GOODBYE FOR NOW, BUZZ: Woody, the sheriff from the “Toy Story” films, waves goodbye to the Space Shuttle Discovery as it launches May 31, 2008 from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Aboard Discovery is a 12-inch tall action figure of Woody’s pal from “Toy Story,” Buzz Lightyear. Woody joined thousands of launch-watchers to view the launch in Veterans’ Memorial Park in Titusville, Fla. Disney Parks worked with NASA to include the Buzz Lightyear toy on mission STS-124 to celebrate the opening of a new attraction — called “Toy Story Mania!” — that features Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The toy on the spacecraft will be transferred to the International Space Station where it will spend several months, before being sent back to Florida later this year on a future Space Shuttle mission. A series of educational programs for school children has been planned for the toy’s time in space. (Scott Miller, photographer)

DREAM COME TRUE FOR BUZZ: Fulfilling his longtime dream to fly to “infinity…and beyond!” a 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure toy will be the special guest on the May 31, 2008 launch of Space Shuttle “Discovery.” Buzz’s mission is to celebrate the opening of the “Toy Story Mania!” attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (now open) and Disneyland Resort in California (opening June 17). Pictured, the 12-inch-tall figure that will launch on May 31 stands in front of a static Space Shuttle replica at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

LOS ANGELES — To celebrate “The American Idol Experience” attraction coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, David Cook shouted the famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” Wednesday night, May 21, after being crowned the newest “American Idol” in the popular show’s star-studded season finale in Los Angeles. Camera crews captured Cook’s pronouncement on the Nokia Theatre stage just moments after “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced his name to millions of viewers watching worldwide.

Later that night, Cook was featured in the newest “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercial that aired only hours after the finale. Starring in a role usually occupied by sports stars — such as Super Bowl or World Series champs — Cook is the first singer to ever star in the Disney commercial.

Cook’s role in the “I’m Going to Disney World” ad is all in celebration of the new “American Idol” attraction that will open at Walt Disney World in Florida in January 2009.

Currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, it’s the first attraction anywhere in the world based on the popular television series, through an agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment.

When complete, Disney guests will be able to experience the thrill of an interactive attraction amidst all the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” television show.

By starring in the commercial, Cook joins a line up of superstar professional athletes from the fields of football, basketball, and baseball, who have shouted the famous line during the past 20+ years, “I’m Going to Disney World!”

Exclusive Activities, Events and Appearances at Walt Disney World Resort Bring Fans Closer Than Ever to Release of All-New, CG-Animated Adventure from Lucasfilm Animation

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., and SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (May 13, 2008) — The Star Wars adventures continue on Aug. 15 with the theatrical release of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS from Lucasfilm Animation, and this year’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort will offer fans an exciting, in-depth look at the making of this big-screen animated epic.

Among the features at this year’s Star Wars Weekends, which run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 6 to June 29, 2008, will be “Behind the Force — Experience THE CLONE WARS,” an exploration of the creation of this groundbreaking Star Wars feature film. During “Experience THE CLONE WARS,” fans will get a chance to meet a representative of Lucasfilm Ltd. and, at the culmination of the presentation, see an exclusive clip of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS that can be seen only at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends. Read the rest of this entry

MAGICAL MOUSE: Sorcerer Mickey Mouse welcomes guests of all ages to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests can experience showbiz excitement from music, movies, television, stage, feature animation and more in innovative and interactive attractions, shows and dining experiences. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)

Summer visitors to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando can compete for a grand-prize treasure of $10,000 in cold cash. This interactive experience, called Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge, is offered May 2 through Aug. 28, 2008. Package guests will have an opportunity to think like treasure seekers during this contest of skill, as they earn points while traversing the resort atrium and deciphering clues, solving intricate puzzles, and performing other tasks. At the end of summer, the team that has accumulated the greatest number of points during their stay will be awarded the $10,000 prize. The second-place team will win a $3,500 cash prize and third-place will receive a three-night stay at a Gaylord hotel. Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge room packages start at $219 per night plus tax and parking. The package, available for a minimum of two nights, includes Florida-view accommodations, one registration to compete in the Treasure Hunt Challenge, optional participation in a special Little Pirates Treasure Hunt (for children ages 10 and under), an official Treasure Seekers Log Book, and resort fee. Click Here to find out more.

MAGIC MOMENT WITH MILEY: Singer/actress Miley Cyrus signs autographs for fans May 1, 2008 at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Cyrus spent Thursday enjoying the Walt Disney World theme park attractions. She is in central Florida to perform in the “Disney Channel Games” concert on Saturday night, May 3, at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Dozens of Disney Channel stars are at Walt Disney World Resort this week taping the “Disney Channel Games,” a made-for-TV, Olympic-style event that will be shown on Disney Channels worldwide in July. The event benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, UNICEF and Boys & Girls Club Clubs of America. (Garth Vaughan, photographer)