CELEBRATION, Fla., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — A magical tree lighting ceremony with Disney characters, festive holiday decor, carolers, gingerbread house building and even "snow" that magically falls, await all those who board a Disney Cruise during the month of December.

Just in time for the holiday season, both Disney ships — Disney Magic and Disney Wonder — are decked with boughs of holly and filled with holiday themed entertainment and activities for the entire family.

It all starts at Disney’s private cruise terminal at Port Canaveral, Fla., where holiday decorations and Disney characters dressed in their season’s best await all who board a Magical Holidays sailing.  Onboard, guests find highlights including:

• A nearly three-deck-tall tree-lighting ceremony in the atrium lobby, where "snow" magically falls
• A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy, with surprises for all the kids
• International holiday caroling by crew members from around the globe
• Special family time, when families join together to design and decorate their own gingerbread houses
• A reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas by Mrs. Claus
• Traditional holiday feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms
• Multiple faith and inter-denominational holiday services
• A ship-wide party to ring in 2006 and a New Year’s Day tailgate party

The last stop for all Disney Cruises is the line’s private island — Castaway Cay — where guests are treated to a "Magical Wonderland," a themed decor package that has transformed the sandy Bahamian island into a "snowy" holiday hideaway.

In addition to "snow" flurries, guests enjoy seeing Christmas trees, Mr. and Mrs. Snowman (with shell noses and tropical shirts), carolers and a sleigh full of presents in the middle of the Bahamas.  Even the island’s tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island has been decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and tail.

At the beach, families learn the art of sand sculpting, while kids try their hand at holiday themed children’s activities including making candy cane reindeers, paper plate angels and snowflake-mobiles.

Whether aboard or ashore, Disney Cruise Line guests will find the first class cruise experience that Disney is known for — now with a touch of the holidays — for every member of the family.

Rates for Magical Holiday sailings start at $429 (three-night), $499 (four-night) and $939 (seven-night) and are based on double occupancy.

A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available.  Both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will embark on new itineraries in 2006, with the Disney Magic including a seven-night alternate Western Caribbean itinerary making two stops at Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will sail two first-ever 10- and 11-night itineraries to the Southern
Caribbean.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation visit the Mouse Fan Travel web site.

CELEBRATION, Fla., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ — A magical tree lighting ceremony with Disney characters, festive holiday decor, carolers, gingerbread house building and even "snow" that magically falls, await all those who board a Disney Cruise during the month of December. < more... >

If, like me, you’re a fan of Disney’s Kim Possible and her sidekick Ron Stoppable, you were disheartened to hear that after three seasons the show was likely to go away. The folks over at SaveDisneyShows.org even put together a Save Kim site, and I’m happy to report that today it was announced that they have succeeded. Kim Possible has been brought back for a 4th season full of Kim, Ron, Rufus, Wade, Dr. Drakken, Shego, Senõr Senior Sr., and Senõr Senior Jr.

WorldScreen.com reports:

Walt Disney Television Animation will produce 22 more episodes of Kim Possible, bringing the animated comedy/action adventure series into its fourth season.

Kim Possible, which has enjoyed success with young viewers around the world, is from multiple Emmy nominated creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle.

If you’ve never watched Kim Possible, shame on you. 

If, like me, you’re a fan of Disney’s Kim Possible and her sidekick Ron Stoppable, you were disheartened to hear that after three seasons the show was likely to go away. The folks over at SaveDisneyShows.org even put together a Save Kim site, and I’m happy to report that today it was announced that they have succeeded. Kim Possible has been brought back for a 4th season full of Kim, Ron, Rufus, Wade, Dr. Drakken, Shego, Senõr Senior Sr., and Senõr Senior Jr.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/  — Disney, joined by Conservation International (CI) and Discovery Networks, recently embarked on an extraordinary scientific and cultural journey to explore some of the planet’s richest and most biologically diverse regions in the shadow of the Himalayas.  Together, they formed Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas - a search for new species and exploration of ancient legends.

To commemorate this expedition, a unique collection of experiences and artifacts is up for auction online on http://www.DisneyAuctions.com from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, with proceeds going to the work of Conservation International to study the world’s biodiversity hotspots.

Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas - The Collection auction items include a one-of-a-kind trip deep into the jungles of Peru led by Conservation International staff, behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, and seats to CI’s 10th Los Angeles Fundraising Gala and a photograph with actor and CI board member Harrison Ford, and behind-the-scenes tours and dinner experiences.

Expedition Everest: Mission Himalayas focused on regions that harbor a wealth of biological, cultural and spiritual treasures.  Findings and results of the expedition — including any new species discoveries — will be shared with the scientific and conservation community as well as be incorporated into Expedition Everest, an exciting new adventure attraction coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

One of the auction items will be the opportunity to be among the first to experience Expedition Everest.

The exploration into the Himalayas furthers the commitment to wildlife conservation that is a hallmark of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and its long-time relationship with Conservation International.  Several significant projects led by the respected group have been supported through the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF).  Since Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the DWCF has awarded more than $8 million to CI and other non-profit conservation organizations working around the world to protect areas rich in plant and animal life at risk of imminent destruction.

Expedition Everest, the attraction, is a high-speed runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the folklore of the yeti. Guests will depart from a Himalayan village and venture to the snowy heights of the vast Asian peaks.  Yet a run-in with the yeti — the guardian of the mountain — will send travelers on a forward and backward hair-raising escape. With a peak nearly 200 feet high, Expedition Everest will open officially in April 2006 in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth’s richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas and key marine ecosystems. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents. For more information about CI, visit http://www.conservation.org.  To learn more about Conservation International’s work in the Himalayan region visit http://www.conservation.org/himalaya.

For more information on items up for auction, or to place a bid, log on to http://www.DisneyAuctions.com and click on the "Theme-Park Artifacts" button at the top of the page or type in "Theme-Park Artifacts" in the search box.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/  — Disney, joined by Conservation International (CI) and Discovery Networks, recently embarked on an extraordinary scientific and cultural journey to explore some of the planet’s richest and most biologically diverse regions in the shadow of the Himalayas. < more... >

 Now What Are You Going to Do?

Well, obviuosly you’re going to go back home to Glasgow, like any good Scot. The Daily Record reports

A GRANDAD got his first hole-in-one in half a century of playing golf - then followed it up the next day with another.

Malcolm Hannah, 73, of Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow, was on a golfing holiday at Disneyland in Orlando, Florida, when he hit his amazing aces.

He said: "I surprised myself more than anyone but the Yanks were loving it. They were jumping up and down - as they do

A nice story. I particularly like the bit about the Yanks jumping up and down - as they do.

Thanks to The Daily Record

 Now What Are You Going to Do?

Well, obviuosly you’re going to go back home to Glasgow, like any good Scot. The Daily Record reports

A GRANDAD got his first hole-in-one in half a century of playing golf - then followed it up the next day with another. < more... >

It’s Christmas time at Disneyland. It almost hurts to say that. What ever happened to waiting for turkey day? I’d like to take this moment to reach deep inside and pull out my crotchety old man voice to say It seems to get earlier every year. And this year it comes in a 50th aniversary gold edition. From a Disneyland press release:

DISNEYLAND 50th ANNIVERSARY GOLD CHRISTMAS TREE FUN FACTS

The 2005 holiday season at the Disneyland Resort will be a whole lot brighter this year as the traditional Christmas tree in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. goes gold in honor of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration (continuing daily through 2006). Glittering in gilded splendor the traditional live tree has received the “Midas Touch” with a golden theme to commemorate Disneyland’s half-century milestone.

Here are the trunk-to-tip facts regarding this most unique Disneyland holiday icon:

• The Disneyland 50th Anniversary Gold Christmas Tree stands in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland from November 11, 2005 to January 2, 2006.
• The tree is 60 feet tall and decorated with 5,000 golden ornaments and 5,000 holiday lights.
• The lights decorating the tree are clear, white and amber accenting and highlighting the tree’s golden luminescence.
• The tree’s gold topper is a symbolic pair of golden Mickey Mouse ears with the numeral “50” in the center, and is accented with genuine, hand-applied 24-karat gold leafing.
• At the base of the tree are giant decorative gift boxes and colorful red poinsettias.
• The tree was harvested from the Mount Shasta region of Northern California, near the city of Redding.
• The tree is a White Fir, which is also known as a Shasta Fir.
• For its journey to the Disneyland Resort the tree was secured horizontally on a flatbed tractor-trailer and transported by a trucking company to southern California.
• The tree arrived at Disneyland on October 17 and soon began an extensive preparation and decorating process that took place in the Resort’s “backstage” area.
• More than 20 Disneyland Resort Cast Members were involved in the process of preparing, decorating and displaying the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Gold Christmas Tree.
• The entire process for this year’s tree, from selection to installation on Main Street, U.S.A., took 560 hours.
• The tree firmly rests in a planter in Town Square and is kept secure from any wind effects by four guy wires that are attached to the tree.  Two guy wires are anchored to Main Street buildings and two are anchored into the ground.
• During the decorating process, the tree was placed in a five-foot-deep well containing 50 gallons of water.  While in Town Square for its eight-week display, the tree sits in a similar well that is replenished with water every few days.
• The Disneyland tradition of a giant Christmas tree towering over Main Street, U.S.A. began in 1956. Disneyland is the last Disney park in the world to still utilize a real live tree as its holiday centerpiece in Town Square.
• Since its first holiday season in 1955 Disneyland has celebrated this special time of year with Yule time parades, an abundance of festive décor and special entertainment including the annual holiday parade, carolers, holiday foods, seasonal merchandise and the traditional Candlelight Ceremony and Processional.

#   #   #

It’s Christmas time at Disneyland. It almost hurts to say that. What ever happened to waiting for turkey day? I’d like to take this moment to reach deep inside and pull out my crotchety old man voice to say It seems to get earlier every year. And this year it comes in a 50th aniversary gold edition. From a Disneyland press release: < more... >

The Italian paper Agenzia Giornalistica Italia is reporting that Ferrari has plans to develop a theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

(AGI) - Rome, Nov. 14 - Ferrari and Aldar Properties have announced an exclusive agreement for the development of an innovative theme park in Abu Dhabi dedicated to the prestigious and famous Ferrari trademark.

The project promises entertainment for the whole family, including a race track, an amusement park and various initiatives aimed at informing visitors on the story and traditions of Ferrari. The park will also include participation in Ferrari’s sporting events and the possibility of experiencing the Ferrari trademark also through virtual simulations. Another major aspect of the structure will be a modern and sophisticated race track which, in addition to car races, will also be used for tests and driving lessons. Furthermore, the project will also include hotels, shops and residential areas that will encapsulate the style and design of the Ferrari brand.

"The agreement with Abu Dhabi will give Ferrari many opportunities," said Ferrari Director General Jean Todt. "This area will be a great attraction for fans and car enthusiasts from around the world," he stressed. "The structures for sporting and driving events will be a great call for Ferrari’s drivers and supporters," Todt added.

Giulio Zambeletti, Director of Ferrari’s division of Brand Development & Partners said, "Ferrari’s products and stores are having great success all over the world confirming the great potential for inspiration that our brand has."

So… Anybody up for a quick trip to the capital of the United Arab Emerates? 

The Italian paper Agenzia Giornalistica Italia is reporting that Ferrari has plans to develop a theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE. < more... >

The Festival of the Masters in Downtown Disney is a huge art show that has been appearing one weekend in November for the last 30 years! This year over 200 artists from 34 different states joined the festival that takes over all of Downtown Disney.

Booths are set up all over the West Side, there is live music as you walk through Pleasure Island over to more art in the Marketplace. All kinds of art is represented from paintings, sculptures, folk art, photography, jewelry, and my favorite the sidewalk chalk art. There was even an artist that carved a big Mickey out of soap for the Basin shop. I was told the soap Mickey will be on display in the store for awhile after the festival.

Of course this is Disney so even an art show doesn’t leave out the kids. There were a few spots for kids to make their own art and a DJ keeping the kids entertained.

The Festival of the Masters in Downtown Disney is a huge art show that has been appearing one weekend in November for the last 30 years! This year over 200 artists from 34 different states joined the festival that takes over all of Downtown Disney. < more... >

I’ve realized (mostly from the odd looks Beci gives me when I mention the Black Pearl or the Volvo Ocean Race) that not everybody is interested in 7 rich white guys racing their billion dollar fleet around the world. So I’ve moved all mention of the race to a page of it’s own.

Look for The Black Pearl on the sidebar to the right. I’ll post less frequent updates here. 

Today’s update: The race is on. The fleet has left Vigo, Spain and is sailing south toward Cape Town, South Africa.

I’ve realized (mostly from the odd looks Beci gives me when I mention the Black Pearl or the Volvo Ocean Race) that not everybody is interested in 7 rich white guys racing their billion dollar fleet around the world. So I’ve moved all mention of the race to a page of it’s own. < more... >

Disney is sponsoring Americas Cup veteran Paul Cayard in his quest to win the Volvo Ocean Race which began on the 6th. But it’s not the Mouse that you’ll see on the sails of Cayard’s "Black Pearl". It’s the skull and crossed cutlass of Captain Black Jack Sparrow.

The Cayard effort took to the water yesterday along with the other 6 boats in the Bay of Sanxenxo, on the Spanish West Coast. Officially known as the "Pirates of the Caribbean" team, Cayard and crew brought the Black Pearl into third place for the day, collecting 2.5 points

The AP has a nice story on the Black Pearl:

Although this Black Pearl won’t slip mysteriously out of fog banks, and Johnny Depp won’t be at the wheel as Capt. Jack Sparrow, The Walt Disney Co. has found a high-tech, floating billboard to promote "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest," the first of two sequels to its surprise 2003 blockbuster, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

For more information on the race itself, try the official Volvo Ocean Race web site. 

Current Standings: 

#	Team	Country	Points
1	Ericsson Racing Team	SWE	3.5
2	Brasil 1	BRA	3.0
3	Pirates of the Caribbean	USA	2.5
4	movistar	NED	2.0
5	ABN Amro Two	FRA	1.5
6	ABN Amro One	NZ	1.0
7	Premier Challenge	AUS	0.0

The fleet is currently in port. The next open leg starts on Nov 12th, when the fleet will leave Vigo, Spain and head for Cape Town, South Africa.

Disney is sponsoring Americas Cup veteran Paul Cayard in his quest to win the Volvo Ocean Race which began on the 6th. But it’s not the Mouse that you’ll see on the sails of Cayard’s "Black Pearl". It’s the skull and crossed cutlass of Captain Black Jack Sparrow. < more... >

Sela Ward has joined the cast of Disney’s Coast Guard movie "Guardian". I’m not sure why she would join Kevin Costner (cough Water World cough)  in a movie that takes place at sea and in which he plays a public employee (cough Postman cough), but I’m sure she’s got a good agent and doesn’t need my advice.

From Reuters:

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sela Ward has signed to join Kevin Costner in "The Guardian," an action drama that also stars Ashton Kutcher. The Disney project revolves around the relationship between a rebellious Coast Guard enlistee (Kutcher) and a legendary rescue swimmer (Costner). Ward will play Costner’s wife in a troubled marriage.

Sela Ward has joined the cast of Disney’s Coast Guard movie "Guardian". I’m not sure why she would join Kevin Costner (cough Water World cough)  in a movie that takes place at sea and in which he plays a public employee (cough Postman cough), but I’m sure she’s got a good agent and doesn’t need my advice. < more... >