Disney’s Night of Joy

Who says Disney theme parks don’t know how to rock? This September, Disney will host the Night of Joy concert series at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special event will welcome a 14-act lineup of Christian musicians for a two-night concert series sure to rock the house at the movie-themed park. Just like Mickey’s Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party, Night of Joy operates after hours from 7 pm to 12:30 pm with stages located all around the park.

Concert-goers will not only be able to see some of their favorite bands, they will be able to ride certain attractions that will remain open especially for them. If you come with a group, you can also attend the park during the day while still gaining access to the park at night and a special entrance into “The American Idol Experience.”

The American Idol Experience opened on Valentine’s Day of 2009 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Superstar Television Theatre. This attraction lets guests audition before an actual live audience and Disney “producers." Much like on the popular TV show, the best members advance to the next rounds for a chance to win the show. The winner at the end of the day receives a “Dream Ticket” which allows them, if they meet the age requirement, to go to the front of the line at the real American Idol auditions next season. It’s a very popular event for both idol hopefuls and music lovers.

The highlight of the Night of Joy series will be the performance by P.O.D. The band that brought us hits like “Boom” and “Alive” are back from their hiatus after being on tour in South America. Sonny Sandoval, the band’s lead singer, is excited to mark the band’s return to the stage at the Happiest Place on Earth. “In the past year we’ve been blessed to play all around the globe but performing at Disney World excites me most of all,” Sandoval said.

Other popular Christian acts like Jars of Clay and Flyleaf will be joining P.O.D on stage. The full lineup includes: MercyMe, newsboys, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, Grits, Leeland, NEEDTOBREATHE, Superchick, Mandisa and Family Force 5. Eight of these acts are nominated for the 2009 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Chris Tomlin leads the pack with seven nominations. This will be a great event at Walt Disney World for Christian music fans to attend so make sure you head to Orlando for the Night of Joy concert series!

Disney News and Updates – September 2008

There is always tons of stuff going on at the Walt Disney World Resort, and the month of September is just the beginning of the busiest time of year at Walt Disney World. As summer ends, all of the best Disney special events start up, and we will be here to keep you up-to-date about what’s open, what’s closed and everything in between.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the best kid-friendly Halloween party in Orlando, and it’s a great way to add a little Halloween fun to your Disney vacation. For 2008, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place on select nights from Sept. 5 through Oct. 31.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate Disney ticket event, and it is not included with your regular Disney ticket. Ticket prices are $42.95 for kids 3-9 and $48.95 for anyone over 10. Costumes are welcome!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Night of Joy
Disney’s annual Christian music event has moved from Disney’s Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year, and it features some of Christian music’s top artists. The dates for Night of Joy are Sept. 5 and 6.

Night of Joy is also a separate ticket event that is not included with regular Disney tickets. Night of Joy tickets are $44.95 for one night and $75.95 for two nights. (Day of tickets are $49.95.)

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins on Sept. 26, and it will be satisfying guests with tasty treats right up through Nov. 9. Most of the events of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival are included with your Disney ticket, even the spectacular Eat to the Beat concert series! Keep checking in for the latest on what’s coming up at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival each week.

Walt Disney World – Openings and Closings for September

• Disney’s Magic Kingdom:
  Country Bear Jamboree closed Sept. 28-30
  Liberty Square Riverboat closed Sept. 6-12
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
  Primeval Whirl closed Sept. 2-30
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
  Lights, Motor Action! Stunt Show closed Sept. 11-24
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach is closed for refurbishment Sept. 28-30.

Disney Vacation News – August and September, 2008

The Inside Disney Ticket on What’s Going Down at Disney World this Fall

Any time of year is a great time for a Disney vacation. Even though the summer season is quickly coming to a close, there is still tons of Disney fun coming up in the next few months. In fact, the last half of the year is one of the most event-packed times at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Here’s a list to give you the inside Disney ticket on the Disney vacation happenings this fall down at Disney:

Disney Vacation News – 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Epcot’s most popular annual event starts in less than a month and you need a Disney ticket to get in. This year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival begins on Friday, Sept. 26 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9. The theme for the 13th annual Epcot Food & Wine Fest is “Great Foodie Cities of the World.” Disney tickets required for admission.

Disney Vacation News – Night of Joy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This popular Christian music event has been a part of Disney vacations since 1983. The dates for 2008 are Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. This year’s lineup features 16 of your favorite Christian artists, including tobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Brandon Heath, MercyMe, Rebecca St. James and more.

Night of Joy is switching venues this year, and the Christian music gala will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the first time ever. Night of Joy 2008 promises to be an exciting and inspirational weekend, and it is a separate ticket event that is not included with your regular Disney tickets.

Disney Vacation News – Disney Step Classic
This inaugural event, where high school and college step teams will compete, takes place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on the weekend of Aug. 29 and 30. This is the first time the step competition will be held at Walt Disney World, and it is open to the public. Tickets are available for purchase, and the Disney Step Classic is not included with a regular Disney ticket.

Disney Vacation News – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
A little further off is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, scheduled for select dates throughout September and October. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticket event held at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park, and admission is not included with a regular Disney ticket.