Disney to date has seemed fairly tight-lipped about what's in store to celebrate 40 years of Walt Disney World. Recently, though, some of the big day's plans have emerged and give guests an idea of what to expect on October 1 at the Magic Kingdom.

First off, a special 40th anniversary presentation will start at 10 a.m. at the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Mum's still the word on the presentation's details, but it's said that many guests have been planning for an early trip to the MK that day.

At a press conference yesterday, Bob Iger and Tom Staggs announced that Disney and the folks that brought you AVATAR have formed a "long-term creative partnership" that will include bringing the movie's fantasy world to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

There are two new dining experiences on the horizon for Walt Disney World guests - a character lunch and a holiday dinner.

First off, the Animal Kingdom's Tusker House will be expanding the Donald and Daisy-themed character breakfast to include a character lunch. Starting December 4, the Donald's Dining Safari lunch will let guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet with African touches in a character dining atmosphere. Reservations for this new experience began September 15.

Disney got a new head of casting when it hired Randi Hiller to fill the slot of VP of casting. The post had been vacant since February's layoffs.

Hiller, an independent casting director with more than twenty years of experience, has worked on Marvel pictures in the past, including "The Avengers," "Thor," and "Iron Man 2." Her resume also includes a few past Disney pics - "Miracle" and "Race to Witch Mountain." She is also noted for her work on the Oscar-winner "Crash."