Snow-Capped Mountains Behind Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle
posted on December 15th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
And you thought the Matterhorn was the only snow-capped mountain at the Disneyland Resort!
You may have heard it snows at Disneyland park during the holidays, but as this photo shows, on some days, Southern California’s snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains provide a lovely backdrop to Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle.
Paul Hiffmeyer, the chief photographer at the Disneyland Resort, recently captured this photo, and he has many other interesting images to share. Beginning in the new year, Paul will share his work and some of the stories that surround the images he takes.
One-of-a-Kind Disney Instruments to Benefit Music Education
posted on December 15th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week, we’re offering a first look at one-of-a-kind Disney artwork — one of several instruments designed and painted to benefit music education in schools. It’s art celebrating the 25th anniversary of Disney Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World.
Disney Youth Programs created the “Disney Art for Music” program for the Magic Music Days anniversary and recruited the talents of Walt Disney Animation Studios artists. Conn-Selmer, Inc. donated five string basses and the Disney artists each chose and painted a different Disney theme. The Genie design is first, painted by Layout Artist Brian Kesinger. To finish it, Brian found inspiration in the strangest of places. See for yourself:
You should know that the instruments are debuting on December 17, 2009, at The Midwest Clinic – An International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago before being placed in music and art museums around the U.S. Then, the art will be given to the Grammy Foundation to display and auction with the proceeds benefiting music education charities that raise awareness of the importance of music as part of a well-rounded education.
Of course, this is just a sample of what’s to come. Check back for more updates on Disney Youth Programs.
Unique Perspective – ‘Candlelight’ at Disney’s Epcot
posted on December 14th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Last week, we searched the archives and posted the first official photo of the Candlelight ceremony at Disneyland park from 1959. Now, we’re sharing another unique image — this time from Walt Disney World.
More than 800 performers and a special celebrity narrator gather on select nights to entertain guests at the American Gardens Theatre during each Candlelight Processional event. Here’s the updated list:
- 12/14–12/17 — Abigail Breslin
12/18–12/20 — Whoopi Goldberg
12/21–12/23 — Brian Dennehy
12/24–12/26 — Edward James Olmos
12/27–12/30 — Angela Bassett & Courtney B. Vance
And if you didn’t know, information about any of the performances can be found by calling 407-939-3463 or by visiting our special events page.
D Street Opens its Doors
posted on December 14th, 2009 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Ever wish you could be in two places at once? Well, at D Street you can. I stopped by the new store just the other day, prior to opening, and it’s safe to say this is not your typical Disney location. This new location seems to push the envelope. The walls are tagged in a graffiti-like style with familiar Disney characters, and the artwork, apparel and accessories that line the walls have a much more dark, creative vibe. Even some of the clothing labels featured in the store, such as Bloc 28, The Art of Princess, Anime, Rock n’ Rolla and Harajuku Lovers, as well as jewelry designers Tarina Tarantino and Classic Hardware, take the underground art to a different level.
Tip: D Street, which officially opens Dec. 19, is one of the only locations in Downtown Disney that will actually carry Tron-inspired merchandise. And for those Alice in Wonderland fans, be sure to stop by in the weeks ahead as we release Alice in Wonderland merchandise inspired by the upcoming film.
D Street will also pave the way for everything Vinylmation™. Considered one of the flagship stores for Vinylmation™ figures, D Street will showcase the latest releases from various collections, including the Park Series and Urban Series. To celebrate the opening on December 19, there will be a special Vinylmation™ release from the Motor Mouse™ Series. Only 24 one-of-a-kind, 9-inch Vinylmation™ figures will be released from the artist Noah. Each work is custom pinstriped and is flat black to resemble custom hot rods in true Americana fashion. Each unique work is signed and numbered by the artist and is offered in a custom package of a construction lunchbox.
Tip: These rare collectible figures will probably go fast, since there are so few to be had, even though they will retail for $495, plus tax. For more information on this release visit ArtofDisneyParks.com.
We have learned that the new location will celebrate its opening with a week of events and trunk shows, with representatives from labels such as Goorin, Ed Hardy and Junk Food, as well as the artist, Noah.
Calendar of Events
December 16, 2009
Goorin Hats Trunk Show 4PM – 7PMDecember 17, 2009
Junk Food Trunk Show 4PM – 7PMDecember 18, 2009
Ed Hardy 4PM – 7PMDecember 19, 2009
Create Your Own Vinyl Experience with Noah 10AM – 12Noon
Art Demonstration & Signing with Noah 2PM – 5PM
So, be sure to hit the “street” and see what’s in store for you!
D23 Members Enjoy the ‘Magic & Merriment’ of Walt Disney World
posted on December 14th, 2009 by Jeffrey Epstein, Manager, Marketing
Hi, I’m Jeffrey Epstein guest writing for the Disney Parks Blog about our latest unique experience at Walt Disney World. For two candy-coated days and nights, D23, the Official Community for Disney Fans, presented Magic & Merriment at Walt Disney World. December 12 and 13, 200 D23 members and their guests (from 25 different states!) were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how Walt Disney World transforms each year into a winter wonderland with the help of some of Disney’s most creative talent.
Holiday Services’ Lisa Borotkanics talked about the incredible team that installs hundreds of trees, wreaths, and snowy displays throughout the resort (and the Disney Cruise Line!) before handing out sets of multiple FASTPASSes to the group for the weekend. Then Erich Herbitschek, Master Pastry Chef of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Stefan Riemer, Pastry Chef, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts came out and decorated one of their signature gingerbread houses before everyone’s eyes (and were pretty hilarious while doing so). And Saturday evening on a darkened Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Show Director John Phelan talked about the origins of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights—before flipping a giant switch (with the help of a young guest), igniting the Spectacle to glorious fanfare.
Other weekend highlights included reserved seating to see Tony award winner Chita Rivera narrate Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, a private feast on the set of Lights, Motors, Action!, a delightful lunch inside the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon with a visit from the Dapper Dans, tours of the Cinderella Castle Suite, and tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—complete with a cookie-filled hospitality suite on the Liberty Belle!
Whether they came from Iowa, Oregon, or just down the road, the weekend was truly memorable not only because of the incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences shared by all, but thanks to the passionate D23 members in attendance, whose enthusiasm and passion about Disney may only be matched by a certain special mouse.
Time-Saving Tips for Holiday Visits to Magic Kingdom Park
posted on December 14th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
If you’re like me, you realize every minute counts during holiday trips to Magic Kingdom Park — there’s so much to see…so little time. So this season we’re sharing some of our favorite time-saving tips at Walt Disney World Resort. Our list begins with ways to avoid long waits:
- Use Disney’s FastPass service
- Visit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain before 10 a.m., during parades or after 9 p.m. which may provide for shorter wait times
- Generally, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” wait times are shortest after 6 p.m.
- Tomorrowland is home to several attractions with quick access – The Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and Stitch’s Great Escape.
- To try and avoid the lunch rush, dine before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
- Go to the middle of the Castle Hub for the best viewing and participation opportunities for the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 5:40 p.m.
- For best viewing opportunities, see the second performance of Spectromagic at 11 p.m.
Remember, attractions, shows and times are subject to change. Be sure to check ahead of time.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on December 13th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week, the Disney Parks Blog featured several holiday-related posts, including video highlighting the lost art of candy cane making. If you missed it, we showed how the team at Disneyland park creates the treats. Here’s a look at the candy cane tradition dating back to 1968:
We also featured several unique images this week. A favorite was the earliest official Candlelight photo at Disneyland park from 1959 and an announcement from Disney Cruise Line that the Disney Villains are setting sail in 2010:
Earliest Official Candlelight Photo from 1959 — Candlelight started in 1958 at Disneyland park, but the first photo we have of the ceremony is from 1959.
Announcement: Disney Villains Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line — “Villains Tonight!” is the first full-scale musical production dedicated to the Disney villains.
Decorate Your Home with Lights like a Disney Expert — We shared some tips for bringing a touch of Disney to your home this holiday season.
How to Make a Disney-Themed Christmas Tree — We launched a how-to video on decorating Christmas trees with princess and pirate themes.
Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun) — Walt Disney Photographer Gene Duncan shares another image from Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney Volunteers Donate Hundreds of One-of-a-Kind Teddy Bears During ‘Season of Sharing’ — Cast members who create costumes collected, dressed and donated an all-time-high number of teddy bears this holiday season for the Salvation Army of Central Florida.
Disney Ornaments Created from Ostrich Eggs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — This month, you can create mosaic-like ornaments out of ostrich eggs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
New Holiday Gingerbread Tree at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
posted on December 11th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
So far, featured gingerbread displays on the Disney Parks Blog have been some of your favorites over the years – it’s the 10-year anniversary of the edible carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World and the 11-year anniversary of the giant gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
But there’s something new at Disney’s Contemporary Resort that’s just as impressive – a 17-foot-high tree with gingerbread shingles inspired by the Art of Disney legend Mary Blair. If you don’t know Mary’s work, it can be seen in the mural on the fourth-floor concourse wall.
To create the display, a team of 25 bakers used 136 pounds of honey, 101 pounds of flour and about 50 eggs. They also used 75 pounds of icing along with bags of spices and sugar syrup.
Oh, and if you enjoy Hidden Mickeys, the tree has a unique one. We’re sharing where it can be found after the jump:
Disney Ornaments Created from Ostrich Eggs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
posted on December 11th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Handmade artwork grabs my attention. Whether it’s candy canes or glass pieces on Main Street U.S.A., I’m as interested in the process as the final product. If it’s the same for you, Animal Kingdom Lodge has an activity worth noting.
This month, you can create mosaic-like ornaments out of crushed and dyed ostrich eggs. Shells are glued onto animal-shaped ornaments and hung by recycled telephone wire. Here’s a look at the process:
The unfertilized eggs used in the activity come from both Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. And all donations go to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which supports conservation projects throughout the world.
If you’re interesting is learning more or participating, the activity happens daily in the Jambo House lobby from 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. throughout the month of December.
As you know, I’m sharing images on The Disney Parks Blog. My latest post is about a magic hour, or this case, a truly magical 12 minutes. I was in the Hollywood Studios to photograph a 5K race. We are always early, very early so as to avoid being late. During this quiet moment before the storm this scene unveiled itself to anyone who was aware. It was not why we were there, but it was magical all the same.
