Disney VoluntEARS and Audubon Team Up to Help Rescued Birds Return to the Wild
posted on October 18th, 2010 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to spend a day at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey here in Central Florida — always a wonderful experience. The center treats, and releases back to the wild whenever possible, injured and orphaned birds of prey — eagles, owls, falcons and hawks, among others.
This particular day was even more wonderful because I participated with other Disney VoluntEARS, and staff and volunteers from the Audubon Center, in an Audubon TogetherGreen event. Our goal: give the center’s Magic of Flight barn a refresh. Disney sponsored the building of the flight barn in 2001 and has been an ongoing supporter of the center.
We spent the day helping with tasks ranging from roof repair, pressure cleaning, replacement of food boards and prey boxes, and re-wrapping the very large perches that are in the enclosures. Walt Disney World Community Relations also donated a new pressure washer and sliding ladder, and Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives donated animal care equipment.
Over the years, the flight barn, with its enormous size, has helped thousands of birds build up their strength and stamina — literally try out their wings — in preparation for returning to their natural habitats. Getting that flight time enables eagles and other birds to return to the wild sooner, giving the center more room to treat even more injured birds.
The Audubon Center also is supported through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF). In 2010, for example, the fund provided support to the Audubon EagleWatch program through its annual grants program. With more than 1,200 nesting pairs, Florida has one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the United States, excluding Alaska. Audubon EagleWatch helps in the conservation of bald eagles, gathering information about the eagles, active nest locations, and potential disturbances or threats to nesting activities, and educating the public and key stakeholders about threats to bald eagles with the goal of engaging them in eagle conservation. DWCF has provided funding to this program since 2004.
The next time you visit Florida, be sure to look up. You might see an eagle or other magnificent bird of prey in flight — perhaps even one whose life was saved thanks to the Audubon Center.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on October 17th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week, a unique image of a rough concept poster (above) introduced us to “The Florida Project: a Disney Trading and Collecting Experience” coming to World ShowPlace at Epcot on September 9-11, 2011. We talked with the lead designer of the event and learned why the focus will be on the feeling of nostalgia. If you missed the interview, check it out in Steven Miller’s original post.
We also featured several Halloween videos. There were video highlights from Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort as well as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort. Let us know if you’ve been to the events.
Now, here are some of the blog stories you may have missed during the week:
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… – You might think you know the answer to this week’s “Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…” but are you sure?
Are You Dressing Up As a Disney Character This Halloween? – See which of your favorite Disney characters our Disney Parks guests are dressing up as this Halloween.
Duffy the Disney Bear is on His Way – Duffy the Disney Bear arrived at Disney California Adventure Park and Epcot this week!
On the Set of Star Tours with C-3PO – Go behind the scenes of Star Tours with Anthony Daniels and writer Steve Spiegel.
Trivia Contest: You Could Win a Spot at the Villains Victory Party at Disneyland Park – This week, 75 lucky Disney Parks Blog readers won the chance to attend the “after hours” Villains Victory Party at Disneyland park on October 28.
Take 5 at Downtown Disney
posted on October 16th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Downtown Disney, at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, provides countless dining, shopping and entertainment experiences. Here are our Top 5 posts on dining, shopping and entertainment at Downtown Disney.
What is your favorite thing to do at Downtown Disney? Let us know in the comments.
Top 5: Dining at Downtown Disney
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Features New ‘N’awlins Brunch Fest’ with Bloody Mary Bar – We introduced a new Sunday brunch in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim – “N’awlins Brunch Fest.”
- Crepes & Funnel Cake Sticks Now at the Downtown Disney District – This summer, we told you about a new delicious new offering at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim. Café Renee, located in front of World of Disney, now offers crepes and funnel cake sticks!
- St. Patrick’s Day at Walt Disney World – We got our green on and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road at Downtown Disney in Florida.
- Oktoberfest 2009 at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim – For the first time, Downtown Disney District in Anaheim was filled with the German spirit as we celebrated Oktoberfest last Fall.
- Holiday Treats at Disney Parks – We found a tasty treat for the holidays at the Candy Cauldron at Downtown Disney in Florida.
Top 5: Shopping at Downtown Disney
- A Dooney & Bourke Special Event – We celebrated the launch of our latest Dooney & Bourke co-branded products at Tren-D in the Downtown Disney Marketplace in March.
- Sizzling Summer Appreciation Day Sale – It was a shopping extravaganza on Saturday, July 24, at World of Disney Stores at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts for annual passholders & Disney Vacation Club members.
- New Spins on Classic Disney Attractions – Disney Theme Park Merchandise and K’NEX have brought the Space Mountain and Dumbo the Flying Elephant Building Sets to Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.
- Taking a Good Look Through the Looking Glass… – Love “Alice in Wonderland”? If so, you must see the window display that was at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District earlier this year, which featured Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” character-inspired banners, three-dimensional mushrooms, flowers and, of course, the newest “Alice in Wonderland” apparel and accessories.
- Shopping Has Its Rewards At First-Ever Benefit Sale – Don’t miss the first-ever Benefit Sale at Downtown Disney on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. to help the Heart of Florida United Way in the Orlando area.
Top 5: Entertainment at Downtown Disney
- Local Artists Bring Downtown Disney to Life After Dark: Scott Williams – Our series of five posts on the musicians in the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim featured artists like Scott Williams.
- Art Show at D Street in Anaheim – This summer, Disney Underground artist Steven Daily did a special art demonstration at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort.
- World-Renowned Juggler Joins La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Did you hear? World-Renowned juggler Anthony Gatto joined the team of La Nouba artists at Downtown Disney in the Walt Disney World Resort earlier this year.
- Festival of the Masters Art at Downtown Disney – We spoke to Yellow Shoes Creative Group’s Joe Kaminski about last year’s Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney in Florida.
- Downtown Disney Hosts Splash! Animals This Fall – Splash! Animals performed outside Rainforest Cafe at the Downtown Disney District last Fall.
Rapunzel and Flynn Rider Now Greeting Guests at Disneyland Park
posted on October 15th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Starting today, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from the upcoming Disney movie, “Tangled,” will greet guests in Fantasyland at Disneyland park. We shared a first look at concept art back in August, but it’s so much better to see the real thing.
Beginning October 24, both characters also will appear at Fairytale Garden in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando.
You can also see Rapunzel and Flynn Rider on the big screen when “Tangled” debuts in theaters this Thanksgiving.
Disney Parks ‘Quick Hits’ – October 15, 2010
posted on October 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We now have a complete list of narrators for the 2010 Candlelight Processional at Epcot. John O’Hurley and Susan Lucci have been added to this week’s updated schedule. Here it is:
- Isabella Rossellini – 11/26 – 28
- John O’Hurley – 11/29 – 12/1
- Corbin Bernsen – 12/2 – 4
- Susan Lucci – 12/5 – 6
- Jodi Benson – 12/7 – 9
- Whoopi Goldberg – 12/10 – 11
- Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/12 – 15
- Thomas Gibson – 12/16 – 18
- Trace Adkins – 12/19 – 21
- Brad Garrett – 12/22 – 23
- Edward James Olmos – 12/24 – 27
- Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason – 12/28 – 30
Also, the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival is returning to the waters of Downtown Disney Area on Saturday. Since the event is taking place in Village Lake, watercraft transportation will not be available to or from Downtown Disney Area Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Now, here are a few other items that didn’t make it to the blog this week.
Pumpkin Mickey and Jack Skellington Candy Apples — Pick up these Halloween treats at Marceline’s Confectionery or Candy Palace at Disneyland Resort.
Eat to the Beat! Concert Series — Howard Jones plays the Eat to the Beat! Concert Series at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starting tomorrow. See who else will be performing in the coming weeks.
Rock Out this Halloween — Want to add a little rock n’ roll to your Halloween costume? See what’s available at Studio Disney 365.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival — Did you know? This year’s event features more than 75 kinds of international foods.
“Mickey Mouse Adventure – Space Mountain” Pin — Mickey rides Space Mountain in this new pin.
Dining at Walt Disney World Resorts — The Walt Disney World Moms Panel sheds light on whether you must be a Walt Disney World resort guest to dine at one.
A Ghostly Tour at the Disneyland Resort
posted on October 15th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
The Disneyland Resort has transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Disney’s scariest Villains are spooking…uh…I mean greeting guests. Mickey and Minnie and their pals are decked out in their favorite Halloween costumes, hundreds of pumpkins decorate the resort and autumn is in the air. It’s really a great time to visit, but if you’re a Halloween junkie then there are some special tours available, complete with your own “Ghost” or “Ghostess.”
The resort offers “Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour” and “Disney’s Happiest Haunts Ultimate Experience.” These two tours enhance the Halloween experience at Disneyland by giving guests an insider’s look at how Halloween comes to life, with fun holiday facts and a chance to experience the resort’s most popular Halloween attractions. Some of Disney’s most infamous Villains also appear on the tours.
“Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour” will be held daily through October 31. The cost is $64 plus park admission. “Disney’s Happiest Haunts Ultimate Experience” costs $99 and includes admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party. It’s available on Tuesdays and Fridays only. Park admission is included. Both experiences can be booked by phone only.
Tours have limited space and start at 5 p.m. and 5:05 p.m. For information, contact Guest Services at 714-781-4400. (A 20 percent discount is offered to Disney Vacation Club members, Disney Visa Card Holders, Annual Pass holders and AAA members for “Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour” only. No discounts apply for “Disney’s Happiest Haunts Ultimate Experience.”)
Check out this video for a sneak peek and Happy Halloween!
Walt Disney World Resort Selects 2011-2012 Ambassador Team
posted on October 15th, 2010 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
This morning, I witnessed a true-life fairy tale unfold at Magic Kingdom Park. Much excitement was in the air as two Cast Members were chosen to step into the time-honored role of Walt Disney World Ambassador. During a special ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle, Norman Vossschulte and Jennifer Mason were named as the 40th Walt Disney World Ambassador Team.
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As part of the 2011-2012 Ambassador team, Norman and Jennifer will represent Walt Disney World Resort’s approximately 58,000 Cast Members as they share the magic of Disney throughout the community and the world. Their responsibilities will include making hospital visits and appearances with Disney characters, participating in community outreach events and recognizing Cast Members’ milestones and special achievements.
The new Ambassadors bring some unique talents to the team. Norman currently is a Jedi Master at the Jedi Training Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jennifer currently oversees the Magic Kingdom Custodial team.
Following a two-month training, the 2011-2012 Walt Disney World Ambassadors will start the new year with a full schedule and can expect to participate in more than 3,500 events during their two-year term.
The great honor of being selected as a Disney Ambassador began during the 10th anniversary of Disneyland, when Walt Disney himself was overwhelmed with requests for appearances and media interviews. As a result, he selected the very first Ambassador in 1964 and the tradition has continued ever since.
Reservations Open for Wild Africa Trek Adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on October 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
How’s that for a view? Such wildlife thrills are part of the upcoming Wild Africa Trek experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we’ve just opened reservations. It’s the same adventure we told you about in July but now we can share more details.
Wild Africa Trek will be a three-hour, expert-led adventure offering up-close-and-personal experiences with wildlife species that make their home in Pangani Forest as well as other areas of the park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve. As part of the adventure, you’ll clip onto a lifeline and step to the edge of a cliff to get amazingly close to the hippos and crocs. Here are a few highlights for curious explorers:
- Trekking with experienced guides through areas of Harambe Wildlife Reserve that aren’t explored during regular Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences.
- Navigating through fern and vine forests on a bushwalk.
- Clipping into a harness attached to a safety line, crossing a rope bridge over the Safi River and cliff-hanging at the edge of gullies that are home to hippos and crocodiles.
- Experiencing the thrill of “over-landing” in customized open-air vehicles following the edge of a wide-open savanna.
- Unwinding from an unforgettable adventure at a private safari camp for wildlife viewing. At this station elevated above the savanna, guests will savor sample tastes of Africa.
Harambe Wildlife Reserve will be offered several times daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Groups will be kept small, consisting of no more than 12 trekkers per safari.
Reservations for Wild Africa Trek can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). Pricing for this unique adventure will vary seasonally. Guests who reserve a booking from Jan. 16-Feb. 26, 2011, may take advantage of an introductory offer starting at $129. Park admission is required for participants.
Trivia Contest: You Could Win a Spot at the Villains Victory Party at Disneyland Park
posted on October 14th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
UPDATE: Congratulations to all our Villains Victory Party Trivia Contest winners! The complete list of winners can be seen here. Here are the correct answers to the contest questions:
- Which Disney animator created both Maleficent and Cruella De Vil?
A: Marc Davis - Who was in the lead in the “Vote for Villains” race on October 8?
A: Maleficent - On which Disney Cruise Line ship can you see the show, “Villains Tonight!”?
A: Disney Magic
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If you’re an avid reader of the Disney Parks Blog, then you’re probably familiar with the Disney Villains who have been battling for the title of “baddest of them all.” Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula, the Evil Queen, Captain Hook and Cruella De Vil have been duking it out for four weeks now, and the madness will end October 28, 2010, when the baddest Disney Villain will be announced at the Villains Victory Party.
If that sounds like fun to you, then I have good news. You could win a spot at the Villains Victory Party!
If you are one of the first 75 people to answer the three trivia questions below correctly, you and a guest may be able to attend the “after hours” Villains Victory Party at Disneyland park on October 28. Access to this very special event cannot be purchased and can only be won through the Disney Parks Blog or participating radio stations in the Los Angeles area.
Winners will have several attractions all to themselves from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on October 28, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Indiana Jones Adventure©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd and Haunted Voyages aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat. The party will also include eerie music, Club Skellington, tarot card readers, palm readers and special photo locations with characters. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Here are the questions:
- Which Disney animator created both Maleficent and Cruella De Vil?
- Who was in the lead in the “Vote for Villains” race on October 8?
- On which Disney Cruise Line ship can you see the show, “Villains Tonight!”?
To enter, e-mail your answers along with your full name to contests@disney.go.com. Once the contest is over, we’ll send notifications to the winners via e-mail. If you win, you must provide verification of your age and residency and be able to attend the Villains Victory Party on October 28. Check-in on October 28 will begin at 3 p.m. PT, and you are welcome to enjoy both parks after 3 p.m. and before the party starts. To read all the contest rules and eligibility requirements, click here. If you have any questions, please ask them here on the Blog.
Good luck!
P.S. Please don’t spoil it for others by posting guesses or answers in the comments.
Contest open to US residents 18 and over. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Ends 10/15/10.
Video: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
posted on October 14th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
If you thought Jeff’s post had some amazing costumes, wait until you see what we found this week at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Watch closely – you’ll see some pretty creative ideas.
Did you catch the homemade parrot with Mickey ears? Let us know what grabbed your attention.
And if you haven’t been yet, there are still several dates to choose from. Check available dates, find an event map and order tickets on our special Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party page.
