News From Around the World - Walt Disney World News

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

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

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/10/08

SITE NEWS: AllEars.Net migrated to a new server over the weekend. We had a few unexpected glitches -- isn't that always the case? -- but at this time, the website should be working properly. If you find any broken links or experience problems please report them to us. http://allears.net/forms/feedback.htm

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is harnessing the power of Google Earth™ to build an interactive, three-dimensional tour of Walt Disney World Resort that brings you one step closer to a true park experience. With direct links to Disney's online travel-planning tools, Walt Disney World Resort in 3D will re-invent how people plan and book vacations. Beginning today, Disney guests can use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World's four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at www.disneyworld.com/3dparks. Existing Google Earth 4.3 users can see Walt Disney World Resort in 3D by enabling the “Gallery” folder within Google Earth, or by selecting any of the 3D buildings within the resort.

http://allears.net/news/hnews.htm#060408

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Beginning July 1, 2008, there will be some changes to the Bush Camp experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The camp, for ages 5-14, teaches participants about the African culture through games, activities, and crafts. They will explore animals on Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge savanna. As of July 1, characters will no longer be a part of this program, which will run only two hours (was formerly three hours) from 3 to 5 p.m. In addition, no food will be offered during this program. As a result, the price for the camp will drop to $30 plus tax per child. $10.00 will be donated to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Ask about discounts (DVC, Annual Passholder, etc.). There is a 24-hour cancellation policy, and a credit card is required for reservations.

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The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) announced today it will hold 13 events in Osceola County from 2011 through 2029. Combined, the tournaments are expected to generate nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in economic impact for the community. Each tournament will run for approximately 20 weeks and is expected to draw tens of thousands of bowlers and spectators. Walt Disney World Resort is making land available at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex to accommodate the large facility required to host the tournaments. Walt Disney World Resort will work closely with a third-party (to be announced later) to build and operate the privately funded bowling center.

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A special retro pin collection saluting five classic Epcot attractions will be released July 1, 2008. The "White Glove Collection - A Trip to EPCOT Center" will include pins featuring:

-- Spaceship Earth, the symbol of Epcot and one of the most visted attractions in Walt Disney World history.
-- Communicore, the interactive display of technology that was the forerunnner of Innoventions.
-- Journey Into Imagination, in which Dreamfinder and Figment took guests on a colorful tour through the human imagination.
-- Horizons, which, before Mission: SPACE, was launching guests on a mission to Mars.
-- The Land's Kitchen Kabaret, which presented a nutritional lesson with memorable songs, including the very catchy "Veggie Veggie Fruit Fruit."

This collection will be released at Pin Central located at Epcot. Guests may purchase up to two limited edition pins, per style, per day. All items in this collection will be available while supplies last. To read more and view the pins, visit: http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=36657

Changes to Resort Airline Check-in Baggage Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buzz's Space Itinerary

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

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

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

Disney Commits $1 Million in Aid to China

SHANGHAI and BURBANK, Calif., May 19, 2008 – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that it will contribute US$1 million (approximately RMB 7 million) in humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake in China. The donation will be put towards acquiring materials for immediate relief efforts, helping and supporting displaced and distressed children and rebuilding damaged schools.

"On behalf of The Walt Disney Company, I extend our deepest condolences to the people in China and to all of those affected by this recent unfortunate event," said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "We hope that our donation will aid emergency management teams and organizations in their valiant efforts to provide assistance to those impacted today, and also help families rebuild and reestablish their communities."

"It is the wish of every member of our staff to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake and their families. We hope that the company's contribution along with our staff's personal contributions will make a difference during these times of need," said Stanley Cheung, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Greater China.

In addition, Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members, as well as Disney's China, Hong Kong and Taiwan-based employees, have made individual monetary contributions.

Sporting a New Name and Brand

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 13, 2008 - Aligning the world's No. 1 family vacation destination with the worldwide leader in sports, Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN are joining forces to re-brand Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand, creating an entertaining and immersive experience for the nearly 2 million athletes, coaches and spectators who come through the Disney sports complex each year.

Plans for the re-branding initiative - which was announced today during the ESPN upfront presentation to advertisers and sponsors - are still in the development stage, but initial concepts involve renaming the sports complex and incorporating the signature elements of ESPN throughout the 220-acre facility, which is a leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country. The project aims to enhance the experience of both athletes and spectators by connecting them to their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. It also will provide advertisers new sponsorship opportunities at the grass roots level.

"This is a natural and exciting pairing of two powerful brands to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive sports venue that will enable athletes, coaches and guests to experience sports in a whole new way," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts. "This project builds on our collaborative successes and positions us to explore more opportunities with ESPN to create new experiences for guests at Walt Disney World Resort."

"Our involvement in the Disney sports complex will provide greater opportunities for us to connect directly with athletes, coaches and fans in a highly immersive way," said George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN Inc. and ABC Sports, and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks. "Our involvement also provides us with a unique and exciting new media platform that will enable our advertisers and sponsors to reach new customers and bring their products and services to life.''

The re-branding of the Disney sports complex is the latest initiative in the growing sports business at Walt Disney World Resort. In December, the sports complex debuted additional outdoor playing fields for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey competitions. And this summer the sports complex will open Jostens Center, a new state-of-the-art field house that will allow Disney to accommodate twice as many indoor sports events each year. Additional expansion plans are being explored.

The Disney sports complex annually hosts more than 180 events in 50 different sports involving athletes from more than 70 countries. Among those events are the Atlanta Braves spring training season, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the Major League Baseball Draft, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, Chelsea Football Club events, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, AAU National Championships, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions, USSSA events and the Walt Disney World Marathon, one of the top marathons in the nation. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

U.S. Surgeon General Honors Disney for Well-Balanced Foods

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., May 6, 2008 -- During his nationwide tour to promote the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Childhood Overweight and Obesity Prevention Initiative, the Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., stopped by Walt Disney World to present The Walt Disney Company with the “Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future” Champion Award in recognition of Disney’s well-balanced food initiative.

The Walt Disney Company created food guidelines that govern its licensed foods and promotions aimed at children. It has eliminated added trans fats from more than 1,000 food products and made well-balanced meals for children the standard at its U.S. theme parks.

The "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" initiative focuses on recognizing and showcasing those communities throughout the nation that are addressing childhood overweight and obesity prevention by helping kids stay active, encouraging healthy eating habits, and promoting healthy choices.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to visit communities and organizations across the country, like Walt Disney World, and meet first-hand with those actively engaged in finding ways to prevent childhood overweight and obesity," said Dr. Galson.

Regynald Washington, vice president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Food & Beverage Product Development, accepted the award on behalf of the company and highlighted some of the strides Disney has made since introducing new food guidelines in 2006:

* Disney Channel's "Pass the Plate" series that focuses on educating families on how to achieve healthier lifestyles.

* Disney Consumer Products' launch of the Disney Garden Line of healthy Disney-branded snacks.

* Walt Disney Parks and Resorts' elimination of added trans fats in more than 1,000 food products and introduction of a variety of nutritious side dishes and beverages as a standard component of kids' meals.

"Our food guidelines make sure the use of the Disney name and its characters is limited to kid-focused products that meet specific guidelines that limit calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar," Regynald said.

According to 2005 data from the Florida Department of Health, 14.4 percent of high school students were at risk for overweight and an additional 10.9 percent are overweight. Also in 2005, 31.3 percent of middle school students did not go to physical education classes at all during an average school week.

Additional information on the Surgeon General's Initiative can be found at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/obesityprevention.html

Disney's Helping Kids Shine Distributes $700,000 to Community Organizations

KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 23, 2008 -- Forty-four Central Florida non-profit organizations will be able to help make dreams come true for local children with the help of $700,000 in Disney’s Helping Kids Shine grants, which were awarded today during a ceremony at the Osceola County School for the Performing Arts.

The organizations – which serve Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, and Seminole Counties – will use the grants for a variety of initiatives that build better futures for children. The programs – which range from helping young maestros master music to encouraging students to improve reading and literacy – align with one of more of Disney’s four areas of focus: connecting with adults, constructive use of free time, character development and compassion.

“For more than 30 years, we have helped make dreams come true for our community,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Community Relations and Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. “As a company with more than 62,000 Cast Members, we are always looking for new ways to invest in our community so that Central Florida becomes an even better place to live, work and play.”

The grant recipients were chosen by a panel of judges made up of Central Florida community leaders and Walt Disney World Cast Members. Of the 44 organizations that received grant funding, three groups received special awards named in honor of former Disney executives who made significant contributions to the community.

The Bob Allen Outstanding Community Service Award honors the late Bob Allen, who started his career at Disneyland in 1955 and ended his tenure with a decade-long period as vice president of Walt Disney World Resort. After his death in 1987, Allen’s family formed an endowment fund that assists local social service, environmental and humanitarian organizations.

For the first time ever, two organizations will each receive this top award of $50,000. The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida received funding to provide therapy to homeless children to help them build developmental assets such as trust, honesty, integrity, responsibility, personal power and self-esteem. The Office for Farm worker Ministry provides activities for children of poor and immigrant farm workers. These programs strengthen the academic and emotional well-being of youth so they become active participants in their families and their communities.

The Dianna Morgan Children’s Champion Award is in honor of Dianna Morgan, a children’s advocate who forged relationships among Disney, community members and leaders throughout Florida during her 30-year career with the company. This $45,000 award was presented to the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center to provide preschool teachers with the skills to improve and develop language literacy and school-readiness skills for preschoolers.

Formerly known as the Community Service Awards, the program was renamed Disney’s Helping Kids Shine in 2004 to reflect the company’s community focus on building better futures for children. Since 1972, Walt Disney World has awarded more than $9.5 million to benefit local non-profit organizations.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 6/3/08

EDITORS' NOTE: We will be migrating the AllEars.Net site to a new server this coming weekend, beginning late Friday, June 6. This process SHOULD be transparent to you (means you shouldn't see any difference), but this is just to alert you that the site may experience some downtime. Please bear with us during this transition period -- any inconvenience will be temporary, and will lead to permanent improvements! Thanks!

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

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

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

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The Polynesian Resort has been testing a new sushi bar, Kona Island Sushi Bar , in the evenings at the Kona Island coffee stand, located next to the Kona Cafe. A mini palm tree barrier separates the area from the path to the glass door leading to the monorail. The trial bar offers standard sushi items such as sashimi, California luau roll, and tuna poke, and also has a selection of cocktails and sake. See the menu here: http://allears.net/menu/men_sushi.htm

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The next Mickey's Pin Trading Night will be held on Friday, June 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Disney's Contemporary Resort Convention Center. This activity is free and open to all ages.

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Jiko-The Cooking Place , at Animal Kingdom Lodge, recently received the Orlando Home & Leisure 2008 Silver Spoon Awards for Best Wine List and Wine Service.

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Registration is now open for the biggest Disney Pin Event of the year, Disney's Pin Celebration 2008. This hard-ticket event will be held from September 5-7, 2008, in Epcot's World ShowPlace. Event admission is $115 per person and does not include Theme Park admission. If you register by June 7, you'll receive an early registration pin; register by July 7, and you'll receive an early booking discount, bringing the cost of admission down to $100 per person. Register for this event on DisneyPins.com .

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A new, limited edition Haunted Mansion pin collection will be released at Disney's Pin Traders at Downtown Disney Marketplace on Friday, June 13, 2008. Because this is expected to be a very popular pin release, special wristbands will be distributed (while supplies last) at the entrance to Disney's Pin Traders near the Pin Trading Table area starting at 9 a.m. Disney's Pin Traders will open at 9:30 a.m. For details on this pin event, visit: http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=35710

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's Time to Play!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 5/27/08

The American Idol Experience , based on FOX-TV's popular reality talent show, is slated to open in Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2009, later than the late 2008 opening originally announced. To see American Idol winner David Cook's special "I'm Going to Disney World!" commercial, and for more information on the new attraction: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/americanIdol/?id=AmericanIdolExperiencePage

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The Contemporary's new restaurant, The Wave, is now available for dinner reservations starting on June 7, 2008, and for all meals starting June 8. Offerings include a classic American breakfast, a quick and casual lunch, and dinner. In addition, the new lounge will offer new world wines with a twist, and trendy cocktails with natural flavors. The restaurant will require one entitlement from the Disney Dining Plan and will honor the DVC, Passholder, Disney Dining Experience, and Cast Member discounts that are currently accepted at Concourse Steakhouse.

For the official press release about the new restaurant: http://allears.net/din/restnews.htm

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For a very limited time, Disney is offering a special "Passholder Late Spring Getaway" rate -- select Disney Value Resorts starting at $94/night, plus tax (a savings of $15 per night). To get this rate, you need to book right away and stay between now and June 7, 2008. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Great rates are also available for stays at other Disney Resorts all the way through August 2, 2008. But if you want to grab any of them, you should book soon! For details, visit Disney's Passholder site: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/landing

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According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando International Airport has launched a five-year construction program that will include the upgrade of everything from baggage carousels to electrical lighting. Some projects are already under construction, such as renovations in Airside 1, which have left much of the gate-side wing's interior air ducts and wiring exposed to passers-by taking flights on American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Air Canada, among others. Once complete in late 2009, the wing will have more space for passengers, extra restaurants and more. Also under construction already is the third phase of a new, in-line baggage-conveying and explosive-detection system. The first two-thirds of the project are nearly finished, but the project's $115 million third phase -- serving AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways, among others -- isn't expected to be complete until at least late 2009.

For more details about the plan, see the original Orlando Sentinel story here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cover2608may26,0,3527434.story

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American Airlines, the largest U.S. carrier, will charge $15 for its passengers' first checked bag starting June 15. Other fees for services ranging from reservation help to oversized bags will also be raised. The fee for a first checked bag would not apply to those who belong to elite levels of a frequent flyer program, those paying full-fare tickets and those traveling overseas and passengers will still be allowed two carry-on bags, one smaller to fit under the seat, and one larger for overhead storage in the cabin. Delta Air Lines and others have said they do not immediately plan to match the $15 fee announced by American.

AllEars® Newsletter News Bites - 5/20/08

Flower and Garden Festival UPDATE: This weekend, May 23-25, the festival's theme is Outdoor Living. Children can take part in Fun in the Sun activities in Future World East with beanbag tosses, relay races and other outdoor fun.

Fans dig Gary Puckett (5/23-24) and see The Cowsills (5/25) in their Flower Power concert debut. Shows at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre.

TV host and gardening expert Melinda Myers shares creative ideas for maximizing a small garden space or creating an intimate garden in a large lot, Great American Gardener series: 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at Garden Town.

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Toy Story Mania will officially open to the public at Disney's Hollywood Studios on May 31, 2008 . Its west coast counterpart will open at Disney's California Adventure on June 17, 2008. If you should happen to get a sneak preview of the attraction before its official opening, please send us a note using our feedback form: http://allears.net/forms/feedback.htm

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The tentative schedule for the upcoming "Eat to the Beat" concert series, featured during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival is as follows:

-- September 26-27: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
-- September 28-30: Sheena Easton
-- October 1-4: Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
-- October 5-7: En Vogue
-- October 8-9: Jonny Lang
-- October 10-12: Peabo Bryson
-- October 13-14: Sister Hazel
-- October 15-16: David Sanborn
-- October 17-18: Jon Secada
-- October 19-21: Spyro Gyra
-- October 22-23: Otis Day & the Knights
-- October 24-26: Expose
-- October 27-28: Kool & the Gang
-- October 29-30: Boyz II Men
-- October 31-November 2: Atlanta Rhythm Section
-- November 3-5: David Cassidy
-- November 6-7: Night Ranger
-- November 8-9: Los Lobos

Shows are performed at the America Gardens Theatre nightly at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. (Note the earlier show times!)

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Among the features at this year's Star Wars Weekends , which run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 6 to June 29, 2008, will be "Behind the Force -- Experience The Clone Wars," an exploration of the creation of a new, groundbreaking Star Wars feature film. During "Experience The Clone Wars," fans will get a chance to meet a representative of Lucasfilm Ltd. and, at the culmination of the presentation, see an exclusive clip of Star Wars: The Clone Wars that can be seen only at Disney's Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends. To take a fun Star Wars quiz and print out a certificate, visit http://disneyworld.com/starwars

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REHABS/CLOSINGS:

Downtown Disney

--Adventurers Club will not open until 9 p.m. tomorrow night, May 21, 2008.
--8TRAX closed for minor refurbishments May 18. It should reopen tonight, May 20, 2008. --Cirque du Soleil La Nouba will be dark now through June 2, 2008.

Magic Kingdom

--Cinderella's Golden Carrousel is closed through May 23, 2008. In addition, the Sword in the Stone is closed through May 22.

--Ariel's Grotto will be closed through May 23, 2008.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

-- Catalina Eddie's will be closed now through May 22, 2008.

Animal Kingdom

-- PetriFries will be closed for refurbishment June 1-20, 2008.

Pop Century

-- Classic Concoctions, the bar/lounge area in the lobby of Pop Century, officially closed on May 6. It will be converted to the Package Pickup area for guests sending items from the parks and some of the hotels. It is set to open on July 26.

Reminder: Concourse Steakhouse will close on May 31, 2008 and will be replaced by The Wave, a new table service location on the 1st floor that will open shortly after Concourse closes. A new quick service location will take the place of Concourse Steakhouse, while traffic flow changes to Chef Mickey's entrance and a new seating area are created. Tempo Grab and Go and Chef Mickey's will remain open during this work.

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Walt Disney World Resort has earned the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Green Lodging Program designation, for 100 percent of its lodging, including Disney's Vero Beach. Launched in 2004 by the DEP, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. To receive designation, the Disney properties installed ENERGYSTAR-rated equipment, energy efficient lighting, and timers on outdoor lighting, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as utility costs. In addition, the resort also implemented a towel and linen reuse program and low-flow faucets and showerheads, and hotels are recycling newspaper, office paper and aluminum cans. Some hotels have also installed tinted/double-paned windows. The program is voluntary and is considered a national model. To date, the program has more than 165 designated properties across the state.

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Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN plan to re-brand Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with the ESPN brand in the near future. Plans for the re-branding initiative are still in the development stage, but initial concepts involve renaming the sports complex and incorporating the signature elements of ESPN throughout the 220-acre facility, which is a leading venue for amateur and professional sports in the country. The project aims to enhance the experience of both athletes and spectators by connecting them to their favorite ESPN programs, personalities and elements. The re-branding of the Disney sports complex is the latest initiative in the growing sports business at Walt Disney World Resort. In December, the sports complex debuted additional outdoor playing fields for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey competitions. This summer the sports complex will open Jostens Center , a new state-of-the-art field house that will allow Disney to accommodate twice as many indoor sports events each year. Additional expansion plans are being explored. The Disney sports complex annually hosts more than 180 events in 50 different sports involving athletes from more than 70 countries. Among those events are the Atlanta Braves spring training season, a Tampa Bay Rays regular-season series, the Major League Baseball Draft, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp, the Pop Warner Super Bowl, Varsity All-Star Cheerleading competitions, and the Walt Disney World Marathon. ESPN televised 20 sporting events from the complex in the last year. Walt Disney World Resort and ESPN also annually work together to host the popular ESPN The Weekend event at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

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The Orlando Sentinel reports that a new exhibit will open in late August at Epcot's Innoventions that will simulate Hurricane Charley , one of the most destructive storms to strike the United States. "StormStruck: The Tale of Two Homes" was announced at the Governor's Hurricane Conference last week, and will use surround sound and 3-D technology to show how homes can be protected against such severe weather events. For the full story:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-canes1708may17,0,4028870.story

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The Resort Airline Check-in service offered at Disney resorts will now only accept one bag per passenger for check-in, due to the extra fees that most airlines now charge for a second bag. If you wish to have more than one checked bag per person, you will need to check-in at the airport.

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Cast members at Animal Kingdom observed Endangered Species Day , a national day of recognition for all endangered animals, on May 16, by staffing six stations throughout the theme park where guests could learn more about different species, as well as receive complimentary animal trading cards. Endangered species that can be viewed in the park include cotton-top tamarins, hyacinth macaws, western lowland gorillas, komodo dragons and white rhinoceros.

Adventures by Disney Exclusive Spring Booking Offer

Special savings rate applied to select vacation destinations booked before May 31, 2008

BURBANK, Calif. (May 15, 2008) -- Vacationers have until the end of May to take advantage of the 2008 Adventures by Disney spring booking savings. Through May 31, families can save up to $650 per adult and $600 per child when they book select adventures.

Whether it's savoring the flavors of Italy or Spain, zip-lining above the Costa Rican rain forest, enjoying the Vienna Zoo after closing hours, or coming home to cities that celebrate American history, families can experience awe-inspiring travels throughout the world when they book an Adventures by Disney trip.

"This is a great savings opportunity for families who have been considering a unique vacation experience overseas or across the country this year," said Ed Baklor, senior vice president, Adventures by Disney. "From walks through Prague's historic royal quarters or a backstage look at Disney's dream makers, our trips are planned from start to finish so families can concentrate on having fun, while making memories that will last a lifetime."

For more information regarding the spring booking offer, vacation planners can call 877/728-7282 or contact their local travel agent.

Destinations included in the offer (subject to availability):

Grande Espana (Madrid, Seville, Barcelona -- 9 Days/8 nights)

Journey from the lively capital to the exotic countryside and embark on cultural traditions while engaging in unique experiences that reflect the true spirit of Spain.

Taste of Tuscany (Rome, Tuscany -- 7 Days/6 Nights)

Enjoy privately guided visits of Rome's most famous icons and experience the flavor and beauty of the Tuscan countryside complete with a Tuscan villa, a family cooking lesson with an authentic Italian chef and wine tasting.

Path to Pura Vida (Costa Rica; San Jose, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Quepos -- 7 Days/6 Nights)

Experience the lush beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest and enjoy the wonders of nature and wildlife by walking, rafting and zip-lining across this amazing land. Relax and enjoy some quality time at one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.

Spirit of America (Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Washington D.C. -- 8 Days/7 Nights)

Come home to the cities that celebrate American heritage and explore some of the United States' most iconic and educational landmarks as historical characters come to life and tell the story of the nation.

Imperial Cities (Vienna, Prague, Salzburg -- 8 Days/7 Nights)

Live like royalty during a grand tour of Eastern Europe's rich baroque cities in Austria and the Czech Republic. Privately guided tours, exclusive dinners, and fun experiences for the kids are just a taste of the royal luxuries that families will experience during their visit to the Imperial Cities.

Backstage Magic (Hollywood, Disneyland Resort -- 6 Days/5 Nights)

The glamorous world of old Hollywood contrasts with the newest filmmaking technologies in this movie and Disney fan's dream tour of Southern California. Receive private access to some of the most famous Tinseltown destinations and custom VIP tours that offer a peak into the magic of Disneyland Resort.

About Adventures by Disney

As Disney Cruise Line revolutionized -- and in some ways defined -- the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney is poised to re-create the way families think about vacationing together.

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences to 17 destinations in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. With Disney Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights family members of all ages. Guests wanting more information about Adventures by Disney can visit www.adventuresbydisney.com, call 877/728-7282, or contact their travel agent.

Baby Sable Antelope Debuts in Animal Kingdom

A Sable Antelope mother and her calf are spending their first week on the savanna together at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The calf's first day on the outdoor savannah was May 7. The savanna can be seen by guests on the theme park's Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.

Actress Julianne Moore, Swimmer Michael Phelps Live Out Their Disney ‘Fantasea' In Ariel-Inspired Annie Leibovitz Photography

Celebrities Flip Their Fins in Latest Installment of Disney Dream Portrait Series

BURBANK, Calif. -- For the latest image in the portrait series of celebrities living out their Disney dreams, photographer Annie Leibovitz followed a simple recipe: Just add water.

Continuing the "Disney Dream Portrait Series" that has put stars in all kinds of Disney fantasies, Leibovitz trained her famous lens this time on the undersea world of Ariel, heroine of "The Little Mermaid." To get there, she dressed actress Julianne Moore and American swimming icon Michael Phelps in tails and scales.

"Yes, Julianne has a big mermaid tail; it's interesting," Leibovitz recalled from the shoot. "Michael, too. His movements were so graceful and beautiful you just felt like you were watching a real merman."

The latest Leibovitz photography is part of her acclaimed series as Disney Parks continue, through 2008, the "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration on both coasts.

In the finished image captioned "Where another world is just a wish away," shafts of light pierce the blue depths as Ariel (Moore) sits in her undersea world amid wavy coral and darting sea life. In the foreground of the frame, Phelps slips past, flipping his fins.

Inside The Shoot - Leibovitz worked her mastery on soundstages on both coasts.

Fitted in his silvery fishtail, Phelps was lowered into a backlot tank in Los Angeles used for underwater movie scenes. Leibovitz was on the outside, snapping away, communicating her instructions to Phelps via members of her crew.

"One of the most complicated shots I have ever done," said Leibovitz. "I didn't know if it was going to work, what to expect. I have to tell you, he was beautiful. Michael put on that tailand . . . he just became like a modern dancer. He just took to it and enjoyed himself and swam through this tank. I was blown away."

For the four-time "World Swimmer of the Year" (as designated by Swimming World Magazine), donning flippers was worlds away from the swimming competitions he's used to.

"It was kind of weird to be able to put on a tail and swim around in a tank," Phelps admitted. "To work with Annie and try these crazy sorts of ideas is really an honor and something I won't forget."

A host of swimming stars, past and present, joined Phelps in the water and final image: Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Brendan Hansen and Cullen Jones.

At a New York soundstage, Leibovitz perched the fishtailed Moore on a rock as the starry-eyed Ariel.

"There's a moment in the shoot where Julianne is sitting on a rock in her mermaid tail and her young daughter comes in, and there is not a dry eye in the house," Leibovitz recalled. "She sat in her mother's lap. Her jaw just dropped. She could not believe her mother was Ariel."

When Moore was asked to play Ariel, she recalls, "I leapt at the chance."

"Ariel is my daughter's favorite princess, so I was just really so excited to do it," Moore said. "All the images I've seen that Annie's shot so far -- Cinderella and Alice and the prince one -- are absolutely exquisite. They are so beautiful and so kind of wonderfully emotional. So I was really thrilled to be asked to work with her and do this."

Star-Studded Series - The latest image -- planned for the June issue of Vanity Fair magazine -- continues the renowned Leibovitz series of putting celebrities inside their Disney fantasies.

Released in separate flights since January 2007, these have included:

Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé as Alice in Wonderland and David Beckham as the gallant Prince Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty."

Rachel Weisz as Snow White, Roger Federer as King Arthur from "The Sword in the Stone," Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy from "Pinocchio" with Abigail Breslin as Fira from "Disney Fairies."

Jennifer Lopez as Jasmine, Marc Anthony as Aladdin and Whoopi Goldberg playing the Genie; Giselle Bündchen as Wendy Darling, Mikhail Baryshnikov as Peter Pan and Tina Fey as Tinker Bell; and Jessica Biel as Pocahontas.

"It is about bringing great stories to life," Leibovitz says of the series. "Working with great actors -- these are stories that they know. It's embedded in them. And when they start to have their own children it means even more to them.

"These are the stories that are passed on and on, from generation to generation. We just want to do the stories justice. To me it's a lot of play acting, it's a lot of dress-up, that's the joy of it."

Disney's Animal Kingdom Marks 10th Anniversary

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 22, 2008 – A ceremonial rope drop in front of the Tree of Life kicked off today's celebration of the 10th anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Hundreds of 10-year Cast Members joined young adults from six continents attending Jane Goodall's Global Youth Summit to lead a processional and herald in the theme park's next decade.

Since opening in 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom has entertained millions of guests with world-class stage shows and attractions, unique shops, distinct restaurants and amazing adventures with wild and legendary animals and lovable Disney characters.

Over the years, Disney has expanded the theme park and strategically invested in new and exciting experiences. Some of the additions include:

Asia, an entire new land opened in 1999 as the home of Kali River Rapids, a white-water raft adventure; Maharajah Jungle Trek with tigers, gibbons, Komodo dragons and other creatures; and "Flights of Wonder," an exotic bird show.

DinoLand, U.S.A. expanded with new attractions and activities, including Dino-Sue in 2000, Triceratop Spin and the Fossil Fun Games in 2001 and Primeval Whirl in 2002.

Expedition Everest debuted in 2006 as a thrilling runaway train adventure that combines a high-speed race through the Himalayas and a frightening encounter with the yeti.

Finding Nemo -- The Musical premiered in 2007 and is a musical stage show that immerses Walt Disney World guests in the story of Marlin and Nemo – an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son – through a dazzling production that combines puppets, dancers, aerialists and animated backdrops.

"From incredible attractions to Broadway-style stage shows to character encounters, Animal Kingdom has all the elements that make a great Disney park," said Val Bunting, Vice President of Operations for Disney's Animal Kingdom. "I'm particularly proud of the Cast Members who take a sincere interest in our guests, making sure they have an incredible experience during their visit, while inspiring them to care about wildlife and wild places."

Commitment to Wildlife and Wild Places

Some of the most remarkable accomplishments at Disney's Animal Kingdom have taken place behind-the-scenes, through the efforts of Disney's Animal Programs team, which oversees the health and well-being of approximately 7,000 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects. Responsible for almost 400 species, including 35 that are endangered or threatened, the team is committed to ensuring excellence in animal care, nutrition and welfare through an integrated approach.

Over the years, many of Disney's 550 animal care experts have traveled around the globe, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to conserving wildlife and wild places. These veterinarians, scientists, educators, curators, and zookeepers have enhanced the world knowledge base of animals and bettered the lives of animals and their habitats in Central Florida and in the most remote areas of Africa, Asia, North America and South America. Some of their most significant work includes sending two Disney-born white rhinos to Uganda, becoming the first-ever to repatriate from the United States to Africa; delivering more than 29 million conservation messages to inspire guests to care about wildlife and wild places; and breeding many endangered species, including approximately 25 percent of the total world population of the Micronesian kingfisher through a successful, long-term captive breeding program.

Disney also has been at the forefront of efforts to better understand and care for endangered elephants. Through the development of a sophisticated elephant transmission collar, Disney scientists discovered two new vocalizations that had never been reported for elephants in the wild or in zoological settings. In addition, three African elephants have been born to date at Disney's Animal Kingdom, adding to the largest herd in North America. And during the past three years, veterinarians from Disney's Animal Programs led a coalition of experts to Africa to help manage the elephant population. Their work has since resulted in the creation of a new surgical procedure and device that effectively sterilizes male elephants with little trauma or side effects.

About Jane Goodall's Global Youth Summit

Jane Goodall's Global Youth Summit will take place April 19 – 25 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Over the course of one week, 100 young people, personally invited by Dr. Jane Goodall, will convene and explore how each individual can make a difference in protecting the future of our planet. For more information about the Summit, please visit www.globalyouthsummit.org. To learn more about the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, click on www.janegoodall.org. Information about Roots & Shoots, the Institute's global humanitarian and environmental youth program is located at www.rootsandshoots.org.

The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Gets a New Name

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 22, 2008 -- As part of the 10-year celebration, Disney introduced a new name and logo for its conservation fund. Moving forward as the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF), the name more accurately conveys the organization's mission to support wildlife, including both ecosystems and community conservation around the globe.

Established in 1995 on Earth Day, DWCF provides annual awards to U.S. nonprofit conservation organizations working alongside their peers in other countries. Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund projects focus on science, but also on people -- combining education and inspiration to make a difference in the lives of local citizens and communities and ultimately ensure that conservation efforts are sustained. A special emergency fund also helps animals and people in times of environmental crisis. In 1998, as Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened, DWCF made its first grants. Since then, DWCF has supported 650 projects with more than $11 million in grants to organizations and individuals working in 110 countries.

On-Site Health and Wellness Center for Walt Disney World
Cast Members to Open this Fall

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., April 17, 2008 – Progress continues on the construction of an on-site health and wellness center for Walt Disney World Cast Members and their families, with the grand opening anticipated this fall.

"We have made considerable progress since we announced our intention to build a state-of-the-art primary care facility for Cast Members and their families just four months ago," said Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton. "It is exciting to see our dream of providing Cast Members with an additional health care option coming true as the building starts to take shape and we make important decisions about the facility's operation."

Walt Disney World Resort has selected CHD Meridian Healthcare to operate and provide medical and pharmacy services at the state-of-the-art, 15,000-square-foot facility. "For more than 40 years, we have provided on-site healthcare services for some of the country's largest and most respected employers," said R. Dixon Thayer, chief executive officer of CHD Meridian.

"We're thrilled to combine our experience and our commitment to personalized care, patient privacy and technology, to provide the highest-quality services for Walt Disney World Cast Members and their families." The new health and wellness center will be staffed by primary care physicians and other medical professionals and will include a pharmacy, lab, basic radiology, and wellness and behavioral health resources. It will offer eligible Cast Members and their families access to: high-quality care facilitated by credentialed medical professionals who can meet the diverse needs of Disney Cast Members; enhanced access to services through extended hours, weekend availability, proximity to work and same-day care for more immediate needs; and coordinated treatment made possible by relationships with specialists and other facilities throughout the region, referral scheduling support and the latest in medical technology, including electronic medical records and prescriptions and digital radiology.

CHD Meridian will begin the recruiting process for the approximately 40 jobs the center will create, including primary care physicians and other medical professionals, as well as administrative staff. Walt Disney World Resort continues to offer a variety of other programs and services designed to promote healthy living among Cast Members including: a choice of health care plans that enable eligible Cast and their dependents to select the plan that best meets their needs; preventive care benefits that are generally available at no additional cost to plan participants and their covered dependents; on-site health and wellness offerings, such as educational and screening opportunities, health fairs and discounts on weight loss programs and gym memberships; access to online tools and resources, such as a personal health assessment and a prescription drug price comparison tool; and programs to support health plan members with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Cast Members will continue to be able to access other Central Florida health care providers as defined by the health plan they select. Currently, more than 40,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members, plus their dependents, are eligible for health benefits.

FREE DINING PLAN RETURNS

There's a NEW Walt Disney World Resort Offer for Disney Visa Cardmembers: This Magic Your Way Package includes Walt Disney World Resort hotel accommodations, Walt Disney World Theme Park tickets and the Disney Dining Plan, which provides one quick-service meal, a select snack and one meal at a table service restaurant per person, per night of your package. Excludes gratuities and alcoholic beverages. Children ages 3-9 must choose from children's menu, if available. For stays most nights 8/24-9/20/2008. Book by 6/22/08.

Take advantage of this offer before it becomes available to the general public on April 10, 2008.

For details or to book call 407-939-7667 or contact our recommended Travel Agency MouseFanTravel.com. Ask for offer CMK.

Two New Babies at Disney's Animal Kingdom

It's a Girl! And a Boy!

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. , March 13, 2008 -- Disney's animal care team has been busy over the past two weeks with the births of two new bundles of joy -- a female baby giraffe named Makena and a male baby zebra named Kidani.

Born on March 8, Kidani is the first Hartmann's Mountain Zebra born at Walt Disney World Resort. The Hartmann's Mountain Zebra is an endangered species native to Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Kidani was bred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Plan, which is a consortium of zoos and wildlife parks working together to conserve and breed animals.

Kidani was named for the new expansion of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, which will be named Kidani Village. The zebra currently weighs approximately 65 pounds and stands three and a half feet tall. Kidani's been known to kick up his heels and run around the yard, with his watchful mother Kari, nearby. As an adult male, Kidani could reach 800 pounds, and stand five feet tall.

Makena, which means "Happy One" in Swahili is the female giraffe born on Leap Day, February 29. At birth, she weighed 118 pounds and stood five feet, six inches tall. Makena was standing just one-and-a-half hours after birth and started nursing shortly after. Makena is the first calf for her mother, four-year-old Malaika, who was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom. When Makena grows up, she could be as tall as 15 feet. She is the eighth giraffe born at Disney since Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998.

Both mothers and babies are doing well and are expected to rejoin their herds on the savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in the coming weeks.

BACKGROUND

Giraffes

The typical gestation period for a giraffe is approximately 15 months.

An adult giraffe's neck alone can measure up to seven-feet, and their tongues can be as long as 18 inches.

Giraffes also have their own set of unique skin markings, similar to a human fingerprint.

Zebras

The typical gestation period for a zebra is approximately 12 months.

Similar to the giraffe, each zebra has a unique coat pattern that herd members use to identify one another. One of the identifying characteristics of the mountain zebra is that their stripes do not meet under the belly, which is white with a central black stripe.

Hartmann's Mountain Zebras are also prone to frequent dust baths once or twice daily and are sure footed on rocky or rugged surfaces.

Disney Animal Kingdom's breeding program

Giraffes and zebras at the Walt Disney World Resort are bred through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Population Management Plan, which is a consortium of zoos and wildlife parks working together to conserve and breed animals.

Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge are accredited by the AZA. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation.