joanne
January 18th, 2005, 15:40
In This Edition:
Romantic Disney: Love is in the air -- romantic reasons for a Valentine's visit to Disney.
Disney Weddings: Planning is a piece of cake with newly designed Web site.
Disney-MGM Studios: Guests have a ball as "ESPN The Weekend" sports fan-fest returns.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Take a walk on the wild side with new wildlife excursions.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: New additions go "hog wild" at the resort's wildlife savannah.
Epcot: Popular character returns to greet guests.
Downtown Disney: Two annual events make February festive at Pleasure Island.
<LI>Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Atlanta Braves spring training begins. Girl Scouts celebrate girls in sports.
Love is in the Air at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- This Valentine's Day, couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and, of course, America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
The romance stage is set as lovebirds feel their hearts beat a little faster. Here are just a few reasons why industry experts call Walt Disney World one of the nation's top romantic destinations:
<LI>Disney Dining Serves Romance -- Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from the subdued to the spectacular. One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Combining Royal Doulton china, Sambonet silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert's is the "crown jewel" of the Grand Floridian's dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as "maids" and "butlers" provide stellar service to each of the 15 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef's Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a table in Victoria & Albert's kitchen and treated to a gourmet feast of food and wine custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA.
California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant's award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. The restaurant lights are dimmed for performances of the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, with the show's accompanying music piped in to provide diners an unforgettable view -- from Tinker Bell's flight to the last burst of color. Lovebirds enjoying an earlier dinner can catch a different spectacle in the sky -- a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
<LI>The Couple that 'Spas' Together, Stays Together -- Imagine sharing a luxurious spa treatment with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a "Couples Room" where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments -- such as massages and facials -- with the one they love. For information about spa treatments at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, call 407/824-2332.
<LI>Love Boats -- The Grand Floridian's Grand 1 -- an elegant 45-foot yacht -- can give couples, or parties up to 12, a stunning view of "Wishes" fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises on Seven Seas Lagoon. Passengers can canoodle under the glow of Cinderella Castle while partaking in private butler service and gourmet meals catered especially to their tastes. Romantic evening cruises begin at $350/hour, including captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made by calling 407/824-2439.
At Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort Marina, a handsome reproduction of a 1930 mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Afternoon 10-minute excursions are $23.58, and half-hour cruises are $80.18 for up to seven people. For $179.20, up to seven guests can take a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The craft travels across Crescent Lake to Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
And the name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless.
<LI>Nature Lovers -- One of the newest experiences at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers guests private carriage rides amidst the natural charm and backwoods beauty of Walt Disney World Resort. Thirty-minute, horse-drawn rides are offered nightly in antique carriages able to accommodate up to four adults. Originating from Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the horse-drawn carriages quietly glide along lake-lined paths under Spanish moss and tall trees throughout the 700-acre, rustic-themed resort. Carriages are available from 6-10 p.m. daily, departing from Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Cost is $30. Reservations can be made by calling 407/824-2832.
For guests wanting to enjoy an old-fashioned wagon ride, 45-minute rides are also offered at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on a first-come, first-served basis. The horse-drawn wagon rides offer a scenic tour through the forest trails. Wagon rides depart nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Pioneer Hall. Cost is $8 for adults.
A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom's 30,500 acres. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
<LI>Renewing Vows -- Many couples are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this major family milestone. Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple. For more information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, call 407/828-3400.
<LI>A Downtown Romance -- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Cirque du Soleil® at Downtown Disney West Side is "lifting its curtains" and presenting the mystifying La Nouba on Monday, Feb. 14, a day when the show is usually dark. Lovebirds can round-out their evening by dining at one of Downtown Disney's many restaurants and then dancing the night away at Pleasure Island. For more information call 407/WDW-2NITE (939-2648).
A Disney Wedding is Just a Mouse Click Away
With Newly Designed Web Site
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings has redesigned its Web site, www.disneyweddings.com, making it easier for brides and grooms to plan a dream-come-true wedding at Walt Disney World Resort.
The interactive wedding Web site offers user-friendly planning tools to assist couples with all the arrangements to create a magical wedding. Couples can navigate the site and search ceremony locations, unique themes and even wedding cakes. They can then scrapbook these ideas and calculate a wedding budget. The online planning tool works in tandem with a couple's dedicated Wedding Planner who is available every step of the planning process.
The site also assists wedding guests with planning itineraries, selecting resort accommodations and activities, as well as obtaining information on a couple's registry.
Second Annual "ESPN The Weekend"
Offers Sports Fun for Fans of All Ages
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort will offer fans of all ages the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and world-famous athletes during the second annual "ESPN The Weekend," a festival-style event at Disney-MGM Studios, Feb. 25-27.
The three-day, sports fan-fest will be highlighted by Hollywood-style motorcades and star conversations with ESPN and sports celebrities, behind-the-scenes looks at ESPN shows, an interactive sports area and a special sports edition of the game show attraction "Who Wants to be a Millionaire-Play It!"
Also featured: on-site telecasts and remote broadcasts of popular ESPN shows including SportsCenter, ESPN Deportes SportsCenter, Cold Pizza, Baseball Tonight and BassCenter. Fans also will get the chance to test their play-by-play skills behind a replica SportsCenter desk in "ESPN The Truck." ESPN The Truck is a 53-foot trailer filled with sports television technology and interactive exhibits including an ESPN The Magazine cover photo shoot location, an "ESPN On-Air" video station and an area to play the latest ESPN video games.
"ESPN The Weekend" is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios.
Disney's Concierge Level Guests Take a Walk on the Wild Side
At Disney's Animal Kingdom With New Wildlife Discovery Excursions
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort concierge-level guests can venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney's Animal Kingdom for a unique wildlife discovery excursion. Led by a seasoned safari guide and an animal expert, the adventure takes guests beyond the safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The excursions begin Feb. 15.
Small groups (no more than 14 guests) travel in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle for the one-hour excursion, offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $45 per guest with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.
For more information and to book an excursion, concierge-level guests may contact their Walt Disney World Resort concierge or resort itinerary planning office. Advance reservations are required. For more information on the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, visit www.disneywildlifefund.com.
"Three Little Pigs" Populate Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Three red river hogs are the newest animals to populate the savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The hotel's 33-acre savannah is home to more than 200 African animals and can be viewed by guests 24 hours a day. Also known as African bush pigs, the hogs are indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their unique ears. They now share a habitat on the wildlife reserve with giraffes, Ankole-Watusi cattle and ostriches. The trio is among fewer than 100 red river hogs in the United States. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an American Zoo and Aquarium Association accredited zoological facility and one of the deluxe resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.
Figment Greets Guests and Sparks Imagination at Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Figment, the playful purple dragon who has captured millions of hearts at Epcot since he first debuted in 1983, has begun making meet-and-greet appearances near the theme park's Imagination! pavilion and his attraction, Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Beads and Hearts Are In the Air at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Downtown Disney Pleasure Island is buzzing in February with everyone from live bands to comedic love prophets as the nighttime destination presents two annual events:
<LI>Parti Gras puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition Feb. 4, 5 and 8. On these nights, feathered banners, fabric swags, purple and green garland, Mardi Gras masks and more are the backdrop for a party that includes a wide range of special entertainment, featuring Mardi Gras stilt walkers, jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional, a beaded person (a person literally covered with beads), live bands and more.
<LI>Pleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of Valentine's Day, Feb. 11, 12 and 14. Red and silver reign supreme on these special evenings, setting the stage for love prophets who humorously predict guests' romantic futures, a Matchmaker Matchbreaker character who pushes her way into everyone's business, a Lovelorn Loser trying desperately to land the love of his life and other surprise performers.
Guests may experience the outdoor elements of these celebrations free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Guests may visit the Pleasure Island ticket booths for details on ticket pricing and age restrictions.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Begins
at Disney's Wide World of Sports
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The National League East Division champion Atlanta Braves, the winningest team in the major leagues over the past 14 years, return for their eighth full season of spring training at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2005.
The month of February is the perfect opportunity for fans to get up-close and personal with their favorite Braves stars. Pitchers and catchers begin workouts on Feb. 17, and the full squad hits the field on Feb. 23. Fans can seek out autographs and photos while taking in a Braves practice session.
The Braves' slate of 16 home games at Disney's Wide World of Sports begins on March 2 with an exhibition game against Georgia Tech. Their first major league spring training game will take place on March 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Single-game tickets for Braves home games are available at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex box office, or by calling Ticketmaster at 407/839-3900. Prices range from $13 (general admission lawn seats) to $21 (lower reserved).
Information on spring training season and group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263).
The three types of mini-pack ticket plans are: the five-game mini-pack, the first half three-game mini-pack, and the second half three-game mini-pack.
2005 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Mini-Pack Plans:
Plan: 5-Game Mini Pack (Price: $90)
Games:
New York Mets -March 6
New York Yankees - March 8
Cleveland Indians - March 18
St. Louis Cardinals - March 20
New York Mets - March 26
Plan: First Half 3-Game Mini-Pack (Price $54)
Games:
New York Yankees - March 8
Houston Astros - March 9
Detroit Tigers (SS) - March 12
Plan: Second Half 3-Game Mini-Pack (Price: $54)
Games:
Cleveland Indians - March 18
St. Louis Cardinals - March 20
New York Mets - March 26 SS = Split Squad
Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Sports Marketing USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at www.sportsmarketingusa.com/braves_dwws.html.
Girl Scouts and AAU Celebrate Girls' Participation in Sports
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- From Daisies to Seniors, Girl Scouts from all over the country join hands with AAU to create a day of celebration for girls and sports on Feb. 5. This annual event provides Girl Scouts USA members instruction in a variety of skilled sports, including tennis, track and field, soccer, softball, basketball and field hockey, in addition to participation in other fun activities throughout the day. The Girl Scouts USA members join other girls from around the state to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2005.
The event takes place at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and is open to registered Girl Scouts only. Additional information is available at http://www.aausports.org/disney/gns_entry.pdf.
Romantic Disney: Love is in the air -- romantic reasons for a Valentine's visit to Disney.
Disney Weddings: Planning is a piece of cake with newly designed Web site.
Disney-MGM Studios: Guests have a ball as "ESPN The Weekend" sports fan-fest returns.
Disney's Animal Kingdom: Take a walk on the wild side with new wildlife excursions.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: New additions go "hog wild" at the resort's wildlife savannah.
Epcot: Popular character returns to greet guests.
Downtown Disney: Two annual events make February festive at Pleasure Island.
<LI>Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Atlanta Braves spring training begins. Girl Scouts celebrate girls in sports.
Love is in the Air at Walt Disney World Resort
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- This Valentine's Day, couples who've been bitten by the love bug don't need a fairy godmother to find romance at Walt Disney World Resort. This is, after all, home to some of the world's most famous romances: Cinderella and Prince Charming, Lady and the Tramp, Beauty and the Beast -- and, of course, America's sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
The romance stage is set as lovebirds feel their hearts beat a little faster. Here are just a few reasons why industry experts call Walt Disney World one of the nation's top romantic destinations:
<LI>Disney Dining Serves Romance -- Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from the subdued to the spectacular. One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Combining Royal Doulton china, Sambonet silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert's is the "crown jewel" of the Grand Floridian's dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air as "maids" and "butlers" provide stellar service to each of the 15 tables in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef's Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a table in Victoria & Albert's kitchen and treated to a gourmet feast of food and wine custom tailored to their specific tastes by Chef Scott Hunnel. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA.
California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort offers a panoramic view overlooking the Magic Kingdom theme park. Here, stellar cuisine and the restaurant's award-winning selection of California wines set the stage. The restaurant lights are dimmed for performances of the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, with the show's accompanying music piped in to provide diners an unforgettable view -- from Tinker Bell's flight to the last burst of color. Lovebirds enjoying an earlier dinner can catch a different spectacle in the sky -- a Florida sunset over Magic Kingdom.
For all Walt Disney World dining information, call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
<LI>The Couple that 'Spas' Together, Stays Together -- Imagine sharing a luxurious spa treatment with that special someone. The Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, features a "Couples Room" where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments -- such as massages and facials -- with the one they love. For information about spa treatments at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, call 407/824-2332.
<LI>Love Boats -- The Grand Floridian's Grand 1 -- an elegant 45-foot yacht -- can give couples, or parties up to 12, a stunning view of "Wishes" fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises on Seven Seas Lagoon. Passengers can canoodle under the glow of Cinderella Castle while partaking in private butler service and gourmet meals catered especially to their tastes. Romantic evening cruises begin at $350/hour, including captain and private deck hand. Reservations can be made by calling 407/824-2439.
At Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort Marina, a handsome reproduction of a 1930 mahogany runabout is available for private rental. Afternoon 10-minute excursions are $23.58, and half-hour cruises are $80.18 for up to seven people. For $179.20, up to seven guests can take a Fireworks Cruise (45-50 minutes) for an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind view of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth." The craft travels across Crescent Lake to Epcot for the nightly fireworks, sound and laser show. Reservations can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
And the name of the boat is perfect for couples in love: Breathless.
<LI>Nature Lovers -- One of the newest experiences at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers guests private carriage rides amidst the natural charm and backwoods beauty of Walt Disney World Resort. Thirty-minute, horse-drawn rides are offered nightly in antique carriages able to accommodate up to four adults. Originating from Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the horse-drawn carriages quietly glide along lake-lined paths under Spanish moss and tall trees throughout the 700-acre, rustic-themed resort. Carriages are available from 6-10 p.m. daily, departing from Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Cost is $30. Reservations can be made by calling 407/824-2832.
For guests wanting to enjoy an old-fashioned wagon ride, 45-minute rides are also offered at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on a first-come, first-served basis. The horse-drawn wagon rides offer a scenic tour through the forest trails. Wagon rides depart nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Pioneer Hall. Cost is $8 for adults.
A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom's 30,500 acres. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
<LI>Renewing Vows -- Many couples are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this major family milestone. Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple. For more information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, call 407/828-3400.
<LI>A Downtown Romance -- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Cirque du Soleil® at Downtown Disney West Side is "lifting its curtains" and presenting the mystifying La Nouba on Monday, Feb. 14, a day when the show is usually dark. Lovebirds can round-out their evening by dining at one of Downtown Disney's many restaurants and then dancing the night away at Pleasure Island. For more information call 407/WDW-2NITE (939-2648).
A Disney Wedding is Just a Mouse Click Away
With Newly Designed Web Site
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings has redesigned its Web site, www.disneyweddings.com, making it easier for brides and grooms to plan a dream-come-true wedding at Walt Disney World Resort.
The interactive wedding Web site offers user-friendly planning tools to assist couples with all the arrangements to create a magical wedding. Couples can navigate the site and search ceremony locations, unique themes and even wedding cakes. They can then scrapbook these ideas and calculate a wedding budget. The online planning tool works in tandem with a couple's dedicated Wedding Planner who is available every step of the planning process.
The site also assists wedding guests with planning itineraries, selecting resort accommodations and activities, as well as obtaining information on a couple's registry.
Second Annual "ESPN The Weekend"
Offers Sports Fun for Fans of All Ages
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort will offer fans of all ages the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and world-famous athletes during the second annual "ESPN The Weekend," a festival-style event at Disney-MGM Studios, Feb. 25-27.
The three-day, sports fan-fest will be highlighted by Hollywood-style motorcades and star conversations with ESPN and sports celebrities, behind-the-scenes looks at ESPN shows, an interactive sports area and a special sports edition of the game show attraction "Who Wants to be a Millionaire-Play It!"
Also featured: on-site telecasts and remote broadcasts of popular ESPN shows including SportsCenter, ESPN Deportes SportsCenter, Cold Pizza, Baseball Tonight and BassCenter. Fans also will get the chance to test their play-by-play skills behind a replica SportsCenter desk in "ESPN The Truck." ESPN The Truck is a 53-foot trailer filled with sports television technology and interactive exhibits including an ESPN The Magazine cover photo shoot location, an "ESPN On-Air" video station and an area to play the latest ESPN video games.
"ESPN The Weekend" is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios.
Disney's Concierge Level Guests Take a Walk on the Wild Side
At Disney's Animal Kingdom With New Wildlife Discovery Excursions
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World Resort concierge-level guests can venture off the beaten path of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney's Animal Kingdom for a unique wildlife discovery excursion. Led by a seasoned safari guide and an animal expert, the adventure takes guests beyond the safari trail, stopping at special observation and photo areas throughout the 110-acre savannah of the reserve. The excursions begin Feb. 15.
Small groups (no more than 14 guests) travel in a custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicle for the one-hour excursion, offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $45 per guest with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.
For more information and to book an excursion, concierge-level guests may contact their Walt Disney World Resort concierge or resort itinerary planning office. Advance reservations are required. For more information on the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, visit www.disneywildlifefund.com.
"Three Little Pigs" Populate Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Three red river hogs are the newest animals to populate the savannah at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The hotel's 33-acre savannah is home to more than 200 African animals and can be viewed by guests 24 hours a day. Also known as African bush pigs, the hogs are indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa and are known for their unique ears. They now share a habitat on the wildlife reserve with giraffes, Ankole-Watusi cattle and ostriches. The trio is among fewer than 100 red river hogs in the United States. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an American Zoo and Aquarium Association accredited zoological facility and one of the deluxe resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort.
Figment Greets Guests and Sparks Imagination at Epcot
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Figment, the playful purple dragon who has captured millions of hearts at Epcot since he first debuted in 1983, has begun making meet-and-greet appearances near the theme park's Imagination! pavilion and his attraction, Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Beads and Hearts Are In the Air at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Downtown Disney Pleasure Island is buzzing in February with everyone from live bands to comedic love prophets as the nighttime destination presents two annual events:
<LI>Parti Gras puts a Pleasure Island spin on the famous Mardi Gras tradition Feb. 4, 5 and 8. On these nights, feathered banners, fabric swags, purple and green garland, Mardi Gras masks and more are the backdrop for a party that includes a wide range of special entertainment, featuring Mardi Gras stilt walkers, jugglers, a unicycle artist, a bead dancer, a yo-yo professional, a beaded person (a person literally covered with beads), live bands and more.
<LI>Pleasure Island becomes Sweetheart Island, celebrating the romance of Valentine's Day, Feb. 11, 12 and 14. Red and silver reign supreme on these special evenings, setting the stage for love prophets who humorously predict guests' romantic futures, a Matchmaker Matchbreaker character who pushes her way into everyone's business, a Lovelorn Loser trying desperately to land the love of his life and other surprise performers.
Guests may experience the outdoor elements of these celebrations free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket. Guests may visit the Pleasure Island ticket booths for details on ticket pricing and age restrictions.
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Begins
at Disney's Wide World of Sports
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The National League East Division champion Atlanta Braves, the winningest team in the major leagues over the past 14 years, return for their eighth full season of spring training at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in 2005.
The month of February is the perfect opportunity for fans to get up-close and personal with their favorite Braves stars. Pitchers and catchers begin workouts on Feb. 17, and the full squad hits the field on Feb. 23. Fans can seek out autographs and photos while taking in a Braves practice session.
The Braves' slate of 16 home games at Disney's Wide World of Sports begins on March 2 with an exhibition game against Georgia Tech. Their first major league spring training game will take place on March 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Single-game tickets for Braves home games are available at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex box office, or by calling Ticketmaster at 407/839-3900. Prices range from $13 (general admission lawn seats) to $21 (lower reserved).
Information on spring training season and group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407/939-GAME (4263).
The three types of mini-pack ticket plans are: the five-game mini-pack, the first half three-game mini-pack, and the second half three-game mini-pack.
2005 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Mini-Pack Plans:
Plan: 5-Game Mini Pack (Price: $90)
Games:
New York Mets -March 6
New York Yankees - March 8
Cleveland Indians - March 18
St. Louis Cardinals - March 20
New York Mets - March 26
Plan: First Half 3-Game Mini-Pack (Price $54)
Games:
New York Yankees - March 8
Houston Astros - March 9
Detroit Tigers (SS) - March 12
Plan: Second Half 3-Game Mini-Pack (Price: $54)
Games:
Cleveland Indians - March 18
St. Louis Cardinals - March 20
New York Mets - March 26 SS = Split Squad
Fans may also purchase Atlanta Braves Spring Training travel packages through Sports Marketing USA. Travel packages include Braves game tickets, accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and other benefits. Information is available online at www.sportsmarketingusa.com/braves_dwws.html.
Girl Scouts and AAU Celebrate Girls' Participation in Sports
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- From Daisies to Seniors, Girl Scouts from all over the country join hands with AAU to create a day of celebration for girls and sports on Feb. 5. This annual event provides Girl Scouts USA members instruction in a variety of skilled sports, including tennis, track and field, soccer, softball, basketball and field hockey, in addition to participation in other fun activities throughout the day. The Girl Scouts USA members join other girls from around the state to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2005.
The event takes place at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and is open to registered Girl Scouts only. Additional information is available at http://www.aausports.org/disney/gns_entry.pdf.