Kids Fly Free deal is back for 2010!

Kids Fly Free when your Clients buy a Disneyland® Resort vacation package and add roundtrip airfare (from select cities).
PLUS, it can be combined with the 2 Night Free offer going on at the same time through the hotels of Disneyland along with certain Good Neighbor hotels.

From personal experience in the past, dates and hotels and airfare through this promotion book up early (especially surrounding the Spring break time frame)! It's best to book ASAP for the best flights and hotel availability, which is limited.

Offer Details:
Now through April 1, 2010, one child (ages 2-11) flies free* for every paid Adult airfare on select airlines from select cities when your clients purchase a Disneyland® Resort vacation package. Subject to restrictions, availability and other terms and conditions.

Booking Window:
Now through April 1, 2010

Travel Window:
This offer is available for arrivals:

•Jan. 1 - Feb. 17, 2010
•Feb. 20 - 21, 2010
•Feb. 23 - Mar. 18, 2010
•Mar. 20, 2010
•Mar. 22 - 25, 2010
•Mar. 27, 2010
•Mar. 29 – Apr. 1, 2010
•Apr. 6 – 28, 2010
Travel on this offer must be completed by April 30, 2010.

See our website for the complete list if eligible city pairs:
www.mouseworldtravel.com

See our new contest!

Our new Walt Disney World contest begins today!! Text or enter online to win a vacation to Disney World for a family of 4!
Contest runs from today - 11/30 until 12/11.
Please see our website at http://mouseworldtravel.com/, or KIZN 92 at http://kizn.com/ for more details and links on how to enter.

Disneyland offer for 2010:

Starting today, there is a great 2010 deal going on at the Disneyland resort hotels. From January 5 through April 29, 2010, guests can get 2-nights free when they buy a 3-night Disneyland Resort hotel vacation package with 5-day special value Disneyland Resort Park Hopper tickets.

For guests that already have theme park tickets, there is an offer for 30 percent savings at any of the Disneyland Resort hotels when you book a 2-night hotel-only stay. The special offers are valid at the three Disneyland Resort hotels--- Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Grand Calofornian Hotel and Spa.

The 2 free night packages feature a host of extras, including one admission to Magic Morning, which gives families access to experience select theme park attractions before Disneyland park opens to regular guests. The package also features entry into Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, and preferred seating at select attractions at6 the Disneyland Resort.


Looking for a deal before the end of this year? Then check out this offer. Through Decebmer 19, 2009, guests will save $400 when they buy a 4-day/4-night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accomodations and Park Hopper tickets. This offer is valid for arrivals through December 20, 2009

Disney Dream bookings open up today!!

Reservations for the new ship the Disney Dream have opened up to the general public today!

Inspired by her sister ships, Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, the classic design of Disney Dream™ celebrates the grandeur of classic ocean liners. Our newest ship features innovations, imagination and wonders that will make dreams come true in brand-new ways—a true, one-of-a-kind Disney Cruise Line® experience. At just over 1,115 feet long, and 14 decks tall, Disney Dream™ offers immense-level enchantment never seen before on the sea.

Families thrill to the first water coaster at sea, the AquaDuck! A wild, watery blast, this 765-foot long winding attraction splashes you up, down and around the top deck, through one of the ship’s funnels, over the edge and down a full four-deck drop.

Kids enjoy new, enhanced spaces designed to delight and ignite their imagination like never before. Pixie Hollow and Andy’s Room, (inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films) are just two of the new creations that will transport kids to new realms of wonder.

Kids from 11–13 take control of the forward funnel with their own private club called The Edge.

While the entire onboard experience for Teens from 14–17 has been completely re-imagined with Vibe, an exclusive indoor escape and outdoor hang out area—that reaches out to the bow of the ship.

Adults can savor new indulgences and a brand-new take on a Disney cruise classic. Sail away in the Senses Spa & Salon with couple’s villas and an all-new Rainforest Room. The amazing nighttime entertainment district features five distinct clubs, including: Pink, an elegant champagne bar that just might be made of bubbles; and the Skyline bar that offers a spectacular new city view each evening. While, high up on deck, everyone’s favorite romantic escape, Palo, enjoys a brand-new look, al fresco dining and more.


















All artwork is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Disney Dream News continued:

Atrium Lobby -- The magical voyage begins upon entering the expansive three-deck atrium lobby, highlighted by a sweeping grand staircase, oversized portholes and stunning, three-story fluted columns with glowing capitals. Cast in bronze, Admiral Donald Duck graces the atrium lobby.




With a spectacular nighttime entertainment district, exquisite dining, a deluxe spa and a tranquil private pool, the Disney Dream provides adults with endless ways to unwind, rejuvenate and pamper themselves.



Above: an inside stateroom with one of the virtual portholes. A cruise-industry first for all inside staterooms! Virtual portholes offer a "window" to the world with a real-time view outside the ship using high-definition cameras. As guests observe the view, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters like Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual porthole.

Below: an Ocean view stateroom.

Above: a verandah stateroom, Below: a suite

All images are Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Bookings begin Nov 9th. The Disney Dream will see everyone 1/26/11!

Get ready for a big Disney Cruise Line announcement! 10/29/09

Tomorrow is the day! Get ready for a big Disney Cruiseline announcement and more details about the new Disney Dream!

4:00pm Eastern time

Disney Cruiseline webcast

WDW Dining Reservation Window Expands to 180 days as of 10/27/09

Starting 10/27/09 you will be able to book 180 days in advance. You will need to provide the names of everyone dining, also the ages of the children. Modifications will still need to be made by phone at 407-WDW-DINE. A credit card may be required to secure the reservation.

Book Select Adventures by Disney Vacations and Get a Free 3-Night Disney Cruise FREE!

Book Select Adventures by Disney Vacations Now
And Get a 3-Night Disney Cruise FREE*!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Family time is more important than ever. And now, you can spend time with your family on not one, but two unbelievable Disney getaways. It's family time – times two!

Offer Details:
You can receive a FREE* Disney Cruise Line® 3-Night Bahamian cruise with the purchase of select Adventures by Disney departures. Book between Oct. 26, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2010.

Travel Window:
This offer is valid for select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before Oct. 2, 2010. Visit www.adventuresbydisney.com/freecruise for a complete listing of eligible departures.

Booking Window:
Oct. 26, 2009 – Jan. 15, 2010

Booking Information:
To book this offer, contact Mouse World Travel at www.mouseworldtravel.com
or travel@mouseworldtravel.com

*Government Taxes and fees are not included. Guests who purchase a qualifying Adventures by Disney land package will receive a free Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamian cruise. Offer applies to new purchases between 10/26/09 and 1/15/10 of select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before 10/2/10. Offer valid on the majority of 2010 Adventures by Disney season departures; please visit www.adventuresbydisney.com/freecruise for a complete listing of eligible departures. A certificate good for a 3-night Bahamian cruise will be mailed out 25 days prior to the land package departure date. A completed cruise certificate must be submitted to Disney Cruise Line before 12/31/10 and sailing must occur between 2/1/10 and 12/15/11. The number of guests in the free cruise party may not exceed the number of guests in the eligible Adventures by Disney land package. Offer valid on ocean view staterooms in the following categories only: 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, and the number of staterooms available for this offer is limited. Block-out dates apply; see certificate for details. Transportation to and from Port Canaveral not included. Cruise is non-transferable and may not be sold, traded, refunded or redeemed for cash value. Subject to terms, conditions and restrictions of Disney Cruise Line. One (1) certificate issued per reservation. Certificate not redeemable for cash in whole or in part and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Advance reservations required. Subject to conditions, restrictions and change without notice. Land package and Cruise fulfillment is subject to availability and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions or Mouse World Travel Onboard Credit offer.

Walt Disney World testing table seating system for quick service dining

By Jason Garcia Sentinal Staff Writer
October 6, 2009

Walt Disney World is experimenting with new crowd-control methods in some of its busiest in-park restaurants, hoping to make the facilities more pleasant for guests and more profitable for the resort.

Inside four quick-service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom, Disney has begun restricting access — but guaranteeing seating — during particularly busy lunch rushes. Managers say the approach helps smooth out traffic in part by eliminating the need for groups to split up and send someone to order food while another person holds an open table — something that can clog up as much as one-third of a restaurant's capacity at any given time.

"This has been very helpful for us from an efficiency standpoint, because everything's so well-organized," said Liz Clark, general manager of food and beverage in the Magic Kingdom.

The tinkering illustrates one of the small ways theme parks have sought to squeeze more money out of existing operations — beyond top-level cost cuts — in the midst of a recession that has sapped attendance and guest spending.

Disney does not break out how much restaurant sales contribute to the revenue of individual theme parks. But experts say it is substantial.

"The food-and-beverage operations are very significant in the overall bottom line," said Mary Jo Ross, a former multi-unit restaurant manager at Universal Orlando and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Disney says the restaurant changes are part of an internal initiative called "The Basics," in which employees have been urged to re-emphasize customer service.

Busy, in-park restaurants are an obvious target for improvements; around noon on a busy day, they can rival the longest ride queues in terms of crowds, noise and stress levels.

"It wasn't really a good way to decompress or relax. So we've been really focusing on how we can enhance the whole dining experience," Clark said.

Under the controlled-access and -seating program, guests in certain Magic Kingdom counter-service restaurants are steered through a single entrance so workers can keep tabs on how many people are inside.

A greeter hands menus and steers the entire group to cash registers to place their orders. After they get their food, they are guided by another employee to an empty table.

Implementing the change is trickier than it may sound. For example, the restaurants have multiple entrances, so Disney restaurant managers have had to work with the resort's "Imagineers" to work out new ways of guiding traffic through a single point.

Clark said the program has already evolved based on feedback from guests. The menus that greeters hand out were initially only available in English and were done entirely in text; they have since been changed to include multiple languages, pictures of the menu selections, and information about using a pre-purchased dining plan that Disney sells to resort guests.

Disney began testing the concept in the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. But it has since been rolled out to three other busy counter-service restaurants: Columbia Harbour House, Pinocchio Village Haus and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café. Those restaurants range in size from about 400 seats to more than 1,000 at Pecos Bill and Cosmic Ray's.

The controlled access is used only when that day's park attendance warrants.

Clark said the results have been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of praise from guests who report a more-relaxed dining experience and in terms of reducing congestion inside the restaurants, where, like on a busy highway, small backups can cascade over the course of a day into lengthier delays.

Disney has also made other, subtler changes. At Pecos Bill, for instance, the resort has added self-service ordering kiosks, though guests can still opt to order from a human cashier.

Workers also recently replaced highly themed, high-backed chairs at Pecos Bill with smaller, less clunky stools. The switch, which Disney said was made on the suggestion of a restaurant worker, has allowed the restaurant to add an extra seat at many tables and improved the aisles between tables, helping alleviate further bottlenecks.

An Offer You Are Sure To Treasure: We Spot More Nights Heading Your Way

You can get more magic without spending more booty, with free nights headed your way.

Offer Details:
When you book a non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney World® Resort room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, you'll get three more nights with tickets FREE.

When you book a non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company 5-night,
5-day Walt Disney World Resort room and ticket package at select Disney Value Resorts, you'll get two more nights with tickets FREE.

These Magic Your Way Packages include accommodations for seven nights and a 7-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket.

Booking Window:
Now through Dec. 20, 2009

Travel Window:
This offer is available for stays most nights:

•Nov. 1-24, 2009
•Dec. 8-24, 2009
•Jan. 3 – March 27, 2010
Sample Pricing:

•$1,628 for a family of four (2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child) staying at a select Disney Moderate Resort in a standard room for stays most nights Jan. 3 – Feb. 11, 2010. That's like paying $59 per person, per day.
•$1,441 for a family of four (2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child) staying at a select Disney Value Resort in a standard room for stays most nights Jan. 3 – Feb. 11, 2010. That's like paying $52 per person, per day

2010 Disney Cruise European Cruise Shore Excursions

When Disney Cruise Lines ventures out of its Florida comfort zone next year for its new European cruises, it will make a splash with a Prince and Princess Ball at the extravagant Catherine's Palace in Russia, a Tunisian treasure hunt and a fresco-painting lesson in Tuscany.

Disney is adding two European itineraries next summer — the Baltic Sea, including Russia, and the Mediterranean, including Tunisia. But planning for shore excursions that go beyond the usual activities for grown-ups has been going on for two years.

During a trial run in the Mediterranean in 2007, the cruise line discovered that its passengers want to experience Europe, not just see it from the pool deck. To the guests, the places themselves ``are just as important as the ship bringing you there,'' says creative director David Duffy, who is in charge of making sure the line's shore excursions are Disney-esque.

This would seem like a no-brainer, but we're talking a Disney crowd that loves show productions and pirate parties and onboard character experiences. The cruise line's passengers, after all, are mostly families with kids.

``We originally put lots and lots of focus on the ship, and not as much focus on shore excursions,'' Duffy said. ``But we learned in 2007 on cruises like this, especially with multiple ports of call, that that's why guests are coming on the ship — the ports.''

So for its second round in Europe in 2010, when the Disney Magic will cruise Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, the line is greatly expanding its shore offerings, while keeping the family crowd — and kids in particular — the focus.

CULTURE SHOCKSRussia (on the Baltic cruise) and Tunisia (Mediterranean cruise) both present cultural challenges. The cruise line has charged its local tour operators in both destinations, as well as in other new ports, such as Stockholm and Oslo, with finding the right Disney angle. Pleasing the kids will be the first priority.



Duffy, part of the cruise line's entertainment department, was followed by a handful of American journalists this summer when he visited the European ports to check out some of the proposed tours and suggest others.

In Tunisia, the culture of the liberal Muslim country — some women wearing veils, signs in Arabic, aggressive vendors — will be unfamiliar to much of the line's American crowd, and visa versa. Disney understands this. On the ship, family-oriented lecturers will talk about Tunisian customs and traditions.

Onshore, Disney is offering creative activities aimed at kids. For instance, in the white-washed hillside town of Sidi Bou Said, right outside Tunis, Disney's tour operator took a standard tour and gave it the child-friendly spin of a treasure hunt, complete with a little book of clues and treasure map. The idea is to combine Tunisian culture with a little competition.

Families will visit key sights and can get temporary henna tattoos, watch belly dancing and drink mint tea. There's even some interaction with locals — negotiating for a pot using Tunisian dinar (the currency is provided) and getting water from a communal fountain.

In Tunis, there are also plans for a beach outing, a visit to a re-created Berber village, and several tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites — including Carthage, where kids will be able to play gladiators at the coliseum.

But some Mickey education may be in order. At the Bardo Museum in Tunis, famous for its Roman mosaics, a museum guide was asked if there were any depictions of mice. He responded that no, cats took care of that problem.

RUSSIA WITH LOVEWhen the Disney Magic arrives for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russia, for a two-day visit, among the myriad offerings will be an excursion to the extravagant, 18th century Catherine's Palace in Pushkin.



The blue, white and gold palace is often visited by ship tours. But Disney is adding a magic twist: A Prince and Princess Ball.

Little girls will put on their character princess dresses — and little boys their finery — to visit a real ballroom replete with gold-framed mirrors, candelabras and live music. No boring palace tour, this. There will even be assorted Disney royalty in attendance — including Belle, Snow White, Cinderella, maybe even Ariel. Imagine the big smiles as the girls dance with their dads (ship photographers will be on hand, naturally).

``The question for us is how to make Russia accessible and relevant for families,'' said Duffy. ``We wanted to create a magical arrival for the families.''

Some of Duffy's ideas met a little resistance. For instance, while touring Catherine's Palace, Duffy said he wanted the ball to take place in the afternoon. The palace, once the summer residence of Russian czars, is open as a public museum until 5 p.m. Disney will have to wait until early evening for its private event, he was informed.

Similarly, the cruise line and its tour operator have developed a unique plan to take guests to the private Jacobsen Ballet School, where young dancers, ages 5 to 15, train for professional careers. After a sample performance, Duffy suggested involving the line's young guests in some sort of interactive activity.

``This is not a tourist attraction. It's real school,'' Olesya Sergienko, program manager for operator Arctur, responded. Still, she did not rule out further discussions.

Likewise, when Duffy hinted backstage during a 3 ½-hour performance of the classic Swan Lake that the St. Petersburg Theatre Russian Ballet consider doing a shorter version for Disney's young passengers, he first got a stunned look, and then a ``let's talk later'' from the ballet's chief administrator. Later, negotiations began for a special afternoon ``excerpts'' performance, for which the cruise line would rent the entire Palace Theater.

The new offerings will include a Port Adventure at each stop escorted by youth counselors from the ship, who will peel the kids off for an activity, giving parents more time to explore.

At the massive Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, for instance, when kids get bored with the Rembrandts and Monets they will be hustled to an art activity — perhaps a sculpture lesson in the museum's Greek or Roman sculpture sections. In Florence, Disney's Italian tour operator is developing a similar program in which kids will create their own frescoes at Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall.

THE TUSCAN SUNDisney is also looking at exclusive tours aimed at repeaters — those who did the Med cruise in 2007. For instance, from La Spezia, passengers will be able to travel to the medieval Tuscan city of Lucca to attend a thrilling medieval pageant with dancers and drums, a cross bow competition and flag twirlers.



When Disney visited the Mexican Riviera in 2008 (the line was also there in 2005), it developed Signature Experiences, private excursions for the upscale crowd. Disney will be introducing these in Europe its second round, too, including a private cooking excursion to a Tuscan farmhouse.

Shipboard on the Magic, there will be a new European focus as well, again with the realization that for a lot of passengers it's their first time in Europe, Duffy said. New activities will be geared toward preparing kids for the ports, such as painting Russian stacking dolls. There will also be a food-related activity to familiarize the kids with what they'll find in each port — such as crepes for France.

For adults and kids alike, there will be enhanced local cultural entertainment. A string quartet and opera singers will come onboard in Italy, a European clowning comedy duo in France, folk dancers in Norway.

``The idea is the port experience continues when they get back to the ship,'' Duffy said.

Disney is planning a White Nights deck party in celebration of the Midnight Sun while the ship is docked in St. Petersburg, where it doesn't get dark in summer until after midnight. Disney also will repeat the Paradiso Party it introduced in France on the 2007 cruises.

With two new ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, coming to Port Canaveral in 2011 and 2012, there is speculation the line may base Magic or Wonder elsewhere. Will the Baltic and Med become regular routes? A spokesman declined to answer, saying itineraries for 2011 will not be announced this far in advance.

Give a Day, Get a Disney Day

Sept. 29, 2009 – Disney Parks today announced a new program that celebrates the spirit of volunteer service with a simple proposition: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day."


Disney hopes to inspire families to volunteer in their communities during 2010 through this first-of-its-kind program. One million people who perform volunteer service for a participating organization will receive a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park.

While the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program kicks off Jan. 1, right now guests can learn more about the program and how to get their free one-day admission to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park by visiting www.DisneyParks.com (for the United States and Puerto Rico) or www.DisneyParks.ca (for Canada).

In the past year, guests have been celebrating all sorts of special moments in their lives at Disney parks – from birthdays and anniversaries to reunions and graduations - as part of the "What Will You Celebrate?" campaign.

"In 2010, we want to recognize and add one more reason for celebration: the contributions people make to their communities every day," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We want to inspire 1 million volunteers – people who will invest time and energy to make their own communities and neighborhoods a better place."

To enable people to sign up for an eligible volunteer project, Disney is working with HandsOn Network, the nation's largest volunteer network. Part of Points of Light Institute, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help.

"Wherever we live, our communities need our hands-on help to thrive," said Michelle Nunn, CEO of Points of Light Institute. "We are thrilled at this unprecedented effort by Disney Parks to help mobilize 1 million volunteers into action. 'Give a Day, Get a Disney Day' has the potential to reach so many families and instill the volunteer spirit in a new generation."

Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, "'Give a Day, Get a Disney Day' fits perfectly with our long history of supporting and participating in volunteer efforts. It's a great way to honor guests who are making a positive contribution to their communities."

Starting Jan. 1, 2010, guests can go to www.DisneyParks.com for the United States and Puerto Rico or www.DisneyParks.ca for Canada to search for volunteer opportunities available in those areas through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. Many of the opportunities will be for projects that entire families can participate in together.

To raise awareness for grass-roots community volunteerism and the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program, Disney VoluntEARS joined local volunteers in cities across the United States and Canada today. Work projects involving 1,000 volunteers were coordinated by HandsOn Network in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, and across Canada – in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver.

Joining the Sept. 29 effort were scores of volunteers from Southwest Airlines, which will also provide transportation for a 20-city tour that will take the Disney Parks volunteer message to major cities across the United States this fall and winter.

"Southwest Airlines strives to make a positive difference in the communities we serve, from protecting the environment to supporting a local cause," said Linda Rutherford, vice president of Communications and Strategic Outreach, Southwest Airlines. "Southwest employees give back both locally and nationally through volunteerism, with individual and personal efforts, serving together as teams or through companywide efforts. The opportunity with Disney unites two companies that are devoted to the spirit of volunteerism."

Disney Theme Park Expansion News and Photos!

Re-Imagined "Star Tours" Coming to California and Florida in 2011 and Major Fantasyland Expansion at Walt Disney World Scheduled for 2013


Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo detailed plans for future lands, attractions and adventures that will be delighting Disney guests for years to come, at the first D23 Expo. Most notable among the announcements were the confirmation of an all-new Star Tours attraction and the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

"Storytelling is the DNA of Disney dreams and we're always exploring new ways to tell new stories in new places," Rasulo told a crowd at the Anaheim Convention Center in California before taking them on a "behind-the-magic" tour of their favorite Disney destinations.

Rasulo announced that a new 3-D version of the tremendously-popular "Star Tours" attraction will debut at the Disneyland Resort and Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2011. Based on the iconic Lucasfilm "Star Wars" films, the attraction will include immersive new elements that will take guests to many familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy.

For Walt Disney World in Florida, Rasulo outlined plans for the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom, vastly increasing the size of Fantasyland by 2013. Guests will soon be able to:

•Visit their favorite Disney Princess in her castle, cottage, or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella; celebrate Sleeping Beauty's birthday with the Good Fairies; or join Belle in an enchanting story performance in the Beast's castle library.
•Be Our Guest and dine in one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast's castle.
•Fly with Dumbo high above brand new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction with a new interactive, three-ring circus tent.
•Journey under the sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid, in her very own attraction – also opening at Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim in 2011.
•Meet Tinker Bell and her friends in the magical world of Pixie Hollow.
Rasulo provided updates on the multi-year expansion of Disney's California Adventure including the new "World of Color" attraction slated to open in the spring of 2010 and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land scheduled to open in 2012 where guests will literally step into the town of Radiator Springs and its six acres of hand-carved rockwork.

Rasulo noted the progress of several other recently-announced projects including the three new lands coming to Hong Kong Disneyland by 2014; the Disney Dream, the new ship being built by Disney Cruise Line; the many diverse itineraries being offered by Adventures by Disney that take guests on 19 unique, once-in-a-lifetime guided vacation experiences; and Disney's first family destination resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

Rasulo's keynote presentation was only part of the D23 EXPO experience. Guests were able to discover:

•Never-before-seen models of upcoming Disney attractions.
•Up close and personal visits with Lucky the Dinosaur and Wall-E.
•A preview of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
•Displays showcasing cutting-edge effects technologies that are being developed for Disney attractions, shows and venues.

Castaway Club Membership Reaches A Whole New Level.

The new Disney Cruise Line® Castaway Club keeps getting better and better. Something amazing happens on each Disney cruise that only returning Castaway Club members know: the more they sail, the more magic they discover. And now, for our returning Guests, that has never been more true.

Disney is always looking for new ways to make a guest's next Disney cruise experience even more wonderful – whether onboard another Disney cruise or at-home dreaming of their next voyage. So, to celebrate our returning Guests in true Disney style, we've created new Castaway Club membership levels with enhanced benefits, based on the number of times they have sailed with us.

Silver Castaway for Guests who've completed 1-4 sailings
Gold Castaway for Guests who've completed 5-9 sailings
Platinum Castaway for Guests who've completed 10 or more sailings

Favorite Castaway Club benefits like:

•Exclusive port terminal check-in
•Early booking for onboard experiences
•Special activities during their cruise
Even stateroom gifts have now been customized for each Castaway Club level. And that's just the beginning. Along with updates to Castaway Club favorites, there are new member benefits, too.

What's updated? Castaway Club members have always enjoyed Early Access to onboard reservations to Palo, spa services and youth activities. Now, that access gets earlier and earlier: While guests sailing for the first time can book only 75 days in advance of their sailing, Silver Castaway members can pre-book 90 days before sailing. Gold Castaway members, 105 days. And Platinum Castaway members enjoy the option of booking a full 120 days before.

What's new? Gold and Platinum Castaway members enjoy even earlier access to book Disney's newest itineraries. They also receive invitations to a new, exclusive reception with the ship's senior officers on 4-night and longer cruises. There are even new onboard activities created just Platinum Castaway members.

The new Castaway Club Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. The more magic, the more wonder, the more dreams come true.

View a summary of Castaway Club benefits (Adobe PDF)

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/media/dcl_v0400/CoreCatalog/InternetMediaType/CastawayClub/CompassNewsletter/CastawayClubCompassNewsletter-Fall2009.pdf

2011 Disney Cruise Sails to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and the Mediterranean!

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the Mediterranean

It's a Disney Cruise Line® first! The Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship is sailing to Alaska for a four-month season of 7-night cruises in 2011. Departing out of Vancouver, B.C., the ship will call on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
The first Alaskan Cruise sets sail on May 3, 2011, with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30, 2011.
Bookings open to the general public on Sept. 28, 2009. If you are a Castaway Club member who has completed five or more sailings with Disney Cruise Line, you can book as early as Sept. 21, 2009. Early bookings are available by phone only.
Mexican Riviera Cruises
When the 2011 summer season in Alaska ends, the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship will sail 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
Mediterranean Cruises
In response to Guest demand, the Disney Magic® Cruise Ship will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona, Spain.
You can explore the culture and beauty of Italy, France and Spain, with a family-friendly experience only Disney can deliver. This itinerary also includes visits to Tunis in Northern Africa; the island nation of Malta; and Ajaccio, Corsica.
Repositioning Cruises
Disney Cruise Line will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing; two 14-night transatlantic voyages; a 6-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, B.C.; a 5-night cruise from Vancouver, B.C., to Los Angeles; and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean.

SPOTLIGHT on: Spaceship Earth!

A picture with the Mickey Mouse arm, wand, and "Epcot" sign. This was removed in 2007.

Pic above and below were taken from Wikipedia. Close up of the triangular panes used to make up the outside of the attraction facade.

The beautiful Spaceship Earth sphere at night.

Spotlight on Spaceship Earth:

Spaceship Earth is what everyone has come to recognize as Epcot's big, iconic "golfball" and is one of the most recognizable structures in Walt Disney World. My kids think that I am crazy (what's new there?) because most kids (and some adults too) are bored stiff on it until the very end when their pictures show up on screen. But it is one of my favorite rides, not only in Epcot, but of all! Maybe because it combines some of my favorite things, Disney animatronics and history.

Taken from Wikipedia:

"Not only is it the centerpiece and main focal point of Epcot, but also the name of the attaction housed within the 18 story geodesic sphere that takes guests on a time machine themed experience using the Omnimover system. The 13 minute dark ride shows guests how advancements in human communication have helped to create the future one step at a time."

The structure was designed with the help of science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, who also helped write the original storyline for the attraction.

I did think that it was interesting that it was designed so that when it rains, no water pours off the sides and top onto the ground. With it being a sphere, that would be hard to do. There are one inch gaps in the facets and is collected in a gutter system and finally channeled into the World Showcase Lagoon...clever!

Construction took 26 months and 40,800 labor hours to build. It has been through many upgrades, refurbishments and narrators. Here is the general timeline:

October 1, 1982:

Spaceship Earth opens with te opening of EPCOT

Sponsored by the Bell System

Narrator uncredited, but believed to be Vic Perrin

May 26, 1986:

Attraction reopens from its first rennovation

AT&T is now the sponsor who signed on in 1984

Narrator is now Walter Cronkite

Finale music changed to Tomorrow's Child

November 23, 1984:

Attraction reopens after another rennovation where scenes were removied, final scenes are replcced, Tomorrow's Child ending removed, and Earth Station (exit area) replaced by Global Neighborhood.

Narrator is now by Jeremy Irons

New ride score by Edo Guidotti

September 29, 1999

The Mickey Mouse arm holding a want is dedicated with "2000" over Spaceship Earth

May 2001:

The Mickey Mouse arm holding the wand is changed to say "Epcot"

November 2005:

Siemens takes over as the new sponsor for 12 years

February 15, 2008

Attraction reopens its 4th edition to the general public.

New Narrator is Judi Dench

Mickey Mouse arm and wand has been removed completely over the summer

Welcome to our new Blog!

I decided that a blog would be a great tool to get information out quick to those interested in Disney planning and the always changing Disney specials! But, it could also be a venue to discuss the fun stuff that goes along with vacationing at the "happiest place(s) on earth" as well.

I always keep up to date on the most current happenings at my three favorite places, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and of course, Disney Cruise Line! The other parks around the world will be added in as well, as they are so exciting to keep up with too.

I will also add tips and ideas that make the planning stages and the waiting more fun until the next vacation or cruise comes around. Please take a look around, and feel free to share your own tips, opinions, musings and plans...that is what the joy of Disney is all about!

Hope you enjoy!