This was reported last week, but finally we see something ‘official’ posted on a Disney website:

Beginning February 1, 2006, Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom® Park will implement changes to their dining offerings.

Breakfast and lunch will continue to offer a Princess dining experience from a set menu.  Dinner will also become a fixed-price meal from a set menu.  Upon arrival, Guests will experience a photo opportunity in the castle lobby.  They will then proceed to the dining room where Disney princesses or Fairy Godmother will mingle among the tables and greet Guests.

A beautiful Imaging package of their photo will be delivered to Guests at their table. The Imaging package includes four - 4×6 prints, one - 6×8 print, and one - 6×8 print of Cinderella’s Castle - all in a Cinderella themed photo holder.  In addition, dinner Guests will also receive an exclusive lithograph.

The new pricing for these experiences is as follows:

Breakfast
$31.99 plus tax - Guests ages 10 and up
$21.99 plus tax - Guests ages 3 to 9

Lunch
$33.99 plus tax - Guests ages 10 and up
$22.99 plus tax - Guests ages 3 to 9

Dinner
$39.99 plus tax  - Guests ages 10 and up
$24.99 plus tax - Guests ages 3 to 9

Full payment will be required at the time of booking for all meal reservations on or after February 1, 2006.

This was reported last week, but finally we see something ‘official’ posted on a Disney website:

Beginning February 1, 2006, Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom® Park will implement changes to their dining offerings. < more... >

Check out celebrities like Susan Lucci and over 30 other luminaries from your favorite ABC Daytime dramas as they step off of your TV screen and into Disney-MGM Studios for a star-studded weekend. Experience Celebrity Motorcades and Star Conversations or play "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" with your favorite soap star! Then, take advantage of "On Location" Autographs and check out all the hot hunks and daytime divas of ABC. Be sure to attend the ABC Super Soap Weekend. It’s a truly soap-a-licious weekend!

Events include:

WIDE WORLD OF SOAPS
Get the scoop at the Wide World of Soaps talk show featuring the ABC Daytime stars live on the ABC TV Theater stage! Throughout the day, catch an exclusive look at show clips, enjoy sneak previews of upcoming episodes and find out more about your favorite actors. This is your chance to ask the stars everything you’ve always wanted to know!

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE – PLAY IT!
At the Super Soap Special Edition of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It!" everyone gets a chance to test their soap opera knowledge, and a few lucky contestants will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the "hot seat" with ABC Daytime celebrities and compete for amazing prizes!

CELEBRITY MOTORCADES AND STAR CONVERSATIONS
Catch a glimpse of the glamour and see your favorite ABC soap stars up-close and personal in "Hollywood-style" motorcades all day long. Each celebrity convoy travels up Hollywood Boulevard to the Sorcerer’s Hat stage, and is capped off with a fascinating conversation with the stars live on stage!

"I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR"
Join in the fun of SOAPnet’s "I Wanna Be A Soap Star". Selected contestants will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform an on-stage scene with one of ABC’s hottest hunks.

SOAP CENTRAL
Be sure to visit Soap Central — the popular gathering place for daytime drama fans! Don’t miss your chance to purchase show costumes, props and other one-of-a-kind items direct from the sets of your favorite ABC soaps. And check out our exciting commemorative 10th Anniversary ABC Super Soap Weekend logo merchandise!

COLGATE® TOTAL® STREET JAM NIGHTIME ENTERTAINMENT
Party each evening following the Grand Motorcade at the incredible star-studded Colgate® Total® Street Jam concert!

"ON LOCATION" AUTOGRAPHS
Get some "face time" with your favorite ABC soap stars who will be signing autographs at special locations throughout the Park.

Visit ABC.com for more information on your favorite ABC Daytime shows or ABC Super Soap Weekend.

Dates: November 12, 2005 - November 13, 2005, 9:00AM - 8:00PM

Location: Disney-MGM Studios

Additional Information

• Theme park admission is required.
• Entertainment subject to change without notice.

Check out celebrities like Susan Lucci and over 30 other luminaries from your favorite ABC Daytime dramas as they step off of your TV screen and into Disney-MGM Studios for a star-studded weekend. < more... >

Kickoff the New Year with an electrifying celebration at the ultimate nightlife destination! It’s time to party hearty and there’s no place like Pleasure Island on New Year’s Eve from 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.! Join the countdown to 2006, as Smash Mouth, S.O.S. Band, Paul Jackson Jr., and other sensational musical groups turn Pleasure Island into a giant kinetic street party. Enjoy a champagne toast and a spectacular midnight fireworks display. A variety of dynamic nightclubs, live music acts and exciting entertainment will have you dancing ’til next year!

Buy tickets online now or call 407-W-DISNEY.

Price: Adults 21 and over: $89.00+tax

Dates: December 31, 2005 - January 1, 2006

Location: Downtown Disney®

Additional Information

• All guests must be at least 21 years old with proper ID.
• Entertainment subject to change without notice.

Kickoff the New Year with an electrifying celebration at the ultimate nightlife destination! It’s time to party hearty and there’s no place like Pleasure Island on New Year’s Eve from 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. < more... >

Reuters is reporting that Siemens and Disney have signed a 12-year strategic alliance. As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World and will work with Disney to develop and apply new technologies across a range of businesses.

Update:

Reuters has an additional story on the topic detailing the reasons for Siemens taking part in this deal:

In Times Square, Siemens is replacing Sony Corp. on a big billboard run by Disney’s ABC television network. And at the Disney-owned Epcot Center, the German company is taking over Spaceship Earth, a golf-ball-shaped attraction that AT&T Corp. controlled for two decades.

Siemens will be putting its logo on those Disney showpieces and other prominent properties as part of a 12-year deal aimed at boosting its brand recognition in the United States.

The German company will also be able to use Disney characters for conferences and other events, said Siemens spokeswoman Paula Davis.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement, but TSE Sports & Entertainment President Robert Tuchman, who represents corporations in promotional deals with sports teams and other entertainment companies, estimates Siemens will get about $100 million in promotional and marketing rights.

"Disney is such a good brand. This is worth much more than, say, naming rights to a stadium," said Tuchman.

Reuters is reporting that Siemens and Disney have signed a 12-year strategic alliance. As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World and will work with Disney to develop and apply new technologies across a range of businesses. < more... >

From the Disneyland news site comes word of many Thanksgiving dining options at Park Uno.

DISNEYLAND RESORT 2005 THANKSGIVING DAY DINING

The Disneyland Resort is offering a variety of dining options for Thanksgiving Day, November 24.  For more information and reservations, call (714) 781-DINE.

“A Disney Family Thanksgiving Feast,” Disneyland Hotel, 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim

A wealth of traditional holiday fare, including the Disney characters, will be part of this popular and elaborate all-you-care-to-eat buffet in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The menu includes hand-carved oven-roasted turkey with gravy, honey glazed ham, carved round of beef, jumbo shrimp, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, salads and a crepe station.  Also offered will be fresh bread, pastries, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, tarts, cookies, chocolate mousse, ice cream and fresh fruit.  A special buffet for children features macaroni and cheese, pizza, hamburgers and a build-your-own sundae station.

Date: Thursday, November 24

Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

Price: $55 for adults, $13.50 for children ages 3-11. Children under three are free.

Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim

This award-winning restaurant will feature a four-course menu celebrating California Wine Country Cuisine.  Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will prepare some special dishes for the holiday, including braised range pheasant with Sonoma mushrooms and crisp potato gnocchi; harvest pumpkin bisque with wild rice, roast parsnip and duck confit; and oak-roasted American Heritage “bronze” turkey with country corn bread stuffing and chanterelle mushroom gravy.  Among the dessert choices is country style nut tart with walnut caramel ice cream.

Date: Thursday, November 24

Time: 2 to 7 p.m.

Price: $75 for adults, children’s menu available

Goofy’s Kitchen, Disneyland Hotel, 1150 Magic Way, Anaheim

Goofy’s Kitchen will offer a Thanksgiving Feast menu filled with traditional entrees and side dishes, plus a wide variety of desserts.

Date:  Thursday, November 24

Time: Between 3 to 9 p.m.

Price:  $28.99 per adult, $11.99 per child 3-11

Storytellers Cafe, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim

Storytellers Café will present an elaborate dinner buffet on Thanksgiving Day offering turkey and all the trimmings and much more.

Date:  Thursday, November 24

Time: Between 3 to 9 p.m.

Price:  $28.99 per adult, $11.99 per child 3-11

Disney’s PCH Grill, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, 1717 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim

Disney’s PCH Grill will serve a Thanksgiving feast buffet featuring traditional entrees, favorite side dishes and a variety of desserts.

Date:  Thursday, November 24

Time: Between 3 to 9 p.m.

Price:  $28.99 per adult, $11.99 per child 3-11

#  #  #

Of course, I have to drive across two large states to go to my parents house, but you might get to go to Disneyland for Thanksgiving. Just don’t gloat too much if you do.

From the Disneyland news site comes word of many Thanksgiving dining options at Park Uno. < more... >

While doing my daily read of the Shanghai Daily (you believe that, right?) I noticed this little article.

2005-11-09 Beijing Time
HONG Kong Disneyland will discount tickets to local residents for one month, claiming it was thanking them for their support. It denied the move was prompted by low attendance at the park that opened two months ago.

Media reports cited low attendance, but officials refused to disclose the number of visitors, saying it was confidential commercial information.

"The discount has absolutely no relation to attendance numbers," park spokeswoman Esther Wong said. "We are thanking locals for giving us good support since we opened."

As of yesterday, prices for Hong Kong residents will be slashed by HK$50 (US$6.40) per ticket — a reduction of about 20 percent.

A peak-time ticket for an adult will cost HK$300, instead of HK$350.

The discount, given to those with a Hong Kong ID card, will last until December 8.

Many local media reports have said that attendance has been disappointing.

While I do regularly read the Shanghai Post Gazette (OK, not really), I rarely convert Hong Kong dollars to US dollars - but I do know how to look it up, and currently the exchange rate is 1 USD = 7.75435 HKD. HK$350 = $45.14 = €38.30.

Now I really need to get back to reading the Kuala Lumpur Picayune.

While doing my daily read of the Shanghai Daily (you believe that, right?) I noticed this little article.

2005-11-09 Beijing Time
HONG Kong Disneyland will discount tickets to local residents for one month, claiming it was thanking them for their support. < more... >

From a Disney Press Release:

Tuesday November 8, 2:52 pm ET
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 8  -  For the first time ever, Walt Disney World Resort is hosting a whole fun-filled day of activities to salute alumni and fans in town for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic, the legendary annual football game between historically black schools Bethune- Cookman College and Florida A&M University.

On Friday, Nov. 18, Disney-MGM Studios will host "Florida Classic Fan Day" with a lineup of events kicking off at 9 a.m. as guests are greeted by a "tailgate party" featuring music and entertainment.

Other special events planned throughout the day include:

* A special "Florida Classic" version of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It" game show featuring trivia on FAMU, BCC and historically black colleges and universities.

* Marching bands — "The Pride" of BCC and the FAMU "Marching 100" — and college presidents from both schools leading the "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" at 3 p.m.

* Cheerleader squads facing off in a hot competition to see which school can generate the most crowd spirit — with syndicated radio personality Doug Banks hosting the action.

* Fraternities and sororities vying to give the best sample step exhibition on the Walt Disney World stage in front of the Sorcerer Mickey icon on Hollywood Boulevard.

All of the special fun on Nov. 18 is included with the regular price of admission to Disney-MGM Studios. Admission also includes the opportunity to experience the park’s many shows and attractions, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone(TM) Tower of Terror, and the brand-new "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show."

"We’ve developed ‘Florida Classic Fan Day’ to bring the celebration of this grandest tradition of historically black colleges and universities to Walt Disney World Resort," said Xiomara Wiley, director of multicultural marketing. "We’re excited to be able to entertain thousands of alumni, fans and friends of both participating schools."

The Walt Disney World Florida Classic is the largest black college football showcase in the country, attracting sellout crowds of more than 70,000 fans. Game time is 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The game will be telecast on ESPNU.

Leading off the weekend of activities, the Inaugural Florida Classic Symposium on Sports & Society will take place Thursday, Nov. 17, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Top executives from college and professional athletics will take an unabashed look at the business of sports in today’s society. For more information, visit the Walt Disney World Florida Classic page at http://www.FCSports.com. The deadline to register is Thursday, Nov. 10.

Walt Disney World Resort has been part of the Classic since 1997 and has been title sponsor of the game since 2000. To date, Walt Disney World Resort has donated more than $1.6 million in scholarships to both BCC and FAMU.

From a Disney Press Release:

Tuesday November 8, 2:52 pm ET
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. < more... >

Disney’s Chicken Little is out, and while the reviews aren’t great, the returns are quite nice. TheStreet.com’s Johnathan Berr writes:

The sky wasn’t falling at Disney (DIS:NYSE) Monday after Chicken Little posted a strong opening weekend at the box office.

The tale of the scrawny chicken who thinks the world is coming to an end took in $40 million, according to Boxofficemojo.com. That made it the weekend’s top movie and the second-biggest opening in terms of unadjusted grosses for a Disney-made feature, behind The Lion King.

Chicken Little’s performance, which came despite lukewarm reviews, may ease concerns on the part of some investors that the Burbank, Calif.-based media giant is too dependent on its partner Pixar for hit animated films.

"Forty million isn’t bad," says Dennis McAlpine, an independent media analyst based in Scarsdale, N.Y., who rates Disney buy and Pixar hold. He doesn’t own shares of either company. "It certainly isn’t a flop." 

Disney’s Chicken Little is out, and while the reviews aren’t great, the returns are quite nice. TheStreet. < more... >

From a Disney web site, some cool Disney Christmas Facts:

From a Disney web site, some cool Disney Christmas Facts:

Walt Disney World® Resorts has just announced a new discounted package offer for travel January to March 2006. Disney is basing the rates on a 6 night/ 7 day package, but discounts can be found on diffrent length of stays and you can add the dining plan on too.

Here are the valid dates and start rates for a value resort for bookings made by Dec 18, 2005

For most nights: 1/1/06 - 1/12/06 and 1/16/06 - 2/15/06.
$433 per adult / $214 per jr (10-17) / $172 per child (3-9)

For most nights: 2/16/06 - 3/8/06
$533 per adult / $214 per jr (10-17) / $172 per child (3-9)

If you already have a booking these dates, the savings can be applied provided they have availability. Like all things Disney, there is a paragraph of fine print for the offer. 

Walt Disney World® Resorts has just announced a new discounted package offer for travel January to March 2006. Disney is basing the rates on a 6 night/ 7 day package, but discounts can be found on diffrent length of stays and you can add the dining plan on too. < more... >