New Disney Gift Card App Now Available
posted on November 16th, 2010 by Jill Thomas, Business Development Director, Disney Gift Card Services
Hi everyone. The Disney Gift Card team is always working on innovative solutions to make your Disney Gift Card experience even better. And today, we’re excited to share our newest app now available in the Apple App Store.
With the Disney Gift Card app, you can view your current balance and learn more about Disney Gift Cards. We’ve made it super simple to keep track of the entire family by creating custom labels for each gift card in your party.
Quick tip – In addition to labeling each card, you can also snap a photo and use that picture to quickly identify the current balance of a family member’s Disney Gift Card.
We hope you enjoy version 1.0. Visit Apple.com for app specifics and to download this free tool.
Thea Awards Announced for ‘World of Color’ and Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine
posted on November 16th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Today, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced that this year’s Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement-Nighttime Spectacular goes to “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park. “World of Color” is recognized by TEA as “a visual and technical marvel,” that combines stunning Disney and Pixar animation with music, lights, fog, lasers, fire and nearly 1,200 programmable fountains spanning an area that is bigger than a football field. Please join me in congratulating the hundreds of talented people from around the world who worked on this project for the past five years!
And that’s not all. Longtime Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine was recognized for a lifetime of distinguished achievements with The Buzz Price Award. Kim began her career at Walt Disney Imagineering in 1970, where she worked alongside many of the Walt Disney Imagineering legends such as John Hench, Mary Blair, Marc Davis and Claude Coats. She worked on many attractions for both Magic Kingdom and Epcot at Walt Disney World before joining Imagineering’s Disneyland Design Studio team in 1980.
Kim has long been the Art Director for Disneyland park and was responsible for projects such as Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration, including a new look for the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Recent projects include adding ‘new magic’ to classic attractions such as ‘it’s a small world’ and in locations like the Rivers of America. Kim also created designs for the new Disney Gallery and interiors for the new The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction on Main Street, U.S.A.
TEA announced the 17th Annual Thea Award recipients during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction’s (IAAPA) annual conference. The Thea Awards recognize achievement, talent and personal excellence within the themed entertainment industry. To date, Walt Disney Imagineering has received a total of 34 awards throughout the Thea Awards’ 17-year history.
Mickey Watches Over Aulani
posted on November 16th, 2010 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
Some “hidden Mickeys” are more magical than others. Recently, 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. This picture wasn’t photoshopped or manipulated in any way. In fact, Chris says he didn’t notice it until he was reviewing his photos. It’s fun to think this is a good omen for the Resort!
The Citizens of Hollywood – ‘Wannabes and Has-Beens’
posted on November 16th, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
As you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will encounter an array of talented street performers along the way, always re-inventing themselves for your camera. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Alberto Dante! Often imitated but never nominated. “Action! No! Cut!! No! Action!”
And the drama plays out right in front of everyone, including the two actresses above – Miss Cynthia Bloom, Hollywood’s full bouquet of talent, together with the not-so bright starlet Evie Starlight. In her own words, “Sometimes it takes me a long time to remember my name…”
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on November 16th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Who or what did that? The purple print is this week’s mystery image in need of an ID. But wait, not so fast. It may not be in the park you think it is. Take a good look and give us your best guess where to find it. Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Read the rest of this entry »
Nearly 500 VoluntEARS Make a Wave – and Do the Wave! – During Ocean Cleanup
posted on November 16th, 2010 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
Enthusiastic Disney VoluntEARS couldn’t resist doing “the wave” before “making a wave” to help our oceans by heading out over the weekend to clean up the Brevard County coast line. VoluntEARS worked in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Brevard Beautiful, United States Coast Guard and the Canaveral Port Authority, as part of the annual Florida Coastal Cleanup.
I had the honor of welcoming the VoluntEARS and assisting in the cleanup, and I can say without hesitation that there’s no better way to spend the morning. After all, what’s better than enjoying the natural beauty of Florida while helping to protect it?
Joined by friends and family, nearly 500 VoluntEARS – a record number – helped make the beaches safe for marine wildlife and more enjoyable for everyone by cleaning up 2,500 pounds of trash on nearly four miles of coastline near the Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral.
Starting in January 2011, Port Canaveral will be home to the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream. I’m thrilled to report that, by exploring a wide range of energy-saving initiatives and selecting the most advanced equipment, the Disney Cruise Line team has built the most energy-efficient ship possible.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest volunteer event to rid our waterways of debris. Disney’s involvement in the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup spans seven years; since 2003, more than 2,300 VoluntEARS have picked up more than 28,000 pounds of garbage at Florida Coastal Cleanup events.
Trash in our oceans is an on-going, year-round problem. In addition to participating in waterway cleanups in your community (all waterways eventually lead to the ocean!), you can start a “sea of change” by minimizing waste. For example, since most of the litter collected during cleanups consists of disposable items, you can help by choosing reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee mugs and food containers.
Pooh Attraction, Shop Reopen at Walt Disney World
posted on November 15th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park this week, you’ll be the first to see a series of new enhancements to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The changes begin with a re-designed load area and a re-imagined gift shop called Hundred Acre Goods specializing in apparel, toys, plush characters and collectibles featuring Pooh and his friends.
Also this week, the attraction entrance will be temporarily relocated to the FASTPASS return lane while enhancements continue on several interactive elements being added to the queue. And beginning Thanksgiving week, young guests will start their adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood by jumping with Tigger, crawling through Eeyore’s house and playing in Rabbit’s garden before they board the attraction. And there’s more to come, with new elements debuting throughout the next month.
These enhancements will have a temporary impact on FASTPASS distribution which will not be available until the enhanced queue opens. Soon, we’ll resume FASTPASS distribution for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Mickey’s PhilharMagic where it will remain during Fantasyland’s expansion.
New Menu Debuts Today at Steakhouse 55
posted on November 15th, 2010 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
No worries, the delicious bone-in rib-eye steak with signature Steakhouse 55 rub still is on the menu, but Chef Jason Martin is having fun with a new dinner menu that starts today.
A notable new addition is sustainable fish, which will change according to what’s available. This week it’s black cod, healthfully broiled, Chef Martin tells us. Next week, it might be wild halibut or hiramasa from Australia, giving him latitude to play with the menu.
Cold smoked ahi stays as a starter, but the popcorn-style rock shrimp goes, as does the broiled Portobello mushroom, making way for soy-glazed barbecue short rib, calamari with spicy aioli and our favorite – a charcuterie plate with American speck (pork), salametto, sopressata, olives and cornichons, which Chef Martin says is a favorite of his.
And while the famous “wedge” and Caesar salads stay, Martin has added a Steakhouse Salad with bacon, cucumber, tomato, red onion and smooth Tillamook Cheddar.
You can still find an array of delectable Angus steaks, herb-crusted rack of lamb, lobster tail, free-range chicken and salmon. (How about a 12-ounce filet?) Two new additions are a dry-aged bone-in New York strip steak and the Kurobuta pork porterhouse with roasted apples, a hefty 27 ounces on the bone.
Mac and cheese, a guest favorite that’s come and gone on the menu, becomes a menu mainstay, tempting us to stray from our favorite Chef’s Potato Stack Au Gratin with countless layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in decadent butter and cream.
For sweet endings, there are two new tastes: a moist 24-layer chocolate cake with layers of milk chocolate, dark chocolate and Nutella, and a root beer float with a shot of root beer and a root beer- flavored baked Alaska, a new twist on an American classic. We’ve tried the 24-layer cake and can attest that it’s worth every calorie. And best with a glass of cold milk.
The “55,” by the way, is an ode to 1955, the year Disneyland park opened, an era when a night on the town was a glamorous experience. Most of the servers, as well as Chef Martin, are sommeliers, and they happily will offer a taste or two or offer a vintage from the award-winning selection. When he’s not too busy in the kitchen, Chef Martin said he enjoys a visit to the restaurant’s wine cellar with guests.
Breakfast, too, is a relatively new addition to Steakhouse 55. It’s a relaxing way to start the day, with a latte or cappuccino – or maybe a hot chocolate with whipped cream. Specialties such as buttermilk pancakes with warm Bananas Foster or French toast with warm berries are an indulgent way to start the day, or fill up on eggs Benedict, omelettes, huevos rancheros or a hearty breakfast burrito.
Splurge with the 7-ounce Angus steak and eggs, or behave with granola, yogurt and fruit or the Smoked Salmon and Bagel platter.
For kids, Mickey-shaped pancakes, scrambled eggs or favorite breakfast cereals are on the menu.
Steakhouse 55 is located at the Disneyland Hotel and is open daily for breakfast and dinner. For reservations, call (714) 781-DINE.
Walt Disney World Resort Creates ‘Cuddliest Christmas Tree’ for Toys for Tots
posted on November 15th, 2010 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
It’s not everyday that you see a US Marine on a special mission with a cuddly teddy bear in tow. Such was the sight at Epcot this morning and I’m still smiling from getting a glimpse of it.
Walt Disney World Resort kicked off its annual toy collection drive for Toys for Tots today with a little help from members of the US Marine Corps, Duffy the Disney Bear and his pals Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Disney VoluntEARS created the “Cuddliest Christmas Tree,” a 20-foot-high, 10-foot-wide Christmas tree made of 1,200 stuffed Duffy bears, all of which will be donated to Central Florida Toys for Tots.
Each year, Disney VoluntEARS make the holidays brighter for deserving local children by donating tens of thousands of toys to Toys for Tots.
From now until Dec. 10, Walt Disney World Resort cast members will collect new toys for the Central Florida Toys for Tots drive. Organizers tell me they are seeing a record level of families are registering this year so these donations will make a big difference at time when it’s needed most.
On a side note…did you know that Disney’s involvement with Toys for Tots began more than 60 years ago? In fact, Walt Disney and his animators designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still used today.
The US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation has drop-off sites set up nationwide for the next few weeks to accept toy donations. To find a location near you, visit http://toysfortots.org.
Fairy Tale Suite at the Disneyland Hotel
posted on November 15th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
This is our fourth post in our series on signature suites at the Disneyland Hotel. One of the newest additions is the Fairy Tale Suite.
Guests enter the Fairy Tale Suite delighted by pixie dust and the appearance of Tinker Bell, who illuminates a crystal castle encased in the wall. A marble foyer descends into an enormous bedroom overlooking the entire resort through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The sage and champagne colors used throughout the suite elegantly blend the combination of blonde and glass furniture. The suite’s centerpiece is an exquisite canopy bed overlooking the corner view. The room is finished with crown moulding, automatic drapes and a custom-designed dresser, from which a flat-panel television ascends at the touch of a button.
The focal point in the suite’s bathroom is a beautiful hand-cut mosaic of a stylized Sleeping Beauty Castle. The mirror disguises a TV and the double vanity countertop twinkles with shooting stars. Domes and Corinthian columns mix thematically with an abundance of modern amenities, including a steam shower and Jacuzzi tub with chromo-therapy.
To inquire about prices and availability, please call (714) 956-6425.
What do you think is the coolest feature of the Fairy Tale Suite?
