January 12, 2001 -- Next Monday, Disney is kicking off the "wave season" of bookings by recreating its private island paradise, Castaway Cay, in New York City's Times Square.

  WHAT:  Turning Times Square into Tropical Paradise
  WHO:  Disney Cruise Line
  WHERE:  Times Square, New York City
  WHEN:  Monday, January 15, 2001, 6-10 am EST
  WHY:  To Help Kick Off "Wave Month"
  Broadcast/Photo Opportunities:
  *  Live Pictures for Weather or Kicker Video
  *  Live Talk Backs
  FEED DATE:  January 15, 2001
  FEED TIME:  6 am - 10 am EST
  VIDEO ELEMENTS:  Sunbathers, kids making sand castles, Disney characters,
  palm trees and sandy beach oasis.
  COORDINATES:  Telstar 6   Transponder 4   C-Band
  Summary:

* Nearly 8,000 pounds of sand, industrial strength heaters, palm trees and bikini-clad beachgoers will take over the middle of Times Square.

* More cruises are booked in January than any other time of the year.

* More than 43 million people say they plan to book a cruise in the next five years.

* Since 1980, an estimated 77 million passengers have taken a cruise.

* Cruising is the top-rated vacation category in terms of guest satisfaction.

* Those considering a Disney Cruise Line vacation can choose one of two ships -- Disney Magic or Disney Wonder.

* Both ships feature vacation packages designed to offer something for everyone.