Disney News

To better accommodate Guests, Disney Cruise Line® is adjusting both dining and show times onboard the Disney Dream™.

Main dining will begin at 5:45 p.m., with second dining beginning at 8:15 p.m.

There are now only two evening performances in the Walt Disney Theatre: at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Your Clients can attend the performance that best complements their assigned dining time. In addition, there are special matinee performances of two popular shows –Villains Tonight! and Disney’s Believe.

Be sure to check your daily Personal Navigator for any updates throughout the cruise.

Don’t have a cruise booked yet?  Click here to request a quote.

If you get squeamish at the idea of staying in an ultra-cramped  stateroom (with kids!), read on. Many staterooms on Disney ships are comparable  in size to standard hotel rooms, and most feature a split “bath-and-a-half”  design. This gives families the convenience of having a sink and tub/shower in  one room and a sink and toilet in a separate room.

What’s more, 88 percent of the staterooms on the Disney Dream have  ocean views, and of those, 90 percent have private verandas. To accommodate  larger families and groups traveling together, the ship has 500 connecting  doors that adjoin staterooms.

For larger groups planning a special trip together, the Disney  Dream provides adjacent, concierge-level accommodation for up to 25 guests with  four suites and two staterooms – all joined by connecting doors.

What follows is a breakdown of the Disney Dream’s suites and  staterooms and their features. As you consider what’s available, bear in mind  that a standard hotel room in the United States ranges in size from 300 to 400 square feet.

2 Concierge Royal Suites with Verandas: 1,781 square  feet. Each suite sleeps 5 and has one master bedroom with queen-size bed,  pull-down double bed, pull-down single bed, two bathrooms, rain shower,  whirlpool bath tub, living room, media library, dining salon, pantry, wet bar,  walk-in closets, private veranda with whirlpool hot tub, concierge service.

19 Concierge One-Bedroom Suites with Verandas: 622  square feet. Each suite sleeps 5 and has a queen-size bed, living area with  double convertible sofa, pull-down bed, walk-in closets, two bathrooms, rain  shower, whirlpool tub, private veranda, concierge service.

20 Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandas: 306 square feet. Each stateroom sleeps 5 and has a queen-size bed, double  convertible sofa, pull-down bed, split bath with round tub and shower, private  veranda, concierge service.

317 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandas: 299 square feet. Each stateroom sleeps 4-5 and has a queen-size bed, single  convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in some), split bath with round tub and  shower, private veranda.

543 Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandas: 246  square feet. Each stateroom sleeps 3-4 and has a queen-size bed, single  convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in most), split bath with tub and shower,  private veranda.

108 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms: 241 square feet.  Each stateroom sleeps 3-5 and has a queen-size bed, single convertible sofa,  pull-down bed (in some), split bath with round tub and shower, one large  porthole window with built-in seating.

91 Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms: 204 square feet.  Each stateroom sleeps 3-4 and has a queen-size bed, single convertible sofa,  pull-down bed (in some), split bath with tub and shower, one or two porthole  windows.

19 Deluxe Inside Staterooms: 204 square feet. Each stateroom  sleeps 3-4 and has a queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in  some), split bath with tub and shower, Magical Porthole.

131 Standard Inside Staterooms: 169 square feet. Each stateroom  sleeps 3-4 and has a queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, pull-down bed (in  some), bath with tub and shower, Magical Porthole.

25 staterooms equipped for guests with disabilities, in a variety of categories.

Contact your Magic Maker® for more information on Disney Cruise Line or click below to request a quote.

Original Article Source

Excitement of all kinds – from under the sea, to down Main Street, U.S.A., and to a galaxy far, far away – arrives at the Disneyland® Resort in summer 2011. Several highly anticipated attractions and entertainment experiences will make their debuts, enhancing all the fun and adventure that create memories for guests throughout the year at the Disneyland® Resort. Highlights of this Soundsational Summer include the latest milestone in the expansion of Disney California Adventure™ park, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, plus the sensational new 3D excursions of Star Tours and the exciting new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” in Disneyland® park.

• The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – The adventures of Ariel will unfold in colorful scenes filled with Audio-Animatronics characters and memorable music from the Disney animated motion picture hit “The Little Mermaid” when this modern version of the classic Disney “dark ride” premieres in Disney California Adventure™ on Friday, June 3. The attraction brings the popular motion picture to life in magnificent scenes where guests will sing along with Sebastian and friends, keep an eye out for the evil Ursula, and experience the romance of Ariel and Eric. Special effects will transport guests “under the sea,” taking them into Ariel’s world in ways never before seen.
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests will never know where the Force might take them as they embark on thrilling new Star Tours journeys, now enhanced with the breathtaking immersion of 3D. Premiering Friday, June 3, in Disneyland Tomorrowland, the new journeys will feature more than 50 different story combinations, bridging that “long, long time ago” between the two “Star Wars” trilogies. At the bustling new Spaceport where droids run the show and excursions to the stars are advertised overhead, eager travelers will board fully reimagined Starspeeders for interstellar treks to Coruscant, Hoth, Naboo and many more destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. In the course of their adventures, voyagers will encounter characters from the “Star Wars” movies, some of them making their first appearances in the refreshed attraction.
• “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” – Explosions of dynamic rhythm and bold percussion will accompany beloved Disney characters as they stomp and strut along Main Street, U.S.A., in the new “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade,” premiering Friday, May 27. The parade brings characters and melodies from Disney films to life with a syncopated drum line, flashing cymbals and more than 90 performers, as Mickey Mouse and his pals get the Disneyland crowd into the beat of this giant jam session. “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” features nine parade floats, each designed in the style of a children’s “pop-up” storybook with eye-catching visuals and whimsical details.

At the Disneyland® Park:

• “Magical” Fireworks Spectacular – Tinker Bell and Dumbo will take to the air over Sleeping Beauty Castle as the “Magical” fireworks spectacular returns for its third consecutive summer. Tink waves her wand to awaken a pyrotechnic spectacular inspired by Disney’s most magical characters, including Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, and the Three Good Fairies from “Sleeping Beauty.” Dumbo makes a “Magical” summer appearance, too, as the enchanting storytelling of a fireworks show creates memories for guests of the Disneyland Resort.

At Disney California Adventure™:

• Goofy’s Sky School – Joining the fun along Paradise Pier beginning June 3, this coaster attraction is inspired by the classic Goofy “How-to” shorts of the 1940s and 1950s as well as the cartoon short “Goofy’s Glider.” The theme is a flying academy with your pal Goofy as the wacky instructor. Guests will enjoy all the dips, twists and thrills as Goofy tries to teach a group of novice pilots how to soar through the sky.
• “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” are now appearing at Disney California Adventure™ as part of “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” – a theme park show that is a favorite of young guests. Co-starring in the production are characters from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins” – other shows that are part of the Disney Junior schedule on Disney Channel. Children and families are invited to dance and sing along as “Disney Junior–Live on Stage!” is presented several times daily.
• Paradise Pier – New restaurants, shops and attractions will open this summer as Paradise Pier completes its transformation into a vintage beachside playland. New dining locations will include Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pasta and Pizza. The popular Corn Dog Castle returns, along with Seaside Souvenirs (formerly Souvenir 66), a restyled merchandise location. These additions will be adjacent to the new Goofy’s Sky School and Little Mermaid attractions.
• “World of Color” – The award-winning “World of Color” water spectacular continues for a second summer of nightly performances on Paradise Bay. The show combines nearly 1,200 versatile, performing fountains, popular Disney music and a kaleidoscope of audio and visual effects, including both classic and new animation projected on giant screens of water. “World of Color” floods the senses and takes the audience on an imaginative, emotional journey into the colorful worlds of Disney classics such as “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” along with Disney?Pixar films including “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo.”
• “ElecTRONica” – The party on “The Grid,” inspired by the Disney movie, “TRON: Legacy,” will continue nightly throughout the summer. “ElecTRONica” features music, live performances and interactive experiences, and it has become the place to dance the night away. Inspired by the computer-world environment of “TRON: Legacy,” ElecTRONica comes to life in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. DJs keep the energy going with electronic party music while dancers costumed as “Sirens” and “Programs” from the movie rock out at locations throughout the party.

At the Disneyland® Hotel:

• Disneyland® Hotel Enhancements – Phase Onerenovations at the Disneyland Hotel will be completed in time for summer 2011, including new décor in the rooms, a new pool-and-slide water play area, and three new themed suites – Fantasy, Big Thunder and Adventureland.- joining the existing Mickey Mouse and Pirates suites. Also opening this summer will be the poolside Tangaroa Terrace restaurant and Trader Sam’s bar, inspired by classic features found in Adventureland in Disneyland® Park. Phase Two renovations, scheduled to open in the fall will include enhancements to the existing pool, the main lobby, the porte- cochere and the façade of the hotel convention center.

*Image: Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

The Sounds Like Summer concert series returns to Epcot® beginning June 12 featuring tribute bands that will bring back the sounds of decades of summers gone by. Opening with Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles, June’s lineup of bands will also “play” tribute to the timeless tunes of the Bee Gees and Bon Jovi.

Sounds Like Summer concerts are under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. Show times are 5:45, 7:00 and 8:15 p.m. (On July 4, showtimes are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series 2011 Performers

• June 12 – June 18: Hotel California — A Salute to the Eagles
• June 19 – June 25: Stayin’ Alive — A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• June 26 – July 2: Slippery When Wet — The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• July 3 – July 9: Little Queen — The Music of Heart
• July 10 – July 16: Frontiers — A Tribute to Journey
• July 17 – July 23: Karin Lawson — A Tribute to Janet Jackson
• July 24 – July 30: 2U — A Tribute to U2

Please note: Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission.
Contact your Magic Maker® for additional information.

Tickets Available May 1 for Disney’s Night of Joy 2011 featuring Christian Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Newcomer Chris August, TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay, Skillet

Christian music Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay and Skillet will headline one of the most-decorated lineups in the 29-year history of Disney’s Night of Joy Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011. Filling the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort with the sound of contemporary Christian music will be 16 artists with a 20-year legacy of accolades — 70 GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY® Awards.

Thirteen of the 16 acts were 2011 Dove Award finalists in 19 categories that span the musical spectrum — from rap and hip hop … to rock and pop … to contemporary gospel and praise and worship. They won 11 categories. Nobody was decorated more highly than Battistelli, who also received Dove Awards as Female Vocalist of the Year and for pop/contemporary recorded song (for “Beautiful, Beautiful”). Night of Joy newcomer Chris August earned the nod as New Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year plus the Dove for pop-contemporary album (No Far Away).

Here’s the night-by-night Night of Joy 2011 lineup:

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011: newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Disciple.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: MercyMe, TobyMac, Jars of Clay, Marvin Sapp, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Chris August and VaShawn Mitchell.

Night of Joy is an after-hours event that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests.

Tickets are available beginning May 1, 2011. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Contact your Magic Maker® for additional information.