Most men give flowers and candy to their favorite lady. Walt Disney named a train after his. Back in 1948, Walt set out to build a miniature steam power train that he could operate in his backyard. Once finished he named it the “Lilly Belle,” in honor of his wife Lilly. Eventually Walt’s gesture to Lilly made its way to Disneyland where the original Grand Canyon observation car was renamed the “Lilly Belle.” It’s not in commission all of the time, but on special occasions you can see this special car pull up the rear of the train. Take a look at this video and enjoy a ride on the “Lilly Belle.”
Princess Tiana Window at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on February 9th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Hello! My name is Dara Trujillo and I’m the manager for Merchandise Communications here at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s my job to make sure you’re informed of the latest and greatest merchandise happenings here at our Resort.
Today, I’m excited to show you something really unique. Recently, we unveiled our official Princess Tiana window in the Magic Kingdom Park at our Emporium retail location on Main Street, U.S.A. It’s already a guest favorite. So, to get the “inside scoop,” I sat down with the designer and creator of the window, Ron James.
“I am constantly looking for new innovative ways to showcase our merchandise to our guests,” Ron said. “A few years ago, in celebration of Disneyland’s Golden 50th Anniversary, we creatively took our Belle doll, dressed in her traditional gold gown, and created a show stopping window fit for any Disney Princess. Since then we have replicated Cinderella and Aurora. The newest Princess to don the Main Street window is Princess Tiana.”
Look for this window to support our newest Princess throughout 2010.
Fun Facts: The dress took over 60 man hours to reproduce and 4 hours to install all 3 windows; more than 80 dolls were used to create the dress, and the dress itself is covered in more than 400 rhinestones.
Rate: 
(Avg. 4.27 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.27 out of 5)
Romantic Restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on February 9th, 2010 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons
The quiet company of your true love can be the perfect compliment to a savory culinary delight, or step away from the ordinary and into a themed wonderland of the most extravagantly cultural fare. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the great part about celebrating at Walt Disney World is its endless variety. One moment you can be clutching that special someone while falling 13 stories in a runaway elevator, the next moment you can sip an aromatic Merlot during a romantic, candle lit dinner for two.
Here are my suggestions for the most romantic restaurants that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer:
- Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Narcoossee’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Jiko-The Cooking Place, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Bistro de Paris, Epcot
- Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Hollywood Brown Derby, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Restaurant Marrakesh, Epcot
- Le Cellier, Epcot
- Flying Fish Cafe, Disney’s Boardwalk
There are over 100 restaurants at Walt Disney World to choose from. Reservations for most restaurants can be made in advance, so be sure to call 407-WDW-DINE to discuss different options and to make reservations. Book now to look forward to the romantic atmosphere and delectable delights that are waiting for you!!
Rate: 
(Avg. 4.00 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.00 out of 5)
Video: Drew Brees Celebrates At Magic Kingdom Park
posted on February 8th, 2010 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Photos from today’s exciting ticker-tape parade celebrating the MVP of the Super Bowl, Drew Brees, and the win for the New Orleans Saints aren’t all we have for you. Take a look at this video that shows Brees’ trip through the fan-lined streets of Magic Kingdom and his dream come true visit at Walt [...]
Rate: (Avg. 4.48 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.48 out of 5)
A Unique Anniversary Party
posted on February 8th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Manager, Print and Social Media, Disneyland Resort
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seemed like a good time to share a photo I recently saw for the first time. It’s from a unique anniversary party of two sweethearts: Walt and Lillian Disney. They are photographed with their daughters, Diane and Sharon, around a huge cake inside the yet-to-be-opened Golden Horseshoe on July 13, 1955, just four days before the official opening of Disneyland park.
Rate: (Avg. 5.00 out of 5)
(Avg. 5.00 out of 5)
Walt Disney World Parade Celebrates Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees
posted on February 8th, 2010 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Last night, we first told you that Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees was heading to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate his team’s Super Bowl win. And today, we celebrated with a ticker-tape parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom Park. Here are a few images from today’s event:
Rate: (Avg. 4.72 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.72 out of 5)
Mary J. Blige to Keynote at Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey
posted on February 8th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
In November, we announced 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. Now we’re excited to share this year’s keynote speaker — singer/producer/actress Mary J. Blige.
Rate: (Avg. 4.00 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.00 out of 5)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Baby White-Cheeked Gibbon
posted on February 8th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Not all of the celebrating today is Super Bowl related. There’s a new member of the family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — a baby white-cheeked gibbon — and we’re sharing a first photo on the Disney Parks Blog (thanks, Gene Duncan).
Rate: (Avg. 4.69 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.69 out of 5)
Drew Brees — ‘I’m Going to Disney World’
posted on February 7th, 2010 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts tonight in South Florida, so what do you think he’s going to do next? Come to Disney World, of course!
After making several memorable plays against the Colts in the 31-17 Super Bowl XLIV win, Drew looked into the TV [...]
Rate: (Avg. 4.61 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.61 out of 5)
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on February 6th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We learned this week that Disney Parks Blog readers have had some amazing Disney experiences. More than 100 of them can be found in the comments section of the post asking the question, “What is your favorite Disney experience?” Got any to share?
Rate: (Avg. 4.42 out of 5)
(Avg. 4.42 out of 5)
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