Happy Independence Day!

The American Adventure, Epcot’s® flagship pavilion nestled in the middle of  the World Showcase at Walt Disney World® Resort, celebrates daily the spirit of America’s independence, history and diversity, and reflects the nation’s ever-changing character.

The pavilion is home to the American Adventure show, a dramatic theatrical presentation that combines the magic of Audio-Animatronics with innovations in film and special effects. Guests witness some of America’s most important stories, from the Boston Tea Party to World War II, the writing of the Declaration of Independence to the civil rights movement. The extraordinary effects and period music will make you feel like you are there, celebrating the spirit of the American people. A reminder of the resilience and breadth of the American spirit is present throughout the entire show.

The American Adventure show is a 30-minute theatrical presentation that plays several times daily. Consult your Times Guides for more details.

“To retreat from any of the principles handed down by our forefathers, who shed their blood for the ideals we still embrace, would be a complete victory for those who would destroy liberty and justice for the individual.” – Walter Elias Disney

The summer peak season has hit Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, so we wanted to remind you of several early admission opportunities that are available. With the newly opened lands and attractions at the Disneyland® Resort, this early admission can make a huge difference in your wait times and touring plans!

Extra Magic Hour

All guests staying at a Disneyland® Resort hotel can take advantage of Extra Magic Hour* – early admission to either Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure® Park – every day of their stay (with valid theme park admission and active hotel room key card) before it opens to the general public.

Extra Magic Hour will allow registered Disneyland® Resort hotel guests admission into select attractions at:

• Disneyland® Park – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Disney California Adventure® Park – Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders

Annual Passholders have the opportunity to register for Annual Passholder Early Entry, which allows a valid Passholder early admission to select attractions at a Disneyland® Resort Theme Park beginning one hour prior to scheduled opening between June 18 and September 13, 2012.

Annual Passholder Early Entry is offered to registered passholders on the following days:

• Disneyland® Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Disney California Adventure® Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays

Passholders must register in advance for Annual Passholder Early Entry by visiting disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/. Availability is limited each morning, and Annual Passholders may only use the privilege once at each park. Must be at least 18 years old to register and must have an Annual Passport that is valid for Theme Park admission at time of registration and on the date of the event. See disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/early-entry/ for more details.

Disneyland® Resort Guests with 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Theme Park Tickets and 2012 Southern California CityPass

Disneyland® Resort guests who purchase 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day theme park tickets prior to arrival at the resort and those with valid 2012 Southern California CityPass can choose one day during the duration of their Theme Park ticket or Southern California CityPass to enter Disneyland® Park one hour prior to scheduled opening on any of the following days. This offer is valid on:

• Disneyland® Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays

Please contact your Magic Maker® for additional information on Early Entry opportunities at the Disneyland® Resort!

Today marks 15 years that Off Kilter has been rockin’ the Canada Pavilion of Epcot’s® World Showcase. This 5-person, kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing Celtic rock group performs a mixture of “rocked up” traditional Celtic tunes, familiar rock and roll songs with a Celtic twist, and some original music as well.

Off Kilter is a crowd favorite and have made quite a few fans throughout their performances at Epcot®. They perform their 30-minute show most days on The Mill Stage inside the Canada Pavilion. Consult your Times Guides for more information.

Enjoy this video highlighting the unique sounds of Off Kilter

Are you a fan of Off Kilter? Click LIKE below!

Disney Cruise Line® has announced a new Signature Port Adventure for guests sailing on their 7-night Pacific Coast Cruises later this fall.

John Lasseter, creative mind and executive producer of Disney•Pixar films, is opening up his Lasseter Family Winery for a tour exclusive to guests of the Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship. In its current location since 2002, three generations of the Lasseter family continue to share their love of the Sonoma Valley through their hand crafted wines.

This signature port adventure begins with an approximate 75-minute transfer to Sonoma Valley, the birthplace of the California wine industry. During your transfer, your guide will set the groundwork  for your tour with a brief history on Sonoma Valley’s wine region and surrounding areas.

Upon arriving at the Lasseter Family Winery, you will be greeted by your host and winery owner, Nancy Lasseter. Your exclusive behind-the-scenes access will allow you into the heart of the winery to observe the different stages of the harvest process. Nancy will take you out into the vineyards to sample different grape varietals right from the vines and you will learn how they determine ripeness. Celebrated winemaker, Julia Iantosca, will join the tour to give you insight into the craft of artisan winemaking. The harvest activities tour concludes with a short walk along the vineyards to beautiful Lake Serendipity, a rarely-seen jewel of their estate.

But, your experience doesn’t end there! Mrs. Lasseter has enlisted the help of renowned chef, Sondra Bernstein, to design food that pairs perfectly with the 5 Lasseter Family wines. Nancy will talk about each wine and the delectable flavors that you will experience while Sondra prepares and serves a gourmet meal.

Your tour concludes with time to browse the Lasseter Family wines for sale and Sondra’s gourmet pantry items should you want to purchase any souvenirs. The ultimate souvenir comes as you say goodbye to your gracious hosts and receive a bottle of Lasseter Family wine, signed by Nancy and John Lasseter and winemaker Julia Iantosca!

The Lasseter Family Winery Signature Port Adventure is available on select San Francisco port days. The tour is approximately 6 hours and is available only to guests 21 years and older. Pricing for the tour is $475 per person.

Please contact you Magic Maker® for more information on Disney Cruise Line’s® 7-night Pacific Coast Cruises and the Lasseter Family Winery Signature Port Adventure.