Disney Parks ‘Quick Hits’ – December 17th, 2009
posted on December 17th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Did you know that award-winning pastry chef Jeff Barnes has joined the culinary team at Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Here’s our “Quick Hits” list of items you may have missed:
“First Visit” Disney buttons — Moms Panelist Cathy shared information about how to find Disney buttons.
Disney DeeBees collection unveiled this week — A limited release series that includes ten randomly assorted DeeBees pins sold in boxes of two.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort opened this week in 2003 — Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a 2,880-room hotel featuring giant icons that salute many of the 20th-century popular culture crazes.
Magic Kingdom leaders host the grand opening of Pirates of the Caribbean this week in 1973 — Pirates of the Caribbean, a classic attraction in Magic Kingdom theme park, features a 14-foot drop over a waterfall into pirate caves.
Orange Bird pin collection — There’s a special signing on Dec. 17 at the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this week in 1983 — Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park.
New “Scoop on Trolley” pin released at Walt Disney World — In this Limited Edition pin, Mickey takes a ride aboard the Horse-Drawn Streetcar down Main Street, U.S.A.
Towels at Disney water parks — Moms Panel advice on bringing your own towels to the water parks.
New Pastry Chef Joins Disney Team Award-winning pastry chef Jeff Barnes has joined the culinary team at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Holiday Fireworks — My New Holiday Tradition
posted on December 17th, 2009 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
This year I’m very excited to continue a holiday tradition that I began last year: watching “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks at Disneyland park. I saw it for the first time last year and I can tell you it’s amazing how fireworks, artfully married with classic songs like “White Christmas,” truly capture the Christmas spirit. Something about the mood makes me teary, and then the snow that falls during the finale…well…it’s embarrassing. The video below gives you a small glimpse into this big show. Of course, nothing is like seeing it in person. Happy Holidays!
Congas, Zendrum Create Unique Holiday Music at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on December 17th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
One of the perks of my job is visiting the parks and finding unexpected surprises — like our latest holiday-related video from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It features a five-piece percussion band called The Village Beatniks and this month they’re playing Christmas and Hanukkah songs, adding jingle bells to their usual assortment of bongos and congas and tom-toms. See for yourself:
While four Village Beatniks keep the rhythm going, the fifth member plays melodies on a Zendrum — a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) percussion controller. That means you can play an assortment of synthesized instruments and drums, literally at your fingertips. Next time you’re visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, listen for the Village Beatniks near Flame Tree Barbecue.
Zooming Down Main Street, U.S.A.
posted on December 17th, 2009 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Last week, as I spent the last hour of the day chatting with a fellow photographer and blog master from northern Florida, I was just trying to come up with something a little different. This image is straight out of the camera with nothing done after the exposure was made, utilizing a slow (6 sec) shutter speed while manually zooming the lens during exposure. I consider it merely an alternative to the traditional view from Town Square, nothing more. I particularly like the way the balloons billow at their own pace, while the lights on Main Street take on a look of great speed. Happy holidays to everyone…
Remembering Roy E. Disney
posted on December 16th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Tonight, Disney Parks cast members worldwide are mourning the loss of Roy E. Disney. He was a Disney Legend who played an important role in many of our lives. Here are some of our favorite images of Roy over the years:
Roy E. Disney, Key Figure in Revitalizing The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Animation Legacy, Dies at Age 79
posted on December 16th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old. Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney’s animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period, and from 1984 – 2003, served as vice chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and chairman of the Studio’s Animation Department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the Company.
As head of Disney Animation, Disney helped to guide the Studio to a new golden age of animation with an unprecedented string of artistic and box office successes that included “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” He personally executive produced “Fantasia/2000,” a sequel to the 1940 Disney classic, and served in a similar capacity on a number of recent animated shorts, including the 2004 Oscar®-nominated “Destino,” based on storyboards and original art by the iconic artist Salvador Dali. In the area of live-action films, Disney and his wife, Leslie DeMeuse Disney, most recently executive produced the 2008 feature documentary, “Morning Light,” which followed a group of young sailors as they competed in the grueling Transpac race from Los Angeles to Honolulu.
His philanthropic activities included sponsorship of the Roy E. Disney Center for the Performing Arts at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, part of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, is scheduled to open in spring, 2010.
Commenting on the announcement, Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, “On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney. He was much more than a valued 56-year Company veteran – Roy’s true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. Roy’s commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney’s past, present and future.”
John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, added, “I first met Roy when I was still an animation student at CalArts. Not only did I consider him a personal friend, but he was a great man who believed deeply in the art of animation. He put his heart and soul into preserving Disney’s legendary past, while helping to move the art of animation into the modern age by embracing new technology. Roy was a visionary and passionate supporter of the art form, and he was all about quality. I was always impressed that he would make time for someone like me when I was fresh out of college, and he continued to support and encourage me throughout my career.”
Stanley Gold, president, Shamrock Holdings, said, “Roy and I enjoyed a 35-year friendship and partnership that was simply special. We faced many business challenges together, had fun in the process, and enjoyed a wide variety of professional successes. Roy was a man who was steadfastly loyal to his principles and to his friends. He was a gracious, humble gentleman who could make the tough decisions life sometimes requires. He carried the torch high and proud, and the world is a better place for his tireless efforts. I will miss him greatly.
Roy Edward Disney was born in Los Angeles on January 10, 1930 to Roy O. Disney and Edna Francis Disney. His father and his uncle, Walt Disney, co-founded the Disney entertainment business in 1923.
After attending Harvard School and Pomona College, Disney launched his entertainment industry career in 1952, working as an assistant film editor on the “Dragnet” TV series.
He joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1953 as an assistant film editor, where his credits included the landmark Academy Award®-winning True-Life Adventures features, “The Living Desert” and “The Vanishing Prairie.” As a writer and production associate, he received Oscar® nominations for his work on the short subject, “Mysteries of the Deep” in 1959, and in 2003 for his work as executive producer for “Destino.”
Disney produced and directed some 35 other TV and theatrical production, including the landmark 1968 documentary, “Varda, the Peregrine Falcon,” before leaving in 1977 to become an independent producer and investor.
In 1978, Disney founded Shamrock Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned family enterprise headquartered in Burbank, California, which specializes in private equity, real estate, and public equities investing. He served as chairman of the company, which has approximately $1.5 billion of capital committed to funds.
An avid competitive sailor, Disney holds several elapsed-time records for offshore races in the Pacific Ocean, including multiple wins in the 2,225-mile Transpac.
Among his many professional and philanthropic activities, Disney served on the board of trustees of California Institute of the Arts, the advisory board of St. Joseph Medical Center, and the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Inc. Additionally, he was an advisory member of the board of directors of the United States Committee for UNICEF, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of the Peregrine Fund, a member of the board of trustees of Ronald McDonald House charities, and a member of the board of trustees of the American Ireland Fund.
In 1993, he received the Winsor McCay Award (a special “Annie Award”) from ASIFA-Hollywood (The International Animated Film Society). The McCay Award is for lifetime achievement in animation. In 1997, Disney was awarded the first “Mort Walker Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cartoon Industry,” by the Boca Raton International Museum of Cartoon Art.
Disney received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from his alma mater Pomona College in 1998. In 2002, he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Mercy College in New York. The following year, he was presented with the Trustees’ Award and honorary Doctor of the Arts degree from CalArts.
Among his other honors, Disney was named a recipient of the 1999 National Catholic Education Association Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to children and education. In April 1999, Disney received the Henry Bergh Humane Award from the ASPCA, and in spring 2000, he was awarded the Inaugural Environmental Leadership Award from the Audubon Society.
Disney is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney – Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney, and Susan Disney Lord. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private, followed by cremation. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Plans for a Life Celebration will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.
Top 10 Proposal Ideas at Disney
posted on December 16th, 2009 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons
Update – March 30: The Coral Reef Restaurant Dive Engagement is currently unavailable. Please consider one of the many other options that are available to you at Disney Parks.
For those who believe in happy endings and fairy tale settings, a proposal at a Disney Destination is a magical experience to cherish forever. December is the busiest month of the year for proposals, so I wanted to share some tips about the top 10 places to propose at Disney.
10. California Grill – With a sweeping view overlooking Magic Kingdom Park, this signature restaurant is the perfect romantic location to pop the question. Be sure to ask a Cast Member about having the ring brought in on an engraved glass slipper under a silver dome, on a “Will You Marry Me” platter.
9. The Hollywood Brown Derby – For movie fans, escape to an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby, a longstanding Hollywood landmark and hang out for Tinseltown’s biggest and brightest personalities in the “Golden Age” of Hollywood. Arrange for special desserts with the ring on top as a surprise.
8. Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant – Amongst gentle harp strains and the sparkle of imported crystal in a Victorian dining room, sit in the midst of romantic splendor and transcendent atmosphere. The ring can be placed inside a red rose carried to the table on a silver covered tray for a romantic proposal.
7. Characters in Flight – Take your special someone up in a giant balloon 400 feet above Downtown Disney. Ascend in the sky to experience a proposal sure to take one’s breath away.
6. Cinderella’s Royal Table – Enjoy a dining experience in a mythical, medieval setting where you can celebrate your proposal with a champagne toast, and a few other special surprises!
5. Animal Kingdom Sweetheart Safari – Kilimanjaro Safaris provides the chance to see African animals including giraffes, black rhinos and lions, as they roam the 100-acre savannah in the Africa area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Enjoy limousine service to a romantic safari for two, complete with champagne toast.
4. Coral Reef Restaurant Dive Engagement – Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot theme park is surrounded by stunning underwater views of The Living Sea coral reef. Between the delicious food and the extraordinary view, the Coral Reef provides a fascinating and memorable dining experience. Let divers assist with your proposal, in an underwater experience complete with champagne toast.
3. Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay – Castaway Cay is a port-of-call paradise on Disney Cruise Line Bahamian and Caribbean cruise vacations, where you enjoy such tropical leisure as snorkeling, boating, swimming and old-fashioned sunbathing. Escape to a quite beach setting ashore the private beach, for an intimate, romantic proposal.
2. Dreams Come True – Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. Enjoy dessert as the night sky comes alive with Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular, aboard Grand 1 Yacht.
1. Picture Perfect Proposal – For those of you looking to plan the perfect proposal at Disney, we just unveiled DisneyEngagements.com as a planning resource. Here you can get inspired, share ideas and learn more about what makes an engagement with us like no other!
Out of curiosity, have any of you gotten engaged at a Disney Park? Let us know in the comments below.
Creating Your Own Vinylmation
posted on December 16th, 2009 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
At the Vinylmation Park #3 release party in November, we introduced a 21st century Guest book – a blank, yellow 9” Vinylmation figure. Anyone who attended this party could sign the Vinylmation to proclaim “I Was There.” The response was overwhelmingly positive and the comments were awesome to read. I’m particularly torn between “Vinylmation Rocks” and “Greetings from Switzerland” as my favorites (yes, the Guests really were from Switzerland – how cool!). This new release party tradition got me thinking about all the things one can do with a blank Vinylmation.
As you may recall from previous articles, Vinylmation began with blank, white Create-Your-Own figures. This month, we’re expanding the color pallet of these blank figures to include Mickey Mouse’s colors – black, red and yellow – as well as pink and purple. The addition of these colors, especially pink, was inspired by a custom figure that Debbie Damato, a fellow product developer for children’s apparel and costumes with Disney Theme Park Merchandise, made “just for fun.”
Debbie decorated these 3” Vinylmation using a toothpick to attach each jewel. She said it took about four hours to complete each figure (two hours were spent just decorating the head!). After she completed the pink jeweled one, she showed Donald Ferro, product developer for Vinylmation, and remarked that the figure would have “popped” even more if the base color was pink. He agreed and thus the blank pink Vinylmation was born.
Our Disney Design Group artists have also created some unique Vinylmation figures. These one-of-a-kind custom figures have been sold at previous release parties. Quynh Kimball from Disney Design Group created the 3” figure pictured above using acrylic paint. I love the way he described it – “a sweet taste of strawberry tops the melted milk chocolate and rich, smooth dark chocolate ‘mouse.’ Savor the chocolate buttons and delicate shavings. A one-of-a-kind indulgence, without the calories.” Wow – I’m hungry.
But you don’t have to be an artist to express your creativity. Here are a couple of other ideas that may inspire you:
- Newlyweds – In stead of the traditional “guest book” at your reception, use two blank 9” Vinylmation – one for the bride and one for the groom. Have attendees decorate or leave good wishes which can be displayed in your home for years to come. The 3” blank Vinylmation make great cake toppers too.
- Traveling the World – When visiting Epcot, bring along a blank Vinylmation to have International Cast Members at each of the World Showcase pavilions write greetings in their native languages.
- 3-D Photo Book – Decoupage a blank Vinylmation with favorite photos or ephemera (theme park maps, FastPass tickets, etc.) from your vacation at Disney Parks.
- Graduates – Graduates can have fellow classmates sign a blank Vinylmation as you embark on the next chapter of your life.
Glitz, Glamour and Gridiron Greats on Display at Walt Disney World
posted on December 15th, 2009 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
It was a glitzy and glamorous night at Walt Disney World on Thursday as the biggest stars in college football were on hand for the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards show. Marquee gridiron stars such as Florida’s Tim Tebow, Texas’ Colt McCoy, Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Boston College’s Mark Herzlich walked the red carpet amid a sea of fans and media before picking up some of the game’s most prestigious year-end awards.
Among all of the star players and legendary NFL pros who served as award presenters, Herzlich really stood out because he won the Disney Spirit Award that’s given annually to college football’s most inspirational player regardless of on-field achievements. Herzlich recently survived a life-threatening battle with a rare bone cancer and is determined to return to the football field for Boston College next season.
Still, despite the fierce competition for each award, these celebrity athletes found plenty of time to have a little fun, hoping on a few of the more popular attractions at Disney. Hey, when you’ve reached the pinnacle of your sport, what else are you going to do except shout: “I’m Going to Disney World!’’
Lincoln: Looking Back and Moving Forward
posted on December 15th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
More than 44 years ago, Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated the opening of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland park. As you can tell from the photo, it was an exciting time for Walt Disney. The show had just received international acclaim at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, and the ribbon cutting ceremony pictured below marked the official opening of the Main Street Opera House.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln underwent a few changes over the years, and Walt Disney Imagineers have made great progress in refining this classic show. Last month on the Disney Parks Blog, we gave you a sneak peek at the most advanced Audio-Animatronics technology yet.
Today, we have new video of the figure being programmed in the theater. Imagineer Brian Scholz explains the process and how they’ve blended older attraction elements with new technology.
The show is scheduled to open to guests very soon if you’d like to check it out for yourself.
