Do you like the idea of an extra hour for dining in the evening at Epcot? Give it a try from March 28 through April 10, and let us know what you think — you can book your “extra hour” table at Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill or Le Cellier Steakhouse. Then get ready to relax and sip a post-prandial cocktail or linger over dessert while the Epcot crowds dwindle.
Share with us what you think about the idea. And we’ll share with you that we recommend the decadent Chocolate Wave (with a little sparkling rosé) if you’re at Coral Reef Restaurant; an extra scoop of all-you-care-to-eat strawberry-rhubarb crisp with cream at Garden Grill or the Chocolate-on-Chocolate Whiskey Cake at Le Cellier. You’ll walk it off on the way to the car.
The Mechanical Kingdom
posted on March 23rd, 2010 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
UPDATE: Great news Steampunk fans! I spoke with Mike Sullivan and the team at Disney’s Pin Traders in Florida. We’ve been thrilled at your responses to this set, so we’ve arranged a special event for you.
On April 1, you can meet Mike Sullivan, the Disney artist behind The Mechanical Kingdom, and have your pins signed at Disney’s Pin Traders from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This store is located in the Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. Steampunk goggles are optional.
I can still vividly recall the day that Disney Design Group Artist Mike Sullivan visited us holding the image pictured above. My mind was reeling – was I actually seeing Steampunk Disney Characters? I even remember yelling “Steampunk!!” while getting strange glances from everyone around me. Well, everyone that is except for Mike as he created the artwork. So what is this “Steampunk” and why was I so excited?
“Steampunk is like imagining today’s world with a Victorian-era perspective,” explained Mike. “For example, let’s pretend people in the 19th Century created the technology we use today. What would it look like? I think of these larger than life, steam-powered contraptions with lots of gears and switches.”
Mike was first introduced to Steampunk at a major science-fiction convention. Following the event, he did extensive research on the internet (the same place where I first learned of Steampunk). Quickly, he discovered a whole fan community. Mike wondered how he could present our Disney characters in this alternate world.
“I created a story outline and several sketches to sell the idea of creating Steampunk-inspired merchandise,” continued Mike. “Honestly, it was a long process explaining the concept as many folks were unfamiliar with Steampunk. Thankfully, the Disney Pin Team loved the idea and created a pin set.” (I promise I had nothing to do with it).
This collection contains five limited edition pins that will be sold individually. There is also a journal written by Professor Ludwig Von Drake that introduces the Mechanical Kingdom story. The journal literally looks like a book complete with a cover and several pages. The final page contains all five individual pins and two “completer pins” – Mickey Mouse and Pirate Pete.
I asked Mike if he has a favorite character from the story he created.
”I like Pirate Pete the most,” said Mike. “He is a character that I don’t get to draw often. I love the ‘action’ you feel when seeing the artwork and final pin.”
One final and semi-related note – Mike said he is also working on a Vinylmation Steampunk set (Aces!). But that is a post for another time. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Look for “The Mechanical Kingdom” pin set to be released in April 2010 at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Enjoy a Glass of Wine Year Round at Disney’s California Adventure Park
posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
One of my favorite memories with my mom is the two of us drinking a glass of wine and eating cheese and crackers at the Golden Vine Winery at Disney’s California Adventure park. This is such a nice way to take a break from running from attraction to attraction and just chill out. You can sample wines from around California and around the world. The Golden Vine Winery offers four wine selections for tasting starting at $10. Selections change weekly. Crackers are provided with the tastings, but you can also buy assorted cheese platters, assorted olives and fruit. One of my favorites is the blue cheese (Yum!). If wine isn’t your drink of choice, beer is available. The Golden Vine Winery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. Also, all wine lovers should mark their calenders for this year’s Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival, April 16-May 31. This year’s theme is “The Art of Flavor,” and it features chefs, winemakers, brewmasters and hundreds of complimentary and ticketed experiences. For tickets go to www.disneyland.com/foodandwine. Remember to bring valid ID to show proof of age. Cheers!
Your Favorite Disney Parks Thrill Ride Is…
posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
During a visit to Magic Kingdom Park with my young daughters, I realized that it’s only a matter of time before cheers for Dumbo The Flying Elephant move to a new favorite — an attraction offering white-knuckle thrills at Disney Parks. One of my favorites has always been Space Mountain and judging by your tweets, it’s still popular…but is it a favorite? We went into the parks asking, “What is your favorite thrill ride at Walt Disney World?”
Now, it’s your turn. Please let us know your favorite Disney Parks thrill ride in the comments.
Impressionist Art at Disney Parks
posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Throughout my life, I’ve been fascinated with impressionist art and its amazing creators.
The included image is really quite simple, and consists of a red monorail passing in front of Spaceship Earth at Epcot on a clear day. A friend who viewed this for the first time saw Vincent Van Gogh himself in profile, face out of view, white hat with red trim. I don’t necessarily call this art, but rather, a modern tribute to a revolutionary artist.
Pool at Saratoga Springs to Get Makeover
posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations
Hi everyone…a cool new zero-entry feature pool will be ready for summer fun at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa — in 2011. It’ll take the place of one of the resort’s “quiet pools” at the Walt Disney World resort and will be nearly three times as big. I think it will be a real crowd pleaser for folks not staying near the popular High Rock Springs feature pool. When complete, the new themed area will include a 146-foot water slide, expanded deck, 1,200-square-foot kids’ play area, plus a quick-service poolside eatery.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on March 20th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week, the Disney Parks family mourned the loss of a legend — Fess Parker. In his role as Davy Crockett, Fess Parker not only helped promote and open Disneyland Park but he also became a hero to many of us, including Walt Disney Company President and CEO, Robert Iger. Blog author and Walt Disney World photographer Gene Duncan also shared a unique photo and touching story.
We also visited the office of artist Don “Ducky” Williams and watched as he created an exceptional Disney character in minutes. For Don, the characters are more than drawings, they’re living, breathing personalities and creating the art “is a way of life.”
Here are a few more of the week’s most popular posts.
Rush Hour — Garth Vaughan showed us what rush hour looks like at the Magic Kingdom.
Pin Trading Outside the Parks — Did you know you don’t have to go into the parks to trade pins?
Main Street Electrical Parade – 1999 — We found this one-of-a-kind video of the Main Street Electrical Parade road test from 1999.
First Kid to Run Through Sleeping Beauty Castle Now Guards the Resort — Disneyland Security Officer Robb Fischle shared his memories of watching Disneyland as it was built and being one of the first children to run through Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Balloon with a View — Paul Hiffmeyer showed a new perspective on Mickey Mouse balloons.
Parasailing Wedding
posted on March 19th, 2010 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons
I was recently asked to share some of our most unique wedding choices from recent couples over the last few years…one that comes to mind is this story of true adventure on the Disney Cruise Line.
Jenna & Robert were married onboard the Disney Cruise Line on July 19, 2008. Jenna had actually never been on a cruise before, but she said it turned out to be the best vacation she’s ever had. The wedding turned out exactly as she had envisioned. The ceremony was on Castaway Cay and the weather was absolutely gorgeous!
After the ceremony Jenna & Robert went parasailing … in their wedding attire!! Yes, that’s her wedding dress flying in the air! They were both so relaxed, breathing in the air and enjoying a quiet moment together. That is what I call taking the plunge!
Another memorable experience was meeting Captain Jack Sparrow right there after the ceremony to take photos. As Jenna said, “Man, I have the best wedding album ever!” Bon Voyage and up, up and away!
If you’re interested in a Disney Cruise Line Wedding or Honeymoon please visit: www.disneyweddings.com/cruise.
Paper May Fold into the Waters of ‘World of Color’
posted on March 19th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
Paper and water don’t seem like an ideal match, but throw in animation and it works in a very cool way. One type of art form being considered for “World of Color” is paper animation. Local Glendale, California artist Megan Brain has created 3-dimentional paper sculptures of Disney characters that are turned into models or puppets with computer animation. The result is very fun and very unique when it is projected onto a giant water screen. Heather Hust Rivera will give a more in depth update on “World of Color” next week, but in the mean time, take a look at this video and see for yourself.
First Image: Disney Monorail Train Features Tron Art
posted on March 19th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Here it is…your first look at a Tron light cycle on our “highway in the sky” at Walt Disney World. And beginning today, you can see it for yourself on the Epcot monorail line. As you learned when we posted the artist renderings, “Tron: Legacy” is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s scheduled to hit the big screen at the end of the year. Of course, there will be more in upcoming months, but we wanted to share this image with you first on The Disney Parks Blog.
Update: We’ve added new video of the Tron Monorail below.
