MouseTyme Vacations

The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic® and the Disney Wonder®. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

“Since our maiden voyage in 1998, the Disney Cruise Line® has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike,” Iger said. “It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We’re excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us.”

Disney Cruise Line® established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children’s activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line® continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn’t been for the Disney brand.

“Focusing on families has been smart business for us,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line® guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line® continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent.”

Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line® ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.

Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line®, said, “This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line®, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level.”

New itineraries

Disney Cruise Line®, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.

“With a larger fleet, we’ll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries,” Rasulo said. “This is a business that our guests love, and we’re pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships.”

Transatlantic Magic for You

Fantastic savings , Don’t wait. This is a 1 time sailing

When Disney Cruise Line® repositions the Disney Magic® for the summer of 2007 to the Mediterranean, the excitement begins 14 night Transatlantic sailings book with a 14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic cruise setting sail May 12. By booking now, you can take advantage of this voyage of a lifetime. If you bring along a 3rd, 4th or 5th guest, you’ll sail for an amazing $99** per person.

The new pricing for the 14-night Transatlantic voyage (5/12/07) EASTBOUND is as follows:

*Category 12 = Sample - $1,399 per person, 1st and 2nd guest
**Category 4-12 - Pay $99 for 3rd/4th/5th Guests (adults and children)

You will thrill with spectacular sights such as: the Pyramids of Guimar and Las Canadas National Park in Tenerife; the world-famous Cadiz open-air market with its ancient streets and numerous cafés; the Great Siege Tunnels of Gibraltar; the beauty and architecture of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona; and a visit to Disney’s own paradise, Castaway Cay. You will have have the ship for six consecutive nights at sea to live it up or wind it down with unique Broadway-style entertainment, oceans of activities, delicious dining, impeccable Disney service and more.

*Rates valid for 14-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise commencing 5/12/2007. Rate valid for stateroom Category 12. Government taxes and fees and excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line® brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions. Other discounts do not apply. Rates in U.S. dollars.

**Third, fourth and fifth Guest prices valid with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Rate valid for stateroom Categories 4-12.

Are you visiting the Walt Disney World in the next few weeks?

Pass through the gates of the Magic Kingdom® and become immersed in a world of pirates and princesses. Begin by picking up your “treasure map” and “treasure bag” to choose your course. As you embark on your quest for beads and chocolate treasures, you are witness to a special pirate and princess parade and fireworks spectacular.  Experience pirate coves and princess courts filled with treasures and specially themed entertainment.  Plus, you can enjoy character greetings, a stage show and some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions. *For safety, costumes must not be obstructive or offensive. Only a few dates left  2007 DATES & TIMES: 7:30 pm - 12:30 am (on dates listed below) Frebruary:  23, 26 March: 2, 5, 8   TICKETS: Event participation is not included with regular Theme Park admission. A separate ticket is required. Tickets are valid for entry only during the event time (listed above) for the date purchased. As event nights often sell out in advance, purchasing tickets at the earliest possible date is highly recommended. Advance Purchase Savings $36.95 plus tax (Ages 10 & up) and $29.95 plus tax (Ages 3 to 9) Day-of Tickets $42.95 plus tax (Ages 10 & up) and $35.95 plus tax (Ages 3 to 9) WDW Passholders/Disney Vacation Club members Advance Purchase Savings* Valid only on: 01/22, 01/26, 01/29, 02/01, 02/05. $32.95 plus tax (Ages 10 & up) and $25.95 plus tax (Ages 3 to 9) *Proof of membership required to receive pricing listed       ENTERTAINMENT: (subject to change) Embark on a quest for treasure (beads and chocolate treasures) 3 pirate coves & 3 princess courts Beads/chocolate giveaways Interactive activities (pirate lessons or a dance party) Character/atmosphere entertainment “Magic, Music and Mayhem” Fireworks Spectacular (NEW) Disney’s Enchanted Adventures Parade (NEW) Castle Stage Show Use of some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions Character Meet & Greets

February 28 - March 29, 2007  16 home games there
Kids attending can run the bases after the games, and all fans can seek players’ autographs along the first and third base lines (near the dugouts). This year’s game schedule:

–February 28 vs. Georgia Tech, 1:05 p.m.
–March 1 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:05 p.m.
–March 2 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05 p.m.
–March 3 vs. Houston Astros, 1:05 p.m.
–March 5 vs. Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
–March 8 vs. New York Yankees, 1:05 p.m.
–March 10 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m.
–March 13 vs. Houston Astros, 7:05 p.m.
–March 16 vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 7:05 p.m.
–March 17 vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.
–March 18 vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:05 p.m.
–March 19 vs. Cleveland Indians, 1:05 p.m.
–March 22 vs. New York Mets, 1:05 p.m.
–March 25 vs. Washington Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
– March 27 vs. Detroit Tigers, 7:05 p.m.
–March 29 vs. Cleveland Indians, 1:05 p.m.

Individual tickets
$14 (general admission lawn seats)
$22.50 (lower reserved).
Available online HERE, by phone at 407-839-3900 and in person at Disney’s Wide World of Sports box
office.

February

Feb. 8, 12, 15, 23 & 26

Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party

Feb. 9, 10 & 14
Sweetheart Island at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Feb. 16, 17 & 20
Parti Gras at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Feb. 25 - March 3

A Wonderful Weeks of Disney Winter Week

Feb. 28 - March 29
Atlanta Braves Spring Training

March

March 2 - 4
ESPN The Weekend

March 2, 5 & 8
Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party

March 4 - 10
A Wonderful Weeks of Disney Winter Week

March 15, 16 & 17
St. Patrick’s Day at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Romance blooms at the 13th Annual Epcot® Flower and Garden Festival. Spring into the planting season at the biggest flower and garden party that ever bloomed. If it grows, it shows — from vibrant bedding plants to whimsical topiaries. And learn the tricks of the trade from Disney’s own gardening crew. With the rockin’ “Flower Power” Concert series and ladybug releases, it’s a family event that’s sure to grow on you.

Known by gardening aficionados for its celebrity guest speakers, hands-on seminars and planting demonstrations, this seven-week festival will showcase thirty million blooms, intricately designed floral beds, artfully crafted bonsai trees, lush rose gardens and plenty of Disney character topiaries.

EVENT DATES:
April 5-June 3, 2007
 

EVENT TICKETS:
Admission to this event is included with valid Theme Park admission.  However, there are some events which will be priced separately. More information about these events will be provided at a future date.

• Themed Weekends
• Mother’s Day Brunch
• Flower Power Concert Series: To be performed nightly at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m.
  in the America Gardens Theatre:

4/5  4/9 — Paul Revere and The Raiders
4/10  4/14 — Tony Orlando in Concert
4/15  4/18 — The Buckinghams
4/19  4/21 — The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie
4/22  4/24 — The Box Tops (New)
4/25  4/28 — The Tokens
4/29  5/1 — Peter & Gordon (New)
5/2  5/3 — Jose Feliciano (New)
5/4  5/5 — Petula Clark (New)
5/6  5/10 — Nelson, featuring the songs of Ricky Nelson
5/11  5/15 — Davy Jones
5/16  5/19 — BJ Thomas
5/20  5/22 — Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
5/23  5/26 — The Guess Who
5/27 — The S.O.S. Band
5/28  5/30 — Gary Puckett
5/31  6/3 — Hermans Hermits starring Peter Noone

Special Exhibits
Ultimate Backyard Garden Party, Growing Future Gardeners, Tinker Bell’s Fairy Garden, Garden Railway, WaterFULL World, Ladybug Release, Minnie’s Magnificent Butterfly Garden, Sculpture Garden, Fragrance Garden, Penjing (Chinese Bonsai), Italian Container Gardens, Shishi-odoshi (Clacker Garden) and a Bonsai Collection
 

Great American Gardeners
2005 guests included Paul James, Roger Swain, Clyde Butcher, Robert Bendick Jr., Raymond Western, Jaret Daniels, Pat Lanza, Robert Bowden and Tom MacCubbin

• Ask an Expert
• Disney Gardening at Home
• Planting Pointers
• Art in the Garden Gallery
• Festival Blooms
• Festival StoreFestival Merchandise

Click Here To Get Started

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Disney Vacation Club is developing a new time-share resort on Walt Disney World property to meet ongoing strong demand for its unique vacation-ownership program.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas will be located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which readers of Travel & Leisure Family magazine recently honored with the No. 4 spot on their list of the 50 greatest family resorts in the United States and Canada.
  

“We continue to see strong demand from families who want to build a lifetime of unforgettable memories by vacationing in ways they never dreamed possible,” said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. “I am delighted to announce that our members will have yet another place to call home with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. This begins another exciting new era for Disney Vacation Club as we continue to explore future destination possibilities both domestically and internationally.”

 

The Disney Vacation Club accommodations will feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and most will offer sweeping views of an expanded savanna inhabited by a variety of African animals. Members who call this resort “home” will live their very own true-life adventure in a setting inspired by the intrepid explorers and historic expeditions of 19th century Africa.

 

Walt Disney Imagineers are designing the new village of Vacation Homes to feel curiously at home in the natural world. The architectural style will evoke the look of a thatched-roof, hewn-timber structure that will appear to emerge organically from the land beneath it, drifting in and out of view from lush landscapes like a giraffe hiding in the tall grasses of the savanna. Add authentic artwork, imaginative architectural details and Disney’s world-class brand of storytelling, and the result will be an immersive village unlike any other. 

 

These new accommodations are scheduled for development in phases with an anticipated opening beginning fall 2007, with completion scheduled for spring 2009. The project’s first phase will include 134 remodeled accommodations on the fifth and sixth floors of the existing Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge building, and subsequent phases will include the construction of 324 Vacation Homes in a new building on the resort property, for a total of 458 Vacation Homes. 

 

The highly anticipated project also calls for construction of a new table-service restaurant, themed pool and water-play area, fitness center, merchandise shop, sports-and-recreation facilities and more. 

 

Disney Vacation Club, now celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, is an innovative time-share program that lets families enjoy flexibility and savings on future vacations at Disney destinations and more than 500 other popular vacation sites around the world. Since 2000, Disney Vacation Club membership has doubled to include more than 300,000 individuals from more than 100 countries and every U.S. state. 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas will be the eighth Disney Vacation Club Resort, joining five others at the Walt Disney World Resort, one in Vero Beach, Fla., and one in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Disney 

 

Vacation Club has sold out of memberships at its first six resorts, and sales remain ahead of schedule at its seventh property, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which opened in May 2004 near the Downtown Disney area at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney announced this week the opening of the “Disney Wish Lounge” This very special lounge in the Magic Kingdom is for children who visit the parks through companies like Make-a-Wish Foundation and Give Kids the World. Snuggled between the Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center and Casey’s Corner, This is a great place for our special children and their families to enjoy light refreshments, receive vacation-planning help or to just relax without having to leave the park. The lounge is decorated with Aladdin’s Genie, well known for granting wishes.