Jewels Beneath Our Feet
posted on April 20th, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
This is the first of a three part series that reveals some often overlooked Florida plants and wildlife. Each of them is very tiny, and would most likely go unnoticed unless one seeks them out. To my limited knowledge, none of these plants are planted commercially — in fact, I think they would all more than likely be categorized as weeds. But weeds can be beautiful, too.
The first picture was made in thick grass near a drainage canal that meanders by the western perimeter of the Disney Horticulture “tree farm.” The exquisite pink flowers are growing from a stem that is no more than a couple of inches long. My first reaction was “wow”…
The next two photos were made within ten feet of one another in a vacant field approximately ½ mile south of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each of the delicate flowers is less than the diameter of a pencil eraser. What gems!
New Disney Parks Figment Sculpture Unveiled
posted on April 20th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Hey Figment Fans – we have something just for you!
Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Walt Disney Classics Collection to create a series of Disney Theme Park Exclusive sculptures that featured colorful, exuberant, imaginative and beloved purple dragon, Figment. This year, we are introducing the fifth sculpture in the collection, Figment In Tuxedo: Top Hat & Tails! Based on original attraction reference, the new sculpture is a numbered limited edition of 750 – making it a must have for collectors and Figment fans. Figment In Tuxedo: Top Hat & Tails is hand-crafted of fine porcelain and hand-painted.
To celebrate the release of the new sculpture, the Art of Disney in Epcot will host Bruce Lau, the artist behind the newest Figment piece. Bruce will be signing his newest creation on Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Can’t make it to the event, but want to add Figment in Tuxedo: Top Hat & Tales to your collection? Not to worry – you can call Walt Disney Event Services at 407-827-7600 to pre-order the piece. Walt Disney Event Services is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.
Want learn more about the piece? Please visit ArtOfDisneyParks.com. Add this stylish showman to your collection and set your imagination free with Figment!
The Date You’ve Been Waiting For: ‘World of Color’ Water Spectacular Debuts June 11 at Disney’s California Adventure Park
posted on April 20th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Lights, water, fire, music and animation will come together like never before on June 11 when “World of Color” makes its dazzling debut at Disney’s California Adventure park. You will get to experience some of your favorite Disney stories – from the charming to the adventurous – in a magical, new way.
Many of you, as readers of the Disney Parks Blog, have been following our documentation of the development of this playful, nighttime water spectacular. I’ve loved reading your comments and sharing in the enthusiasm for this highly anticipated show, and we want you to be among the first to see some up-close footage we recently captured during a rehearsal.
Enjoy the video and a special introduction from the man behind the magic, Steve Davison from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment.
As you saw in the video, the show is brilliantly choreographed as it combines nearly 1,200 powerful fountains, popular Disney music, larger-than-life projections, lasers, fire, fog, surround sound and stunning images. On top of that, the magnificent, moving fountains are capable of reaching enormous heights — from 30 to 200 feet -– while maintaining their dazzling colors.
As I’m sure you know from reading the Disney Parks Blog, “World of Color” is a major milestone in the multi-year expansion of Disney’s California Adventure park.
“World of Color” debuts this year as part of Summer Nightastic! –- a lineup of exciting, after-dark entertainment at the Disneyland Resort. Summer Nightastic! will run from June 11 through August 29, and you’ll be able to catch “World of Color” year-round at Paradise Bay.
Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the show, what do you think about “World of Color” so far?
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique — One Year Later
posted on April 19th, 2010 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Once Upon A Time…as every good story starts, the Disneyland Resort opened its doors to reveal a magical boutique where every little girl’s dream of becoming a Disney princess can come true.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened April 17, 2009, and in the past year, many magical moments have occurred in this enchanting location that’s nestled inside the corridors of Sleeping Beauty Castle. On a walk through Fantasyland one day, I had the chance to meet up with Store Operations Complex Manager, Stacey Gentz, who shared some of the stories from our cast and guests.
Every now and then, it’s so nice to hear our guests say that no matter the age, it made them feel like a princess, says one of Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, who has been on hand since the opening. It’s why we’re here, and it’s what we do, every day, we create magical memories for our guests during their stay.
Another cast member recalls, “Today when giving a Princess her big reveal, she was so happy that she shouted ‘I guess dreams really can come true.’”
Inside these doors, a guest can say three magical words — “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” — and in an instant, the magic that we all hope to create actually happens. “We give them the royal treatment,” Gentz says, “from hair and make-up to costumes and accessories. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it… all you have to do is see the smile on their faces. That alone is worth a thousand words.”
The magic of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique isn’t just here in California. For those of you visiting other parks around the world, there are Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques at Walt Disney World (inside Cinderella’s Castle and in Downtown Disney at World of Disney store) and at Tokyo Disneyland.
How can you book a reservation? Call 714-781-STYLE (714-781-7895). Transformations start at $44.95, plus tax. We can transform Princesses from age three and up. For details on the different levels of packages visit ArtofDisneyParks.com. And, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique isn’t just for girls. The location at the Disneyland Resort currently offers a “Cool Knight” package for all of our noble young gentlemen.
Congratulations Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on a year of making magic come to life!
Do you have a story to share about your experience at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?
A Model Vacation on Disney Cruise Line – Exclusive Tilt-Shift Video
posted on April 19th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
We’re at sea for the latest in our series of never-before-seen looks at Disney Parks. This time it’s a “miniature scale” journey on the Disney Wonder cruise ship created through the magic of tilt-shift photography. The adventure begins at the dock and quickly moves to Castaway Cay…with some amazing sights in between.
As you know, our first tilt-shift video celebrated the birthday of Magic Kingdom Park. Project champion David Roark, manager of creative photography for Yellow Shoes Creative Group, then captured fireworks at Epcot. So, what’s next? Please let us know what you’d like to see featured in the comments. And if you’re looking for more Disney Cruise Line updates – become a fan at www.facebook.com/disneycruiseline.
Adventure on the High Seas
posted on April 19th, 2010 by Garth Vaughan, Photographer, Walt Disney World
The legendary Black Pearl Flying Dutchman at conflict with the Wonder? Not really. Just a well-placed relic from the movie staged at Castaway Cay. This relic from the movie is something to behold. Making for two sculptures that are truly full of wonder.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on April 18th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Are you following @Disneyland on Twitter? You should be — we’re giving away tickets to Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival and we launched your first chance to participate this week. Be sure and check Heather’s post for more information.
Here’s a recap of this week’s most popular posts:
100-Year-Old Celebrates His Birthday at Walt Disney World — We celebrated with John Schmitz as he marked his 100th birthday at Magic Kingdom Park.
Fly-Through Look at Animator’s Palate for the Disney Dream — This fly-through video showed us what the new Animator’s Palate aboard the Disney Dream will look like.
Dooney & Bourke Co-Branded Product Sets Sail on Disney Cruise Line — Ahoy Disney Cruise Line fans, we have something new just for you!
The Fleet at Rest — Paul Hiffmeyer showed the submarines of Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage as they rested in the early morning light.
First Look: Inside D-Street — Disney Parks Blog readers got a sneak peek behind the doors of D-Street at Downtown Disney West Side in Florida. D-Street is now open — check it out and let us know what you think!
Guest Artisans Help Celebrate Earth Day with Disney!
posted on April 17th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
At Disney Theme Park Merchandise we love Earth Day! We love it not only because it’s the birthday of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but we love it for all that it stands for! Earth Day inspires us all to be more aware of Mother Earth and teaches us to show appreciation for wild places and wild life.
Since we never miss a chance to celebrate, we’re excited to tell you about the special guest artisans that are helping us celebrate Earth Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the days leading up to the Earth Day Celebration, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is excited to host three visiting artisans whose product is not only beautiful, but promotes being green and loving our Earth. The three artisans we are hosting, The Global Gecko, Just Plumerias, and Elemental Nursery will be appearing in the Park April 20 – 22, 2010.
The first of the three talented artisans we are featuring is The Global Gecko. The Global Gecko offers unique one-of-a-kind tree branch woodcarvings. It is The Global Gecko’s continuing effort to be ecologically friendly and responsible. Their imaginative works of art are made from driftwood, fallen tree branches and burls. Each piece is hand-crafted individually so no two carvings are alike. With the help of Mother Nature, this wood is given new life through the gifted hands of our artisans for all to enjoy and appreciate. The Global Gecko can be found at Disney Outfitters on Discovery Island.
Looking for colorful blooms to ‘pop’ in your garden? Then look no further than Just Plumerias.
Just Plumerias considers the plumeria to be the most perfect plant in the world because of its unique characteristics. Did you know that plumerias bloom from April through November? The flower doesn’t last that long, but the bloom pod continuously keeps blooming most of the year. The plumeria can be grown anywhere in the world since it can either be a 20 foot tree if you live in the warmer climates, or it makes a fantastic potted plant for your patio deck, screen pool, balcony or driveway. The plumeria is one of the most no maintenance plants in the world – it’s drought tolerant and can be grown in full sun or partial sun – so any green thumb (or lack there of) can take care of it! Be sure to stop by Beastly Bazaar on Discovery Island to discover Just Plumerias and their beautiful blooms!
Last, but certainly not least is Elemental Nursery. Along with their line of traditional bonsai, Elemental Nursery has created for your enjoyment a line of contemporary bonsai. With pottery imported from our artisans in Taiwan and the Orient we bring you artistry to enjoy in your office or at home in the middle of your living room. Easy care instructions, and watering when dry, allow you to enjoy the plants year round with very little effort. You can admire the lush bonsai’s from Elemental Nursery at Island Mercantile on Discovery Island.
Whether you’re celebrating Earth Day with us at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or at home, we wish you a Happy Earth Day!
Dancing Mickey Mouse at D-Street in Downtown Disney
posted on April 16th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Here’s how you start a weekend – it’s dancing Mickey Mouse and friends at the opening of D-Street in Downtown Disney West Side in Florida. The doors officially opened today with Mickey jumping out of a giant Vinylmation box and leading the way.
Yesterday, we launched a quick tour of D-Street featuring some of the artwork, clothes, jewelry and Vinylmation figures. Will you be visiting?
Meet Gadget from Circle D Corral
posted on April 16th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
You asked for more details from the Circle D Corral, so today we’re highlighting Gadget, one of the goats who live on our ranch. Gadget is an African Pygmy Goat. She was adopted by Circle D and her age is estimated at three years old.
Gadget is one of four goats at Circle D who is expecting, and the cast members at the ranch tell us the baby goats will be born any day now. In the coming weeks, we’ll share a photo of one of the baby goats.
Stop by Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland park if you’d like to see and interact with the goats and other animals that live backstage at Circle D Corral.
