Flower Power Concerts will take place each weekend of the 2009 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, beginning March 20, 2009, at Walt Disney World Resort. The spring shower of hit songs from the 1960s and ’70s begins with opening-weekend performances by Davy Jones, known for multiple pop singles, including “Daydream Believer.” Flower Power Concerts strike a lively, nostalgic chord at America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and are included with regular Epcot admission.

Concerts start at 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM except on March 20, March 27 and April 3, when the curtain rises at 4:45 PM, 6 PM and 7:15 PM. Here’s the lineup for March and April (subject to change without notice):

March 20-22, 2009 - Davy Jones
March 27-29, 2009 - Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 3-5, 2009 - The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 10-12, 2009 - Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
April 17-19, 2009 - The Ventures
April 24-26, 2009 - Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes

The American Idol Experience World Premiere took place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 12, 2009.

Fans attending Atlanta Braves Spring Training games in 2009 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex have the opportunity to customize their experience with a variety of new immersive features created specifically for spectators. Among the features at Disney:

On-Field Spectator Experience ($75 per person)
Sponsored by Kodak, this option allows a limited number of fans to watch pre-game batting practice and warm-ups on the field in an area behind home plate. Fans purchasing this option will also receive a free disposable Kodak camera.

House of Blues Entertainment (Free)
Special pre-game and in-game concerts in the ballpark featuring blues musicians Ruth King and Jeff Coffee at select games.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet ($18.95 per person)
Designated patio along the third-base side that features all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, peanuts, soda and bottled water.

Disney Character Appearances
A classic Disney character will be on hand at all 18 home games. Characters will accompany first-pitch contestants to the mound.

Music-Themed Games
Six games will be themed with music from the 1950s, ‘60, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, as well as Latin music.

Additional fan features include trivia contests and several promotional nights, all designed to give fans a baseball Spring Training experience they can’t get anywhere else.

Spring Break is almost here and surf’s up at Walt Disney World Resort beginning March 22, 2009, when Typhoon Lagoon water park reopens following refurbishment. A day later, would-be surfers will learn to ride the wave during the season’s first Cocoa Beach Surf School session.

Guests can enjoy both “bobbing” and surfing-size waves during regular Typhoon Lagoon operating hours, but activity is limited to body surfing. However, during reservation-only sessions before and after park hours, “surf’s up” and the boards are in the water.

Cocoa Beach Surf School
With mentoring from professional surf instructors, participants learn the basics during the 2 1/2-hour early-morning class on select mornings. Instruction begins on land, then moves into the water on boards provided by the surf school. Class enrollment is by reservation and size is limited to 12 to 14 participants. For more information and reservations, call 407/WDW-PLAY.

Private Surf Events
Accomplished surfers can hold events with custom surfing waves either on mornings when the surf school isn’t in session or after normal operating hours. Information and reservations are available by calling 407/WDW-PLAY.

While the 2.75-million-gallon wave pool is a “centerpiece” of Typhoon Lagoon, the park features attractions for the whole family - from fast water slides to a children’s area with pint-sized raft rides. Guests can snorkel Shark Reef - with real sharks - and test three different roller coaster-like water slides on Crush ‘n’ Gusher . . . or grab an inner tube for a gentle journey along Castaway Creek, a meandering stream, 2,000 feet long, that passes through cool mists and grottos, lush rainforests and invigorating waterfalls.

The cover of Life magazine’s October 15, 1971, cover depicts approximately 1,500 Disney characters and employees posing in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom.

A total of 328 razor sharp teeth, over 40 feet in length and you can only see them upclose at Gatorland as the theme park introduces the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators. On display for a limited engagement, the rare white alligator collection features four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. Ivory in color, the large reptiles are each 10 to 11 plus feet in length, weigh more than 500 pounds and have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue-eyed beauties.

Located along the main walkway, the cleverly designed 2,500-square-foot exhibit allows guests the opportunity to view these amazing reptiles from just a few feet away. The swamp-themed exhibit features rustic cypress walkways, glass viewing and softly lit enclosures that help to protect the massive reptiles from direct sunlight while highlighting the unique features of the alligators.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining ”Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, a gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and Up-Close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s Only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit www.gatorland.com.