Disney Parks

The Blessing of the Four Directions at Walt Disney World

posted on November 20th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


Something unique happens this time of year at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – a ceremony performed in the lobby called the Blessing of the Four Directions.

As you may know, November is Native American Heritage Month and every year visiting interpreters James Hansen (Black Wolf) and Anita Hansen (Quick Silver) perform a short ceremony, symbolically driving out negative energy and purifying the resort for the year ahead.

The Hansens also tell stories and answer questions for guests about Native American culture. If you haven’t seen it, here’s video:

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Meet the Artist: Behind-the-Scenes of D Street

posted on November 20th, 2009 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort


Noah at D Street

Something new is hitting the streets – the streets of the Downtown Disney District, that is. There’s a new urban-like shopping space opening in December, and I wanted to give you the details here on the Disney Parks Blog.

They call it D Street! It’s a place where urban art product “intersects” (pun intended) with a Disney creative edge. This raw, unfinished industrial-style space will showcase a mix of Disney-inspired art created by local and underground artists. Also up for grabs are cutting edge apparel, pop culture novelties, vinyl figures, collectibles and more.

I was able to catch up with local Southern California artist Noah on one of his recent visits to the Resort. Noah will be one of the featured artists for this new location and whose artwork and art inspired apparel will be on available in D Street at opening.

Michelle: Vinylmation is one of the biggest crazes at Disney Parks, and we hear that D Street will be kind of like a flagship for all the new vinyl products. I know you did a 5 foot-tall Vinylmation Mickey for D23. Any plans to see any cool vinyls from you?
Noah at D Street

Noah: Um….Yes! As a matter of fact there will be a special release on the 19th of December at D Street. It will be one of the most unique applications I’ve ever seen for vinylmation. It is a great thing to see so many artists coming out of the woodwork to express themselves on this platform. Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing Disney guests light up when they see their favorite Disney character in a light that fits their personality and lifestyle. It makes the characters and Disney magic that much closer and personal.

Michelle: You’re very well known locally for your cutting edge art approach, what influences or inspirations do you draw on to create these amazing pieces?

Noah: I know it sounds weird but my mind is always turning and moving when I’m meditating and walking in public places. Let’s say I’m at Disneyland and I’m hanging out for the day. I am looking at hairstyles, t-shirt designs, what to wear, what not to wear, peoples expressions and the lighting. I especially love the lighting in the later time of the day. Creativity is a “mood” an “attitude” or “vibe”. If I really want to ramp it up it is being in solitude and cranking music.

I never want my work to “look” like someone else’ or to “follow” a look or feel. To me it has always been about pushing myself with each new work to find something different and greater than before. I love the use of writings in my work to tell the story. People think that it is another language but it is English written in my own font. My Dad was a sign letterer and I was always fascinated by letter characters.

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Okay, it’s time to wrap this up, but now you’re in the know. Once I get more details on the opening of the store, I’ll be sure to share them with you. Maybe we can even give you an “insider’s look” at this new local hot spot!

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Life-Sized Edible Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

posted on November 19th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


The Edible Carousel at Disney's Beach Club Resort
Today, we’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of one of my favorite holiday visits — the edible carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World.

The spinning carousel includes ponies made of chocolate and fondant, hand-painted chocolate “Fab Five” Disney characters surrounded by snowflakes on the side of gingerbread and giant candy cane poles. How it’s created is worth mention.

Pastry chefs use 100 pounds of icing, 50 pounds of dark chocolate and 36 pounds of honey. Also, 100 pounds of confectioner sugar and 96 pounds of bread flour go into the structure. Here’s a look at 10 hours of work in 15 seconds:

You may not know this but once a day, a Guest is selected from the lobby to have a photo taken with Chef Stefan Riemer in front of the carousel during the holidays. They also get a special created gingerbread shingle.

Is this one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

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Amazing Cakes Offered at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings

posted on November 19th, 2009 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons


We get questions all the time about what sort of wedding cake options we offer at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Disney-themed wedding cakes can come in a variety of styles, from classic to whimsical. These cakes fit many tastes, but one thing is guaranteed, they taste as good as they look!

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Celebrities Hit the Links at Walt Disney World

posted on November 19th, 2009 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World


In case you missed it, several celebrities competed in the pro-am portion of the PGA Tour’s Children’s Miracle Network Classic pro golf tournament at Walt Disney World Resort the other day. Johnny Damon, star player for the reigning World Series Champion New York Yankees played along with A.J. Pierzynski (Chicago White Sox), Aaron Rowand (San Francisco Giants), Scott Phillips (drummer for the band Creed) and Anthony Bowie (former Orlando Magic player) on Disney’s famed Magnolia and Palm golf courses.

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‘Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!’ at Disneyland Resort

posted on November 18th, 2009 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations


Check out this video that gives you a front row seat to “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” at the Disneyland Resort. The colorful, jazz-filled show gets the party started in New Orleans Square and continues on the Mark Twain Riverboat. This good time runs through January 3.

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Disney’s Dreamers Academy Students Selected

posted on November 18th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


We now know the names of the 100 high school students who’ll be participating in this year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey at Walt Disney World.

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Contemplation

posted on November 18th, 2009 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort


Ah, how satisfying it is to be able to be alone with your thoughts, no matter where or when. Consider that within ten yards of Goofy’s nose, dozens- no, hundreds of Park Guests are excitedly photographing family and friends in front of Cinderella Castle. But I just love imagining what Goofy could be contemplating amidst the excitement of it all. A dog bone, perhaps?

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Moms Panel: Smiling Through the Tears

posted on November 18th, 2009 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort


Walt Disney World Moms panelist and mother of five Heather Murry of Georgia knows a lot about life’s challenges. She knows not just how to face those challenges but to conquer them. But raising a large family is just one of things that make Heather a champion.

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And the Winner is…

posted on November 17th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort


You may have enjoyed different attractions and restaurants at the Disneyland Resort, but did you know that they’re also award winning?

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