New Sign Language Intrepretation Service at Disneyland Resort
posted on June 17th, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
At Disneyland Resort we’re always looking at ways to make every guest’s experience as magical as possible. This week we began offering regularly scheduled sign language interpretation at many shows and attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Guests have access to a schedule of offerings that are interpreted without having to make prior arrangements.
The new service is available every Monday and Saturday at Disneyland park and every Sunday and Friday at Disney California Adventure park. No advance arrangements are necessary, however, it is recommended that guests request a schedule confirmation at least one week in advance. Guests who request confirmation are contacted prior to their visit and provided a current schedule complete with a list of attractions, dates and times of interpreted offerings. Interpretation service for special events and shows can be requested with two weeks notice by calling Disneyland Resort Guest Relations at (714) 781-6176 [voice] or (714) 781-7292 [TTY].
The new sign language interpretation service is offered at the following locations: Guest Relations at both theme parks, Jungle Cruise, Jedi Training Academy, Storybook Land Canal Boats, “Celebrate! A Street Party,” “Billy Hill & The Hillbillies,” “Turtle Talk with Crush” and “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” It will soon be offered at “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” as well.
In addition to complimentary sign language interpretation, the Resort also has available assistive listening and handheld captioning devices for guests with hearing disabilities.
Your Favorite Place to Watch Fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park is…
posted on June 17th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
To see a story in the sky, you need a great view for Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. But where to go? Are you like me, continually searching for a new favorite viewing area or do you have your own “special” go-to spot? We’re curious. So today, we’re in the parks asking, “Where is your favorite place to watch fireworks at Magic Kingdom?”
Now, it’s your turn. Please let us know your favorite spot to watch fireworks at Magic Kingdom – or any of our parks – in the comments below.
Deserving Dads
posted on June 16th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Sometimes, Dad can be pretty tough guy to shop for. With Father’s Day right around the corner, you may be racking your brain trying to find that perfect gift that’s just right for dear ol’ Dad. If another power tool just won’t do – allow me to recommend a few of my top picks that’ll remind him just how loved he is whether he’s at work or at play.
Is your Dad sporty? Help him tee off in Disney style with Disney Golf Club Covers, Golf Ball Markers, Golf towels, Golf balls and a Golf Cap. Dad will like nothing more than a gift that encourages him to keep hitting the greens. The best part about the Disney Golf Collection is that not only can it be found in select Disney Theme Park Merchandise locations, but it can also be found online too! To find the right golf accessory that’s sure to be a hole in one with Dad, visit DisneyParks.com/Store.
Now, my Dad makes the bold claim that he’s the “Undisputed Grill Master of The World.” Since he already is fully equipped with a grill and all the grilling accessories, one thing I know he can never get enough of are grill seasonings & rubs. So when I saw Chef Mickey’s BBQ Magic Seasoning Kit, I knew I had a gift that would encourage him to fire up the grill. The kit comes with a bottle of Sweet-As-Minnie BBQ Sauce plus two Oh Boy, That’s Good! Dry Spice Rubs for both chicken & beef. Keep an eye out for this set at the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A. and other select merchandise locations at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
Maybe you want to give Dad something that he can use every day? Great gift ideas include Disney Watches & Money Clips. If you’re searching for the right Disney Watch from the comfort of your own home, then check out the great watches that are available online. And if you’re shopping at Walt Disney World, let Dad pick out his own from the watch case line at the World of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
If Dad’s wardrobe could use a little updating then venture over to Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to pick up our new Mickey Mouse inspired tie, cuff links, dress shirts, sleep pants or tees. Not in the Parks? You can find these items online too!
Regardless of what gift you choose to give Dad on Father’s Day or how you choose to celebrate his special day; don’t forget to tell him how much he means to you – because that’s that greatest gift you can give him.
An Eye for Flowers
posted on June 16th, 2010 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort
Did I wake a sleeping giant, or is Monstro just looking at the flowers?
Special Character Dinner at Disney’s Vero Beach
posted on June 16th, 2010 by Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations
Ahoy mateys!! Pirate fever has made its way to the beach, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort to be exact. Shutters restaurant at Disney’s Vero Beach is having some swashbuckling fun this summer with a special Pirate Character dinner every Monday night hosted by Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald. It’s an all-you-can-eat feast with guava barbeque ribs, rotisserie chicken, brisket, barbeque pulled pork and loads of favorite sides that I thought you’d like to know about. It’s $26.99 and $12.99 for ages 3-9 thru Labor Day.
Top 10 Quick Bites in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks
posted on June 16th, 2010 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
We recently posted Top 10 favorite Walt Disney World restaurants and a reader asked for favorite quick-service restaurants. With four theme parks it’s not easy but we’re still sticking to Top 10. Forget hot dogs and hamburgers, here goes:
- Sweet Potato Cart, Frontierland, Magic Kingdom. Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores love this filling snack that’s low fat and full of vitamins – and you can eat on the run. Sweet potatoes are seasonal, so if we don’t find them, we head to Columbia Harbour House for the Lighthouse Sandwich – hummus, broccoli slaw and tomatoes on whole-grain bread. Or we throw caution to the wind and order the restaurant’s fried shrimp platter.
- Ditto for the veggie egg roll from the Egg Roll Wagon in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. Low fat, not so much. But satisfying and easy to eat when you’re dashing through the park.
- Taco Salad, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Frontierland, Magic Kingdom. Better than a burger and you can load up with jalapeños at the toppings bar.
- Half slab of St. Louis Ribs, Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’ve peeked in the kitchen to watch the chefs grill these tasty favorites – finger-lickin’ good.
- Kung Pao Beef, Yak & Yeti counter service, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Grab some chopsticks and dig in.
- Pressed Tuscan deli sandwich with shaved smoked ham, smoked breast of turkey, provolone, Caesar dressing and Pesto marinated tomatoes on a Tuscan roll, served with apple slices or French fries at Studio Catering Company, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Go for the fries.
- Southwest salad with chicken, tortillas, black bean relish, avocado, and cilantro vinaigrette at Backlot Express, Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And since it’s relatively healthful, sometimes we sneak in a late-afternoon peanut butter and jelly shake at the bar at 50’s Prime Time Cafe.
- Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese Salad with honey sherry dressing at Sunshine Seasons, The Land pavilion, Epcot. Plain delicious if you love beets. If not, go for the seared tuna salad with sesame-rice wine dressing.
- Does a chocolate crepe count as a meal? We think so. Stop at the Crepes des Chefs de France kiosk in Epcot World Showcase.
- Sit at the outdoor tables and people watch while you share a shawarma platter at Tangierine Cafe at the Morocco pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Generous tastes of hummus, tabouleh, couscous salad and Moroccan bread. We suggest the chicken and lamb combo.
Asking the Moms 101
posted on June 15th, 2010 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is made up of men and women just like you. They’ve fallen in love with Walt Disney World Resort and want to share their knowledge, passion and experience with everyone they meet! The panelists are there to answer your vacation planning questions and have years of their own family-tested advice to share.
Four of our panelists, Suzannah D., Joel K., Jonas L. and Amanda W. got together to give you their best tips for getting the most out of your Walt Disney World Moms Panel visit!
Amanda is a mom of two and actually uses the Walt Disney World Moms Panel as a resource for answering the questions submitted to her on the panel! She suggests using the search feature on the front page. She says, “Before you ask your question, try searching.”
Suzannah, a Florida resident suggests looking through the mom’s bios before asking a question. “Our moms are so diverse! Some of them travel with teenagers, others with preschoolers. A few know all about navigating the parks with a special needs family member. Some are Disney Vacation Club members. Find the mom that is most like you and ask them a question directly!”
Amanda says that she actually answers questions asked of her directly first, so you’ll usually get your answer more quickly than sending in a question to the main pool. And if you want more information after you ask a question, Joel suggests you just ask another question—all the panelists like to answer in depth!
It may be tempting to squeeze all your vacation questions into one big paragraph. Disney Dad, Jonas suggests breaking them up, “It doesn’t hurt to submit several questions. If you submit only one question at a time, we can answer you more clearly and fully.”
Joel says to do a little research on the basics before asking a question. Answers on pricing, resorts, attractions, etc are all on the main Walt Disney World vacation planning site (www.disneyworld.com). Ask the panel those questions that will truly make your visit magical like, “how do I surprise my 6 and 7 year old with the news that we are going to Walt Disney World!”
Don’t forget to check your inbox. You will be automatically notified when your question has been answered. The Moms and Dads work very hard on answering the many guest questions they receive. They say to please be patient and they hope to get to everyone but don’t always. They suggest to keep checking back the site for updated information.
The panelists also suggest that guests watch the videos on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel site. The videos showcase some of what Walt Disney World Resort has to offer and many of the videos are hilarious!
Art Show at D Street in Anaheim
posted on June 15th, 2010 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Hot off the Press! I love being the first to know when exciting events are in the works at Disneyland park! A little birdie (thanks, Merchandise Special Events Team!) just stopped by my desk to fill me in on an awesome new art show that D Street is hosting on Saturday, June 26! The best part about the art show is that it will have something for everyone – and I do mean EVERYONE – you’re sure to find something that’s right up your alley.
Love Princesses? Then the new Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs inspired art is sure to find a happy home hanging from your living room wall.
If you’re looking for something edgier, then our Disney Underground art featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other characters might be more your speed.
But if you’re in touch with the dark side, then our Star Wars inspired art is sure to use the power of the force to win you over.
Since most of the images of making their public debut at D Street on June 26, I wanted to give avid fans like you a sneak peek of what’s in store.
As if seeing some of this great art wasn’t enough… Disney Underground artist Steven Daily has just signed on to do a special art demonstration starting at 5 pm. Believe me, it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
This “don’t miss” art show will be on display from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 26 at D Street in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. Mark your calendars and make sure to sure to stop by & check it out. For more information visit www.DisneyDStreet.com.
Disney’s ‘Ducky’ Draws Donald Duck
posted on June 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
During our first meeting with artist Don “Ducky” Williams, he shared his love of drawing all Disney characters. But one character in particular holds a special place in his heart and I think you know which one — Donald Duck. His amazing Donald Duck drawings are admired throughout the company. It’s why we call him “Ducky.” And today, he’s showing us how it’s done.
We’ll be featuring more of Don’s amazing work during future trips to his office (and yes, his work area is as interesting as it looks in the video). Please let us know which character you’d like to see “come to life” next.
Vinylmation ’55 – The Mickey Mouse Club
posted on June 15th, 2010 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I love Disneyland! My wife and I spent our honeymoon there, and I’ve visited the Resort nearly every year since the start of the new Millennium. There is something so special about the place where Walt Disney walked. That is probably why I’m excited about the new Vinylmation figures inspired by the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland Resort which we are calling “Vinylmation ’55.” I recently spoke with Susan Foy from Disney Design Group about the first two figures from this series – a 9” plus 3” set celebrating the 55th Anniversary of The Mickey Mouse Club (a television show that also made its debut in 1955).
“I started work on the figures in March 2009,” explained Susan. “I remember watching the original series as a child. The first concept I had was a tribute to the Days of the Week which evolved to the little girl and little boy Mouseketeer figures. I watched the show intro many times and remember seeing their cute faces on the curtains.”
Susan was first hired to work on designing merchandise for the opening of Disney California Adventure in 2001. She also created many outstanding designs for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland Resort in 2005 (has it really been five year since then?). It only seemed natural to have her work on these first two figures for the nostalgic Vinylmation ’55 collection.
Susan shared that the girl and boy were originally going to be the 9” figures. Funny thing is the girl kind of reminds me of fellow Disney Parks blogger Michelle Harker (but don’t tell her I said that). The Mouseketeer kids eventually became 3” figures after the idea of creating a combo set was suggested by Donald Ferro, developer for Vinylmation.
“With the new combo set in mind, I wanted icons from the show that Guests would remember and would complement the young Mouseketeers,” continued Susan. “I liked the randomness of the Mousegetar. My husband is a musician so maybe that is why I chose that one. I also wanted to feature a character, so band leader Mickey Mouse seemed like a great choice. He is the leader of the club after all! ”
The original design for the Band Leader Mickey Mouse did not contain the baton and plume. Those features were added much later in the design process. Of all the figures we’ve created, the Band Leader Mickey is one of my ultimate favorites. The detail, design and overall look are striking to see in person.
Referencing her original design concept, I asked Susan if she had a favorite day of the week. Some of you may recall each day on the show had a different theme.
“Certainly not Mondays,” laughed Susan. “Fridays are always great but I also like Tuesdays.”
These two figures will be released exclusively at D-Street in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Each set has an edition size of 555. Stay tuned to http://www.Vinylmation.com for a release date and look for more figures coming from the Vinylmation ’55 collection this year.
