The swearing in of new United States Citizens is always an emotional story. But when it happens at at Disney theme park, there is a little extra magic added to the ceremony. This year over 1000 new American citizens were welcomed to the country in a moving ceremony. Then they and their families were the first official audiences to see the newly revised Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Among those naturalized today were 25 employees of the Walt Disney World resort. Among them was Nicolas Graefe. His story is similar to so many of those who seek US citizenship, but as you might expect, with a Disney twist.

Nicolas (pictured above getting filmed by Disney) lived in Germany when he saw pictures of the 1976 Walt Disney World Parade in a comic book and fell in love with the Disney theme parks. In 1990 he worked at EPCOT as a cultural representative. Then he came back to work for Disney in 1998 when he met his future wife. Now he works for Disney in EPCOT food & beverage. This moment obviously meant quite a bit to Graefe, and he called it “one of his best Disney memories ever.”

After the families had a chance to see the revised Hall Of Presidents, I had a few minutes to speak with Kathy Rogers of Walt Disney Imagineering and Sr. Show Producer for this update. It was a roundtable style interview, so you’ll also hear Leigh Caldwell of Themeparkmom.com and Jeff Kober of MousePlanet.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I will have more photos and thoughts on the day tomorrow, but now, I’ve gotta run off to the Magic Kingdom to see the Fireworks tonight.

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Hall of Presidents Opens to 1000+ New American Citizens at the Magic Kingdom

If you’re heading out to your neighborhood fireworks display tomorrow or even one of the Disney parks, you can still sneak in another show by going to SeaWorld Orlando tonight for their special fireworks display. In the above photo technician Andrew Hage checks the connections of several fireworks at the top of SeaWorld’s 400-foot-tall Sky Tower. In the distance is Manta, the park’s all-new flying roller coaster.

SeaWorld Orlando has special fireworks displays this July 4th weekend. The sky-filling displays can be seen at 10:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow.

Photos By: Jason Collier/ Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando

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High Flying Fireworks Act at SeaWorld

KYLE BUSCH AND SCOTT SPEED FACE OFF AT DISCOVERY COVE - Leading up to the big race in Daytona, NASCAR drivers and friends Kyle Busch (R) and Scott Speed (L) went head-to-head at Discovery Cove in Orlando on a different kind of vehicle - Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The drivers also snorkeled with rays and tropical fish, hand-fed exotic birds and relaxed on pristine beaches at the all-inclusive park.

NASCAR’S KYLE BUSCH AND GIRLFRIEND VACATION AT DISCOVERY COVE - NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and his girlfriend enjoyed swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando before the big race in Daytona. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive tropical retreat where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel among fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches.

NASCAR’S SCOTT SPEED AND FIANCÉE VACATION AT DISCOVERY COVE - NASCAR driver Scott Speed and his fiancée got up close and personal with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Dexter, at Discovery Cove in Orlando. They arrived in town early to relax before the big race in Daytona.

Photos By: Jason Collier/ Courtesy SeaWorld Orlando

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Kyle Busch and Scott Speed make Pitstop at SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove

I’m guessing President Obama has never been to Walt Disney World since he asks if these are wax figures. I hope he gets a chance to come down to Orlando with his family and see the attraction for himself. It’s pretty powerful, as I said in my review.

I’ll be at the Magic Kingdom tomorrow for a naturalization ceremony for 1000 new American Citizens who will all get a chance to see the new Hall of Presidents attraction. A perfect way to kick off their new lives as citizens of the United States of America.

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Video of President Barack Obama recording his Hall of Presidents Speech

Internet Celebrity Robert Scoble has just posted a video interview with Lou Mongello. They talk about Mongello’s love of the parks, how he turned that into his trivia books, wdw radio website and podcasts, and how he works to stay on The Walt Disney Company’s good side.

Congratulations to Mongello, this is a big moment for him to get recognized like the internet media rock star that he is. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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Lou Mongello, Disney Trivia Author, Podcaster, interviewed

This month, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating and recognizing these efforts by donating nearly $950,000 to local non-profit organizations supported by Disney VoluntEARS.

“The dedication of our Disney VoluntEARS is absolutely inspiring and is truly making a difference,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “I’m extremely proud that our Cast Members make Central Florida a better place for everyone. Their contributions are helping our community during a time when it’s needed most.”

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise toward positively impacting their communities. Last year, Disney Cast Members around the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the program.

EARS to You Grants Provide Funding for Local Non-Profits
By the end of June, The Walt Disney Company and its EARS to You program will recognize Disney VoluntEARS with $929,150 in grants to local non-profit organizations. The program provides financial contributions of up to $2,500 per Cast Member for the non-profit organization of their choice based on the number of volunteer hours they contributed in 2008. Top beneficiaries this year include hundreds of local youth enrichment programs (such as sports leagues, literacy organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs), pet rescue organizations and community theatre and arts groups. This year, The Walt Disney Company will donate more than $2 million worldwide through the EARS to You program.

Walt Disney World Resort also recently made a $10,000 charitable donation in honor of Disney VoluntEARS to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to the hungry through non-profit agencies in six counties.

Exceptional Disney VoluntEARS Receive Honors
Walt Disney World Resort annually recognizes its top VoluntEARS through its VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEARS Team of the Year awards, which include grants of up to $2,500 for the non-profit organization of the recipient’s choice. Receiving the highest honors for 2008:

VoluntEAR of the Year: Alais Salvador
Salvador, an administrative assistant in shared services, helped provide more than 2,500 meals for the hungry through the Coalition for the Homeless, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Bread for Life programs. She also created a new Relay for Life team, which raised more than $56,000 for the American Cancer Society. Her $2,500 grant will benefit the American Cancer Society.

VoluntEARS Team of the Year: Finance VoluntEAR Action Team
Posting more than 9,000 VoluntEAR hours in 2008, the dynamic Finance VoluntEAR Action Team participated in a wide range of activities, from donating cell phones to survivors of domestic violence to walking to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. They also spent time with children at the Walt Disney World- sponsored Boys and Girls Club in Pine Hills, which will receive the team’s $2,500 grant.

Judges Choice VoluntEAR of the Year: Robin Perez
Financial Analyst Robin Perez is an active Girl Scout troop leader who led her troop through a myriad of activities, including sending care packages to soldiers, collecting food and filling shoeboxes with needed items for the homeless. Her $1,000 grant will benefit Girl Scouts of Citrus Council.

Judges Choice VoluntEARS Team of the Year: Disney Worldwide Shared Services Working with 14 United Way agencies, the Disney Worldwide Shared Services Team raised more than $13,400 for Central Florida. Their $1,000 grant will benefit The American Cancer Society.

Additionally, 414 Disney VoluntEARS who contributed more than 100 hours of service during 2008 also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House. The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages who volunteered a minimum of 100 hours during the year. Award recipients receive a congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama, a lapel pin and a personalized certificate in the mail.

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Disney VoluntEARS Raise $950,000 for Central Florida Non-Profits

It leaves me all warm and fuzzy to know I share a trait with Uncle Walt.

(Also you can now follow the Walt Disney Family Museum on facebook)

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Walt Disney was a Geek

I sat down to watch my DVR’d version of Disney Channel’s “Princess Protection Program” with my 6 year old son tonight with low expectations of it keeping our attention. But I need not have worried. PPP is a great movie in the classic Disney mold that we both enjoyed watching all the way through. In the 60s or 70s PPP would have been released to theaters, albeit with slightly better actors in the villain role, it is that good.

Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, the two actors who are asked to carry this film, have both been labeled as Disney’s hope for the future when Miley Cyrus finally moves on to her next thing. Gomez had the more meaty roll and really carried the film, a good sign for future work from her. Lovato definitely had the poise required to be a princess, but lacks the acting chops of Anne Hathaway in the Princess Diaries, but the fact that she compares at all says something.

Once you get past the films main conceit, the existence of, and need for, a Princess Protection Agency, the plot flows naturally from there. The adventure comedy is about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen. Lots of great lessons are included in the film, but they mostly avoid hitting you over the head with them. Always a bonus.

As is Disney’s habit these days, they’ve already released a DVD with extra features you don’t get on The Disney Channel just 4 days after the movie’s cable debut.

The full press release is below the cut:

Update: I had the actors reversed as to which was the princess Rosie. That’s what I get for writing so late at night. It’s fixed now

TEEN SUPERSTARS SELENA GOMEZ AND DEMI LOVATO STAR IN NO. 1 ENTERTAINMENT TELECAST OF 2009 PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

DEBUTS ON DVD TODAY JUST 4 DAYS AFTER RECORD BREAKING TELECASTS IN ROYAL B.F.F. EXTENDED EDITION DVD

FEATURES ALL-NEW MUSIC VIDEO “ONE AND THE SAME” and FANTASTIC BEHIND THE SCENES BONUS CONTENT

Last week Disney Channel’s PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM was crowned royalty as TV’s number one entertainment telecast of 2009 in Kids 6-11 (3.1 million) and Tweens 9-14 (3.2 million) and as cable’s most watched scripted telecast (viewers) when the exciting adventure/comedy debuted. Since its premiere in EMEA in May ’09, and now the U.S. and Canada, Disney’s “Princess Protection Program” has reached 28.1 million unique Total Viewers around the world, including 3.7 million Kids 6-11 and 3.5 million Tweens 9-14 for the June 26th premiere.

Now, just days after the record-setting cable debut, two of young Hollywood’s superstars, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, head to DVD in the royal journey PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM: ROYAL B.F.F EXTENDED EDITION. The exclusive bonus materials feature the all-new music video “One and the Same” performed by the real life best friends Demi and Selena plus much more. This regal experience is available with a free “Best Friends” necklace set inside the DVD for a limited time from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

EXCLUSIVE DVD BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:

* “One and the Same” Music Video performed by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.
* Royal & Loyal BFFs – stars Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato reveal secrets about their real-life friendship.
* A Royal Reality – meet a real-life Princess and learn the realities about gowns, castles and her responsibilities.

A Disney Channel Original Movie PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is an adventure comedy about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen.

PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is rated ‘G’ in the US and ‘PG’ in Canada.

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Princess Protection Program on DVD, so soon

Finally a deal has been struck that will fix some of the mistakes in the concept and construction of Hong Kong Disneyland. But it will take at least $450 million to do so. This move is important because Disney will shortly start construction on another theme park in Shanghai, which is on mainland China. Not to mention the competition Ocean Park is giving Disney right there in Hong Kong.

After the expansion the beautiful but small Disneyland model park will have three new lands that are uniquely its own and a list of attractions that is nearing respectability.

Below the cut are descriptions of the new lands that will be built. One thing that irks me is that while the Adventurers Club sits unloved and abandoned over here in Florida, they’re planning on building one in China. Of course, I was an advocate for building an Adventurers Club west out in Disneyland, the more the merrier. Just reopen this one too.

Grizzly Trail
Grizzly Gulch, Frontier Gold-Mining Town

The path along Grizzly Trail offers high-spirited frontier fun in an abandoned mining town called Grizzly Gulch, set amidst mountains and woods. The town was founded August 8, 1888 – the luckiest day of the luckiest month of the luckiest year – by prospectors looking to discover gold. Bears have now started causing havoc at the Big Grizzly Mountain Mining Company.

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Guests visiting Grizzly Gulch are part of the action, experiencing hands-on water features, massive geysers and various leaking structures in the abandoned town.
• Life-size Audio-Animatronic bears set the story in motion on Big Grizzly Mountain Coaster, an adventure aboard a runaway mine train through town. Guests careen backward down an incline that propels them through twists and turns, before a launch sequence “blasts” the mine train out of the mountain.
• A Wild West stagecoach, an old time Jail House, and the world’s largest nugget of gold provide fun photo opportunities.
• Guests can relax with a Wild West refreshment at the old Saloon or shop for mining supplies and souvenirs at the Bear Necessities merchandise stand.

Mystic Point

Mystic Point is the site of mysterious forces and supernatural events in the heart of a dense, uncharted rain forest.

In Mystic Manor, home to an eccentric world traveler and adventurer and his collection of exotic international artifacts, strange things are afoot as an enchanted music box releases its magical powers, thanks to a mischievous monkey.

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Inside Mystic Manor, a trackless ride system enables vehicles to move “freely” about the attraction as the story unfolds. Audio-Animatronic® figures and special visual and audio effects help tell the story of mystical phenomena.
• Within Mystic Point lies a beautiful garden full of relics and mythological figures, where guests discover a hidden world of illusions and mysteries that trick the eye.
• Guests can dine at the Adventurer’s Club amid a vast collection of unusual artifacts from around the world or purchase exclusive curiosities and collectibles at the Archive Shop.

Toy Story© Land
Disney·Pixar-themed Play Area for Kids of All Ages

Andy, the young boy from the Disney·Pixar Toy Story films, has left his toys unattended in this immersive and highly themed environment, based on one of Disney·Pixar’s most popular film series. While Andy is away, the toys come to life and play…and Guests are invited to join!

Key Technology and Creative Elements
• Oversized outdoor rides and photo opportunities allow Guests to experience the different perceptions of scale, and shrink to the size of a toy.
• One attraction includes a shuttle coaster which propels Guests along a U-shaped style track.
• A drop-style parachute attraction lets Guests join a “training mission,” plunging from a 25m tall tower.
• Guests will enjoy fun, immersive and interactive environments with life-size toys.
• A themed food kiosk provides a barrel of fun snacks and refreshments and Guests can shop for Toy Story inspired collectibles at the merchandise location.

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Hong Kong Disneyland’s Wish Comes True

“I [name] do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States”

Click to view larger image. Photo courtesy Kevin Yee

When it came time to add one more Audio-Animatronic figure to the famous Hall Of Presidents attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Imagineers could have chosen the easy path and just added one more AA figure with a new speech. Instead they spotted a weakness in the attraction with how it duplicated much of the same American history as the much more involved American Adventure attraction at EPCOT Center and then somewhat abruptly switched tracks to a Presidential roll-call.

So they set to work to refocus the attraction on the story of what it means to be an American President. Along the way they’ve changed the attraction’s message, given more time to the Audio-Animatronic Presidential figures, plussed the exterior with a marquee, and spruced up the lobby area as well. As I said in my previous post, the overall change is certainly a good one.

The lobby looks largely the same, but the addition of a new display case that features dresses, and more, from some of America’s First Ladies adds balance to the attraction. They had to ditch a couple Presidential portraits for that. But if they rotate the portraits like they plan to rotate the dresses, all should be good.

Inside the theater very little has changed. The show opens with the familiar ‘We The People’ silhouettes, and the group recitation of the Constitution’s pre-amble, but there is very little visual connection there. It seems like guests are expected to remember the symbology from the previous show?

Once the show gets going and the sonorous voice of Morgan Freeman kicks in as narrator, you know you’re in for a treat. We still get our American history lesson, but now it ties in much closer to the story behind the American Presidency starting with George Washington

Pay attention to the Presidents Disney selected to highlight in the script and you’ll see a trend. All the Presidents were very popular, either as they were elected, or grew in popularity during the course of their term.

The theme of populist politics is the thread that holds the Presidential tapestry together. It’s summed up in the frequently repeated line “One of Us” meaning that the President comes from the people and not at the tip of a sword or via a hereditary line, unlike any other nation on Earth at the time.

This switch to populism is the biggest shift of the attraction. Previously the political message was decidedly neutral. Neither left nor right. Populism is neither left nor right as well, but it can lead to fascism if not kept in check. So I’m personally left feeling just a bit uneasy by it. There is much more to the Presidency than them being potentially ‘one of us’.

The planning for this new attraction began long before the November election results were in. So were Disney’s Imagineers just lucky or are they savvy readers of politics and able to detect the popular groundswell that swept Barack Obama into office? I hope to ask them more about that this Friday.

(Aside: That’s a lot of political talk for The Disney Blog, I know. Please don’t read anything about my personal politics into it. I’m not sure Disney wants you to either, so come see for yourself and make up your own mind.)

There’s a great little bit of staging during the Civil War section. We knew that the Abraham Lincoln figure would give the Gettysburg Address, but I didn’t know that he would appear alone on the stage while doing so. A crafty bit of curtain design hides the other AA figures during this portion of the show and then the audience is returned to the screen portion of the attraction.

It’s a great break from what is basically a slide show, albeit a very well produced slide show, up to that point. The address doesn’t go over the top nor slow the show down. The Lincoln figure’s movements range from grand to intimate, the best AA performance I’ve ever seen, so far. I also want to ask the show producers if this is a little nod to Walt Disney, who was known for his ability to recite the Gettysburg Address in grade school.

From the Civil War we jump from national crisis to national tragedy. Very little time is spent celebrating what makes America strong, but then America’s Presidents are not remembered for the peaceful times, they’re cemented in our memories for how they deal with the difficult times we find ourselves in. It’s nice that Disney did not skip over these patches, but by the time we get to the real stars of the show, the AA figures, we’re definitely ready.

My chief complaint with the attraction is the distance the audience is set from the stage. Short of reconfiguring the raked seating (an expensive proposition) there hasn’t really been a way to resolve that. However, the new show only uses three of the five screens in the auditorium. Could the two end screens be used to show closer view of which ever audio-animatronic is performing? Yes, the flaws of the figures will be more apparent. But so will the technical wizardry of the performance.

Speaking of technical wizardry, I am really impressed with the way the George Washington and Barack Obama figures interact. At that moment it feels like two actors up on the stage. These are two more very impressive Audio-Animatronic figures. President Washington’s words provide a wonderful message that drives home the importance of the role of President. They also ties naturally into the quote I started this article with, the oath of office.

Barack Obama recites the oath and then is announced as President by the narrator. This moment received applause at all three shows I attended. It does feel a little bit like you’re there on the frozen tarmac of the Washington Mall waiting for the inauguration speech. A very nicely captured moment.

I’m a little sad to say that President Obama’s speech is not memorable. But perhaps that’s as it should be. The institution of the Presidency is showcased here, not one individual president. The much anticipated Robobama lives up to all its hype, even with the unfortunately prominent ears. Clearly a new level in audio-animatronic wizardry.

The show then hurries to a patriotic conclusion, and I do mean hurries. With the show running at almost exactly 20 minutes I would have liked to see a bit more care taken with this moment. Another 15-20 seconds to let it all sink in would be appreciated.

While the Hall of Presidents usually gets hardly a glance from the average theme park guest, they really do themselves a dis-service to walk by without experiencing this uniquely American story. Walt Disney’s Imagineers have done a spectacular job updating this attraction and it will continue to be a frequent stop on my families visits. I hope it is for yours as well.

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The Hall of Presidents Transformed

I’m hearing two rumors about the potential new theme park and some news that I think could bad news.

The bit of potential bad news is that LEGOland actually looked at the old Splendid China site, but that the current owners wouldn’t give them a good enough deal for LEGOland to commit. If that’s true for other Central Florida theme park zoned real estate owners, then that is probably what’s driving LEGOland to look southward to Winter Haven and Cypress Gardens. A foolish move by those land owners who should be doing what they can to get creative with a deal that will work for all parties, instead of turning away a brilliant partnership.

One rumor I’m looking to confirm is that Blackstone, which owns LEGOland, has an agreement with Universal Studios that bars it from opening another theme park in Florida without approval from Universal. Somehow I don’t think that Universal is going to want its partner owning a competitor in its own backyard. Now, if Blackstone added some incentive for Universal…

The biggest rumor, and the most interesting, is that Walt Disney World’s rumored 5th gate will be LEGOland. Chatter about a possible fifth gate has been picking up recently and there is definitely a need to have more tot-friendly attractions inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. But I just don’t see Disney opening a plot of land to a competitor like that.

Perhaps LEGOland should be looking at a plot near Disney’s back door (the Western Way entrance that was to be developed as Flamingo Crossing). If the Blackstone rumor is true, I hope they’re able to work out that conflict.

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LEGOland in Florida Rumors Grow

Yesterday the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom had previews for Cast Members, Annual Passholders and DVC members, and then opened to the regular guest as well. It was the debut of a new script, a new show, and a couple new Audio Animatronic including, of course, the much anticipated Robobama.

All in all, I was impressed with the new Hall of Presidents show. It is definitely a change in direction from the old version. The new audio-animatronics are impressive in their range of motion and the smoothness in which they transition from gesture to gesture. They’re still not quite approaching the ‘uncanny valley‘ (and that may be deliberate).

Click for larger version

The 11AM show for Annual Passholders and DVC Members filled the 600+ seat theater almost 3/4 of the way. When I came back later in the day, and every guest was allowed in, the theater almost filled up. Both shows had moments when the audience applauded moments from the show (such as after President Barack Obama is announced by the narrator).

I’ll come back tonight with a much longer post and my analysis of the show. But I wanted to get these photos up for those who couldn’t make it themselves.

The attraction is still undergoing some finetuning. So it may not be open between now and the fourth of July. But general expectations are that it will be except for July 3rd when it will be busy for an event most of the day.

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Hall of President Previews at Magic Kingdom

What do you think? Was this authentic or just a savvy piece of viral marketing by Disneyland? Read below the cut for my thoughts…

Reportedly there are lots of Cast Members in the crowd, plus all the performers are mic’d and there are some cameras shooting from the roof. Not something your usual tourist ‘magical moment’ gets.

Anyone know Scott and Erika and can fill us in on the deets?

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Disneyland Musical Marraige Proposal

Walt Disney World Fourth of July Fireworks on the 3rd and the 4th

Guests celebrating the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort will have a choice of fireworks shows as Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios present special pyrotechnics and Epcot adds a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s the latest schedule:

Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 pm. July 4 (guests who’d like to begin the celebratory weekend a day early can enjoy the special fireworks on July 3 at 9 p.m.). After the fireworks, guests can enjoy a performance of Disney’s “SpectroMagic” parade of lights, music and magic at 10:30 p.m. on July 3-4. Park hours are 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on July 3-4. There are evening extra magic hours on July 3rd.

Also on the third Disney will host a citizenship ceremony where 1,000 immigrants will gather on Main Street, U.S.A. to be “sworn in” as American citizens.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks will be presented at 10 p.m. on July 4, providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.). Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Park hours on July 4 are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – No fireworks here (they wouldn’t want to disturb the animals’ rest). Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SeaWorld and Universal

SeaWorld Orlando - celebrate the Fourth of July with a “bang” on July 3 with a special tribute performance by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus and dazzling fireworks display. The celebration continues July 4 with a patriotic presentation of red, white and blue fireworks immediately following the all-new fountain and fireworks finale – “Reflections.”

Universal Orlando - Celebrate Independence Day with live music from the O’Jays and a special Universal 360 show finale.

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4th of July Fireworks at Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando

One of the amazing aspects of Walt Disney World is all the amazing talent the cast members have. Not just those who audition for roles in the stage shows, but also front line cast members who are great performers in their own right.

Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra - a volunteer ensemble of nearly 300 talented Disney Cast Members - is currently in rehearsals for their next production, “Revolution! - A Musical Flashback to the 60’s and 70’s.” Shows are planned for July 23-25, 2009 at Epcot World ShowPlace and tickets are available to the general public.

Known for staging spectacular charity concerts, Encore! has chosen United Arts of Central Florida as the beneficiary of their performances for the second year in a row. United Arts is a collaborative partnership of businesses, government, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, school districts, artists and individuals that work to enhance the quality and variety of cultural experiences available in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

In July 2008, Encore! raised a record $25,940 for United Arts. Since its inception in 2002, Encore! has raised more than $80,000 for local charities.

Tickets are $15 and available through www.encorecentral.org.

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In Encore!, Disney World Cast Members Perform for Good Cause

I grew up listening to and playing music. When I was young, it was the Jackson 5 and the Osmond Brothers that dominated the pop scene. Others were prevalent, too, of course. I remember all the girls in class swooning over Bobby Sherman, David Cassidy and all the rest.

But my teenage years were filled with a pretty serious music focus and the late 70’s and early 80’s were pretty good to pop and rock music. Sure, the radio was banging out Journey and Loverboy, and my brother loved those bands, but I started along a different path around the age of 15. My oldest brother was (and is) a very fine drummer and he got me into jazz. Chick Corea, Al DiMeola and others represented a new twist for me. There were longer songs with complex rhythms and melodies that challenged as well as entertained.

And that led me to progressive rock, a path I took around the same time, and I never looked back. My friends Greg and Eric got me into the music of Yes and from there, I branched off to Rush, Genesis, King Crimson, Marillion and others. These bands and their music were a revelation to me and remain so. I still listen to them quite often.

So when my 8-year old daughter started getting more into music, I tried hard to get her to listen to some of the things I listen to. My tastes are pretty broad and varied now and if I put on the Young Dubliners or Queen, she’ll listen and even get into it. But I’m afraid I haven’t reciprocated as well as I could.

No, Hannah Montana and Taylor Swift really aren’t my cup of tea. I’ll confess that I tap my toes to the occasional Hannah/Miley song and I do think the young lady has a great voice, but there isn’t a lot there for a 44 year old guy.

Then, my daughter started listening to the Jonas Brothers and my first response was the same—more “bubble gum pop rock.” That definition does indeed carry some validity, but as I listened, I heard some old echoes pop up.

My favorite of the early 70’s, the time when I was 8-years old, was the Osmond Brothers. This family of musicians, all of whom were talented singers and players, wrote sappy, silly love songs and other teen fare. They knew who their target demographic was and they hit it pretty well, selling albums (the vinyl ones) and going platinum and beyond.

So, I started listening a little closer and watching with my daughter when the Jonas Brothers came on T.V. They seem like genuinely nice people and their parents are involved in their career—just like the Osmonds, and the songs they write are the sappy, silly love songs of the 21st Century and yet, like the Osmonds, some of the songs have some nuance, some flavor.

For example, the song “Lovebug” is, from a musical point of view, a fairly layered and textured piece of work with some very good vocals and a strong melody. Recently, the Disney Channel has been playing the Jonas’s song “Paranoid” and here again, the lyrics are a little deeper, a little more meaningful and the music, while still certainly not multi-layered and richly textured, is not simplistic.

So, sure, this is about Disney’s ability to spot talent. Once the talent is found, however, the talent has to deliver. It appears that the Jonas Brothers are doing just that—not just monetarily, but with passion for what they do, just like their predecessors from Utah, all of whom understood both music and their audience.

There are, of course, detractors of the Jonas Brothers, as there always are when anyone garners such public adulation and adoration. There are rumors that the Jo-Bro’s lip synch and don’t play their instruments. Most sources, however, including the brothers themselves, say that this isn’t true. Do they, in various Disney videos and commercials engage in this practice? Sure, that’s pretty standard. But the Jonas Brothers seem honest and sincere in the pursuit of something they are pretty obviously good at. It’s fairly evident that they are not a media creation, but a media phenomenon and though it’s easy to sit back and criticize, the fact is The Jonas Brothers make music that kids want to hear. They play and sing well and, perhaps most importantly, they seem to love what they do and have a pretty good grounding in their morals and beliefs.

If that’s what my daughter wants to listen to, she can do so all day long.

Catch more from Mark Storer over on his blog.

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The Jonas Brothers Deserve Their Success

In retrospect there is something sad about this, his every living moment in the public surrounded by throngs of people snapping cameras.

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Michael Jackson Tribute - Disneyland Paris 1992

Back in 1974 he and his brothers appeared in a Disneyland TV special featuring Sandy Duncan (see longer clip here). Here is a snippet where the Jackson 5 perform a medley including their smash hits ‘ABC’ and ‘I want you back’ wearing sailor outfits and dancing on the sailing ship Columbia.

Previously: Michael Jackson, aka Captain EO, Dead.

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Michael Jackson Tribute - Jackson Five Disneyland Special

There is something everyone reading this blog has in common with Michael Jackson. We are all Disney fans. Michael got to live out many of his Disney fantasies going so far as to have an attraction featuring him appear in the theme parks. He also loved to tour Disney’s many theme parks and share his love with friends and family. No matter what else is talked about, we know exactly how he felt about that.

So here in his honor is the complete video of Captain EO in two parts from youtube.

Part One:

Part two:

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Michael Jackson, aka Captain EO, dead.

“I would not be telling you the truth if I said the words ‘Dark Knight’ did not come up.” Sidney Ganis, the academy’s president, said. The other film usually mentioned in the same breath there is “WALL-E” or whatever Pixar Film was in the theaters that year.

I think “UP’ now has a very good chance of being nominated for a Best Picture Oscar this year. And That should make The Walt Disney Company very happy.

(via the NY Times)

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Did OSCAR change Bext Picture Rules to Help Pixar?