Back to Film at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on October 20th, 2009 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Earlier this year, I was asked to shoot some film – yes, film, for a joint promotion with Kodak on the unveiling of their newest color neg film. It was awkward at first, not being familiar with the film’s characteristics, not to mention having to retrain myself not to immediately look at the back of the camera after every shot. The promotion is being directed toward nature and wildlife photographers, so I spent some time inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. These are a few images from that outing.
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U.S. Mint $1 Coin Pilot Begins at Walt Disney World
posted on October 19th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Beginning today, you may notice more unique $1 coins at Walt Disney World Resort.
We’ve worked with the U.S. Mint to participate in a circulation pilot of the 2009 Native American dollar coins. The coin’s design is based on the theme of agriculture. You’ll notice a Native American woman planting seeds in a field and the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and $1 on the reverse side.
Our participation in the circulation pilot is part of a continued commitment to environmentality. The coin is an environmentally responsible choice – it’s recyclable and lasts decades longer than paper bills.
Only certain locations at Epcot and Magic Kingdom Park will be offering the coins through Dec. 13, 2009. Here they are:
Epcot – American Adventure:
- Liberty Inn
- Fife and Drum
- Heritage Manor
- Kodak Kiosk
- AA Carts
Magic Kingdom Park:
- Columbia Harbor House
- Liberty Square Market
- Liberty Square Popcorn
- Liberty Square Hot Dog
- Liberty Square Turkey
- Sleepy Hollow
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
- Haunted Mansion Cart
- Heritage House
- Yankee Trader
What Is the Most Popular Disney Pin?
posted on October 19th, 2009 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
One of the more challenging questions I’m often asked is, “What is the most popular Disney pin?” The question isn’t necessarily a challenge to answer but getting consensus on an answer is a different story. If I asked 50 people this same question, I would get 50 different answers (at this point something about beauty, eye and beholder comes to mind). In the merchandise division, we use historical sales record to determine popularity. Sales records are an easy and efficient method to identify popular pins, but they are lacking one thing – storytelling.
Telling stories is an essential part of trading or collecting Disney pins, and I’ve heard a lot of them over the years! One common thread is people define popularity as the most cherished pin in their collection (which is not necessarily based on perceived value or sales record). One Guest told me that he loved an open edition Mickey Mouse pin because it was the first pin he was given. Another Guest took great pride explaining what it took to trade for a complete set of 10, red Doombuggies from Disney Summer Pin Festival 2009. Both Guests have popular pins – Mickey Mouse is a popular fellow, and there are only 40 complete red Doombuggy sets in the world.
For our 10th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading, we wanted a pin collection that featured popular pins released during the past ten years. Thus, unique Tribute Collections were created for the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. When choosing the pins for the collections, I turned to the stories I’ve heard during my time as Trading Manager (sorry Pin of the Day, you didn’t make the cut). My hope is that Guests will showcase the original pins next to their newer cousins, the Tribute pins.
Some pins were easy to identify such as Flubber 2000 (who doesn’t want to wait in the rain for pins?). Another popular favorite was Wet Paint – a much discussed surprise pin from the early days. One pin I thought was a must was released on January 1, 2004 – the monorail surprise pin. The pin contains the one and only Spanish sentence that I know (say it with me) – “Por Favor Mantengase Alejado De Las Puertas.” Other pins selected included the Fantasmic! Hidden Mickey pin (just how difficult was it to trade for that pin?), and the gorgeous jumbo-sized pin designed by Disney Design Group artist Monty Maldovan titled “Celebration Surprise.” The latter was released in February 2006 for the Happiest Celebration On Earth. All of the pins selected for these collections have great stories attached.
So now it is your turn. What is the most popular Disney pin?
For more information about these pins and other things related to the 10th Anniversary of Disney Pin Trading, visit http://www.DisneyPins.com.
Glass Art Remains Unique at Disney Parks
posted on October 19th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Right now, someone’s admiring glass art at Disney Parks. Yeah, glass is global — it’s available in our international parks. But there’s something special happening in front of a furnace at Walt Disney World Resort. Glassblowing and storytelling are combined to create a Disney Difference you shouldn’t miss.
Heat, gravity and human breath create art during glassblowing shows in the Crystal Art Shop on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom Park. It’s mesmerizing. Glowing molten glass is gathered on the end of a blowpipe and then manipulated by hand by a master artist until it’s finished.
It’s as special now as it was when Walt Disney originally spotted it. Walt saw the potential of having glass art in a theme park, according to Rudy Arribas, president of Arribas Brothers. It’s the reason why the Arribas Brothers family business exclusively creates inside Disney Parks.
In talking with Rudy, it’s clear that Walt knew what he liked and he loved the work they were doing. Rudy says he wanted glass to be “special and unique” like the rest of Disney. So, he asked if they’d consider only doing business within Disney.
Now, guests watching and interacting with an Arribas Brothers artisan like Brandon Price usually end up wanting the piece he’s working on. They’re part of its creation, Brandon says. Personalization keeps it special.
Arribas glass shops can be found in Disneyland Park in California, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris in France and Disneyland Hong Kong. And they’re all different.
By the way, the Walt Disney World location was recently refurbished. Walt Disney Imagineering’s vision of the Arribas Brothers and their past is now on the walls. Be sure to stop in and enjoy this Disney Difference.
Disney Parks Blog Recap
posted on October 17th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Beginning this weekend, we’re launching The Disney Parks recap – a look at some of our most popular posts of the week. First, if you missed Heather Hust Rivera’s exclusive interview and rapid-fire Q&A session with new Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis, you should check it out now:
We also had several announcements, including the launch of a new simulated thrill ride at Epcot and a new endurance event from Darrell Fry and Disney Sports. Here’s the rundown.
New Interactive, Simulated Thrill Ride Opens In Epcot – The first-ever Innoventions ride at Epcot Theme Park, The Sum of all Thrills, presented by Raytheon, has officially opened to the public.
Disney Sports Announces New Wine & Dine Half-Marathon – Disney Sports released details about its latest endurance event.
‘Chef Remy’ Audio-Animatronics Figure Remains In Epcot “Bon Appetit from Chef Remy” at Les Chefs de France at Epcot will continue his appearances have been extended.
Soon Paradise Bay Will Begin Filling With Water For ‘World of Color’ Soon, water will be flowing back into Disney’s California Adventure Park lagoon as part of a carefully planned environmental effort.
Mickey’s Cousin Get a Helping Hand: Saving the Key Largo Woodrat Another kind of rodent is getting a lot of well-deserved attention at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
Cinderella’s Coach for Disney Weddings The pumpkin coach debuted more than 25 years ago at Magic Kingdom Park and is used for parades and photo opportunities at Disney parties.
Disney Wonder Receives Magical Makeover The Disney Wonder has a brand new venue called Outlook Café.
Walt Disney World Greeter Inspires Guests
posted on October 16th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Imagine never having a bad day at work. Walt Disney World Cast Member Art Lark says he hasn’t had one in 16 years — so, it’s not too surprising that guests from around the world look forward to seeing him. What’s surprising is how many there are and what they’ll do to see him.
Art’s job is to make sure you have a good day when visiting Disney’s Beach Club Resort. And judging by the amount of people who are inspired to exchange online stories about him, share photos and even plan trips to say hello — he’s pretty good at what he does. The resort greeter has a growing online following that he just recently found out about.
“Art is a legend,” Walt Disney World Cast Member Lynde Dodge says. “He has kept Walt’s promise to our Guests and made memories for so many that last generations.”
The 63-year-old started at the resort’s front desk until a manager asked if he’d like to greet Guests. He said he didn’t think he’d like it but quickly realized that it was a perfect fit — like a glove, he says.
“When you’re doing something that you truly enjoy and are truly passionate about and when you’re given an opportunity — it’s easy,” Art says. “It humbles you because, to know that you’re thought of in that regard by so many people, it makes you want to make sure you don’t do anything to disappoint. I’m the one who has been blessed.”
He says his secret to success is being authentic. “People can pick up when you’re phony or pretending,” he says. “Find something you’re passionate about and do it.”
You should know that during my last visit with Art, he announced that he’s retiring. When asked what he’ll miss most, he smiled and said, “everything.”
Art is a “Disney Difference” and the first of an ongoing series featuring selected Cast Members.
JaMMitors Making Surprise Visits Across U.S. For Give a Day, Get a Disney Day
posted on October 16th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Earlier this month, we showed how our custodial crew uses the tools of their trade to entertain. But, when our JaMMitors Tour Crew grabs their flyswatters, dustpans and trash cans, something special happens — and it may soon be happening in your city.
Members of the tour crew, who prefer the sound of instruments found in hardware stores, are now on the road sharing the spirit of giving around the country. They’re helping celebrate our Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program.
The crew includes a builder, landscaper and painter — all experts you’d likely see on a volunteer site. But these ordinary volunteer workers turn extraordinary on the right sidewalk. It’s probably best if you see and hear it for yourself. So, we’re including video of a recent performance.
The crew has already started their 20-city U.S. tour where it’s estimated that they’ll go through more than 100 pairs of drumsticks and many stacks of trash-can lids. They’re in Philadelphia today but are not saying where they’ll pop up next. If you’re really curious, the trio may offer some hints on their Twitter account, @DisneyParksTour.
We’ve also uploaded this JaMMitors Tour video to the Disney Parks YouTube channel.
ESPN Innovation Lab debuts at Disney’s Sports Complex
posted on October 16th, 2009 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
NBA stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were going one-on-one the other day at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Well, in a virtual sense they did.
The virtual image of Kobe and LeBron, which ESPN used in its NBA Finals broadcast coverage this summer, is just some of the cool new on-air broadcast technology being developed by ESPN at its new Innovation Lab at Disney’s Sports Complex.
The virtual player images are part of what ESPN calls its EA Sports Virtual Playbook application, which it also used during its NFL broadcast coverage. Essentially, it allows ESPN’s on-air talent to demonstrate team plays for the viewer by interacting with virtual players on a virtual field in the studio.
More high-tech applications are on the way. Construction was recently completed on the ESPN Innovation Lab, a new building near the complex’s tennis courts, which is where an ESPN Emerging Technology team will now work exclusively. It’s the perfect location because ESPN has no shortage of test subjects given that more than 250,000 athletes compete and train in 60 different sports at the Disney complex each year.
And ESPN has been putting them to good use, testing all sorts of funky new innovations on them – innovations that will be coming to a TV set near you soon. Nothing has been formally announced yet, but word is that a couple of things they are working on involve utilizing hologram technology for something similar to a virtual interview, as well as some funky new freeze frame and zoom applications.
Stay tuned.
Disney Sports Announces New Wine & Dine Half-Marathon
posted on October 15th, 2009 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Running 13.1 miles can be quite a challenge, but Disney Sports has come up with the ultimate dangling carrot to motivate runners to make it all the way to the finish line.
Actually, it’s more like a dangling Lamb Chop with mango chutney. Or Jerk Pork with spicy pineapple sauce. Or any of the other extraordinary culinary creations at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which will essentially be the finish line for a new half-marathon race at Walt Disney World Resort.
Earlier today, Disney Sports released just some of the details of its latest endurance event, but you can bet its going to be more – a lot more – than just a race. Here’s what we know so far: Appropriately enough, it’s going to be called the Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon Weekend and will debut Oct. 1-2 in 2010.
One of the really unique features of the race is that it will be run at night, which is fitting given that Halloween will be just around the corner. In fact, this race will quite possibly be the only half-marathon run under the stars.
The weekend will also include a two-day expo, a 5K family fun run, kids races and a lot of special Disney touches. The half-marathon will start at the soon-to-be-renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and finish inside Epcot with an exclusive post-race party at the annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that features culinary delights from around the world prepared by top Disney chefs.
One of the other really cool features of the event will be a two-person relay team option. Hey, dividing up the 13.1 miles between two runners is a lot easier than running the entire way by yourself – especially when there is a plate of Smoked Ribs with Braised Red Cabbage and Chestnuts and a nice California Chardonnay waiting for you at the finish line.
Grab your running shoes and sign up starting Nov. 16 at www.disneyenduranceseries.com.
On your marks! Get set! Eat!
Soon Paradise Bay Will Begin Filling With Water for ‘World of Color’
posted on October 15th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
If you’ve visited Disney’s California Adventure Park recently, you know the lagoon has been dry for many months as Walt Disney Imagineers install and test the newest and coolest water fountains at any Disney Park.
You can now see that the floor of Paradise Bay is a superstructure that’s nearly an acre in size and covered with a mass of metal, wiring, nozzles and gadgets. It’s all part of an intricate engineering feat to support “World of Color,” an exciting new nighttime water show that brings Disney animation to life with powerful fountains and amazing projection.
But, soon, water will be flowing back into the lagoon as part of a carefully planned environmental effort and the centerpiece of Paradise Pier will be reflecting the lights of Mickey’s Fun Wheel and California Screamin’. The lagoon will fill at a steady pace, and should be more than halfway full in about three days.
It’s actually a really interesting environmental story, and the Disneyland Resort was recently honored with the state of California’s highest environmental award for its efforts. To drain the lagoon, we worked with the Orange County Water District to send the water through its state-of-the-art Ground Water Replenishment System instead of releasing the water to the ocean through storm drains. After an extensive purification process, the water was stored in Orange County’s underground water basin and contributed to the County’s overall water reserves. Later this month, the lagoon will be filled with clean water from the aquifer.
“World of Color” makes it’s flashy splashy debut in Spring 2010. You can check out some cool renderings and video at www.DisneysCaliforniaAdventure.com.
Check back here in the coming months to see the progress at Paradise Bay lagoon, the future home for “World of Color.”
