Video: ‘Lotso’ at Block Party Bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on June 24th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
When we first featured “Lotso” (short for Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear) he was a new face at Disney Parks. Since then, he’s been busy. “Lotso” is now part of the Block Party Bash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and if you haven’t seen him in the street spectacular, it’s worth a look:
Block Party Bash features more than 20 Disney·Pixar characters. Got a favorite? Please let us know in the comments.
Update: Luxury Pet Resort at Walt Disney World to open September 1
posted on June 24th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Update: August 17: We have a quick update to share today about the new luxury pet resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. We’re putting the finishing touches on the Best Friends Pet Care center and its doors will still be opening soon…but not quite yet. Opening day is now scheduled for September 1. Check out our initial post below for more details about the resort.
Pet lovers … beginning today reservations are being accepted for a new luxury pet resort scheduled to open this summer at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you haven’t heard, the new Best Friends Pet Resort will be a “best-of-breed” facility with air-conditioned rooms,”VIP” suites and private outdoor yards for your pet.
And yes, bedtime stories with staff will be included as one of the special features at the 50,000-square-foot resort. You’ll also be able to choose from a list of la carte activities for your pet, including one-on-one play times and social playgroup with other dogs and ice cream time.
The resort’s exclusive dog park will have a fenced walking trail bordering natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, there will be different play areas, including a 3,300 square-foot area covered in artificial turf, a 4,500 square-foot area with shade trees, and a 1,300 square-foot “canines only” water park.
Feline guests will spend visits in a separate “Kitty City” pavilion – away from dogs – in two and four-room condos. And there will be a special facility for the boarding of “pocket pets,” such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.
The resort is located on property at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway, across from the Port Orleans Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. Check out www.bestfriendspetcare.com to make a reservation for pet stays beginning August 27, 2010, or call 877-4-WDW-PETS.
America Sings? Main Street Electrical Parade? Bear Country? America on Parade? What New Attraction or Show do You Think was Most Impressive at Disneyland Park Between 1971 and 1975?
posted on June 24th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Have you been following our countdown to the 55th anniversary of Disneyland park? This is the 8th post in an 11-part series in which we look back at a different half-decade every week. This week, we’re looking at 1971-1975.
I spoke with my colleague and Disney Parks Blog contributor, George Savvas, and I really enjoyed hearing about one of his first memories of Disneyland park, which was largely influenced by America Sings.
George recalls, “I came to see it on a field trip with my elementary school. It made such an impression me. I had never seen anything like it before. When I think of it now, I’m not sure I’d have ever heard many of those songs if I hadn’t seen America Sings over and over again through the years. I still remember all those songs even now! The best part was the finale – there were so many characters on stage. Every time I’m over at Innoventions I remember Sam and that school field trip – oh, and the weasel, of course.”
Before you pick the attraction that you think is the most impressive addition between 1971 and 1975, read about what else happened during these years.
1975 – Disneyland park celebrated its 20th anniversary and began a 15-month salute to the U.S.A. Bicentennial with the most elaborate parade in the park’s history – “America on Parade,” which featured 50 floats and 150 giant performers at least eight feet tall, in addition to an all-new red, white and blue fireworks spectacular “Fantasy in the Sky.” Disneyland park welcomed back Christine Vess Watkins and Michael Schwartner, the park’s first visitors in 1955. Mission to Mars, an updated version of Flight to the Moon, was an exciting journey deep into space, since man had already reached the moon in real life. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln returned to Main Street, U.S.A. as a featured part of The Walt Disney Story.
1974 – Disneyland park was featured in two televised specials, “Sandy in Disneyland” starring Sandy Duncan, in April, and “Herbie Day at Disneyland” in July. In Tomorrowland, America Sings, a humorous musical review, opened in the Carousel Theatre with a cast of 110 comical Audio-Animatronic animals singing America’s favorite heritage folk music and campfire tunes led by emcee Sam the Eagle. It replaced General Electric’s Carousel of Progress. The Main Street Electrical Parade entertained millions of summertime visitors, as did the All-American College Marching Band and a new addition, The Kids of the Kingdom. Special events included Alice in Wonderland Days, Viva Mexico, Disneyland and All That Jazz, “Herbie Rides Again” Days, and “Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too” Days.
1973 – Disney celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney Productions with the opening of “The Walt Disney Story” in April, attended by Mrs. Walt Disney, and a special tribute October 20-21 that included special parades, a cartoon festival and complimentary posters, attended by more than 100,000 guests. Disneyland Showcase, located in Town Square, displayed models and artist renderings of new attractions planned for future expansion at the park. Special events included a Viva Mexico Salute, Star Spangled Holidays, Festival Pan American Saludos Amigos, Big Band Festival and Angels-Disneyland Fun Day. Cary Grant narrated the Christmas Candlelight Procession. General Electric’s “Carousel of Progress” closed to the public on Sept. 9 in preparation for relocation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
1972 – Disneyland park added Bear Country as a seventh land on the far corner of Frontierland. A new production of Walt Disney World, Country Bear Jamboree, was brought to Disneyland park, and new eatery Hungry Bear Restaurant opened. What was to become the most popular entertainment feature in all Disney parks, the Main Street Electrical Parade, debuted as a major summer nighttime feature with millions of tiny lights creating images from Disney animated film classics. Winnie the Pooh campaigned for president with a red-white-and-blue parade and pep rally on Main Street, U.S.A. Rock ‘n Roll Reunion sparked September entertainment with Frankie Avalon, Chuck Berry, The Drifters and The Platters. Disneyland Hotel opened a $7.2 million Convention Center with a 29,000 square-foot exhibit hall and an 18,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom.
1971 – An amazing attendance mark was recorded when Disneyland greeted its 100-millionth visitor in just under 16 years. The lucky 100-millionth guest Valerie Suldo from New Brunswick, N.J., came through the gates on June 17, launching a summer-long celebration of entertainment called “Year of One Million Smiles.” The world’s biggest New Year’s Eve party was celebrated with 23,000 guests on hand, the largest number in Disneyland history. New in Frontierland, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes were introduced as a way to see the Rivers of America. The year marked the debut of the first All-American College Marching Band. During the four-day President’s Holiday in February, the park rolled out lavish red-white-and-blue “I Am an American” ceremonies in Town Square. Sadly, the year ended with the death of Roy O. Disney on Dec. 20. Walt Disney’s brother was co-founder of Walt Disney Productions and chairman of the board.
Which of these attractions do you think made the biggest impression between 1971 and 1975? Do you have a personal favorite?
If you missed the previous 7 stories in which we looked at the milestones between 1976 and 2010, click the “Countdown to 55” tag below to get caught up.
Disney Character Bandz Have Arrived!
posted on June 24th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Back in April we told you that Disney-inspired Rubber Bandz were on their way to the Parks – well the wait is finally over! The new Disney Character Bandz are officially here and finding their way onto Guests’ wrists all across Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
Currently, there are six unique Disney Collections in the Parks. The collections feature a few of your favorite characters from Disney Parks and films such as “Toy Story,” Disney Princesses, The Fab 6, “Cars” & Disney Fairies!
Here’s a peek at a few of the collections you can find in Disney Parks.
Has your favorite character been imagined into a Disney Character Bandz?
Special Fireworks on July 4 at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Get ready for a treat at Walt Disney World this Fourth of July — we’re celebrating with a unique choice of fireworks shows at several different theme parks. Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have special pyrotechnics and Epcot will be adding a patriotic “tag” to its famous “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” spectacular. Here’s the specific breakdown:
Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m. After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight. Park hours are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m., providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.). Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage. In addition, Betsy Ross will be engaging guests inside The American Adventure with storytelling, while Ben Franklin will be making appearances on the promenade near the attraction. Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows on July 4 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
And of course, entertainment and park hours are subject to change without notice. So, who’s joining us this year?
A Rhino Just Smiled at Me
posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort
One photography lesson that I learned early on was to anticipate where the action was about to take place and set myself up at that location, ready to snap the photo. With this image I was watching the parade and noticed that the rhinoceros was walking up to guests on the right hand side of the parade route, stopping for a second and moving on. I positioned myself behind the bench and waited to see if the photo I had hoped for would happen. It turned out to be a very fun photo.
Moms Panel: Tips for Staying Cool this Summer at Walt Disney World
posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Moms Panel has some great ideas to keep your family cool as a cucumber this summer. Disney Mom Tanya M is from New Jersey and her northern blood isn’t used to the weather that blankets Central Florida during the summer. Here are her tips on beating the heat:
- Visit the parks in the morning and the evening when the summer crowds and sun are less intense. Go back to your resort for a swim, lunch or afternoon siesta in between to cool off.
- Purchase some clip-on fans for your stroller. We bought these for my boys and coupled with the canopies on their strollers, they stayed cool even on the warmest days.
- Spend an afternoon at DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney. This indoor, interactive amusement park has games and attractions for kids of all ages, a great restaurant and lots of air conditioning!
- Carry along a soft-insulated cooler bag with plenty of water and/or juice boxes for everyone in your family. If you can, stick everything in the freezer the night before. The beverages stay super cold during the entire day. Include a zip lock bag with a wet wash cloth. These work great for quickly cooling off sticky, sweaty kids in the parks.
- When all else fails hit the water parks. It’s just about impossible to be hot when you are soaking wet!
**Bonus tip for moms like me who insist on trying to look fabulous while melting, skip the mascara and bring along some extra powder.
Got any tips for staying cool at the Parks? Please let us know in the comments.
Video Shows How To Create ‘World of Color’ Vinylmation
posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Hey Disney and Vinylmation Fans!
I know how much you all like to see what it takes to make the magic happen. That’s why I’m excited to show you some of the footage we gathered while we were celebrating the world premiere of “World of Color,” our new nighttime water spectacular. Take a look as Southern California artist Noah puts the finishing touches on a one-of-a-kind “World of Color”-inspired 5-foot-tall Vinyl, and talks about how you can create your own Vinyl, turning blank canvas into an amazing piece of art.
Enjoy the clip!
Golden Oak Luxury Residential Resort Community at Walt Disney World
posted on June 23rd, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Today, we’re unveiling something very different – an unprecedented opportunity to buy a home at the Walt Disney World Resort. You read right. Golden Oak is a new one-of-a-kind, luxury residential resort community that Disney Imagineers helped design. So, of course, it’ll have a unique Disney touch.
Take a look at our first released artist rendering of a Tuscan village courtyard home – it’s one of several architectural styles that’ll be featured at Golden Oak. Parks, pedestrian pathways and a private clubhouse are also planned for the community designed especially for resort living.
Golden Oak, named after Walt’s Golden Oak Ranch in California, will offer single-family, custom homes priced between approximately $1.5 million and $8 million, with fewer than 30 home sites available for sale this year. Residents will also have access to select amenities at the planned Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, including the full service spa, restaurants, golf course and event space.
We’ll have more on this in future Disney Parks Blog posts. But if you’d like to know more right now, please visit www.disneygoldenoak.com.
What a Goofy Way to Celebrate!
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant celebrated his team’s World Championship at the Disneyland Resort today, and he was joined by none other than Goofy himself, who, thanks to his hat, appears to have a height advantage on the NBA Finals MVP.
Kobe was spending the day with his family and friends, taking in as much of both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park as possible. He told me that his daughters have a new favorite attraction — The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror! But that didn’t stop them from taking a spin on the Mad Tea Party and two trips through Space Mountain.
After visiting Goofy, the Bryants were off to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
It was great to see Kobe again, and I’m guessing that the hundreds of people I saw wearing purple and gold throughout the Resort felt the same way!
