the Meadows Trading Post. The form must be filled out and brought to the Bike Barn no later than 6 p.m. on July 3.

Altered Bus Schedules : Fort Wilderness buses run during the parade, but some routes are altered between 8:45 and 10 a.m. If you plan to leave the campground between those times plan accordingly. Guests residing in the 600, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300 loops: note that buses to the Outpost and Settlement can be caught from the 1500 and 1600 loop bus stops during the parade time.

http://allears.net/acc/faq_fw.htm

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Walt Disney World Resort welcomed a newborn calf to the herd of African elephants at Disney's Animal Kingdom this weekend. Twenty-six-year-old Moyo gave birth to a 327-pound male elephant June 28 after 21 months gestation. This newest addition, which has yet to be named, is the heaviest elephant calf ever born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Both calf and mother appear to be doing well according to veterinarians and elephant managers, who are optimistic about the calf's likelihood of survival. With assistance from the animal care team, the newborn became comfortable using his "newly discovered" legs and began nursing successfully from his mother soon after birth. He is already feisty and very active. This is the fourth elephant born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Tufani, who is Moyo's first male calf, was born in 2003; Kianga, a female, was born in 2004; and Nadirah, the youngest female, joined the herd in 2005. All remain on the savanna at Animal Kingdom.

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As of June 28, 2008, if your Magic Your Way ticket has the Water Park Fun & More ticket option, you can use it to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course , a nine-hole walking course designed for the entire family. Tee times are required and subject to availability. For tee times, call (407) WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653) or visit disneyworldgolf.com.

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Disney Vacation Club News: Disney Vacation Club has announced that the Kidani Village will open on May 1, 2009. Members who call Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas "home" may make reservations starting August 10, 2008.

Professional Portrait sittings are available now at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for $49.95 plus tax, and Disney Vacation Club Members may take advantage of a special, limited-time offer. Through August 15, 2008, Members who book a sitting at this location will receive a complimentary photo package that includes one 6-inch-by-8-inch photo and four 4-inch-by-6-inch photos from their session. To schedule a session, call (407) 934-4004, and remember to bring your Disney Vacation Club Member ID card to your session to receive the special offer.

For further information on all DVC news items visit: http://disneyvacationclub.com

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A new Archery Experience begins July 3, 2008, at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Archery Guides will lead participants through a short training session on how to hold a compound bow and release an arrow into a range target. They will offer tips and tricks to archers ages 6 and up as they try to hit that coveted bullseye during target shooting. The program will be offered 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check-in at the Bike Barn. Cost is $25 plus tax per person ages 6 and up. For reservations call 407-WDW-PLAY.

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Sounds Dangerous , located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, and nearby merchandise shop Golden Age Souvenirs will be closed for refurbishment July 7 – August 5, 2008.

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The Walt Disney World Moms Panel has issued a series of "How-To" videos, with quick, step-by-step visual tips about everything from planning a girlfriends getaway without the kids to figuring out how Disney's Magical Express really works. This new online resource is available at disneyworldmoms.com. Just some of the topics covered:

-- "Packing for the Park" -- Heather Roberts-Nault, Louisville, Ky., with a little help from her daughter, shares tips and personal favorites on what to pack when headed to a Disney theme park for the day, especially with little ones in tow.

-- "Fast Pass" -– Bret Caldwell, Evanston, Ill., takes the guest inside Walt Disney World Resort to uncover the magic of FASTPASS, including where to find FASTPASS, how to get one and the best ways to use it.

-- "Make Flying Fun" -– Beth Choisez, Floral Park, N.Y., shares her "secret to sanity" when traveling by plane. Beth provides tactics for dealing with the luggage, strollers, diaper bags, and the kids, so that everyone stays calm and happy.

-- "Disney for All Ages" -– Laura Spencer, Boston, Mass., and her girlfriends, Julie, Dot and Carolyn, provide some ideas for enjoying Disney without the kids -- suggestions include a visit to the Art of Disney in Epcot concluded by a champagne toast in France.

-- "Make the Switch" – Michelle May, Lebanon, N.J., and her husband take on an attraction using the Rider Switch Pass, specifically how families with young children can experience the rides without having to stand in line twice.

To view the Walt Disney World Moms Panel "How-To" videos or find additional vacation planning tips from experts, visit disneyworldmoms.com.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/24/08

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa celebrates two decades on July 1, 2008. Since opening in 1988, approximately 15 million guests have enjoyed the splendor of its 867 deluxe accommodations and the hospitality of its cast members. Countless others have been enchanted by the creative cuisine of its restaurants, including Narcoossee's, Cítricos and Victoria & Albert's, a consecutive recipient of the annual AAA Five-Diamond Award since 2000. Disney's flagship resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary with plenty of "grand" new magic for Grand Floridian guests, including extensive renovations completed in late 2007 that upgraded its guest rooms with sophisticated new furnishings, carpet, drapes, bedspreads, flat-screen televisions and more. Also new is the latest yacht to bear the Grand 1 name, a 52-foot Sea Ray pleasure craft available for chartered cruises across the tranquil waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and a floating view of nighttime fireworks spectaculars above Magic Kingdom. Coming soon is an opulent marble floor to be showcased throughout the hotel's main lobby and mezzanine. Designed by the creative minds of Walt Disney Imagineering, the lavish enhancement will add another magical touch to a destination resort created as a fantasy image of Florida's past.

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REMINDER : Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney's West Side will not be performed June 29-30.

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The new Prince Caspian attraction is slated to open this Thursday, June 26, in Disney's Hollywood Studios, on the site of the former Journey into Narnia walkthrough attraction. In addition to seeing clips of the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie, you'll be able to enjoy a Meet & Greet opportunity with Prince Caspian himself.

http://allears.net/tp/mgm/narnia.htm

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Disney Cruise Line has modified the recommended tipping guidelines for any Disney Cruise sailing beginning July 13, 2008:

Voyage Length	3-night	4-night	5-night	7-night	15-night
Dining Room Server	$12	$16	$20	$28	$60
Asst. Dining Room Server	$9	$12	$15	$21	$45
Dining Room Head Server	$3	$4	$5	$7	$15
Stateroom Host / Hostess	$12	$16	$20	$28	$60
TOTALS PER GUEST	$36	$48	$60	$84	$180

The 15% gratuity added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service remains the same.

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Airport and Airline Updates:

Delta Airlines will end its nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham to Orlando soon: http://www.wral.com/business/story/3078918/

Orlando International Airport provides a free cell phone lot for when someone is picking you up: http://www.orlandoairports.net/ops/parking.htm#cellphone

Several airlines now offer Mobile Phone/PDA check-in. Check these individual airline sites for specific instructions:

Delta: http://www.delta.com (mobile check-in)
Southwest: http://southwest.com (wireless access)
Northwest Airlines: http://www.nwa.com/services/handheld/ (wireless tools)

We could not find any mobile-specific check-in information for USAirways, AirTran, United. Continental, or Alaska airlines.

Walt Disney World Resort lands on Google Earth:
the Next Best Thing to Being There

Walt Disney World Resort in 3D takes vacation planning to new heights as the most detailed 3D rendering within Google Earth to date

Burbank, Calif. (June 5, 2008) – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is harnessing the power of Google Earth™ to build an interactive, three-dimensional tour of Walt Disney World Resort that brings you one step closer to a true park experience. With direct links to Disney’s online travel-planning tools, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D will re-invent how people plan and book vacations.

Beginning today, Disney guests can use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks. Existing Google Earth 4.3 users can see Walt Disney World Resort in 3D by enabling the “Gallery” folder within Google Earth, or by selecting any of the 3D buildings within the resort.

“You know the phrase ‘next best thing to being there’? Walt Disney World Resort in 3D is going to deliver on that,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Guests and travel planners can now explore our world with just a few clicks of a mouse, and they can book vacations while being immersed in what the destination has to offer.”

Disney’s digital mapping project, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, will become the ultimate online travel guide for Walt Disney World Resort, integrating the Google Earth 3D experience with the planning features of Disney.com. Whether guests book through the Disney reservation center, a travel agent or online, nearly nine out of ten Walt Disney World guests use the internet to plan their vacations and Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides the latest technology available to enhance that experience. From Google Earth, guests and travel planners can click on images of their favorite attractions and hotels to purchase tickets, make reservations, and map out the vacation that is right for their families – in 3D and with the click of a mouse. Disneyworld.com visitors can view videos and other information about viewing Walt Disney World in 3D at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.

The depth and vivid detail of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D project makes this a unique, truly immersive experience within Google Earth. Visitors begin their virtual tour of Disney World with a stratospheric view of the globe, a starting point familiar to anyone who has ever used Google Earth. A skydive takes visitors past the flatlands of Florida to a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon in the Magic Kingdom. Guests can then fly through the streets and explore in and around the hotels and resorts, down Main Street to Cinderella Castle, from the heights of The Tower of Terror to base of the Tree of Life. To enter the virtual park:

Download Google Earth 4.3 by visiting www.disneyworld.com/3dparks.

“This is the most detailed 3D rendering undertaken within Google Earth to date,” continued Rasulo. “The work done here will provide a professional counterpart to the wealth of Disney images and 3D models from around the world contributed by thousands of volunteers. The difference Walt Disney World Resort in 3D provides is one of scope and interaction.”

During the project’s first phase, eight photographers worked for 10 days to shoot all the visible surfaces of Walt Disney World, including every building façade. A total 100,000 photos were taken in all; these became the start for some 1,500 3D models that populate the virtual tour. Walt Disney World Resort in 3D creates a new level of usability for vacation planners and makes detailed information about one of the world’s foremost destinations available to Google Earth’s 350 million users, furthering the Google Earth team’s goal of recreating the world as it really is.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/17/08

CORRECTION: Thursday's Ears the Deal™ (dated June 12, 2008) mailing contained an error. The correct super rate for our sponsor Gaylord Palms should have been listed as $119/night not $129. We regret the error.

We have just learned that 71 additional dates through September 30 have been even further reduced to $99/night. The $99 rate is available for the following dates:

* 6/28 – 7/8
* 7/12 – 7/20
* 7/23 – 7/26
* 7/30 – 8/3
* 8/7 – 8/16
* 8/19 – 8/21
* 8/24 – 8/27
* 9/1 – 9/6
* 9/12 – 9/30

For more information or booking, use this link: http://tinyurl.com/2uvsxw

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The tentative schedule of celebrity narrators for performances of Epcot's 2008 Candlelight Processional, the annual retelling of the story of Christmas that features a mass choir and a full orchestra, is as follows:

November 28-30 John O'Hurley
December 1-3 Patti LaBelle (Tentative)
December 4-6 Brian Stokes Mitchell
December 7-9 Virginia Madsen
December 10-12 Monique Coleman
December 13-15 TBD
December 16-18 Chita Rivera
December 19-21 Abigail Breslin
December 22-24 Steven Curtis Chapman
December 25-27 Edward James Olmos
December 28-30 Marlee Matlin

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Morocco's Gallery of Arts and History in Epcot's World Showcase will be closed for refurbishment from July 14 to September 24, 2008.

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United Airlines has updated its policy and fees applying to travel on or after August 18, 2008. If you purchased a United Economy ticket on or after June 13, 2008 for travel on or after August 18, 2008, a $15 service fee will apply, each way, to check your first piece of baggage. This fee applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. As previously announced, a $25 fee will apply to check a second bag when flying on a ticket purchased on or after February 4, 2008. If you purchased tickets before February 4, and are traveling anytime, there are no checked baggage fees. If you purchased tickets between February 4, 2008 and June 12, 2008 and are traveling anytime, there is no fee for your first checked bag, but your second checked bag will cost $25. The same rule applies if you purchased on or after June 13, 2008 and are traveling between June 13, 2008 and August 17, 2008. If you purchased your tickets on or after June 13, 2008 and are traveling on or after August 18, 2008, your first checked bag is $15; your second is $25. For more details on exceptions and other restrictions, consult the United Airlines website before traveling.

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Disney Cruise Line has modified several cruise itineraries to include a stop at Grand Cayman, due to hurricane damage last year to Costa Maya:

The itinerary for the 9/27, 10/25, and 11/22 sailings is as follows:
Saturday Port Canaveral
Sunday Disney's Castaway Cay
Monday Day at Sea
Tuesday Grand Cayman
Wednesday Cozumel
Thursday Day at Sea
Friday Disney's Castaway Cay
Saturday Port Canaveral

The itinerary for the 12/20 sailing is as follows:
Saturday Port Canaveral
Sunday Disney's Castaway Cay
Monday Day at Sea
Tuesday Cozumel
Wednesday Grand Cayman
Thursday Day at Sea
Friday Disney's Castaway Cay
Saturday Port Canaveral

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Many Disney World restaurants will have extended hours for the upcoming Christmas/New Year's holidays:

Cape May Cafe:
--breakfast extended to 11:30am (1/2 hour later) 12/20 to 1/3
--dinner from 5:00pm (1/2 hour earlier) 12/20 to 1/3
-- Christmas Day (12/25) standard extended dinner hours, 2pm-9:30pm

Chef Mickey's
--breakfast from 7:00am-12:30pm (open 1 hour later) 12/20 to 1/3
--dinner from 4:00pm-9:30 pm (open 1 hour earlier) 12/20 to 1/3
--Christmas Day (12/25) standard extended hours: 7am-1pm brunch, 3:45pm-9:30pm dinner
--New Year's Day (1/1) standard extended hours: 7am-12:30pm brunch

'Ohana
-- breakfast from 7:30am-11:30am (open ½ hour later) 12/20-1/3
-- dinner from 4:00pm-10:00pm (open 1 hour earlier) 12/20-1/3

Whispering Canyon
--dinner from 4:30pm-10:00pm (open ½ hour earlier) 12/20 to 1/3
--Christmas Day standard extended dinner hours, 12pm-10pm

Boma
-- dinner from 4:00pm-10:00pm (open ½ hour earlier) 12/20 to 1/3

Spoodles
-- dinner from 4:30pm-10:00pm (open ½ hour earlier) 12/20 to 1/3

Mickey's Backyard BBQ
--shows on December 23 and December 30 (Tuesdays)

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The Diamond Horseshoe Revue in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland will be open for quick service lunch (sandwiches, chips, and snacks) from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. now through June 28.

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Effective June 22, 2008, there will be a 90-day merchandise return policy at Disney-owned and operated merchandise locations at the Walt Disney World Resort. This means that refunds will be issued in the original form of payment for the purchase price (if you purchased by cash you will receive a cash refund, for example) or merchandise will be exchanged if returned within 90 days of the purchase date . Certain purchases, however, such as ticket media, fine jewelry and special order merchandise, can not be returned or exchanged. Purchases made using Disney Dream Reward Dollars or the Disney Gift Card can be exchanged for an item(s) of equal value or you can receive a Walt Disney World Resort merchandise credit. If you wish to return merchandise without an original receipt, a Walt Disney World Resort merchandise credit will be issued in the amount of the merchandise's current selling price. Merchandise returned more than 90 days after the purchase date will not be eligible for a return or credit. For merchandise purchases at Operating Participant locations, including Disney outlet stores, the Disney Stores, DisneyShopping.com website, the World of Disney New York, and the Disney Cruise Line Ships, returns and exchanges will not be accepted after date of purchase at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Changes to Resort Airline Check-in Baggage Policy

Effective June 1, the Resort Airline Check-In service will implement several changes in its checked baggage policy:

-- Guests who fly AirTran, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, and US Airways may check one bag per passenger using the Resort Airline Check-in Service. Guests with multiple bags on these airlines will have the option to check additional pieces through their airlines' ticket counters at Orlando International Airport or they may call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline's excess luggage fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. The excess luggage fees vary by airline.

-- Guests flying on American who wish to check bags must call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline bag fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. Otherwise, Guests must check-in at the airport.

NOTE: If paying for excess luggage fees through Baggage Airline Guest Services you must pay with a credit card: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted. Resort Airline Check-In desks are unable to collect luggage fees on behalf of the airlines.

Baggage Airline Guest Services operates seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

-- Guests flying on Alaska and United Airlines are not subject to bag fees at this time. NOTE: Alaska Airlines will be subject to excess bag fees effective July 1.

For all airlines, luggage must be 50 pounds or less in order to use the service and it must comply with their airline's size dimension baggage policy. Overweight and oversized luggage cannot be accepted at the Resort Airline Check-In desks.

To Infinity and Beyond! Disney Parks and NASA Send Buzz Lightyear into Space

Mission Coincides with 'Launch' of New Educational Initiative and the Debut of Toy Story Mania! at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

Cape Canaveral, Fla., May 29, 2008 -- It's a dream come true for Buzz Lightyear as Disney Parks and NASA send the 12-inch-tall action figure "to infinity and beyond!" Buzz Lightyear will blast off aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-124. Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. ET on May 31.

Buzz's dream of going "to infinity and beyond" will finally come true during the mission when -- with the help of the crew -- he will fly in zero gravity inside the International Space Station as part of NASA's "Toys in Space" initiative. Through this program, Buzz will help introduce fun elements from space into science and math classrooms across the country.

With Buzz will launch the aspiration of millions of school children who dream of space travel. STS-124 will coincide with the kickoff of the Space Ranger Education Series -- part of NASA's "Toys in Space," an educational program for teachers and students. The program builds on NASA's educational goals of encouraging students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which are vitally important in sustaining U.S. economic competitiveness and technological leadership.

Developed by Disney and NASA, "Toys in Space" features materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum as well as online, educational games linked to each key component of the mission. The series, hosted at www.nasa.gov, will be available throughout 2008.

"NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station," said Dr. Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. "The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character."

Buzz's groundbreaking mission into space also coincides with the launch of his latest debut on Earth in Toy Story Mania!, Disney Parks new attraction that opens May 31 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and June 17 at Disneyland Resort in California.

"The Space Ranger Education Series will give teachers an opportunity to incorporate a fun and engaging moment into the classroom with a character that children really love," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We're pleased to join NASA in creating a program that can help keep kids excited about math and science."

Buzz's Space Itinerary

Buzz will spend several months in space at the International Space Station (ISS) testing the limits of zero gravity before returning home to a hero's welcome at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida later this year. While in space, Buzz will participate in an experiment flying in zero gravity and appear in a video downlink from the ISS.

The Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-124 will travel with seven astronauts to install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) and the lab's robotic arm system.

For additional information about the educational series and NASA programs, guests may visit www.nasa.gov.

'David Cook, 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 American Idol Experience" attraction coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, David Cook shouted the famous words "I'm Going to Disney World!" Wednesday night, May 21, after being crowned the newest "American Idol" in the popular show's star-studded season finale in Los Angeles. Camera crews captured Cook's pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage just moments after "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest announced his name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Later that night, Cook was featured in the newest "I'm Going to Disney World!" commercial that aired only hours after the finale. Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars -- such as Super Bowl or World Series champs -- Cook is the first singer to ever star in the Disney commercial.

Cook's role in the "I'm Going to Disney World" ad is all in celebration of the new "American Idol" attraction that will open at Walt Disney World in Florida in January 2009.

Currently under construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, it's the first attraction anywhere in the world based on the popular television series, through an agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment.

When complete, Disney guests will be able to experience the thrill of an interactive attraction amidst all the glitz and glamour of the "American Idol" television show.

By starring in the commercial, Cook joins a line-up of superstar professional athletes from the fields of football, basketball, and baseball, who have shouted the famous line during the past 20+ years, "I'm Going to Disney World!

Toy Story Mania! Begins Challenging Walt Disney World Guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios May 31

It's Time to Play!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World guests start donning 3-D glasses and entering a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody, Buzz and other favorite "Toy Story" characters when Toy Story Mania! makes its grand premiere May 31 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams," the attraction will also debut on the West Coast, with a scheduled opening in Disney's California Adventure at Disneyland Resort June 17.

Inspired by the Disney-Pixar films "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2," Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. It's a high-energy, immersive adventure that puts guests right in the action as their game play triggers fun surprises that provide a fourth dimension of fun. Toy Story Mania! engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films.

In the timeless tradition of Disney storytelling, Toy Story Mania! takes its inspiration from the fact that Andy's toys spring to life whenever he is away. Soon after Andy got a "Midway Games Play Set" for his latest birthday, the toys jumped at their first chance to open the box and set up the game booths and carnival trams so everyone could ride and play. That means "no assembly required" for their game-playing guests -- just nonstop fun. (That is, until Andy gets home!)

Upon entering the attraction, guests are welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker, capable of engaging guests in two-way conversation and encouraging them to "step right up" for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, "shrink" to the size of a toy and board Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles which add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through "Andy's Bedroom" filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles angle to face Toy Story Mania! game booths -- high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill -- and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board spring-action shooters. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the "virtual" objects they've launched leave their spring-action shooters and hit (or miss) the targets. And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.

The Toy Story Mania! games -- five of them, plus an introductory practice round -- are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to experienced gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the "Toy Story" characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities.

First comes the "Pie Throw Practice" round in which guests can try splattering targets with virtual pies.

Next, Hamm hosts a "Hamm & Eggs" booth in which players launch plastic virtual eggs at various barnyard targets.

"Bo Peep's Baaa-loon Pop" presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there it's on to "Green Army Men Shoot Camp" where the challenge is to break plates with virtual baseballs.

Next up is "Buzz Lightyear's Flying Tossers," a ring-toss game hosted by everyone's favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets.

For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in "Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery." A final "Woody's Bonus Roundup" encourages guests to fire their spring-action shooters as rapidly as possible at one last super target for extra points. When scores are tallied, players' skill levels are identified and they can see how they've done compared to the high scores.

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by creative musical variations of Randy Newman's "You've Got A Friend in Me," arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to complement the games -- for example, a military brass band version for "Green Army Men Shoot Camp."

No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will seem different.