The Flower Power Concert Series is back at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring. Which means artists involved with hit songs of the 1960s through the ’90s will be on stage each Friday-Sunday from March 4 through May 15, 2011.
Collectively, the 11 artists performing this spring at Walt Disney World Resort were involved in 133 Billboard Top 40 hits — 58 Top 10s including 16 No. 1 chart-toppers.
This year’s lineup includes one other newcomer: Melissa Manchester.
Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Here’s the lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 4-6 — Jose Feliciano March 11-13 — The Guess Who March 18-20 — Chubby Checker & The Wildcats March 25-27 — Melissa Manchester April 1-3 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas April 8-10 — Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. April 15-17 — Juice Newton April 22-24 — Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons April 29-30, May 1 — Paul Revere & The Raiders May 6-8 — Davy Jones May 13-15 — Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Flower Power performances are included with Epcot admission. For additional information about the festival, visit disneyworld.com/flower.
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In celebration of today’s release of ALICE IN WONDERLAND: 60th Anniversary Special Edition, we present you with this special limited time offer from Disney Movie Rewards!
From now Until February 7th, owners of select Disney Titles can save $10 off the purchase of today’s release.
The Walt Disney Studios is proud to announce the release of its high-tech, action-packed adventure TRON: Legacy, availableApril 5th on multiple home entertainment platforms, including Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital Copy, Movie Download and On-Demand. Also making its long-awaited Blu-ray debut on April 5th is TRON: The Original Classic Special Edition.
Sure to light-up fans this Spring, TRON: Legacy provides consumers with the ultimate Hi-Def Blu-ray experience with breathtaking 1080p visuals and superior 7.1 surround sounds that bring to life the visually stunning world of TRON. Taking you further behind the grid, are also in-depth bonus features on the making of the film (i.e., creating the futuristic vehicles and world of TRON, storyline mythologies, actors/characters and more) and the all-new Disney Second Screen interactive experience.
Disney Second Screen transforms the movie watching experience by allowing viewers to explore the story behind the film perfectly synched on a second device, like an iPad™ or laptop, without interrupting their enjoyment of the movie. By simply accessing the Disney Second Screen companion application on their Internet-connected device, consumers are able to dive deeper into the film by engaging with elements including 360-degree vehicle turnarounds, interactive progression reels, and more. Disney Second Screen directions and access codes can be found inside the Blu-ray Disc packaging.Audio synching is powered by TVPLUS.
The original motion picture score for TRON: Legacy, released by Walt Disney Records on December 7, 2010, was composed and produced by the iconic and critically acclaimed Grammy® Award–winning French duo Daft Punk. The album peaked at No. 4 on The Billboard 200 and was the highest charting score soundtrack in over a decade. Walt Disney Records will be releasing TRON: Legacy RECONFIGURED, an album featuring 14 remixes of the original motion picture score on April 5th.
Experience the original landmark motion picture that inspired a new generation of digital filmmakers and became a favorite of fans and critics across the world. Relive the electrifying thrills of TRON with an all-new, state-of-the-art digital restoration and enhanced high-definition sound.
When a brilliant video game maker named Flynn (Jeff Bridges) hacks the mainframe of his ex-employer, he is beamed inside an astonishing digital world and becomes part of the very game he is designing. Complete with never-before-seen bonus materials, it’s an epic adventure that everyone will enjoy!
Finally releasing on Bluray/DVD on March 1st 2011.Now is your chance to save $10 off this Disney Diamond Edition Bluray/DVD. Click the picture above to learn more.
Available and good in the U.S.A. (including D.C.) , its territories and Canada only. Limit two printed coupons per computer. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Coupon expires 3/5/11. While supplies last. See coupon for complete details.
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Our Disney team has been busy over the past few months with the WALT DISNEY WORLD Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA and this month’s Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker. We’re off to a great start in 2011, and expect to see continued success with the Disneyland Half Marathon in September and then the return of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort September 30-October 1.
As a listening company, we constantly seek input from our guests so that we can make the guest experience even better. In the spirit of that commitment, the Disney team has been working on changes to improve your experience at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
First, you may be pleased to note that the post-race party will be expanded to include a variety of Epcot attractions and many more food and beverage locations. In addition, the half marathon finish line will be moved to just outside the main entrance to Epcot. Our intent is to provide more space for the finish itself, a larger spectator viewing area, and a greatly expanded baggage claim operation. Different from the WALT DISNEY WORLD Marathon and Disney Princess Half Marathon events, the Wine & Dine Half Marathon finish area will be in a parking area adjacent to the Epcot main entrance, allowing for easy access to the post-race party inside the park.
I wanted to personally share these updates to assure you that we value your feedback and are committed to making every Disney race a world-class experience for you and your families. We expect to have exciting entertainment enhancements to share among other surprises, both during the race and during the post-race party, so stay tuned for more news on the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon and all Disney events in the coming months. We look forward to seeing you at the finish line.
HGTV kicks up the “curb appeal” of the 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 through May 15 with a first-time sponsorship featuring weekend appearances by its acclaimed designers and landscaping experts. The star-studded lineup includes Genevieve Gorder, Lisa LaPorta, Kim Myles, Brian Patrick Flynn, Taniya Nayak, Ahmed Hassan, Patti Moreno, Michele Beschen, John Gidding, Frank Fontana, and Vern Yip.
The country’s leading home and lifestyle television brand brings an addictive blend of design, decorating and landscaping inspiration to the enduring, 75-day gardening extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
At the Festival Center presented by HGTV, popular celebrity experts will appear each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival on the HGTV Stage. The HGTV hosts will deliver valuable tips to Disney guests on topics including “Mobile Gardens,” “Secrets to Bringing Indoor Style Outside” and “Gardening with Kids.”
“We are thrilled to welcome HGTV and so many of the network’s great Talent to Epcot this spring,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “HGTV’s design and gardening personalities add an exciting, and entertaining new element to a festival that reinvents itself year after year.”
As part of the sponsorship, HGTV also will present a new, twice-its-previous-size Bambi’s Butterfly House along the Future World Imagination Walkway. Inside this popular festival stop are hundreds of native butterflies and character topiaries from the timeless Disney classic film, “Bambi.” This year’s display celebrates the upcoming release of “Bambi” Diamond Edition, for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def.
“People visit Disney for a memorable experience where they are inspired, enlightened and entertained,” said Jim Samples, president, HGTV. “Our star designers will provide just such an experience for the Disney guest during The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. Disney is the ideal venue and destination for us to connect face-to-face with our passionate viewers.”
The HGTV celebrity lineup includes:
Genevieve Gorder, HGTVDesign Star and Dear Genevieve
Mar 4-6
The Art of Sculpting Space
Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell
Mar 11 – 13
Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips
for Designing Your Favorite Rooms
Kim Myles, Myles of Style
Mar 18 – 20
The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space
Brian Patrick Flynn, Design Happens, HGTV.com
Mar 25 – 27
Mobile Gardens
Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell and Destination Design
Apr 1 – 3
Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low-Cost Secrets
to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside
Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star
May 13 -15
Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible
In addition to its own celebrity stage appearances, HGTV will present the popular twice-daily Disney Gardening at Home series, where guests can join a workshop and take home projects ranging from hanging baskets to water garden features. The Festival Center’s HGTV Theater will present a special-engagement film featuring tips and hints from HGTV shows.
Dozens of Disney character topiaries are back by popular demand at this year’s festival. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and chief villain Lotso of the Oscar-nominated Disney blockbuster, “Toy Story 3,” make their first topiary appearance in front of Spaceship Earth at the park’s front-entrance garden. Topiary craftsmen also will debut floral versions of Lightning McQueen and Mater, stars of “Cars 2,” to be released in theaters this June.
Flower Power concerts will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre stage three times each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening with popular acts like Davy Jones and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. New-to-the-festival performers will include Melissa Manchester, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
More information about the 18th 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, presentations and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.
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Disney Baby and BabyZone have joined forces to help make your life with Baby truly magical and memorable – with that special Disney touch.
We just love to see the way families connect and grow. But it’s those special moments with Dad and your baby (your baby!) that we hope to make even more magical.
Check it out today!
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ABC Family’s “Greek” will kick-off its latest philanthropic endeavor, the I Heart Greek Twitter Give-Back event, on Monday, February 14th. The event will give loyal fans of the hit series the opportunity to take home authentic “Greek” Kappa Tau, ZBZ and Omega Chi memorabilia by showing their dedication to both the series and their community. Combining volunteerism with the social media phenomenon Twitter, the network is asking fans to tweet about the various ways they give back. Each tweet will be considered a sweepstakes entry and winners of items will be selected at random. Fans can visit abcfamily.com/giveback for more information about how to participate in the I Heart Greek Twitter Give-Back Event.
The I Heart Greek campaign rewards “Greek’s” die-hard fans with authentic pieces from the set while simultaneously encouraging them to take an active role in society. The event will run for four weeks, starting Monday, Februrary 14, leading into “Greek’s” series finale on Monday, March 7. Each winning item will be accompanied by a “Certificate of Authenticity.” The giveaway schedule is as follows:
WEEK #1 (Monday, February 14): How Do You Give Back? – This week’s winners will receive Kappa Tau items including but not limited to Rusty’s “Pledge Educator” t-shirt, Cappie’s “Seat Cushion with Butt Imprint,” Kappa Tau lavalieres, a pledge educator book and whatever else Beaver lost in the couch cushions.
WEEK #2 (Monday, February 21): What’s the Nicest Thing You’ve Ever Done For Someone?–Winners will have the chance to let their inner ZBZ kitty purr with various ZBZ apparel, Casey’s “Housemom” apron, pink ZBZ wall letters from Casey and Ashleigh’s room, a ZBZ day planner and the sorority’s shiny pink Songfest Jackets.
WEEK #3 (Monday, February 28): Who Inspires You and Why? –Sponsored by Omega Chi, this week offers the Omega Chi voting box, Dale’s pledge paddle, Omega Chi’s presidential gavel and the fraternity’s “foot-brawl” championship award, complete with Kappa Tau graffiti (naturally).
WEEK #4 (Monday, March 7): How Do You Plan To Volunteer Next? – The sweepstakes concludes with the resounding “thwock” of a Cypress-Rhodes Titan thunder stick. Devoted fans can bring home “Cappie’s Butt” boxers, Rusty’s Cypress-Rhodes University ID, the “Alio’s” cereal box from Dale and Rusty’s freshman room, Fraternities and Sororities: A Beginner’sGuide and various street clothes worn by Cappie, Casey, Rebecca and the rest of the CRU gang.
In keeping with the theme of “giving-back,” ABC Family and the “Greek” production team donated show wardrobe to several charities, including Shelter Partnership, Phoenix House and John Muir Charter School. Additionally, several boxes of clothing were sent to underprivileged children in Fiji and Zambia.
Created by Patrick Sean Smith, “Greek” is executive produced in association with Piller/Segan. The cast includes Jacob Zachar (“Rusty”), Spencer Grammer (“Casey”), Scott Michael Foster (“Cappie”), Jake McDorman (“Evan”), Clark Duke (“Dale”), Dilshad Vadsaria (“Rebecca), Paul James (“Calvin”) and Amber Stevens (“Ashleigh”).
Part of the Disney-ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 98 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relevant stories about today’s relationships, all told with diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a mix of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas!” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.
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Disney fans are generally excited about the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom, what with its increase in size and the addition of new attractions. There’s even been some rejoicing about changes to the original princess- and fairy-dusted plans.
But not all news about what’s next for Fantasyland at Walt Disney World has been magical. Along with the announcement for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a kiddie coaster, Disney slipped in the news that Snow White’s Scary Adventures will be closed. The classic dark ride, part of the park since 1971, will close some time during the Fantasyland expansion, probably in 2011 or 2012.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about the removal of Snow White’s Scary Adventures (SWSA). As a die-hard Disney fan, my heart is torn by two different sentiments.
There are classics that represent the best of Disney, reasons why people fall in love with Disney in the first place. Or as Walt Disney said, “I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past.”
Then there’s my craving for the new, the innovative, the immersive – a reaction again reflected in Walt’s: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
Snow White, a Disney Classic Film Turned Disneyland Original Attraction
My first instinct, then, is to lament the closing of SWSA as an end of a Disney era. The dark ride was a 1955 Disneyland original, something the Magic Kingdom brought over to honor Walt’s influence and imagination.
SWSA is based on Disney’s first feature-length animated film, certainly an accomplishment deserving a substantial presence in Disney parks. After all, the Walt Disney Company may have “started with a mouse,” but it was the success of “Disney’s Folly” that cemented Walt’s presence in Hollywood. And it’s Snow White, not the beloved dwarfs, who had the first film audience in tears. Shouldn’t she be the star of her own attraction?
Snow White’s Scary Adventures, a Dark Ride Turned Lighter
But I can’t quite convince myself I’m truly sad to see SWSA leave the Magic Kingdom. My consolation isn’t entirely because Seven Dwarfs Mine Train seems like a fun kiddie coaster. Or that its surrounding area promises to please Snow White fans.
The truth is, that while I’m sad to see the idea of SWSA leave, I’m not sad to see the ride in its current state come to an end. The first time I rode SWSA it was closer to Walt’s original vision. Snow White didn’t appear in the ride, and the focus was on the Queen/Wicked Witch. Guests took up Snow White’s point of view in an almost nightmarish version of the film’s narrative.
In that version, we became Snow White and experienced some of her heart-raising adventures. It was a dark ride, in all senses of the word, and much scarier. Especially for young children. But it was also true to Disney’s animated feature, which has its own terrifying moments. And I loved it.
Walt Disney World redesigned the ride in 1994. Among the many changes was the incorporation of Snow White into its scenes, with guests looking on at our heroine’s experiences. The redesign comforts and reassures young guests because they see Snow White.
In this more straightforward retelling, a great deal of immersiveness central to SWSA has been removed. It’s a safer ride for young guests, but one less interesting, less challenging. And I loved it a bit less.
Why Shouldn’t Snow White’s Scary Adventures be Scary?
True love's kiss in Snow White's Scary Adventures. Josh McConnell.
More than that, though. SWSA’s redesign lost some of ride’s focus and appeal for many guests, including me. It lacks the clever narrative realized by Imagineering that I’ve come to expect from a Disney attraction.
But even the “new” version is still too scary for many young children, as Lisa Battista notes in Rides to Miss with Little Mr or Miss. Still, I can’t help thinking that a return to a darker, less young-child friendly concept of SWSA, one with updated technology, could be a good thing.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will act as a bridge between the “my first coaster” Goofy’s Barnstormer (to be renamed The Great Goofini). Couldn’t or shouldn’t SWSA be an entry-level ride to the mild scares of Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean? In the re-Imagineering of Fantasyland, isn’t there room for some thrills and chills beyond that of the coaster or thrill ride?
Snow White’s Scary Adventures: A Tale of Two Hearts
In examining my ambivalence to SWSA, I find myself mourning the future loss of the ride that is no longer what it was, nor is it what I want to it to be. I’m nostalgic for the attraction as I first experienced it, not as it is today.
So I’m looking forward to seeing the new Fantasyland even as it means the end of SWSA. Still, my heart tugs, ever so slightly, at the loss. Maybe I would rather have this version of SWSA at Walt Disney World than not have one at all?
Perhaps it’s a tale of my two hearts, then. I look forward to the Imagineers’ new ideas and experiencing Disney’s ability to continually re-invent its parks. But I can’t help wondering if the cost of such re-invention is some of that nostalgia Walt also valued so highly.
It is a question that is being asked quite a bit across the Internet, in forums, blog sites, even on the Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel. How young is to young to take your child to Disney World?
The answer to this question isn’t the same for everyone. For us, when we had our daughter, she was born seven weeks early, and weighed four pounds, two ounces. We decided early on that her first trip to Disney would be when she was older, and had “caught up” with the rest of the kids her age. As a result, Sophie was four when we went to Disney for the first time with her.
However, we have seen families with newborns at the Magic Kingdom, and if you are considering a trip to Disney with your young family, there is great news for you! Disney has considered all sorts of the possibilities for young families, and is very accommodating towards younger family members. Here are some of the tips that you should know if you are planning that trip:
At each of the theme parks there is a Baby Care Center, which is for families to take care of such things as diaper changes, nursing mothers, and other needs. The nice thing is that there is are rooms for Moms and their babies, and a room for Dads and their other kids to wait comfortably.
Another thing that is really nice to keep in mind is that Disney will supply a Pack ‘n’ Play in your room for children under age three, so if you have a family of five and one is a younger child, there is a place for them to sleep that doesn’t include between Mom and Dad.
A very important consideration to keep in mind is that all of you, but especially you and your baby, need to stay hydrated. Make sure that you have plenty of fluids for all of you to drink, especially during hot days.
When you have a baby, it’s important to keep in mind that the pace that you will visit the parks will vary significantly to the pace you set when you are all older. Remember that your visit with a baby should be much more relaxed, both for your sake and your baby’s!
One thing that Disney does to help new families enjoy the attractions is to have the rider swap capability. This program, which is available at select attractions, allows one of you to wait in line while the other waits with your child, and when they get off the ride, they can approach a cast member for a fast pass that the other parent can use to go right to the front of the line to enjoy the attraction.
Another thing to keep in mind is that all children under the age of three are admitted free to the parks, so if you are interested in taking a vacation with your family, you won’t have any costs for the vacation related to your baby!
Make sure you pack extra clothes and diapers, and be sure to take frequent breaks so that you all stay refreshed.
Whether or not to take a young child to Disney World is a decision that is different for every family. However, if you have considered it and have made the decision to make that trip, there are a wealth of resources available to you to help you plan that trip. One of the best that I have found is a book written by Lisa Battista, Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World With Preschoolers. This book has a wealth of information for parents with young children, so consider taking a look at it if you are planning that trip.
As always, remember that the point of your Disney World Vacation is to have a good time, so take time to plan the things that are most important for your family – regardless of their age – and that will make your vacation that much more special.
Mike is a writer for Chip & Company, and a Disney fan. His current obsession is planning his upcoming family vacation to Disney World in June! When he isn’t writing for C&C, you can also read him on his personal blog My Dreams of Disney. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
As of this Friday, February 11th, Mickey’s Toontown Fair will officially be closed for business. While Toontown originally opened as Mickey’s Birthdayland in 1988, celebrating the 60th birthday of our favorite mouse, it was renamed Mickey’s Starland first, then switched to Toontown as we know it in 1996.
We know the Barnstormer will be renamed The Great Goofini, but essentially, the ride will still be the same. Everything else, however, is history.
Mickey and Minnie’s Country Houses are now a thing of the past. Their adorable country homes, including Minnie’s “working” microwave, painting room, and flower pots are gone. Mickey’s mouse checkers, Pluto’s dog bed, and Mouse-eared antenna tv will all be gone, probably stored in the Utilidors somewhere underneath the Magic Kingdom, along with other pieces of Disney past.
I think Mickey’s Toontown Fair may have been one of the most overlooked places in the Magic Kingdom, which is truly a shame. The details never cease to amaze me. For example, in Mickey’s house, his front table had a stack of mail, letters to him addressed from Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Ariel. There are several books between the two houses, all with great reads, including Famous Mice in History at Minnie’s house. Almost anything you can think of is mouse-shaped, from mailboxes to mirrors, keys to ping pong paddles.
Mickey’s Toontown Fair was a gem of Imagineering creativity and will truly be missed.
Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog, where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in the military.
Congratulations!! You’ve run 3.1 miles! That’s a huge accomplishment already. It may seem absolutely insane to add 10 more miles (yes, 10 full miles), but that’s the goal – 13.1.
Don’t worry – it’s not impossible. The most important thing is to find a training program that you can follow and stick to, giving you a schedule for distance, times, etc… I knew with my schedule (keeping up with an infant) that finding 4 or more days a week to run would be nearly impossible. Luckily, runDisney’s running trainer, Jeff Galloway offers a program that only requires 3 run days per week. I quickly decided to follow his program for 1st time half marathoners – with a goal of crossing the finish line still standing.
To start a Half Marathon (or full marathon, if you so choose) training program, you need to be comfortable at 3-5 miles, depending on the program. The programs guide you to build gradually, to avoid injury, to accomplish your goal in a set number of weeks.
All of these programs can be edited if necessary. For example, I pushed to hard on a 10 mile run and, by doctors orders, required several weeks of rest. I altered the schedule, while keeping the integrity (3 days per week, long run 1 weekend followed by a shorter run the following weekend) and still ended up right on track for race day.
If you do come across an injury that requires a break from running, don’t stress. Find another cardio workout, such as swimming, water running, or using the elliptical, to use on run days, so you continue to build endurance.
In about 4 months of training, you can be ready for any of the Walt Disney World, or Disneyland, Half Marathons. Are you ready to sign up?
Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog (http://disneybabiesblog.blogspot.com) , where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in a military band.
