Photo Captures a Rare Sight: Four Steam Locomotives at Disneyland Park
posted on February 16th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
It’s a rare sight to see more than one Disneyland Railroad locomotive in front of the Main Street station at Disneyland park – let alone four. In case you’re wondering, these locomotives all have their own names and were introduced to the Disneyland Railroad between 1955, the year the park opened, and 1959. From left to right, you’ll see C.K. Holliday (1955), E.P. Ripley (1955), Fred Gurley (1958) and Ernest S. March (1959).
Paul Hiffmeyer, a regular contributor on the Disney Parks Blog, took this photo recently as part of a cast appreciation effort for engineers, operating engineers and conductors. Some cast members will receive this rare photo as a gift, but we thought some of the train lovers on the Disney Parks Blog might also be interested in taking a peek.
Video Update on the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim
posted on February 16th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, chances are they’ve built a bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop. We have one right here at the Downtown Disney District. “Building” seems to be a growing fad and lots of fun for kids. The LEGO Imagination Center at the Downtown Disney District invites kids to build until their hearts’ content.
The video below shows some of the new interactive experiences at the Downtown Disney District, including a very cool and fun, new shop called Ride Makerz, where you can build your own remote control car. There’s also The Board Factory, where boarders can build their own skateboard stand. And, I can’t forget to mention Studio Disney 365, where you can be transformed into a pop star.
There’s a lot that’s happening at the Downtown Disney District these days, and not all of it is for kids. Grown-ups, there’s a lot for you too.
My Magical Disney Vacation
posted on February 16th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Oohs and aahs and “how cool” erupted on my side of the room when “My Magical Disney Vacation” debuted at the Social Media Moms Celebration. So, of course, I wanted to share it with our blog readers.
It’s best to just try it. Visit www.mymagicaldisneyvacation.com and upload an image of your face and the faces of your favorite traveling companions. Answer a few quick questions to customize your vacation video and then your online journey begins through the best of Walt Disney World Resort. Try it out and let us know what you think.
Here’s the link again – www.mymagicaldisneyvacation.com.
Walt Disney World Photography: The Love of a Granddaughter
posted on February 16th, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Isabel Citerio, 2 ½ years old, shares an intimate moment with her grandpa Dino Citerio inside the Morocco courtyard at Epcot. Isabel lives in Orlando, but Dino lives in Milan, Italy, so when they spend time together, everything is perfect!
Alert Star Wars Fans: Jedi Mickey’s Own Droid Available April 2010
posted on February 15th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
The creative “forces” at Disney and Lucasfilm are proud to announce an all-new character coming to the Disney Parks in April 2010. Every Star Wars Jedi Knight needs his own Astromech Droid, and Jedi Mickey is no exception. This spring you can find Jedi Mickey’s own droid, R2-MK, exclusively at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
For those with a sharp eye, a prototype of this new figure has been visible for many months in The Disneyland Story in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House.
Disney Cruise Line Joins Facebook
posted on February 15th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
I have really cool news for fans of Facebook and Disney Cruise Line. This morning we launched the official Disney Cruise Line Facebook page. Hooray!!!!! You can check it out here www.facebook.com/disneycruiseline.
What does that mean for me? Well, it means I’ll have to come up with more fun content and unique Disney Cruise Line stories to share with everyone. What it means for you? You now have a dedicated Facebook channel with the latest news about Disney Cruise Line, behind the scenes features, Disney Dream construction updates, fun games and a few surprises here and there.
So go and become a fan www.facebook.com/disneycruiseline.
‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ Program Reaches 600,000 Volunteer Sign-Ups
posted on February 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
UPDATE: Hats off to each of the one million volunteers!
Thank you to all who have participated. The last day to use the free Disney Theme Park tickets distributed in this program was December 15, 2010.
Although you can no longer use a free Disney Theme Park ticket received in connection with this program, you can still continue to give back to your community by signing up for volunteer opportunities through HandsOn Network.
If you have additional questions please contact customer service.
And don’t forget to share your Disney Parks memories!
Our record-breaking canned structure was an attention-grabber…so it’s understandable if you missed our other big news from the Celebrate Volunteers event at Walt Disney World Resort. We’ve reached a major milestone in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program.
More than 600,000 people have volunteered or signed up for volunteer projects in their communities in the first six weeks of the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program. If you remember, this first-of-its-kind effort was launched with hopes of inspiring 1 million people to perform volunteer service in their communities. And we’re closing in on that number.
There are still opportunities to join in and participate — and it’s easy to get started. Just visit disneyparks.com.
There are also some official details you should know about: You must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. One ticket per person. Other terms and conditions apply. For details, see disneyparks.com in the United States and Puerto Rico. In Canada, see disneyparks.ca.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on February 13th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Our celebration of the spirit of giving continued this week in a big way — with a special “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” event at Walt Disney World that included the unveiling of the world’s largest canned food structure. If you missed the live stream, we’re replaying the entire event at www.celebratevolunteers.com/. Also, we’ve added some music to the time lapse video of the unveil. Check it out:
Also this week we introduced two new blog authors to the team — Pam Brandon and Dara Trujillo. Here are their posts and a few other of the week’s most popular:
Your Favorite Romantic Memory — We asked guests in Disneyland park to share some of their romantic stories.
First Disney Parks Blog Pins — They’re baked and ready to go…a first-ever batch of Disney Parks Blog pins.
A Chocolate Treat at Walt Disney World — Valentine’s Day is the best excuse for eating chocolate. We did our homework and tasted chocolate all over Walt Disney World Resort and found a tasty treat.
A Train for Lilly — Most men give flowers and candy to their favorite lady. Walt Disney named a train after his.
Romantic Restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort — Some suggestions for the most romantic restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort has to offer.
Walt Disney World Parade Celebrates Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees — We celebrated with a ticker-tape parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Baby White-Cheeked Gibbon — There’s a new member of the family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we shared a first photo on the Disney Parks Blog (thanks, Gene Duncan).
A Unique Anniversary Party — We shared a photo of a unique anniversary party of two sweethearts: Walt and Lillian Disney.
Princess Tiana Window at Magic Kingdom Park — We unveiled our official Princess Tiana window in the Magic Kingdom Park on Main Street, U.S.A. It’s already a guest favorite.
American Idol Experience Attraction Anniversary
posted on February 12th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Can you believe it…it’s been a year since the grand premiere of The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.
Many of you have asked and searched for the different songs you can sing at the attraction. So, we’re sharing the entire list along with a few of the most popular songs (at bottom of list):
| “100 Ways” | “1-2-3″ | “ABC” |
| “A Moment Like This” | “Achy Breaky Heart” | “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” |
| “I’ll Be There” | “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” | “All-American Girl” |
| “Alone” | “Amazed” | “Bailamos” |
| “Best of Both Worlds” | “Best of My Love” | “Bet On It” |
| “Big Girls Don’t Cry” | “Black Horse & the Cherry Tree” | “Bohemian Rhapsody” |
| “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” | “Breakaway” | “Breaking Free” |
| “Breathe” | “Circle of Life” | “Colors of the Wind” |
| “Do You Believe Me Now” | “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” | “Don’t Stop the Music” |
| “Drops of Jupiter” | “Ever Ever After” | “Express Yourself” |
| “Face Down” | “Fame” | “Footloose” |
| “For Once in My Life” | “Get Ready” | “Go The Distance” |
| “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” | “Home” | “Hot Stuff” |
| “How Do I Live (Without You)” | “I Can See Clearly Now” | “I Feel the Earth Move” |
| “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” | “I Hope You Dance” | “I Like It, I Love It” |
| “I Told You So” | “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” | “I Want You Back” |
| “I Will Survive” | “I Wish” | “If Everyone Cared” |
| “If It Makes You Happy” | “Independence Day” | “Iris” |
| “It’s Good To Be Us” | “Just Another Day” | “Just Once” |
| “Kiss From A Rose” | “Knock On Wood” | “La Bamba” |
| “Last Dance” | “Life is a Highway” | “Looks Like We Made It/You’re Still the One” |
| “Lost” | “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” | “Midnight Train to Georgia” |
| “My Wish” | “Never Can Say Goodbye” | “New Attitude” |
| “No One” | “Old Time Rock and Roll” | “Our Song” |
| “Over You” | “Part of Your World” | “Play My Music” |
| “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” | “Reflection” | “RESPECT” |
| “Rock Star” | “Rock With You” | “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” |
| “Since U Been Gone” | “Smooth” | “Somebody to Love” |
| “Stand By Me” | “Stop In the Name Of Love” | “Superstition” |
| “Suspicious Minds” | “Sway” | “Sweet Home Alabama” |
| “The Great Escape” | “Then Came You” | “This is Me” |
| “This Kiss” | “Turn The Beat Around” | “Turn Your Love Around” |
| “Unchained Melody” | “Vision of Love” | “Waiting for Tonight” |
| “Walk Away” | “Walkin After Midnight” | “Walkin’ in Memphis” |
| “Walking On Sunshine” | “What a Wonderful World” | “What Hurts the Most” |
| “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” | “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” | “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” |
| “You Really Got Me” | “You’ll Be In My Heart” | “You’re All I Need” |
| “You’re My Best Friend” | “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” | “Your Song” |
Most Frequently Selected Songs:
“Hit Me with your Best Shot”
“This is Me”
“Our Song”
“Reflection”
“Black Horse Cherry Tree”
“Colors of the Wind”
“Sweet Home”
“I Will Survive”
“Part of Your World”
“Old Time Rock and Roll”
About the Dream Ticket:
Dream Ticket recipients must satisfy AMERICAN IDOL* TV program requirements in effect at time of use, such as age and residency (Season 8 – only ages 16-28 and U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents eligible to work full-time in U.S.). Dream Ticket does not include travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.
About the Audition:
Guests 14 or older inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios may audition to sing onstage that day at the attraction, subject to requirements in FAQs at Disneyworld.com/idol. Only a few singers will be chosen to sing onstage for each show. FAQs subject to change.
More information can be found in Frequently Asked Questions.
*AMERICAN IDOL® is a registered trademark of 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
Romantic Escapes For Couples On Disney Cruise Line
posted on February 12th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Every February, across the country…candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged in the name of romance. Love is in the air and on the high seas!
You may be surprised to know that there are some very romantic escapes for couples on Disney Cruise Line:
- Palo, Disney’s signature restaurant at sea, treats adults to sweeping ocean views and exquisite cuisine. Located high atop both ships, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. For true indulgence, try Palo’s famous chocolate soufflé.
- For the ultimate in luxury, the Vista Spa offers Spa Villas, with an indoor treatment suite, a private outdoor verandah, hot tub and chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the Spa Villas provide guests with a romantic retreat for two.
- On Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is a pristine stretch of beach exclusively for adults. At Serenity Bay, sparkling turquoise waters meet pristine white sand, palm fronds sway in the breeze. Walk hand-in-hand down the beach or relax in a two-person hammock.
- Also at Serenity Bay, adults can enjoy a Couples Massage at one of the nearby cabanas overlooking the ocean.
- Watch the sunset on Deck 7, aft. A little known spot, this secluded deck is also the location for many onboard weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.
We want to know… What is your favorite romantic activity or place on the Disney ships?
