You now can celebrate the return of the most patriotic attraction atDisneyland® Park. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a beloved attraction for nearly 45 years and a historic landmark in the development ofAudio-Animatronics® technology, has reopened in the Main Street Opera House. With a new, stunningly lifelike Abraham Lincoln figure and an enriched presentation, the refreshed attraction combines the best elements of the originalDisneyland Park 1965 show and the most advanced technical enhancements. (The show first opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.)

The new Lincoln figure represents several major milestones. The fully electric head – a first for human DisneyAudio-Animatronics figures, which are traditionally hydraulically operated – is based on an all-new sculpt that is more lifelike than in previous versions of the show. Thanks to Imagineers, Lincoln is more realistic than ever before as he rises from his chair and speaks.

Upon entering the Main Street Opera House, Guests encounter a redesigned lobby, including a separate presentation of items relating to Abraham Lincoln’s life and work. In the auditorium, Guests will first view an onscreen program about Lincoln and the Civil War that features digitally enhanced versions of pictures and sound created for past versions of the show along with fresh material. Next, the state-of-the-art figure of the 16th President of the United States will take the stage to deliver a speech composed of highlights from speeches made by Lincoln during his lifetime. When the 15-minute show concludes, Guests exit through a gallery depicting notable Americans who have followed in Lincoln’s footsteps and continue to inspire others.

Some of the latest enhancements to the show include:

• NewAudio-Animatronics technology gives Abraham Lincoln more emotion and vitality during his speech.
• New, specially commissioned artwork by animator John Pomeroy of “Pocahontas” is on display.
• Audiences hear the original audio voice narration that has been preserved and made sharper using digital technology.
• The narration includes passages never heard in past Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln presentations.

Utilizing advanced technology to present Lincoln’s words for a more innovative and inspirational journey, this re-opening provides a fresh take on the nostalgic presentation.

When you book a 5-night/6-day (minimum) non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at selectWalt Disney World® Resort hotels, you’ll get a FREE Disney Gift Card.

Gift Cards

• FREE $300 Disney Gift Card for stays at a select Disney Value Resort, OR
• FREE $500 Disney Gift Card for stays at a select Disney Moderate Resort, OR
• FREE $750 Disney Gift Card for stays at a select Disney Deluxe Resort or a select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort

Booking Window:
Now through March 27, 2010

Travel Window:
Valid for stays most nights:
Jan. 3-11, Jan. 19 – March 27 and April 11 – June 3, 2010

Click here to start planning your Walt Disney World Dream Vacation!

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Excludes suites and campsites. One gift card per room provided at check-in.

“Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate’s life for me!” The Pirates League is a great alternative for boys or girls who wish for a pirate inspired makeover. The Pirates League is located next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort. I took my 7 year old son, Joel, during our recent Halloween Walt Disney World® Resort vacation. Boy, were we impressed!

First, the pirates gave him his pirate name: “Jeffery Blade Cutter” from the Pirate log, and then he had the choice of several different pirate looks. Joel and I were whisked away to the Muster Station, for applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – all done with the savvy skill of a veteran pirate. Our pirate took the time to explain what they were doing to him and let him feel the brushes and sponges. Before you knew it he was transformed into a cursed pirate. Every time a makeover was complete the pirates would ring a bell and announce, “We have a new pirate”.

When Joel was done they made him take the sacred pirate oath. He then was taken to the secret room where the transformation was complete. He got to reveal the hidden treasure. Don’t ask, we were sworn to secrecy! No cameras are allowed in the secret room.
You can choose from three daily pirate packages:

• First Mate Package: Includes bandana; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5×7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath. – $49.95 USD plus tax
• Empress Package: Includes bandana; shimmering makeup; face gem; tattoos; nail polish; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; one 5×7-inch photo; and personalized pirate oath. – $49.95 USD plus tax
• Captains Package: Includes choice of costume/outfit from selection; choice of facial effects; scars; tattoos; fake teeth; earring and eye patch; sword and sheath; pirate coin necklace; three 5×7-inch photos; and personalized pirate oath. – $124.95 USD plus tax

Enjoy this latest video from Disney about the making of “Villans Tonight,” a new show set to debut in March on the Disney Magic®.

The Disney Gallery has reopened at Disneyland® Park in its new location on Main Street, U.S.A.® (previously occupied by the Bank of Main Street).

While the location may be new, the remodeled Disney Gallery continues the outstanding tradition of showcasing original and one-of-a-kind Disney artwork and collectibles to Theme Park Guests. The new design maintains some of the unique elements of the former bank, including the popular bank vault, which is now used to display select pieces of historical Disney artwork.

In addition to the vault, the Disney Gallery is now made up of three separate rooms: two large display rooms and a merchandise room. The display rooms feature historic Walt Disney Imagineering conceptual art created during the development and enhancement stages of attractions and Disney-inspired art created by current and former Disney artists and Imagineers. Guests visiting the merchandise portion of the Disney Gallery will have the opportunity to purchase Disney prints (including on-the-spot prints from Print on Demand), sculptures, books and many other collectibles from popular Disney attractions and animated features.

The first exhibit on display at the new Disney Gallery location is “Enchanting the Classics.” This exhibit focuses on how artists at Walt Disney Imagineering have kept beloved Disneyland Resort® attractions such as the Submarine Voyage, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” fresh and exciting over the years with enhancements and surprises.

From Dream Maker – Traci Elswick: Is it possible to have a magical Walt DisneyWorld® vacation with an autistic child? With a lot ofplanning, and a bit of pixie dust thrown in by our Dream Makers, it is. Ihave planned eight magical vacations to the Walt DisneyWorld® Resort for my 13-year-old autistic son. I have seenvast improvements with my son while at the Walt DisneyWorld® Resort. His language skills seem to improve. He copeswell with the large crowds and loud noises, and he actually “lives in themoment.” In fact, I’m certain that our yearly pilgrimage to theWalt Disney World® Resort is something my son looksforward to every year.

First you need to consider whereyou want to stay onsite or off. If your budget allows, I suggest you stayonsite, preferably at one of the Disney resorts that are on the Monorailline or one of Disney’s Boardwalk resorts. The Monorail resorts give youeasy access to the Magic Kingdom® Park andEPCOT®. The resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk give youboat access to EPCOT® and Disney HollywoodStudios™. If your child has trouble waiting in long linesor traveling on crowded buses, the Monorail or Disney’s Boardwalk resortswill make traveling between parks much easier for you. If you are lookingfor value, try to stay at the Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort is separate from the other value resorts and has itsown bus line. Also, request a room close to the bus stop. If possible, tryto avoid Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They share a commonbus routes, have long wait times, and are often overcrowded.

Before you depart for yourWalt Disney World® Resort vacation, obtain a signednote from your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist stating your child’sdisability and further stating that your child cannot wait in lines. Whenyou arrive at the park, go directly to Guest Services in order to obtainyour Guest Assistance Card. A Guest Assistance Card can be used for yourentire party, and will dramatically shorten your party’s wait inlines.

How long should you spend in theparks every day? Nobody knows your child better than you. I suggest thatall families who stay in a Walt Disney World® ResortHotel take an afternoon break. That way your child can take a nap or aswim and you can have a relaxing family dinner. You can book your diningup to 180 days before your trip, and it is advisable to book your diningearly because many of most popular restaurants fill up quickly. Afterdinner, you can do Extra Magic Hours. Extra MagicHours are available for individuals who stay at a WaltDisney World® Resort Hotel and generally allow you to remainin the park for a number of hours after the park closes to the generalpublic.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve waited so long to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with your child!

Starting today, you can book your next Disney Cruise onboard Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Dream™. Click here to learn more.

The newDisney Dream™ will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical entertainment and immersive experiences that have madeDisney Cruise Line® the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

For the majority of 2011, the new ship will alternate three- and four-night sailings. During the summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries. The schedule also includes special five-night holiday cruises during Christmas and New Year’s.

TheDisney Dream™ will introduce a number of cruise-industry firsts and family-friendly innovations designed to make your experience even more magical. Among the highlights:

• AquaDuck — Disney Cruise Line® debuts the first-ever shipboard water coaster! This exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids — all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
• Virtual Porthole – A cruise-industry first for all inside staterooms! Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship using high-definition cameras. As you observe the view, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters like Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.
• Enchanted Art — Around the atrium lobby and throughout the ship, Enchanted Art will immerse you in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Enchanted Art magically comes alive as you pause to admire individual pieces.
• Living Characters — In youth spaces, Disney Characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences. Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the mischievous animated alien Stitch make scheduled appearances to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations.

From Dream Maker – Kip Dennis: Anyone who has visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in the past can tell you about their excellent dining options. From the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT®, to the class act dinner theater like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the one-of-a kind restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Café, there is something for everyone. But when you have a dietary restriction, you may think that you choices are limited. With the MAGIC of Disney it is actually quite the opposite.

While recently traveling with someone with a food allergy, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of service provided. When placing my advance dining reservations (ADRs), I notified the cast member of the allergy. All of my reservations were noted to alert the staff of the extra care needed. Just let your personal Dream Maker know of your special needs and they will communicate those to Disney. They can also provide you with additional information relating to your restrictions including suggested restaurants that will be able to best meet your needs.

At our table service meals, our waiter/waitress told us that their chef would be out to talk about our particular dietary need. Each chef went to great lengths to ensure a meal was made without any allergen contamination. If it was a buffet meal, the chef escorted him around to identify “safe” foods.

For counter service, we just notified the cast member at the order podium of our restriction. They once again notified a manager to come and consult us on what our available options were.

The Special Dietary program at Disney is just another example of how Disney continues to provide great service to their guests.

You can receive a FREE* Disney Cruise Line® 3-Night Bahamian cruise with the purchase of select Adventures by Disney departures between Oct. 26, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2010.

This offer is valid for select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before Oct. 2, 2010.

Book Your Adventures By Disney Trip Now

*Government Taxes and fees are not included. Guests who purchase a qualifying Adventures by Disney land package will receive a free Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamian cruise. Offer applies to new purchases between 10/26/09 and 1/15/10 of select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before 10/2/10. Offer valid on the majority of 2010 Adventures by Disney season departures. A certificate good for a 3-night Bahamian cruise will be mailed out 25 days prior to the land package departure date. A completed cruise certificate must be submitted to Disney Cruise Line before 12/31/10 and sailing must occur between 2/1/10 and 12/15/11. The number of guests in the free cruise party may not exceed the number of guests in the eligible Adventures by Disney land package. Offer valid on ocean view staterooms in the following categories only: 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, and the number of staterooms available for this offer is limited. Block-out dates apply; see certificate for details. Transportation to and from Port Canaveral not included. Cruise is non-transferable and may not be sold, traded, refunded or redeemed for cash value. Subject to terms, conditions and restrictions of Disney Cruise Line. One (1) certificate issued per reservation. Certificate not redeemable for cash in whole or in part and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Advance reservations required. Subject to conditions, restrictions and change without notice. Land package and Cruise fulfillment is subject to availability and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.

From Dream Maker: Kim Restagno – How many times have you heard someone say “You need to see the Walt Disney World® Resort at Christmastime?” or “Have you ever been the Walt Disney World® Resort during the holidays?” I know I heard it many times before I became a Dream Maker! I must admit at the time I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, until I got to go in December and see for myself. It was one of my dream vacations; the whole family was able to go. What a grand gathering we had! After all I had heard about the holidays, now I understood the magic of it all.

Disney doesn’t skip over anything when it comes to attention to detail. Decorations abound everywhere you look. Each of the parks and resorts has its own specially decorated tree that greets you as you enter. The Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a must see! Wreaths, ribbons, and bows garnish doors, light posts and windows. Presents sit under Christmas trees. Garlands, lights, poinsettias and music all add to the magic!

Cinderella Castle is transformed every night at the Magic Kingdom® Park during Castle Dreamlights, a glorious, wintry confection, twinkling in the sky! Or you can celebrate the holidays with your favorite Disney pals at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party* at the Magic Kingdom® Park. Join Mickey and friends, decked out in their holiday yuletide best, for the ultimate jungle holiday adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park! It’s a jinglin’, jumpin’, jivin’ time, you won’t want to miss!!

Don’t miss the The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights* at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™! Immerse yourself in the joy of the season as millions of blinking, twinkling lights dance in synchronized motion to holiday music! Believe it or not, you might even see those tiny white flakes falling in the sky! Epcot’s World Showcase comes alive with diverse holiday traditions of food, fun and entertainment from across the globe.

You name it, you imagine it and the Walt Disney World® Resort has done it!

*Select nights in Nov. & Dec. 2009; Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separately priced ticket.