Waikolohe Stream: Journey Along ‘Mischievous Waters’ Will Be an Aulani Highlight
posted on December 20th, 2010 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
As work continues on Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai`i, one of my favorite aspects of the Resort – and one that will really set it apart from other island resorts – is taking shape. At the moment it’s still mostly framework, but the Waikolohe Stream, inspired by the natural landscape of the islands themselves, will provide adventure and fun for all ages when Aulani opens to guests in August 2011.
Waikolohe means “mischievous water,” and it’s a fitting name for the floating tube journey along Waikolohe Stream that will launch with an exhilarating water slide into a course that will take adventurers through an eye-catching lava outcropping (called Pu`u Kino) and through misty caverns dotted by beads of sunlight that will find their way through the rock. The occasional hot spring will blow off a little steam, while cooler and more “mischievous” fountain springs will surprise explorers with a bit of “added refreshment.”
Later this month, I’ll give you a preview of another fun feature that will make Aulani a one-of-a-kind vacation experience of fun and relaxation for the entire family.
Tips for Building Your Own Gingerbread House from Walt Disney World Resort
posted on December 20th, 2010 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
With the winter holidays in full swing, ‘tis the season for frivolity and fun. Laura Spencer, Karen Haynes and I (the happy-go-lucky Disney Culinary Moms) recently spent time with Chef Ellen DiGiovanni, best known as the “gingerbread lady” at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
While Ellen creates gingerbread mansions, we wanted to learn how to make a sweet little cottage at home. And whether you’re ambitious enough to bake your own gingerbread house or just build one from graham crackers, Chef Ellen shows us tricks to make it easy and fun.
Happy holidays!
Families Invited to Ring in New Year with Cyber Celebration at Downtown Disney DisneyQuest
posted on December 20th, 2010 by Michelle Baumann, Walt Disney World Public Relations
If you have tweens or teens you might want to head to Downtown Disney for New Year’s Eve. DisneyQuest is hosting a family-friendly special event that sounds like a lot of fun.
The party begins at 8 p.m. and includes access to five floors of cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3D encounters fueled by Disney innovation and imagination. A DJ will be on hand to ring in the new year and keep the evening rocking till 1 a.m. The price is $39 for advance tickets and $45 day of, and includes pizza, soft drinks and party favors.
Visit Disneyworld.com/DisneyQuestParty for more details or call 407-WDISNEY. Or get tickets at the DisneyQuest box office.
We Hope Yule Join Us! ‘Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade’ Airs Dec. 25 on ABC
posted on December 20th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
As Santa starts loading his sleigh this week, the countdown is also on for the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” telecast, airing Dec. 25 on ABC-TV. The annual holiday special is a tradition in many households, including ours, as both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort deck the halls in a big way. This year, there will be a lot of rockin’ around the Christmas tree with appearances and performances by stars including Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest, Nick Cannon, Selena Gomez, pro dancers from “Dancing With the Stars,” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Amber Riley, Darius Rucker, Debby Ryan, Jackie Evancho, Sean Kingston, Lee DeWyze, Maria Menounos and Samantha Brown.
And, there are even more ways to get involved with the festivities. Disney Online just launched Disney.com/ChristmasParade – an online stocking stuffed with a treasure trove of videos, celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes segments. Also, fans are invited to join our parade mobile text alert program to get more fun info. You can sign up now by texting PARADE to 37275 (DPARK).*
(*Msg. & data rates may apply. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.)
As we look ahead to the Dec. 25th airing, here’s a quick video preview of what’s in store.
The 2010 parade telecast will be aired at different times in different areas. In addition to this chart, you can check your local listings for times in your area.
Eastern Time Zone
12 – 2 p.m.
Central Time Zone
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mountain Time Zone
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pacific Time Zone*
5 – 7 p.m.
(*Los Angeles (KABC) is airing the parade from 9 – 11 a.m. PST.)
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on December 19th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
How about that? Most of your favorite images to hit the blog this week involved snow, including a group of beautiful shots from aboard the Disney Dream. Walt Disney World photographer Kent Phillips woke up to a “Winter Wonderland” on the ship and captured it for us to enjoy. Check his first post to see these rare images.
And our friends in Disneyland Paris also helped spread holiday joy with a new collection of stunning images from the season’s first snow. It fell earlier than expected. We’ve added a few new images to today’s gallery.
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Now, here are a few of the other stories we worked on this week.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… – A sharp eye will know where to find this creepy face at Disney Parks.
A Pirates Fan’s Dream – Rob Marshall Unveils New Trailer at Disneyland Resort – Director Rob Marshall, a Pirates fan since he first rode the attraction at Disneyland park at age 15, was at the Disneyland Resort this week when fans got an exclusive look at the brand-new 3D trailer for Walt Disney Pictures “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”
Video: How to Make Holiday Tamales – We spoke with Chef Jay Garcia who showed us how to make holiday tamales at home. Do you participate in this tradition?
New Images: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Take a look these new artist renderings that will give you a better idea of the themes you’ll be able to see when Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opens in 2012.
Disney Holiday Ornaments: My Tradition of Giving – Check out these Disney holiday ornaments from stores all over the Resort.
Take 5 with the Art of Disney
posted on December 18th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Are you still looking for holiday gifts for that Disney Parks fan? Perhaps the ultimate Disney gift is a piece of Disney artwork. Well known artists from around the world have focused their talents on the sights, attractions and characters of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Here are some of our favorite Art of Disney posts.
Top 5: Art of Disney
- Drawing Characters ‘Is Way of Life’ for Disney Artist – Don “Ducky” Williams has been a part of the Disney Parks Blog family since day one. In this post, we visit him at his office and watch as he brings Goofy to life.
- The Disney Gallery Reopens at Disneyland Resort – If you loved The Disney Gallery in New Orleans Square, you should check out the new one in the former Bank of Main Street, U.S.A., which opened last year at Disneyland park.
- Celebrating the Art of…Jim Shore – We interviewed celebrated artist Jim Shore in September about his Disney Traditions collection.
- New Disney Parks Figment Sculpture Unveiled – Disney Theme Park Merchandise and Walt Disney Classics Collection have created a series of Disney Theme Park Exclusive sculptures featuring the beloved purple dragon, Figment. Take a look at this limited edition piece, “Figment In Tuxedo: Top Hat & Tails,” which we introduced earlier this year.
- Celebrating The Art of … Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily! – Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily created some very nostalgic and classic pieces to celebrate Disneyland park’s 55th anniversary.
Events, ‘Dine With an Imagineer’ Added to Online Reservations at Walt Disney World
posted on December 17th, 2010 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Did you see? This week, we’ve improved our online dining reservation system at Walt Disney World; you can now book experiences like the Candlelight Dinner Package, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party and even Dine With an Imagineer with a click of a mouse – and that’s a first. Here’s what’s new and bookable today:
- Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner at the Flying Fish Café
- Fantasmic! Dinner Package
- Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
- Candlelight Dinner Package
- Dine With an Imagineer
You can find more information on all of these experiences at DisneyWorld.com/Dining. Let us know what you’ll be doing first.
Favorite Holiday Traditions at Disneyland Resort
posted on December 17th, 2010 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
The holiday season is my favorite time of year. What I love most are the traditions that come along with it; those little things that bring families together, create special memories and just bring joy and happiness to others. One of my favorite holiday traditions growing up was what we did every Christmas Day: My family and I would come to Disneyland to enjoy the festive sights and sounds that only appear at this time of year.
Looking to start your own Disney holiday traditions? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Looking for that picture perfect spot? Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle or the Christmas Tree on Town Square make the perfect backdrop for your holiday cards.
Be unique and get creative - Silhouettes are still a cut above the rest. It’s a great way to capture a moment in time, while our Create Your Own Vinylmation lets you tell the ones you love exactly how you feel about them. A favorite tradition is to have friends and family write messages on the vinyl figures and send them overseas to our troops.
Feel the need for speed? A great way to get everyone involved is by visiting RIDEMAKERZ in Downtown Disney and letting them build their very own cars. Later, you can all race them.
Something personal - Add that personal touch by having your name embroidered on an ear hat, apparel or a holiday stocking.
Holiday Treats – Made fresh from our candy kitchens, our ever popular candy canes, holiday apples, peppermint fudge and more are the ideal treats to take along. You’ll be the hit of any party.
Wrapping it Up! If you are looking for a fun way to wrap up your gifts, check out the new recyclable Santa Mickey bags that are sure to spread some holiday cheer.
Quick Shopping Tip: Looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers? Then be sure to shop early in the morning or during the parades.
I hope that some of these tips give you fun ideas for the holidays. Do you have any other fun Disneyland Resort traditions to share?
100,000 Poinsettias at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on December 17th, 2010 by Debbie Mola Mickler, Disney Horticulture
Preserving the magical guest experience is important to Disney’s Horticulture; 365 days a year we are committed to creating a great show. During the holidays it’s more important than ever to announce the season with colorful plants. Unlike the colder parts of the country, our Central Florida climate offers a wide variety of winter bedding plant choices, allowing us to add splashes of color to most of the Walt Disney World Resort.
One plant in particular, the ever-so-popular poinsettia, can be seen throughout the parks and resorts. The poinsettia, or scientifically named Euphorbia pulcherrima, was first introduced into the United States from Mexico around 1825 by the 1st U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett. In the early 1900s, it became a popular landscape plant in California and since then is the plant most people associate with the holiday season. Here’s a look at some of our plants this season:
Did you know that the blooms of the poinsettia come from modified leaves, or bracts, instead of the flowers? Over the last 100 years extensive breeding has been done on the poinsettia plant, resulting in hundreds of new and different varieties. Newer varieties have pink, white or even mixed colored bracts.
When buying a poinsettia:
- Look for a plant with plenty of green leaves down the bottom of the stem, this shows the plant is healthy.
- Pick a plant that has flower bracts and leaves that do not look wrinkled, withered, curled, or yellow; lack of color means the plant was sold too early. Observe the size and number of the colored bracts – each bloom should have six or more bracts.
- Select a full looking plant with multiple blooms – a poinsettia with a single flower looks bare. The true flowers – the green parts in the center of the bracts – should be tightly clustered into a bud.
- Plants showing yellow pollen and sap will have the least amount of display life and will not last long. Avoid a plant where these have dropped and all that is left are the colorful bracts.
Each year our gardeners work quickly at the end of November to plant and display poinsettias in flower beds, hanging baskets, containers and flower towers. This year there are 100,000 poinsettias on display around the Walt Disney World Resort.
Finish Your Last Minute Shopping with Disney Parks
posted on December 17th, 2010 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Just when I think my holiday shopping is complete, I suddenly remember another friend, family member or co-worker that I’ve mistakenly left off my shopping list. With only a handful of days left before the holiday season comes to a close, I’m forced to think fast to find the perfect gift to exchange with a friend or to stuff in a holiday stocking. If you’re like me and are looking for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers to give, here’s a list of some of the favorites I have found in Disney Parks for everyone on your list – and the best part, most of my last minute gifts are available online at DisneyParks.com/Store.
Looking for a gift for someone with style? Make their holidays unforgettable with a Dooney & Bourke Bag designed exclusively for Disney Parks. With a variety of sizes and patterns, you’ll be able to find the right bag for the fashionistas on your list. Plus when you purchase online, you can add on a Mickey Balloon Dooney & Bourke Cosmetic Bag for $15. What’s better than a gift to give and a gift to keep?
Or maybe you want your gift recipients to wear their Disney flair. For gifts they can wear to share the spirit of Disney Magic, I love the new the new Santa Mickey Headband – it’s a great way to share holiday magic and make someone’s day merry and bright. Speaking of bright, a great way to wear your Disney holiday spirit is with the Mickey Brights T-Shirts. With a string of lights creating the classic Mickey silhouette, these colorful and bold tees give the holiday’s festive charm. And guys, don’t forget that jewelry is a perfect to give for the holidays, with Mickey inspired earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The Disney Parks Jewelry Collection has unique and sparkling items to fit anyone’s style.
Shopping for a true Disney Collector? Check out the newest hand-painted Ink & Paint Cel, “Bone Appétit”, from the Studios Animation Gallery. This colorful new cel features Goofy and Scar, who have been hand-painted by the talented Ink & Paint Team. “Bone Appétit” is the first cel in the Ink & Paint Collection to feature the Tree of Life from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. To learn more about this piece, visit ArtofDisneyParks.com.
Still shopping for the kids on your list? Help them get ready for Santa’s arrival in warm holiday-inspired PJ sets that are great for girls and boys! If you want to give gifts that are sure to get screams of delight, surprise them with a Sleeping Beauty Castle Play Set or a Pirates of the Caribbean Play Set.
With the holidays inching closer and closer, I hope that this last-minute shopping list helps finish off your shopping list and adds extra magic into your holidays!
Helpful Holiday Hint: When you shop online at DisneyParks.com/Store on Friday, December 17, you can receive free standard shipping on your entire order when you enter promo code: FREESHIP.
