[Winkster]

Originally Posted by dmand13

As for the temperature of the beer, I did notice that in England people were drinking Guinness cold, however when I was in Ireland most preferred it warmer. Another interesting thing. When I go to WDW next May I will ask for it warm

Depends what you are drinking. You can now buy Guinness Extra Cold which is designed to be served super-chiled (never tried it - sounds grim!).

Ordinary Guinness is meant to be drunk less cool (but not warm).

Not one of my favorite drinks anyway - I prefer Caffreys!

__________________

Lanyards are hidden hidden. Turn them on in your options

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TALK DISNEY MODERATOR

[Mickey Crazy]

Disney's Hollywood Studios Fact Sheet

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort immerses guests in the glamour of show business 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class entertainment, and television and radio production facilities.

History:
The idea for a park based on favorite movie themes originated with Walt Disney at a time when "backlot tours" were limited to a privileged few. He first considered a park on his own backlot, then looked across the river from the Disney Studios in Burbank to land adjacent to Griffith Park. Lack of land combined with potential traffic problems caused him to look elsewhere -- namely, Anaheim. The result was Disneyland. In the mid '80s, a greatly expanded production schedule for The Walt Disney Company demanded more facilities. Rather than buy expensive land in California, the company utilized its land in Florida and combined its new production facilities, giving Walt Disney World guests a behind-the-scenes look at movie and television production.

Location:
One mile southwest of Epcot on Walt Disney World Resort property, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., approximately 22 miles southwest of Orlando.

Employment:
Theme park: Approximately 5,100

Major Attractions:

“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the “American Idol” TV series, with some guests auditioning to take the spotlight onstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results. The day’s top vote-getter receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

Toy Story Mania!: Celebrating Disney•Pixar classics “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2,” this new ride-game experience combined delightful film characters with personality-matching games guests can play. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles following a midway-themed route. At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using their own special on-board spring-action shooter.

“Block Party Bash”: Play, party and dance as the most interactive traveling show in Disney history performs. Guests are invited to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney•Pixar characters fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle features favorite characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life.”

“Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show,” presented by Brawny/Georgia-Pacific: This action extravaganza spotlights the high-octane best of the movie industry’s stunt masters. Cars, motorcycles and watercraft are .and watercraft are sent careening and jumping across an enormous Mediterranean village set.

"Fantasmic!": Another dream comes true at Walt Disney World Resort, only this time it's Mickey Mouse's dream that comes to life in a brilliant display of lights, lasers, fireworks and water animation.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, presented by Hanesbrands Inc.: A "super-stretch limo" catapults guests through a series of unexpected twists and turns. Specially recorded Aerosmith soundtracks echo throughout this indoor roller coaster.

The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror: A thrilling journey through the eerie corridors of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, culminating as guests plummet 13 stories again and again -- faster than free-fall -- in a breathtaking finale.
"Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!": Stars from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins” and “Handy Manny” have children clapping, singing and dancing.

"Muppet Vision 3-D," presented by Kodak: Three-dimensional film spectacular in a 584-seat theater starring Jim Henson's famous Muppets and featuring explosive in-theater effects.
The Great Movie Ride: 22-minute journey into the movies aboard 70-passenger vehicles; stars a cast of Audio-Animatronics characters re-creating memorable movie moments, including "Wizard of Oz," "Indiana Jones," "Alien," and "Casablanca."

"Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!": 30-minute live show in a 2,000-seat amphitheater; daring stunt artists and thrilling special effects, re-creating spine-tingling motion picture stunts.

The Magic of Disney Animation: Features animation gallery, showcase of Disney animation and the animation process, and a chance for guests to draw a Disney animated character.

Studios Backlot Tour: Tour aboard 200-passenger shuttles through studio backlot including costuming, scenic shop and Catastrophe Canyon.

"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure: Based on the hit film "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," the movie set adventure playground features an ant the size of a pony, grass blades 30 feet tall and mushroom caps three stories tall.

Star Tours: "Space journey" in a 40-seat advanced flight simulator from the creative forces of Disney and George Lucas, the ultimate "Star Wars" adventure.
"Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage": A delightful musical stage show based on the hit Disney movie, "Beauty and the Beast," performed multiple times daily in Theater of the Stars.

"Voyage of the Little Mermaid": Based on the hit animated film "The Little Mermaid," the show features dazzling special effects that combine with puppets, Audio-Animatronics figures, live performers and favorite animated clips.
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream: Features an interactive gallery showcasing each era of Walt Disney's life; rare and historic Disney artifacts are on display.

Film and Television Production:
Animated film production has included "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Pocahontas," "Aladdin," "Lilo and Stitch" and "Brother Bear."

Films shot at the studios have included: "Marvin's Room," "Passenger 57," "Oscar," "Quick Change," "Ernest Saves Christmas," "Splash Too," "Separate But Equal" (Emmy-winning TV mini-series) and "Instinct."

TV shows taped at the studios have included: "Sheena," "Full House," "Wheel of Fortune," "World Championship Wrestling," "ESPN College Football Awards," "Talk Soup," "Step By Step," "Barbara Walters Special," "Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee," "ER," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and the HBO 13-part series "From the Earth to the Moon."

Celebrity Visits:
Among the hundreds of actors, comedians and entertainers who've appeared at the studios are: Charlton Heston, Dustin Hoffman, Bette Midler, Ann-Margret, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hanks, Liza Minnelli, Billy Joel, Kevin Bacon, Michael J. Fox, Gary Sinise, Samuel L. Jackson, Lou Gossett Jr., Drew Carey, Oprah, Susan Lucci, Christina Aguilera, Rob Thomas, Tori Amos and Britney Spears.

Restaurants, Snack Bars and Lounges:

The Hollywood Brown Derby: 289 seats, full-service; features world-famous Cobb salad, steaks, seafood, pasta specialties and fine International wines.

50's Prime Time Cafe/Tune In Lounge: 262 seats, full-service restaurant and 52-seat lounge; features peanut butter and jelly milkshakes, sundaes, delicious fried chicken, old-fashioned meat loaf and chicken pot pie.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: 254 seats, full-service; features cosmic concoctions ranging from salads and sandwiches to linguini and fresh fish. Diners watch a big screen featuring favorite science fiction scenes.

ABC Commissary: 562 seats, serving creative fast food with an international flair. Selections include vegetarian stir-fry noodles, fish and chips and Brazilian feijoada (traditional Brazilian black bean stew).

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano: 280 seats, full-service; featuring gourmet pizza baked in wood-burning brick ovens. Mama Melrose brings old-fashioned Italian cooking to a restaurant with an upscale feel. Delicious pasta dinners and seafood are available.

Hollywood & Vine: 314 seats "all-you-care-to-eat" buffet features fresh salads, pasta, rotisserie meats and vegetarian selections.

Backlot Express, hosted by Coca-Cola: 600 seats, counter service; features custom-broiled hamburgers, grilled hot dogs, marinated chicken breast sandwiches and salads.

Min & Bill's Dockside Diner: 140 seats on patio, counter-service; features fruit, yogurt, beverages and snacks.

Sunset Ranch (featuring Rosie's All-American Café and Catalina Eddie's): 400 outdoor seats (covered); hamburgers, hotdogs, individual pizza, baked potatoes and turkey legs.
Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction: Snack bar that features ice cream.

Starring Rolls Cafe, hosted by Nestlé Toll House: 48 seats on patio; fresh-made pastries, salads, house-roasted coffee.
Anaheim Produce: Produce stands featuring fresh fruit, vegetables and beverages.

Dining Reservations:
Available for full-service restaurants; can be made at Hollywood Junction Red Car Station (corner of Hollywood and Sunset) on the day of visit for The Hollywood Brown Derby, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Hollywood & Vine and Mama Melrose's. Reservations can be made in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Merchandise:

Crossroads of the World: Souvenirs, film, sunglasses, post cards, rainwear, sundries.
Oscar's Super Service: Stroller, wheelchair rental.
The Darkroom: Camera sales and rental, film, camera accessories, film processing.
Celebrity 5 & 10: Disney's Hollywood Studios logo souvenir variety goods.
Keystone Clothiers: Adult Disney fashions, accessories and jewelry.
L.A. Prop Cinema Storage: Children's Disney character apparel, toys, costumes, souvenirs.
Mickey's of Hollywood: Character apparel, plush characters and other themed toys and souvenir items.
Golden Age Souvenirs: Disney character merchandise.
Animation Gallery: Animation cels, original art and collectibles.
The Studio Store: Disney animated films merchandise.
Tatooine Traders: Souvenirs and collectibles featuring characters from "Star Wars" films.
Indiana Jones™ Adventure Outpost: Clothing, hats and souvenirs based on the adventures of Indiana Jones.
Stage 1 Company Store: Muppets and "Bear in the Big Blue House" merchandise.
In Character...Disney's Costume Shop: Children's costumes and accessories.
AFI Showcase Shop: TV-and-Disney-movie related merchandise.
Legends of Hollywood: Girls' clothing, accessories and toys.
Sunset Ranch Souvenirs: Disney character hats and accessories.
Sunset Club Coutures: Limited edition and one-of-a-kind watches drawn by Disney artisans; jewelry and clocks.
Tower Hotel Gifts: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror logo apparel, hats and souvenirs.
The Writer's Stop: Books, gifts, snacks.
Sid Cahuenga's One of a Kind: Movie memorabilia including signed posters, film props and costumes.
Villains in Vogue: Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise as well as villain-themed clothing and accessories.
Planet Hollywood Superstore: Planet Hollywood logo merchandise and clothing.

[Mickey Crazy]

Soarin' Fast Facts


•Location: Epcot, The Land presented by Nestlé USA

•Area of attraction: 59,895 square feet (includes ticketing area, Great Hall, skyway, Concourses 1 and 2, gate areas and two flight theaters)

•Great Hall: Before boarding, guests pass through the Great Hall where five of Earth's biomes are depicted in 20-foot-wide panoramas, along with interesting facts and quizzes displayed on large flat-screen monitors. The featured environments are: polar ecosystem, mountain ecosystem, desert ecosystem, rain forest ecosystem, temperate (deciduous) forest ecosystem.

•Flight experience: A breathtaking glide over the majestic and diverse natural wonders of California

•Duration of ride: The Soarin' experience, including pre-flight briefing, is ten minutes. The Soarin' flight lasts approximately five minutes.

•Locations featured: San Francisco, Monterey Coast, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, San Diego, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Los Angeles, Malibu and Disneyland in Anaheim

•Scents experienced: Orange blossoms, pine forests and ocean spray

•Music: Orchestral musical score created by renowned film and television composer Jerry Goldsmith ("Mulan," "Air Force One," "Star Trek: First Contact")

•Projection system: IMAX projection system, with high-speed (48fps) high definition Omni-max film projectors (twice the speed of normal motion picture film)

•Size of projection screen dome: 80-foot diameter

•Ride system: Walt Disney Imagineering-developed motion-based technology, the original ride inception was based on an erector set model created by Imagineer Mark Sumner. One million pounds of steel provides the ride structure and 37 tons are lifted during each ride cycle.

•Height guests are lifted into screen: 40 feet

•Total number of guests per each ride cycle: 87

•Queuing options: Standby line, singles line, FASTPASS

•Minimum guest height requirement: 40 inches

•Accessible: Guests in wheelchairs must transfer from their wheelchairs to experience this attraction.

[Mickey Crazy]

The Laughs Are Still Fresh After More than 35 Years and 34,400 Performances at ‘Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney’s “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” dinner show has been leaving ‘em laughing in their spare ribs and fried chicken for more than 35 years.

The Pioneer Hall Players – an ever-changing cast of singers, dancers and musicians with a passion for whimsy – have delivered some 34,400 performances, yet the guffaws remain as fresh (and silly) as they were when Disney entertainment gurus created the “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” as a college workshop program in summer 1974.

Guest response to the revue was overwhelmingly very favorable. So when summer ended, the show did not. On Sept. 5, 1974, a professional troupe of Disney entertainers continued the roles of Six Bits (and his bear jokes), the darlings Dolly and Flora and giggling Clair, and Johnny Ringo and Jim Handy.

The rest is hysteria. Mass hysteria, in fact – an audience in excess of 9.5 million people laughing and chowing down at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground during more than three decades.

Seatings are at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. daily in rustic Pioneer Hall – where all 360 seats are routinely filled with vacationers for the first two shows. (Even the late show frequently has a big audience – folks who enjoy a late-evening repast of salad, fresh baked bread, smoked BBQ spare ribs, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and baked beans – all topped off by a memorable act that involves the cast delivering strawberry shortcake.)

The dinner show, including tax and gratuity, costs $52.99 to 61.99 for ages 10-up and $26.99 to 31.99 for ages 3-9. Reservations, which are required, can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Quick Facts

· Debuted June 14, 1974, in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

· Show was created as a college workshop summer production.

· It was received so favorably, Walt Disney World entertainment decided to continue the show with a permanent professional cast at the end of summer. The new cast performed the show for the first time on Sept. 5, 1974.

· Principal parts in the show are Six Bits, Jim Handy, Johnny Ringo, Dolly, Flora and Clair.

· There have been some 34,400 performances since June 1974.

· More than 9.5 million guests have experienced the show.

· Pioneer Hall seats 360 guests for a family-style dinner served in conjunction with the performance.

· The menu includes salad, fresh baked bread, smoked BBQ spare ribs, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and baked beans topped off by strawberry shortcake – served family style, all-you-care-to-eat.

· Typically there are three performances nightly – seatings at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.

· Reservations are required by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

· Tickets for the dinner show are $52.99 to 61.99 (for ages 10-up) and $26.99 to 31.99 (for ages 3-9) including tax and gratuity

[Mickey Crazy]

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - Fast Facts

Track Length: 3,403 feet, which is more than a half-mile of twists, turns, loops, corkscrews, hills and dips.

Inversions: Two roll-over loops and one corkscrew -- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is Disney's first coaster in the United States to feature inversions.

"Limotrain" Capacity: 24 guests, about twice the number of passengers who fit in the average stretch limousine.

Maximum Speed: The attraction's high-speed launch catapults each Limotrain to approximately 60 mph in 2.8 seconds -- similar to the feeling of sitting in a supersonic jet as it blasts off from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Exclusive Audio: Five specially recorded Aerosmith soundtracks. Each Limotrain features a different Aerosmith song, with lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry recording custom lyrics and riffs for each tune. Examples include "Love In A Roller Coaster" ("Love In An Elevator") and "What Kind of Ride Are You On?" ("What Kind of Love Are You On?").

A Rocking Good Time: Actual ride time for the roller coaster is 1:22; the cycle time for each Limotrain is 3:12 (the exact running time of one of Aerosmith's "Greatest Hits," "Sweet Emotion"); and the attraction's pre-show feature is approximately two minutes.

On-Board Audio: Each guest's seat boasts two high-frequency tweeters, two mid-range speakers and one subwoofer (mounted under the seat). By comparison, most automobiles have a total of four speakers in the entire vehicle.

Total Speakers per Limotrain: 120.

Total Speakers in Attraction: 900.

Watts of Audio Amplifier Output Power: More than 32,000.

Height Restriction: 48 inches.

Attraction Entrance: On Sunset Boulevard, near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. At 40 feet tall, the larger-than-life electric guitar has a neck which morphs into a scale-model coaster track and extends 320 feet to the entrance arch.

[Mickey Crazy]

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Quick Facts

The complex incorporates the signature elements of ESPN for a one-of-a-kind experience that is designed to take youth sports to the next level and make athletes, coaches and fans feel as if they made it to the “big time” and on to ESPN.

The complex features a 20-zone audio system, 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 handheld and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, that can capture any competition at the complex and display live action, game highlights, player interviews and ESPN programming.

A new 2,500-square-foot state-of-the-art Production Center with eight edit bays and uplinks to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles provides competition footage to various ESPN media platforms such as ESPN, ESPNRISE.com and ESPN3.com.

The ESPN Innovation Lab, where new ground-breaking on-air products are developed and tested utilizing the athletes and events taking place at the complex. Additionally, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex was recently designated as ESPN’s development hub for 3D telecast technology.

A redesigned and renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill, a sports-themed eatery with high-definition TV screens, live radio remote capabilities and a SportsCenter desk.

The PlayStation Pavilion features 17 PlayStation 3 systems, including a SingStar stage, and a collection of just-released sports-themed games and other titles.

The Welcome Center is an information hub for sports complex guests looking for sports event information as well as theme park information, dining reservation, golf tee times, etc.

[Mickey Crazy]

Highway in the Sky: Walt Disney World Resort Monorail Fact Sheet

History: The forerunner of the modern monorail system was tested in Germany in the 1950s where it caught the attention of Walt Disney, then in the midst of planning Disneyland in California. In 1959, when the Disneyland monorail system premiered at the theme park, it became the first new-style monorail to operate daily in the United States. Today, the Mark VI Monorail Trains at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida incorporate nearly 40 years of research and development in monorail technology. The system, in operation since 1971, was expanded in 1982 with a four-mile extension to Epcot and updated in the early 90s with new trains to complete the 11-train fleet.

Specifications: Each of the twelve, six-car trains is 203 feet long and has 124 rubber tires powered by 600-Volt DC propulsion systems, including eight DC motors rated 113 HP each. Train bodies are made of a high-strength composite honeycomb material that allows high strength at a low weight.

Design: Features includes improved air conditioning, door systems and safety features, a re-designed interior, additional standing room for peak travel periods, improved sliding-door systems, on-board monitoring and improved communications and control.

Technology: Trains travel on a 26-inch-wide concrete beam supported by tapered concrete columns approximately 110 feet apart. The beams and columns are constructed in sets of six and post-tensioned together to form a single 600-foot structure. As trains move along the beamway, they pick up electrical power from a metallic buss bar.

Capacity: Nearly 4,000 guests per direction, per hour. On a typical day, more than 50,000 guests utilize monorail transportation.

Highway in the Sky: Walt Disney World Resort has a 14.7-mile system of elevated beamway that services seven stations throughout two theme parks and several hotels.

[Mickey Crazy]

The Sorcerer's Hat, 122 Feet Tall, Crowns Disney's Hollywood Studios

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A dazzling blue 122-foot-tall Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat takes center stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios representing the magic of show business and the entertainment wizardry of Disney that is captured throughout shows and attractions at the park.

This giant showpiece, made from composite fiberglass and shaped like the pointed hat worn by Mickey in the animated classic "Fantasia," weighs 156 tons. It is a brilliant blue, and decorated with moon and star shapes of glittering gold.
As designed, an equally great Mickey hand tips the hat, which rests on two shimmering ribbon loops that are stylized versions of Mickey's ears. The hat and ears sit atop a solid foundation that uses enough concrete to cover the length of a football field.

The icon stands at the end of Hollywood Boulevard directly in front of the Chinese Theater.

The Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios follows Disney's icon tradition of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth at Epcot and The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Disney's Hollywood Studios immerses guests in the glamour of show business 365 days a year with thrilling attractions, incredible Broadway-style shows, world-class entertainment and interactive film, television and radio production facilities. The theme park is part of the 25,000-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Icon Facts

Head Measurements: The hat size is 606 7/8.

On Top of the Mouse: Mickey would have to be 350 feet tall if he were to wear this giant hat.

The Hat: The hat itself is 100 feet tall. The interior space equals nearly 60,000 cubic feet. It can hold 444,744 gallons of water. Six stars and two moons adorn the hat.

Paint Job: The hat is painted with a custom technique called "chameleon paint" which shifts color as guests move around it. Painting the hat required enough paint to cover 500 Cadillacs.

Mickey Ears: The Mickey ears feature a new special effect called "Light Ribbons," which change color and sparkle with internal pixie dust lighting.

Holding it All Together: There are 13,493 bolts that hold the hat together, 26,986 washers and 17,000 feet (or 57 football fields) of underground utility piping.

[Mickey Crazy]

Mission: SPACE FAST FACTS

Presented by: HP (Hewlett Packard)

Location: Future World in Epcot (next to Test Track)

Timeline: International Space Training Center, year 2036

Height of attraction: 35 feet

Area of attraction: 45,000 square feet

Queuing options: Standby line and FASTPASS

Minimum guest height requirement: 44 inches

Precautions: Warning signs for health considerations. In addition, expectant mothers and guestsprone to motion sickness or made uncomfortable by enclosed dark spaces, spinning or simulators should not ride. Carefully review the posted signs before participating in this experience. Seating for a milder experience is available.

Planetary Plaza: Anchored with dramatic spheres representing the moon, Jupiter, a rotating Earth and the red planet. Quotations from significant persons adorn the area including, “Look Upward…from this world to the heavens,” Plato; “The Universe…stands continually open to our gaze…” Galileo; and “We set sail on this new sea because there is knowledge to be gained…” U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Space Simulation Lab: Anchored by a rotating Gravity Wheel. Also: a Lunar Rover on loan from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Gravity Wheel: 35 feet in diameter. Cutaway views of living areas in a habitat designed for space travel.

Ready Room: Crew positions -- pilot, commander, navigator, engineer. CapCom leading the training mission orientation is actor Gary Sinise.

Ride bays: 4 bays, each housing 10 X-2 rocket capsules

X-2 rocket capsule configuration: Straight-across seating for a crew of 4 guests

Total number of guests per each ride cycle: 160

Duration of ride: The entire Mission: SPACE experience, from pre-show to Advance Training Lab, can last from 45 minutes to more than an hour. The ride to Mars lasts approximately 4 minutes from capsule door close to open.

Ride system: State-of-the-art centrifuge technology, sophisticated visual imaging systems and audio systems. Two primary computers on the ride system control the entire ride and show functions of the attraction, including the pitch and roll of each spacecraft. In addition there are 30 motion-control computers on board that control altitude during flight. A show-control computer operates the interactive functions within each capsule. Guests also can opt for a version of the attraction featuring a milder ride experience.

G-Force: Of less force and less duration than an actual shuttle launch, and less force than a typical roller coaster

Advance Training Lab: Post-show area includes Space Race, Space Base, Expedition: Mars, Postcards from Space

Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay: A 1,500-square-foot merchandise location includes astronaut-inspired gear

[Mickey Crazy]

The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror Fright Facts

Haunted hotel full of spooky secrets

Mickey Checks Into The Hollywood Hotel: There are several "Hidden Mickeys" tucked away in the deserted hotel. During the opening scene in the library, look for the little girl getting on the elevator -- she's holding a vintage Mickey Mouse doll. Also, quick-eyed thrill seekers will spot a Mickey Mouse head that is formed by the swirling stars as the elevator car reaches the "fifth dimension."

Hidden Messages: On the glass-encased hotel "directory" in the lobby, some of the letters have fallen to the bottom of the case. The fallen letters create an ominous warning that reads "evil tower u r doomed."

'The Good Life' Comes to Life: Rod Serling's opening scene in the hotel library was taken in part from a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone series entitled "The Good Life." The episode told the story of a little boy who could use his mind to change things.

Garage Sale, Anyone? Walt Disney Imagineers searched Hollywood auction houses for the hotel furnishings. French bronzes by the 19th century artist Moreau are found in the attraction, as well as furniture pieces that graced Hollywood clubs and hotels throughout the 1920s.

Who Has the Remote Control? Walt Disney Imagineers spent countless hours screening all 156 episodes of The Twilight Zone to capture the overall mood and feel of the series. All of the episodes were screened at least twice, and some were screened three or four times to carefully study the props, furnishings, music and settings.

No Vacancy: A closer look at the upper floors of the Hollywood Tower Hotel reveals "guest room" lights and lamps that are illuminated. The lights are meant to resemble hotel guests who have been lucky enough to avoid the "fifth dimension" fright of their fellow visitors.

That Sinking (Fast) Feeling: Guests aboard Tower of Terror fall faster than gravity. That is because the elevator car doesn't "free fall" -- the ride's mechanics actually "push" and "pull" it up and down.

Play It Again...: Attention to detail extends all throughout the ride, and even outside in the queue area. Walt Disney Imagineers built the landscape to resemble the chaparral-covered hills of the Elysian and Griffith Parks in Los Angeles. Background music from the era is played in the queue area, including Glenn Miller's "Sleepy Time Gal" and "Mood Indigo" by Duke Ellington.

[Mickey Crazy]

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Fast Facts

Now more than 1,000 couples tie the knot each year at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. Since September 1991, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings has hosted some 40,000 weddings.

Couples have traveled from every state in the United States and from international locations such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands to get married at Walt Disney World Resort.

Some brides and grooms choose non-traditional methods of transportation to arrive to the ceremony -- such as on horseback, Cinderella’s glass coach, a horse-drawn carriage or vintage automobile.

According to wedding industry experts, Walt Disney World Resort is recognized as a top-ranked honeymoon destination and destination weddings venue.

The sky is the limit for themed weddings -- from an enchanting Cinderella-like wedding in Magic Kingdom or a Hollywood extravaganza in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to international-themed nuptials at Epcot or a safari-themed reception at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The Wedding Pavilion can host up to six weddings per day, and up to 12 weddings can occur each day at various locations onWalt Disney World property.

Wedding prices begin at $4,750 for an Escape Wedding Collection gathering for two. Wishes Wedding Collection ceremonies start at $10,000 for 20 guests or more. An average wedding at Disney is approximately $20,000 for 50 people.

The first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion was televised live June 18, 1995, on Lifetime Television as part of its “Weddings of a Lifetime” series.

A Magic Kingdom wedding for the 10th anniversary of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was a star-studded affair, with performances by Celine Dion, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.
At least twice during the 15-year history of the Walt Disney World Marathon, couples have stopped mid-race to get married in front of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.

A couple took the plunge, literally, on The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while they tied the knot.

Most recently featured on “ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” Travel Channel, WE TV and Food Network.
Disney’s Honeymoon Registry, which launched Feb. 14, 2007, is a complimentary online service that allows couples to create a gift registry for components of an all-inclusive honeymoon to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, or at select Disney Vacation Club Resorts.

Renowned wedding stylist and trend-setter David Tutera has a couture line of celebrity-style weddings available exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort.

On Disney Cruise Line, couples can exchange vows in a ceremony onboard the ship, or stop ashore for a romantic beachside ceremony on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. A sparkling turquoise lagoon, a pristine white sand beach and palm trees swaying in the breeze are the perfect backdrop for the ultimate ceremony.

Franck’s Bridal Studio now offers online planning tools to help brides with remote planning.

[Mickey Crazy]

Walt Disney World Resort Landscape Fun Facts

Bloomin' beauty: Nearly 12 percent of the Walt Disney World Resort property -- an area equivalent to nearly 3,000 football fields -- is devoted to gardens and maintained landscapes. That's 4,000 acres worth of beauty.

Sprouting up all over: Three million bedding plants and annuals are planted each year at Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts.

Inside-out and all about!: Horticulturists use 8,500 interior plants each year and add 6,000 trees to the exterior landscapes throughout Walt Disney World Resort . . . and they maintain some four million shrubs in landscapes.

Landscape Buffet: The African savanna of Disney's Animal Kingdom was designed with munching in mind. Elephants, giraffes, antelope and other creatures eat and play with the theme park landscape, so landscape designers created a 100-acre "browse farm" to replace natural forage including acacia, hibiscus, mulberry and other shrubs.

Hanging out: More than 4,000 hanging baskets are produced each year and are planned a year in advance to theme with seasonal flowering trees, bedding plants and surrounding architecture. Most baskets take three months to produce . . . Hangings grow to three feet in diameter and may weigh more than 65 pounds . . . Some 800 baskets are displayed at one time.

We do promise a rose garden: Nearly 13,000 roses are shown throughout the Disney property. Removing spent blooms in the rose gardens of Epcot requires a good day's work each week -- more than 400 hours per year.

Plants of the world: More than 3,000 plant species are shown . . . They represent flora from all over the United States and 50 other nations on every continent except Antarctica.

Chlorophyll zoo: Topiaries number more than 200 -- composed of shrub or sphagnum moss planted with "creeping fig" and English ivy vine material. As many as 20 different plants and flowers are used to create various topiaries.

Mowing for miles: 450,000 mowing miles, to be exact -- that's what it takes to maintain 2,000 acres of turf. For the record, those mower miles are the equivalent of 18 trips around Earth at the equator.

Good bugs: An army of 10.5 million beneficial insects is released each year to control plant pests . . . A single adult predatory beetle can eat up to 500 white fly eggs a day.

Good people: A diverse group of over 600 horticulture professionals -- gardeners, arborists, irrigation specialists and pest management specialists -- join the bugs in keeping the flora beautiful.

[Mickey Crazy]

Blizzard Beach Fact Sheet

WHAT IT IS: Blizzard Beach is a 66-acre themed water recreation attraction -- inspired by the mythology of a snow ski resort that didn’t exactly find a suitable climate in Florida!
LOCATION: Disney’s Animal Kingdom resort area between Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s All-Star Resorts at Buena Vista Drive/Osceola Parkway intersection -- Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
ACCESS: Vehicle parking lot is located off of Buena Vista Drive and is next to park entrance; buses operated from the Transportation and Ticket Center and Walt Disney World resort hotels.
OPENED: April 1, 1995

ATTRACTIONS:
Mt. Gushmore: The snow-capped, 90-foot-high peak that is the park’s visual centerpiece, on top of which sits the platform “launch pad” for the park’s most-talked-about attraction, Summit Plummet.
Summit Plummet: Thirty feet above the peak of Mt. Gushmore is the platform for a thrill ride that sends the daring on a high-speed adventure down a 350-foot slide. At 120 feet high and up to 55 mph, it is one of the world’s fastest free-fall water slides.
Downhill Double Dipper: Side-by-side racing water slides that begin 50 feet high on the slopes of Mt. Gushmore and plunge riders along a hilly 200-foot-long course at up to 25 miles per hour.
Slush Gusher: A double-humped water slide that drops guests through a snow-banked mountain gully from a start 90 feet up Mt. Gushmore (next to Summit Plummet).
Teamboat Springs: The world’s longest family white-water raft ride takes six-passenger rafts down a twisting, 1,200-foot series of rushing water falls.
Toboggan Racers: An eight-lane water slide that sends guests racing over exhilarating dips as they descend on a 250-foot course along the “snowy” slope.
Snow Stormers: Three flumes descending from the top of the mountain and following a switchback course through ski-type slalom gates.
Runoff Rapids: An inner tube run where guests can careen down three different twisting, turning flumes -- one in the dark.
Chair Lift: Wooden-bench chair lifts sporting colorful overhead umbrellas and snow skis on their underside, converted from ski-resort to beach-resort use, carry guests over the craggy face of Mt. Gushmore, from its base at the beach to its summit.
Tike’s Peak: A kid-size version of Blizzard Beach for children ages 2 to 5 (under four feet tall), including scaled-down elements of Mt. Gushmore. In addition, this area features a snow-castle fountain play area.
Melt-Away Bay: One-acre pool at the base of Mt. Gushmore and fed by “melting snow” waterfalls.
Cross Country Creek: A lazy creek circling the entire park, carrying floating guests through a bone-chilling ice cave. Once inside the mysterious cave, guests will be splashed with the “melting” ice from overhead.
Ski Patrol Training Camp: Designed for pre-teens with a T-bar drop, crinkle slide and a challenging ice-flow walk along slippery, floating icebergs. Cool Runners is the camp’s twin inner tube slide.
FACILITIES:
· Lottawatta Lodge (counter-service restaurant featuring burgers, sandwiches and salads)
· Polar Pub & Frostbite Freddie’s, Avalunch, Warming Hut, Cooling Hut and I.C. Expeditions (snack stand locations throughout the park offer hot dogs, nachos, chips, pretzels, frosty beverages and other tasty treats)
· Beachcomber Shacks and Polar Patios (premium shaded rental spaces include towels, locker, drink mugs, Adirondack seating, ice chest stocked with bottled water, service attendant)
· Locker rooms (dressing rooms, showers, locker rental, towel rental, life jacket rental)
· Beach Haus shop (bathing suits, towels, T-shirts, sunscreen and other beach essentials)
· Snowless Joe’s (photo pickup, sundries)
· Shade Shack (sunglasses and accessories)
· Picnic areas (picnicking is permitted but no alcohol or glass containers can be brought into the park)
INFORMATION: Guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com

[Mickey Crazy]

Typhoon Lagoon Fact Sheet

WHAT IT IS: Typhoon Lagoon is a 61-acre themed water recreation attraction -- inspired by the imagined legend of a typhoon, earthquake and volcanic eruption combining to create an inland sea with breaker waves (Typhoon Lagoon) and a towering watershed mountain (Mt. Mayday) atop which is a stranded shrimp boat (the Miss Tilly).
LOCATION: Downtown Disney resort area near Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Downtown Disney West Side on Buena Vista Drive -- Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
ACCESS: Vehicle parking lot is located off of Buena Vista Drive and is next to park entrance; buses operated from the Transportation and Ticket Center and most Walt Disney World resort hotels (Magic Kingdom resorts require transfer to Typhoon Lagoon buses at the Transportation and Ticket Center).
OPENED: June 1, 1989

attractions:
Typhoon Lagoon: One of the world’s largest surfing lagoons (approximately 109,000 square feet, containing nearly three million gallons of water).

Mt. Mayday: The centerpiece watershed mountain, featuring . . .

Three speed slides -- Humunga Kowabunga slides zip guests along 214-foot routes at up to 30 miles per hour.

A trio of curving body Storm Slides -- Rudder Buster, Stern Burner and Jib Jammer wind in and out of caves, through waterfalls and between rock formations, sending guests along at up to 20 miles per hour over distances of about 300 feet each.

Three white-water rafting adventures -- Keelhaul Falls, Mayday Falls and Gangplank Falls slide through caves and under waterfalls in inner tubes (Keelhaul Falls and Mayday Falls) or family-size craft (Gangplank Falls).

Crush 'n' Gusher: A water-coaster thrill attraction that takes riders aboard inflatablerafts on a twisting, turning, up-and-down adventure propelled by powerful water jets.

Ketchakiddee Creek: A separate water playground for children ages 2 to 5 (under four feet tall) and their parents. Features scaled-down versions of many of the water play activities the “big kids” can do, including a pint-sized white-water rafting adventure, an activity pool and S.S. Squirt, an interactive tug boat.

Shark Reef: A unique 362,000-gallon salt-water coral reef diving environment in which guests can snorkel amidst the colorful fish, coral and plant life of the Caribbean.

Castaway Creek: Guests hop onto inner tubes for a meandering water tour along a 2,100-foot circular channel that takes them through a misty rain forest, a hidden grotto and a sun-drenching, all with a spectacular view of Typhoon Lagoon and its many activities.

FACILITIES:
· Leaning Palms and Typhoon Tilly’s (restaurants serving hamburgers, hot dogs, specialty sandwiches, salads and ice cream in waffle cones; beer also is served)
· Let’s Go Slurpin’ (a full-service bar featuring frozen drink specialties and spirits)
· Getaway Glen and Hideaway Bay picnic areas (picnicking is permitted but no alcohol or glass containers can be brought in)
· Happy Landing’s Ice Cream (ice cream and beverages)
· Lowtide Lou’s (snacks, ice cream, beverages, sundries and towels)
· Hot dog carts (hot dogs, chips, snacks and beverages)
· Beachcomber Shacks and Polar Patios (premium shaded rental spaces include towels, locker, drink mugs, Adirondack seating, ice chest stocked with bottled water, service attendant)
· Singapore Sal’s and High ‘n Dry (swimsuits, souvenirs and sundries)
· Locker rooms (dressing rooms, showers, locker rental, towel rental, life jacket rental)

INFORMATION: Guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com

[Mickey Crazy]

Disney Vacation Club Fact Sheet

Established: October 1991
Workforce: Approximately 2,000 cast members

Since it was founded in 1991, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has become one of the highest-rated vacation-ownership programs in the industry – and a prime example of how Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is growing its family vacation business by addressing a broad range of vacation experiences.

DVC was created as a unique experience for guests who like to return to Walt Disney World Resort on an annual basis and stay for longer periods of time. It has quickly grown to include a wide range of vacation offerings, currently boasting 10 properties both inside and outside Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Members access their vacation club ownership through a highly flexible vacation point system that allows them to tailor vacations to their personal needs. Members receive an annual allotment of vacation points that can be used in a variety of ways for different types of accommodations.
In 2009, DVC reached a company milestone, with more than 420,000 individual members from approximately 100 countries and every U.S. state having made a long-term commitment to unforgettable vacations.

Fun Facts
· DVC has doubled its membership since 2003 to include more than 420,000 member families from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.

· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and many vacation villas offer sweeping views of an expanded savanna inhabited by a variety of African animals.

· At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a horse-racing fanfare can be heard across the resort every hour on the hour signaling the top of the hour to amused members and guests.

· A special room at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge houses a collection of train memorabilia and artwork, including an exhibit featuring two of Walt Disney’s personal scale-model railroad cars.

· There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through Bay Lake Tower’s concrete slabs. These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and back.

· Environmental sensitivity was extremely important to Disney Imagineers while constructing the new Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. As a result, 5,178 tons, or 65.22 percent, of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.