Special Activities, Offerings on Disney Cruise Line Baltic Cruises
posted on May 20th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is sailing the Baltic for the very first time this summer! The Northern European itinerary will feature unique cultural entertainment, special activities and exclusive culinary offerings onboard the Disney Magic.
For the first time ever, we are visiting St. Petersburg, Russia, where a magical, one-of-a-kind Port Adventure will bring local history and stories to life with the help of some Disney friends. The majestic Catherine Palace provides the setting for an elaborate Royal Ball where Guests are treated like royalty.
The estate, which served as Russia’s imperial family summer residence for more than 200 years, is the stage for a grand gala hosted by Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White and Belle. Arriving by horse-drawn carriages, the princesses entertain guests in the gilded Grand Ballroom while live musicians add to the ambiance and lead guests in song and dance.
Another St. Petersburg Port Adventure gives Guests a chance to participate in a master class with ballet dancers from the famous Russian Ballet Theater, right onboard the Disney Magic. The dancers will share some dancing tips, perform select numbers and autograph keepsake posters for Guests.
Children discover more about local cultures and customs during Youth Activities. Scandinavian folklore comes to life as kids mold their own troll figure out of clay and decoratively paint small boxes as part of tole painting. Children can also customize their own set of Russian nesting dolls.
For food lovers, the Northern European sailings have some special culinary treats in store with two exclusive new menus: Flavours of Scandinavia and Dinner of the Czars. Scandinavia specialties include Jarlsberg cheese and carrot soufflé, juniper-spiced elk tenderloin and lingonberry and vanilla cream. Russian-inspired cuisine includes potato-cheese Russian ravioli, borscht, chicken Kiev and crepes Romanoff.
Have You Tasted Famed Copper River Salmon?
posted on May 19th, 2010 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
We’re celebrating the annual arrival at Artist Point of Copper River salmon from Alaska, one of the few restaurants in Florida where you can taste the highly prized fish.
It goes on the menu at the restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge starting next week. The salmon is only harvested once a year in mid-May for three to four weeks from the cold, pristine waters of the Copper River, known for its prolific runs of wild salmon. If you’re used to eating farm-raised salmon, get ready for a new experience. Copper River salmon stands alone – for quality, oil content and rich flavor, with a deep orange color lets you know you’re tasting the real deal. And it’s good for you, loaded with Omega-3 oils, just what the doctor ordered.
Pair it with a glass of one of Artist Point’s boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and get ready for a treat that’s reserved for those in the know. (End with the divine berry cobbler for a sublime dining experience.) To make a reservation, call 407-WDW-DINE.
Celebrating ‘The Art Of’…Maggie Parr!
posted on May 19th, 2010 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Have you ever wondered where our Disney artists get their inspiration? How they got started? Or how they go about creating such beautiful masterpieces? Well, wonder no more! For the next several months, I’ll be taking you behind the magic by introducing some of our talented Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney inspired artists and paying tribute to them in a special Artist Corner series titled, “The Art Of.”
Our first artist in “The Art Of” series is former Walt Disney Imagineer and Disney-inspired artist Maggie Parr. Maggie has created artwork and designs for Disney theme parks around the world. Renowned for her Renaissance-inspired portraits, her classics series honors Disney characters and also stands alone as fine art.
Michelle: Maggie, your work continues to provide a sense of enchantment to our guests. Your ability to capture some of our most notable Disney characters in many film-related scenes and scenarios is just part of the charm and magic that makes them so special. Some of your most recognized pieces have actually had a type of “Renaissance” inspiration. What made you choose to depict the characters in that style?
Maggie: I originally got the idea when Imagineering hired me to paint Disney characters in famous artworks for Tokyo Disney Sea. I really enjoyed imitating classic paintings. But it was also an interesting challenge to figure out subtleties of the characters: how they’d look in costumes, what expressions they’d have, how they’d look rendered in different mediums and techniques. I realized that Goofy, and all of the characters, have their own psychology. In fact, when I painted them, they came alive on the canvas, and I began to appreciate and understand the Disney characters in a whole new way while inserting lighthearted American humor into serious European history. Mickey and Minnie are beloved to the American imagination – so it made sense to paint them as “Queen Minnie” and “King Mickey” after famous royal portraits. It feels fun and irreverent to frame Goofy and Donald as English noblemen in the 1700s. And of course, portraying Minnie as the Mona Lisa is the ultimate parody.
Tip: Several of Maggie’s “Renaissance” inspired pieces, including “Minnie Lisa” and “Duck With A Pearl Earring,” will be available on the Disney Cruise Line in the months ahead.
Michelle: Two of your upcoming pieces will surely capture the imagination of Disney enthusiasts and Railroad historians everywhere. Can you give us some highlights and insights on these pieces and why you chose these subjects to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park?
Maggie: When I got the invitation to develop artwork for the 55th Anniversary, I jumped at the chance to portray scenes from the opening year. I grew up in Ohio, so I didn’t get to visit Disneyland park until my early 20s; but I can feel its history every time I walk through the park. There’s a certain magic that’s unique to Disneyland. It’s something I try to capture in my paintings. And because it’s a place that was born in the imagination, it seems natural to picture the characters walking around as if they secretly live there. That’s why I painted Sleeping Beauty in front of her castle, and Donald as the engineer, and Mickey as the fireman of the train. To me, they’re the living force that animates these places.
I decided to paint the castle because it’s so iconic; but I was surprised to learn that it was originally painted white. I left Aurora’s dress pink (instead of blue) to honor the current coloration of the castle. I also wanted to paint one of the trains because they’re just so fun. I originally considered portraying the No. 1 engine, but after learning that the No. 2 was Walt’s favorite, I had to paint that one. I consulted Jeff Remy – a train enthusiast and one of the engineers on the Disneyland Railroad – and he generously provided advice on the mechanical and historical details. Of course my pieces are never completely realistic – I add characters and fantastic details to make it more magical – but I try to portray the real-life setting as accurately as possible.
Maggie’s newest pieces will be available in late May, as she will be one of several artists featured as part of a Disneyland park 55th Anniversary exhibit in The Disney Gallery. Keep checking the blog for the latest details on the new exhibit and more.
Next month’s “The Art of” series will feature miniaturist Robert Olszewski.
Great Moments in Movie History – Featuring Minnie Mouse, R2-MK
posted on May 19th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Last week, we shared a first look at R2-MK before you’ll be able to see for yourself at this year’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Today, the new droid is in action. Similar to our “forced perspective” project, we’re having a little fun. Here’s “Great Moments in Movie History” – as reenacted by Minnie Mouse and introducing R2-MK.
Did the scene ring a bell? Are you looking forward to seeing R2-MK (with Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of red, black and yellow) at Star Wars Weekends? Let us know in the comments.
‘I’m Just Making This Up…’
posted on May 19th, 2010 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
“I’m just making this up.” That phrase is one of my favorites that I frequently hear from Julie Young, long-time product developer for pins with Disney Theme Park Merchandise. When Julie says that phrase, it is typically followed by some rough pencil sketch (to which I save on the back of my office door), and an idea that will soon become the next highly-desired pin. Following a recent business trip, Julie was inspired to create some of my new favorite pins using a classic icon everyone knows and loves.
“When I joined Disney in October 1994, I started as a fine jewelry buyer for Resorts and shops like the former 24KT Precious Adornments store at Downtown Disney Marketplace,” explained Julie. “So naturally, I’m drawn to jewelry. I like designing pins that can be used for more than just trading.”
Julie joined the Disney Pin Team in 2002 and has developed everything from limited edition to open edition pins and accessories. I’m continually amazed at her ability to create fresh, exciting and (the most important ingredient) fun Disney pins. In recent years, she has created several Mickey Mouse icon pins featuring everything from animal prints to pumpkins. There is something wonderful about simple designs that have the ability to effectively convey a story. In fact, one of our most popular and longest selling open edition pins is the Mickey Mouse icon featuring the American Flag. It’s a simple design and Guests have loved it for years!
“After a shopping research trip to Manhattan Beach, California, I began wondering what else I could do with the Mickey Mouse icon shape that had not been done before,” continued Julie. “An overall theme I saw in the marketplace was homespun design – using fabric, wood and other materials to give items a handmade look. I wanted to find a way to apply that idea to the next Mickey Mouse icon pins.”
Of the new homespun designs coming in 2010, I asked about her favorite. “I love the buttons,” exclaimed Julie. “There will be four different colors used for the ears and three different colors for the center circle. This means each button pin will be a unique handmade piece of art.”
I have to agree – those pins are as “cute as a button!” (which is another phrase that Julie loves to say and probably why she loves them so much). Look for these designs on coming to Disney Parks later in 2010.
UPDATED: Disney Star Wars Kooky Pen Signing Event
posted on May 18th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
UPDATE – May 25: Due to overwhelming demand, we’re bringing back Disney Design Group Artist, Cody Reynolds for an encore signing of the new Disney/Star Wars Kooky Pens. Cody will be signing the new Kooky Kollections on Friday, May 28, 2010 at The Writer’s Stop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. If you’re at Star Wars Weekends this Friday, make sure you stop by and say hello! We’ll see you there!
Just in time for Star Wars Weekends, Disney Theme Park Merchandise and Kooky Pens are excited to debut the brand new, limited edition Disney/Star Wars Kooky Pens!
The first limited edition Disney/Star Wars set, Kooky Kollection #7, features our favorite Disney heroes joining forces with our favorite Star Wars heroes: Mickey as Luke Skywalker, Minnie as Princess Leia & Stitch as Yoda.
The second limited edition Disney/Star Wars set, Kooky Kollection #8, features three of our Disney characters meeting our favorite Star Wars villains: Goofy as Darth Vader, Donald as Darth Maul & Stitch as the Emperor.
Each Disney/Star Wars Kooky Pen Set is a limited edition of 5000.
Join us as we celebrate the premier of these two limited edition sets and have the opportunity to meet Kooky Pen Creator, Brent Reese and Disney Design Group Senior Character Artist, Cody Reynolds. Brent & Cody will be on hand to meet guests and sign the new Kooky Pen releases at The Writer’s Stop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, May 21-22, 2010 from 10:00am – 11:00am and 1:00pm – 2:00pm.
New Video of Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay
posted on May 18th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
With summer right around the corner, we wanted to share with Disney Parks Blog fans some fun video of our brand-new Pelican Plunge water feature at Castaway Cay.
Check out the two corkscrew water slides in action, giant bucket dump and water cannons.
Can’t you just feel the exhilaration of the slides and imagine the splash into the warm Bahamian waters?
This summer, Guests sailing on special five-night itineraries on the Disney Wonder will enjoy two stops at Castaway Cay as part of their cruise. For daily Disney Cruise Line updates, including more on Castaway Cay and the new Disney Dream Cruise ship, visit the Disney Cruise Line Facebook page.
Local Artists Bring Downtown Disney to Life After Dark: Drew Tretick
posted on May 18th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
This is the second in a series of five posts highlighting some of the performers at the Downtown Disney District.
An internationally recognized artist, classical violinist Drew Tretick has performed by invitation with the London Symphony Orchestra and Andrea Bocelli, to name a few. Drew’s expressive performances and warm stage presence have won him a worldwide fan base and he’s an audience favorite at Downtown Disney and around the globe.
Drew is currently slated to perform May 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the Naples Restaurant Stage in Downtown Disney District.
Do we have any Drew Tretick fans out there?
Behind the Scenes: 120-Ton Winnie the Pooh Tree Relocated at Walt Disney World
posted on May 18th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
While most of us slept, something quite amazing was happening this month at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park – a massive effort to relocate the 120-ton Winnie the Pooh tree to make way for the upcoming Fantasyland expansion. Florida Imagineers and the Buena Vista Construction Company used one of the largest mobile hydraulic cranes in the construction industry to make it happen over three nights. And today, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how a year of planning came together to save the landmark tree and how it’ll now be used to connect “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” to the expansion’s new Fantasyland Forest. It was “Imagineering perfect.”
During the work, the crane had to be dismantled because of load limitations on a bridge leading into Magic Kingdom and transported in pieces to the construction site by a massive convoy that included the crane, a boom transport carrier and a fleet of vehicles carrying the crane’s 10-ton counterweights.
The decision to save the tree was partially for theming, part economical and part ecological. Walt Disney World Concept Designer, Senior Director Chris Beatty said it would have been a lot less work to simply demolish the tree and send it to a landfill but the decision to repurpose it was “a prudent use of resources and a great green choice.” The Pooh tree will continue to be an asset to the Fantasyland storyline.
May 19 is Turtle Day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on May 18th, 2010 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
May is a fantastic month to celebrate turtles and tortoises. May 1 began the sea turtle nesting season here in Florida, and Disney’s Animal Programs team members are, once again, monitoring sea turtle nests on a four-and-a-half mile stretch of coastline at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Every day, Cast Members identify new nests, examine and mark them for protection. World Turtle Day also is celebrated this month to encourage human action to help turtles and tortoises survive and thrive.
On May 19, we’ll have a Turtle Day celebration of our own at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Guests can learn about turtles and tortoises – and what they can do to protect them and their habitats.
Turtle Day activities include games that help families learn what threats turtles face in the wild, find out if they are smarter than a turtle, and experience what it’s like to find food with “turtle sight.” Other highlights include getting an up-close look at some of the turtles and tortoises that make their home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and learning about how we care for them.
Of course, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – and The Seas with Nemo & Friends, too – we celebrate and conserve turtles and tortoises every day. Over the years, Disney animal care teams have nursed more than 250 endangered sea turtles back to health and released them back to the wild. Earlier this year, we joined with others in efforts to rehabilitate as many as 4,500 sea turtles impacted by cold temperatures around the state. And, since its inception, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has directed more than $800,000 to sea turtle conservation efforts through more than 60 programs worldwide.
Now, our Company is in contact with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as other agencies, to stay abreast of anticipated needs related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and has offered assistance from our animal care experts and company resources to help.
This year, turtles have needed our help more than ever. You can learn more about them by visiting the Caribbean Conservation Corporation website, where you can read about Lumiere and Dory, Disney-sponsored turtles that participated in the annual Tour de Turtles, a sea turtle tracking event.
