Disney Parks ‘Quick Hits’ – December 10th, 2009
posted on December 10th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
During the week, there are many items of possible interest that don’t make the Disney Parks Blog. So, we’re posting a weekly list of quick updates and highlights you may have missed. Here’s the first list:
Candlelight Processional Continues — Shows continue at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre featuring celebrity narrators Andy Garcia (Dec. 10-11), Chita Rivera (Dec. 12-13).
Moms Panel Advice on Extra Magic Hours at Epcot — Extra Magic Hours offer guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels the opportunity to enjoy additional time in the theme parks at no extra charge.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea History Pin — Here’s a just-released pin that includes a replica of the Piece of Disney History Pin – 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the first Piece of Disney History.
Special Offers at Disney Parks — There are several Disney Vacation discounts and other offers you may not be aware of.
Randy Noble Artwork — Disney Design Group artist, Randy Noble, signed some of his newest masterpieces at the Art of Disney at Epcot. Several images are posted online.
“Goofy Banjo” Pin Released — Disney Pin Trading releases the first of a collection of five pins in the shape of instruments.
This Week in History: Living with the Land Opens at Epcot — This boat ride at Epcot theme park explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond.
Jim Shore Appears at Walt Disney World — Jim will be making a special appearance and signing work this weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort.
New Mickey Mouse with Pink Hearts Pin Available — This unique pin featuring a Mickey Mouse icon with pink hearts is now available at Disneyland Resort.
Decorate Your Home with Lights like a Disney Expert
posted on December 10th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
If you’re responsible for millions of holiday lights, you’re going to learn a few tricks. That’s the case with Walt Disney Entertainment lighting designer Mark O’Conner — and he’s sharing some tips for decorating your home.
Mark’s first tip is to use more LED lights. He says the lights last at least 10 years if you treat them well and offer vibrant colors. Also, if you have a big display, you’ll notice a difference in the electric bill. Mark also suggests getting ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against water or moisture. Here are more tips:
Mark’s final tip is for January — on storing your holiday lights for next year. It’s pretty simple. When you remove light strings, tape the end to a paper towel tube and simply start winding. The process helps prevent the giant ball of lights I’ve faced for so many years.
Nation’s Top Youth Football Teams Battling at Disney
posted on December 10th, 2009 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Youth football teams from across America are battling it out this week at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex for the Pop Warner Super Bowl title. Just like the Little League World Series, this event features the best of the best youth football squads in the country. There’s even a team that came all the way from Hawaii. Games are taking place every day with the title games in each division scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Don’t be surprised if you see some of these kids playing in the NFL in the future. That’s because more than 70 percent of current NFL players got their start playing Pop Warner football.
Trust me, these kids already have the moves. Check out this video from last year’s Super Bowl and see if you can spot the next Brett Favre, Randy Moss or Adrian Peterson.
For updates on the Pop Warner Super Bowl and to keep up on all of the latest Disney Sports news and events be sure to find us on Twitter @DisneySports.
Disney Volunteers Donate Hundreds of One-of-a-Kind Teddy Bears During ‘Season of Sharing’
posted on December 9th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Sure, we’ve seen the amazing work behind some Disney Parks costumes but there’s a unique costuming effort that’s just as impressive – in fact, it’s a “record setting” volunteer effort here at Walt Disney World Resort.
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. The one-of-a-kind toys are going to local children in need of holiday gifts, including a team favorite Princess Tiana bear.
You may not know this, but the teddy bear costuming program began at Walt Disney World in 1996. Cast members work on their own time, often with scraps of fabric from other projects — and their results are impressive. This year, there are more than 400 bears being donated and hundreds of other stuffed stockings.
The project is just one of several Walt Disney World Resort efforts with charitable organizations to help spread magic throughout the community during this “Season of Sharing.” The goal of “Season of Sharing” is to help raise awareness of charitable causes to build better futures for Central Florida’s families and children. More stories and details can be found here.
A Lost Art: Making Candy Canes at Disneyland
posted on December 9th, 2009 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
One of my favorite hidden treats at Disneyland park during the holidays is to watch the candy makers on Main Street, U.S.A. at the Candy Palace. You can watch the lost art of candy cane making, a tradition dating back to 1968. They also make other fresh holiday treats like peppermint bark and snow man caramel apples! Call the Candy Kitchen hotline at 714-781-0112 to see what treats they are making and when.
Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun)
posted on December 9th, 2009 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
In a fleeting, one-twentieth of a second, Mickey cheerfully follows a balloon vendor down Main Street, U.S.A.
How to Make a Disney-Themed Christmas Tree
posted on December 8th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
If you’re looking for a different decorating twist for your Christmas tree this year, then you’ve come to the right place. Manager of Resort Enhancement Dave Caranci is part of the team that decorates the entire Resort for the holidays, and he’s always dreaming up different ways to delight guests with décor. Take a look at this how-to video to decorate Christmas trees with princess and pirate themes.
Anika Noni Rose Narrates Candlelight Processional at Epcot
posted on December 8th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
It’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit at Epcot theme park this time of year, especially when it’s Candlelight Processional time at Epcot theme park. If you haven’t experienced it, you should consider it.
More than 800 performers and a special celebrity narrator gather on select nights to entertain guests at the American Gardens Theatre. Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, has been entertaining guests this week with the retelling of the story of Christmas and there are many more narrators to come in upcoming weeks. Here’s the updated list:
- 12/09–12/11 — Andy Garcia
12/12–12/13 — Chita Rivera
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
All of the narrators are accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. In fact, more than 200 guest choirs will perform during the entire run of Candlelight Processional. If you’d like to see it for yourself, call 407-939-3463 or visit our special events page.
Announcement: Disney Villains Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line
posted on December 8th, 2009 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Hey Disney Parks Blog Readers! Today I have really exciting news; there is a brand new stage spectacular heading to the Disney Magic in 2010.
The show is called “Villains Tonight!” and it is the first full-scale musical production dedicated to the Disney villains. The show is a family-friendly comedy that places our famous evil-doers in some irreverent funny moments.
“Villains Tonight!” will premiere during the March 27 voyage aboard the Disney Magic and debut on the Disney Dream in early 2011.
Here is a first look at this new production:
Celine Dion Tapes Performances for Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade
posted on December 8th, 2009 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Yesterday, we shared images of the Jonas Brothers performing at Walt Disney World for the annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Today, it’s Celine Dion.
Celine performed two songs for guests in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. She sang “Don’t Save It All for Christmas Day” and “O’ Come All Ye Faithful” with a choir made up of Disney Cast Members.
To see more, check out the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC on December 25.
