Disney is extending its “Year of a Million Dreams” program through 2008 after granting wishes large and small to a million park visitors since the giveaways began in the fall of 2006.
The program features a new online catalog to showcase various freebies and privileges, disneyparks.com/dreamcatalog.
Cast members at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla., randomly choose the lucky winners from among visitors. You can also mail in an entry form in the hopes of being chosen, with some restrictions on entry eligibility; details at disneyparks.com/2008rules.
In the past year, “dreams” have included free dining, ticket upgrades, special passes allowing fast entry into multiple attractions, shopping sprees and an overnight stay at Cinderella Castle, all of which will continue to be offered in 2008.
New offers in the catalog include private hot-air ballooning above Disneyland, a private visit to Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay island in the Bahamas, a private character breakfast at Walt Disney World, and attending the film premiere of “High School Musical 3.”
Another new “dream” option at Disneyland will be nightly stays in a new family suite in the park’s New Orleans Square, beginning Jan. 31.
Fall foliage quality iffy in some areas
A little less of a common forest fungus may help bring more of New England’s celebrated fall foliage color this year, but warm weather earlier in the year in Georgia and late summery weather in Ohio may mute the foliage there.
Experts in New England say they are seeing less of a disease called anthracnose, or leaf blight, which is caused by tiny fungi. The fungi make normally green hardwood leaves look brown, black or even scorched. When prevalent, they can make a forest look dingy. Less anthracnose this season means more chance for a more brilliant foliage season, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
In Ohio, inn owners and shopkeepers who rely on leaf-peeping tourists in the fall are hoping warm weather won’t mute the vibrant colors that attract visitors.
A warm September and lack of summer rain are the problem, said Ohio Department of Natural Resources forester Casey Munchel.
Saratoga baths will offer mineral water options
People who use the famed “natural mineral water” baths at Saratoga Spa State Park in New York will soon be able to soak in a tub filled entirely with heated mineral water, defusing a flap over what some saw as adulteration of the quintessential Saratoga Springs experience.
Around 14,000 customers come to the baths each year and pay $20 to soak in the bubbly waters.
But there was controversy earlier this year after the New York Post reported the mineral water was being mixed with municipal tap water. The state and the company that operates the Roosevelt baths — Xanterra Parks &Resorts — were combining heated public drinking water with the cold carbonated mineral waters pumped up from below ground.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said that as of 2008, customers will be able to choose between the blended bath and one solely of heated mineral water.
Details at www.saratogaÂspastatepark.org/rooseveltbaths.html.
From Herald news services
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