HSM3 Fans Join the Show

Source: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group

Monday November 3, 11:37 am ET

Singalong Version of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" Debuts Nov. 7, 2008, in 125 Digital Theaters

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the biggest opening for a musical ever, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” invites HSM fans to join in the fun with a singalong version of the film premiering Nov. 7, 2008, in 125 theaters nationwide. Employing digital captioning technology, the singalong version of “High School Musical 3” will be available in top markets nationwide, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

“This is the first time Walt Disney Pictures has ever released a singalong version of a movie in theaters nationwide,” said Mark Zoradi, president, Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. “’High School Musical 3’ has already received a tremendous response from audiences everywhere and we felt that the movie’s huge base of enthusiastic fans would really embrace a singalong version.”

Fans can find their nearest singalong showing by logging onto Disney.com/HSM3 and entering their zip code or city/state into the available ticketing application. A listing of area theaters and show times, including singalong showings, will be provided.

About the Movie

Disney’s “High School Musical” phenomenon leaps onto the big screen in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR, in which America’s favorite high school students (ZAC EFRON, VANESSA HUDGENS, ASHLEY TISDALE, LUCAS GRABEEL, CORBIN BLEU and MONIQUE COLEMAN) hit senior year. Amidst a basketball championship, prom and a big spring musical featuring all of the Wildcats, Troy and Gabriella vow to make every moment last as their lifelong college dreams put the future of their relationship in question. A crew of sophomore Wildcats (MATT PROKOP, JUSTIN MARTIN, JEMMA MCKENZIE-BROWN) joins in the fun as the film’s incredible new music and exciting dance numbers take maximum advantage of the big screen. Directed by Kenny Ortega from a screenplay written by Peter Barsocchini, the film opens in theaters Oct. 24.

Nov 01 – News from Magic Kingdom and Epcot ...

Source: http://www.doingflorida.com

The Hall of Presidents, Magic Kingdom, closes today for an eight month refurbishment. It’s not just to install the new President figure but also to make improvements to the lighting, sound, projection and show systems. The film projectors will be replaced with digital-video projection systems and new LED lighting will make it easier for the audience to see the figures during the show. The Hall of Presidents first made an appearance in 1971 and hasn’t really changed much since then. It features a speech by the Lincoln figure and also has a speech made by the current President. Disney hopes the new President will be providing the speech again this time. When the show re-opens there will also be a third speech to listen to, this time from George Washington.

There have been rumours that Disneyland’s Parade of Dreams would be coming to Magic Kingdom. It appears these plans have now been cancelled and the current parade will be updated instead. The new “Disney Dreams Come True” parade is thought to be making its first appearance early next year. Cast members are rumoured to be in rehearsals from the New Year. The main changes are thought to be to the "It Was All Started with a Mouse" and the "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" floats.

The new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure game at Epcot will begin a limited test run with guests after a successful test by cast members. The official opening date for the game is rumoured to be November 12th.

On October 1st all FastPass distribution for show attractions was suspended. The affected shows are Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Stitch’s Great Escape, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Lights, Motors, Action!, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!, and It’s Tough to be a Bug. The reason for the suspension has not been given but will carry on until at least September 30th next year.

Universal Orlando Resort Announces Brand New Roller Coaster

Source: http://www.themeparks.com

That Features Total Immersion Entertainment and Puts Guests In The Director’s Seat

ORLANDO, FL – Adrenaline pumping and music thumping, you find yourself heading straight toward the sky. Suddenly, you are doing 65 mph, 17 stories over Universal Studios. Gasping with excitement, you rock out to a song you picked before strapping in. And, it’s all on video. Once the adventure is over, you edit the video to send to your friends.

This is true high-tech, customizable, multi-sensory entertainment. Scheduled to open in spring 2009, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will stake its claim as the most technologically advanced roller coaster in the world. The Universal Creative team is combining audio and special effects engineering, sophisticated on- and off-board video and one-of-a-kind guest personalization to create a roller coaster experience unlike any other.

“This is the perfect intersection of the digital age and theme park entertainment,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Creative for Universal Parks & Resorts. “Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit blends roller coaster intensity and guest interaction in a way where no two experiences will be the same.”

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit touts six near-miss moments and first-ever thrills including a record-breaking loop. Ride vehicles feature the brightest and most innovative color changing LEDs in the world. High-energy visual displays fill the queue line. With up to four ride vehicles on the tracks at any given time, and with concert lighting and special effects mixed in, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be a true high-intensity, multi-sensory experience that is unmatched.

Guests can customize their ride experience by choosing what song will play while they’re on the roller coaster. LED boards in the queue lines will display song options from five genres (classic rock, rap, country, pop and disco). Once on-board, guests can choose their song or let the coaster’s digital sound system choose for them. When the ride is over, guests will be able to customize footage from their experience and compile it into a take-home music video.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be located near the Jimmy Neutron attraction traveling the southern perimeter of the Universal Studios theme park, over to the CityWalk lagoon and back.

Hollywood Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando

Nowhere to turn. Nowhere to hide.

Come face to face with your deepest fears as Bloody Mary brings her realm of terror crashing into this world. In the haunted houses or on the darkened streets, there’s nowhere you’re safe in the most immersive horror experience ever—Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

On select nights in September, October, and November, Universal Studios Florida^® theme park is transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth of haunted houses, outrageous live shows, and electrifying scare zones while an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roam the darkened studio streets.

Now in its 18th year, Halloween Horror Nights annually drawing hundreds of thousands of horror fans from around the globe to this one-of-a-kind event. Tony Timpone, Editor of Fangoria Magazine, said, “After visiting scream parks all across the US for the last 20 years, I can easily say that Universal’s is the best in the business… Halloween Horror Nights is the ultimate Halloween experience.”

It’s the greatest exhibition of pure terror ever unleashed anywhere, and you can experience it all, LIVE, only at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Click Here For Ticket Information

THIS EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. SORRY, NO COSTUMES OR MASKS ALLOWED.

Watch a Preview of This Years Event

Use Your Pleasure island Annual Passes at Universal CityWalk

The clubs at Universal CityWalk will honor annual passes from Disney's Pleasure Island through March 31, 2009. Pleasure Island clubs closed on September 27th. If you're a Disney premium passholder -- the kind that includes Pleasure Island, water parks and theme parks, Universal will honor those for CityWalk as well.

How does it works? Present your PI pass with valid photo ID at CityWalk guest services before Dec. 31, 2008. In return, you'll receive a CityWalk pass that's good through March 31, 2009, for select venues. They are Red Coconut Club, Bob Marley's, Pat O'Brien's, Citywalk's Rising Star, the groove, Latin Quarter and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. (It excludes VIP admission and special-ticket events like New Year's Eve.)

For more info, call CityWalk guest services at 407-224-2690.

Check out the Universal Night Life in this video

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party SOLD OUT October 31

Bewitching Fun All Season Long as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Reigns at Magic Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look. Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball. Not to be outdone, Mickey’s best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey’s attire.

For Mickey, it’s a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it’s a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon – bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 26 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.

Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the “Boo-to-You” Halloween parade and the bewitching “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular. There’s trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.

2008 Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31. To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit www.disneyworld.com/halloween.

Ticket Prices
Advance Purchase Price*
$42.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
$48.95 + tax (Ages 10+)

Day-of Event Price
$49.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
$55.95 + tax (Ages 10+)
Buy tickets online* now or call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639)†

*Advance purchase price available on the following event nights when purchased prior to day of event: 9/5/08, 9/9/08, 9/12/08, 9/16/08, 9/23/08, 9/28/08, 9/30/08, 10/2/08, 10/4/08, 10/5/08, 10/7/08, 10/9/08, 10/13/08, 10/19/08, 10/21/08, 10/28/08.

SOLD OUT: October 31

Additional Information
Admission to this event requires a separate ticket.
Tickets valid only during specific dates and hours.
Entertainment is subject to change without notice.
For safety, please choose costumes that are not obstructive or offensive.
Some parade routes or show areas have designated viewing areas for Guests with disabilities. These areas are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guest Relations can provide information on show times and other special events on the day of each visit.

Check out this video of last years Halloween Party

Saving Money & Having Fun on International Drive in Orlando

Excerpt from the ebook "A Mom's Miserly Guide To Orlando & Disney" by Kelly Goode.

For a vacation that is going to include, Disney, Universal, Sea World, the beaches, etc. the most centrally located and ideal place to stay is on International Drive. This area has everything a tourist could want. You can find any type of hotel room possible, from a kid-oriented hotel to an exclusive and decadent (only in the good way) hotel like the Orlando Peabody Resort.

International Drive is actually a strip, like Las Vegas, packed with affordable eats, sights, shops, and hotels. At I-Drive’s north end is Universal Orlando ® Resort, which includes Universal Studios ® (the original, movie-themed park), Islands of Adventure ® (a theme park featuring five action-packed islands), several hotels, and City Walk ® (a shopping-dining-nightclub complex). Wet ’n Wild water park is nearby. (Only go to Wet ‘n Wild if you aren’t going to the Disney Water Parks. It is cheaper, so if you are saving money and doing the Universal parks, then you may want to consider this. All kids seem to love those water slides and wave pools!

International Drive has two different sections, one that is tropical with lush greens and medians, and the other is more like the Las Vegas strip. You will see giant colored buildings in various shapes and colors, huge outdoor mini-golf attractions with animal Second Choice to shapes and pirate ships, and even live alligators are all around. On one building you can see a full mock up of the space shuttle.

You can walk the entire length of International drive if you wish, but it is long, especially if you have little ones. There are plenty of sidewalks, restaurants, shops, and activities.

Getting Around International Drive

I-RIDE–I-RIDE Trolleys are the fun way to get around the International Drive Resort Area. The route stretches from Belz Factory Outlets on the north end to Orlando Premium Outlets on the south end. Fully enclosed and air-conditioned, the I-RIDE trolley operates year-round and includes stops at shops, restaurants, attractions and hotels. Fares: adults 75 cents; senior (65 +) 25 cents; children (12 and under) free. Area hotels sell passes: one-day pass $2, three-day $3, five-day $5 and week pass $7. 407-248-9590. Limousine Services–For business and personal needs, there are several limousine companies ready to serve you. Exotic Limousines, 407-240-6010; Luxury Rides, 407-493-9477, 1-800-581-8436;Superior Transportation, 407-816-8606.

International Drive Hotels We Suggest

With our experience in this area, we chose three hotels that offer you a lot of value for your money in this area. They are basic, with pools, and right in the I-Drive action.

Find over 200 pages of Orlando money saving tips in Kelly's book at: www.momsmiserlyguide.com

Check out this video on Orlando's International Drive

Disney's Festival of The Masters Nov 7-9 2008

Downtown Disney becomes an outdoor art gallery for more than 150 artists to display original works during the 33nd annual Festival of the Masters at Walt Disney World Resort, November 7-9, 2008.

To qualify for Festival of the Masters art show, artists must have earned an award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Potential exhibitors submit award verification and samples of their art to a jury who select the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the Festival will be treated to one of the finest collections of art in the nation.

Artists of sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, and digital art are just some of the genres showcased at the event. Street painters from the Central Florida Chalk Artists Association will create on some 6,000 square feet of sidewalk with unique drawings. Youngsters can take in the fun with live music, face painting and interactive kid's zones.

Check out this video from last years show

Disney World Closures And Rehabs 2008

Closure and Rehab information is collected from various highly respected sources. However, it is not guaranteed 100% accurate and is subject to change at anytime. For current related information go to: www.disneyworld.com

Magic Kingdom

Country Bear Jamboree - closed for Rehab September 28 - October 31, 2008.
The Hall of Presidents - closed for rehab November 1, 2008 - July 1, 2009
Swiss Family Treehouse - closed for rehab September 16 - October 3, 2008
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - closed for rehab December 14 - 20, 2008
Splash Mountain - closed for rehab January 4 - 17, 2009
Dream Along with Mickey - closed for rehab January 6 - 20, 2009
Dumbo the Flying Elephant - closed for rehab January 7, 2009
Peco's Bill Cafe - closed for rehab January 11 - February 13, 2009
Mickey's PhilharMagic - closed for rehab January 18 - February 6, 2009

Epcot

Leave a Legacy - sales ended June 16, 2007 (tiles will remain)
Nine Dragons Restaurant - in Land of China closed until November 27, 2008 for major renovations, including an exhibition kitchen where diners will be able to interact with the chefs.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Once Upon a Time, Mouse About Town, Sunset Club Couture - closed for rehab September 2 - November 22, 2008.
High School Musical 2: School’s Out! - final performance on September 13, 2008. New show based on High School Musical 3 Senior Year debuts on October 24, 2008.

Animal Kingdom

Primeval Whirl - closed for rehab September 2 - November 15, 2008
PetriFries - closed for rehab November 2 - 21, 2008

Downtown Disney

Pleasure Island - All clubs closed permanently September 27, 2008
Portobello Yacht Club Restaurant - closed September 27 - October 13, 2008
MarketPlace Stage - closed for rehab July 7 - November 30, 2008.

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon - closed for annual rehab October 26, 2008 - March 21, 2009
Blizzard Beach - closed for annual rehab September 28 - October 25, 2008

See Disney World in 3D with Google Earth

Disney guests can now use Google Earth, a program which offers a 3D digital model of the world, to virtually tour Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, as well as its 22 hotels and resorts. An overview of Walt Disney World Resort in 3D, along with instructions on how to get started, can be found at - www.disneyworld.com/3dparks

Here is a little sample below:

Disney's New Years Events for 2008

Epcot

a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:40 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat. A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m. The park is open from 9 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.

Magic Kingdom

Late-nighters can partyuntil the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore. The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.

Check out this video from New Year's Eve 2007

New Disney Restaurant T-Rex Grand Opening

Disney bills it as "A prehistoric family adventure" where you can eat, shop and explore. T-Rex cafe in Downtown Disney features a full-service dining and retail shopping experience encompassed in a prehistoric world filled with humungous dinosaur animatronics. There is a large selection of souvenirs, apparel, toys and other dinosaur related merchandise for you to devour also. Check out the Grand Opening video below, and see for yourself.

Disney World Discount Tickets and Coupons

Printable Orlando Coupon Page: Go to this page and print it out. Then just cut out the coupons that you would like to use. It's that simple!

Click Here For Coupons

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* 3-Day Magic Your Way Ticket with the Water Park Fun & More Option
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Check Out Ticket Prices Through This Special Link:

Theme Park Tickets - which ticket is right for me?

Prices on Undercover Tourist site reflect additional discount. Offer valid while supplies last.

Disney News For Vacation Planners

Disney’s Pleasure Island closed for good on September 27th 2008
During the next couple of years, Disney will reopen the Pleasure Island venues with a broader mix of restaurants and shops making it more family friendly.

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Disney's Hollywood Studios newest attraction "American Idol Experience" has been pushed back from January of 2009 to the Spring of next year.

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New Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure Coming To Epcot
A new interactive experience is scheduled to premiere in late 2008, or early 2009. Disney's "Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure" will have guests partnering with "Team Possible" in saving the world from villains and their mad inventions.

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Extra Magic Hour Wristbands Eliminated In September 2008
Disney is eliminating the wristbands which have been in use for Disney Resort guests wishing to take advantage of evening Extra Magic Hours. Disney Resort guests will need to use their Resort ID's as proof of eligibility starting September 7.

Disney 2009 Theme Announced - It's A "Celebration Vacation"

In 2009, Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be featuring "Celebration Vacations".
A highlight of this celebration is free admission to a theme park on your Birthday

Free Theme Park Admission on Your Birthday Details:

To receive free admission to one of the Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks on your birthday in 2009, guests must bring valid ID including proof of birth date. Guests who already hold a valid multi-day ticket they will use on their birthday may choose from other birthday treats instead, however, no cash refunds or credits will be given. To register your birthday and find out more details, visit www.disneyparks.com.

The campaign doesn’t stop there as Disney wants everyone who is celebrating some kind of “life event” in 2009 (birthday, anniversary, graduation, honeymoon, etc) to think of Disney as the place to go. To go along with this many of the full service restaurants will be offering special options such as a “Magical Pop-Up Party Pack” to celebrate a birthday, or the ability to order a custom cakes 48 hours in advance and have it waiting for you. Special online tools will become available soon to help you custom design your stay. Finally Disney promoted the What Will You Celebrate Tour, which will be hitting 30 different cities around the country over the next several months. Here is the corrected and final list:

West Coast Tour: Jan 19-Vancouver, Jan 21-Seattle, Jan 23-Portland, Jan 26 & 27-Sacramento, Jan 30 & Feb 2-San Francisco, Feb 4 & 5-Frenso, Feb 9-Las Vegas, Feb 11-Salt Lake City, Feb 16-Denver, Feb 19 & 20-Phoenix
Central Tour Group: Sept 25-Minneapolis, Sept 29-Chicago, Oct 1-Milwaukee, Oct 3-Detroit, Oct 6-Pittburgh, Oct 8-Cincinnati, Oct 10-Indianapolis, Oct 14-Dallas, Oct 16-Houston, Oct 20-New Orleans
East Coast Tour: Sept 24-Toronto, Sept 29-Boston, Oct 1-Providence, Oct 3-New York, Oct 6-Hartford, Oct 8-Philadelphia, Oct 10- Washington DC, Oct 13-Baltimore, Oct 15-Charlotte, Oct 17-Atlanta.

The announcement comes on the heels of Walt Disney World's latest price hike, which brought single-day, single-park admission to $79.88 for ages 10 and up