Disney World has announced that the Main Street Electrical Parade which has returned to Disney World this summer as part of the Summer Nightastic! celebration in the Magic Kingdom will be staying on past the August 14th Summer Nightastic! end date.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the return of this Disney World favorite attraction the end date has been extended indefinitely.  Those of you who were not able to visit Disney World this summer do not have to fear that you have missed your opportunity to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade.  It will be sticking around for awhile.

Here is the official Disney World press release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 29, 2010) – With its glittery galaxy of 23 illuminated floats, 80 performers, and trademark synthesizer music sweetened with Disney theme songs, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” has been leaving Magic Kingdom guests aglow all summer.

Now, the cherished entertainment spectacular is being extended by popular demand, Walt Disney World announced today.

“The return of Disney’s ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ to the Magic Kingdom has been an overwhelming success,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Phil Holmes. “Guests begin cheering as soon as they hear the opening fanfare and see those fantastic floats covered in lights. The parade is a magical part of a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, so we’re thrilled to be announcing we’re leaving the lights on.”

Fronted by a new lead float starring Tinker Bell, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” officially bowed at Magic Kingdom June 6, 2010.

Beloved by generations, the parade anchors Disney’s multi-park “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment extravaganza of attractions and events. Once “Summer Nightastic!” draws to a close on Aug. 14 as previously announced, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue an open-ended run.

• Night Half Marathon At Disney World
• Half Marathon to run through 3 Disney World Theme Parks
• Half Marathon to have its own 4 1/2 hour after race party. 
• 5 K run through the Magic Kingdom

Rosie The Riveter At Disney's Hollywood Studios
Rosie The Riveter was a classic icon during World War II paying homage to the women who were supporting the war effort while their men were fighting overseas.  At Disney's Hollywood Studios you will find their tribute to Rosie in their Rosie's All American Cafe.


Rosie's Victory Garden - Victory With Vegetables
In addition to the cafe, there is a Victory Garden, complete with vegetables planted near the quick service eatery. 

Fantasyland Construction in the Magic Kingdom is well under way.  An impressive number of new features and attractions are being added in the largest Fantasyland expansion ever.


Beast's Castle & Be Our Guest Restaurant
One of the featured attractions being added to Fantasyland is Beast's ( From Beauty & The Beast)Castle.  Within the castle are 3 dining rooms which make up the Be Our Guest Restaurant.

During the current construction Disney World has posted this large mural (pictured above) to show some of what is to come.  What you see here is Beast's Castle in a forest scene.

We split the large mural from above into 3 smaller pictures to allow you to get a better look at what is to come.  In the mural Beast's castle resides in a heavily forested area.  In the area near Beast’s Castle Disney also plans to build Belle’s Village and Gaston’s Tavern. It will be interesting to see how the finished product looks.

Be Our Guest Restaurant
Perhaps of greater interest than just the castle itself is what will reside within.  Currently the Be Our Guest Restaurant is planned. 

Hello! Oh my Goodness! Chip! We have Guests! Welcome! Come in, come in! Make yourselves at home!  We've been waiting for so long for someone to serve.  It's our job you know.  It's our delight!

Sit down: pull up a chair.  What will you have? A spot of tea? A tasty treat? A banquet fit for a king or queen?  Knives, forks, spoons, plates, and glasses!  We have guests!  Wash, shine, polish, dust!  Pots and pans, oven, stove, and pantry! Let's get busy! Oh, how wonderful!

Sakes alive!  This will be a meal you will never forget!

The Main Street Electrical Parade has returned to the Magic Kingdom and it is better than ever!  It was last seen at Disney World in April of 2001.

The 2010 version of the Main Street Electrical Parade still has the familiar music based upon the synthesized "Baroque Hoedown," but it has added several new twists that improve this much loved classic Disney Attraction.

Main Street Electrical Parade
Pictures, Pictures, and more Pictures, 20 in all, are used to show off the 2010 version of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  The best way to describe the parade is to show you, so I am doing just that.  Enjoy the photos and hopefully you will get to see this wonderful parade in person sometime soon!

Tinker Bell Leads the Parade
The first change of the Main Street Electrical Parade comes right at the beginning with Tinker Bell leading the parade in a brand new float.  Also, as Tinker Bell shares her Pixie Dust you can see the effect make its way through the entire parade.

Via Napoli, the newest Restaurant in Disney World, opens on August 5th.  You can find Via Napoli in the Italy Pavilion of Epcot next to Tutto Italia Ristorante. 

This authentic Italian Pizzeria has been long awaited by Disney World fans as we have seen the announcements and watched the construction in Epcot over the last several months.

Now, just prior to the opening, the Patina Group, the operators of both Via Napoli and Tutto Italia have released the menu and prices for Via Napoli, so we thought we would share them with you.


via Napoli Pizzeria at Epcot® in the Walt Disney World® Resort


MENU

A C Q U A F R E S C A S

OUR SIGNATURE HOUSE-MADE, SEASONAL FRESH FRUIT JUICE COOLERS
GLASS 5. PITCHER 15.

• L I M O N A T A
• B L O O D O R A N G E
• W A T E R M E L O N WITH S T R A W B E R R Y

ANTIPASTI / APPETIZERS

SICILIAN CAPONATA  $8.
PICKLED EGGPLANT SALAD WITH OLIVES, CAPERS,TOMATO & RAISINS

CONTADINO SALAD   $10.
A COLORFUL ARRAY OF FARM FRESH GREENS, FAGIOLINI, FENNEL, RADISH COINS & TOMATOES TOSSED IN A RED WINE VINAIGRETTE.

F R I T T O M I S T O
AN ASSORTMENT OF JUST-FRIED SEASONAL VEGETABLES, FISH & CHEESE TO BE SHARED BY THE TABLE     $24.
ARANCINI, MOZZARELLA, CALAMARI, MELANZANE, ASPARAGI, ZUCCHINI, CARCIOFI, AGRO-DOLCE SAUCE, SWEET & SOUR TOMATO SAUCE

ARANCINI   $10.
FRIED SAFFRON RISOTTO BALLS FILLED WITH MOZZARELLA & MEAT RAGÙ

CALAMARI FRITTI    $14.
CORN- CRUSTED RINGS SERVED WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

MINESTRONE   $8.
HEARTY VEGETABLE SOUP OF FAGIOLINI, ZUCCHINI, PEAS, TOMATO, CANNELINI BEANS & BASIL PESTO

INSALATE / CHOPPED  MAIN  COURSE  SALADS

CALAMARI   $18.
FRIED CORN- CRUSTED CALAMARI, ARUGULA, CARROTS, FENNEL, ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

POLLO   $17.
CHOPPED SALAD OF LEMON CHICKEN, ROMAINE, CANTELOUPE MELON, CUCUMBER, RED PEPPER, GREEN BEANS, VIDALIA ONION, ALMONDS, PASTA CRISPS, HONEY-CITRUS DRESSING

BISTECCA   $19.
CHOPPED MESCLUN, GRILLED STEAK, RADICCHIO, WATERCRESS, TOMATO, RED ONION, GORGONZOLA, ROYAL-GALA APPLE, CUCUMBER, RED WINE-MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

PASTA  ALFORNO

BAKED IN OUR SIGNATURE WOOD-FIRED OVENS

“VESUVIO”, “STROMBOLI” & “ETNA”

LASAGNA VERDE    $20.
SPINACH, PARMESAN, BESCIAMELLA

CANDELE    $16.
CANDLE-STICK PASTA,, SAUSAGE RAGÙ, POLPETTINE, MOZZARELLA, RICOTTA

PASTA DI “VIA NAPOLI”

MAFALDINE AMATRICIANA   $22.
RIBBON PASTA, GUANCIALE & POMODORO SAUCE FINISHED WITH PECORINO CHEESE

SPAGHETTI E POLPETTINE    $19.
HAND-CRAFTED VEAL MEATBALLS & TOMATO SAUCE

FUSILONI TRAPANESE     $17.
LARGE CORK-SCREW PASTA TOSSED IN A SOUTHERN ITALIAN PESTO OF VINE-RIPENED TOMATOES, ALMONDS, BASIL

WOOD - FIRED AUTHENTIC PIZZA NAPOLETANA

CAPUTO FLOUR IMPORTED FROM SOUTHERN ITALY, SAN MARZANO TOMATOES, HANDMADE FIOR DI LATTE MOZZARELLA, WATER FROM A LOCAL SPRING JUST LIKE THE SPRINGS IN ITALY’S CAMPANIA REGION MAKE OUR PIZZA AS AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS AS THAT FOUND ON THE STREETS OF NAPLES.

INDIVIDUAL , LARGE OR “1/2 METER ”TO SHARE.

MARGHERITA    $15. / $25. / $34.
TOMATO, MOZZARELLA, BASIL

QUATTRO STAGIONI     $17. / $28. / $36.
EGGPLANT, ARTICHOKES, PROSCIUTTO, MUSHROOMS

PEPPERONI     $16. / $27. / $35.
SPICY PEPPERONI, TOMATO, MOZZARELLA

CALAMARI     $17. / $28. / $36.
FRIED CALAMARI, ARUGULA, FENNEL

QUATTRO FORMAGGI     $17. / $28. / $36.
MOZZARELLA, PARMESAN, FONTINA, PROVOLONE

ORTOLANO     $15. / $25. / $34.
TOMATO, MOZZARELLA, VEGETABLES

PICCANTE     $17. / $28. / $36.
ITALIAN SPICY SAUSAGE, BROCOLLI-RABE, TOMATO, MOZZARELLA

CARCIOFI     $17. / $29. / $36.
ARTICHOKE, PECORINO, MOZZARELLA, TRUFFLE OIL

PROSCIUTTO E MELONE     $17. / $28. / $36.
FONTINA, MOZZARELLA, PECORINO, PROSCIUTTO, CANTELOUPE

PIATTI ALLA PARMIGIANA

TRADITIONAL PREPARATION SERVED WITH TOMATO SAUCE TOPPED & GRATINÉED WITH PARMESAN & MOZZARELLA CHEESES

SERVED WITH SPAGHETTI TORTA

T O R T I N O D I M E L A N Z A N E     $18.
EGGPLANT

P O L L O     $22.
CHICKEN BREAST

V I T E L L O     $26.
VEAL CUTLET

DOLCI / SWEETS

TIRAMISÙ     $8.
MASCARPONE CREAM, ESPRESSO COFFEE, LADY FINGERS & CHOCOLATE

GELATO FRIZZANTE ICE CREAM SODA, ITALIAN –STYLE     $10.
MADE WITH SAN PELLEGRINO ARANCIATA & VANILLA ICE CREAM


TRADITIONAL DESSERTS FROM OUR CHILDHOOD

TORTA DI SARENA    $8.
APPLECAKE WITH ALMOND SORBETTO

ZEPPOLE DI CATARINA    $10.
RICOTTA CHEESE FRITTERS SERVED WITH WHIPPED CREAM, CHOCOLATE SAUCE


GELATI E SORBETTO     $7.
VANILLA, CHOCOLATE, PISTACHIO, LEMON SORBET

COPPA DI BRUTTI MA BUONI UGLY, BUT GOOD     $10.
AMARENA CHERRY & VANILA GELATO SUNDAE WITH THE ‘UGLY, BUT GOOD’ COOKIES OF CARNEVALE 

During the Summer Epcot presents free nightly concerts called the "Sounds Like Summer" Concert Series.

These concerts feature tribute bands who capture both the sound and the look of megabands like the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, U2, and Bon Jovi.

The unique feature about these bands is that they each had to get the endorsement of the band they are paying tribute to or else Disney World would not sign them to perform.

Each night there are 3 performances at : 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m.  The set list changes for each performance so you may want to catch more than one show.


Slippery When Wet
Recently I had the opportunity to catch the Bon Jovi Tribute Band - "Slippery When Wet" perform.  They were excellent and put on a great show.  I was impressed with the quality and sound of the band.  They really did sound a lot like the real Bon Jovi.

Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute was formed in 2003 by Jason Morey after answering many inquiries of "Are you Jon Bon Jovi?". Most notably comedian Dave Chappelle invited Jason backstage following one of his comedy shows thinking that he was the New Jersey icon. It was then that Jason knew he had to take advantage of the resemblance.

The rest of the band is made up of:

• Anthony Cappolino -- Guitar
• Brian Nielson -- Bass
• Paul Sahlin -- Drums

One of the changes at Disney World during Summer Nightastic! is the introduction of the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.  From now through August 14th the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular is shown nightly.



For those fans of Wishes, the long running fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom, don't worry it will be returning at the end of the summer, but in the meantime this new show is definitely worth your time.


Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular
The newest fireworks show to grace the Magic Kingdom is quite impressive to say the least.  Disney World is known for their fireworks, so the bar is set high whenever they set out to create a new fireworks display. 

Creating a fireworks display utilizing more perimeter fireworks was one of the goals for the show.  While viewing it, you feel more engaged as the fireworks are launched from multiple locations in the Magic Kingdom.


For those not familar with the fireworks presentations at Disney World, this is a show in every sense of the word, evoking an emotional response of awe and wonder as you watch it unfold, pulling you into the realm of the fantasy pitting good versus evil.  Fortunately good wins out and saves the day.

For those fans of Disney World tradition, you will still find Tinker Bell making her appearance as she "flies" from Cinderella Castle over to Tomorrowland.


Highlights noted by Disney for the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular inculde:

• The summer fireworks are accompanied by a whimsical score of classic Disney tunes and theme music from the hit film “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
• The Fairy Godmother from “Cinderella” and other famous fairies star in the fireworks spectacular.
• The fireworks perimeter around Magic Kingdom will expand by 25 percent for the summer show. No matter where you are in the park, you’ll be surrounded by the spectacle.
• Pirate Alert: Captain Hook and his band of buccaneers burst onto the scene to seize the park’s Cinderella Castle. Disney’s creative entertainment team designed fireworks that tell the story, including a skull-and-crossbones display and other visual effects convincing enough to make you believe the castle is under siege. 

There are many great places to view the fireworks from.  The pictures in this article were taken from a vantage point on the Tomorrowland side of Cinderella Castle.

Sometimes Change Is Good
As a big fan of Wishes I was skeptical about whether I would like this new show, but I have to say that I may even like it better than the incredible Magic Kingdom hallmark.

The addition of the perimeter fireworks just creates a sense that you are pulled into the action of the story as it unfolds.  This really makes a difference and greatly enhances the experience.  Photographs and YouTube videos do not do this justice.  It is sometime that you need to experience in person to get the full effect.

If you are able to get to Disney World before August 14th make sure that you catch the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.