Park Balloons: There’s a Skill To This Inflated Fun
posted on May 17th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one, literally. Disneyland has been selling balloons in the Park since 1955. So, how does that cool Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon get inside that clear balloon? It takes skill. And how do the vendors hold all those balloons without letting them go? Again, it takes skill and a special technique. Check out this video and see how they make balloon magic. By the way, if you ever pop a balloon while you are in the Park, just bring it back to the vendor and they will give you a new one!
Making Minnie Mouse Candy Apples at Marceline’s Confectionary
posted on May 17th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Have you ever thought about making a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple? Candy maker Margie Bursiaga at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District sure makes it seem simple in the video below.
What do you need to get started? An apple on a stick, caramel, marshmallows, melted milk chocolate, melted white chocolate, an edible red bow, red sugar and white chocolate dots.
Got that? Now watch the video:
The apple designs at Marceline’s Confectionary in the Downtown Disney District represent a collaboration between candy makers, store management and the product development team. The designs can take more than a month, as candymakers go from developing the concept to producing and selling it in the candy store.
There are more than a dozen different apple selections that change throughout the seasons. Do you have a favorite?
Making Of: ‘How to Move a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter’
posted on May 17th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We like to try new things on the Disney Parks Blog – like our most recent mini-project called “How to Move a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.” The basic idea was to make make something small appear much larger and then deliver a surprise. Disney Parks photographer Kent Phillips gives a behind-the-scenes look at the set up and how it was created:
Before Star Wars Weekends begins on May 21, we’ll be sharing a few more surprises on the blog. Be sure and check back this week.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
posted on May 17th, 2010 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons
If you’re like me, you couldn’t wait to see the remake of “Alice in Wonderland” in a whole new light, and in 3D! Here’s a really fun concept, based on the whimsy of the original Disney classic. Incorporate some colorful “Alice in Wonderland” inspiration to your reception, rehearsal dinner, even bridal shower with this fun and whimsical theme! Choose from a host of bright and cheerful colors to create a memorable event for you and your guests. You never know, the White Rabbit may just hop through on his way to YOUR very important date!
To learn more about Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings or Honeymoons please visit www.disneyweddings.com or call 321-939-4610 to speak to a Wedding Consultant.
The “Characters” of Main Street, U.S.A.
posted on May 17th, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Who would be so bold as to combine stripes and polka-dots? Why, Miss Inga DaPointe, of course – the fashion maven of Main Street, U.S.A. Miss DaPointe also serves as the Fashion Editor of the Main Street Gazette when not adding cheer and fashion guidance to the many Magic Kingdom guests who frequently ask her for autographs and photos.
The exquisite parasol Miss DaPointe is holding is made of authentic Battenburg Lace- the real deal. During the late 1800’s, every English Duke had his own pattern. Queen Victoria named her son-in-law as the first Duke of Battenburg, thus Battenburg Lace was born. What elegance…
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on May 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week’s announcement of plans for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort presented some of you with an eventual decision to make — which themed wing to stay in? The resort (expected to open by the end of 2012) will be designed around four themes: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid. And don’t they all sound interesting? Decisions, decisions. On the other hand, when it comes to a favorite time to visit Walt Disney World, many of you have already decided:
If Star Wars Weekends is your favorite time to visit then check out the first link in our list of the week’s other most popular posts.
How to Move a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios begins on May 21.
First Look: Cars Land Welcomes the First Test Vehicle for Radiator Springs Racers — Disney Parks Blog readers got a special sneak peek at the new test vehicles arriving at Radiator Springs Racers at Disney’s California Adventure park.
New Construction Photos of the Disney Dream Bow — Soon this section will be lowered into place in the building dock where construction continues, on track for the January 26, 2011, Maiden Voyage.
Local Artists Bring Downtown Disney to Life After Dark: Alturas — We took a look at Alturas, one of the acts that make Downtown Disney come to life after dark. Who is your favorite?
Interactive Image: Sun Sets over Spaceship Earth — Check out this new interactive image of the sun setting on Spaceship Earth.
Your Wish Has Been Granted: Genie’s Run Extended at Hyperion Theater — By popular demand, “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” is remaining at Disney’s California Adventure park!
Star Wars Weekends 2010 Galactic Bounty
posted on May 14th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Hunting for special galactic bounty? Look no further than Star Wars Weekends 2010! Since the beginning of Star Wars Weekends, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has created out-of-this universe merchandise to commemorate the event. Every year we feature new and unique art that is created especially just for the event. Some of the merchandise can only be found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends. Once the last weekend of Star Wars Weekends comes to a close, so does the specialty logo merchandise.
I had the opportunity to chat with this year’s product developer for Star Wars Weekends, Robert LaFlamme, to find out where he got his inspiration for this year’s art logo.
“Creating this year’s logo art was easy. With ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ celebrating its 30th Anniversary, it made sense to feature one of the most infamous stars from the film, Boba Fett.” said Robert. “Boba Fett is the ‘most notorious bounty hunter in the galaxy’ – it seemed only right to incorporate Boba Fett into the art to pay homage to such a recognized and notable character from the original Star Wars trilogy.”
This is the first year that Boba Fett has been incorporated into the event art. “In the past, we have tried to find unique ways to bring Boba Fett into the art for the event. When the opportunity presented itself to use the bounty hunter, I jumped at it.” explained Robert.
This year, you can bring home a part of the celebration with special limited release T-shirts for the entire family, baseball hats, track jackets, messenger bags, picture frames, collectibles and more, all of which will feature this year’s awesome art.
Want to take a sneak peek at some of the merchandise being created for Star Wars Weekends 2010? Catch a glimpse at ArtOfDisneyParks.com!
It you’re attending Star Wars Weekends 2010, be sure to make your way to Boba’s Bounty and Dark Side Depot, located near the Studio Backlot Tour and across from the Studio Catering Company, to check out the Star Wars Weekends 2010 logo art in person. These two merchandise shops have been set up especially for Star Wars Weekends 2010 and will be filled with Star Wars merchandise that’s sure to please the most gregarious Wookiee!
You don’t want to miss out on your chance to add this limited release merchandise to your collection – it’s sure to disappear faster than the Millennium Falcon completing the Kessel Run.
50th Anniversary? Disney’s California Adventure Park Opening? What’s Your Favorite Event or Memory Between 2005 and 2001?
posted on May 14th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Last week, we started counting down the days to the 55th anniversary at the Disneyland Resort by sharing highlights from the most recent half a decade. This week we’re looking back to 2005 through 2001.
This week, I chose the 50th anniversary celebration on July 17 as the event I found most memorable in this five-year period. The re-dedication ceremony was full of fanfare and concluded with Walt Disney’s eldest daughter, Diane Disney Miller, re-dedicating Disneyland park the same way her father did in 1955. One of the things I remember most about the 50th anniversary was the golden versions of some of my favorite Fantasyland attractions.
Here’s a look at some of the events around the Resort in 2005 through 2001. What do you remember best?
2005 – A 50th anniversary celebrity kick-off event included Julie Andrews, Steve Martin and Tim Allen. Sleeping Beauty castle underwent a beauty makeover, complete with crowns. “Remember…Dreams Come True” fireworks show made its debut. Neil Armstorng re-dedicated Space Mountain. Disneyland park was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush premiered at Disney’s California Adventure park.
2004 – Over at Hollywood Pictures Backlot, guests began having hair-raising experiences when The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened May 4. At Disneyland park, three Olympic gold medalists took to the water at the Disneyland Resort in a pool built in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. during the final stop of the “Disney’s Swim With the Stars” tour. “Snow White – An Enchanting New Musical” debuted. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel completed a renovation in June featuring redesigned guest rooms, an enhanced lobby and a new pool area with a waterslide.
2003 – “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” came to Disney’s California Adventure park and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh debuted at Disneyland park. Jingles and the rest of King Arthur Carrousel’s 72 steeds were ready for guests again after an extensive refurbishment. In June the Pirates franchise was born when we rolled out the red carpet on Main Street, U.S.A. for a Hollywood-style premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
2002 – “a bug’s land” opened at Disney’s California Adventure park, offering guests the chance to see the world through a bug’s eyes. In October, the first CHOC/Disneyland Resort Walk in the Park saw 11,000 participants stroll through the Resort. After baseball’s fall classic had ended, the Resort was awash in a sea of red as fans came out to cheer the Angels in a victory celebration. The year ended with three wishes as the Disney’s California Adventure production of “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” had its first performance.
2001 – This year saw the completion of the largest expansion in Disneyland history at that time, and on just the second day of the year, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel welcomed its first guests. Shortly after, Downtown Disney opened the doors to its shopping, dining and entertainment venues, while Disney’s California Adventure park celebrated its grand opening in February. Over at Disneyland park, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante opened in Frontierland. On July 4, guest favorite “Disney’s Electrical Parade” returned after an absence of almost five years to light up the streets of Disney’s California Adventure park. Grim grinning ghosts celebrated the holidays with the first appearance of Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland park, and band lovers celebrated “The Power of Blast!” at the Hyperion Theater at Disney’s California Adventure park, featuring brass and percussion instruments and choreography reminiscent of a halftime spectacular.
What’s your favorite event or memory at the Disneyland Resort between 2005 and 2001?
Reading with Orange Grove Elementary
posted on May 14th, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
For the past couple months, a co-worker and I have spent our lunch hour with a classroom full of energetic third graders to emphasize the importance of reading. I really liked this program because I was able to read to the kids in both English and Spanish and share my Hispanic heritage with them – making for an even stronger connection to a largely Hispanic student population.
This particular reading program is made possible through the Disneyland Resort’s Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement’s (HOLA), one of six diversity resource groups that contribute insight to the Resort, furthering its diversity and inclusion goals.
On the last day of our program – when all 100 kids were treated to a pizza party – it hit me how just a few weeks inside a classroom can make such a significant impact on not just the kids but also on the teachers and on us, the volunteers. As soon as the kids walked in, they were greeting us by name. And when it came time to leave, there were lots of hugs and kids saying: “We’ll miss you.”
I couldn’t believe that such a small act could have such a huge reward. Seeing their smiling, pizza-filled faces was a personal reward I certainly wasn’t expecting.
How to Move a Star Wars X-wing Starfighter at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on May 14th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
As you can see, we’re excited about the upcoming Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event begins soon – on May 21. Keep an eye on the blog for a few other Star Wars surprises in upcoming days.
