From: All Ears <allears@allearsnet.com>
Date: Jan 29, 2008 5:59 PM
Subject: [All Ears Weekly Newsletter] February 2008 Walt Disney
World Bits and Bites
To: thomas@northwoodsgames.com
Hello Thomas!
Here's your copy of the latest ALL EARS(R) Weekly newsletter,
per your subscription request! Enjoy!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
AllEars(R) Weekly Newsletter
Sharing the Magic Worldwide
Walt Disney World News and Information
January 29, 2008 Issue #434
Established September 1999 Library of Congress ISSN: 1533-0753
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Welcome to AllEars(R), a weekly electronic newsletter about Walt
Disney World, affiliated with Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World
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Here's what you'll find in this issue:
Feature Article: February 2008 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
News Bites: Grad Nites 2008 Announced; Port Parking Increases;
Backyard BBQ to Resume; Everest Challenge Debuts
ALL EARS(R) Hears -- LETTERS FROM OUR READERS!
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES! What's New on AllEars.Net?
Mousy Mindbogglers: Brain-teasing Riddles about WDW!
Enjoy the issue!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
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FEATURE ARTICLE
February 2008
Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
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STEP BACK IN TIME
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Ever wonder what Walt Disney World was like way back when? Each
month we visit a time gone by in Walt Disney World history. Last
month, we went back more than 30 years to January 15, 1975, and
the grand opening of Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. This
month we are going right back to 1975. AllEars(R) reader John
Hayes was kind enough to send scans of VacationLand Magazine's
Spring 1975 issue, which talked about Space Mountain:
"Walt Disney envisioned such an attraction over 10 years ago. He
wanted everyone to be able to experience the excitement of space
travel presently known only by a few select astronauts.
"Over three years have gone into the actual building of Space
Mountain. Each of the 72 massive, pre-stressed concrete beams
that form the huge, ribbed slopes of the sealed cone had to be
cast near the construction site. Mammoth cranes then lifted the
pie-shaped, 114-foot tall beams into place. Each beam has a
14-foot wide base and is five-feet wide at the top.
"The tracks were designed with the elaborate use of computers so
that all their curves and bends produce an entirely smooth
'flight.' At times, the rockets' speeds reach over 25 mph on the
mile-long paths.
"WED Enterprises 'illusioneers' developed numerous special
effects for this thrilling attraction. When the 'astronauts' are
launched from the space station, their capsule shoots through a
tunnel like enclosure where the sensation of great speed is
created. During reentry, they pass through a 'rotating' tunnel
where, it seems, their spacecraft is 'rolling.' Sound, light,
darkness and motion are all skillfully combined in 'Space
Mountain' to convey the exhilarating physical sensations of
interplanetary travel."
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HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
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Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys book and webmaster
of www.HiddenMickeysGuide.com,
[7]highlights some compelling
Hidden Mickeys from Disney movies:
1. A proportional bubble Mickey appears in The Little Mermaid.
When Sebastian arrives into the theater, look behind and to the
left of the blue shell to find three bubbles forming a classic
Hidden Mickey. (Thanks to Daniel & Yae:lle Berset)
http://allears.net/btp/hm200.jpg
2. Also in The Little Mermaid, at the beginning during the scene
of the music concert in King Triton's Palace, there is a shot
that pans over the audience. Among the audience is Mickey,
Donald Duck and Goofy! Mickey and friends are sitting under the
dolphin on the right. The inset photo shows them up close.
(Thanks to Disney Barbie of Southampton, England, Emma, and
Mandy Newby)
http://allears.net/btp/hm199.jpg
3. In Lilo & Stitch, watch carefully in the scene when Lilo is
teaching Stitch to dance at the outdoor market. Above them,
formed by some Hawaiian melons, is a neat classic Mickey! A red
circle around the melons has been added to the photo. (Thanks to
Alex Valdes and Sharon Dale)
http://allears.net/btp/hm198.jpg
So, be sure to look for Hidden Mickeys in Disney movies!
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SCRAPBOOKING MAGIC!
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AllEars(R)is excited to annnounce a new series of articles all
about Disney Scrapbooking! Scrapbooking is about telling a
story, both for us to remember, and for future generations to
enjoy. Written by Disney Scrapbook Expert Barbara Bennett and
her husband Brian (who are also the owners of MouseMemories.com
), a new article on scrapbooking will be published each month.
Barbara and Brian write: If you've been curious about this "new
wave" of scrapbooking, you'll enjoy this series of articles.
We're going to start with the history of scrapbooking, and then
take you through the kinds of tools and supplies that are
available. We'll teach you how to get started if you're thinking
about taking the plunge into this great hobby. We'll show you
that scrapbooks can (and should) really be fun to produce. Since
we specialize in Disney scrapbooking ourselves, we'll do all of
that with a Disney twist that just might convince you to try
scrapbooking your photos. Already a scrapbooker? As we go
forward we'll work our way through lots of tips and techniques
that you'll enjoy as well. If you're like most of us, you've got
boxfuls of photographs from all of your Disney trips -- not to
mention holidays, birthday parties, family get-togethers, and so
on that you can turn into wonderful memory albums that you'll be
able to enjoy for the rest of your life before passing them on
to your family or friends.
http://allears.net/btp/scrapbook/intro.html
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AUDIO GUIDE REVIEW
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by Michelle Scribner-MacLean
Remember the second time you visited Disney World? You were
probably a bit more confident, took your time... and maybe by
your third or fourth trip you felt like a pro... and started
noticing all of the details that make Walt Disney World so
special?
For many of us, the details are one of the many reasons we keep
coming back to the Magic Kingdom. Lou Mongello, author of the
Walt Disney World Trivia books, has put his love of the history
and details of WDW to create The Audio Guide to Walt Disney
World. The recording, which took Mongello about 18 months to
write, record and edit, can be likened to an audio guide that
you rent when you go to a blockbuster museum exhibit, the type
that give you more inside information about what you're looking
at, listening to, and experiencing. This ongoing series, which
will eventually feature each of the lands of the Magic Kingdom,
has high appeal for those wanting to get the "back story" about
the architecture, music and production aspects of Main Street,
USA.
Mongello had several goals in mind when producing this audio
guide. "I really want to be able to both enhance the vacation
experience for the guest who is visiting the parks, as well as
give people a little bit of the 'magic' at home as they prepare
for their next visit, or just when they need a little bit of
Disney in between their visits." In addition, this recording is
an excellent resource for those visitors who are visually
impaired, as Mongello's descriptions are rich and detailed.
Read Michelle's complete review at:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/allearsteam/2008/01/
lou_mongellos_audio_guide_to_w.html
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MONTHLY REMIND-EARS
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Disney's Pirate and Princess Party continues in the Magic
Kingdom on select nights! The February dates are: February 2, 5,
9, 14, 22, 26. http://allears.net/tp/mk/pirateprincess.htm
ESPN The Weekend returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios from
February 29 - March 2. The weekend features on-site ESPN
telecasts, star motorcades, interactive sports activities, and Q
&A sessions involving athletes, all included with regular
admission to the theme park.
2008 Information: http://allearsnet.com/tp/mgm/espn.htm
Reader Reviews:http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?
product=327&cat=65
2007 Photo Gallery: http://allearsnet.com/tp/mgm/espn07a.htm
The Atlanta Braves return to Disney's Wide World of Sports for
Spring Training from February 27 - March 27.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Don't forget to check our Events page for current updates:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/events.htm
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REHABS AND CLOSINGS
Animal Kingdom
Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends will be closed February 18
- 24, 2008.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Journey into Narnia is closed through May 23, 2008.
Fantasmic! will not be performed January 28 - February 1,
2008.
Rosie's All-American Cafe is closed January 7 - February 13,
2008.
Epcot
The American Adventure is closed January 7 - February 3,
2008. (Earlier reports set the reopening as February 18.)
The American Heritage Gallery, shops, and food and beverage
areas will remain open.
Spaceship Earth, presented by Siemens, has been undergoing a
number of changes over the last several months. The changes
combine the attraction's time-travel adventure into the past
with a new finale that provides guests the opportunity to
imagine their futures. Each of the ride scenes is being
enhanced, and new show scenes will be added to the
attraction's story, along with new lighting effects,
costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.
Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully
completed in early 2008. The official reopening of Spaceship
Earth has been changed to February 18. Some folks have
ridden as part of the soft opening testing.
http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_spe1.htm
International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception,
offered as part of the Grand Gathering Experience, will not
be offered from January 28 - February 10. The Odyssey
complex will be refurbished during this time.
Magic Kingdom
Libery Square Riverboat will be closed for refurbishment
from February 24 - March 1, 2008.
Minnie's Country House is closed for refurbishment until
February 1, 2008.
Snow White's Scary Adventures is closed for refurbishment
January 28 - February 15, 2008.
Splash Mountain is closed now through February 15, 2008.
Tinker Bell's Treasures is closed for refurbishment from
January 6 - March 16, 2008.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
There is ongoing construction in the Lodge for conversion of
deluxe rooms to Disney Vacation Club Villas. Also there is
outside construction of a new animal barn and Disney
Vacation Club buildings. Construction is scheduled to last
through April 2009.
Boardwalk Resort
Boardwalk Resort Luna Park (themed pool area) rehab began
January 7, 2008. The pool area will be resurfaced and will
reopen February 16. During this rehab, the pool bar, Leaping
Horse Libations, will also be closed. While the main pool is
closed, guests of the Boardwalk may use the Yacht and Beach
Club's Stormalong Bay pool. In addition, both non-themed
pools at the Boardwalk will remain open.
Caribbean Beach Resort
The themed pool, Old Port Royale, closed for refurbishment
January 7, 2008, and is set to reopen September 15, 2008.
Small, child-sized pool slides will be temporarily added to
the pools in the villages of Jamaica and Barbados.
Contemporary Resort
The North Garden wing has been demolished. The tennis courts
and playground are also gone. Rumors persist about either
family suites or a Disney Vacation Club resort; however, no
official announcement has been made.
Grand Floridian
The Courtyard Pool is closed now through mid-February 2008.
The Beach Pool remains open. Grand Floridian guests may also
use the Nanea Volcano Pool at the Polynesian during this
time.
Old Key West
Turtle Pond Pool and the Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks are
closed for refurbishment January 14 - February 10, 2008
Polynesian
Nanea Volcano Pool will be closed for refurbishment February
11 - March 15, 2008. Guests may use the leisure pool or the
Beach pool complex at the Grand Floridian.
Port Orleans French Quarter
The Doubloon Lagoon pool is closed January 28 through
mid-March 2008. Riverside's Ol' Man Island Pool is open.
Guests may also use Riverside's Alligator Bayou and Magnolia
Bend Pools.
Blizzard Beach is closed for annual refurbishment January 6 -
March 8, 2008.
Downtown Disney
Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club will close as of February 3, 2008.
No future plans for the location have been announced yet.
Wolfgang Puck Express at Downtown Disney Marketplace is
closed for refurbishment now through Thursday, March 6,
2008. When it reopens, it will offer a new menu, a faster
service and an expanded indoor dining area. The West Side
Puck location will remain open during this time.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Be sure to check our Rehabs and Closings page for periodic
updates:http://allears.net/tp/rehabs.htm
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DREAM LOVERS...
WHERE ARE YOU?
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The Year of a Million Dreams, which began Sunday, October 1,
2006, has been extended through 2008, and as part of that
celebration Disney cast members are not just dispensing "dream"
prizes, but are also creating an unprecedented number of
"Magical Moments." These include guests being tapped to help
with the pixie-dusted opening of Magic Kingdom, getting the star
treatment at a celebrity-style handprint ceremony at Disney's
Hollywood Studios, or being named Official Wildlife Spotters at
Disney's Animal Kingdom. We have some reports of guests at Walt
Disney World and Disneyland receiving "dreams" from the Dream
Squad and some of these Magical Moments:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Tammy Sinquefield: Our last day at Disney was at Blizzard Beach.
We got there early and were near the front of the line. About 30
minutes before opening a lifeguard came out and talked to a
couple of families before coming over to us. He talked to us for
a minute and then asked my 8-year-old son if he was going to go
down Summit Plummet. My son said yes. Then he asked us to come
with him and took us through the turnstiles. He announced to the
waiting crowd that my son was the Ski Captain for the day and
that the park couldn't open until he (my son) went down Summit
Plummet! My son received a medallion to wear that said "Ski
Captain," a free refillable mug, free rental towels, free locker
rental and a special hut down by the wave pool that said "Ski
Captain" on it. The Disney photographers took lots of pictures
of us and then took my husband, daughter and son up to Summit
Plummet. I watched at the bottom while my son was the first down
Summit Plummet, then my daughter and husband. The photographers
continued to take pictures for us. It was a Very Special Day
that we'll always remember!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kathy Hamill: Our Magical Moment came when we arrived at Pop
Century on the evening of December 3 for a 3-night stay. I got
in line at registration and was quickly waited on. The cast
member had already processed my credit card and printed my
parking pass, when she asked me to wait just a moment. She went
to get her manager and when they came back, they informed me
that I was the lucky recipient of a special "Year of a Million
Dreams" resort upgrade. The manager explained to me that, with
this upgrade, I would be allowed to "transfer" my resort stay to
a moderate resort for the same value resort price I was paying
at Pop Century. The only catch was that Disney got to pick the
upgraded resort, which for us wound up being Coronado Springs. I
immediately accepted the upgrade and in no time, we were out the
door and heading for Coronado Springs for a great stay.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Susan Kuster: On Wednesday, January 9, 2008, my husband, our
friend's 13-year-old daughter and I were in the staging area for
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, when in walked two members of the Dream
Squad! I immediately whispered to my husband, "We're gonna win
something!" And indeed we did! Dream Fastpasses for the day! But
the surprises didn't end there... about 30 minutes later, while
at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, we (and about 25 others) were
greeted by four more of the Dream Squad and won VIP seating for
the parade! WOW! Two prizes within 30 minutes of each other! We
learned later, while waiting for the parade to start, that the
VIP seating is only given out about once a week, so we felt
extra special. The viewing area is on the steps to the ABC
Studios that are being renovated, and we were given as much Coke
product as we wanted.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beverly White: Thursday, January 10, was our "Magical" day. My
husband, daughter, son and future daughter-in-law (a
first-timer!) were coming off the Living with the Land boat ride
when the Dream Squad approached my daughter, Shannon. Seems she
was in the right seat at the right time on the right ride and
was awarded a $500 shopping spree at Mouse Gear. We couldn't
believe it! I'd read about others getting dreams but never
thought it would happen to us. And what better dream for a
23-year-old girl! We were escorted to Mouse Gear, given big
high-fives from all the cast members and given our own personal
shoppers to help us with our selections. We had a ball! Shannon
didn't know what to get (it can be very overwhelming), but she
finally found her way to the jewelry where she saw the pearls
set. She hesitated but we all finally convinced her to go for
it. It was something she probably would never have gotten for
herself, but thanks to the Mouse and his helpers, her dream came
true. We were also given two group Fastpasses since shopping
took up a bit of our touring time. We felt special all day with
our Million Dreams Winner buttons. Wherever we went, cast
members congratulated us and asked what we had won. Truly a day
to remember.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
EDITOR'S NOTE: If the Dream Squad bestows a "dream" upon you, or
if you receive an official "Magical Moment," please let us know!
We'd love to hear what you won, how you were chosen, and don't
forget to send any photos if you have them! Email us at
allearsnet@yahoo.com
For more Magical Moments: http://allears.net/tp/yomdmm.htm
For Dreams: http://allears.net/tp/yomd.htm
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http://www.sky-magic.com/allears
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TIPS OF THE MONTH!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Our Tips featurette is now monthly! Thanks to
everyone who has written us asking us to return to including
tips every week. Unfortunately, we do not receive enough "new"
tips each week to keep the feature weekly. We have enhanced our
Tips Database, though -- there's a new category that allows you
to pull up the 15 most recently added tips.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Linda McCullough: I just returned from WDW and while there I
purchased a couple of "sippy" cups for my grandchildren. The
cast member told me to make sure that I packed these items in my
suitcase and not in my carry-on because like the snow-globes
they will not make it through security since they have liquid in
them.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kaercher Family: We traveled in December and noticed how the
food available at the counter service restaurants has gotten
healthier - giving more choices to those with Celiac Disease.
Sit-down restaurants were wonderfully accommodating, of course!
I did find out that one counter service location in each park
has gluten-free pizza available. It is not on the menu, you have
to ask for it. In Magic Kingdom it was Pinocchio's and at Epcot
it is in the American Pavilion. Just ask Guest Services as the
location may change. I also found gluten-free brownies and
cookies in Wilderness Lodge and some of the counter service
restaurants. I still brought an easy breakfast to eat in our
hotel room to save time, but once I went out I didn't have to
worry! What a pleasant vacation it was for this Celiac mom!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bethany Lazzara: My husband and 4-month-old daughter (yes, we
really took a 4-month-old to Walt Disney World -- we were THOSE
people) just returned from the World. I had read on your amazing
website about the Baby Care Centers, and I couldn't recommend
their use enough. These areas are the most wonderful places.
This is our first child so we didn't even know they existed.
There are rooms for changing, feeding, breastfeeding and Mommy
and Daddy bathrooms, all in an air-conditioned area. There are
essentials for sale and a lovely Disney cast member working and
helping in any way they can. These centers are a must for anyone
with a child. I cannot express how thrilled we were with the
facilities. I would encourage anyone to use them to the fullest!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kristen M.: If you are using a different dining plan other than
the basic one, let your servers know! On more than one occasion
they would ring us up and come back saying we had no more
credits left. We had to reiterate to them which plan we were
using -- they don't always check on your room key. I know it
gets busy and I hated having to send them back to do it again.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Valerie Fisher: We visited Walt Disney World this past July with
five children ranging from 2 to 14 years old. We found the best
place to line up for character photos was at Epcot's Character
Connection. It is air-conditioned and the staff were very
friendly and interacted with the children and adults. The
characters went out of their way to please and play with my
2-year-old. An experience as an adult I will never forget: Pluto
kneeling on the floor, nose-to-nose with my 2-year-old, and
Minnie and his first kiss.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Look for a selection of tips every month in our Bits and Bites
issue!
Submit your Tips of the Month to: allearsnet@yahoo.com
And don't forget to check our searchable database of reader tips
http://allears.net/rta/tips.php
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NEWS BITES
Disney Grad Nites 2008 will be held in the Magic Kingdom on
April 18, 19, 25, and 26. The Magic Kingdom will close early on
these evenings for these special events for high school senior
classes, which gather for an exclusive, all-night party. Live
performances featured at this year's Grad Nites will be by:
-- Ne-Yo, Grammy nominated hip-hop artist
-- The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, which blends pop-punk, pop,
screamo, and metal
-- The Last Goodnight, featuring piano-driven, guitar heavy,
rhythmic, lush and soulful songs!
-- Cheskob, a Miami-based, Puerto Rican-born singer/producer/
composer who blends classic reggaeton and classic salsa
NOTE: Beginning in 2009, Disney Grad Nites will take place at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. The class of 2009 will be the first
to experience this all-new event.
http://allears.net/tp/mk/grad.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Effective January 26, the daily parking rate at Port Canaveral
increased to $15 per day. The parking rates per cruise itinerary
are now:
-- $45 per parking space for the 3-night cruise
-- $60 per parking space for the 4-night cruise
-- $105 per parking space for the 7-night cruise
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
A photo package will be included for ALL reservations made for
April 27, 2008 and beyond for Princess Storybook Dining at the
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot. Prices are as follows:
Breakfast: $28.99 ages 10 and older; $12.99 ages 3-9
Lunch: $30.99 ages 10 and older; $13.99 ages 3-9
Dinner: $35.99 ages 10 and older; $14.99 ages 3-9
Holiday Pricing will be:
Breakfast: $32.99 ages 10 and older; $14.99 ages 3-9
Lunch: $34.99 ages 10 and older; $15.99 ages 3-9
Dinner: $39.99 ages 10 and older; $16.99 ages 3-9
Price includes non-specialty, non-alcoholic drinks (sodas,
coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, punch, milk). Tax and gratuity
are NOT included.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Passholders can enjoy priority viewing of the Magic, Music and
Mayhem Fireworks Spectacular at Disney's Pirate & Princess Party
on each of the party nights in February 2008 by signing up via
the Passholder website (at disneyworld.com).
http://allears.net/tp/mk/pirateprincess.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The Inaugural Expedition Everest Challenge will take place
September 27, 2008, in the shadows of the attraction's Forbidden
Mountain. The new 5K race includes obstacles and a search for
clues, leading to stamps in an Expedition Passport, all while
avoiding the abominable snowman, the Yeti. An exclusive
after-hours party at Animal Kingdom will be held at the
conclusion of the challenge. Registration for the event begins
February 15. A two-person team can register for $195; solo
trekkers pay $100. Each registrant will receive a one-day, one
park ticket, a Champion Tech-Shirt, a three-month trial
subscription to Men's or Women's Health; admission to the
exclusive After-Hours Party, and a commemorative Inaugural Medal
for all Finishers. For more information on this new event: http:
//disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/
detail?name=EnduranceEverestEventDetailPage
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The seasonal Mickey's Backyard BBQ will resume on March 6, 2008.
This buffet dinner and dance features entertainment and
character experiences Thursday and Saturday nights only from
6:30 to 8 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion. The All-You-Can-Eat
Buffet features cole slaw, cornbread, baked chicken, BBQ pork
ribs, hot dogs and all the fixin s, baked beans,
corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, ice cream novelties, lemonade, iced
tea, beer, and wine. Cost is $44.99 for adults and $26.99 for
children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included). A surcharge will
apply during the peak holiday season, March 16-30, 2008: $48.99
(ages 10+) and $28.99 (ages 3-9). Infants ages 0-2 are free, but
need to be counted in party size. For reservations, call
407-WDW-DINE.
Reader Reviews of the Backyard BBQ:
http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=
127&sort=8&cat=37&page=1
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The Operation Migration (OM) team will soon be arriving at its
winter stopover site in Florida. This organization, dedicated to
the conservation of the endangered whooping crane, leads these
birds on a migration from Wisconsin to Florida using ultralight
planes. Disney has supported this project through the Disney
Wildlife Conservation Fund since 2000. To follow the progress of
OM, or for the opportunity to watch these birds on their arrival
flyover, visit the website field journal at
http://www.operationmigration.org/Field_Journal.html.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Maryland Pin Meet: The popular Parkhopper Pin Meet held in
Rockville, Maryland is returning February 23, 2008. This is not
only a great pin trading meet, but Vince and Suzy have their own
museum of framed pin sets and pins in the room. The fun starts
at 1 p.m. Contact host Vince Gredone for directions:
VINCEGREDONE @ prodigy . net
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ALLEARS(R) HEARS
EDITOR'S NOTE: Items we run in ALL EARS(R) HEARS are from emails
we receive from our readers, and are not necessarily confirmed
announcements from the Walt Disney Company. We run these items
merely as points of interest; they often contain speculation or
hearsay. If we are not able to confirm a piece of information we
receive from a reader by the time we go to press, we may publish
it in the ALL EARS(R) HEARS section to get feedback from others
as to whether the item has any foundation. For factual
information that has been confirmed or published by the Walt
Disney Company, please refer to our NEWS BITES section, which
generally runs above this section.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Many of you wrote in response to Mike Scopa's feature article
last week about the American Adventure. Here are just a few of
the emails:
... from Joe Brown: Thank you so much for Mike Scopa's article
on The American Adventure. What a great summary of the
interesting background on the design and building of the
pavilion. And more importantly, Mike has captured the feeling
and essence of the "experience" of The American Adventure. Being
an avid fan of our country's history and someone who has served
my country in Iraq, The American Adventure is a very special
part of every trip to Disney for me. I have probably visited The
American Adventure a dozen times over the years, and I have yet
to make it though the entire presentation dry-eyed. Many thanks
to AllEars(R) and to Mike Scopa for sharing this insightful and
inspirational article with us.
... from Kelly Coyne: Loved Mike Scopa's article! American
Adventure is my favorite, too. Please thank him for all those
interesting facts about the show that I never knew.
... from Patti Hircak: WOW! After reading Mike Scopa's article
on the American Adventure in Epcot, I want to go back to Disney!
What a wonderful article and a job well done by Mike! By the
way, I tear up during "Golden Dreams," too!
... from Karen: Thank you so much for Mike Scopa's wonderful
article about the American Adventure Pavilion and its
entertainment offerings. I, too, have always loved it and
sometimes am met with skepticism when I tell others about it.
("Isn't it just like a newer version of Hall of Presidents?
What's the big deal?") I have all the CDs available from the
Voices of Liberty and plan my touring schedule during WDW trips
around the VoL's performances. Additionally, although "Golden
Dream" is fabulous, the vignette/song that always moves me to
tears is the Civil War tribute, "Two Brothers." Do you know who
performed that song, and/or who wrote it and whether it's
available for purchase or download?
AllEars.Net Columnist Anita Answer provides this answer:
The name of the song is "Two Brothers,"(C)1951. It is also known
as "One Wore Blue and One Wore Grey." It was written by Irving
Gordon, better known for the famous comedy routine "Who's On
First?" that he wrote for Abbott and Costello. The version heard
in The American Adventure at Epcot and Great Moments with Mr.
Lincoln at Disneyland is sung by Colombian singer, Alicia Almo,
and is not available for purchase. The song has also been
recorded over the years by Kay Starr, Harry Belafonte, Tom
Jones, Rod McKuen, the Weavers, and many other artists.
Hopefully, you'll be able to find a recording by at least one of
them.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Nancy Maloney: Just a quick note about Disney's Lost &
Found. My daughter visited the park with her high school
marching band December 27-30. They marched in the SpectroMagic
Parade and received a special musical experience at Epcot. In
addition, the group was able to enjoy all the parks with their
friends. They had a wonderful time. The only problem was that
several band members, including my daughter, lost their cell
phones while in the parks. Replacing a cell phone in the middle
of a contract can be quite expensive, not to mention the expense
of any call that could have been made while it was lost. Hannah
was very upset, but was directed to fill out a lost and found
report in Guest Relations. She called me to break the news; I
suspended the service and hoped for the best. What a relief to
get a call the next day from the Lost & Found staff that her
phone was found! They told me to expect it in the mail within a
couple of days. Sure enough, we got the phone back, postage
paid, in our mailbox! The trip, which culminated in her band's
performance at the Outback Bowl, was a great hit. Disney treated
the kids so well; the Lost & Found department got a real
work-out, and everyone had a terrific time!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from AllEars(R) Researcher Kenny: Samantha Brown was taping
for an upcoming television show at the Magic Kingdom on Monday.
In between takes she was gracious enough to pose with fans for
photographs. Her producers handpicked a couple of families to
interview and, in between the taping of the two families, a
spontaneous interaction with two small children occurred. They
actually kept the cameras running and taped the interaction.
(And the production assistants got the proper authorization
paperwork so they could use the footage.) Samantha did a great
job with the children. She also taped a segment involving
SpectroMagic, though this time, with more people along Main
Street, she was kept closer to the production crew and had less
fan interaction.
----------------------------------------------------------------
MOUSY MINDBOGGLERS
Sponsored by
Think you know Walt Disney World inside and out? This AllEars(R)
feature is designed to stump Walt Disney World enthusiasts. Put
on your thinking cap!
You can greet this girl in a land well-known
For cinema's golden age
But her virtual home is on TV
Not in films or on the stage
Danger and adventure seem to follow her
Along with her male companion
When you meet with this girl, just watch out
Around her anything can happen!
Who is this contemporary Disney character and where can you find
her in the theme parks?
Think you know the answer? PLEASE, please read our rules
carefully:
1) You must be an ALL EARS(R) subscriber. 2) You must be 18
years of age or older. 3) Only ONE entry per subscriber.
Multiple entries will result in disqualification. 4) All entries
become the exclusive property of ALL EARS(R) and will not be
acknowledged or returned. 5) Only ONE winner per household. If
you've previously won a Mousy Mindboggler snowglobe, please do
not enter again. Your entry will be disqualified. 6) Void where
prohibited.
Our complete Mousy Mindboggler rules can be found at
http://allearsnet.com/ae/mbrules.htm
TO ENTER: Send your guess IN THE SUBJECT LINE of an email
message to: mmindboggler@yahoo.com
DEADLINE: Send your guesses in NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m.
(Eastern), Sunday, February 3, 2008. One email will be chosen at
random from the correct answers.
The winner of this week's Mousy Mindboggler will receive a
beautiful Disney snowglobe courtesy of Shontell Crawford and
http://www.dvcbyresale.com/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Last week we had another "Before and After" challenge, this one
suggested by reader Valerie W. of Maryland. We gaive the
descriptions of two Disney-related terms (restaurant, shop,
attraction, parade, event, etc.) that have a common word in the
middle. The solution is a new, combined Disney-related term.
For example:
One of Epcot's newest thrill rides +
one of WDW's favorite roller coasters in the dark =
Mission: SPACE Mountain (Mission:SPACE + Space Mountain)
Here's this week's Before and After Challenge:
An attraction that leaves you saying, "How'd they DO that?"
+
A unique kind of "coaster" where you just might go "SPLAT!"
=
???
SOLUTION:
Turtle Talk with Crush
+
Crush 'N' Gusher (the water coaster at Typhoon Lagoon)
=
Turtle Talk with CRUSH 'N' Gusher!
Congratulations to Ruth Ann M. of Illinois, whose email was
chosen from among about 125 submitted with the correct answer
this week. Ruth Ann will receive a beautiful Disney snowglobe
courtesy of Shontell Crawford and http://www.dvcbyresale.com/ --
a perfect year-round reminder of the Disney Magic!
Many thanks to all of you for playing!
----------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
All Aboard! An Express Train to the Magic for this group chosen
to be First Family one morning at the Magic Kingdom is featured
in this week's photo, submitted by A.H.
Do YOU have a wonderful photograph that captures the Magic of
Walt Disney World? Send it to us and it could be chosen as our
Photo of the Week! Each week we'll select one photograph that we
think best conveys that extra sprinkling of pixie dust, and
display it for all our readers to see. Send us your favorite
memories and let's see what "develops!"
http://allears.net/pw/pw.htm#guidelines
----------------------------------------------------------------
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES!
WHAT'S NEW ON ALLEARS.NET?
Jennifer Lopez, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Jessica Biel are among
the celebrities featured in the latest "Year of a Million
Dreams" promotional photos by Annie Leibovitz. See some of the
photographs here:
http://allearsnet.com/news/hnews.htm#012808b
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Stays in the new Disneyland Dream Suite will be awarded starting
January 31. For the press release:
http://allears.net/dlr/news/hnews_dl.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
New info is out on the 2008 Food & Wine Weekends at Disney's
California Adventure:
http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dca/dcafw.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
There's always something new at AllEars(R) Blog Central:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/
Deb Wills writes about the special 10th Anniversary Celebration
taking place at Animal Kingdom on April 22, 2008 called A Wild
Decade!
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2008/01/
animal_kingdom_turns_10_in_apr_2.html
Mike Scopa continues his blog on the Disney Marathon Weekend:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/mikescopa/2008/01/
marathoning_with_mike_and_mick_2.html
Jack Spence writes about customized bats at Team Mickey:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/jackspence/2008/01/
rawlings_baseball_bats_1.html
Linda Mac updates information on Mardi Gras over at Universal:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lindamac/2008/01/
2008_mardi_gras_entertainment.html
Laura Gilbreath shares info on healthier snack choices at
Disneyland:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lauragilbreath/2008/01/
healthier_snack_options.html
Picture This! Scott, Lisa and Barrie share their latest photo
tips. Every Sunday a new "Where in the World" photo game begins,
now with a monthly prize drawing!!
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/photoblog
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Need an answer? Then read Anita Answer! This week, Anita answers
questions on where to find good steak at the World, where the
monorails go for maintenance, the original Port Orleans Resort,
refillable mugs, the town of Celebration, and the new Waggin'
Trails Dog Park.
http://allears.net/aa/anita.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
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-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
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----------------------------------------------------------------
ALL EARS(R) Archives: ALL EARS(R) feature articles through
January 8, 2008, have been archived. If you want to receive the
rest of the ALL EARS(R) news and other juicy bits of timely WDW
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