As I strolled through Camp Minnie-Mickey this week, I happened upon three of our favorite Disney personalities quietly waiting for “the big one.” I’m glad they brought a lunch box along, as I reckon it is going to be a long day. Goofy, wake up! I think you’re getting a nibble.

Yawn…

Tagged: DAK, Photography, WDW

Filed: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

Today’s Night of Joy update features one of the biggest selling bands in Christian Music history, Provident Music Group artist Casting Crowns.

The Crowns, who formed in the Daytona Beach area, have amassed nearly 5.1 million career album sales, a GRAMMY Award, an American Music Award and 23 Dove Awards in just six years of public life as a band. Their fourth album, Until The Whole World Hears, sold 167,000 copies first-week setting a sales record as the highest debuting Christian Music artist in SoundScan history; and Aug. 31 will see the release of a live CD/DVD of their “Until The Whole World Hears” tour.

In addition to their huge success as a band, the members of Casting Crowns are also active in their churches, some even – like lead vocalist Mark Hall – are full-time ministers in the suburbs of Southern Atlanta. Most weeks see Hall and team spend Sunday through Wednesday working in their churches – then, get on a bus Wednesday night and drive through the night to their first concert. With concerts usually Thursday through Saturday nights, they then drive back home, sleeping on the bus to be ready in time for Sunday morning service – and start the process all over again.

The band spent some of their almost non-existent free time at Walt Disney World this spring, meeting Stitch and riding the World Famous Jungle Cruise.

In addition to 2010 Christian music Artist of the Year Casting Crowns, past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin head a star-powered 16-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom.

Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5, Red, BarlowGirl, Day of Fire, Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tenth Avenue North, Sidewalk Prophets, Thousand Foot Krutch and Britt Nicole.

Night of Joy tickets and additional information about the event are available at www.nightofjoy.com.

Tagged: MK, Night of Joy, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Special Events, Walt Disney World Resort

Yes, there’s a new fairy in Pixie Hollow at the Walt Disney World Resort and her name is Vidia. She’s known as the fastest-flying fairy there is and beginning today you’ll be able to meet Vidia and her other pixie friends – including the world’s most beloved fairy Tinker Bell – at Magic Kingdom Park. Vidia is one of the stars of the upcoming movie “Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue” set to be released on Blu-ray, DVD and via movie download on September 21.

Tagged: MK, WDW

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

UPDATE: Did you figure out where all the Hidden Mickeys in the video are located? Here are the answers in order of appearance: Disneyland Dream Suite, Shooting Exposition in Frontierland, Aladdin’s Oasis, Exit of Pirates of the Caribbean, Golden Horseshoe, Indiana Jones Adventure, Gadget’s Go Coaster in ToonTown, Haunted Mansion, Innoventions Dream Home.

Do you know what a “Hidden Mickey” is? Fellow Disney Parks blogger Thomas Smith blogs about the ones at Walt Disney World. I figured it’s time to talk about the “Hidden Mickeys” right here at the Disneyland Resort.

If you do indeed know what a “Hidden Mickey” is, then you’re smiling right now and probably proud of yourself that you’ve found a few or more. A “Hidden Mickey” is a Mickey Mouse shape that Walt Disney Imagineers have strategically placed throughout the Disneyland Resort. (They’re actually in all the resorts.) It comes in many forms, from a complete Mickey Mouse profile to the outline of his head and ears. They come in all sizes and they’re fun to “hunt.” They’re top secret too, like Area 51. Ask a Walt Disney Imagineer where the “Hidden Mickeys” are and he or she will say they don’t know what you mean. (They’ll say it with that Disney twinkle in their eye.)

My favorite “Hidden Mickey” is in Soarin’ Over California. As you “fly” over Palm Springs, look at the golf ball as it comes hurtling towards you. (Your instinct will be to shut your eyes, but keep them wide open or you’ll miss it!) There on the golf ball is a black “Hidden Mickey.”

What’s your favorite “Hidden Mickey?” Look at this video and try to guess where these little guys can be found. By the way, some people say there are nearly 200 “Hidden Mickeys” at the Disneyland Resort. (I can neither confirm nor deny.) Have fun!

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

Michelle Harker has been taking you behind the magic and introducing some of our talented Walt Disney Imagineers and Disney inspired artists in a special Artist Corner series titled, “The Art Of…” I enjoyed reading Michelle’s Art Corner so much, I asked her if I could take the reins this month and introduce you to one of our talented artists from Disney Design Group, Randy Noble.

Randy has a rich history with Disney. He began his career with Disney Parks in the fall of 1998, when he joined Disney Design Group as a Senior Character Artist. Randy has a true passion for Disney and in shows in all of the imaginative and beautiful art that he creates.

Dara: Our Guests have gotten to know you through your Disney art and collectible merchandise as well as your original artwork. How would you describe your art style to someone who has never seen any of your work?

Randy: I guess as far as my paintings go the paintings guest react the most to are my watercolors. They are loose with big washes of color and are more free flowing in style not worrying about where the color may go. I like to work in a variety of mediums like oil, acrylic, casein, and gouache but watercolor is still my favorite.

Dara: In addition to limited edition art work, what additional projects have you worked on that our Guests may not be familiar with? Are there any past projects that you have worked on that you’re most passionate about?

Randy: I have been very lucky to have worked on many great projects during my time at Disney Design Group such as Star Wars Weekends, Food & Wine Festival, Pin events, Disneyana, and the creative for our Disney Store on 5th Avenue in New York. I guess I was most passionate about Vinylmation. This was a project that my partner in Arts & Collectibles (Aaron Babcock) and I started from scratch and have watched it grow much larger than we first envisioned.

Dara: When selecting the characters that will appear in your art, is there a process you go through to help determine what character you’re going to focus on? Where do you draw your inspiration for each piece?

Randy: Each time I sit down and think of a new painting I try and keep in mind our guest and what characters they love. I do have favorites like Goofy and Pluto but I really enjoy painting all the characters. My inspiration comes from Disney Parks, I’m reminded every day as I drive onto Disney property what a great job I have, and how lucky I’ve been in my career.

TIP: On Friday, August 27, Randy Noble will be debuting three new original pieces of art at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Visit ArtOfDisneyParks.com for more information about Randy’s upcoming appearance.

Tagged: WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Walt Disney World Resort

Early mornings, excited kids and tired parents all mean one thing – a HUGE need for a great big ole’ cup of Joe. Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Suzannah D knows the secret to finding a great cup of java in Walt Disney World. She is one of the few panelists who lives within driving distance to Walt Disney World Resort, so she is here a lot in the mornings.

It’s no secret to those who know “Zanna” that second only to her love of Walt Disney World is her love of coffee. Here are Zanna’s “Top Spots for a Great Cup of Liquid Gold.”

• Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a good place for espresso and good old iced coffee too. Another hidden gem is the Writer’s Stop at the end of New York Street which serves espresso drinks and baked goods.
• Espresso Coffee & Pastry kiosks are located in several spots in World Showcase at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom offering many choices of hot, iced and frozen coffees.
• Kusafiri Coffee Shop in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is where you’ll can find some wonderful espresso. If you are in a tea mood, try the Royal Anandapur Tea Company also in that theme park.
• Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort serves authentic Kona coffee made from beans from one of the most fertile regions of Hawaii. The beans are flown to Central Florida where they are roasted to Disney’s strict specifications.
• Contemporary Grounds over in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the first floor is also a great spot for specialty coffee drinks.

Where do you get your coffee fix? Let us know know in the comments.

Tagged: Moms Panel, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

Hang on to your hats and glasses because there’s a new signature suite at the Disneyland Hotel – the Big Thunder Suite. Today we’re giving you a sneak peek at the Big Thunder Suite, and in the coming weeks, we’ll also share details of some of the other signature suites, including the new Fairy Tale Suite, Mickey Mouse Penthouse and Pirates of the Caribbean Suite. All are located on the 11th floor of the hotel’s Dreams Tower and boast a distinct design, luxurious amenities and amazing views.

The Big Thunder Suite is the wildest suite in the wilderness and immerses up to six pioneers in 1,400-square-feet of luxurious rustic accommodations inspired by the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction at Disneyland park.

Howling wolves sound to the push of the suite’s doorbell as guests step into a mine shaft foyer inlaid with Fool’s Gold and hear the rumble of a passing runaway mine train. A button on the wall can be pushed to trigger sound effects from the attraction. The mine shaft leads into a living and dining area that separates the suite’s two bedrooms. In many rooms, repurposed wood from a Midwestern barn is used as flooring and paneling, which is complimented by textured earthen walls.

A stone-hearth fireplace in the living area serves as the suite’s centerpiece and houses a mounted flat-panel television. When not in use, the TV is cleverly concealed by one of the many pieces of attraction concept art found throughout the suite. The living area also includes a surround sound-stereo system and displays antique tools once used for mining gold, including an 1850s gold scale and pan.

The centerpiece of the dining area is a knotted table with seating for eight, with a wagon-wheel chandelier. Nearby is a wet bar made of petrified wood and above the bar hangs a “living portrait” of a gold miner who magically changes activities over the course of the day.

Rustic décor belies the luxurious amenities found in the suite’s two bedrooms. The master bedroom is appointed with a desk, sitting area, TV and king-sized bed with a commanding headboard made of rich wood, brown leather and exposed brackets.

The master bath is revealed through a sliding barn door, where a free-standing copper tub is surrounded by a dramatic stone wall. The tub’s copper finish matches the copper piping in the adjacent steam shower, which is tiled with an earth-tone mosaic. A television is concealed behind the mirror above the bathroom’s bucket sinks.

To inquire about prices and availability, please call (714) 956-6425.

What do you think is the coolest feature of the Big Thunder Suite?

Tagged: DLR

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Hotels & Resorts