Disney is adding a new interactive experience at Epcot (see press release below). There seems to be some controversy over the introduction of Kim Possible into the World Showcase. As long as it doesn't dominate the pavilions, I think this is something that my kids would really enjoy. The idea of a high-tech scavenger hunt that includes the ability to visibly make things happen is very appealing. I'm wondering, though, why they didn't do it in the Innoventions area instead or in addition to the World Showcase. What's your opinion? Is the addition of these types of activities a good thing or not?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible. The new experience is slated to premiere in late 2008.

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot. The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside the World Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of the World Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

"Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an exciting new experience that offers fun and excitement for the entire family," said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. "We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio."

“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”

Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities. The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment. For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration.

A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney's "Kim Possible" is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation. It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains. With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine. On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing. Viewers' connection to "Kim Possible" led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks & Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product's line of "Kim Possible" branded products available at mass retailers nationwide.

What will the crowds be like?

This question is asked over-and-over online. "Will there be lots of people at Disney World when I go?" or "Will there be long lines at Disney World when I go?" It seems like there aren't any real slow times like there used to be because of all the special deals Disney offers during the traditionally slow time.

However, there are better times than others to go. The general rule of thumb is that when students are out of school the parks will be busy. When kids are in school, the parks will be less busy. So how do you know if the time you are interested is a good time or not?

Fortunately, there are a couple of web sites that can help you out.

For a quick overview that's free, go to Disney World - Avoid the Lines

For more detailed information you may want to check out The Unofficial Guide's Crowd Calendar. You can view the next month for free, or view more by joining. Joining, which only costs $7.95 also gives you access to their touring plans.

Walt Disney World Resort Announces Special Holiday Offer Starting at $49 Per Person

Lake BUENA VISTA, Fla. –The warmth of being together for the holidays with the wonder of a Walt Disney World vacation is available for as little as $49 per person, per day, thanks to a special fall package offer.

Guests traveling between Sept. 28 and Dec. 23, 2008, can enjoy a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package that includes accommodations at select Disney Value resorts and theme park tickets based on two adults, one junior (ages 10-17) and one child (ages 3-9), and lets families take advantage of the range of special events taking place, as well as cooler weather.

This newest and latest Walt Disney Travel Company vacation offer, which must be booked by Sept. 24, coincides with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
(Sept. 26-Nov. 9) and the holiday season that starts in early November. Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the season with spirit-stirring events such as Holidays Around the World and Candlelight Processional at Epcot, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It’s also the time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Magic Kingdom (both events take place on select dates and require a separate ticket not included in package price).

This special offer is bookable on www.disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (407/934-7639) or your travel agent and asking for package code DGL.

Save $100 on Disney World vacations

Orbitz is currently running a promotion for $100 off Disney World vacations. but you have to order by Sept. 30. I didn't go through the steps to see what kind of deal this really is, so compare before you book to make sure it's really a good deal.

Quick Service Dining Plan for 2009

Disney has announced the updates to their 2009 Magic Your Way plans for 2009. One of the most interesting is the new Quick Service Dining Plan. Here's the details:

2009 Magic Your Way + Quick Service Dining Plan

The Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick Service Dining offers you an easy and affordable way to experience a wide variety of participating Disney restaurants. The package includes everything in the 2008 Magic Your Way Base package -- Disney Resort accommodations, a Magic Your Way Base Ticket, etc., plus an arcade card valid for 30 minutes of game play at resort arcades (one per room) -- and a Quick Service Dining Plan that offers the following:

-- 2 Quick Service Meals per person per night: One Entree OR one complete Combo meal, dessert (lunch/dinner) or One juice (breakfast) & One single non-alcoholic beverage

-- 2 Snacks per person per night: Choose from items such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn, single piece of whole fruit, medium fountain soft drink

-- One refillable drink mug per person

The new Quick Service Dining Plan prices: Adults $29.99 per person per night; children 3-9 $8.99 per person per night

Everyone in the room must be on the same package and ticket options. All tickets must be used within 14 days of first use, unless the No Expiration Option is purchased. All dining credits must be used by midnight the last day of your stay, otherwise they expire.

Although we generally stay off-site more often than we stay on-site, I have to admit that this new dining plan seems to make more sense for us than the others. It resolves some of the issues we had with the dining plan before. With all the table service meals in the other dining plans we found our vacation was too "planned" and that we had to stop having fun to go eat. We also got sick (literally) of food.

The way this plan is structured, we could eat most of our meals as counter service with a few planned table service meals during the week. I suspect that we would be much happier and less bloated by the end of the week on this plan. I also like that they throw in the free refill mug. To quote Woody Guthrie, "This plan is my plan."

The only real question I have is whether or not the price is a bargain or not. For most people it probably is. Especially if you use all the snacks. However, the problem I have is that when on the plan, you cannot share meals. When I'm not on the plan I don't really have any problem sharing a meal and we do share meals a lot, especially the kids, because the portions are so large. If we don't share meals, we end up throwing a LOT of food away or stuffing ourselves. So we tend to eat cheaper than the menu would typically lend someone to believe. Still, it's nice to know going into your vacation that your food budget is pretty well set rather than having it soar out of control as it so easily can do.

What do you think of the new dining plan? Is it something you will be taking advantage of? Or will you pay $10.00 a day more to get the basic dining plan?