Twas some weeks before Christmas,

Malls filled with their throngs,

In the mood for my favorites,

Great Christmas Songs

I drove to a theater

And they started the show!

Surprised I then shouted

“Well what do you know?’

I recognized a singer

as a “Living Seas” diver

And the girl who sang Rudolph

Is a monorail driver!

The second violinist

was a familiar, nice girl,

I saw her last Sunday!

She served Citrus Swirl!

It was a wonderful evening,

From when I walked in the door,

To see all these cast members

Who perform with Encore

Later as I dozed off

In my snuggy that night

I gave thanks to those singers

Who made the evening so bright

When you ask a Disney fan what they love about Disney the most, you get a lot of different answers. More often than not, however, they will proclaim the Disney cast members.  We love how they can make a little magic with a fast pass, a bit of attention or even just a smile. Personally, we try to thank them, but there is not enough time in the day to make sure each cast member gets their chance in the spotlight.  Sure, we applaud for “Mulch, Sweat and Shears” and the cast of “Finding Nemo: The Musical”, but there are more behind the scenes talent that doesn’t hear the roar of the crowd.

In 2002, a wonderful thing happened.  A group of excellent cast members, with a love for music and a desire to help their community put together a concert.  Their objectives? To raise money for a cause, sure.  To entertain? Yes. To give some cast members an opportunity to perform? Absolutely.

The concerts grow and grow, and have gotten better and better.  They are a MUST SEE.  But as they are made up of Cast member volunteers, there are very few opportunities to catch one.

This year, Encore has included its first Christmas Concert.  It again was a great evening with wonderful music and a fun -very Disney- storyline.  The songs range from fun renditions of SANTA BABY, a funny HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS to a touching, candlelit LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH. All revolving around a “story”, this time a telethon… err jingle Bell-a-thon.

Encore is a tremendous organization. I cannot stress enough how enjoyable every event has been.  It is not very often that you see so many Disney cast members perform, including a large orchestra – under the baton of the phenomenal Clay price.  Learn more at www.encorecentral.org and friend them on facebook for up to date information, and I will see you at their next great event.

The post ‘Twas A Week Before Christmas….. Disney’s ENCORE Christmas Concert appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Topics in this week’s Disney news include:

- Free Dining in Walt Disney World
- Encore Cast Member concert – EncoreCentral.org
- Disney Contest – Help design a new logo!
- And more!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – Does free dining in Walt Disney World change how or when you visit?

Leave your answer in the Comments section below

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The post WDW Radio LIVE – Disney News July 18, 2012 – Free Dining in Walt Disney World & more! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.