This year’s luncheon featured three artists, one of which was performing at Night of Joy. During the event the artists take turns visiting the different tables and chatting with the media present. I like this format because it isn’t a formal interview time, it is time to chat. Once everyone got seated we had a special visit from Mark Hall and Casting Crowns. They weren’t able to stay for lunch, because they had to do their sound check, but they said “Hi!” and posed for pictures.

The first artist at our table was Hannah Kerr. I had the pleasure of meeting Hannah last year at this luncheon. She also leads worship at her home church, and attends college! She is currently on tour with Casting Crowns and Matt Maher.

Next we had Brandon Heath. I was excited to spend some time chatting with Brandon because he is friends with my son Aaron. I met Brandon backstage when he was here in town for the “Brandisa” tour a few years ago. As soon as I told him we were Aaron’s parents he freaked out and wanted to take a selfie to send to Aaron. Brandon also wants to start blogging about his travels so we helped him with some ideas about how to get started.

Last up was Tim Timmons. This was the 3rd time I’ve met Tim at this luncheon. Honestly, the first time I met him, I didn’t like him. He was highly opinionated and off-putting. I am pleased to say, probably thanks to his publicist, he has mellowed some over the years and was more enjoyable to talk to. We spent a lot of time with him helping him beef up his social media presence. I also got to hear a few of Tim’s songs at Night of Joy in the Jostens Center on Saturday night.

I love this event and I am always honored to be invited by Disney. I can’t wait for next year!

The post Night of Joy Artists Luncheon 2016 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

I’ve talked to several youth pastors, teens and young adults about the venue change and we’ve come up with a list of pros and cons with this change:

Pros:

• More of a festival feel
• Indoor and outdoor venues
• Seating at venues
• More affordable pricing

Cons:

• No Magic Kingdom attractions
• Less of an outreach event. Unsaved friends will come for a trip to Magic Kingdom but not to a Christian concert.
• No Dole Whip
• There is just something special about worshiping Jesus in front of the castle.

One youth pastor told me they won’t attend Night of Joy if it isn’t in a theme park. The kids like the mix of rides and concerts. Personally, I understand that a lot of people don’t like change and I too like attending in the theme park because you can catch a few rides with shorter than normal wait times! To help quench your need for rides Disney is offering  ticket options that include admission to 1 theme park and Night of Joy at a discounted rate.

2016 Night of Joy Ticket Prices

• A single-night, concert only ticket for Friday, Sept. 9 – $39 plus tax (in advance); $45 the day of the show (if available).
• A single-night concert and one-day Disney theme park ticket (valid for one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks) for Saturday, Sept. 10 – $99 plus tax (in advance); $114 plus tax the day of the show (if available).*
• A two-night concert ticket (which includes Friday and Saturday nights’ concerts and one-day Disney theme park ticket (valid for one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks) – $119 plus tax (in advance).*
• Group tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more.

* The one-day Disney theme park ticket is only valid for Saturday, Sept 10.

2016 Night of Joy Artists

Friday, September 9, 2016 – “Praise & Worship” Night

Champion Stadium

• Casting Crowns
• Chris Tomlin
• Francesca Battistelli

HP Fieldhouse

• MercyMe
• Matthew West
• Crowder

Jostens Center

• Stars Go Dim
• Zealand Worship

Saturday, September 10, 2016 – “Rock and Pop” Night

Champion Stadium

• Newsboys
• for King & Country
• Young & Free

HP Field House

• Switchfoot
• Red
• Thousand Foot Krutch

Jostens Center

• Tim Timmons
• Veridia

Please note: Artists and schedule are subject to change without notice.

photo courtesy of Disney

In addition to the concerts there will also be other activities lending to more of a music festival feel.

• Expo with a variety of vendors
• Tasty food and beverage options—including Food Trucks
• Talent Spotlight Competition
• Youth Leader Lounge with food and non-alcoholic beverages
• Family Activity Zone
• Premium reserved seating upgrade option with commemorative lanyard and pin

To plan your trip to Night of Joy to get started.

What are your thoughts about the location change? I can’t wait to see how things work out, I’ll be there and I hope you are too!

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