Wildlife Wednesdays: Baby Animals’ First Christmas
posted on December 22nd, 2010 by Anne Savage, Ph.D., Conservation Director, Disney’s Animal Programs
Each year my team has lots of fun transforming the Wildlife Tracking Center at Rafiki’s Planet Watch into a unique winter wonderland. I say unique because I bet most holiday decorations don’t include a poop snowman family!
This year our theme is “Babies’ First Christmas.” We’re celebrating the first Christmas of all of our animal babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2010, including a baby white rhino, Lola; a baby gorilla, Lilly; and a baby elephant, Luna. All of the plush animals in the Wildlife Tracking Center are decked out in their holiday finest and decorations include a favorite Wildlife Tracking Center holiday tradition: the cotton-top tamarin Christmas tree.
We have some fun baby animal trivia to share with Guests who visit us. I’ll share a few of the trivia questions here with Disney Parks Blog readers (answers are at the end of this post):
- What species produced the smallest baby?
- What species produced the largest baby?
- What species produced the second most babies in 2010?
A big part of the celebration, of course, is helping to ensure a bright new year for wildlife and nature. Everyone can help to do that by using the Earth’s resources wisely, including always remembering to reduce, reuse and recycle, and supporting wildlife conservation organizations, including the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
Trivia question answers:
- Tanzanian tailless whip scorpion (too small to be weighed!)
- Elephant (our newest baby elephant, Luna, weighed 288 pounds at birth.)
- Taveta golden weaver (a species of bird native to Africa), 90 were hatched — the species that produced the most (300 babies) was, once again, the Tanzanian tailless scorpion.
Colors of Christmas at Magic Kingdom
posted on December 22nd, 2010 by Gene Duncan, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
I was standing in Town Square at Magic Kingdom this week, taking in the wonderful sights and sounds of the holiday season. I was drawn to Old Glory, flapping briskly in the breeze, creating a protective frame for the magnificent 65′ tall tree that anchors Town Square throughout the holiday season. What a dramatic combination of colors…
Throughout Town Square stands a small brigade of brightly painted soldiers. I wondered about the history of these whimsical fellows, and was able to contact Steven Vagnini, Archivist at the Walt Disney Archives, who was quick to explain:
“Indeed, the marching toy soldiers were inspired by those seen in the 1961 Disney musical, ‘Babes in Toyland.’ In the film, the toy-sized soldiers were given the illusion of life through stop-motion animation by Disney Legends X. Atencio and Bill Justice. Life-size versions of the soldiers first appeared in Disneyland in the 1960’s and have become a Disney Parks tradition ever since.”
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Merriest Sights at Walt Disney World
posted on December 22nd, 2010 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Earlier this month, we gave you a look at some of the amazing gingerbread creations that add flavor to the Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season – but what about the more than 1,300 holiday trees we have on property? The miles of festive garland? Or the glittering displays of holiday lights?
Each year, Holiday Services works around the clock to “deck the halls” at each of our theme parks and resorts. To do so requires 150 truckloads of decorations, which they use to create some truly jaw-dropping holiday sights.
That said, here are my top-five suggestions for this year’s must-see holiday sights at the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Castle Dream Lights at Magic Kingdom Park – If Cinderella could decorate her castle for the holidays, what décor would she choose? The look of glittering ice, just like that of her glass slippers; and Fairy Godmother appears each night to assist in the magical transformation.
- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – This nightly display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features 10 miles of twinkling lights that periodically “dance” along to holiday music.
- Larger-than-life holiday trees – Nothing says the holidays are here like a beautifully decorated tree – except perhaps a 45-foot-tall holiday tree. These towering symbols of the season can be seen at each theme park, Downtown Disney and at a few resorts.
- Holiday décor seen around the world – World Showcase that is. During the holidays, each international pavilion at Epcot is dressed up in décor inspired by its respective culture. For example, some holiday trees at the Germany Pavilion are decorated with gingerbread cookies and tiny nutcrackers.
- Resplendent resorts – Each resort boasts uniquely themed holiday décor, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where the holiday tree reflects the resort’s African theme with its woven baskets, beads and animal masks as ornaments.
Are you planning to see any of these sights?
New Year’s Eve 2010 at Disneyland Resort
posted on December 21st, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
I’ve always thought that New Year’s Eve is a tricky holiday to celebrate. If I stay home, I’ll just fall asleep, so in the past, I’ve opted to host or go out to one place for the evening.
If you’re like me and have trouble thinking of a New Year’s plan, you might consider celebrating at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks on New Year’s Eve. This year, there will be special entertainment added to the traditional holiday fireworks in Disneyland park and the spectacular new “World of Color” show in Disney California Adventure park.
In Disneyland park, hours are extended to 2 a.m., and stages will be set up around the park for countdown festivities. DJs will encourage guests to dance into the new year at Sleeping Beauty Castle and small world Promenade while live bands will liven up Tomorrowland Terrace, Carnation Plaza Gardens and New Orleans Square, which will also be the site of three performances of “Fantasmic!” at 9 and 10:15 p.m. and immediately following the midnight “Fantasy in the Sky” New Year’s fireworks show.
At Disney California Adventure, where park hours are extended to 1 a.m., there will be special entertainment along the Paradise Pier boardwalk and a “fountains and fireworks” countdown to midnight in Paradise Park, immediately followed by the first “World of Color” show of 2011. (Earlier New Year’s Eve performances of “World of Color” will take place at 8 and 9:15 p.m.) In Hollywood Pictures Backlot, revelers on the grid in “ElecTRONica” will heat up throughout the night and into the new year.
Beginning at 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve, party hats and noisemakers will be available while supplies last in both Disneyland, at the Festival Arena near Big Thunder Ranch, and Disney California Adventure park, in Condor Flats near the vintage airplane just west of the entrance to Soarin’ Over California.
The Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels will join in the merriment with twinkling lights and ornaments, special entertainment and holiday dining.
Let us know if you’re planning to ring in the New Year with us.
Full Moon at Magic Kingdom
posted on December 21st, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
On the heels of his amazing Aulani moon shot, Disney photographer David Roark has captured more stunning images of the moon – this time over Cinderella Castle. Nice, huh? He snapped both images earlier today with a super-telephoto lens primarily used for sports photography.
I just met with David to learn more about how he captured today’s moon images.
“Once I plotted out where the moon would set I needed to find an elevated spot that had a clear view of the Castle. There wasn’t one! A call to the Disney Arborists to arrange their bucket truck (used to trim trees) solved the problem. We set the truck at 6 a.m. and waited until the moon hit the horizon at 7:15 a.m. Cold weather in Florida usually means extremely clear skies. This shot would have been really hard to pull off in the summer months because of cloud cover.
We’re always on the lookout for unique ‘once-in-a-lifetime’-style pictures. Kent Phillips’ Space Shuttle lift-off behind the castle, or my Disney Wonder cruise ship with Space Shuttle lift-off are good examples.”
These are certainly some of my favorite Disney Parks images of the year. What do you think?
T’was The Season of Giving at Disneyland Resort
posted on December 21st, 2010 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort and its cast members give back in many ways all through the year, but during the holidays we take it up a notch. This season alone, we touched approximately 25,000 lives throughout our community. As you’ll see, we used a bit of poetic license to share what we’ve been up to. Enjoy!
T’were the months before Christmas and all through our house,
Disneyland spread goodwill, compliments of the Mouse.
Packages were delivered to troops with care,
bringing joy like St. Nicholas truly was there.
At CHOC patients were nestled all snug in their beds,
Disney’s holiday party danced in their heads.
Five grand each to 10 students caused quite a clatter,
college-bound seniors whose good deeds really matter.
VoluntEARS packed a half million meals for those in need,
National Family Volunteer Day was a success indeed.
Cheering ill kids and seniors, Disney characters they came,
and fans whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now Mickey! Now Minnie! Now Donald and Goofy!
On Pluto! On Tigger! On Woody and Dopey!
With food drop locations, cast donations came quick,
the 2,200 pounds brought a smile to St. Nick.
Toys-for-Tots garnered almost 9,000 toys,
bringing happiness to countless girls and boys.
Supporting the needy through toy and food drives,
all said and done touched 25,000 lives.
The CHOC Walk at Disney raised $2 million this year,
cause for Orange County families served there to cheer.
Cast volunteered at over 100 events,
about 50,000 hours is the time that they lent.
Nearly $12 million, Disney supported the community,
providing residents with hope and opportunity.
As we celebrate 2010, one thing is clear,
the joy and the magic we delivered all year.
And we heard Mickey say, before he drove out of sight
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Curtain Set to Rise on Spectacular Theaters Aboard the Disney Dream
posted on December 21st, 2010 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Over the past few weeks we’ve given you sneak peeks at many wonderful features aboard our newest ship, the Disney Dream, which will welcome its first Disney Cruise Line guests next month in Florida.
You’ve explored the beautifully-themed restaurants that will host our guests each day, you’ve taken a virtual ride on the AquaDuck water coaster, you’ve glimpsed our first premier dining experience and you’ve previewed a few of the ship’s chic lounges for adults.
Let me welcome you to another magnificent venue, the Walt Disney Theatre.
Takes your breath away, doesn’t it? And that’s just the entrance! What’s even more amazing are the live shows that will take place inside every night.
By the way, don’t mind the clutter in the adjacent retail shops. We’re still getting the ship ready but we’ll have everything tidied up by the time she reaches Port Canaveral in a couple weeks.
The 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre is located at the forward end of Deck 3 with balcony seating accessible from Deck 4. It’s one of the most technologically advanced theaters at sea or on land and it’s where our guests will be entertained every night with Broadway-style stage shows exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. During the day it’ll also present first-run movies, including some in Disney Digital 3D.
At midship on Decks 4 and 5 is the 399-seat Buena Vista Theatre, an Art Deco cinema that will screen first-run films and other popular movies, some in Disney Digital 3D too.
Upcoming films that will premiere at sea on all three Disney Cruise Line ships the same day they debut on land include “Gnomeo & Juliet” (February 11, in Disney Digital 3D), “I Am Number Four” (February 18) and “Mars Needs Moms” (March 11, in Disney Digital 3D).
But enough from me. You want to see what’s inside these terrific palaces, right?
Here’s an exclusive preview of both theaters, including a few computer renderings and a sneak peek at rehearsals for the original stage spectacular that will debut aboard the Disney Dream, “Disney’s Believe.”
Meanwhile, the ship is finally on her way to Florida! The Disney Dream departed Bremerhaven, Germany, a couple days ago and is making the transatlantic voyage to Port Canaveral with a few brief stops planned in between.
I’ll be going aboard later this week when the ship reaches Tenerife, a Spanish island off the northwest coast of Africa, and will continue sending sneak peeks as the crew brings her home.
A Sleigh Full of Fun at Walt Disney World
posted on December 21st, 2010 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
“Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, too. Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” I’ve always loved that song, but despite growing up in Pennsylvania, I’ve never had the chance to go on a winter sleigh ride – until this past weekend at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The resort’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which runs horse-drawn carriage rides year-round, is offering special holiday sleigh rides nightly through Dec. 30. Each 20-25 minute ride takes you on a relaxing jaunt around the resort’s rustic buildings and forested grounds. During this time of year, many campsite guests decorate their lodgings for the holidays with inflatables, holiday lights and even full train sets, which adds even more holiday cheer to the area.
Each sleigh is led by one of the Tri-Circle-D Ranch’s Belgian, Percheron or Clydesdale horses – the same creatures that often escort Disney characters down the parade route at Magic Kingdom Park. Passengers enjoy the ride seated in red sleighs that are lined with holiday garland and equipped with a sound system that pipes in soft holiday music. And each ride ends with a sweet seasonal surprise – but I don’t want to give away all the details.
Sleigh rides cost $60 per group (up to four adults, or three adults and two children), and are offered from 5:30-10 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
Guest Spotlight: Celebrating 45 Consecutive Christmas Eves at Disneyland Resort
posted on December 20th, 2010 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Several Disney Parks Blog authors have been sharing stories about their favorite holiday traditions at the Parks, and today we’re spotlighting a guest with a particularly special holiday tradition.
Erin Manning of Newport Beach, Calif. has visited Disneyland park nearly every Christmas Eve of her life, and her parents, Brien and Mary, have been celebrating Christmas Eve at Disneyland park for 45 consecutive years.
“I know it is truly the holiday when I walk down the center of Main Street, U.S.A., and the Christmas tree and lights are shining bright,” Erin shared with me.
Erin also shared several photos with us, including this one of her Christmas Eve visit in 1968 as she sits atop her dad’s shoulders.
Erin says: “Disneyland holds a special place in my family’s heart. My father tells numerous behind-the-scenes stories that we never get tired of hearing. One of my favorites is about his asking Mr. Disney for his ticket to ride the Gondola and about the days when they used to serve Mint Juleps on the River Queen. He even mentions being at the Grand opening and how it was so hot the asphalt was melting.”
Erin also loves this photo from the 1980s of her with Mickey Mouse and her sister, Shana.
Erin, we hope you and your parents have a very happy holiday and that your parents enjoy their 45th Christmas Eve at Disneyland park!
Erin shared her story with us by uploading photos of her favorite Disney memories at our “Let the Memories Begin” website. Please share your favorite Disney holiday memories with us by uploading a photo or video.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on December 20th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
It’s Monday and look at what we’ve found. Our weekly mystery image in need of an ID is a large foot located somewhere in the parks. But watch your step; It may not be where you think it is. Have you seen 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 »
