Thanksgiving Secrets from Disney Floral & Gifts
posted on November 22nd, 2010 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG
It’s the season when friends and loved ones share holiday tips to make our family gatherings extra special. In the spirit of friendship, I thought you’d enjoy a few Disney Floral & Gifts trade secrets we’ve shared before with the help of our Creative Designer, Cindy Braak.
Cindy has created floral designs for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Disney Parks and Resorts, and she is now dedicated to creating floral and gifts that help you give the gift of a memory. (In fact, she has designed most of the gifts you see on our website.)
So, sit back and enjoy! After you watch the clip, we’d like to hear some of your Thanksgiving tips and secrets. To place an order, call 407-WDW-GIFT or visit Disneyflorist.com.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on November 22nd, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Now that’s a smile for a Monday. Sure, our last toothy grin in need of an ID was tricky but you’ve got this one, right? It’s larger than life no matter how old you are and easy to spot – if you have a sharp eye while walking around one of the parks at Walt Disney World. Do you know where to find this? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Read the rest of this entry »
Get ‘Tangled’ Up at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
posted on November 22nd, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
As a little girl, one of my most treasured memories was listening to my parents read to me before my bedtime. My mom and dad took turns reading me stories, but my mom always insisted that she was the one to read me fairy tales, especially the stories that revolved around a princess. One of the fairy tales she read the most was the story of Rapunzel. I loved the whimsy of her beautiful, long, golden hair and I used to ask my mom if I’d ever have hair like Rapunzel’s. While my Mom gently let me know that I would never have hair spun of gold, I still dreamed that one day my hair would be as beautiful as Rapunzel’s.
When it was announced that Disney was recreating the magic of Rapunzel into the animated film, “Tangled,” I immediately came up with an idea to make my childhood dream come to life. I could be transformed into a princess just like Rapunzel – beautiful flowing locks and all.
My dream has come to life in the form of the Disney Tangled Package at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. What better way to welcome Rapunzel into the Disney Princess Family than with her very own makeover at our Boutiques? The Disney Tangled Package is a perfect fit at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It includes a golden, flowing Rapunzel wig, shimmering makeup, face gem, a princess bag and a princess sash.
The Disney Tangled Package is now available at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland park.
If you’re interested in booking your own Disney Tangled Package or want to learn more, Walt Disney World Guests can call 407-WDW-STYLE and Disneyland Guests can call 714-781-STYLE. But don’t wait too long; the Disney Tangled Package is only available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique until December 31, 2010!
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on November 21st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Were you watching the blog this week? Man, was it packed with first looks and unique images from Disney Parks, including some great photos from inside our newest signature suite at the Disneyland Hotel.
The Fairy Tale Suite has a marble foyer that descends into an enormous bedroom overlooking the entire resort through floor-to-ceiling windows. And there’s more to explore. Check out Heather’s post for more.
And how about our new plans for Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort? A new vibrant waterfront district called “Hyperion Wharf” is in the works and this week you got a first look at what to expect in the future. The district will come to life with a nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw you in and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland. Thanks for the great comments on the post, and let us know what you’re thinking this weekend.
Now, here’s a look at other stories we featured on the blog this week:
The Disney Dream Sails to the Sea – The Disney Dream said farewell to the Meyer Werft shipyard and made a 26-mile journey to the North Sea.
Pooh Attraction, Shop Reopen at Walt Disney World – Enhancements to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction at Magic Kingdom park include a re-designed load area and a re-imagined gift shop called Hundred Acre Goods.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… – This purple print may not be in the park you think it is.
Mickey Watches Over Aulani – Chris Strong, a Disneyland Resort entertainment manager working on the Aulani project, shot this photo of “Mickey in the clouds” overlooking the lagoon at Aulani in Ko Olina.
New Disney Gift Card App Now Available – The new Disney Gift Card app lets you view your current balance and learn more about Disney Gift Cards from your iPhone.
Out at Sea with the Disney Dream – Don’t miss the first official footage of the Disney Dream sailing under her own power at the edge of Europe’s North Sea.
Check In at Disney Parks with Gowalla – Disney Parks has teamed up with location-based web service Gowalla to make ‘checking-in’ to your favorite Disney places a lot more magical.
Partners in the Morning Fog – Paul Hiffmeyer shares another of his favorite photographs of the Partners statue at Disneyland park.
Take 5 with Mickey Mouse
posted on November 20th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
This week marked the anniversary of Mickey Mouse’s debut in “Steamboat Willie” in 1928. Since he first whistled his way into history, Mickey has been a very busy mouse. Here are some of our favorite Mickey moments at Disney Parks.
What’s your first memory of Mickey Mouse? Let us know how in the comments.
Top 5: Mickey Mouse
- Mickey Mouse: ‘Testing … One, Two, Three … Testing.’ – This summer, Mickey – who usually saves his voice for shows and parades – talked and interacted with guests in a way they’d never seen before.
- You Look Like Mickey Mouse? – We know you love Mickey Mouse, but do you look like him?
- Rare Video of Mickey Mouse Dancing at WDW – Did you see Mickey Mouse surprise guests at Walt Disney World with these unexpected dance moves?
- Mickey Mouse Reminds Us to Spring Forward – This 1970 photo shows Mickey Mouse and friends changing the clock on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park for Daylight Saving Time.
- Mickey in the Sand – You never know where you’ll see Mickey Mouse at Disney Parks.
Marvelous Moonlight at Aulani
posted on November 19th, 2010 by Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations
Take a look at this amazing view from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai`i. It was shot at dawn by one of our longtime Disney photographers David Roark who has spent time in Hawai`i capturing images of the resort’s construction and I wanted to share it with you. The moon was setting on the lagoon at Aulani at just the perfect time.
If this looks like paradise to you and you’d like to see more, I also have some great news to share. Today, we’re launching our new Aulani Facebook page. Check it out and let us know what you think as we countdown to opening day next year.
The ‘TRONolith:’ Nerve Center and Power Source of ElecTRONica
posted on November 19th, 2010 by Robin Trowbridge, Entertainment Show Director, Disneyland Resort.
Bringing the beat to the heart of Tron City is what’s known as the “TRONolith” – the giant nerve center and power source for the entire Grid. Each night, our ElecTRONica DJs stand watch from the TRONolith to charge up the action and generate excitement with pulsating music and non-stop energy throughout this new nighttime experience.
Here’s a peek at the TRONolith in the center of the photo with emanating lasers and cool geometric streaks of orange light while Programs and Sirens dance below.
Travel through this digital world and you’ll discover all that the Grid has to offer. Look one way and Laserman is lighting up the night, look the other way and you’ll see “Programs” just like you, re-fueling and re-energizing at the End of Line Club. You’ll also see Sirens and Servers inviting other Programs to get on the dance floor and get their TRON on. As the Grid comes alive, the energy becomes electric.
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night to feel the power for yourself. The Portal is open. Experience the energy, sights, and sounds that activate ElecTRONica.
Prepare to be digitized!
Disney, Home of the Braves
posted on November 19th, 2010 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Sure, the Major League Baseball season just ended, but if you want to get a jump on attending an Atlanta Braves spring training game at Walt Disney World, we just released the Braves’ spring training schedule and there are some marquee teams coming to town.
The first game at Disney is Feb. 27 when the Braves face the New York Mets at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There are also games at Disney against the Yankees (Mar. 8), Red Sox (Mar. 16), Phillies (Mar. 27) and Cardinals (Mar. 9 and 10). In all, there are 18 home games being played from late Feb through late March.
The Braves should be pretty exciting to watch, too. They have a new manager – Fredi Gonzalez – and a new hot shot second baseman – Dan Uggla – which should help them make another run at the World Series after winning the National League East Division last season. While individual game tickets don’t go on sale until early next year, you can get ticket packages now by calling 407/939-GAME (4263) or online at espnwwos.com/atlantabraves.
Yum, I can smell the hotdogs and pretzels already.
Disney VoluntEARS and the Orange County Food Bank Celebrate National Family Volunteer Day
posted on November 19th, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
Tomorrow is National Family Volunteer Day and hundreds of local volunteers, including our Disney VoluntEARS, will gather at the Orange County Food Bank to pack food boxes for seniors in need.
Last year, we packed a total of 23,669 food boxes, which were distributed to senior citizens during the holiday season. Those food boxes turned into more than 350,000 meals!
The Orange County Food Bank distributes 17 million pounds of food annually to people who need a helping hand, including homeless and unemployed individuals. For the last five years, Disney VoluntEARS have participated in numerous food drives and food-packing events in benefit of the Food Bank.
Watch this video we shot last year to see what it’s all about, and to get involved visit http://www.ocfoodbank.org.
Take a Ride on AquaDuck with Me!
posted on November 19th, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line fans might remember that last year on the blog I revealed one of the most exciting features coming to the Disney Dream – AquaDuck, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship.
I wrapped up that message by saying “we’ll have to wait until 2011 to actually experience the AquaDuck” since the ship’s inaugural cruise is set for January 26, 2011.
I thought that would be true, really I did. But it’s not. Not for me and a few lucky Disney cast and crew members, anyway.
A few weeks ago I was among the first people to ride AquaDuck! (Have I mentioned that I love my job?)
It was a chilly day at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany so we wore wetsuits for several solo rides down the 765-foot flume. Capturing our fun on the two-person raft was a high-definition camera protected with plenty of padding – and insurance!
I wish I could have taken all of you with me. Instead, I brought back this exclusive video to tide you over until the Disney Dream begins sailing out of Florida’s Port Canaveral next year.
Take a ride with Cruise Director Rachel Quinn as Peter Ricci of Walt Disney Imagineering describes some of the features that make AquaDuck a not-to-miss experience for our guests 48 inches or taller.
I’m in the video too but you’ll have to look carefully to spot me. Here’s a hint.
Now that you’ve seen AquaDuck in action, who wants to ride?
