Celebrity Sighting: Anthony Anderson at Epcot
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We caught up with actor Anthony Anderson in Enoteca Castello as he checked out a few handmade Venetian masks during a visit to the Italy pavilion at Epcot. Anderson, who stars in the NBC series “Law & Order,” is vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort with his family this week.
Handheld Device Will Offer Detailed Descriptions for Guests with Disabilities at Disney Parks
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Kathleen Prihoda, Media Relations Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Here at Disney Parks, we’re always looking for new ways to make attractions and experiences more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Today, I got a sneak peek at a first-of-its-kind technology that will change the way some guests with disabilities experience Disney parks.
Disney engineers have plussed up their Assistive Technology Device to provide detailed descriptions of outdoor areas for visually impaired guests. Using an interactive audio menu, guests can choose the type of information they’d like to receive, from architectural elements to the location of the nearest restroom. It works using wireless technology to pinpoint its location and take pre-programmed actions. Best of all, it fits in the palm of your hand.
The Disney engineers I talked to reminded me that the device already combines many other features, including detailed audio description for more than 50 attractions; amplified audio for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss; handheld captioning that lets guests read captions while enjoying specific rides; and activation of closed captioning on television displays in pre-show areas.
Here’s a sample:
Disney has already patented and licensed the technology for the handheld device, which could serve a wide variety of retail, commercial and industrial applications. And industry insiders and techies are already taking notice. The National Society of Professional Engineers just lauded the device as the new product of the year.
The Handheld Assistive Technology Device will be available starting June 27 for guests at Walt Disney World Resort and in 2011 in Disneyland Resort, for no additional cost.
New Home for Koi Fish
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
We recently announced that the Disneyland Hotel is undergoing some exciting changes! As we prepare for the renovations to the pool and courtyard area, we’re happy to share that we’ve found a great new home for the koi fish that resided in the Koi Pond at the Disneyland Hotel. We recently donated more than 250 koi to The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California – where the fish now live. Our friends at The Huntington tell us the koi were a great addition and that the lily ponds they live in are more popular than ever, thanks to the colorful new residents. Here are some pictures of their new, beautiful habitat. Make sure you stop by to see the Disney koi next time you visit the library!
Local Artists Bring Downtown Disney to Life After Dark: Brother Yusef
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
If you love the Blues played with intensity and fat vocal style, Brother Yusef is the musician of choice at the Downtown Disney District. A master solo guitarist and uniquely passionate vocalist, Brother Yusef is known for combining “traditional” finger picking and slide guitar techniques with contemporary urban blues. With “…one foot in the past and one foot in the present,” this Fatt-Back Bluesman creates a lasting impression.
While schedules are subject to change, Brother Yusef is currently slated to perform at the House of Blues area of the Downtown Disney District. Check downtowndisney.com/anaheim for specific performance dates and times.
If you’ve heard Brother Yusef perform, what do you think?
New Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations
Ready to relax? Later this summer Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will expand its spa offerings –which means more pampering for guests. The nautical-themed Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort will feature two massage rooms, a wet treatment room for body scrubs and wraps, a mani/pedi room and a relaxation room. The 1,000-square-foot retreat is scheduled to open in mid-August. I am so there…
This is Vinylmation, Jr.
posted on June 22nd, 2010 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
“Isn’t it awesome?!” exclaimed Thomas Scott, lead designer for Vinylmation with Disney Design Group, when I recently sat down to discuss his baby, Vinylmation, Jr. I say his “baby” as Thomas was the creator behind this new Vinylmation collectible which is half the size of the original 3-inch figure. You may recall we first introduced Vinylmation, Jr. at the opening of D-Street at Downtown Disney Westside in April 2010. The story of Vinylmation, Jr., however, began long before the first mystery box was ever sold.
The idea for Vinylmation, Jr. came about the same time as we were looking for ways to add some additional mystery to new open window figures we were creating such as Vinylmation Oh Mickey! and Vinylmation Sports. The mystery box key chain concept seemed like a natural extension to the 3-inch mystery figures.
“After seeing the first Vinylmation, Jr. designs for ‘Oh Mickey!’ and ‘Sports,’ I realized we could create an entire series based on these simplistic designs that would appeal to a whole new fan,” continued Thomas.
Thus Vinylmation, Jr. Series #1 was born. Thomas created the concepts for the entire series and enlisted Lisa Badeen of Vinylmation Cutesters fame to assist. In fact, some of Lisa’s handwriting and doodles are found on the packaging.
“What many Guests don’t know is Vinylmation, Jr. was digitally sculpted,” said Thomas. “Unlike the original 3-inch and 9-figures which were first sculpted by hand using clay, the 1.5-inch figure was created on a computer. The manufacturer then used the digital file to create a three dimensional digital print, known as a rapid prototype. The prototype was used to create the mould. So the final figure is exactly how I envisioned it.”
Series #1 tells a story with complementing figures. Thomas and Lisa split development based on Thomas’ concepts. But I don’t want to explain too much about the series as I want to see if you can figure out theme.
I asked Thomas if he had a particular favorite figure from Series #1. “The eyeball is my all time favorite,” responded Thomas. “I also like the man eating plant because where else would you see a man eating plant at Disney.” When asked about future Vinylmation, Jr. series, Thomas smiled and gave a semi-cryptic response.
“Vinylmation Series #2 is unofficially called ‘Color Block,’” he said. “The series features designs inspired by some famous colors combinations. I think our Guests will enjoy collecting them all. And it would not be lucky for me to share any information about Series #3.”
Vinylmation, Jr. Series #2 will be released at Disneyland Resort on June 18, 2010. It will be released in Florida on Friday, June 25 at D-Street at Downtown Disney WestSide. It will also be released on the Disney Parks Online Store at a future date. Like its predecessor, Series #2 will contain 16 known figures and two different mystery chasers. Each figure will be packaged in a mystery box, which leaves me asking, “Which one did you get?”
Something’s Cookin’ in the Kitchen
posted on June 21st, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
I don’t know about all of you…but when I’m in the mood for something sweet, a good cookie is all it takes to satisfy the craving. One of my favorites and hopefully one of yours too, is our giant Chocolate Chip cookies. Created in the shape of everyone’s favorite character, Mickey Mouse, these delectable treats practically melt in your mouth. Just the smell and taste of them makes me think back to when I was little, and watching my mom pull a warm tray of cookies out of the oven, and setting it on the windowsill to cool with the smell of the cookies wafting through the house.
Being so busy, I hardly have time to make cookies myself, so when I decide to bring a special treat home for the family, the giant Chocolate Chip cookie is my first choice. And my favorite part…the ears are actually dipped in chocolate. It’s sinfully delicious and at a price anyone can afford. They’re only $4.95.
My favorite place to find them, you ask? Goofy’s Candy Kitchen at Downtown Disney, Sweet Spells and Candy Cauldron at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom park, of course.
The Forgotten ‘Marquee’
posted on June 21st, 2010 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Recently I shared some photos from our archives of the original Disneyland park marquee on Harbor Blvd., but did you know there once was once a smaller, but very similar-looking Disneyland Hotel sign near our exit? This picture, taken in 1961, shows the Monorail on its then newly-expanded track, passing over what is now Disneyland Drive, on its way to the Disneyland Hotel.
As Heather recently announced, the Disneyland Hotel pool will be getting a brand new look that reminds me a lot of this classic photo.
Cast Member Spotlight: Wade Heath
posted on June 21st, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
Many of you would probably agree that the Disneyland Resort is the magic of Disney storytelling come to life, and as Walt Disney once said…”You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”
Meet Wade Heath. Wade is a parking lead at the Disneyland Hotel and a fine example of how our cast brings the magic to life for you – our guests.
Every day that Wade is at work he turns great vacations into unforgettable ones. Guests have even come back to the Resort from as far as Japan bearing gifts of gratitude, to thank Wade for making their time here so special. Because of his genuine, caring service – Wade was recently selected as the 2010 Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year by the American Hotel & Lodging Association – that means they consider him the best in the country!
Wade truly cares about people and it shows in his interactions with guests and co-workers. Cast members like him are what makes Disney – Disney. Watch this video to see what co-workers have to say about him and hear from Wade.
The ‘Characters’ of Main Street, U.S.A. – ‘Have Regard for Hildegard!’
posted on June 21st, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
Miss Hildegard Olivia Harding is a socialite and suffragette, President of the Main Street Social Society, Women’s Auxiliary and Decorating Committee, and works diligently with the women, educating them on Women’s Rights (as her friend Taby says “Those who don’t believe in Women’s Rights should watch out for Women’s Lefts.”).
Hildegard’s finger is in every pie, especially chocolate. “One can never have enough chocolate!” Miss Harding owns the Emporium and has an apartment upstairs where she throws lavish functions, often serving her specialty- calamari scones…hmmmmm…
Hildegard romps right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., proclaiming “Have regard for Hildegard! Hear my voice or else I’ll keep talking.” History could never have been this much fun…
