quote:

In This Edition:

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Night of Joy launches a new era at a new Disney home

Magic Kingdom: Mickey and Minnie showing off new Halloween costumes on party nights

Epcot: Prestigious Bocuse d'Or USA event kicks off Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; Grammy-winning music acts join Eat to the Beat! Lineup

Downtown Disney: Dining and fun with a prehistoric theme is coming in October

Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex: Race for the Taste is an event fit for runners with an appetite for competition -- and more

Around the 'World': Disney guests' options in 2009 will include Quick Service meal plan, Pirates-themed guest rooms; Disney vacation 'know-it-alls' can apply for 2009 Moms Panel in September; Disney's Dreamers Academy accepting nominations in September

Disney Cruise Line: Travel + Leisure readers hail the Disney cruise experience

---

Night of Joy Features New Venue, First-Time 'Rap Sessions' with Music Acts, New Event Hours Sept. 5-6 at Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 26th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort will have lots of "news" surrounding a lineup featuring a "Who's Who" of Christian music Sept. 5-6:

Disney's Hollywood Studios will host the event for the first time

First performances each evening will be at 7:15 p.m., with the fun continuing till 1:30 a.m.

"Rap sessions" will engage guests in moderated Q&A discussion with select artists
A stellar 16-act lineup (with eight acts performing each night) will feature Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plus enduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.  Here's the complete talent lineup with show times and locations (subject to change):
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5
Artist - Stage - Showtimes
Brandon Heath - Lights, Motors, Action! - 7:15pm
Britt Nicole - Icon Stage - 7:30pm
Matthew West - Premier Theater - 8pm, 9:15pm
Chris Tomlin - Lights, Motors, Action! - 8:15pm, 9:45pm
BarlowGirl - Icon Stage - 8:30pm, 9:45pm
Rush of Fools - Premier Theater - 10:45pm, Midnight
Rebecca St. James - Icon Stage - 11pm, 12:15am
MercyMe - Lights, Motors, Action! - 11:15pm, 12:45am

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6
Artist - Stage - Showtimes
Red - Lights, Motors, Action! - 7:15pm
PureNRG - Icon Stage - 7:30pm
Mandisa - Premier Theater - 8pm, 9:15pm
Casting Crowns - Lights, Motors, Action! - 8:15pm, 9:45pm
Marcos Witt - Icon Stage - 8:45pm, 10pm
GMA Winner - Icon Stage - 9:35pm
Aaron Shust - Premier Theater - 10:30pm, 11:45pm
tobyMac - Lights, Motors, Action! - 11:15pm, 12:45am
Fred Hammond - Icon Stage - 11:30pm, 12:45am
One-night advance tickets ($44.95) and two-night tickets ($75.95) can be purchased online at www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.  Groups of 10 or more can go to www.nightofjoy.com or call 877/NITEJOY for ticket information.
Guests attending Night of Joy can combine an evening of Christian music with the thrills of popular Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions plus a DJ dance party each evening.

---

Mickey and Minnie Planning to Show off New Costume-Party Look at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Beginning Sept. 5
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When the Disney characters dress up for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this September and October, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be debuting a whole new look.  Mickey has traded his scarecrow costume for stunning purple and orange eveningwear fit for a Halloween ball.  Not to be outdone, Mickey's best girl, Minnie Mouse, exchanged her witch costume for a party dress to complement Mickey's attire.
For Mickey, it's a top hat and purple tails. For Minnie, it's a party dress with a purple hat with an orange ribbon -- bright and colorful, befitting the fun on 26 evenings between Sept. 5 and Oct. 31 when Magic Kingdom hosts the popular after-hours party.
Guests are invited to dress up as well for the 7 p.m.-midnight party which features two scheduled entertainment extravaganzas guests can see at no other time: the "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade and the bewitching "Happy HalloWishes" fireworks spectacular.  There's trick-or-treating galore and also a chance to experience popular attractions throughout the evening.
Parties are slated for Sept. 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28, 30 and Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.  To purchase advance tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/halloween.

---

Disney Vacation 'Know-It-Alls' Can Apply for 2009 Moms Panel Sept. 8-19

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney Parks undertakes its search in September for a group of park-savvy parents to be named the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel, following in the footsteps of the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel which has been fielding and answering thousands of vacation questions in 2008.
The quest is for 16 parents who pride themselves on being Walt Disney World "know-it-alls" and have an undying passion to share their Disney knowledge with others at www.disneyworldmoms.com.  From Sept. 8 through Sept. 19, interested applicants can visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to apply for the panel.  The application process begins with a series of questions and three brief essays -- about their family, why they are a great Walt Disney World vacation planner and their favorite Disney vacationing tip.
"The first-ever Disney Moms Panel has responded to more than 9,000 questions from vacation planners this year.  They have offered our guests countless tips to plan a magical vacation at our resort," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.  "We thank the 2008 panel for their contributions and look forward to working with a new group of parents."
Since the launch of www.disneyworldmoms.com in January 2008, the current 12-person panel has responded to questions covering just about anything from how to sign up for a character dining experience to what items are allowed in the parks.

---

Bocuse d'Or USA Cook-Off Headlines Opening Weekend of 13th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight top U.S. chef teams will chop, sauté and display culinary masterpieces as they compete in the Bocuse d'Or USA semifinals Sept. 26-27 during the opening weekend of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.
The U.S. cook-off of the prestigious international cuisine contest will be staged before a live audience at the park's World Showplace.  The winning team, to be selected by prominent chef judges, will be announced Sept. 27 at the reservation-only Bocuse d'Or Grand Gala.  The country's leading chef candidates, each with one assistant, will prepare elaborate fish and meat platters to be judged on taste, presentation, creativity and technical precision.  During the contest, park guests can enter and exit the cooking arena at their leisure.  The finalist team will compete in January at the international contest in Lyon, France, founded by renowned French chef Paul Bocuse.
The Epcot festival runs Sept. 26-Nov. 9 and features more than 25 international marketplaces showcasing the world's top "foodie" cities, from trendy Cork, Ireland, to exotic Marrakesh.  Entrance to the Bocuse d'Or culinary contest, complimentary wine and beer seminars, culinary demonstrations, cultural exhibits, Eat to the Beat! concerts and all attractions and park entertainment are included in Epcot admission.
A series of special festival events can be reserved and require separate admission, including:  The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, Bocuse d'Or Grand Gala, Food and Wine Pairings at select Epcot restaurants, Epcot Wine Schools, Sweet Sundays and other special wine and culinary programs.
Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs.  Festival details are available at the Web site: www.disneyworld.com/food.

---

Eight Grammy Winners Included in Eat to the Beat! Lineup During Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Beginning Sept. 26

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Eight Grammy-winning acts join 10 other stellar hit-makers to bring a rocking mix of classic tunes to Walt Disney World Resort during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning Sept. 26.  Eat to the Beat! concerts are scheduled three times daily through Nov. 9.
From rock to jazz, funk to pop, 10 new Eat to the Beat! acts and eight returning bands take their turn on the America Gardens Theatre stage in 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. shows.  The lineup (subject to change) includes:
Sept. 26-27 -- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (NEW)
Sept. 28-30 -- Sheena Easton (2 Grammys)
Oct. 1-4 -- Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 5-7 -- En Vogue (NEW)
Oct. 8-9 -- Jonny Lang (NEW, 1 Grammy)
Oct. 10-12 -- Peabo Bryson (NEW, 2 Grammys)
Oct. 13-14 -- Sister Hazel (NEW)
Oct. 15-16 -- David Sanborn (6 Grammys)
Oct. 17-18 -- Jon Secada (2 Grammys)
Oct. 19-21 -- Spyro Gyra (NEW)
Oct. 22-23 -- Otis Day & the Knights
Oct. 24-26 -- Exposé
Oct. 27-28 -- Kool & The Gang (1 Grammy)
Oct. 29-30 -- Boyz II Men (NEW, 4 Grammys)
Oct. 31-Nov. 2 -- Atlanta Rhythm Section (NEW)
Nov. 3-5 -- David Cassidy
Nov. 6-7 -- Night Ranger (NEW)
Nov. 8-9 -- Los Lobos (NEW, 3 Grammys)

---

Oct. 12 Race for the Taste 10K at Walt Disney World Resort Offers Fulfillment for Runners with an Appetite for Competition

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The 9th annual Disney's Race for the Taste 10K takes place Oct. 12, giving competitors an opportunity to run and eat during the popular Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.
Runners will enjoy a ceremonial toast and fireworks display at the 7 a.m. start of the race at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, then embark on a 6.2-mile journey through Disney's Hollywood Studios and past Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts before passing through World Showcase at Epcot, the epicenter of the food and wine festival. 
At the finish line, runners -- along with ticketed friends and family members -- will have an opportunity to sample international cuisine from the Epcot festival at a post-race picnic.
There will also be several Race for the Taste Kids' Races, including a Heelys' Race and Roll race (200m) for kids ages 8-14.  Other kids' races include a 100-meter event (ages 1-3), a 200-meter race (ages 4-6), a 400-meter race (ages 7-9) and an 800-meter event (ages 9-11).  
Runners can register online at www.disneyraceforthetaste.com. Race-only registration is $55; race registration that includes a Disney theme park ticket is $92.  Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal shaped like a chef's hat.  Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in several categories, including top male, top female and wheelchair divisions.

---

Quick Service Dining Plan, Pirate-Themed Rooms New Choices for Walt Disney World Guests in 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Guests planning vacations to Walt Disney World Resort in 2009 can choose a new Quick Service dining plan that can save up to 20 percent on dining and -- Argh, mateys! -- new pirate-themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.
The new Magic Your Way plus Quick Service Dining is available for arrivals beginning Jan. 11, 2009.  This package offers two quick service meals and two snacks for each night of a guest's stay plus a resort refillable drink mug for unlimited refills of non-alcoholic beverages at the guest's Disney resort hotel.  The Disney Dining Plan is an option to vacation packages that include accommodations and Magic Your Way tickets.
For guests with a passion for pirates, the accommodations in 2009 could be at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.  The resort is extending the theme park experience to the hotel room by adding a pirate theme to 384 rooms within the Trinidad South Village area.  Each Pirate Room will feature ship-themed beds, buccaneer accessories and swashbuckling décor.
Additional information and arrangements are available online at www.disneyworld.com, by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting a local travel agent.

---

T-Rex at Downtown Disney Will Take Guests on a Dining Adventure to a Prehistoric Time when Restaurant Debuts in October

 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Walt Disney World guests will go on an adventure back in time to dine among the dinosaurs when T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover opens it doors by late October at Downtown Disney.
T-Rex, developed by Schussler Creative, Inc., and operated by Landry's Restaurants, Inc., features dining and retail in a 30,000-square-foot, 600-seat interactive prehistoric environment.  The concept is built around water, fire and ice:  Guests will be greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs that live among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more.
Schussler Creative Chairman Steve Schussler, the founder of Rainforest Café and T-Rex restaurants, depicts the experience as "edutainment," noting that this "treat for all five senses" includes artifacts such as fossils -- all carefully labeled -- that are hundreds of millions of years old, carefully crafted animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite found in Argentina.
A full-size skeleton replica of Argentinosaurus, one of the largest of the dinosaurs and copied from a museum specimen about 125 feet in length, looms over the entrance, joined by a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
The theme carries over to the menu, which features items with names such as Caesarsaurus (Caesar salad), Raptor Ribs (Asian BBQ ribs), Pterodactyl Wings (Buffalo chicken wings), Triassic Tortellini (tri-colored cheese tortellini) and Gigantosaurus Burger (think really big hamburger!).
Menu choices range from starters (appetizers, salads and soups) to pastas, burgers and sandwiches to a broad selection of entrees plus desserts.  Some favorites include rotisserie chicken, fried shrimp, steaks and ribs, tarragon chicken salad sandwich, Cobb salad and "Chocolate Extinction."  Guests will be able to make reservations by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

---

Disney Cruise Line Recognized as a Top Cruise Experience by Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine

CELEBRATION, Fla. -- Disney Cruise Line continues to receive top honors in the cruise industry, most recently being recognized in Travel + Leisure magazine's "2008 World's Best" awards.  The annual "World's Best" list, which recognizes the best in travel for cities, hotels, islands, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters and car-rental agencies, ranked Disney Cruise Line No. 3 in the "Large-Ship" cruise line category.  The ranking was determined by readers asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries, destinations, activities and value.
"We are delighted to be recognized in the Travel + Leisure "2008 World's Best" awards as one of the top three large-ship cruise lines and the highest ranked cruise line catering to the family market," said Tom McAlpin, president of Disney Cruise Line.  "This recognition further enhances our position as the best cruise line for an unparalleled family vacation and motivates us to continue to elevate the Disney Cruise Line experience even higher."
Disney Cruise Line has received nearly 50 distinguished awards and honors since first setting sail in 1998.  These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500.  Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.

---

Nominations Open Throughout September for 2009 Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey

 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Teens from across the country with big dreams and aspirations can be nominated during September to be part of the Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey class of 2009. One hundred high school students will be selected from among those nominated to participate in the academy Feb. 12-15, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort.
An event created to inspire and enrich high school students, Disney's Dreamers Academy will include workshops with Disney cast members and executives, sessions with entertainment celebrities and professional athletes, and time to enjoy the Disney theme parks -- where participants can see, first-hand, the results of people who turned their dreams into careers as "Disney dreamers."  The student participants will learn about careers in everything from culinary arts to animation, set design and show production to the business of sports and more.
During the inaugural Disney's Dreamers Academy in January 2008, some of the guest speakers were Chef Jeff Henderson, National Football League Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow, pop/R&B recording artists Fantasia and Keyshia Cole, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith and, of course, syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey.
The Disney's Dreamers Academy class of 2009 will be made up of teens nominated betweenSept. 1 and Sept. 30, 2008.  Young dreamers -- who must be enrolled in high school for the 2008-09 term -- can be nominated by anyone, including parents, guardians, teachers, church members, social organizations -- even themselves.  Although a high GPA is not required, students must exhibit a desire to learn, perhaps needing only additional motivational support to excel.  Nomination forms can be found at www.steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy.
A select panel of judges including Steve Harvey, community leaders and Disney representatives will choose the 100 finalists.  The Disney's Dreamers Academy class of 2009 will be announced in November 2008.

Beauty and wonder everywhere I look. I am my dreams come true