Disney Planning Calendar

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News and Events

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First, An Insider Tip:

Disney World Celebration Buttons for your First Visit, Just Married,Anniversary, or Birthday:

If you're celebrating a special event at Walt Disney World, make sure you stop by ‘City Hall’ in the Magic Kingdom or ‘Guest Services' in EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom and  ask for a complimentary button to wear during your visit. (They'll write your name on the Birthday Buttons.) These always generate special attention from the Cast Members as well as other guests. The buttons are 3 inches round.  Take a look and be sure to get yours – they’re free!

To Help You Plan,

Here is Disney' Schedule for the Entire Next Year (at least as much as our memories will allow):

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is an outstanding annual event, not to be missed. The 2008 festival is ongoing until June 1.

CELEBRATING 'FUN IN THE SUN'

 One of the most welcome signs of spring is Epcot's annual International Flower & Garden Festival. While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival takes them to the next level.  The 2008 theme is "Fun in the Sun" with 70 amazing topiaries featuring your favorite Disney characters. When you come through the main entrance, you'll find a 14 foot tall Goofy 'surfing' a 6 foot 'wave' of plants and blossoms. Mickey and Minnie will be at the beach party posing on a flowery beach towel surrounded by starfish, tropical palms and sandcastles. If you're looking for Donald and Daisy Duck, head to the World Showcase. They'll be depicted in topiaries playing a game of beach volleyball. You may not want to go near the water when you see Stitch on the lifeguard stand. Pluto will be close at hand playing with sand crab topiaries. Mexico's 'Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three Caballeros' will come to life with Jose Carioca, Panchito and Donald Duck featured in greenery.

Sailors will be put to the test as they try to decode the message spelled out in the flower beds with nautical flags. These will line the shores of the East and West lakes in Future World. If you're missing last year's pirates theme, don't despair. You'll find topiaries of Captain Hook at 'Peter Pan's Neverland Garden' along with Tinker Bell, the Croc and of course, Peter Pan. This pirate ship garden will feature a shaded play area that will be great for the kids.

Perennial Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, Minnie's Butterfly Garden, I dig Bugs, Art in the Garden, Mother's Day festivities, Growing Future Gardeners, Great American Gardeners and Disney Gardening at Home will be returning. For the kids, there will be Pluto's Play Zone, daily ladybug releases and the Peter Pan Neverland Garden.

Over at the France Pavilion, there will again be a "lift and sniff" Fragrance Garden focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes.  Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists will conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.

The 2008 International Flower & Garden Festival has expanded from 60 to 70 days and will include Easter weekend. For more information, you may be interested in knowing 2007 festival features included:

• The Festival Center, where guests could find program guides and festival merchandise and attend speaker presentations and demonstrations.
• The popular Great American Gardeners series, opening with Paul James of HGTV's "Gardening by the Yard." .
• A "Lift and Sniff" Fragrance Garden at the France pavilion showcasing flowers and plants used to create several Guerlain perfumes.
• Disney Gardening at Home presentations during which Disney horticulturists shared tips and secrets for at-home gardening.
• Kids' activities, including an upgraded, fun-filled Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden, Disney character meet and greets and daily ladybug releases.
• Flower Power Concert Series (We go every group, but the men have grey hair, no hair, or mouse ears, while all the ladies are blond!)

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2008 Flower Power Concert Series – Lee’s Favorite part of the Flower Show (he was, and still is, a 60s guy, but now it is his age!)  Featuring music from the 60's and 70's (Show Location America Gardens Theatre): Show times 5:45pm, 7:00pm & 8:15pm

So you can look forward to the Flower Power Concert Series as much as we do, here are the “oldies” we here will perform:

• March 19-22 - The Guess Who
• March 23-24 - Petula Clark
• March 25-29 - Paul Revere and the Raiders
• April 6-9 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
• April 10-12 - The Grass Roots starring Rob Grill
• April 14-16 - The Happenings
• April 17-18 - Peter & Gordon
• April 19-23 - Starship starring Mickey Thomas
• April 24-26 - The Ventures
• April 27-30 - B.J. Thomas
• May 4-5 - The Searchers
• May 6-10 - The Tokens
• May 11-15 - Davy Jones
• May 16-17 - Jose Feliciano
• May 21-24 - Gary Puckett
• May 25-27 - The Cowsills

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage.   There usually is a relatively low-key Cinco de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, and it usually features some sort of special activity for families.  In addition, there is a Pleasure Island Cinco de Mayo Party with live music. The outdoor elements of the Cinco de Mayo celebration are free of charge. Admission to the clubs however, requires a ticket.

Minnie Marathon Weekend  May 2 - 4, 2008

Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend presented by Lady Foot Locker returns May 2-4, 2008.  Registration is now open for the 2008 Disney's Women Run the World 15K and Disney's Go Red for Women 5K!   Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend is a Women's Endurance event. With a 15K, a 5K and Kids' Races Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend truly has something for everyone and every fitness level.  Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend is THE Women's Endurance Event at the Walt Disney World with something for everyone and every fitness level. Bring your grandmothers, your daughters, and, in our case, granddaughters!  The whole family for a weekend of fun and fitness.

2008 Event Schedule

• Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend Expo, Friday-Sunday, May 2-4, 2008
• Disney's Go Red for Women 5K, Saturday, May 3, 2007
• Women Run the World 15K, Sunday, May 4, 2008

Registration through Disney is required, and usually necessary far in advance.

Mother's Day

While all of the Disney World restaurants will be open on Mother's Day, one of our favorite Mother's Day dining experiences is the brunch hosted at Epcot as part of the International Flower and Garden Festival. A talented team of chefs prepare culinary specialties amidst colorful blossoms. A strolling guitarist provides entertainment while you dine.  This brunch is held at the World ShowPlace Pavilion which is located between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions. Continuous seating begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm.    Regular Epcot admission is required.   The 2007 Mother’s Day brunch was $45.99 adult, $19.99 child (age 3-9). If you are interested in 2008 reservations, be sure to call Disney early!

Star Wars Weekends

Each year for several weekends in early summer, Star Wars actors and characters in costume appear in special motorcades and autograph sessions at Disney-MGM Studios. Other fun events such as Star Wars trivia contests are also held.   In 2007, dates for Star Wars weekends were June 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24.  2007 Celebrities included: Jay Laga'aia ("Captain Typho"),Warwick Davis ("Wicket the Ewok"), Kenny Baker ("R2-D2"), Ray Park ("Darth Maul"), Daniel Logan ("Boba Fett" - Episode II), Jeremy Bullloch ("Boba Fett"), Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca"), Anthony Daniels ("C-3PO"), Bonnie Piesse ("Beru Lars"), etc. Too Star Wars celebrities will certainly be participating in daily autograph sessions, the Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade and Stars of the Saga Talk Show.  Here are a few of the 2007 Star War Weekend events:

• Jedi Training Academy – Selected audience members can train with a Jedi Master, and test their skills against Darth Vader and Darth Maul.
• Star Tours Attraction – Blast your speedster through the ultimate Star Wars adventure.
• Behind the Force – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the films.
• Padawan Mind Challenge – Compete in a kid trivia contest complete with Star Wars prizes.
• Hyperspace Hoopla – Join together with Star Wars characters and Guests for an entertaining conclusion to each day's events.

SUMMER EVENTS:

Sounds Like Summer

All summer long you can dance to classic rock n' roll hits under the skies of the open-air America Gardens Theater at Epcot. Last summer, the summer concert series featured a lineup of bands covering timeless tunes from Billy Joel, ABBA, The Eagles and Chicago.  Get the family together and groove to the songs you all know and love! The 2007 "Sounds Like Summer" concerts was offered June 11-August 12, 2007. Three shows nightly at 5:15 pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm are included in park admission.  These are all the "soundalike" bands from last year:

• June 11-17 - Kevin White (Garth Brooks)
• June 18-24 - Stayin' Alive (Bee Gees)
• June 25-July 1 - Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi)
• July 2-8 - Charlene Bedassie (Aretha Franklin)
• July 9-17 - Bjorn Again (ABBA)
• July 18-24 - Hotel California (The Eagles)
• July 25-29 - 52nd Street (Billy Joel)
• July 30-August 5 - Captain Fantastic (Elton John)
• August 6-12 - Transit Authority (Chicago)

July 4

Theme Parks:  Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios all offer special fireworks shows in the evening on July 4. These festivities are included in regular park admission.  Disney's Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals.

Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island:  An evening of special July 4 family fun is in store at Downtown Disney featuring a DJ dance party and fireworks. In 2007 there was live entertainment at Pleasure Island and the Marketplace from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm. A special fireworks display took place at 11:00 pm.  Guests may experience the outdoor elements of the July 4 celebration at Downtown Disney free of charge. Admission to the Pleasure Island nightclubs requires a separate ticket.

Bastille Day

On July 14 the France Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults. The 2007 Bastille Day events were offered from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Disney's Magical Beginnings

Magical Beginnings is a program devoted to families with little ones. Designed to make a Disney vacation with young children easy and fun, it's the perfect introduction to an enchanting visit. With age-appropriate attractions, entertainment, special services and awesome special events, Magical Beginnings is just wonderful.  In 2007, it was from 8/26/07 through 10/28/07.  Your family could have also danced and sung along with Playhouse Disney in Concert and Playhouse Disney favorites - The Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites and Dan Zanes – and more!  

Disney's Pin Celebration Weekend

The biggest Disney pin trading event of the year is the annual Disney's Pin Celebration. The three-day event features a unique collection of specially designed pins, trading activities and much more.  Disney's Pin Celebration 2007 was held at Epcot from September 7-9, 2007 during regular park hours. For 2008, the current schedule has it on Sept. 5-7. It is a private, separately ticketed event. Admission to Epcot is not included in the price of event admission, but is required for attendance. Registration is required.

Night of Joy

Contemporary Christian music acts perform at Magic Kingdom on two nights each September. This is an after-hours event that requires a separate ticket.  The 2007 Night of Joy concerts were September 7 & 8 from 7:30 pm - 12:30 am.  2007 single-night tickets were $44.68 plus tax in advance. Two-night tickets were $76.63 plus tax. Reportedly the 2008 Night of Joy event will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios (the new name for MGM). Keep a close watch to see when tickets are available.

US Open Water Ski Championships

This annual event takes place on the lake adjacent to Downtown Disney. Spectators can watch the competition from the waterfront areas of Downtown Disney. Carts selling food and beverages are set up along the viewing areas during the event.  The 2007 event was held on September 15 and 16, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

FALL EVENTS:

Walt Disney World Triathlon

Each fall, athletes exhilarate the body and mind as they swim, bike, and run through the Walt Disney World Resort in this USA Triathlon sanctioned event. This event consists of a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run in and around Walt Disney World.  The 2007 Triathlon was held September 23, 2007. The Triathlon capped a weekend full of events for athletes beginning 9/21/07.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Each fall, Epcot hosts the International Food and Wine Festival, a several-weeks-long celebration that includes both "free" (i.e. included in Epcot admission) and separately ticketed events such as Food and Wine Pairings, Specialty Dinners, wine classes and Party for the Senses.  The 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is currently scheduled for Sept. 26 – Nov. 9.

More than 100 wineries offer tastings, and guests can sample the food from the various countries in tasting portions ranging from $1.50 to $4.50. The 2007 Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces included foods and beverages from the following countries and categories: Argentina; Australia; Canada; Champagne; Chile; China; France; Germany; Greece; Hops & Barley; India; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Mexico; Morocco; New Zealand; Poland; Scandinavia; South Africa; Spain; Turkey; USA.

Other highlights included:

• The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bar, commemorative posters and other festival keepsakes.
• Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events.
• Up to 1,200 wine and beer seminars providing complimentary samplings.
• Elegant dinners, the weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting with entertainment by Cirque du Soleil and other by-reservation-only events.
• Along with the music, dance, acrobatics and avant-garde entertainment showcased at Epcot pavilions, festival guests can enjoy EAT TO THE BEAT CONCERTS performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre.  Once again, these are the “oldies” or 60s and 70s groups Lee just loves!

Entrance to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, plus wine and beer seminars and cooking demonstrations, is included with regular Epcot admission.

2007 Food and Wine Festival (extra ticket required)

Certain International Food and Wine Festival events, including special dinners, vertical wine tastings, cooking classes and Party for the Senses, require advance reservations and cost extra.  Here are just a few:

Afternoon Tea with Stephen Twining
Cheese Tastings
Chefs A'Field
The Cook, The Book and the Bottle
Discovering Wine
Exquisite Evenings at Epcot
Food and Wine Pairings
Odyssey Kitchen Conversations
Party for the Senses
Regional Feasts
Signature Dining Events
Sweet Sundays
Vertical Wine Tastings
Wine Schools
and more!

If you are interested in any specially ticketed event, check early! These events are very popular and it is advisable to book as early as possible.

ANOTHER ONE OF LEE’S FAVORITES during the Food and Wine:: Eat to the Beat Concerts

Enjoy 60s and 70s musical evenings during the Food & Wine Festival with the "Eat to the Beat!" concerts scheduled daily at 5:45, 7:00 and 8:15 pm on the America Gardens Theatre stage, and they are “free” if you have an Epcot admission.

"Eat to the Beat!" Concert Series Lineup for 2007 was:

• September 28 & 29 - Al Stewart
• September 30-October 1 - Otis Day and the Knights
• October 2-3 - Beach Boys
• October 4-6 -The Original Family Stone
• October 7-9 - Sheena Easton
• October 10-13 - Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
• October 14-16 - David Cassidy
• October 17-18 - Little Richard
• October 19-21 - TBD
• October 22-25 - The Four Tops
• October 26-27 - The Village People
• October 28-30 - The Outlaws
• October 31- November 3 - John Secada
• November 4-6 - Chubby Checker and the Wildcats
• November 7-8 - The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts
• November 9-11-David Sanborn

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (and an insider tip from Paulette and Lee):

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is held on selected nights in October each year. It is offered from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.)  Admission to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids, costume parades for little ones, character meet-and-greets, fortune tellers, Halloween riverboat ride, two performances of a unique holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety and appropriateness). Plus, most of the major attractions are open.

You may wonder, is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the money? Depends on how much you are "into" Halloween. Some of the experiences available during the party are not offered at any other time, so it allows you to enjoy Magic Kingdom in a unique way. We thought it was a lot of fun and would gladly pay to attend again.    Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and Halloween night, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. Don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parade, shows and Halloween "atmosphere."  It's fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. Make reservations as early as possible.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2007 was offered on September 14, 21, 28 and 3; October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12,14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31; November 2, from 7:00 pm to midnight.  This event closes very early, so if you plan to attend, secure your reservation early!

Haunted Hayrides at Fort Wilderness

Here is one of those things most people don’t know about.  Each October Fort Wilderness offers a Haunted Hayride based on the classic Washington Irving story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". These wagon rides include a performer who tells the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. In 2007 the hayrides took place on October 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. The wagons depart across from Pioneer Hall beginning around dusk. October 12-27, there were 6 rides per night, starting at 7:30 pm. October 28-31, there were 9 rides per night, starting at 6:00 pm. Wagons depart approximately every 20 minutes.  The 2007 Haunted Hayrides cost $15 adult, $10 child (3-9), plus tax.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K

Wow, with all these athletic events, Mickey and Minnie must be in great shape!  This new nighttime running event (along with a 6.5K race) debuted on October 27, 2007. This endurance event, which began and ended at Disney-MGM Studios, was tied into the 13th anniversary of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. The entry fees included access to an exclusive party in Disney-MGM Studios from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. The party offered a live band and Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and The Great Movie Ride were open.

Halloween

In addition Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Haunted Hayrides there are also special events at Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island for Halloween.  Family-oriented events such as trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch and a dance party are usually offered at Downtown Disney from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on October 30 and 31. Trick-or-treat bags are distributed at Disney's Wonderful World of Memories, Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney. Kids can visit close to a dozen locations that were distributing treats (most or all of the Disney-owned stores and carts participate). A Dance Party is held at the Dock Stage.  Pleasure Island offers Halloween-themed entertainment and dancing on Halloween (October 31) as well as the Friday and Saturday nights prior to Halloween (if Halloween doesn't fall on a Friday or Saturday).

Festival of the Masters

Award-winning visual artists transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the Festival of the Masters each November. The 2008 Festival of the Masters is currently scheduled for Nov. 7-9.  To qualify for Festival of the Masters, artists must have earned a primary award in a juried art festival within the last three years. Prospective exhibitors submit award verification and slides of their works to a jury of art experts, who then have the formidable task of reviewing the slides and selecting the participants. This process ensures that visitors to the Festival will be treated to one of the finest displays of art in the nation. Hence, Festival of the Masters has become one of the most sought-after shows among artists.  Over 200 honorees from art festivals around the country showcase painting, photography, glass works, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, jewelry and digital art. Live entertainment and children's activities are also part of the weekend-long event. Festival guests can experience culinary offerings and dance to live music.

Other highlights of the Festival of the Masters include:

• House of Blues Folk Art Festival – Enjoy the annual "Where the Art Meets the Soul" festival, featuring 40 local and national folk artists, great music and captivating children's activities.
• Central Florida Chalk Artists Association – Watch as over 6,000 square feet of sidewalk at Downtown Disney Marketplace are turned into a giant canvas for more than 50 chalk artists. And kids can create their own works of art in a special chalk-art area just for them!
• Children's Activities – Show your children the world of art as they're taught by experts how to draw some of their favorite Disney characters outside DisneyQuest. Families can enjoy other art-related activities throughout Downtown Disney, and kids can boogie at a special DJ Dance Party at the Dock Stage every afternoon.
• Live Entertainment by performers from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba as well as face painting and balloons outside Cirque du Soleil.
• Performance Artists – Experience this unique event where an artist transforms a blank canvas into a colorful painting featuring a favorite Disney Character — right in front of your eyes!
• Additional Live Entertainment – Keep your groove going all weekend with live performances throughout Downtown Disney.

ABC Super Soap Weekend

This annual event held at Disney-MGM Studios offers soap opera fans an opportunity to see their favorite ABC Soap stars at various events, including autograph sessions, motorcades, interviews, talk shows, game shows and performances.

The 2007 Super Soap Weekend was held November 10 & 11.

Thanksgiving

While Disney does not offer a Thanksgiving parade, the Christmas decorations are in full place the day after and most of the Christmas shows get under way!  There are special meals available at most Disney World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Note that "holiday pricing" (i.e. higher prices) may be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) November 18-24, 2007. Others are only charging a premium on the actual holiday, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

WINTER EVENTS (but it really is never “winter” here):

Christmas Decorations:

Paulette and I thought you might like to know that Disney’s Christmas decorations usually begin going up around the first of November, and are gradually added at night until they are fully completed by Thanksgiving weekend.  The Disney parks are wonderfully decorated for the holidays with each park also having special shows and events.  So, if you are thinking about visiting Disney at Christmas, remember, Christmas in the land of THE Mouse begins Thanksgiving Weekend!     

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:

This is certainly one of our favorite Christmas things to see!  Watching our grandkids enjoy the lights and snow (yes, “Florida snow”) is an absolute delight. The display uses millions (really) of Christmas lights, “Florida snow” and various vignettes to get you in the Christmas spirit.  It was originally created by Jennings Osborne at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. After he was forced to remove the display due to complaints by his neighbors, Disney happily agreed to use it at Disney-MGM Studios, where it has become an annual event.  In 2006, the spectacle was enhanced to include choreographed “dancing” lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade on New York Street, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among “Florida snow” flurries. For the 2007 holiday season, this display was offered 11/12/07-1/6/08. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios and certainly should not be missed.

Harlem Gospel Choir:

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir appeared at Disney-MGM Studios for the first time in the 2007 holiday season. Three performances (at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:30 pm) were offered at Theater of the Stars (Beauty and the Beast show location) on Sunset Blvd each night between November 30 and December 25.  Performances included holiday favorites such as "Joy to the World," "Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." The show is included in regular admission to Disney-MGM Studios.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (and an inside tip from Paulette and Lee):

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on selected nights, usually running from the weekend after Thanksgiving through approximately December 20.  Admission to the event includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, "Florida snow" on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, two performances of the holiday parade, and a special fireworks display. Plus, most of the major attractions are open.

Is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Well, we think it really depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows, "snow" experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ends (@ December 22) through New Year's Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between December 22-31, there is very little reason to spend the extra money to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  However, if you will be visiting Mickey before that date, the party is certainly wonderful event not to be missed. – but remember to be sure the little Mousekateers are well rested for this evening event.

Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can be quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and the last couple of nights it's offered, so it's not always a good way to avoid lines. It can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late November or early December, but don't necessarily expect to get on a lot of rides. The party is more about the parades and Christmas "atmosphere."

We think it is fun to have dinner at Tony's Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2007 was offered on November 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, and 30; December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21, from 7:00 pm to midnight in 2007.

Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon:

In 2008, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon will be held on January 12 and the Walt Disney World Marathon, a 26.2-mile trek through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and hotel resort areas, will be on January 13.  The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon highlight an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Other highlights include Disney's Health and Fitness Expo at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Events for the Marathon Weekend will take place January 10-13, 2008.  Registration for the 2008 Marathon and Half Marathon have already opened online. (Don't wait too long to register for the 2008 Marathon -- the 2007 Marathon and Half Marathon registration filled up by August 2006!)

Disney's Pirate & Princess Party: 2008-January 21, 26, and 29; Feb. 2, 5, 9, 14, 22, and 26; March 1,6,11,14

If you have either a little pirate, or a beautiful princess of your own, you may want to consider one of these Pirate & Princess Parties.  Guests embark on a quest for beads and chocolate treasures as they are immersed in a world of pirates and princesses during the “Pirate & Princess Party” at the Magic Kingdom. The first run of the Pirate & Princess Party in January-March 2007 was so successful, Disney brought it back for eight select nights in August and September 2007, and now it's returning for January-March 2008.

The party is held after regular park closing, from 7:00 pm - 12:00 midnight. Entry to the party requires separate admission. (You don't have to have paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Reportedly guests with Pirate & Princess Party tickets have been admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins.

With an adventure map and treasure pouch in hand, families can enjoy a quest for colorful beads, chocolate doubloons and fun throughout the Magic Kingdom theme park. Adventurers can explore Magic Kingdom on a quest for pirate coves and princess courts brimming with specially themed entertainment, participate in character meet-and-greets and experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions open throughout the evening. Guests are invited to dress up as a wily pirate or favorite Disney princess.

Adding to the magic of the event are two nighttime entertainment spectaculars:

• "Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade" features a new 39-foot-long raucous pirate ship overflowing with swashbuckling adventurers, plus a treasure-filled float with Captain Jack Sparrow himself. The colorful cavalcade moves down Main Street, U.S.A. with the twirling Jolly Roger Flag Corps -- plus royal knights on horseback, court dancers and a regal processional of Disney princesses and princes.
• "Magic, Music and Mayhem," a fireworks display orchestrated to an original musical score, fills the sky above Magic Kingdom. (Note from Mary: in my opinion, this is the most impressive fireworks display Disney has ever created!)

Party highlights:

• Adventureland: Captain Jack Sparrow leads a pirate tutorial offering young buccaneers sword fighting tips; plus a chance for photos with Jasmine and laughs with the hilarious Genie.
• Fantasyland: A fish called Flounder and crazy crab Sebastian kick it up with an "Under the Sea" dance party, and meet-and-greets with Ariel.
• Toontown: Court musicians and strolling jugglers hail princesses Cinderella, Belle and Aurora in a princess pavilion. Pirate Mickey and Donald invite guests to step right up and try their luck at carnival games in a themed play area.
• Frontierland: Singing sensation Riverboat Roulettes lure guests to a haunted river boat where the ghost of Jolly Roger spins tales amidst magicians and more.
• Tomorrowland: Young guests meet a space pirate, boogie down at Stitch's cosmic dance party, and enjoy break-dancing pirates and other entertainment.

It's fun to