Always Something New at Disney World
With four major theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom-- plus two water parks, 22 themed resorts, other attractions, and a total area the size of Boston, Disney World is a destination like no other, and there's always something new at Disney World to see or do.
With four major theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom-- plus two water parks, 22 themed resorts, other attractions, and a total area the size of Boston, Disney World is a destination like no other, and there's always something new at Disney World to see or do.
Below are some highlights for what's new or upcoming, in February 2009.
1. American Idol Attraction: Opening Feb. 14 2009
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
This new attraction has a 1000-seat theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.
In a nutshell: guests 14 and up audition (singing solo in front of a casting director); some 400 singers get picked to compete in one of seven "preliminary shows" during the day. Those selected get some performance training, plus hair and make-up treatment. During the preliminary shows, they vie to impress a panel of three judges and a live audience who cast votes using armrest touchpads. Winners return for a grand-finale show that evening, with lots of glitz. The top vote-getter gets to actually go to a regional audition for the American Idol show.
In a nutshell: guests 14 and up audition (singing solo in front of a casting director); some 400 singers get picked to compete in one of seven "preliminary shows" during the day. Those selected get some performance training, plus hair and make-up treatment. During the preliminary shows, they vie to impress a panel of three judges and a live audience who cast votes using armrest touchpads. Winners return for a grand-finale show that evening, with lots of glitz. The top vote-getter gets to actually go to a regional audition for the American Idol show.
2. Disney World: Free on Your Birthday
Photo © Teresa Plowright
Disney World is giving guests a birthday present, all through 2009. The Mouse wants you to have a "celebration vacation", starting with free admission for the birthday girl or boy. (Don't forget that valid ID!) And presumably you'll be celebrating with a gang of family and friends, so the Mouse is happy and so are you. Find out more at www.disneyparks.com. Click above for more about Disney World vacations.
3. Space Mountain Coaster Closing for Months
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Listen up, if you're planning a trip to Disney World: Space Mountain -- that iconic ride -- will close on April 19 2009, just after spring break and Easter weekend, and stay closed through the summer months. No major changes in the dark coaster ride are anticipated.
4. Epcot Flower and Garden Festival - Free Concerts
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
The annual Flower and Garden Festival a great time to visit the Epcot theme park, with many amusing topiary figures of Disney characters, programs for grown-up and kid gardeners, and free outdoor Flower Power concerts that highlight top acts of the Sixties and Seventies. 2009 line-up has Paul Revere and the Raiders, Herman's Hermits, Chubby Checker, Jose Feliciano, and more. The Festival has a long run, from March 18 through May 31, 2009.
