Life moves fast, and we think you’ll agree that even in the world of fantasy, discovery and magic of Disney Parks, things can still move swiftly. There’s so much to see, so much to immerse yourself in, so much to experience, marvel and enjoy. With all of this, it’s possible to miss some of the simpler things happening right before your eyes. So, we decided to start giving our Disney Parks Blog readers a look at some of these in a very different way, using a special camera designed to capture video in slow motion.

Today, we premiere some “Slo-Mo Magic,” with this brief video from the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot. Through the years, millions of Guests visiting the pavilion have appreciated the water-ful dances performed by these famed fountains. We hope to offer you a new appreciation of their beauty with a special ending. Our host, Gary, really seems to “soak in” the magic.

In upcoming weeks, we’ll be taking our cameras around Walt Disney World Resort in search of more slo-mo beauty in the parks. Any suggestions on what to feature next?

Tagged: Epcot, Video, WDW

Filed: Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort

I took an informal survey the other day at Disney Theme Park Merchandise. My question, “Do you exchange Valentine’s Day gifts? If so, what do you give?” Overwhelmingly, the response I received was that people love to give (and receive) personalized gifts. I’d have to agree – a personalized gift goes a long way. It means that you actually took time to think about the gift. So, I asked myself what I would give to someone special this year. Feel free to use these ideas (I won’t tell).

There are many ways to say “I love you.” A different take to a traditional Valentine’s Day card is to use a blank 9-inch Vinylmation figure as a canvas painted with love. Since I’m in Florida, I could easily walk around World Showcase at Epcot and have International Program cast members write “I love you.” For the photograph above, I strolled around Disney Theme Park Merchandise and had cast members fluent in other languages write greetings.

One of my favorite ideas was creating a coupon book full of Disney experiences. I found some Disney stationery and created the four coupons pictured above (I would give a few more, of course). Once assembled, it becomes something you can share together. And who wouldn’t want a Dole Whip from Adventureland? I could use a whole coupon book for that one delicious treat.

I enjoy photography and take lots of pictures. The perfect item for me would be an empty photo album. In this case, I selected two different albums from 2011 as examples. Present your Valentine with an empty album and explain that you will fill it together with photographs of your favorite Disney places, attractions, characters or restaurants. You could also fill it with ephemera you may collect while visiting Disney Parks (in my case, lots of napkins from the Dole Whip station).

My last idea – a movie marathon! Pick three movies each and spend a day watching them together. For the photo above I selected animated features I like; and, for the person who I would want to spend time with on a deserted island, one of my favorite television shows (that one would probably require more than just one day). Oh how I wish “TRON: Legacy” was available on Blu-ray!

Please feel free to share your unique gift ideas in the comment section below. Happy Valentine’s Day.

Tagged: DLR, Vinylmation, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Yesterday we shared the exciting news that “World of Color” reached a milestone performance: No. 500, on Tuesday night. That news elicited lots of memories from guests who have seen the show at Disney California Adventure park.

I have seen “World of Color” nearly a dozen times and each time it’s a new experience. Either I see something new, or I watch it from a different angle, or one of the musical numbers sparks a special emotional response. Depending on where I am in the viewing area, I feel more or less water mist.

We think “World of Color” is the best show that debuted in a theme park in 2010. If you agree, nominate “World of Color” for the Reader’s Choice awards at the about.com theme parks site, in the “best show” section. You can nominate through Feb. 4. and then the voting begins.

I’m curious about your experiences. What do you like most about “World of Color”?

To help you remember, here’s one of the first videos we shared with you:

One part that always makes me smile is the Wall-E and Eva scene. Tell us about your special memories of the show.

Tagged: DCA, DLR, Video, World of Color

Filed: Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Resort

For my first Disney Parks Blog post, I’d like to share a story on a topic that may be surprising coming from a veterinarian and Director of Animal Health because it’s not about animal care or medicine. In fact, it’s not even directly about animals. It’s about Mrs. Nomusa Zikhali, the principal of a school in rural South Africa, who started her school with a handful of students under a tree. Today, thanks to her leadership and perseverance, Nkomo Primary School provides hope and education to more than 800 children, many of whom have been orphaned by HIV. She is an amazing example of the impact one person can have.

I had the honor of meeting Mrs. Zikhali several years ago during a trip to Africa for work on an elephant conservation project that I will tell you more about in a future post. In the years since then, Disney and a local Central Florida school, Palm Lake Elementary, have helped with school improvement projects, wildlife conservation education enhancements and a hot meal program sponsored by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

Last month, we worked with The Africa Foundation to help sponsor a visit by Mrs. Zikhali to the Walt Disney World Resort. What an incredible experience for her and for us! Imagine a woman from the heartland of Zululand, traveling to Orlando in the middle of our busy holiday season. During her visit, she shared her inspirational story with Disney Cast Members, including African Cultural Representatives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and students and teachers from Palm Lake Elementary. We also surprised Mrs. Zikhali with a $10,000 donation from the Walt Disney World Resort which she hopes to use for two additional classrooms.

The Nkomo school kids live in an incredible area just next to the Phinda Game Reserve with elephants, zebras and rhinos right in their backyard. Even though I noted at the start of this post that it is not directly about animals, helping the people who live side by side with endangered wildlife is an essential part of conservation. Our next step will focus on building on our initial efforts in conservation education through enhanced programs and teacher training that incorporate learning about wildlife and nature into the school curriculum. Our goal is to take care of the kids and to teach them to care about and value wildlife and nature. By supporting Mrs. Zikhali and her school, we hope to do just that.

Tagged: Conservation, DAK, WDW

Filed: Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

You’re not hearing things! Except, we’re not talking about a new attraction – we’re talking about another fabulously unique role at Disneyland Resort – our scuba divers.

While most divers hang up their gear during the winter, our divers work year-round to maintain cleanliness and ensure that show elements living under water are ready for our guests each day.

We have more than 50 scuba divers who also hold roles as machinists, electricians and sound mechanics. They use various talents, skills, degrees and certifications to maintain our numerous water attractions including the Rivers of America, Jungle Cruise, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland park, as well as Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure park.

Check out the video below to learn more about the work our scuba divers do!

Tagged: BtS, DCA, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

As a mom who works at Walt Disney World Resort and on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, I meet a lot of moms from all over the globe. What I have noticed is that we have more in common than we have differences. I believe that most moms want their families to be healthy and happy and I think all of us want to take the stress out of our lives.

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel has been giving amazing vacation planning advice to guests for over 3 years. But in my travels, I also get to bump into some more well-known moms who have great vacation planning advice. I think you just might recognize this particular mom.

Tagged: Moms Panel, Video, WDW

Filed: Celebrity Visits, Walt Disney World Resort

Welcome aboard!

After several years of planning, construction and preparation, the Disney Dream sets sail today on her official maiden voyage to the Bahamas. Let’s all say it together: Whoo hoo!

It’s the start of an exciting new era for Disney Cruise Line and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you here on the Disney Parks Blog. Several correspondents will capture all the hoopla aboard the ship and around Florida’s Port Canaveral so check back Thursday for a full report on the festivities.

In the meantime, you probably want to see some of what guests will be enjoying over the next several days, right? Take a look:

Whether you’re a toddler, teenager or grownup, there’s something for everyone on the Disney Dream. From fun clubs for kids and teens to nightclubs and lounges exclusively for adults, the ship is a terrific mix of imagination, innovation and pixie dust. See for yourself:

Now then… Arrrr ya a fan of salty old pirates?

I hope so, because on a special night during every cruise the Disney Dream becomes a pirate ship filled with swashbuckling fun for all ages!

The night starts with “Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean,” an interactive show featuring some of your favorite Disney characters. Guests become members of Mickey’s Pirate Crew in a series of pirate-themed musical numbers out on the ship’s pool deck.

The party continues with a special appearance by Captain Jack Sparrow to kick off “Club Pirate,” an open-air dance party featuring stunning visuals and special effects.

Finally, to top it all off we’re debuting a brand-new fireworks spectacular at sea called “Buccaneer Blast!” Choreographed to a dramatic score including songs from “Pirates of the Caribbean” (the hit movies and the classic theme park attraction), it’s an unforgettable mix of sound and color in an unbeatable location.

Here’s Disney Cruise Line’s David Duffy with more:

All you landlubbers should check back tomorrow for an exclusive report from the maiden voyage. For everyone stepping aboard the Disney Dream today, bon voyage!

Tagged: DCL, Disney Dream, Video

Filed: Disney Cruise Line