Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Makes July Evenings Nightastic!

June 23, 2010 · Posted in Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Walt Disney World · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The musical sounds of decades of summers gone by will fill July evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series performances featuring tribute bands that celebrate the music of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, U2 and Chicago.
“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”
Performances at America Gardens Theatre are scheduled for 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. – except on July 4, when shows are scheduled for 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. They are included with Epcot admission. Here’s the schedule (entertainment is subject to change without notice):
June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson
July 4-10: Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2
July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago
Sounds Like Summer is part of Walt Disney World “Summer Nightastic!,” which also features extra fun after the sun goes down at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
  • Through Aug. 14 at Magic Kingdom, thousands of tiny lights illuminate the return of the beloved “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and the elaborate new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”paints the night sky more brightly than ever.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror adds new effects – and a summer-only drop sequence – to the mix for guests daring to step into the attraction’s infamous service elevator for a ride into the “fifth dimension.” And on Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the 122-foot-tall Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat icon, guests are invited to the Rock n’ Glow Dance Party, where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming five nights a week.

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Walt Disney World Fireworks on July 4

June 22, 2010 · Posted in Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Seasonal, Special Events, Walt Disney World · Comment 
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics, and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s what’s in store (entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice):
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight on July 4 (on July 3, the parade will be at 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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Disney Institute Leisure Tours Offer Unique Opportunities to See Walt Disney World Resort

June 22, 2010 · Posted in Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World · Comment 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., June 21 /PRNewswire/ — Disney guests interested in going behind the scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort now have new leisure tour options from Disney Institute. The professional development and training arm of The Walt Disney Company is offering guests the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and get an insider’s look at the operations.

“Disney Institute leisure tours are unique because we take our guests to multiple parks and visit different locations throughout the resort,” said Jeff James, vice president, Disney Institute.  ”These tours are wonderful opportunities for anyone interested in learning how our company operates.”

Disney Institute offers four tours: Backstage Magic, Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes, Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy. Backstage Magic and Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes are offered year-round, while Holiday D-Lights and Yuletide Fantasy are seasonal tours.

With the Backstage Magic tour, participants see how Disney brings innovative special effects, world-class entertainment and elaborate attractions to life.  Beginning at Epcot and concluding at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with an up-close look at Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade, the tour explores the art, horticulture, landscaping and costume design that work together to create an immersive and magical experience for guests.

Inspiration: Through Walt’s Eyes follows the story of The Walt Disney Company from Walt’s perspective. The tour details how Walt was inspired to pursue his dreams and how his desire to succeed influenced those around him.  From Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom, participants learn about the pivotal moments in Walt’s life that helped him create everything from innovative animation techniques to new ideas in family entertainment.

The Holiday D-Lights tour visits Epcot, the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with stops for guests to marvel at each location’s interpretation of holiday lighting, while the Yuletide Fantasy tour helps guests uncover the secrets behind Disney’s stunning holiday decorations.  Guests on this tour will travel through the culturally diverse celebrations of World Showcase at Epcot and get an up-close look at the bows and bells lining Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.

All Disney Institute tours are facilitated by Disney cast members with years of Disney experience. The tours are open to anyone ages 16 years or older. All participants must present a valid government-issued photo ID. For more information or to book a Disney Institute leisure tour please call, (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (407) 939-8687 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/.

About Disney Institute

Disney Institute was created to showcase Disney best practices that easily adapt to other organizations. One of the most recognized names in professional development, Disney Institute travels the world offering engaging seminars, workshops and presentations, as well as fully customized programming. Immersive learning experiences are also offered at Disney destinations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, enabling participants to go behind the scenes and see firsthand how business theory drives operational excellence. The Disney Institute client roster includes Fortune 500 companies as well as a wide range of small businesses, non-profits and government agencies.  To learn more about Disney Institute, please visit www.disneyinstitute.com, follow at www.twitter.com/disneyinstitute, or call 321-939-4600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 321-939-4600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

SOURCE Disney Institute

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Star Wars Weekends

February 1, 2010 · Posted in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Special Events, Walt Disney World · Comment 
Avalon, your vacation rental home for Star Wars Weekends

Avalon, your vacation rental home for Star Wars Weekends

The 2010 Dates for the annual Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been announced.

The 2010 dates are:
May 21 - 23
May 28 - 30
June 4 - 6
June 11 - 13

This special event is held annually at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and celebrates the Star Wars Saga and the new animated television series The Clone Wars.

As part of the weekend festivities, Disney’s Hollywood Studios puts on special shows, parades & presentations, as well as offering unique merchandise, celebrity autograph opportunities and memorabilia. Join other Star Wars fans and Star Wars celebrities for this limited time engagement.

More information can be found at the Star Wars Weekends page here.

–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
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