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AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/30/09

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/23/09

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/16/09

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/9/09

Disney Hollywood Studios
Special 20th Anniversary WDI Event

Free Dining is Back for Everyone! - Updated 3/30/2009!

Disney Statement Regarding Website and Calendar

ARMED FORCES SALUTE TICKET

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/30/09

The Hall of Presidents, which formally reopens this week after a lengthy rehab, held sneak previews for passholders and others this past weekend. AllEars.Net's Jack Spence visited the revamped attraction, which now includes President Barack Obama, and shares his thoughts here: http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/06/hall_of_presidents_reopens_1.html

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The Pirates League in the Magic Kingdom has officially opened. Our own Jack Spence shares his pirate transformation with AllEars®!
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/06/pirates_league.html

Official Walt Disney World Photographs: http://land.allears.net/blogs/dnews/2009/06/pirates_league_magic_kingdom_1.html

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The order location for Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park has moved to the counter outside the Island Mercantile store in Discovery Island. This new, permanent location is now the one and only spot to order picnic baskets. Picnics are now available for groups of two: Tier 1 meal for two is $17.99 + tax (2 sandwiches, 1 side, 2 desserts, 2 bottles of Dasani water); T ier 2 meal for two is $20.99 + tax (4 pieces of rotisserie chicken or 3/4 lb. of ham, 1 side, 2 desserts, 2 bottles of water). Picnics can be ordered until 1:30 p.m. daily. The pickup location is still at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery in Africa.

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Effective immediately, reservations for premium spaces at the water parks (Beachcomber Shacks at Typhoon Lagoon and Polar Patios at Blizzard Beach) can be booked for dates June 30, 2009, and beyond.

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Reservations for Camp Kidani at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge can now be booked for July 1, 2009, and beyond. Camp Kidani is a series of camp-style activities for children agest 6-12 that rotate throughout the week. Campers will spend a two hours with African Savanna Guides working toward a specific themed goal and will earn an exclusive Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge pin for completion of the day's activities. There are multiple activities to choose from throughout the week that tier up to one of two themes: African Animals and African Culture. Programs can include themes of Reptiles/Amphibians; Sports and Games; Mammals; or Art. Price includes a donation to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Cost: $31.95 (includes tax) or there is a two-camp "bundle", for which the cost per child per camp is $30.36. A DVC discount is available.

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Right now, Walt Disney World Passholders can sign up for one of several "Vacation as You Wish" sales presentations that include giveaways, character greetings, and a tour of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. From July 10-12, Disney Vacation Club will be giving these special sales presentations at these times: July 10 - 7 p.m.; July 11 - 3 p.m.; July 12 - 3 p.m. Show will last approximately two hours. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today on the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder website.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/23/09

The Tomorrowland Terrace Wishes Dessert Party is held every night at the Magic Kingdom through August 28th. One hour before the Wishes fireworks begin, you can enjoy a self-service dessert party buffet at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station that features a wide range of sweets and beverages. (Offerings for guests with special dietary needs will be available.) You can then stay to enjoy Wishes from this exclusive viewing area. Price for the dessert party is $17.99 for guests ages 10 and over; $9.99 for ages 3 - 9). Seating is limited. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended due to the anticipated popularity of this experience. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. Space permitting, seating for walk-ups may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: Park admission to Magic Kingdom is required. The Disney Dining Plan is not currently being accepted. Prepayment will be required reserving seats for this event in advance.

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REMINDER: The Pirates League sets sail at Magic Kingdom starting June 29. Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled recruitment office gets an official pirate name. Next step is the Muster Station where – after applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – the new recruits leave their old identities behind. After speaking the pirate oath, the new shipmates have their official “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life start the process by calling 407-WDW-CREW. Packages start at $49.95 plus tax.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Watch for Jack Spence's upcoming blog about his visit to the Pirates League -- he's volunteered for a pirate makeover on the shop's opening day!

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Special Fourth of July fireworks begin July 3 at Magic Kingdom the night before the big celebration. “Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will begin at 9 p.m. on July 3.

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Precious Moments Doll Maker Linda Rick will be at the Uptown Jewelers, Main Street U.S.A., July 3-5, 2009. Rick will make a special appearance and sign of some of the latest releases from Precious Moments, including their Americana themed dolls from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

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The final performances of Stitch's SuperSonic Celebration , located in Tomorrowland, will be Saturday, June 27. The show just debuted last month on a specially constructed stage. No word yet on what, if anything, will take this show's place.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/05/stitchs_supersonic_celebration.html

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Orlando Sanford International Airport will receive $3.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel. About $1 million will help the airport upgrade its master plan to prepare for future demand. The rest will be used to acquire a new interactive training system, make airfield lighting improvements, do runway rehabilitation, upgrade security and complete other projects.

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AllEars.Net's Senior Editor Debra Martin Koma was a guest on the WDWToday podcast , discussing her recent stay at the brand new Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Download Episode 581 of the podcast here:
http://www.wdwtoday.com/article.php?story=20090621215740602

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/16/09

Advance Dining Reservations can now be made through the disneyworld.com website. You can find the links to online booking via the main restaurant page (see the yellow block with the link to online booking under restaurants that accept ADR): http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/ When making your reservations, you can choose the date, and time, number of adults and children who will be dining. (You can also choose a range of dates if you are flexible.) If the dates/times you choose are not available, the system will offer alternatives. If you've used the online booking system, drop us a line and tell us about your experience: allearsnet@yahoo.com

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Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) recently announced the funding of programs that will support more than 90 species and promote habitat conservation in 33 countries. The 2009 DWCF grant recipients will receive almost $1.5 million for efforts ranging from protecting Pakistan's Snow Leopards, to following the migration of Magellanic penguins in Argentina to reintroducing endangered Whooping Cranes in eastern North America. Now in its 14th year, the DWCF, through support from The Walt Disney Company and Disney guests, has contributed more than $14 million to conservation projects for the study and protection of the world's wildlife and habitats.

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Five years after setting the first Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously walking on stilts, Cirque du Soleil invited fans from all over the world to join them as they reclaimed the title in honor of its 25th anniversary today, June 16. The cast and crew of La Nouba, along with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, invited the people of Orlando to witness the stilt walk from 4 to 4:30 p.m. outside the La Nouba theater at Downtown Disney. A special event at the opening of the 6 p.m. performance this evening is also planned. Cirque du Soleil will be holding stilt-walking events in Las Vegas, NV; New York, NY; Montreal (Canada); Fortaleza (Brazil); Lisbon (Portugal); Macau (China); Nagoya (Japan); and Tokyo (Japan).

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According to an item in the Orlando Sentinel, the price of a Disney World PhotoPass CD went up to $149.95 (an increase of $20) today.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/06/get-your-disney-photopass-cd-before-price-goes-up.html

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D23 is accepting fan-created artwork for the FAB FIVE ART CONTEST, which will display the work of finalists during the D23 Expo, September 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Fab Five Art Contest invites members of D23 to depict Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck in almost any type of art installation. (There are restrictions, however, so before submitting sketches of proposed artwork, carefully read the specifications at http://d23.disney.go.com/articles/060309_D23_NF_BN_FanArtGallery.html.) To enter, Disney fans need to submit sketches of proposed artwork no later than Monday, June 22. The Fab Five Art Contest joins the Donald Duck Portrait Contest, which is closed to entries. But thanks to the Fab Five Art Contest, there’s still time to put your artistic skills on display and be part of this amazing Disney fan event!

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Team AllEars® -- Running with Purpose: Team co-captains Mike Scopa and Michelle Scribner-MacLean talk about Runinng with Mickey and the Team AllEars® story on Gordon's Running with Disney Podcast, episode 23. http://www.runtodisney.com

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites 6/9/09

Star Wars Weekends conclude June 12-14 with special guests Dave Filoni and Temuera Morrison. The creative force behind The Clone Wars, Supervising Director Dave Filoni is also a die-hard Star Wars fan! Filoni will be joined by Temuera Morrison, who plays Jango Fett as well as the unmasked clones of Episodes II and III! Friday - Sunday at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Have you experienced the 2009 Star Tours Weekends ? Share Your Experience with others!
http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=226&cat=65

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Mobile Room Ready Notification Service - Mobile Room Ready Notification Service is an optional service that allows Guests who arrive prior to their select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel check-in time to simplify their resort arrival by alerting them through their cell/mobile phone when their room is available.

During the check-in process, Guests provide a cell/mobile telephone number and request a return notification preference. When the room is ready, a text message or automated call will be sent to the Guest's cell/mobile phone number with the room number. This message will have your room number. If for some reason, your room number changed since you checked in at the front desk, you will have to return to the Front Desk for new room keys and your room number.

You choose whether to have a phone call or a text message sent to your phone. Standard text messaging rates for your phone apply. This service is available for Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Vacation club resorts.

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Annual Passholder Previews announced for the Hall of Presidents - Be among the first to see the Hall of Presidents attraction before the official reopening July 4th weekend! Open to all Passholders, this preview includes the Animatronics® figure of our 44th President, Barack Obama. And his predecessors will look more amazing than ever in a re-imagining of this inspiring, unforgettable attraction. Date: June 28, 2009; Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Magic Kingdom® theme park; Passholders do not need to sign up to attend the preview, but they do need to show a valid Pass and Photo ID at the Hall of Presidents attraction entrance.

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Vinylmation Park 2 Artist Party - Friday, June 12th at the Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace. 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Vinylmation prices begin at $9.95. Meet Vinylmation Park 2 Artists: Randy Noble, Dan Howard, Susan Foy, Thomas Scott, Glen Winters, Maria Clapsis and Lin Shih. http://tinyurl.com/cpsrjb

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Alice in Walt Disney World Ink and Paint Cel Event - Saturday, June 13th at the Studios Animation Gallery in Disney's Hollywood Studios. 10:00am - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Alice in Walt Disney World is a limited edition, hand-painted cel with an edition size of only 1500 pieces. An exclusively designed pin has been created to commemorate the release of the new cel, the pin is available with the first 750 orders placed for a framed cel only. Special Guests: Disney Design Group Artist, Costa Alavezos and Ink and Paint Artists, James Bonserio, Erin Magill, Theodora M. DeLaney, David Rippberger, Lynn Rippberger, Sharon K.Vincent. http://tinyurl.com/lw39bg

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Happy Birthday to Donald Duck: Donald turns 75 years young today! Donald made his first appearance on June 9, 1934 in the Silly Symphony "The Wise Little Hen". Donald's original voice was that of Clarence "Ducky" Nash. After 50 years Tony Anselmo became the fiesty duck's voice.

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D23 Expo - Tickets are now onsale. Disney fans will be given unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center when Disney and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans present the first-ever D23 EXPO.

Tickets to the D23 EXPO are onsale at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.

The D23 EXPO will be home to the 2009 Disney Legends Awards - a 22-year tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to Disney entertainment. In an extraordinary exhibition designed specifically for the D23 EXPO, an incredible collection of classic and contemporary Disney props, artifacts and costumes will be accessible to the public for the first time ever. "Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" brings together such amazing pieces as the fully restored, 11-foot model of the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; the stunning, jewel-encrusted book used in the opening moments of Sleeping Beauty; and other rare surprises from throughout Disney's history.

D23 travel packages including 35% off your Disneyland resort stay, Disneyland Parkhopper and Expo tickets are available. AllEars® recommends our travel partner MouseFanTravel.com.

HEALTH WATCH

May 3, 2009: The following was left under the doors for all guests at Disney World resort hotels yesterday:

Dear Guest:

As the safety of our guests and cast members is our top priority, our Walt Disney Parks and Resorts health professionals have cooperative relationships with local, national and international health agencies on which we rely for information and guidance.

Public health officials at these organizations have the professional medical expertise to provide the most up-to-date information and recommendations, beyond the existing high standard of sanitation Walt Disney Parks and Resorts utilize on a day-to-day basis.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Orange County Health Department have issued health advisories concerning Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu).

Currently, these agencies are stressing the importance of using basic protective measures to reduce the risk of getting Influenza A-H1N1. As with any infectious illnesses, one of the most important and appropriate preventive practices is careful and frequent hand hygiene. The CDC recommends that you take the following precautions:

-- Wash your hands often using soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

-- If you feel ill, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

We encourage you to stay informed on the latest Influenza A-H1N1 information by checking either the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) or by calling 1-800-311-3435. Or you can visit the Orange County Health Department at http://www.orchd.com/ or call 407-836-2600.

As we have further information to share, we will update you via Channel 19 on your in-room television.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, health officials recommend that you limit your contact with other people as much as possible and seek the advice of a medical professional to determine whether treatment is needed. Please press the front desk button on your in-room telephone to speak to a cast member who can help you review your options for a health care provider and arrange transportation, if necessary.

Thank you.

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April 30, 2009: Walt Disney World, like many public entities, is monitoring the swine flu situation.

We will report any announcement made by Walt Disney World concerning the swine flu if or when it occurs.

Currently, the only announcements Disney has made have been in reference to the Disney Cruise Line, which has altered its itinerary to avoid stops in Mexico during this public health situation. See the release HERE.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. It is strongly advised that people practice thorough hand-washing with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

For more information about the swine flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Disney Hollywood Studios
Special 20th Anniversary WDI Event

On May 1, 2009, three representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering will speak at Premiere Theater at 9:00am & 10:45am about the history of Disney's Hollywood Studios. The event is open to all guests.

Tom Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President, Senior Creative Executive

Eric Jacobson, Senior Vice President, Creative Development

Bob Weis, Executive Vice President, Creative

Free Dining is Back For Everyone!!

March 30, 2009 - Free dining is now available to all who book a Walt Disney World Resort Magic Your Way Package with a minimum 3 night stay. Valid for travel most nights 8/16/2009 - 10/3/2009.

Rooms are limited and must be booked by June 21, 2009.

The offer can be book directly with Disney OR use our exclusive travel partner, MouseFanTravel.com.

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March 26, 2009 - The FREE Dining Offer is Back for Disney Rewards® Visa® cardholders! Book a Walt Disney World® vacation Magic Your Way package and get Free Dining too! This offer requires a minimum 3 night stay with park admission and is valid for travel most nights 8/16/09 - 10/3/09. The number of rooms is limited for this offer, so don't wait to long!

You must book by 6/21/09. The offer can be book directly with Disney OR use our exclusive travel partner, MouseFanTravel.com.

Disney Statement Regarding Website and Calendar

February 11, 2009: Disney issued the following announcement today regarding regarding its new website and hard to find information:

To All of Our Valued Guests: We are aware of your concerns regarding park hours, calendars, operational updates and parade and event hours. Please know we understand your concerns and have been working diligently to resolve these issues. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you new information and new features on Disneyworld.com.

In regards to the concern regarding the number of days out we display park hours on the Web site, there has been a change in Walt Disney World policy. The standard calendar will now display information for the current month plus the next three months on a rolling basis. As an example – On February 1 park hours will display for the month of February, plus the months of March, April, and May. On March 1 park hours will display for the month of March, plus April, May, and June, and so on. This update cycle will be the standard throughout the year.

ARMED FORCES SALUTE TICKET

Starting January 4, 2009, through December 23, 2009, active and retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can obtain ONE complimentary 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Ticket (Base Ticket with the Park Hopper option and Water Park Fun & More Option. The No Expiration option is not available, and this ticket is not upgradeable.) Those eligible include:

-- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard
-- Retired military personnel
-- Federal/State National Guard and Reserves (with active papers dated 1/1/08-12/23/09)

NOTE: Department of Defense (CIA, FBI, Secret Service) and Coalition Forces are excluded.

Military members may also purchase 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets for up to five family members and/or friends for $99 plus tax (Park Hopper Option and Water Park Fun & More Options may be purchased for an additional $25 + tax for each option. No Expiration option is NOT available). These tickets may also be upgraded to Premium, Annual and Seasonal Passes. Seasonal Pass upgrade requires proof of Florida Residency. No other upgrades, such as adding on additional days or the NE option, are available. Tickets may be upgraded anytime between January 4 -December 23, 2009 as long as there is usage left on the ticket within the 14 day window.

Tickets will expire on 12/23/09 and have no block-out dates.

Locations:
-- at any Vacation Planner or Guest Relations Window
-- at Shades of Green (ticket is tax free) (purchase an exchange voucher)
-- on Base (ticket is tax free) (purchase an exchange voucher)

Military Personnel must present valid United States Military identification (active or retired). Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists must present active duty orders in addition to valid Military ID. Sales locations should refer to the Military ID Reference Sheet for verification.

The entire party needs to be present for purchase (Spouse or military dependents can receive the companion discount without the military service member being present as long as they have their military ID).

This offer is only available once per service member.

In addition to this ticket offer, eligible members of the U.S. Military can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts, for stays most nights January 4 to December 23, 2009 (not available at all 2/13-2/15, 4/4-4/18, 5/22-5/24, 7/3-7/4, 11/25-11/26/09). Ask about special rates through December 23, 2009 at other select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. For details:

http://www.disneyworld.com/military