LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (August 29, 2008) – Direct from the Beijing Games where he won a record eight Gold Medals, world champion swimmer Michael Phelps celebrated his unprecedented achievement with an all-American homecoming parade in his honor at Walt Disney World Resort.

In a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps was honored for his record-setting wins and for the spirit in which he captivated the world in his quest for Gold. 

The 23-year-old from Baltimore beamed as he rode through the park alongside Mickey Mouse, waving to fans who chanted his name.  Magic Kingdom guests joined in “America’s Homecoming Parade” for the swimmer who broke records in each event he entered in Beijing. 

For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing.

“I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me,” said Phelps.  “It’s great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world.  To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible.”

During his celebration in the Magic Kingdom, Phelps also took time to meet a group of local swimmers from the central Florida area.  The aspiring young swimmers had the chance to talk with Phelps, ask about his record-breaking experiences and see the Gold Medals he won in Beijing.

Phelps’ celebration at Walt Disney World is planned to be the next feature on his wildly popular Facebook.com page.  Phelps, one of the most popular public figures on the social networking site, has nearly 1.5 million Facebook “fans” who have subscribed to receive his latest news and updates.  Phelps said he plans to offer photographs and video of his Walt Disney World visit on his Facebook.com site.

Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14).

Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, tobyMac, Rebecca St. James,
Aaron Shust and Fred Hammond among acts performing Sept. 5-6

            LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort, regarded as one of the top contemporary Christian music events in the country, will feature a 16-act lineup Sept. 5-6 that includes Gospel Music Association Dove Awards winners such as 2008 Artist of the Year tobyMac, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, Group of the Year Casting Crowns and New Artist of the Year Brandon Heath plusenduringly popular MercyMe and Rebecca St. James.
 

Now in its 26th year, Night of Joy is moving to a new venue, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which features both outstanding concert locations and must-do thrill attractions. Guests attending Night of Joy, which takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (after regular theme park hours), can combine an evening of rockin’ Christian music with the thrills and chills of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror plus the shoot-‘em-up fun of Toy Story Mania!
 

Concerts will take place at three stage locations, with eight national recording acts performing each evening. Here’s how they’ll line up: (talent, show times and locations are subject to change without notice):

            Money-saving ticket options are currently available. One-night tickets purchased in advance are $44.95 (a $5 per ticket savings compared to tickets purchased on event days – if available). Guests can save even more with a two-night ticket available in advance for $75.95.  Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early as the event has sold out in recent years.

IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN: A trio of Green Army Men characters from the Disney-Pixar animated films “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” march through “Pixar Place” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World. The newest addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Pixar Place” is modeled after Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. The street is adorned with larger-than-life versions of classic childhood toys and games, including Barrel of Monkeys, Scrabble and Battleship. “Pixar Place” is also home to “Toy Story Mania!,” a cutting-edge ride-through attraction that combines the fun of a video game with 4-D technology and interaction with favorite Disney-Pixar stars. (Gene Duncan, photographer)

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. In 2009, families traveling with Adventures by Disney can sample some of the most exotic and remote locations in the world – including South Africa, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, the Canadian Rockies, the European Alps and Alaska. New for 2009, on the “Beantown and The Big Apple” trip, guests marvel at the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square.

GIRL TALK: Actress and best-selling author Brooke Shields, star of the fashion-themed, NBC television series “Lipstick Jungle,” poses Aug. 17, 2008 with an evening gown-clad Minnie Mouse and daughters Grier, age 2 (left), and Rowan, age 5 (right), at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. “Lipstick Jungle” returns for its second season on Sept. 24, 2008. Shields also is the author of a new children’s book, “Welcome To Your World, Baby.” The book, which focuses on the joys of sisterhood, was inspired by her two young daughters. Shields and her family are on vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort. (Todd Anderson, photographer)