Themed with equestrian memorabilia, the casual dining room at the Disney Vacation Club resort is open to the
public. The menu offers casual creations including steamed mussels, crab cake
bites, spiced salmon salad and a classic Reuben. At dinner, pork ribs with
apple-cinnamon barbecue sauce are a specialty.
Specialty drinks include the Preakness Cosmo, Belmont Stakes Martini and Millionaire's Margarita, and
dessert drinks like the Espresso Chiller and Mudslide Martini.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 7, 2006) -- Following a gala dedication for its
thrilling new Expedition Everest attraction, Walt Disney World Resort today
announced a wide-ranging lineup of new entertainment, reinvigorated
attractions, interactive shopping experiences and stylishly redesigned hotel
rooms coming soon or available now.
Al Weiss, president of Walt Disney World Resort, unveiled the new offerings
during a presentation for journalists gathered at Disney's Animal Kingdom for
the grand opening of Expedition Everest, a runaway train adventure through the
Himalayas that sends guests hurtling toward an encounter with the fearsome
yeti.
"We're always adding innovation, creativity and entertainment value to our
resort, and we've got some great things on the horizon -- on our property and
beyond," Weiss said.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Guests Will Find 'Nemo' in Dazzling Musical
Spectacular
The undersea world that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney
presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film "Finding Nemo" will come to
life in an all-new musical stage show debuting at Disney's Animal Kingdom in
late 2006.
Featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" composer Robert Lopez
and a cappella musical "Along the Way" composer Kristen Anderson-Lopez, "Finding
Nemo--The Musical" will immerse guests of all ages in the story of
Marlin and Nemo, an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son,
through a dazzling production that combines puppets, dancers, acrobats and
animated backdrops.
Produced by Disney Creative Entertainment, the 30-minute show represents the
first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated feature and transformed it
into an original musical production.
The theme park's newly enclosed Theater in the Wild will become a magical
undersea environment through innovative lighting, sound, special effects and
the theatrical puppetry of Michael Curry, who designed the richly detailed
character puppets seen in the Broadway version of Disney's "The Lion King."
Principal characters such as Marlin, Nemo and Dory will be represented by live
performers operating larger-than-life puppets. Peripheral characters will be
realized by a diverse array of puppetry styles, including rod, bunraku and
shadow.
"Finding Nemo--The Musical" will be staged several times daily.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Brings Familiar Characters to Life Inside
Epcot Aquarium
The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a whimsical and visually stunning
attraction for guests of all ages, is scheduled to open at Epcot in Fall 2006.
Featuring technology that for all appearances has the stars of "Finding Nemo"
swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in The Living Seas
pavilion, the attraction is an adventure that picks up where the motion picture
left off.
The undersea voyage begins aboard "clamobiles" in a colorful coral reef setting.
Guests first meet Mr. Ray and his class on a field trip and soon learn that
Nemo has wandered off.
The journey to find Nemo continues as familiar characters such as Dory, Bruce,
Marlin, Squirt and Crush help with the search along the way. These deep sea
friends inhabit a variety of vibrant vignettes, including the actual aquarium
-- one of the world's largest saltwater aquariums -- which contains more than
65 species of marine life.
In the musical finale of the attraction, Nemo is happily reunited with his class
and friends.
Upon exiting the attraction, guests can explore the rest of the pavilion, which
is home to "Turtle Talk with Crush," the smash-hit recent addition featuring
the movie's laid-back sea turtle, who interacts with guests in real-time,
unscripted conversations; Bruce's Shark World, an interactive area with
colorful graphics and fun facts about sharks; and live marine life in both the
large aquarium and specialized exhibits.
Captain Jack Sparrow Joining Audio-Animatronics Crew of Pirates of the
Caribbean Attraction
First the theme park attraction inspired the movie. Now the movie is inspiring
the attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney theme park adventure brought
to the big screen in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,"
is adding new characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment
franchise.
The Magic Kingdom attraction closed in March to complete the updates in time for
the opening of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" on July 7.
The attraction will feature the addition of two of Hollywood's most infamous
buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow and his nemesis Barbossa. Joining the wildest
crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main, the pair add an exciting new twist to
the attraction's original storyline as they race to be the first to claim a
cache of treasure.
A similar makeover to Pirates of the Caribbean is taking place at Disneyland in
California.
Be a Princess -- or a Pirate -- with Fun New World of Disney Experiences
at Downtown Disney
World of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace has unveiled new interactive
experiences to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the largest Disney shopping
destination on Earth.
In the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, part of the 51,000-square-foot
store's new Princess Room, youngsters can be made up pretty as a princess. And
in the new Adventure Room, a world of pirates and heroes beckons.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -- "owned" by the Fairy Godmother and "operated" by
Fairy Godmothers-in-Training -- offers a menu of fancy up-do's, glitter makeup
and dazzling nails designed to pamper princesses ages 3 and up. The boutique
operates from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (the last appointment is at 5:30 p.m.),
seven days a week. Walk-ins are accepted but reservations strongly are
encouraged by calling (407) WDW-STYLE (939-7895).
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is part of the store's newly refurbished Princess Room.
Resembling a great hall from medieval lore, the space is dedicated to the
classic fairy tale stories of Disney Princesses, Princes and their castles.
Other features include a life-size princess figure who sings to guests and
interactive stations where little girls can create their own tiaras and wands,
fill jewelry boxes and purchase princess makeup kits.
Across the store, young adventurers can pretend to sail the high seas and hoist
the Jolly Roger in the Adventure Room. Heroes and heroines can fill treasure
chests and skulls with pirate plunder, create their own seafaring hat and
interact with a new pirate figure named Rusty Blade and his talking parrot pal,
Pollyanna.
Dramatic New Interiors Coming to Guest Rooms at Two Classic Disney Resort
Hotels
Guestrooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort are
receiving a dramatic new look including new décor, furniture, state-of-the-art
entertainment technology, carpeting, lighting and bathroom fixtures.
At Disney's Contemporary Resort, room décor is being changed from the current
style -- taken from the bold, bright colors of contemporary art masters of the
1950s and '60s -- to a more upscale, elegant design that incorporates muted
color accents such as reds, greens and yellows with basic black and white.
Rooms at Disney's Polynesian Resort also are getting a new, more sophisticated
look but will retain the classic South Seas style that has been the hotel's
hallmark since 1971.
Both resorts will receive upgraded furniture elements such as flat-screen
televisions and designer bedding. In addition to the room renovations, décor in
the hallways and public areas also is being updated.
The renovation of both resorts, which began in May 2005, is scheduled to
continue through the summer of 2006.
Select Guestrooms at Disney's All-Star Music Resort to be Remade into All-Star
Family Suites
Families, friends or anyone just needing more "room to roam" will find it at
Disney's All-Star Music Resort with the launch of new family suites beginning
June 4. Nearly 400 guestrooms are being converted to 192 family suites at the
value-priced resort.
Featuring two bathrooms and sleeping up to six people, each suite also will
include a generously sized kitchenette with counter space, sink, microwave,
coffee maker and under-counter refrigerator. Other amenities include a private
"master" bedroom with its own flat-screen television, desk and lounge chair.
Construction of the new suites begins April 23; the first guests will be
welcomed June 4. Completion of the rooms-to-suites makeover is set for Oct. 13.
Innovative Airport Shuttle, Luggage Delivery Service to Remain Complimentary
Since May 2005, guests of most hotels at Walt Disney World Resort have enjoyed
an innovative amenity that helps take the hassle out of traveling between
Orlando International Airport (OIA) and the Vacation Kingdom.
Disney's Magical Express offers complimentary airport shuttle and luggage
delivery and -- on participating airlines -- check-in at guests' hotel for
domestic return flights.
Launched as part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," which will conclude
later this year, Disney's Magical Express will remain operating as a
complimentary service, Disney announced today. The company recently reached an
agreement with OIA to continue the program.
Participating guests check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage
claim at OIA and board state-of-the-art motor coaches to Walt Disney World
Resort -- while their bags are transferred to their room.
While guests flying any airline in or out of OIA may take advantage of the motor
coach transportation between the airport and their Walt Disney World hotel,
guests departing on participating airlines (currently American, Continental,
Delta, Song, United, Ted, Northwest and JetBlue) have yet another benefit
through Disney's Magical Express: On domestic flights, they can avoid airport
check-in lines by checking their luggage and receiving a boarding pass before
departing their select Walt Disney World hotel.
Disney Cruise Line Offers First-Ever Mediterranean Cruises During Summer 2007
For the first time, Disney Cruise Line is adding a European flair to its
itineraries, repositioning the Disney Magic for the summer of 2007 to
the Port of Barcelona in Spain and offering 10- and 11-night Mediterranean
cruise vacations to Europe.
With eight European ports of call that provide gateways to familiar cities such
as Florence, Rome, Pisa and Cannes, the Mediterranean itineraries will deliver
the family vacation of a lifetime with all the benefits Disney Cruise Line
offers.
The four 11-night cruises will depart on Saturdays: May 26, June 16, July 7 and
July 28; the four 10-night cruises will depart on Wednesdays: June 6, June 27,
July 18 and Aug. 8. Both itineraries will depart from Barcelona.
In addition to the Mediterranean cruises, two 14-night trans-Atlantic sailings
will bookend the 10- and 11-night adventures with the eastbound itinerary
departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., May 12, 2007, and the westbound voyage
starting from the Port of Barcelona on Aug. 18, 2007.
Starting rates for the Mediterranean itineraries range from $2,399 to $3,499 and
are based on double occupancy. Guests interested in booking a Mediterranean
cruise with Disney Cruise Line should call (888) DCL-2500 (325-2500),
visit disneycruise.com
or contact their travel agent.
Pretend to Be a Pirate or Be Pretty
as a Princess; World of Disney Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Adventure Room offer new,
interactive experiences
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- To celebrate its 10th anniversary year, the World of
Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort has
unveiled new and interactive experiences at the largest Disney shopping
destination on earth.
The newly "re-imagined," 51,000-square-foot retail playground features a world
of pirates and heroes in a new, interactive Adventure Room. Across the store,
youngsters can be made up as pretty as a princess with the help of a "Fairy
Godmother-in-Training" in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, part of the store's new
Princess Room.
Young adventurers can pretend to sail the high seas and hoist the Jolly Roger in
the Adventure Room. Young heroes and heroines can fill treasure chests and
skulls with pirate plunder, create their own seafaring hat and interact with a
new Audio-Animatronics pirate named Rusty Blade and his talking parrot pal,
Pollyanna. The latest Disney video games also fuel the imaginations of young
adventurers.
"Owned" by the Fairy Godmother and "operated" by Fairy Godmothers-in-Training,
the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers a menu of salon services designed to
pamper princesses ages three and up. Package options and prices include:
-
Coach Package: Includes hair style and shimmering makeup -- $35 plus tax.
-
Crown Package: Includes hair style, shimmering makeup and nails -- $45 plus
tax.
-
Castle Package: Includes the Crown Package plus an imaging package (one
6x8-inch photo and four 4x6-inch photos in a Princess-themed photo holder).
Also includes a complete child-size costume with accessories -- starting at
$175 plus tax.
Each package comes with a sash, and there are three different hair style options
from which to choose: the Fairytale Princess, the Disney Diva and the Pop
Princess.
Hours of operation for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
daily (last appointment will be at 5:30 p.m.), seven days a week. Walk-ins are
accepted; however, reservations are strongly encouraged by calling
407/WDW-STYLE (939-7895).
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is part of the store's new Princess Room.
Resembling a great hall from castle lore, the room is dedicated to the classic
fairy tale stories of Disney Princesses, Princes and their castles. Other
features include an Audio-Animatronics princess who sings to guests, and
interactive stations where little girls can create their own tiaras and wands,
fill jewelry boxes and purchase princess make-up kits.
For more information, call Downtown Disney Guest Information at 407/WDW-2NITE
(939-2648)
Classic Attraction in California and Florida Adding New
Characters Inspired by Hit Film Franchise Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean
ANAHEIM, Calif. / ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2006) -- First the theme park
attraction inspired the movie -- now the movie is inspiring the attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney theme park adventure brought to the
big screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is
adding new characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment franchise
and debuting when the next adventure begins in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead
Man's Chest.
Both the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
will close the attraction in March to complete the updates in time for the
opening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on July 7. The
attraction will re-open at Disneyland on June 24 and in Florida's Magic Kingdom
on July 7.
The attraction will feature the addition of two of Hollywood's most infamous
buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow and his nemesis Barbossa. Joining the wildest
crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main, Captain Jack and Barbossa add an
exciting new twist to the attraction's original storyline as they race to be
the first to claim a cache of plundered treasure.
"Successfully adding the popular characters from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean'
films with the mythology of our classic attraction is an example of Disney
synergy and Walt Disney Imagineering at its finest," said Jay Rasulo, chairman
of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "These additions will result in an exciting
new chapter for the attraction and an unforgettable experience for our guests,
giving them another reason to come and be a part of our continuing 50th
anniversary celebration."
Woven into some of the attraction's most memorable scenes, the rival
swashbucklers will be seen interacting with some of the more familiar Audio-Animatronics
buccaneers found inside the ride-thru adventure. Also making a guest
appearance is the ghostly Davy Jones from the second movie in the series, Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. But new characters are only the
beginning. New special effects will also be added to enhance the "Pirates of
the Caribbean" theme park experience.
"The creative legacy of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' has come full circle with the
attraction initially inspiring our highly successful film franchise and now the
films inspiring exciting additions to the attraction itself," said Dick Cook,
chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. "The attraction enhancements capture the
same spirit, swashbuckling humor and action that moviegoers loved in the first
`Pirates of the Caribbean' which will continue with the highly anticipated new
tales this summer and beyond."
Created under the direct creative supervision of Walt Disney himself, Pirates of
the Caribbean is the quintessential Disney theme park adventure, a
swashbuckling voyage that transports guests back to the days when pirates and
privateers roamed the Spanish Main. Starring a comical cast of rascals,
scoundrels, villains and knaves, the world-famous attraction sends guests of
all ages on a boat ride through mysterious caverns where "Dead men tell no
tales" and then into a colonial era Caribbean seaport under siege by a band of
fun-loving pirates. The attraction's jaunty theme song, "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life
for Me)," sets the show's light tone with its tongue-in-cheek depiction of
high-seas lawlessness.
The original incarnation of Pirates of the Caribbean premiered on March 18,
1967, in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in California. Featuring more than
120 Audio-Animatronics performers, lavishly decorated sets and special
effects, it's considered to be one of the most spectacular and enduring
attractions ever created for a theme park. With its setting revised slightly to
fit a Caribbean Plaza location in Adventureland, the attraction opened to
guests at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on December 15, 1973. More than 500
million people have experienced the rollicking fun of Pirates of the Caribbean
in California and Florida over the past 39 years.
"Enhancing the classic Pirates attractions with new characters and new
technology will ensure their relevance and place in Disney theme parks as
timeless adventures," said Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive for Walt
Disney Imagineering. "We're adding a layer of storytelling from the films to
the attraction while retaining all the familiar elements that make it vibrant
and exciting for every age group."
The Pirates of the Caribbean additions are one part of the "Happiest
Celebration on Earth," an 18-month salute (continuing through 2006) to 50 years
of Disney park magic around the globe that started with the opening of Walt
Disney's original park, Disneyland, in 1955.
14-time National League East champions to battle Mets,
Astros, Cardinals, Yankees and others in ninth year of spring training at Walt
Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Atlanta Braves, champions of the National League
East for 14 straight years, will battle several key rivals during the 2006
Major League Baseball Spring Training season at Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex. After two weeks of workouts, the Braves will play a 17-game home
schedule that includes marquee clashes with the Mets, Astros, Cardinals and
Yankees, making this one of the club's fiercest spring training schedules ever
at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
Braves pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 16, with their first workout set for
Feb. 17, marking the beginning of the ninth year the perennial champions have
come to Walt Disney World Resort for spring training. Position players arrive
Feb. 21, with the first full-squad workouts on Feb. 22.
After opening the spring schedule with an exhibition game against the University
of Georgia on March 1, the Braves face the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 3 and
then take part in a special exhibition game against the Netherlands on March 5
that is part of the inaugural World Baseball Classic. The Braves continue their
tradition of hosting the St. Louis Cardinals in back-to-back games, March
12-13, marking the fourth consecutive year the teams have faced off in a
two-game spring series.
The National League champion Houston Astros are at Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex on two occasions, March 14 and March 17, while the division rival New
York Mets also make two appearances in town on March 11 and March 29. The
Braves host three American League teams, including the Detroit Tigers (March
6), Cleveland Indians (March 23 and March 25) and New York Yankees (March 27).
Individual game tickets for the Braves' home spring training season go on sale
Saturday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster (407/839-3900 and
ticketmaster.com) and at the Disney's Wide World of Sports
Complex box office. Prices range from $13.50 (general admission lawn seats) to
$22 (lower reserved).
Information on the Braves' spring training season, group tickets and mini-packs
is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) and online at
disneyworldsports.com. The popular mini-packs will include both
three-game and five-game options in 2006 and are currently on sale, giving fans
their first opportunity to purchase tickets to specific games on the Braves'
2006 spring training schedule. Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring
Training travel packages through Sports Marketing USA. Travel packages include
Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other
benefits. Information is available online at
springtrainingtours.com/Braves/braves.html
.
About Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
Opened in 1997 at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney's Wide World
of Sports Complex is the preeminent sports venue for amateur and professional
sports in the United States. The sprawling
220-acre state-of-the-art complex features The Milk House, a
30,000-square-foot field house which seats 5,000 for basketball; the
9,500-seat Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex; and the Hess
Sports Fields, which
include multiple baseball, softball and soccer fields. In
addition, the complex has 10 tennis courts, including a stadium court, and
a track & field complex.
The complex is home to more than 170 amateur and
professional sports events each year, including the NFL Tampa Bay
Buccaneers training camp, the Major League Baseball
Atlanta Braves spring training, the Pop Warner Super Bowl,
AAU National Championship events, the Sports Experience interactive
area and the All-Star Cafe sports-themed restaurant.
The complex is the centerpiece of Disney's Wide World of Sports, which
includes 99 holes of golf among six golf courses, including the site
of the PGA TOUR's prestigious FUNAI Classic; the Richard Petty Driving
Experience; the Walt Disney World Marathon; BASS fishing excursions; plus
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, the two most popular water parks in the
United States; and a variety of sports and recreation activities such as
boating, fishing, parasailing and surfing.
2006 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Home Schedule at Disney's
Wide World of Sports Complex
Key Dates
Friday, Jan. 7 - Single-game tickets on sale
Thursday, Feb. 16 - Pitchers and catchers report
Friday, Feb. 17 - Pitchers and catchers first workout
Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Position players report
Wednesday, Feb. 22 - First full-squad workout
Game Date - Opponent - Time
Wednesday March 1 - University of Georgia (exhib.) - 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 3 - Los Angeles Dodgers - 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 5 - The Netherlands National Team - 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 6 - Detroit Tigers - 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 - New York Mets - 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 12 - St. Louis Cardinals - 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 13 - St. Louis Cardinals - 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14 - Houston Astros - 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15 - Los Angeles Dodgers - 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 17 - Houston Astros - 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 - Cincinnati Reds - 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22 - Philadelphia Phillies - 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 - Cleveland Indians - 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 24 - Washington Nationals - 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 - Cleveland Indians - 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 27 - New York Yankees - 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29 - New York Mets - 1:05 p.m.
All games to be played at The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Ticket Prices:
Seat Location - Season - Individual Game
Lower Level - Reserved - $304 - $22
Upper Level - Reserved - $264 - $19
Right Field - Bleacher - $264 - $19
Grass Berm - General Admission ---- - $13.50
Five-Game Mini Pack includes tickets to: Cardinals (3/12), Astros (3/14),
Reds (3/18), Nationals (3/24) and Yankees (3/27) games for $95 (upper reserved
and bleacher sections only - on sale now)
First Half Three-Game Mini Pack includes tickets to: Tigers (3/6), Mets
(3/11) and Astros (3/14) games for $57 (upper reserved and bleacher sections
only -- on sale now)
Second Half Three-Game Mini Pack includes tickets to: Indians (3/25),
Yankees (3/27) and Mets (3/29) games for $57 (upper reserved and bleacher
sections only -- on sale now)
Single-Game Tickets: Ticketmaster -- 407/839-3900,
ticketmaster.com or DWWS box office
Season and Group Tickets/Suites/Mini Packs: DWWS Sports Sales --
407/939-GAME (4263)
Spring Training Travel Packages: Sports Marketing USA -
sportsmarketingusa.com/braves_dwws.html
New Sunset Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Offers
Up-Close Encounters With Exotic Creatures
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Whispering winds sweep across the balmy, Africa-like
plain, a peaceful sanctuary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. From balconies
overlooking the savannahs, hotel guests marvel as creatures large and small
roam the grasses, forage for food and play in harmony.
But now Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge-level guests can actually enter
this serene animal reserve for an up-close personal encounter thanks to the
newly launched Wanyama Safari experience. Just before sunset three nights a
week, adventurers gather outside the 1,293-room lodge with a guide who readies
the group for a traditional game-viewing safari. Up to eight persons can board
a specially designed pop-top vehicle for a bird’s eye view of a typical North
African safari.
Safari-goers are absorbed in careful observation as the vehicle moves along the
Uzima savannah, the first of three picturesque savannahs that horseshoe the
majestic lodge. A pair of female reticulated giraffes from Northern Kenya pause
from browsing and gracefully move within feet of the vehicle. Guests’ cameras
and videos are poised to capture an unforgettable encounter with the tallest of
the land mammals.
Joe Kalla, the resort’s animal curator, says the safari strives to recreate the
essence of an African experience with free-roaming wildlife in an authentic
environment. “We wanted to give our guests a close look at our animals,
understand how we manage the animals and offer a glimpse into the training of
the animals,” said Kalla.
The hotel’s savannahs are home to more than 200 mammals and exotic birds
representing a cross-section of the African palette -- bongo, greater kudu,
zebra, wildebeest, spiral-horned antelope, impala, African spoonbills and
pink-backed pelicans, to name a few. Even the once-endangered national bird of
South Africa, the blue crane, has found a home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Lodge.
“One of the real challenges was introducing animals and choosing the right ones
to live in harmony in this environment,” said Kalla. A customary South African
“sundowner” rounds out the safari experience. Fresh-squeezed guava/pineapple
juice, dried beef, figs and nuts are shared with guests in a ceremonial moment.
The second part of the journey leads to the resort’s signature restaurant,
Jiko-The Cooking Place, where a savory South African feast awaits safari-goers.
Flavors of Africa fill the air in a memorable meal blending regional spices and
grains.
The experience begins with a basket of warm kalamata olive flatbreads and
African dips, followed by maize tamales with herb and white truffle oil, lentil
pastilles and cinnamon-spiced beef rolls. Entrees such as oak-roasted filet of
beef and chermoula-basted and roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, olives and
roasted garlic are served family-style. Popular South African wines are paired
with each course, which includes a sweet display of desserts
The Wanyama Safari is offered to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge adult
concierge-level guests on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. The 3
½-hour experience, including dinner, is $150 per person, with a maximum of
eight persons. For reservations, contact 407/938-4755.
Mickey, Donald, Other Disney Characters To Appear in 3-D in New Magic
Kingdom Attraction
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney magic meets Disney music in a new 3-D film
spectacular debuting in 2003 at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort.
“Mickey’s PhilharMagic” will star Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite
Disney characters animated in a way they’ve never before been seen: grand,
glorious, in-your-face three dimensions.
“We’re really excited about this new attraction,” said Al Weiss, president of
Walt Disney World Resort. “Guests love the Disney characters and films, and
this gives them the chance to take a magical ride right into the world of
Disney animation.”
The “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” cast will include Mickey and Donald, as well as
Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” Aladdin and Jasmine from “Aladdin” and Simba
from “The Lion King.”
Set in the PhilharMagic Concert Hall, which replaces “Legend of the Lion King”
in Fantasyland, the eye-popping 3-D experience will unfold on one of the
largest screens ever created for a 3-D film, a 150-foot-wide canvas. Complete
with in-theater effects, the attraction will immerse guests in the richly
animated world of the Disney characters.
The Walt Disney Company has experimented with animating the Disney characters
in 3-D before, most notably in “Working for Peanuts,” a 1953 Donald Duck/Chip
'n' Dale cartoon short, but never on a scale as grand as “Mickey’s
PhilharMagic.” The attraction is being produced through the combined efforts of
Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Feature Animation.
“We’re always exploring ways to take 3-D to the next level,” said Tom
Fitzgerald, executive vice president and senior creative executive at Walt
Disney Imagineering. “From ‘Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D’ to ‘Honey, I Shrunk
the Audience’ to ‘It’s Tough to be a Bug!’ we keep looking for new ways to
allow guests to become a part of the action and story. “
‘Mickey’s PhilharMagic’ will be the most animated, energetic and magical 3-D
show we’ve ever created!”