Disney Parks

Disney Trading: It’s Game Time!

posted on September 2nd, 2010 by Steven Miller, Project Manager, Disney Trading


'Rivalry Weekends' Vinylmation Series

I love fall. It is one of my favorite seasons. The fall signifies I’m another year older, but more importantly it is the start of college football season. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, so growing up the fall was always filled with tradition. For the past several years, we have released a series of pins celebrating these football traditions called “Rivalry Weekends.” Gosh, there are some classic rivalries!

2007 'Rivalry Weekends' Pin Series

The Rivalry Weekends collection was first introduced 2007 by John Smith, former Product Developer for limited edition pins (funny thing is he now develops sports product for Disney). The first set of pins saw four classic rivalries. We then took a year off (still not sure why) and then introduced another set in 2009. The theme last year was “Game On” (which was a popular phrase often uttered by John).

2009 'Game On' Pin Series

This brings us to this year and the 2010 collection titled, “Game Time.” The collection will again include four classic match ups. The pins are limited release which means they don’t have a finite production number. You may also notice that the pins are focused on teams from the east coast of the United States (mostly because they will be released in Florida).

I’m often asked why we don’t feature more teams. Believe it or not, there is a finite production budget each month for pins. We base many decisions about development on historic sales record, yet we like to try new things. This year we introduced a new rivalry – University of Alabama vs. University of Tennessee.

2010 'Game Time' Pin Series

All of this brings me to one final question: which is the greatest college football rivalry today? I think you already know my answer. Look for these pins to be released on October 7, 2010, at Walt Disney World.

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Luxury Pet Resort Opens at Walt Disney World Resort

posted on September 1st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


Luxury Pet Resort Doggy Storytime
You better believe there are some pooches being pampered tonight at Walt Disney World Resort. Our new luxury pet resort officially opened its doors today and the first guests are already enjoying the VIP suites and special extras like story time with staff. Earlier this summer, we told you about the one-of-a-kind Best Friends Pet Care facility located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort -Riverside. Now, we have a first look around:

There’s a 1,300-square-foot “canines only” splash-and-play water feature and areas where you can sit, relax and watch your dog play. The entire park is secure from outsiders and is available for use after dark.
Luxury Pet Resort Doggy Water Fountain
A la carte activities for pets range from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other dogs to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Other amenities and upgrades include ice cream treats, bottled water and premium orthopedic bedding.

The pet resort can accommodate as many as 300 pets for both daytime and overnight boarding. For more information or to make a reservation, check out www.bestfriendspetcare.com or call 877-4-WDW-PETS.

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Disney’s Night of Joy Band Profile – MercyMe

posted on September 1st, 2010 by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, Manager


MercyMe for Night of Joy
Today’s Night of Joy Blog Post spotlights a band who is no stranger to Night of Joy, MercyMe. 2010’s event will be the fifth time MercyMe has graced the Night of Joy stages with their talent and testimony.

The group is probably best known for one of the most iconic songs in Christian Music, “I Can Only Imagine,” the first Christian song to ever have been digitally downloaded one million times. MercyMe’s latest project, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, gave the band the highest chart debut of their career, bowing in at No. 3 in the nation on Billboard’s Top 200 SoundScan Chart, and No. 1 on the overall Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart. The album’s message is simple – “love well” – extend kindness every day.

After a CD release party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in April, the guys stopped by the Magic Kingdom for a bit. Minnie put on her best “heart-filled” dress in honor of The Generous Mr. Lovewell, and its “heart” theme.

In keeping to the “Lovewell” theme, MercyMe continue to be big supporters of Compassion International , a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Compassion International has just signed on to be a sponsor of the Cinderella Castle stage at Night of Joy, where MercyMe will be performing.

Lead singer Bart Millard and the guys discuss the event’s return to the Magic Kingdom.

In addition to MercyMe, 2010 Christian music Artist of the Year Casting Crowns and past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day and Chris Tomlin head a star-powered 16-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole.

Night of Joy tickets and additional information about the event are available at www.nightofjoy.com.

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First Look at ElecTRONica

posted on September 1st, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort


Greetings, Programs! Get ready for the greatest nighttime dance party to ever rock Disney California Adventure park!

Beginning September 24, the interactive, digital world of “TRON: Legacy” will light up Hollywood Pictures Backlot as we gear up for the film’s release on December 17. This will be a cool opportunity to peek inside the world of this movie, and it’s available only to visitors of Disney California Adventure park.

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Walt Disney World Moms Panel Search Coming Soon

posted on September 1st, 2010 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort


Are you the person family and friends come to for advice when planning their Disney vacations? If so, Mickey might want to meet you. Disney Parks is looking for new members of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. The panel is an online forum that serves as a resource for families planning a Disney vacation, offering unique insights and time-tested tips from real Disney fans.

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Celebrating Vultures, Nature’s Clean-up Crew

posted on September 1st, 2010 by Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives, Disney Parks


“Aww, isn’t that cute” probably aren’t the words most people say when they see a vulture. These birds play a critical role in our ecosystem, however, serving as nature’s caretakers by helping to keep the earth cleaner and disease free.

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Meet the Disneyland Resort Sign Shop Cast

posted on August 31st, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort


If you’ve ever been to Disneyland park, you’ve undoubtedly used a sign or two to get you from land to land! As I continue to show you the Disneyland Resort through the work and eyes of our cast, I’d like you to meet some of the handiest folks this side of Main Street, our cast members at the Disneyland Resort Sign Shop. These talented individuals use various techniques – from sketching to painting to carving – in creating the unique signs you see all over the Resort. Check out the video below to hear more about the detail that goes into creating each and every sign!

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Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary

posted on August 31st, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort


The Disneyland Half Marathon is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Sunday with a record field of more than 14,000 registered participants. The 5th annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, held September 3-5, also includes Kids’ Races and the Disneyland Fabulous 5K, which has 5,000 registered athletes. This is the biggest Disneyland Half Marathon to date, and includes runners from 16 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

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Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…

posted on August 31st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks


Regular readers of the Disney Parks Blog know we like to get the week going with a puzzler. And this week’s image requires a keen eye to identify. Look closely — it’s a face that watches over guests as they begin a journey into the past. But do you know where?

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Behind the Scenes with Disney Hollywood Studios Ink & Paint Team

posted on August 31st, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication


The Walt Disney Company is rich with so many wonderful traditions, one of my favorites being hand-drawn animation. While there have been many changes and advancements in technology that has changed the way we create our animated classics, the beautiful tradition of hand-inked and hand-painted cels is still very much alive at Walt Disney World. In 1997, the Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios began creating the beloved Ink & Paint collection, which is available exclusively at the Animation Gallery. Each cel in the collection is inked and painted by hand, by our talented design team whose passion for the craft helps to keep one of our most treasured Disney traditions alive.

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