It’s going to be one magical summer at Walt Disney World Resort. Back by popular demand: It’s Figment, ready to lead guests on an imaginative journey at Epcot. There’s also a festival in full bloom, a baseball season in full swing and the biggest celebration the 47-square-mile resort has ever seen in full blast.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the magic anchored by the 100 Years of Magic celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. The yearlong event, at the halfway mark this summer, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Walt Disney and honors his legacy with new parades, attractions and entertainment. It continues through Dec. 31, 2002.
Here’s some of what guests can experience this summer at Walt Disney World Resort:
May
The 2002 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom with colorful gardens, seminars with horticultural experts, and musical fun through June 2, 2002. Some special events within the festival: the Mother’s Day Invitational Flower Show (May 10-12) and Kids Weekend (May 24-27). And guests shouldn’t miss the Flower Power concert series featuring memorable acts from the '60s and '70s such as The Turtles, Starship and Arlo Guthrie.
The 2002 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is free with regular Epcot admission.
The third season of the Orlando Rays, the Class AA affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays, is in full swing at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. The team is in the midst of its 70 Southern League home games at the sports complex until Aug. 29. New manager Mako Oliveras, who worked as a coach with the Devil Rays’ AAA affiliate in Durham, N.C., for the past three seasons, is leading the team. Southern League games are a chance to see future major league stars up close -- such as outfielder Josh Hamilton, the top pick of the 1999 draft, and shortstop Jorge Cantu.
Information on ticket packages and group tickets is available by calling 407/938-3815 or 407/939-GAME. Individual tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 407/839-3900.
Orlando Rays Home Series at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex:
May:
7-10 vs. Tennessee Smokies (four games)
11-14 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts (four games)
28-31 vs. West Tennessee Diamond Jacks (four games)
June:
1-4 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
14-17 vs. Jacksonville Suns (four games)
20-23 vs. Carolina Mudcats (four games)
24-25 vs. Tennessee Smokies (two games)
July:
5-6 vs. Jacksonville Suns (two games)
11-14 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
21-22 vs. Jacksonville Suns (two games)
23-26 vs. Mobile BayBears (four games)
27-30 vs. Huntsville Stars (four games)
August:
17-20 vs. Carolina Mudcats (four games)
22-25 vs. Jacksonville Suns (four games)
26-29 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
By popular demand, Figment, the lovable dragon with the fun personality, returns to the Journey Into Your Imagination attraction at Epcot. The enhanced attraction is scheduled to reopen in early June. The free-spirited Figment will join the practical Dr. Nigel Channing to lead guests on a journey that will engage their imagination and their senses. Also back: the playful tune, “One Little Spark,” penned by the Sherman Brothers for the original Journey Into Imagination ride-through attraction that opened in 1983. A little magic and imagination at the end of the attraction will allow fans of Figment to experience him like never before.
After overcoming life-threatening illnesses, more than 2,000 individuals who have received organ transplants will lace up their shoes during the 2002 U.S. Transplant Games June 26-29. Transplant athletes will compete for medals in 13 different sports, including track & field, swimming, tennis, basketball, cycling and golf.
Sean Elliott of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and actor Larry Hagman are expected to join the Transplant Games participants. Together, they will celebrate the achievements of those who have overcome near-death experiences and returned to lead productive lives.
This year’s event will include transplant athletes ranging in age from 3 to 75 years, family members and friends, as well as families of organ donors. The Games will feature four days of special workshops for donor families and an educational program for professionals involved in transplantation.
On June 29, a National Kidney Foundation 5K road race will pass through World Showcase at Epcot and is designed to raise awareness about organ and tissue donations.
This summer more than 20 Amateur Athletic Union championship events will take place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, including the 29th AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships (June 13-18), the AAU Super Showcase Boys Basketball (July 20-23) and the AAU Junior Boys Basketball National Championship (July 25-31).
The AAU, headquartered at Walt Disney World Resort, is the largest amateur sports organization in the United States. The AAU annually hosts athletic competitions across the country for more than 400,000 athletes of all ages in 32 sports. For more information on events or the Amateur Athletic Union, call 407/934-7200 or visit AAU’s Web site at www.aausports.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July
Downtown Disney Marketplace offers even more magical experiences for guests with the July opening of Once Upon a Toy, a 12,000-square-foot interactive superstore. The store beams with colorfully decorated displays and new toys, including many Disney and Hasbro favorites. Children can enjoy an outside interactive play area.
Downtown Disney Marketplace also is the site for the largest pin-trading center at Walt Disney World Resort. The site, to be located in the Captain’s Tower, will feature a wide array of Disney pins and most major limited-edition releases. The ultimate pin-trading headquarters also opens in July.
Summertime is a cool splash in one of the Walt Disney World Resort pools. The elaborately themed feature pools at all Disney resort hotels are always a warm-weather highlight for guests.
The newest “wave”: zero-entry pools, which offer a gradual ramp-entry into the water. The new feature pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort features zero-entry to resemble a beachfront shoreline. A massive volcano and gentle-flowing stream complete the themed environment. Zero-entry pools also are featured at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August
The tradition of creating magical memories for guests continues as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney Vacation Club together prepare to welcome the 282-room Disney's Beach Club Villas, scheduled to open Aug.1. Inspired by the casual elegance of the mid-Atlantic seaside homes of the early 20th century, Disney’s Beach Club Villas will be characterized by beautiful pastel colors, intricate wooden accents and spacious villa-style accommodations that will combine to create a home-away-from-home “atmosphere.” Guests can make rental reservations at Disney’s Beach Club Villas for stays starting on Aug. 1, 2002, by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
The Major League Baseball RBI World Series returns to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex with a boys baseball event (Aug. 3-8) and a girls softball event (Aug. 6-11). The RBI program, which stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, is a grassroots outreach initiative that serves over 110,000 boys and girls in 120 cities worldwide.
The 10th annual RBI World Series represents the culmination of local and regional competitions in the United States and internationally. The event has been held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex for the past four years.
High school football teams from across the country will have the opportunity to play in the game of a lifetime thanks to an eight-week Kaylee Scholarship Association (KSA) series coming to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Games will be played beginning Aug. 21.
Regardless of who wins the game, the real winner will be the beneficiaries of the Kaylee Scholarship Association, a nonprofit organization based in Exton, Pa., that raises funds for scholarships for athletes who plan to continue their education beyond high school.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the magic anchored by the 100 Years of Magic celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. The yearlong event, at the halfway mark this summer, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Walt Disney and honors his legacy with new parades, attractions and entertainment. It continues through Dec. 31, 2002.
Here’s some of what guests can experience this summer at Walt Disney World Resort:
May
The 2002 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom with colorful gardens, seminars with horticultural experts, and musical fun through June 2, 2002. Some special events within the festival: the Mother’s Day Invitational Flower Show (May 10-12) and Kids Weekend (May 24-27). And guests shouldn’t miss the Flower Power concert series featuring memorable acts from the '60s and '70s such as The Turtles, Starship and Arlo Guthrie.
The 2002 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is free with regular Epcot admission.
The third season of the Orlando Rays, the Class AA affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays, is in full swing at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. The team is in the midst of its 70 Southern League home games at the sports complex until Aug. 29. New manager Mako Oliveras, who worked as a coach with the Devil Rays’ AAA affiliate in Durham, N.C., for the past three seasons, is leading the team. Southern League games are a chance to see future major league stars up close -- such as outfielder Josh Hamilton, the top pick of the 1999 draft, and shortstop Jorge Cantu.
Information on ticket packages and group tickets is available by calling 407/938-3815 or 407/939-GAME. Individual tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster at 407/839-3900.
Orlando Rays Home Series at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex:
May:
7-10 vs. Tennessee Smokies (four games)
11-14 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts (four games)
28-31 vs. West Tennessee Diamond Jacks (four games)
June:
1-4 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
14-17 vs. Jacksonville Suns (four games)
20-23 vs. Carolina Mudcats (four games)
24-25 vs. Tennessee Smokies (two games)
July:
5-6 vs. Jacksonville Suns (two games)
11-14 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
21-22 vs. Jacksonville Suns (two games)
23-26 vs. Mobile BayBears (four games)
27-30 vs. Huntsville Stars (four games)
August:
17-20 vs. Carolina Mudcats (four games)
22-25 vs. Jacksonville Suns (four games)
26-29 vs. Greenville Braves (four games)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June
By popular demand, Figment, the lovable dragon with the fun personality, returns to the Journey Into Your Imagination attraction at Epcot. The enhanced attraction is scheduled to reopen in early June. The free-spirited Figment will join the practical Dr. Nigel Channing to lead guests on a journey that will engage their imagination and their senses. Also back: the playful tune, “One Little Spark,” penned by the Sherman Brothers for the original Journey Into Imagination ride-through attraction that opened in 1983. A little magic and imagination at the end of the attraction will allow fans of Figment to experience him like never before.
After overcoming life-threatening illnesses, more than 2,000 individuals who have received organ transplants will lace up their shoes during the 2002 U.S. Transplant Games June 26-29. Transplant athletes will compete for medals in 13 different sports, including track & field, swimming, tennis, basketball, cycling and golf.
Sean Elliott of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and actor Larry Hagman are expected to join the Transplant Games participants. Together, they will celebrate the achievements of those who have overcome near-death experiences and returned to lead productive lives.
This year’s event will include transplant athletes ranging in age from 3 to 75 years, family members and friends, as well as families of organ donors. The Games will feature four days of special workshops for donor families and an educational program for professionals involved in transplantation.
On June 29, a National Kidney Foundation 5K road race will pass through World Showcase at Epcot and is designed to raise awareness about organ and tissue donations.
This summer more than 20 Amateur Athletic Union championship events will take place at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, including the 29th AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships (June 13-18), the AAU Super Showcase Boys Basketball (July 20-23) and the AAU Junior Boys Basketball National Championship (July 25-31).
The AAU, headquartered at Walt Disney World Resort, is the largest amateur sports organization in the United States. The AAU annually hosts athletic competitions across the country for more than 400,000 athletes of all ages in 32 sports. For more information on events or the Amateur Athletic Union, call 407/934-7200 or visit AAU’s Web site at www.aausports.org.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July
Downtown Disney Marketplace offers even more magical experiences for guests with the July opening of Once Upon a Toy, a 12,000-square-foot interactive superstore. The store beams with colorfully decorated displays and new toys, including many Disney and Hasbro favorites. Children can enjoy an outside interactive play area.
Downtown Disney Marketplace also is the site for the largest pin-trading center at Walt Disney World Resort. The site, to be located in the Captain’s Tower, will feature a wide array of Disney pins and most major limited-edition releases. The ultimate pin-trading headquarters also opens in July.
Summertime is a cool splash in one of the Walt Disney World Resort pools. The elaborately themed feature pools at all Disney resort hotels are always a warm-weather highlight for guests.
The newest “wave”: zero-entry pools, which offer a gradual ramp-entry into the water. The new feature pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort features zero-entry to resemble a beachfront shoreline. A massive volcano and gentle-flowing stream complete the themed environment. Zero-entry pools also are featured at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August
The tradition of creating magical memories for guests continues as Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney Vacation Club together prepare to welcome the 282-room Disney's Beach Club Villas, scheduled to open Aug.1. Inspired by the casual elegance of the mid-Atlantic seaside homes of the early 20th century, Disney’s Beach Club Villas will be characterized by beautiful pastel colors, intricate wooden accents and spacious villa-style accommodations that will combine to create a home-away-from-home “atmosphere.” Guests can make rental reservations at Disney’s Beach Club Villas for stays starting on Aug. 1, 2002, by calling 407/W-DISNEY.
The Major League Baseball RBI World Series returns to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex with a boys baseball event (Aug. 3-8) and a girls softball event (Aug. 6-11). The RBI program, which stands for Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, is a grassroots outreach initiative that serves over 110,000 boys and girls in 120 cities worldwide.
The 10th annual RBI World Series represents the culmination of local and regional competitions in the United States and internationally. The event has been held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex for the past four years.
High school football teams from across the country will have the opportunity to play in the game of a lifetime thanks to an eight-week Kaylee Scholarship Association (KSA) series coming to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Games will be played beginning Aug. 21.
Regardless of who wins the game, the real winner will be the beneficiaries of the Kaylee Scholarship Association, a nonprofit organization based in Exton, Pa., that raises funds for scholarships for athletes who plan to continue their education beyond high school.