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Walt Disney World's Media Office publishes a monthly Press Release called Dateline Disney, which highlights WDW activities for that particular month.

DECEMBER 2004

In This Edition:

Typhoon Lagoon: "Surf's up" at Typhoon Lagoon as the water park adds a new attraction.
Disney-MGM Studios: The incredible "Incredibles" make appearances and the lights come back on for The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
Magic Kingdom: The most wonderful time of the year means Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Epcot: Candlelight Processional features star narrators from "The Passion of the Christ" and more...
Disney's Wide World of Sports: Chicago Cubs go on a Magical Gathering and Pop Warner Super Bowl kicks off.
Throughout Walt Disney World Resort: New Years Eve celebrations and a new Disney Dollar.
Resorts: Tennis lessons are "served up."
Disney Cruise Line: A magical makeover...and pirates!

*****

Crush 'N' Gusher to Make a Splash with Typhoon Lagoon Guests

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Flash flooding will take on a whole new meaning for Walt Disney World guests in 2005 as they experience Crush 'N' Gusher, a new white-knuckle "water coaster" thrill ride like never before at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

Crush 'N' Gusher will utilize "some of the latest water ride innovations in the industry today," said Patrick Brennan of Walt Disney Imagineering and lead creative designer of the new attraction. "When completed, Crush 'N' Gusher at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be the only water coaster thrill ride of its kind in Central Florida."

While riding Crush 'N' Gusher, guests will be whisked along a series of flumes and spillways that weave through what appears to be a rusted-out tropical fruit facility. It's another chapter of the Typhoon Lagoon legend.

As guests slip and slide through torrents of gushing water, gravity-defying conditions caused by the recent typhoons create crushing bursts that propel guests up and down through cavernous twists and turns, weaving in and out of treacherous wreckage and debris that once transported tropical fruit through the plant's wash facilities.

Walt Disney World guests will have three different fruit spillways to choose from, each ranging between 410 to 420 feet in length with varying degrees of slopes and turns -- Banana Blaster, Coconut Crusher and Pineapple Plunger.

*****

"The Incredibles" Debut at Disney-MGM Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Superheroes Elastigirl, Frozone and Mr. Incredible from the Disney presents a Pixar Film "The Incredibles" greet guests inside newly reopened The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney-MGM Studios. "The Incredibles," which opened in theaters in early November, is a comedy-and-action-packed animation adventure featuring the voice talents of Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Elastigirl) and Samuel L. Jackson (Frozone).

*****

Disney Dollars Are For 'the Birds'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A new, limited edition Disney Dollar featuring Chicken Little, star of the upcoming Disney film of the same name, was to go into circulation in November at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and The Disney Store. The movie "Chicken Little" releases July of 2005.

Disney Dollars are individually serialized currency that can be purchased at Walt Disney World Guest Services and Guest Relations locations. The bills can be saved as an inexpensive keepsake or used for purchases at most Vacation Kingdom merchandise locations.

When Disney Dollars debuted in May 1987, Mickey Mouse appeared on the $1 bill and Goofy on the $5 bill. A $10 bill featuring Minnie Mouse was added in November 1989.

Currency isn't the only place Chicken Little is turning up. A soundstage wall at Disney-MGM Studios is the new canvas for a mammoth mural, complete with an inflatable Chicken Little, celebrating next year's Walt Disney Pictures release.

*****

Chicago Cubs to Have Magical Gathering

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Chicago Cubs baseball team will hold its first Chicago Cubs Magical Gathering at Walt Disney World Resort Dec. 2-6. For five days, attendees will get to meet Chicago Cubs baseball players from past and present, as well as experience holiday offerings throughout the Vacation Kingdom. Accommodations are available at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney's Beach Club Resort. Prices for the resorts vary and include an Ultimate Park Hopper pass.

Players will be on hand Dec. 3 for a Breakfast Welcome Reception and question-and-answer and autograph session at World Showcase Pavilion at Epcot. Cubs scheduled to attend include current players Aramis Ramirez and LaTroy Hawkins and former greats Jody Davis, Fergie Jenkins, Gary "Sarge" Matthews, Lee Smith and Billy Williams.

Also, Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex will host an exclusive baseball experience where fans will have the opportunity to bat, catch and run the bases with Hall of Famers Davis, Matthews and Williams. For more information regarding itinerary and package pricing, call AAA Travel at 1-866-4AAA-CUBS.

Magical Gatherings is an exciting Disney vacation concept for guests marking its first anniversary this fall. Capitalizing on the hot travel trend of "togethering," Magical Gatherings is a new way for friends and family to vacation together as a group with special vacation planning tools and -- for groups of eight or more -- optional experiences including a customized safari, character breakfast and fireworks cruise. Guests interested in booking a Magical Gathering may call 407/W-DISNEY or go to disneyworld.com for more information.

*****

Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championships

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Pop Warner Super Bowl celebrates its 75th annual event and its 10th consecutive year at Walt Disney World Resort Dec. 5-11 when more than 60 youth football teams from across the country converge on Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex to compete for national championships in four age groups -- Junior Pee Wee (ages 8-10), Pee Wee (9-11), Junior Midget (10-12) and Midget (11-14). Some international representatives also may be in this year's field.

In addition to the gridiron competition, close to 300 squads will be ready to strut their stuff during the Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championships at The Milk House.

Pop Warner Little Scholars is the only youth football and cheerleading/dance squad organization in the country. Pop Warner's relationship with the Walt Disney Company dates back to 1959 when Walt Disney himself attended the First Annual Pop Warner Disneyland Bowl Football Festival in southern California.

Tickets may be purchased at the Disney's Wide World of Sports box office. Single-day general admission ticket prices are $10.75 for adults and $8 for children (ages 3-9). Two-day ticket prices are $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for children. Three-day ticket prices are $26.25 for adults and $18.75 for children. And four-day ticket prices are $35 for adults and $25 for children.

*****

Disney Cruise Line Gives the Disney Wonder a Magical Makeover

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line has completed significant renovations to the Disney Wonder cruise ship, adding three age-specific venues that appeal to the varied interests of adults and teenagers and refurbishing interior and exterior areas of the ship. Its sister ship, the Disney Magic, underwent similar renovations a year ago.

During a two-week period, a team of nearly 1,000 crew members and 600 contractors tackled the ship's makeover. Three areas on the ship underwent substantial renovations, making room for Aloft, Cove Café and Diversions.

Aloft is a teen haven for relaxing or socializing. With a cozy décor that is a cross between a college dormitory and a trendy coffee shop, the space is loaded with comfy couches and overstuffed chairs.

Cove Café and Diversions are areas just for adults. Inside Cove Café, located next to the Quiet Cove pool, guests can relax with a popular magazine, watch television, access their e-mail or socialize with other adults. Diversions adds a new dimension to the ship's nighttime entertainment district. Themed as a traditional sports pub and filled with flat-screen plasma TVs, it's a place where guests can gather to cheer for their favorite sports teams or to watch their favorite TV shows.

For more information guests may call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or visit disneycruise.com.

*****

Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A Pirates Life ... Aboard Disney Cruise Line

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The new Pirates IN the Caribbean party is taking over the Disney Magic cruise ship, transforming guests aboard into pirates for the evening and treating them to a scrumptious dinner feast and adventurously themed deck party that would make Captain Jack Sparrow proud.

The new themed evening is currently featured aboard Disney's seven-night cruise vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean but is planned for three- and four-night itineraries in early 2005.

The event combines the traditional cruise dinner and deck party with a rowdy buccaneer bash -- invigorating entertainment, themed dining and brand new special effects blending for an evening that's perfect for every member of the family.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.

*****
Tennis Anyone?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Disney Racquet Club at Disney's Contemporary Resort has introduced a program of tennis lessons, clinics and private instruction that even includes a chance to test skills in a match with a professional.

Guests of intermediate/advanced level can take on the pros and have their performances critiqued by a professional player. "Play the professional" is $40 per hour. Private lessons are structured around guests' ability levels and cost $50 per hour.

For more information or to book one of the new offerings, guests may call 407/WDW-PLAY.

*****

Spectacle of Lights Brings "Christmas time" to the City

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Back by popular demand at Disney-MGM Studios is one of Disney's biggest holiday spectacles -- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.

After creating holiday cheer on Residential Street for eight years, the glittering light display took a break last year as Disney-MGM Studios began construction on the new "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" (opening 2005). Now the lights are back to brighten the Streets of America backlot.

The holiday light display on the theme park backlot features millions and millions of sparkling holiday bulbs designed by Osborne, an Arkansas businessman and philanthropist. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights display started at the Osborne home 18 years ago when Jennings strung 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter Breezy. Soon their 22,000-square-foot home was covered in millions of lights. In 1995, the display began to enchant guests of Walt Disney World Resort.

Dates for the sparkling spectacle are Nov. 24, 2004, through Jan. 2, 2005. The display is included in Disney-MGM Studios admission.

*****
Magic Kingdom a Winter Wonderland
During Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It's the most wonderful time of the year as Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for 12 nights of holiday fun in November and December: Nov. 28 and 30, Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17. The festivities include "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade," the dazzling "Wishes" fireworks show, character greetings and special holiday entertainment, plus a 100% chance of snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight and requires separate park admission. Advance tickets are $36.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $26.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Same-day tickets are $42.95 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $32.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Children under 3 are admitted at no additional charge. For ticket information, guests can contact 407/W-DISNEY.

*****
"The Passion of the Christ" Star to Narrate
Candlelight Processional at Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Actor Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus Christ in the film "The Passion of the Christ," will share the Christmas story with Epcot guests during the 34th annual Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Candlelight Processional is a moving presentation of the traditional Christmas story told by celebrity narrators who are joined by a mass choir and 50-piece orchestra. There are performances each evening at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. (Dates and celebrity narrators subject to change without notice.)

The celebrity lineup:

Nov. 26-28 - Rita Moreno (played Anita in "West Side Story")
Nov. 29-Dec. 1 - Heather Headley (soul music artist)
Dec. 2-4 - Kirk Franklin (the king of contemporary gospel music)
Dec. 5-7 - Jim Caviezel (played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ")
Dec. 8-10 - Marlee Matlin/Jack Jason (from TV's "The West Wing")
Dec. 11-13 - Joshua Morrow (from TV's "The Young & The Restless")
Dec. 14-16 - Eartha Kitt (played Catwoman in TV's "Batman")
Dec. 17-19 - Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian music's most decorated artist)
Dec. 20-22 - Edward James Olmos (from TV's "Miami Vice")
Dec. 23-28 - Gary Sinise (from "Forrest Gump" and TV's "CSI: NY")
Dec. 29-30 - LeVar Burton (from TV's "Star Trek: Generations")
Guests can make an entire evening of Candlelight with special dinner packages starting at $28.99 for adults and $11.99 for children ages 3-11. No dinner packages will be available at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. Guests can make dining reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Candlelight Processional is part of Holidays Around the World, Epcot's international celebration featuring musical groups, choirs, holiday light displays, storytellers and decorations all around World Showcase. Guests can enjoy Holidays Around the World Nov. 26-Dec. 30. It is included with regular Epcot admission.

*****

Walt Disney World Resort Rings in the New Year

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests can don their party hats and wave their noisemakers on Dec. 31 as the Vacation Kingdom rings in 2005 with special entertainment, parades, fireworks, thrills and more.

Downtown Disney Pleasure Island hosts its annual island-wide street party, this year featuring live performances by music artists Cheap Trick, Tone Loc, Kurtis Blow and Kim Waters. A midnight fireworks spectacular lights the sky and the New Year is made even sweeter with delicious desserts and a champagne toast.

The special-ticket event is for revelers 21 and older and takes place from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission to the celebration is $84 plus tax, and includes entry to all Pleasure Island nightclubs. For more information or to order tickets, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY.

Pleasure Island isn't the only spot to ring in the New Year at Downtown Disney. Cirque du Soleil® is hosting an elegant alternative to New Year's Eve with special presentations of La Nouba at 6 and 9 p.m. Guests will receive champagne and a program including a limited edition insert with the performers' signatures. The cost is $20 in addition to regular La Nouba admission. Guests can call 407/939-7600 for more information and to make a reservation.

Magic Kingdom guests can count down to 2005 with double the parades and fireworks -- the "SpectroMagic" parade at 7 and 10:15 p.m., "Wishes" nighttime fireworks spectacular at 8:30 p.m., and a special New Year's Eve "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks show just before midnight. The earlier shows are ideal for families wanting to catch the New Year's spirit but needing to get the little ones to bed. The park is open from 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

Epcot's New Year's Eve Countdown Spectacular offers exciting entertainment for those who want to bring in the New Year with a bang. Festivities include live music and deejays throughout World Showcase and two special showings of "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" (7:30 and 11:40 p.m.) with a New Year's countdown and an "Auld Lang Syne" finale to the late performance at World Showcase Lagoon. Festivities are included with regular Epcot admission.

Disney-MGM Studios guests are in for a jammin' good time with live performances at Sorcerer Hat Stage. Lisa Z & Funhouse will take the stage to play high-energy dance beats at 10 and 11 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. In between sets DJ Charles Miles will keep the crowd pumped with a variety of music spanning the decades. The celebration continues as guests count down to the magic hour while "Lights, Camera, Fireworks!" a fireworks show created just for the New Year, illuminates the sky just before midnight. Complimentary hats and horns will be distributed to guests on Mickey Avenue (while supplies last).

Disney Cruise Line rings in the New Year with ship-wide festivities for the entire family aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Children experience enhanced programming at Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab. The teen areas, Aloft (Disney Wonder) and The Stack (Disney Magic), offer DJ-hosted, teen-only dance parties. Adults enjoy champagne toasts and New Year's Eve entertainment in the adults-only entertainment districts. Rates for New Year's Eve sailings start at $509 (four-night cruise) and $829 (seven-night cruise). For more information guests may call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500 or visit disneycruise.com.