It's an "extended weekend" during which special events prevail throughout the Vacation Kingdom, including Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie® at Downtown Disney, ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate Total at Disney-MGM Studios, the conclusion of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of 2006 at Magic Kingdom, and the unveiling of The Osborne Family's Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by Sylvania at Disney-MGM Studios.
Here's some additional information about what's in store:
31st annual Festival of the Masters presented by Sharpie (Nov. 10-12) -- Sculptors, photographers and painters -- more than 200 award-winning fine artists from 29 states plus Israel -- will show off their diverse creations, transforming Downtown Disney into an outdoor gallery. Participants, who are honorees from art festivals around the United States, will vie for awards totaling $40,000 in 10 categories: clay; drawing, printmaking and digital art; glass; jewelry; leather, wood, fiber and paper; mixed media and collage; painting; photography; sculpture; and watercolor. In addition, House of Blues has confirmed 42 folk artists for the eighth annual "Where the Art Meets the Soul" Folk Art Festival which runs concurrently. The weekend also features live musical entertainment, chalk art and children's activities during festival hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com/art.
11th annual ABC Super Soap Weekend presented by Colgate Total (Nov. 11-12) -- "All My Children" star Susan Lucci will headline a lineup of ABC's daytime stars at Disney-MGM Studios, with a special guest appearance by "The View's" newest co-host, Rosie O'Donnell. The annual fan-fest -- the largest soap fan gathering held anywhere in the world -- will bring out more than 30 ABC Daytime stars from "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." Festivities include celebrity motorcades, autograph sessions, talk shows, interviews and the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind memorabilia from each of the shows. The Colgate Total Street Jam will close the event each day with live musical performances by some favorite Daytime stars. On the eve of the weekend (Nov. 10), Colgate Total will present a 25th anniversary celebration of the wedding of Luke and Laura at Disney-MGM Studios. The can't-miss celebration on Friday afternoon will unite Anthony Geary and Genie Francis in their first public appearance in decades. Their infamous nuptials 25 years ago were seen by more than 30 million viewers -- the largest audience in daytime TV history. The fun is included with regular Disney-MGM Studios admission.
11th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival (event that began Sept. 29 concludes Nov. 12) -- This is the final weekend to "Explore Regional Flavors" at more than two dozen international marketplaces around Epcot World Showcase featuring cuisine and wine from regions of countries that include Spain, India, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Poland and more. Guests can immerse themselves in cultural experiences or sip to learn at a wine seminar. They can expand their culinary repertoire at one of many cooking demonstrations. Saturday, Nov. 11, marks the final Party for the Senses -- a really grand tasting of beverages and food plus delights for the eyes and ears (requires a reservation through 407/WDW-DINE). Cuban-born singer and songwriter Jon Secada brings down the curtain on the Eat to the Beat! concert series with three performances daily Nov. 9-12 at America Gardens Theatre (included with Epcot admission -- as are seminars and cooking demonstrations). Epcot guests can sample the marketplace cuisine and wines for $1.50-$4.50.
The Osborne Family's Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by Sylvania (begins Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 7, 2007) -- By night this holiday season, the Streets of America backlot cityscape at Disney-MGM Studios will sparkle with "lights, music, dancing" as the Osborne family's popular holiday show comes alive in a whole new way. The spectacle of millions of sparkling lights has been enhanced to include choreographed "dancing" lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among Florida "snow flurries." The light show is in collaboration with Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne, who developed the display for his daughter. When his idea outgrew his home, he worked with Disney to provide a new home for the seasonal fun. The dazzling spectacle is included with Disney-MGM Studios admission.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov. 13 is the first of 18 evenings in November and December when the party occurs) -- Holiday merriment fills Magic Kingdom from 7 p.m. till midnight during an after-hours party where guests experience the enchantment of the famous "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade" (featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus), festive live stage shows, Disney characters in their holiday best for meet-and-greets, and the nighttime spectacular "Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," a winter wonderland of dazzling fireworks set to classic holiday tunes. There are carolers, cocoa, Christmas cookies and even "snow flurries" on Main Street, U.S.A. In addition, guests can experience some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions. Dates are Nov. 13, 17, 27, 28, 30 and Dec. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Admission to the party requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $45.95 plus tax (ages 10/up) and $37.95 plus tax (ages 3-9) -- but with advance purchase, guests can save $6 per ticket for select dates. Note: Many party nights historically have sold out in advance. To purchase tickets, call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com.
