Dateline Disney

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Disney to Fill July 4 Skies with Special Edition 'Heritage' Fireworks

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- July 4 guests at Disney-MGM Studios and Magic Kingdom will be treated to performances of fireworks shows that are part of the parks' heritage but rarely seen in recent times at Walt Disney World Resort:

"Sorcery in the Sky," a dazzling fireworks show and symphonic serenade, celebrates the magic of motion pictures at 9 p.m. at Disney-MGM Studios. The spectacular was the park's "good-night kiss" for years following its premier in 1990 -- until the Disney entertainment wizards crafted "Fantasmic!" which has been captivating guests most nights since 1998.
"Fantasy in the Sky," familiar to generations of Magic Kingdom visitors who "oohed" and "aahed' its bursts of color above Cinderella Castle for more than a quarter century beginning in 1975, will be presented at 9 p.m. in a special edition that includes extra dazzling pyrotechnics. "Wishes" fireworks spectacular replaced "Fantasy in the Sky" in 2003.
Meanwhile, Epcot's nighttime spectacular, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," will be presented at 10 p.m.

Walt Disney World theme park hours on July 4: Magic Kingdom (9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.), Disney-MGM Studios (9 a.m.-10 p.m.), Epcot (9 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).

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Last Chance to See Lucky the Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In July, Walt Disney World guests will have their last chance to meet Lucky the loveable dinosaur as he bids farewell to his home at Disney's Animal Kingdom in search of new adventures worldwide.

The nine-foot-tall, 450-pound Lucky represents the latest innovation in Audio-Animatronics design and is the first Disney character of its type to walk freely and personally interact with guests.

After a prototype test period in California, Lucky came to Walt Disney World Resort in May for a limited time to help launch the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," the global salute to 50 years of Disney park magic.

Lucky the Dinosaur, who delights crowds by sneezing, laughing and talking, will continue to mingle with guests and occasionally sign his special four-leaf clover autograph in the theme park's DinoLand, U.S.A. through July 28, 2005.

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ESPN Great Outdoor Games Roll Into Walt Disney World July 7-10

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- From log rolling and the hot saw to dog jumping and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) racing, the ESPN Great Outdoor Games VI promises to bring outdoor excitement to Central Florida and Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, July 7-10. Many of the world's most talented outdoor athletes -- and animals -- will compete in the ultimate championship for outdoor sports.

The Great Outdoor Games moved to Central Florida after successful events in Lake Placid, N.Y., Reno, Nev., and Madison, Wis. The sixth annual Games will showcase target sports, timber events and sporting dogs. ATV skills competitions will also be introduced for the first time, while fishing will not be part of this year's event.

With the exception of the rifle and shotgun target-sport events, all Great Outdoor Games events during the four days will be held at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Rifle and shotgun events will be contested at the Tenoroc Range in Lakeland, Fla.

The Games will be broadcast July 13-17 on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports. For more information on the ESPN Great Outdoor Games, guests may visit espn.com/outdoors.

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AAU National Championships Held at Disney in July & August

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- During July more than a dozen national and regional Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships will be decided at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, including the 17:U and 19:U AAU Girls Basketball National Championships (July 5-11), the 16:U and 17:U AAU Boys Basketball Super Showcases (July 20-27) and the AAU Junior Boys Basketball National Championship (July 26-Aug. 1).

The lineup of championships in July also includes baseball and track & field.

The AAU, headquartered at Walt Disney World Resort since 1996, is the largest amateur sports organization in the United States. The AAU annually hosts athletic competitions across the country for more than 400,000 athletes of varying ages in some 32 sports. This summer marks the ninth consecutive year the AAU has given young athletes from all 50 states the opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World Resort for athletic competitions.

For more information on Amateur Athletic Union championship events, guests may call 407/934-7200 or visit aausports.org.

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U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships Get Their Kicks July 27-31

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The United States Youth Soccer National Championships will return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex July 27-31. The National Championships conclude a yearlong tournament, which features competition for girls and boys teams (ages 12:U-19:U). Regional champions in every age division from all four regions advance to the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships for the 48-team tournament.

In addition to identifying the country's best club teams, the tournament also honors special accomplishments, including: the SNICKERS Fair Play Award given to the team displaying the most positive conduct towards opposing teams and officials throughout the competition; the adidas Golden Glove Award given to the top goalkeeper in each boys and girls age group; and the adidas Golden Boot Award given to the top scorers in each division. For more information on U.S. Youth Soccer events, guests may visit usyouthsoccer.org.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Training Camp Opens at Disney in July

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex for their 2005 NFL training camp, July 29-Aug. 17. The Buccaneers, who have trained at the 220-acre sports complex for the past three years, are the first NFL team to conduct a preseason training camp at Walt Disney World Resort.

Fans will have the opportunity to see Head Coach Jon Gruden and favorite Bucs players in action when the team takes the practice fields for "two-a-day" workouts -- daily morning and afternoon sessions -- on the Hess Sports Fields at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Training camp practices will be free and open to the public. For more information, guests may call 407/939-GAME, or visit disneyworldsports.com and buccaneers.com.

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Chicken Little, Ugly Duckling Join Disney-MGM Studios Family of Stars

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Abby Mallard (aka the Ugly Duckling) and Chicken Little are the latest stars of the silver screen to join the family of stars at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. The animated duo are featured in the Walt Disney Pictures' animated feature film "Chicken Little" which will be released in theaters nationwide on Nov. 4, 2005.

In addition to meeting guests and posing for photographs inside the theme park's Magic of Disney Animation attraction, Ugly Duckling and Chicken Little also will serve as Grand Marshals of the daily "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade which caravans throughout the theme park.

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Children Can Build Their Own 'My Little Pony' at Downtown Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- My Little Pony is back in a big way and capturing the imaginations of a new generation. One of the most popular toys of the 1980s, the newest edition of the beloved Hasbro toy is now featured at Walt Disney World Resort at the Once Upon a Toy store at Downtown Disney.

The 16,000-foot retail playground is home to a new build-your-own My Little Pony area, where guests of all ages can customize and accessorize ponies with crowns, brushes, jewelry and exclusive Disney accessories. The giant kiosk also includes interactive, video touch-screens designed just for little hands. Guests purchase as many accessories as they can stuff in one sizable box.

In addition to My Little Pony, Once Upon a Toy offers new Disney and Hasbro toy brands including a build-your-own Mr. Potato Head area, special Disney theme park editions of traditional Hasbro games including Monopoly and Clue, and a galaxy of "Star Wars" action figures, games and collectibles from George Lucas' popular sci-fi saga.

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Walt Disney World Golf Offers Junior Golf Camps This Summer

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Golf is offering a series of five-day junior golf camps for youngsters (ages 8-15) this summer. Each week is filled with instruction from members of Disney's PGA Teaching Staff. Sessions focus on rules, safety and etiquette and include swing drills, skills competitions and general play on Disney's Oak Trail golf course.

Monday-to-Friday camps are held June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15 and July 18-22. The camps are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The weeklong program costs $275. To reserve a spot or for additional information guests may call 407/938-3435 or visit disneyworldsports.com/golf.