Special Events at WDW: 
2004

9th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Expands to 45 Days

Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Great Food, Wine and Beer

 After eight successful years and millions of delectable food and wine samplings, the month-long Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will extend its run to 45 days, beginning Oct. 1 and continuing through Nov. 14, 2004.

In recent years, the popular festival around World Showcase Lagoon has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience -- from wine connoisseurs and gourmands to droves of wine neophytes eager to boost their wine IQs. In addition, the wine fest's nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series will feature an even more diverse lineup of performers this year including classic rock, oldies and country.

"Each year, we host the largest, longest wine fest in the world, and as demand for our food and wine events increased, we knew it was time to grow even more for our guests," said Epcot Vice President Brad Rex. "We're happy to announce the festival will expand by 15 additional days."

More than 100 wineries offer tastings, and savory cuisine is featured from more than 20 regions of the world at international marketplaces. At least 125 celebrity and Disney chefs will conduct culinary demonstrations and host elegant dinners and tasting events. In addition, up to 840 wine and beer seminars will deliver complimentary samplings to festival guests. The prestigious Bordeaux Wine School, and the grand-scale Party for the Senses food and wine tasting event, featuring dozens of eminent chefs, return as popular offerings.

For the youngsters, there are featured kids' activities and interactive culinary programs.

The following line-up of performers is scheduled this year:

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Offers Diverse Musical Lineup

 Food and wine aficionados can celebrate good times with a musical lineup that kicks off with Kool & the Gang and includes a total of eleven acts during the ninth annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Oct. 1-Nov. 14 at Walt Disney World Resort.

The six-week-long Eat to the Beat! concert series features a diverse musical lineup of rock, pop, country, r&b and soul with three half-hour concerts daily (5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m.) on the America Gardens Theatre stage:

Oct. 1-5 - Kool and the Gang
Oct. 6-10 - Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
Oct. 11-12 - Beach Boys
Oct. 13-15 - The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Oct. 16-20 - Taylor Dayne
Oct. 21-25 - Commodores
Oct. 26-28 - Three Dog Night
Oct. 29-30 - Survivor
Oct. 31-Nov. 4 - Blake Shelton
Nov. 5-9 - Eddie Money
Nov. 10-14 Chubby Checker & the Wildcats

Throughout World Showcase, food and wine marketplaces will serve up food and wine samplings from $1-$4.50 while performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics and other acts into the festivities. Ongoing entertainment includes:

The 1960s British rock 'n' roll revival sound of The British Invasion (United Kingdom)
The gravity-defying Dragon Legend Acrobats (China)
OrisiRisi interactive drum circle and African folklore (Outpost)
The daring Chair Balancing act (France)
High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
The Arabic rhythms of Mo'Rockin (Morocco)
Matsuriza traditional Taiko drummers (Japan)
Voices of Liberty (The American Adventure)
Rhythms and harmonies of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
Norwegian folk music of Spelmanns Gledje (Norway)
Oktoberfest Musikanten dinner show (Germany)

In Epcot Future World, the popular JAMMitors will perform their own comedic brand of "clean-up" percussive artistry. The music, light and fireworks finale, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," will cap each festival evening.
 

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
 Already one of the most magical places on Earth, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort gets a little more magical each year during two popular after-hours events featuring special entertainment and surprises for all ages -- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

On 25 evenings in 2004 -- the most ever -- the theme park will come alive with dazzling decorations, spectacular fireworks displays, Disney characters, live shows and treats for the whole family. The fun begins at 7 p.m. (after regular park operating hours) and continues until midnight. Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

By popular demand, this family-friendly celebration of gentle chills and thrills will expand to 13 nights of spooky fun in 2004 -- Oct. 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31. Separate admission to the event is required.

Please note: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is sold out on Oct. 31; tickets are available for the remaining 12 dates.

Each date will feature opportunities for trick-or-treating throughout the theme park, and all guests are welcome to wear Halloween costumes. Plus, the Disney characters will be dressed in their favorite costumes, too!

The evening also will include "Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade," Mickey's Mouse-Ka-Rade costume parties, Halloween storytelling, live shows, unique merchandise and a special Halloween-themed fireworks display lighting up the sky above Cinderella Castle.

In addition, families can enjoy a complimentary photo at no additional charge and unlimited use of popular attractions such as "Mickey's PhilharMagic," Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, and many more.

Advance tickets for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are $31.95 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above, $25.95 plus tax for guests ages 3-9. (Children under 3 are admitted at no charge.) Tickets on the day of each party are $34.95 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above, $28.95 plus tax for guests ages 3-9.
 

Passholder Exclusive
Put on your booger-proof vests and keep an eye out for drool puddles - Stitch has escaped! Show your support for the Galactic Federation and report to Walt Disney World® Resort on November 5, 6 and 7 and join the hunt by being among the first recruits to experience Stitch's Great Escape!™ - the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom® Park†.

While you're there, you can also purchase your exclusive Passholder Stitch Pin - available during Preview Days. With a limited edition of 5,000, this pin makes a great souvenir for you and a tasty snack for Stitch - so get yours before Stitch gets hungry!


Exclusive Passholder Stitch Pins will be available beginning November 5 for $10.50 each (plus tax) at each of the following locations outside the new Stitch's Great Escape!™ attraction*:
Mickey's Star Traders
Merchants of Venus

Ninth Annual ABC Super Soap Weekend Returns to Disney-MGM Studios Nov. 13-14

Susan Lucci ("All My Children") will headline a star-studded lineup of more than 30 actors and actresses from the ABC Daytime dramas Nov. 13-14, 2004, at the ninth annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The announcement was made by Brian Frons, president of ABC Daytime.

Annually, ABC Super Soap Weekend is the largest soap fan event held anywhere in the country.

ABC Daytime once again will partner with Colgate Total toothpaste as its presenting sponsor of the event that will be held at Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

During Super Soap Weekend, fans will have the opportunity to meet favorite stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Other event festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, star conversations, talk shows, a special soap opera edition of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It!" game show attraction and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The elaborate star-studded event also features live musical performances by cast members in the Colgate Total Street Jam concert.

ABC Super Soap Weekend is included with theme park admission to Disney-MGM Studios -- where guests of all ages are caught up in the glitz, glamour and excitement of show business.
 

Downtown Disney Hosts 29th Annual Festival of the Masters Nov. 12-14

More award-winning visual artists than ever before will weave their magic and transform Downtown Disney into a vast outdoor gallery during the 29th annual Festival of the Masters Nov. 12-14. The event features honorees from top art festivals around the country, and offers a diversity of artistic experiences including live entertainment and children's activities.

More than 175 artists will showcase their wares in the hopes of winning an award. Judging this year's entries are Dorothy Gillespie, whose art patrons include the City of Orlando; Paul Goodnight, whose work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and the Museum of Fine Arts; and Joseph Rowand, owner of the Somerhill Gallery in North Carolina, one of the largest galleries in the Southeast.

Festival guests can also experience culinary offerings and dance to live music. Pleasure Island will host live bands at refreshment stations.

Other highlights include:

House of Blues Folk Art Festival. Sixth annual "Where the Art Meets the Soul" festival features 40 local and national folk artists, live music and children's activities.
Performance Artist. In two shows, Disney Fine Art Group artist Trevor Carlton creates original masterpieces. Show times 10 a.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday in front of Virgin Megastore.
Central Florida Chalk Association. Over 6,000 square feet of sidewalk becomes the canvas for more than 50 chalk artists at Downtown Disney Marketplace, near World of Disney. Kids can also create their own chalk art.
Children's Activities. Artists teach children how to draw some of their favorite Disney characters at DisneyQuest. Families can enjoy other art-related activities hosted by Cirque du Soleil®, Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, Planet Hollywood, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop and LEGO at locations throughout Downtown Disney. Kids can also get down to the groove at a special DJ Dance Party at the Dock Stage every afternoon.
Additional Live Entertainment. Performances throughout the weekend at Virgin Megastore, Bongos Cuban Café, Fulton's Crab House, Portobellos and House of Blues.
LEGO. A life-size red Volvo created by a master model builder will be on display near the LEGO Imagination Center. Kids can build and race their own LEGO/Volvo creations down a speed ramp.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

A winter wonderland of holiday fun awaits guests on 12 nights in 2004 -- Nov. 28 and 30, Dec. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17. Separate admission to the event is required.

Each date will feature cookies and hot cocoa served at locations throughout the park, "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade," holiday storytelling, live music, unique merchandise and exclusive Disney character shows including "Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "Celebrate the Season." Every night, the sky above Cinderella Castle will sparkle with the dazzling fireworks spectacular "Wishes," including a few surprises.

Plus, families can enjoy a complimentary photo at no additional charge and unlimited use of popular attractions such as "Mickey's PhilharMagic," Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, and many more.

But that's not all -- the weather forecast predicts snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A., and guests may even get a greeting from Santa Goofy!

Advance tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are $36.95 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above, $26.95 plus tax for guests ages 3-9. (Children under 3 are admitted at no charge.) Tickets on the day of each party are $42.95 plus tax for guests ages 10 and above, $32.95 plus tax
 

Osborne Family Lights at MGM Studios
November 24 - January 2, 2004
Back by popular demand at Disney-MGM Studios is one of Disney's biggest holiday spectacles -- the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. This Disney holiday tradition returns to Disney-MGM Studios bigger and better than ever before. After eight years of holiday cheer on Residential Street, Disney-MGM Studios took a short break from the tradition last year to begin construction in the area on the new "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" (opening 2005). Now the lights will once again brighten the Streets of America backlot inside the theme park.

Illuminating everything from trees to spinning carousels, some of Jennings Osborne's original creations include 3-D and motion-based displays, a giant holiday-light Mickey Mouse, dozens of flying angels and several giant Santa Claus light creations. Plus, "Florida snow" and other surprises are in store for guests.

The holiday light display on the theme park backlot features millions and millions of sparkling holiday bulbs designed by Osborne, an Arkansas businessman and philanthropist. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights display started at the Osborne home 18 years ago when Jennings strung 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter Breezy. Soon their 22,000-square-foot home was covered in millions of lights. By 1995, the display had made its way to the guests of Walt Disney World Resort when it made its first appearance at Disney-MGM Studios.

Dates for the sparkling spectacle are Nov. 24, 2004, through Jan. 2, 2005. Included in Disney-MGM Studios admission.
 

"What's Next"
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (2004) -- Disney Vacation Club will expand its timeshare resort presence with its next location at the former Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort. The new themed resort will occupy a 65-acre site overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Upon completion of all phases in 2005, this will become the largest Disney Vacation Club resort to date at 552 units, comprised of studio, one- and two-bedroom villas and Grand Villa units that sleep up to 12 guests. The targeted opening is spring 2004.

Stitch's Great Escape! (2004) -- The lovable Stitch has a starring role in this wacky new Magic Kingdom attraction inspired by the Academy Award-nominated film “Lilo & Stitch.” A prequel set shortly before the events of the hit motion picture “Lilo & Stitch,” the family-friendly adventure in Tomorrowland will showcase the mayhem caused by the mischievous “Experiment 626” -- a.k.a. Stitch -- when first discovered in the Galactic Federation. Stitch’s Great Escape! replaces The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.

“Soarin’ ” (2005) -- The popular “Soarin’ ” attraction at Disney’s California Adventure will take Epcot guests on an eye-filling journey above California. The unforgettable experience combines cinematic artistry and state-of-the-art motion base technology. Guests are literally lifted 40 feet inside a giant projection screen dome and completely surrounded with the beauty and wonder of the Golden State. The free-flight experience intensifies as guests feel the sweeping winds and smell fragrant orange blossoms and pine trees around them. “Soarin’ ” will be located in The Land pavilion.

"Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" (2005) -- Guests will be on the edge of their seats as the secrets behind Hollywood’s most astounding stunts unfold at the new Disney-MGM Studios stunt show. Inspired by the popular “Stunt Show Spectacular” at Disneyland Paris, the high-octane stunt show features specially designed cars, motorcycles and jet skis, plus special effects -- with audience members pulled into the action. Insiders will reveal show secrets, detailing how stunts are created, designed and filmed for the movies.

Expedition EVEREST (2006) -- The legend of the yeti comes to life in a thrilling new adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. A high-speed train bound for Mount Everest takes trekkers on a daring adventure through rugged terrain, along icy mountain ledges and inside dark snowy caves in the forbidden mountain. The mammoth E-Ticket attraction will rise on the eastern range of the 500-acre park.
 

WDW Pin Event Schedule
 Lights, Camera, Pins! - 80 Years of Entertainment
March 27, 2004
Disney-MGM Studios


Adventures In Pin Trading
June 12, 2004
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park


Tink's Summer Pin Quest
July 17, 2004
Contemporary Resort


A Family Pin Gathering - Disney's Pin Celebration
September 10-12, 2004
Epcot


Disney Cruise Lines
presents
A Villainous Pin Voyage
November 14-18, 2004
Disney Cruise Line

All dates and locations subject to change

    

Dizneypins.com has no affiliation with The Disney Company. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owner. No part of this website may be reproduced without written permission. All release dates, artwork are subject to change without notice ©Dizneypins.com 2001-2004