Disney News

One of the most beloved attractions at the Disneyland® Resort, “it’s a small world” has reopened with exciting new enhancements. With the premiere of a new “Spirit of America” scene, new musical enhancements and a new look for some of the attraction’s familiar child dolls, “it’s a small world” will once again take Guests of all ages on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed.”

This classic attraction has been renovated and enhanced while retaining the world-renowned charm that holds such a special place in the hearts of Disneyland® Resort guests. The “it’s a small world” journey continues to celebrate children of the world and their message of harmony and friendship. And now, for the first time, Guests will be able to find some of the child dolls dressed as their favorite Disney Characters, in the countries where their stories take place. For example, dolls dressed in Aladdin and Jasmine costumes play in the Middle East scene, and a doll dressed as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” appears in the Great Britain scene.

View the video of “it’s a small world” reopening

You’ll enjoy riding “it’s a small world” again and again as you search for the 29 Disney and Disney•Pixar Characters now represented in the attraction. Some appear as child dolls and some are playful-looking toys, such as the White Rabbit who accompanies Alice. The new doll costumes and toys are fashioned in the same artistic style that has made “it’s a small world” an icon around the globe. That style was created by art director, color stylist and Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose sense of design shaped “it’s a small world” from the very beginning.

Additional fresh touches can be heard in the augmented “it’s a small world” soundtrack. The renowned “it’s a small world” song, written by Academy Award®-winning composers Richard M. and Robert S. Sherman, will still play throughout the attraction. Now, however, some subtle film music is woven into the song as counterpart melodies, fitting the characters and scenes.

You’ll love these exciting new enhancements to the classic attraction when you experience it themselves on “the happiest cruise that ever sailed!”

Haven’t booked your Disneyland® Resort vacation? Click here to get started!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to Walt Disney World® Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.

“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.”

Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.

Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star.

“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.

This special is no longer applicable, but be sure to out check the
Walt Disney World® Resort page for current offers.

Disney has extended the Buy 4 Nights, Get 3 Free special for travel dates through August 15, 2009

Through Mar. 29, 2008, when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way package you’ll get three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights Feb. 15 – March 9, March 17 – April 4 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Plus, if you travel on this package between March 1 – March 8 and March 22 – March 29, 2009, you’ll also receive a Disney Gift Card worth $200 that you can choose to spend at the Walt Disney World® Resort during your stay.

And, those taking advantage of this offer at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card**, available for arrivals beginning March 30 – April 1 and April 19 – Aug. 15, 2009.

Click here to request a no-obligation quote for this incredible package!

When visiting Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort you now can enjoy a brand-new, ultra-interactive attraction inspired by the Disney Channel animated series, “Kim Possible.”

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites Guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of “Team Possible” to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As you embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator.” This handheld wireless device will help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects you with a variety of characters from “Kim Possible” who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. These devices also allow Guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside World Showcase pavilions, creating an adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

You can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in sevenWorld Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super-villain from the animated series.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is included in Epcot admission.

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful tableau of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World® guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.