Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. What are your questions? Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the September 10, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Dear Ask, We're going to be at Epcot when the Village People are performing (during the Food and Wine festival) and think it could be entertaining to watch this band. The only Epcot event we've ever attended in the American Pavilion was Candlelight Processional, so we didn't need to worry too much about getting a seat. How early are we going to have to line up for this performance? Also (and maybe this isn't Disney-related enough), are these older bands that are lined up for Epcot even remotely related to the original bands? I mean, how old will the Village People be, anyway? The Village Elders? Thanks for your help. (Submitted by Maureen H.)

A. Hi, Maureen. Quite a lot to ponder about there, so let's see if we can help you out.

During the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Disney does indeed offer the Eat to the Beat concert series. While the concerts are performed at the American Gardens Theatre, one key difference between the Eat to the Beat concert series and the Candlelight Processional is that the CP offers reserved seating for each performance via a dinner package deal. With Eat to the Beat, reserved seating is only offered to guests attending the Party for the Senses event for the 5:45 p.m. performances on Saturdays. Otherwise, it's basically first come, first served for seating. Given the size of the theatre and the ability to hear the performances from outside the theatre, the only real question is just how good a seat you hope to get for the performance. It's probably advisable to pass by at least 45 minutes prior to the performance and note any lines that may be forming and then decide whether to join the lines then or wait it out a bit further. To increase your chances of a better seat with less time waiting, try to avoid weekend shows which may bring in locals. The later performances at 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. are also less likely to be as popular, particularly the 8:15 p.m. one, which guests may try to avoid in favor of finding a good spot for viewing Illuminations.

As for just how authentic the performing groups are, you may be surprised. Most bands are adversely affected by time as relationships are tested and strained. Sometimes the band survives, more likely it doesn't and a bandmember or two struggle on. In the case of the Village People (performing Oct. 26-27) which formed in 1977, half of the current group have actually been there from the beginning: Felipe Rose (Native American), Alex Briley (Soldier) and David Hodo (Construction Worker). Ray Simpson (Cop) and Jeff Olson (Cowboy) have also been there since near conception. Eric Anzalone (Biker) is the baby of the group, having joined in 1995, almost 20 years after the group had formed.

A prime example of bands unable to weather the storm is Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (Oct. 10 - 13). Starship's first official hit was "We Built This City" but the band had previously been known as Jefferson Starship and - even earlier still - Jefferson Airplane (known for such classics as White Rabbit and Somebody to Love). "Creative differences" had driven wedges between band members over the years and even caused once-lead-performer Grace Slick to leave and later rejoin the band (only to later leave once more). Mickey Thomas had joined Jefferson Starship in 1979 (after Grace Slick had left the first time) and the band was officially dubbed Starship featuring Mickey Thomas in 1990, the connotation suggesting that this was no longer about the band itself, but one person who fronted the band many years ago. This is also a common theme with older bands whose individual members have long since been replaced time and time again.

The Four Tops (Oct. 22-25) are an example of simply just being a victim of time. In 1997, member Lawrence Payton died as a result of cancer. He was ultimately replaced by Theo Peoples (who was performing as a replacement member already in the Temptations). Up until Payton's death, The Four Tops had performed for over 40 years without a single change in members. However time marches on and Levi Stubbs also became a victim of cancer and had to stop performing and was replaced by Motown performer Ronnie McNair. In 2005, Renaldo Benson passed away and Roquel Payton, the son of original member Lawrence Payton, was brought into the group. So all told, only one of the current Tops is an original member.

But, no matter who is going to be there, have a great time!

Q. We will be visiting WDW 12/30 - 1/12 and would like to know about all of the Holiday Shows that will still be playing from 12/30 (i.e. Jingle Jungle Parade, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Country Bear Jamboree Christmas Show, etc.) Do you know the schedule of the Holiday Shows (i.e. the date of the last showing)? We would like to plan our schedule so that we don't miss any of the special Holiday shows that are still playing and will concentrate on seeing the shows in the beginning of our trip and rides later. A list of all of the Holiday Shows and the date of the last showing would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. (Submitted by Terrie Y.)

A. Hi, Terrie. Going by the calendar published on www.disneyworld.com as well as other published information, your priority should be the Holidays around the World events at Epcot's World Showcase which end on December 30. Seat space will be at a premium for the final performances of the Candlelight Processional, but you can more easily enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, the Lights of Winter, and the many traditional storytellers around the World Showcase.

The last date the Very Merry Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom will be performed is December 31 (at both 12:30 and 3:30 pm). You should also be able to catch performances of Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Galaxy Theatre in Tomorrowland. Unfortunately, the Country Bear Jamboree is not expected to get its holiday overlay this year. Word is that it was ultimately canceled last year due to an inability to re-secure rights to a particular song, but lack of complaints (or perhaps as a cost saving measure) has resulted in it not occurring this year either. Keep in mind that the Magic Kingdom is usually very crowded on New Years Eve, so if you hope to see the afternoon parade, arrive early.

Also ending December 31 is the Hollywood Holly-Day Parade at Disney-MGM Studios, but the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is scheduled to continue on through January 6, 2008. Mickey's Jingle Jungle parade at 2006 is also is expected to play until January 6.

I hope that helps - have a wonderful holiday visit to the World.