Get ready to experience The Lion King like you’ve never seen it before! Coming September 16 to a theatre near you, for a limited 2-week run, you can see the epic story only in 3-D. (We’ll be heading to Walt Disney World right about then…should be interesting to see if they do anything to promote this release in the Parks.) Then, on October 4, you can own the Diamond Edition of the award-winning film on high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3-D.

The Lion King has been in the vault since 2004, so there’s a whole new group of kiddos who haven’t had the chance to see this movie. We own it on videotape–not even DVD–so my girls have only seen in once or twice (unlike the dozens of times they’ve seen most other Disney animated classics).

The Lion King is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time, and the Broadway show it inspired is still entertaining audiences worldwide (listed as the 7th longest running Broadway show).

Walt Disney World has released a new room-only discount for most travel dates from August 14 through October 1. While no specific percentage is listed on the discount, it appears to be somewhere in the range of up to 30% off, with Value Resort rooms going for as little as $69/night, Moderate Resorts for as low as $129/night, and some Deluxe Resorts for as low as $229/night.  You have until August 13 to book this discoun, although availability is limited. Visit the Walt Disney World website, or call  (407) 939-2872 and reference booking code O2R.

I’m thankful for the veterans in my family–my father, father-in-law, both grandfathers–and especially for the many veterans who gave everything so that I might enjoy the freedoms the United States of America has to offer.

Did you know that ever day in the Magic Kingdom Disney honors a veteran in a Flag Retreat ceremony? Usually at 5:00 p.m., in the hub near the entrance, there is a brief ceremony to take down the American Flag for the evening. If you’re a veteran or a current member of the Armed Forces, you can stop by Guest Services first thing in the morning and volunteer to be that day’s special guest to assist with the ceremony. You’ll receive a certificate of recognition and have a Disney memory that not many can boast.

If you’re visiting Walt Disney World for the Memorial Day holiday (we’ve done it before–it’s not as crowded as you might think!), stop by Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Monday to see American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. His motorcade will be parading through around 10 a.m., and he’ll be posing for pics and speaking to fans on the stage outside The American Idol Experience.

There are also rumors that the five finalists will be appearing on Sunday, but Disney has not confirmed.

For two days only, you can get free shipping with any order at www.DisneyStore.com by using the promo code MEMDAY. There are still a few bargains to be had from the Warehouse Sale that started last week, although merchandise is moving fast. Log on ASAP to snatch up the good deals.

I suppose “star-studded” is in the eye–or ear, as the case may be–of the beholder, but this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series–a part of Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival–features some great artists. As a child of the 80s, I am especially excited to see the likes of Howard Jones, The Pointer Sisters, Boys II Men, and Air Supply on the roster. (What can I say? I have ecclectic taste.) But there are also some greats from the 90s and beyond, like the Gin Blossoms and Sugar Ray. The concerts are free with admission to Epcot, and the Food and Wine Festival is a great time to visit the Parks. Here’s the full lineup, with the dates of each artist’s shows:

Taylor Dayne (Sept. 30 through Oct. 2)
38 Special (Oct. 3-5)
Jon Secada (Oct. 6 & 7)
Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Oct. 8 & 9)
Billy Ocean (Oct. 10-12)
Starship starring Mickey Thomas (Oct. 13-16)
Sugar Ray (Oct. 17-19)
The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (Oct. 20 & 21)
Howard Jones (Oct. 22 & 23)
Boyz II Men (Oct. 24-26)
Gin Blossoms (Oct. 27 & 28)
Sister Hazel (Oct. 29 & 30)
Hanson (Oct. 31 & Nov. 1)
The Pointer Sisters (Nov. 2 & 3)
Night Ranger (Nov. 4-6)
Air Supply (Nov. 7 & 8)
Richard Marx (Nov. 9 & 10)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Nov. 11-13)