Disney's Hollywood Studios Rocks with Night of Joy 2009

Music with a message, some thrill-ride mayhem, and that iconic mouse once again mix it up for Walt Disney World's 27^th Annual Night of Joy. This year's edition returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando on September 11 and 12.

Disney has set a historic precedent of creating one of the most diverse line-ups for any multi-artist event. Packed with Grammy and Gospel Music Association Dove Award winners and nominees. This year's roster proves no exception.

Perennial favorites MercyMe, newsboys, and Chris Tomlin are joined by cutting edge artists Flyleaf, Family Force 5, and Superchic(k). A few fresh faces join the cast as well, including Francesca Batistelli and Needtobreathe.

Batistelli, who will have wed just two weeks before her Night of Joy debut, bears an uncanny musical resemblance to Natasha Bettingfield. Needtobreathe, whose song "These Hard Times" is currently featured in the promos for NBC's new television series Mercy, shares the rock stylings of mainstream band Wilco.

P.O.D. , one of Christian music's most successful crossover bands, ends a self-imposed hiatus with its 2009 debut concert appearance on Friday night. "Coffee" Jones and "Bonafide" Carter, known formally as Grits, open the Saturday night festivities with a "Grammatical Revolution" in the form of their inspiring brand of hip-hop and rap.

In addition to the musical offerings, Disney is rolling out something new this year - "Conversations" with some of its most popular artists. Each night the Premiere Theater will host three separate moderator-driven interviews. Friday sees P.O.D., newsboys, and Chris Tomlin taking the stage, while Saturday presents Skillet, Jars of Clay and MercyMe.

Per Disney Public Relations, the Magic Kingdom hosted more than one million attendees during the 25 years it housed Night of Joy. In 2008, in a corporate move to better utilize the diverse amenities of all four of the current Florida-based parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios welcomed the event.

With more accessible stage locations and a wider variety of attractions, the move improved the musical experiences as well as upped the thrill-factor a notch or two.

Four audience-friendly venues, like the Lights, Motor, Action stage, provide more seating and better views for even the frequently at-capacity concerts. All theaters are emptied after each set to provide fair and equitable access to all guests.

During last year's two-day event, the most popular rides (and the longest lines) were at the newly opened Toy Story Mania!, the high-octane Rock-N-Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith, and the frightening Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Plan to arrive early or hit these attractions late in the evening in order to experience the shortest wait times.

For those looking for a slower pace or traveling with younger children, Playhouse Disney hosts a stage show that plans a birthday party for Mickey's #1 girl, Minnie. The Great Movie Ride and The Voyage of the Little Mermaid are family-friendly attractions that appeal to all ages.

Disney's reputation for excellent customer service and fun for the entire family is never compromised during the Night of Joy weekend. Plenty of cast members are available to assist concert-goers and keep traffic flowing. Security is noticeably on hand to enforce park rules (including a ban on moshing) and keep everyone safe. For those bringing groups, a "Leaders Lounge" is available to chaperones to refresh and recharge.

Night of Joy tickets are valid for admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day. Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. Discounts are available for early purchase, multi-day passes and groups. Night of Joy has frequently sold out in recent years, so day-of-event tickets are not guaranteed.

More information is available at www.nightofjoy.com.