Night of Joy 2011 is right around the corner. We are truly excited about the lineup this year, with artists representing a number of Christian Music genres including Praise & Worship, Rock, Pop, Urban and Contemporary Gospel. Hot off the press are the concert schedules for each night. Here’s how they shake out. Of course, times, stages and performers are always subject to change.

Friday, September 9

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

• 7:45 p.m. – Jeremy Camp
• 9:50 p.m. – Newsboys
• 11:55 p.m. – Skillet

Galaxy Stage

• 7:30 p.m. – Francesca Battistelli
• 9:25 p.m. – Group 1 Crew
• 11:25 p.m. – Matthew West

Rockettower Plaza Stage

• 7:45 p.m. – Disciple
• 9:15 p.m. – Disciple
• 10:50 p.m. – Sidewalk Prophets
• 12:15 a.m. – Sidewalk Prophets

Saturday, September 10

Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage

• 7:45 p.m. – Jars of Clay
• 9:35 p.m. – Gospel Music Association Winner
• 9:55 p.m. – TobyMac
• 11:55 p.m. – MercyMe

Galaxy Stage

• 7:30 p.m. – Sanctus Real
• 8:35 p.m. – Disney Gospel Choir Fest Winner
• 9:45 p.m. – Kutless
• 11:50 p.m. – Marvin Sapp

Rockettower Plaza Stage

• 7:45 p.m. – Vashawn Mitchell
• 9:15 p.m. – Vashawn Mitchell
• 10:50 p.m. – Chris August
• 12:15 a.m. – Chris August

Night of Joy is an after-hours event, held Sept. 9 and 10, 2011, at the Magic Kingdom that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests. Tickets are on sale now. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Additional information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Tagged: MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Today’s Night of Joy artist profile, Chris August, is a relative newcomer to the Christian Music scene, but he has scorched up the Contemporary Christian charts during his short career in the industry – even winning GMA Dove Awards this year for New Artist, Male Vocalist and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Album of the Year for his smash CD, “No Far Away.”

After a brief, but pretty successful stint on the pop music scene, Chris says he felt his ministry was in Christian music. In 2009, he started writing Christian music and released a few EP’s as an independent artist. He impressed the folks at Word Records so much, they signed him pretty quickly. “No Far Away”, his debut album for Word, features deeply personal music including hits like “Starry Night” (which was Number One for six weeks), “7×70” and his newest single “Battle.”

Chris connects with his fans through various social media channels including his website, blog and YouTube channel. A recurring segment is called “Cooking with Chris,” where he touts “recipes” for such classic “dishes” as his favorite “mustard and bologna” sandwich and a midnight snack of cookie cereal. One of his fans’ favorite songs is “The Candy Wrap,” a song written about Chris’ actual love for candy. His fans are known to bring bags of candy to almost every show.

The week before his big wins at the GMA Dove Awards, Chris took a break from touring to stop by the Magic Kingdom Park and thought a perfect “Cooking with Chris” segment would be a couple of jelly bean “recipes” with candy he found at the Main Street Confectionary.

Chris will be performing at Disney’s Night of Joy on Saturday, Sept. 10. Here’s the rest of the line-up:

• Friday, Sept. 9, 2011: Skillet, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Disciple.
• Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: mercyme, Tobymac, Jars of Clay, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Marvin Sapp and Vashawn Mitchell.

Night of Joy is an after-hours event, held Sept. 9 and 10, 2011, at the Magic Kingdom Park that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests. Tickets are on sale now. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Additional information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Check out some of the other bands performing at Night of Joy 2011:

• Night of Joy Stars Win Big at Dove Awards
• Disney’s Night of Joy Band Profile – MercyMe
• Night of Joy Artist Profile: Disciple

Tagged: MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

One of the hallmarks of Disney’s Night of Joy is that there are artists representing every sliver of the Christian-music spectrum.

Leading the charge for this year’s lovers of harder-edged Christian music is the GMA-Dove-Award-winning quintet, Disciple.

Originating from Knoxville, TN, in 1992, the band has gone through a number of transitions throughout the years, with them blasting out hits for INO/Columbia Records since 2005. In their own words, their fourth hit album for INO/Columbia, Horseshoes and Handgrenades, “honed in on their heavy rock n’ roll roots for several of their most explosive offerings to date, while also exploring the more melodic side of the dial.” Their music is loaded with spiritual sentiments, spanning subjects as diverse as hope, redemption, perseverance and self-esteem. Horseshoes and Handgrenades won the 2011 GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year.

Lead singer Kevin Young, guitarists Micah Sannan and Andrew Welch, bassist Israel Beechy and drummer Trent Reiff took a break from touring a little while back to stop by Magic Kingdom Park. Always up for some He-ARR-ty fun, the guys took a turn at the Pirates League – getting official pirate names and makeovers and taking the “Pirate Oath.”

Disciple will be performing at Disney’s Night of Joy on Friday, Sept. 9. Night of Joy is an after-hours event, held Sept. 9 and 10, 2011, at the Magic Kingdom that requires a special ticket. Event hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. each evening. While artists are performing at several stages, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions also are available for Night of Joy guests. Tickets are on sale now. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax each and two-night tickets for $87.95. Additional information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Tagged: MK, Night of Joy, Video, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Two new ways for guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels to live like their favorite Disney characters are now on sale. Building on the success of Pirate Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, new “Disney Story Rooms” are now available for guests booking vacations in 2012 – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Opening in early Spring 2012, the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside allow princes and princesses of all ages to stay where Disney royalty have stayed. Guests find regal touches left behind by some of their favorite Disney characters like fiber optics special effects above ornately decorated beds with gold and crystal accents; custom linens and drapes; and in-room art and details including princely banners and princess friends. The 512 Royal Guest Rooms start at $189 per night.

Walt Disney World guests also can now book rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a brand new Walt Disney World Value Resort opening in early Summer 2012. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will immerse guests into their favorite Disney stories – including Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” and “Cars,” as well as Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.”

The one-of-a-kind resort will feature more than 800 standard guest rooms and more than 1,100 family suites (which sleep up to six people) at its completion. Standard rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort start at $94 per night and family suites start at $248 per night.

Walt Disney World guests have more than 20 uniquely-themed resort hotels from which to choose – something for just about every taste, family size and budget. Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer convenient transportation and access to Walt Disney World theme parks and other entertainment options.

For more information on Walt Disney World Resort hotels or to book a Walt Disney World vacation, guests can check out disneyworld.com or call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or their local travel agent.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort

With 2011 right around the corner, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at some of the talent confirmed for next year’s Night of Joy.

For our 29th year, Grammy-nominated, GMA Dove Award-winning bands mercyme (who were recently named America’s Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist at the 2010 American Music Awards), Skillet and newboys, along with Grammy-winners Jars of Clay return to kick off two exciting nights of Contemporary Christian Music, Sept. 9-10, 2011 at the Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World.

In addition to the spectacular bands, Christian superstars TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Matthew West and Kutless also will light up Magic Kingdom stages at this year’s event. 2010 GMA Dove Award Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, 2010 GMA Dove Award New Artist of the Year Sidewalk Prophets and Group 1 Crew, who’s song “Movin” won the 2010 GMA Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, round out the returning artists.

New to the event this year are Christian rockers Sanctus Real (they were here in 2007) and Disciple and singer/songwriter Chris August. Here’s how the two nights shake out:

• Friday, Sept. 9, 2011: Skillet, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, Francesca Battestelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets and Disciple
• Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011: mercyme, Tobymac, Jars of Clay, Sanctus Real, Kutless and Chris August.

There are still a couple of slots we haven’t confirmed yet, but as we do, we’ll let you know. For more information, check out http://www.nightofjoy.com

Tagged: MK, Night of Joy, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

As guests of Disney Parks share Disney vacation memories through the “Let the Memories Begin” program in 2011, America’s military personnel will have opportunities to make memories through special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations.

At Walt Disney World Resort – now through Sept. 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses (but not both) can purchase:

• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $138 each, plus tax
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax AND
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax

At Disneyland Resort – now through Sept. 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses (but not both) can purchase:

• Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $99 each

Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets only by active and retired U.S. military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. In addition, all six must be purchased at the same time and one of the six must be for use by the eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse). Valid military identification is required.

All tickets and options are non-transferable and may not be used after Oct. 1, 2011. In addition, Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) for the Walt Disney World Resort may not be used on the following blockout dates: Dec. 27, 2010, through Dec. 31, 2010, and April 17, 2011, through April 23, 2011, at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and other gated attractions; and July 4, 2011, at Magic Kingdom Park; and Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for the Disneyland Resort may not be used on the following blockout dates: Dec. 24, 2010, through Jan. 1, 2011, Feb. 18, 2011, through Feb. 21, 2011, April 17, 2011, through April 23, 2011, and July 1, 2011, through July 4, 2011, at the Disneyland Theme Parks.

Don’t forget to ask about special room rates at select hotels at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.

For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort (including official eligibility requirements, restrictions and black-out dates), or to make room reservations at the Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. For information regarding Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort (including official eligibility requirements, restrictions and black-out dates), or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call (714) 956-6424 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

Tagged: DLR, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

For the fourth year in a row, Walt Disney World will host Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey; and this year we’re very excited about the addition of Essence Magazine to the event and the name.

Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine is a three-day event at Walt Disney World that plays host to 100 high school students from around the country. The students participate in interactive workshops and seminars, mentoring and inspiration focusing on careers and life enrichment (all sprinkled with Disney fun). The 2011 Academy will feature celebrity panels, sessions with Disney experts and practical training in subjects such as college preparation and creating the right image for potential employers.

The program is designed with three overall goals:

1. To remind students to dream BIG! Some of our past Dreamers have gone on to win college scholarships; garner national awards; and even own their own businesses.
2. To open students’ minds to possibilities. Students at Disney’s Dreamers Academy learn that there are more jobs in a field like sports than just a professional athlete (e.g. sports medicine, broadcasting, coaching, etc.) or more opportunities in entertainment than just performing (e.g. producing, directing, lighting and set design, art direction).
3. To create practical opportunities to give students a glimpse of what their dreams may actually entail. In addition to the main sessions with all 100 Dreamers, the weekend offers small groups – quality time with Disney and celebrity experts from culinary, entertainment, art/animation and business to showcase the day-to-day workings of specific jobs. Students also learn about overall skills such as networking and the art of making a good first impression.

The program is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States, between the ages of 13 and 19 that will be in the 9th through 12th grade during the 2010-2011 school year at an accredited school located within the 48 contiguous United States or District of Columbia.

October is the last month for nominations, with nomination forms having to be in by Oct. 31, 2010. Anyone can nominate someone they think is deserving of the program and students can even nominate themselves. Information about procedures and the nomination forms can be found at www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com. The 100 high school students selected will travel to Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando in central Florida, for Disney’s Dreamers Academy March 3-6, 2011.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Community Outreach, Walt Disney World Resort