Disney Parks guests can get the most out of February 29 when Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California celebrate Leap Year by keeping a theme park on each coast open for 24 hours of nonstop memory-making fun.

For the first time ever, both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park will stay open for 24 hours straight as part of a bi-coastal salute called “One More Disney Day.” From 6 a.m., February 29 to 6 a.m., March 1, 2012, local time, guests can fill the extra day of leap year with a marathon of Disney magic and fun.*

And for 60 days straight – from Jan. 1, 2012 to Feb. 29, 2012 – a daily winner will be chosen in the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” to receive a Disney Parks vacation.  One entrant each day will win a vacation for four to make memories at either Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.**

For the past year, Disney Parks has invited guests to “let the memories begin,” noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012. To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.
Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:

• Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels.  The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012. ***

In 2011, Disney Parks has encouraged families to “Let the Memories Begin,” with guests celebrating their only-at-Disney memories by sharing their vacation stories, photos and videos online at DisneyParks.com/memories.

Guests can find out more information about other Disneyland Resort offers and tickets at www.disneyland.com and other Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket offers at www.disneyworld.com. Guests can find out more information about “One More Disney Day” and get official rules for the “Disney Parks One More Disney Day Sweepstakes” at www.OneMoreDisneyDay.com.

*Select attractions, entertainment and services will be available for 24 hours. Subject to capacity restrictions.  Valid theme park admission required.

** NO PURCHASE/ TEXT MESSAGE NECESSARY.  Void where prohibited.  Open only to persons who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors.  Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 1/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 2/29/12.  To enter, send on your cell phone the key word “DISNEYDAY” as an SMS text message to the SMS shortcode 347639 (Disney).  Msg. & data rates may apply. Or to enter for free and for Official Rules, visit Disney.com/memoriessweeps.  If entering via SMS you will receive a confirmation text in response to your entry.  LIMIT: ONE ENTRY ALLOWED PER PERSON/Cell/Address for each day.  Sponsor:  Disney Online 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.

*** Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.  Room charge based on average per night rate of applicable room during stay.  Offer is valid for bookings from 1/1/12 through 1/31/12 for arrivals from 2/26/12 through 3/10/12.  One (1) consecutive night will be added to the hotel stay and one (1) day added to the tickets.  Offer applied once per package/reservation and excludes suites.  Disneyland® Resort multi-day tickets expire 13 days after first use or 3/23/12, whichever occurs first, Walt Disney World® tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.  Each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Advanced reservations required.  No group rates or other discounts apply.  Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Check for packages of other lengths of stay.  Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50.  ©Disney

Friday night was a wonderful evening to see the Candlelight Processinal at Epcot. It is an established holiday tradition for the guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort and a highlight of the season at Epcot.

Friday evening’s celebrity narrator was none other than Isabella Rossellini; the star of fashion, film, stage and television as well as a writer, director and producer for television and film.

I have been a fan of hers for years and was excited to see her narrate the show. Interspersed between the musical performances, Ms. Rossellini told the story of the birth of Jesus. The full musical program for the show was:

• Processional
• Shout for Joy
• O Come All Ye Faithful
• Il Est Né
• O Holy Night
• Angels from the Realms of Glory
• Away In A Manger
• Rejoice With Exceeding Great Joy
• What Child Is This
• Do You Hear What I Hear
• Silent Night
• Joy To The World
• The Hallelujah Chorus
• Recessional

The chorus and orchestra were amazing as directed by Dr. William Powell who is the Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities at Auburn University.

Ms. Rossellini had a smile on her face throughout the entire performance and really seemed to enjoy the show immensely. The remaining performances for the Candlelight Processional are nightly at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. with celebrity narrators:

• December 11 – 12, Neal Patrick Harris
• December 13 – 15, Lorraine Bracco
• December 16 – 18, Chita Rivera
• December 19 – 21, Trace Adkins
• December 22 – 24, Susan Lucci
• December 25 – 27, Blair Underwood
• December 28 – 30, Marlee Matlin

Wrapping it Up

If you have not been to the show before and will be in town during the holidays, I recommend visiting Epcot to catch a show. Be prepared, however, for crowds. As we left the 6:45 show the line stretched from the American Gardens Theater all the way down to the French Pavilion. So, if you are planning on attending, make sure you get there early and find a place in line for a great show.

Disclosure: I was an invited guest to Friday evening’s Candlelight Processinal at Epcot. As a guest, the Walt Disney Co. provided tickets into Epcot and seating for the show. I am under no obligations to the Walt Disney Co. from this media invitation ad write about my experiences so guests to etckt.com can learn more about the holiday shows offered throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

© Copyright Disney

Candelight Processional – An inspirational retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra punctuates the reason for the season during this time-honored Epcot tradition. Each evening Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2011, a celebrity narrator (from a lineup that includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Marlee Matlin and Neil Patrick Harris) takes to the America Gardens Theatre stage and shares the story of Christ’s birth. Guests can sing along as the trumpeters and full orchestra offer a riveting performance featuring seasonal melodies. Shows are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

To ensure a seat for this memorable performance, Candlelight Dinner packages are available at select Epcot restaurants. They include a special fireworks viewing area and guaranteed seating for Candlelight Processional. For bookings call 407-WDW-DINE.

© Copyright Disney

Holidays around the World - Throughout World Showcase, international storytellers share traditions and tales from their homeland. Strolling along the promenade during the Holidays around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the good-hearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are celebrated as well.

The evening is capped by “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the mesmerizing Epcot spectacular on World Showcase lagoon featuring fireworks, laser lights and water choreographed to a musical soundtrack – with a holiday finale.

© Copyright Disney

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – On 19 special nights, holiday revelers can delight during this cheery, family-friendly event. Party-goers embrace the joys of the season – sipping cocoa, catching a “snowflake” and enjoying merry shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.

This after-hours party on select nights between Nov. 8 and Dec. 18, 2011, features a sleigh full of merriment:

• An enchanting Cinderella Castle adorned with Castle Dream Lights (through Jan.8)
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, and for the first time Duffy the Disney Bear.
• An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season
• Live entertainment featuring Disney characters
• Meet and greet opportunities with favorite Disney characters in Holiday attire, including Phineas & Ferb in Tomorrowland, the Seven Dwarfs in Frontierland and Duffy the  Disney Bear in Town Square.
• Complimentary cookies, apple slices and hot cocoa
• A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for fun

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place Nov. 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 18, 2011, from 7 p.m. until midnight. Day-of-event pricing is $62.95 and $57.95 for ages 3 to 9. Savings of $6 per ticket are available if tickets are purchased in advance. Visit Disneyworld.com/holidays.

© Copyright Disney

Castle Dream Lights – Each evening of the season, Cinderella Castle shimmers with lights brought to beaming brightness during a ceremonial show performed at dusk. Beginning Nov. 4 and continuing through Jan. 3, 2012, Cinderella and favorite Disney characters decked out in festive holiday garb take center stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace draped with 200,000 ice cycle-white lights – a breathtaking focal point to a park ready for revelers with wreaths, bows, garland, towering Christmas trees and scarlet poinsettias dominating the landscape.

The Magic, The Memories and You! – The nightly light show on Cinderella Castle gets in “the spirit” throughout the holidays with a special segment that wraps the Magic Kingdom landmark in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes and multi-colored strands of lights … and gingerbread.

Steve Jobs passing is a loss for more than the team at Apple, it is a tremendous loss for the Disney family as well. From the moment he purchased a lagging unit from Lucasfilm, Ltd. and turning Pixar into a powerhouse that delivered the first feature-length animation created entirely on computers. Over time that $10 million purchase became one of the most respected studios in Hollywood and eventually purchased by the Walt Disney Co.; making Steve the largest single shareholder of the company.

Being an Mac user since 1984, my fondness for Steve has been longstanding. He was a genius, in the true sense of the word, and he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends through this difficult time.

Main St. RR station appears to be on fire

We went to the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this past Friday evening. It was our first time at the event and I have to say I enjoyed it…mostly. The party starts officially at 7:00 pm until park closing. It is a hard-ticketed event, which means it is an additional cost onto a day’s admission into the park (prices vary throughout the limited dates but it can cost up to an additional $68.00 to attend – check the price table at Disney’s site).

Duffy greeting area

Once the party starts, the park becomes a non-stop party. With 10 trick-or-treating locations, dance parties, fireworks and parades it is a great way to get into the Halloween mood.

Mickey pumpkins festooned around the park.

The park is decked out in Jack-O-Lanterns throughout and there is music playing as well as some of the ghouls from the Haunted Mansion chime in from time to time to keep the fun going. It is not a horror night, like Universal Studios after-hours parties, it is entirely kid friendly and appropriate for all ages that can stay up late.

Hallowishes fireworks.

The big draw for the evening is the parade and the special Hallowishes fireworks display. We planned on watching the fireworks and then enjoying the late parade, but our little trick-or-treater had other plans so we missed the parade. If your little ones are like ours, make sure to watch the first parade and then the fireworks so you do not miss out on any of the great shows throughout the evening.

Goofy Jester statue at the Hub.

Although it was great fun and our girls want to make it an annual event, it is a bit pricey for what it truly is – late access into the park. Being an annual passholder, we can hang out at the parks most nights so their market proposition does not really sit that well with me. And considering the tough economic times I am not so sure how people can readily afford such an added expense; other than saving all year for the party. Despite that gripe, it was a great night and we really did have a lot of fun – you can judge yourself from these pictures.

While waiting for the festivities to begin yesterday during the 40th Anniversary celebration, I decided to have a little fun with Hipstamatic. Hipstamatic is a great little iPhone app that replicates a litany of traditional film lenses and films; giving your digital images a more traditional film look. I took a bunch of shots of Cinderella Castle from the hub using the lenses I have purchased and mixing up the film stock as well. Here is a work-in-progress of my Cinderella Castle @ 40 poster.

We will be having more shots and commentary from all of this weekend’s big doings. Thanks for checking in with us!

So, wandering around Epcot this past weekend it was clear to see what time of year it was – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival time. All the booths were in place, areas were cordoned off with shrubbery and we were getting excited for this upcoming weekend.

Wandering around World Showcase, we happened upon the Japan booth, and it was open offering there dishes for the food and wine festival. Lucky for me, it was lunch-ish time so I queued up but was pretty shocked at the price for the Spicy Tuna – $8.50. Normally, the prices for dishes at the festival are $5 max, so I was a little upset at the hike. That was until I received the order. There were 8 pieces of healthy-sized Spicy Tuna Rolls in the container.

Now, the container looked like any other one you see at Publix so I was skeptical on the dish. Normally, dishes are served up freshly prepared at the festival so I am going to dock a few points for the deli-case delivery of the food. The tuna, however, was rather tasty – not the best I have had but nice for wandering around the park.

My main concern, however, stems back to the delivery of the food. The park always touts the freshly prepared aspect of the festival with great chefs and custom dishes. The preview with this offering would lead me to think otherwise; that the dishes are mass prepared offsite somewhere and delivered to the festival. I will reserve that final judgement until the festival opens this weekend and we have a chance to sample all of the dishes they have advertised in the media. Hope to see you there!

© Copyright Disney

The final building block for the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Fantasy, was placed on September 3, 2011 at the Meyer Werft shipyard signaling completion of a major milestone in the ship’s overall construction.  The final block placed was a 265-ton portion of the ship’s bow, complete with the signature Disney Cruise Line golden filigree.

© Copyright Disney

The Disney Fantasy will bring to life many of the innovative features guests love on the recently launched Disney Dream including AquaDuck — the world’s first shipboard water coaster.  But new design elements and guest experiences will give the Fantasy an identity all its own.  Some of the new highlights found on the Disney Fantasy include:

• Europa – a nighttime entertainment district exclusively for guests 18 and older that features sophisticated bars and trendy lounges inspired by the very best in European travel.

• A new, innovative show for the Animator’s Palate restaurant where diners will serve as guest animators.  During the “Animation Magic” show guests are asked to hand-draw a character of their own at the start of dinner.  After an entertaining show featuring montages from Disney animated films and shorts, guests prepare for a whimsical finale moment where the guest-drawn characters spring to life and interact with characters from beloved Disney animated classics.

• At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Fantasy, aspiring young princesses and pirates receive the full fairy tale treatment with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers at this very special salon.

• “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” will take the stage on the Disney Fantasy.  During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the cast from the classic animated Disney film, “Aladdin.”

The Disney Fantasy will sail alternating seven-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay with the maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a cruise vacation onboard the Disney Fantasy, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888.DCL.2500 or contact their travel agent. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888.325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

As Rapunzel is welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court on Oct. 2 at Kensington Palace in London, England, Disney Princess fans can feel a part of the special occasion by participating in an online video contest on Disney.com. Whether it’s the kindness shown by Cinderella, determination of Tiana, or adventurous nature of Rapunzel, girls connect with Disney Princess characters in different ways to bring their own stories to life. With the “Your Princess Moment – The Story Begins With You” video upload contest, fans age 12 and under can submit a 45-second video singing part of one of four songs from the upcoming Disney Princess Fairy Tale Songs compilation album – available Sept. 20 from Walt Disney Records. Alternatively, fans can submit a video recreating a favorite Disney Princess scene, dressing up or performing a dance.

Videos entered between now and Sept. 12, 2011 at Disney.com/PrincessMoment are eligible for the ultimate Grand Prize – a trip for four to London for Rapunzel’s royal celebration. From videos entered by Oct. 4, 2011, one First Prize winner will be selected to receive a 3D TV and DVD assortment from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, and ten Second Prize winners will receive the Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle from Mattel. Parental consent is required to enter the contest.

Disney will officially welcome Rapunzel as the 10th Disney Princess character at a high profile, star-studded celebration, to take place in front of a global audience on Oct. 2, 2011. Little princesses from across the globe will watch Rapunzel be welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White and Tiana. In a world first, Kensington Palace, London, UK, was chosen by Disney as the perfect location for this magical welcoming ceremony of a Disney Princess, as it has been the home of many real life princesses over the centuries.

For full contest rules, prize information and details for how to enter, please visit Disney.com/PrincessMoment.

© Copyright Disney

Constantine Maroulis, star of Rock of Ages and former finalist on American Idol, joined Fisher-Price® and Disney Consumer Products to bring down the house at D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif. today with a rockin’ concert to introduce the new Rock Star Mickey interactive feature plush. The rocker jammed on stage with Mickey Mouse to show kids and Disney fans classic rock star moves featured in the interactive plush including Rock Star Mickey’s signature move, the Mickety-Split. The two have also teamed up for the Rock Star Mickey TV commercial, which is set to air Sept. 6. With strong pre-sales currently underway,Rock Star Mickey (#RockStarMickey) is expected to be a fan favorite this holiday season.

It was awesome to get to rock out with such a beloved, global icon. I know what it takes to get people up on their feet, and Rock Star Mickey really has all the right moves. As a new dad and a musician who loves to rock, I think it’s important to help kids appreciate the magic of music and its impact on their lives. It’s great to see how Rock Star Mickey can get kids rockin’ at an early age.
Constantine Maroulis

Rock Star Mickey, the highly anticipated follow-up to last year’s holiday favorite,Dance Star Mickey, gives kids the chance to bring the concert home with them as he lights up the stage with his jammin’ guitar and rockin’ moves. Mickey will show little rock stars how to jam along with the “Rock Star 101!” mode and show off their own moves as he takes to the stage with rock songs including “You Really Got Me.” Mickey really gets things going as he sings, bobs his head, kick-steps and finishes with his signature move — the Mickety-Split where he plays the guitar with his nose. Mickey is hip, decked out from head to toe in rock star gear and cool shades, ready to give his fans the best show ever! Now that’s one talented mouse!

We’ve been able to take the unprecedented movement introduced in Dance Star Mickey to the next level with Rock Star Mickey to bring him to life for today’s kids. The new Rock Star Mickey really gets things going with authentic rock star moves and songs that will have the entire family up and rocking along.
Diana Dunn-Graves, VP, marketing, Fisher-Price

© Copyright Disney

We collaborated with Fisher-Price to create realistic rock star moves for Rock Star Mickey that would provide a fun and engaging play experience for kids. D23 Expo is the perfect playground to unveil the magical moves of Rock Star Mickey to the best fan base in the world.
Sunny Lauridsen, director preschool toys, Disney Consumer Products

Rock Star Mickey will retail for $54.99 and will be available on Sept. 6 at retailers nationwide. For additional information, log onto www.RockStarMickey.com. Inspired by Rock Star Mickey, fans can download Constantine’s version of the classic rock song that is also featured in the plush, “You Really Got Me,” now available for purchase on iTunes.

Disney Consumer Products announces an exciting schedule of must-see events during the ultimate Disney fan event, D23 Expo, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21. Fans will enjoy exciting announcements, meet and greets with Disney artists and talent, never-before-seen product previews, exclusive D23 Expo merchandise, and much more inside DCP’s Disney Living Pavilion and throughout the D23 Expo.

Must-see DCP events during the D23 Expo Include:

FRIDAY, August 19, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion: Disney Store Booth #1101

25th Anniversary Merchandise Preview, 9 a.m. Exclusive 25th Anniversary Disney Store Products Preview. Disney Living Pavilion: Disney Store Booth #1101

25th Anniversary Artist Signing, 10 a.m. Artist Signing featuring Exclusive 25th Anniversary Disney Store Products and Jim Salvati, Artist. Disney Living Pavilion: Center Stage

Designer Princess Dolls Reveal to Disney Princess Legends, 10:30 a.m. The Disney Store will unveil ten spectacular designer Disney Princess dolls and will present them to honorees at the Legends of Disney Awards ceremony. Arena

Rock Out with Rock Star Mickey, 1 p.m. Join us for a performance with Rock Star Mickey and American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis. Disney Living Pavilion: Center Stage

Special Announcement and Storytelling Event, 1 p.m. Meet actor David Arquette and Disney authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson for story time. Disney Channel Pavilion

USPS Send a Hello Stamps-First Day Issue Ceremony, 4:15 p.m. In a grand celebration, the U.S. Postal Service and John Lasseter will unveil the new Disney·Pixar Send a Hello Forever stamps. Stage 23

John Lasseter Appearance, 5:30 p.m. — 6:15 p.m. John Lasseter visits the Cars die-cast car display & Life-Size Lightning McQueen by LEGO®. Disney Living Pavilion: Mattel Booth #401 and LEGO Booth #410

SATURDAY, August 20, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion: Disney Store Booth #1101

Disney Store Costume Preview Parade, 1 p.m. The Disney Store will unveil this Halloween’s must-have costumes.Disney Living Pavilion: Center Stage

Ken Paves Collaboration Announcement, 2:30 p.m. DCP announces a cross-divisional creative collaboration with celebrity hair stylist Ken Paves. Disney Living Pavilion: Disney Beauty Booth #1012

SUNDAY, August 21, 2011

Disney Store Opening Ceremony (D23 Members Only), 9 a.m. Start off the day in grand style with Disney Store. Disney Living Pavilion: Disney Store Booth #1101

Disney Store The Lion King Vinylmation Series Launch, 10 a.m. Disney Living debuts a new Vinylmation series with character artists Jim Valeri and Oskar Mendez. Disney Living Pavilion: Center Stage

Kidada for Disney Store, 1 p.m. Disney Store debuts Wish-a-Littles, featuring actress, model, and fashion designer Kidada Jones. Disney Living Pavilion: Center Stage

Disney Channel Shake It Up D-Signed Tween Fashion Show, 1:30 pm — 3:00 p.m. Check out the new tween back-to-school and fall fashions from Disney with appearances from the Shake It Up cast. Arena

*A full schedule of DCP events throughout the D23 Expo is available on D23.com and will be available at the expo in the official guidebook.