I have pretty much given up carbonated soft drinks. Sure, I have the fountain drink with fast food, but as far as buying bottles/cans, that almost never happens. But this promotion might change my health-conscious ways! MyCokesRewards.com is teaming up with Disney Theatrical to give 20 lucky winners the opportunity to win a walk-on role in the Broadway musical, Mary Poppins. Yep, you read correctly–Broadway. New York City.

Here are the details: You may enter up to 5 times per day by redeeming 3 reward points per entry (or by mailing an entry–see full contest rules for details). The 20 randomly-chosen winners will receive a free Flip video camera to record their “audition” to be sent to Disney on Broadway. The grand prize winner (presumably based on talent and singing/acting ability) will receive round trip airfare for themselves and up to 3 guests, a 3-night stay in NYC, tickets to the show for up to 3 guests, and a walk-on role in the “Jolly Holiday” number in Mary Poppins for one performance. Oh, and he/she gets to join the curtain call as well!

To see full contest rules, visit MyCokeRewards.com. You can also download a free mp3 of “Step in Time” while you’re there (watch the intro and a button will appear in the large banner).

Coming to a city near you: the latest Disney on Ice production, Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3. And you can buy your tickets now! Well, you can if you got the cool pre-sale email that I got today. The presale runs through July 22, and as far as I can tell it doesn’t offer any discounts…only lets you choose your seats before the rest of the crowd. But you do get a free single-use Disney-themed camera with each purchase! Cities on the tour include Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Boston, Baltimore, and several others.

If you didn’t receive this email and would like to purchase tickets, drop me an email–affordingthemouse (at) att (dot) net–and I’d be happy to forward it to you. You do need the special presale code from the email to purchase tickets.

The Disney Store 2.0 has finally opened in Montebello, California–a mere 30-minute drive from Disneyland! This highly-interactive store concept features an enormous castle display with magic mirrors that become digital storybooks; projection screen trees that showcase various characters; and a small-scale version of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Oh, and there’s a darling mini-theatre that shows Disney flicks, where kids can take a rest while Mom & Dad shop (but what kid gets tired of shopping in the Disney Store?). Another sweet touch: each morning, a child is chosen to “unlock” the magic (as seen in the video above) and is then given a commemorative key.

There’s more to see and explore than I can describe here. The Magic Key kiosks will help you choose a perfect gift for someone special. Touch panels where guests can control what appears on a giant video screen. Exclusive merchandise, such as the Cars-themed Ridemakerz vehicles. I just have one question: When will there be one near me?!?

I am really excited about this post, because I’m hoping we might just get to see a bit of this competition! Disney is hosting an inaugural Gospel Choir Fest to coincide with Night of Joy, the annual Christian music event held at WDW in September. It just so happens to fall toward the end of our upcoming trip! Have I mentioned that I was a music/voice major in college? Or that I sing on my church’s worship team? Or that I used to teach voice? Or that I just simply love gospel music? Well, I was, I do, I did, and I really do!

Here are the details: choirs will compete on Saturday, September 11 in the morning at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot. Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Smokie Norful, a Grammy-winning gospel artist. The winning choir will be awarded a set in the evening’s Night of Joy lineup, alongside such popular artists such as Mercy Me, Third Day, and Family Force Five. 

Theme park admission to Epcot is required to watch the Choir Fest, even for performers, but there are special packages available for those participating (click here). Night of Joy is a separate ticketed event, and the Magic Kingdom will close early that evening to guests who do not have tickets for the show. (A good example of why it’s important to always check park hours before making your touring plan!)

It’s not too late to enter your choir–registration is open until July 15!

I’ve been anxiously waiting to see Waking Sleeping Beauty, the documentary that chronicles the mid-80s slump and subsequent re-awakening in the animation studios of Disney. Finally, we have a DVD release date: November 30, 2010. In addition, Disney will release The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story, about the famous brother songwriting team who penned “It’s a Small World” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocous” (among others); andWalt & El Grupo, exploring Walt Disney’s visit to Latin America and the films that trip produced, Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballaros. All three would seem to be must-see material for Disney historians and fans alike!

Before it’s gone, here’s a look at Mickey’s bedroom in his house in Toontown. (I just love the drawer full of white gloves!) Will miss this place, but I’m excited to see the Fantasyland expansion. Bittersweet.