Guest Images Come to Life at Disney Parks
posted on January 20th, 2011 by Alan Bruun, Director of Let The Memories Begin Projections Project
When we announced, as a part of the Let The Memories Begin Campaign, that we would be projecting photographs and videos of our guests every night on Cinderella Castle in Florida and it’s a small world in California, many of my friends and colleagues responded with “Huh?” So I thought I would give you a clearer picture of what is going to be an amazing musical and visual spectacle this year.
Using high-power projection systems and digital mapping techniques that I don’t even begin to understand, the surfaces of these two beloved icons will be transformed through animation, photography and technical ingenuity. Using our guests’ photographs and videos as a starting point, and a WONDERFUL musical score as our guide, Let The Memories Begin will be a fanciful, imaginative, heart-warming and FUN look at the magical memories associated with a visit to Disney Parks. Here’s a look at what to expect.
Utilizing a crack team of artists, animators, and computer whizzes, the buildings themselves will be decorated, animated, renovated, and completely re-imagined as we take a journey through our guests’ Disney memories. The show celebrates our guests most magical experiences, from that first announcement of “We’re going to Disney!”, through all the fun, adventure, and family times, culminating with a spectacular finale involving thousands of photos, video, and fireworks. You literally will not believe your eyes!
The entire experience of seeing their own images, memories, and emotions made into the star of the show will provide a new and very special memory each night for our guests.
Let the Memories Begin!!
‘Pixar Pals’ Debuts at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on January 19th, 2011 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations
Popular Pixar pals from “The Incredibles” and “Monsters, Inc.” are popping up throughout Disney California Adventure park. Replacing the Pixar Play Parade while it’s on hiatus during expansion of Disney California Adventure park, the “Pixar Pals” shows are new, fun-filled, 10-minute interactive experiences that invite you to dance, laugh and test your superhero skills. The first pop-up features “The Incredibles: Heroes in Training Squad.” The “Monsters, Inc.” show will debut on January 28th. Both mini-shows will run throughout the day Fridays through Tuesdays in front of the “ElecTRONica” stage in the entry plaza, and in front of the “Cloud Wall” near the entrance to the Hyperion Theater.
An Amazing Disney Dream Christening Ceremony
posted on January 19th, 2011 by Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Since becoming chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts over a year ago, I’ve had many amazing experiences but today may have topped them all – after all, it’s not every day you get to christen a cruise ship.
Today, with an enormous crowd of well-wishers looking on, we welcomed the stunning Disney Dream to the Disney Cruise Line fleet at Port Canaveral in Florida. In a manner befitting a ship of its size and grandeur, we pulled out all of the stops for this maritime tradition with a spectacular show at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal with classic Disney music, dancers, fireworks and, of course, a host of our beloved Disney characters.
Disney president and CEO Bob Iger and Disney’s “dream girl” Jennifer Hudson, the ship’s fairy godmother, were on hand to do the honors and christen the Disney Dream. Jennifer began her phenomenal career on the Disney Wonder back in 2003, so it was only fitting that this award-winning artist be selected as godmother of the Disney Dream.
With the addition of the Disney Dream to the Disney Cruise Line family, we’ll now be able to help more guests create even more unforgettable Disney memories on the high seas. Both the Disney Dream and her sister ship, the Disney Fantasy, coming in 2012, boast a gross tonnage of 130,000 and will be able to carry up to 4,000 passengers. Our two new ships combine the very best in innovation, technology, artistry and the legendary attention to detail that makes a Disney experience so unique.
The christening of the Disney Dream is the culmination of a journey that began years ago. The journey then took us to Germany where the ship was built, across the Atlantic where it was tested and finally to Port Canaveral, where it will live and delight guests of all ages for decades to come. Congratulations to the thousands of Imagineers, craftsmen, designers, artists and crew who have worked so hard to make this Dream a reality.
As importantly, the Disney Dream is yet another great example of what is possible when our people set out with one objective in mind: to create something of the highest quality, something designed to surprise and delight our guests, something special in every sense of the word… in short, something truly Disney.
Godmother Jennifer Hudson Christens New Cruise Ship with Disney ‘Dreams’ in Spectacular Ceremony
posted on January 19th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
Am I still dreaming?
Earlier today, Disney Cruise Line staged an amazing spectacle to christen the Disney Dream in front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 guests and media from all over the world.
Whether you watched our live webcast or saw it in person, it represented a dream come true for so many people who worked years to bring the ship to life.
Instead of using an ordinary bottle of champagne, Mickey Mouse gathered a who’s who of Disney characters to fill a magical 16-foot bottle with dreams of adventure, fantasy, friendship, romance and fun at Florida’s Port Canaveral.
Then following a wave of a magic wand by award-winning entertainer Jennifer Hudson, the ship’s newly-named godmother, a helicopter hoisted the bottle across the bow of the Disney Dream in a surprising twist ending that officially welcomed the 130,000-ton ship to the Disney Cruise Line family.
Presiding over the gala ceremony were Disney CEO Bob Iger, who first announced the Disney Dream nearly four years ago, and Tom Staggs, the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
In his remarks, Bob expressed heartfelt thanks to the Imagineers, artists, designers and builders from around the world who created the ship. Tom paid tribute to the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where the Disney Dream was built, and gave special thanks to Captain Tom Forberg and his crew.
The selection of 29-year-old Jennifer Hudson as the ship’s godmother has special significance, as Tom explained. Although she’d been performing since childhood, Jennifer began her career in 2003 as a singer on the Disney Wonder, a stepping stone that led to “American Idol,” an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. Talk about a dream come true! Check out some highlights from today’s celebration.
Can you believe there’s still more magic to come?
One week from today on January 26th, the Disney Dream will sail her maiden voyage to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. There’s so much more to show you on this incredible ship and we have lots planned. Be sure to check out the Disney Parks Blog next week for an exclusive report from aboard the maiden voyage.
In the meantime, what did you think of today’s christening? Add a comment below and let us know!
Ships Passing in the Night
posted on January 19th, 2011 by Paul Hiffmeyer, Chief Photographer for Public Relations, Disneyland Resort
Yes, I know this photo looks like I merged two photos together, but I didn’t. Today’s cameras are truly amazing with how they handle the “noise” associated with high ISO numbers. I shot this photo using a tripod with a 3200 ISO at a ¼ second and a 4.0 aperture. Ordinarily, I would have expected the Sailing Ship Columbia to appear as the sharper ship in this photo because it’s not moving and I would have expected the Mark Twain to be a bit blurry because it is moving. However, I think the Mark Twain looks as sharp because it was moving away from me and not across my field of view.
UPDATE: Disney Dream Christening Webcast
posted on January 19th, 2011 by Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director, Disney Cruise Line
UPDATE: Hi everyone, we are no longer replaying the Disney Dream christening ceremony but you can see some video highlights from celebration as well as some new images in my most recent post.
Live from Port Canaveral in Florida, Disney Cruise Line is holding a spectacular christening ceremony today for the newest ship in our fleet, the Disney Dream. Watch it live here on the Disney Parks Blog or at www.disneycruise.com/dream, starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern.
It’s another magical milestone in the ship’s journey to her public debut one week from today, when she’ll invite guests aboard for her long-awaited maiden voyage to the Bahamas.
Today’s webcast will include the entire christening event plus material just for those of you watching online. We’ll also answer several questions fans submitted on Facebook, Twitter and the Disney Parks Blog. The webcast requires a computer or mobile device that supports Flash so wherever you are, make sure you’re able to watch it.
Disney Cruise Line wouldn’t be the success it is without the support of our fans all over the world so we’re delighted to share today’s special occasion with you.
Tell us what you thought of the ceremony by adding a comment below. Later today, we’ll post photo and video highlights here on the Disney Parks Blog. Thanks for watching!
New Star Tours Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Debuts In May
posted on January 18th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
As part of a media gathering Tuesday night to celebrate the launch of the Disney Dream, Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton combined the magic of Disney and the power of the Force to reveal the Grand Opening date for the new Star Tours attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. Meg announced that the 3-D attraction will make its galactic debut May 20.
As you’ve read in past posts from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Tom Fitzgerald, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue will feature new droids, a new Starspeeder, new destinations and even a new pilot. So, as we celebrate the “Dream” aboard the sea we also are looking skyward to a “galaxy far, far away” in 2011.
Stay tuned for future announcements about the Grand Opening of Star Tours at Disneyland Park in California. Also, let us know in the comments if the “Obi-Wanna-Be” inside of you plans to experience the new Star Tours this year.
Celebrating January Birthdays: Danny Kaye
posted on January 18th, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Wrapping up our look at famous Disney friends born in the month of January is one of the most famous comedic film actors in history.
Danny Kaye was born on January 18, 1913, and is pictured in this hilarious 1958 photo riding Autopia with his daughter. It’s unclear to me exactly what’s going on here, but I just love this picture.
Mr. Kaye’s work with Disney occurred many years later; first in 1980 when he hosted a television special celebrating the 25th anniversary of Disneyland park, and again two years later when he hosted another television special celebrating the opening of Epcot.
His affection for our parks in those specials was obvious. In the Disneyland special, Mr. Kaye said, “You’re never too old, and you’re never too young to enjoy the magic of the Magic Kingdom.”
Update on New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on January 18th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
As many of you know, we’re in the midst of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, which will nearly double the size of Fantasyland. And we’re thrilled about the expansion because it’ll allow us to tell our treasured stories in new ways and give you the opportunity to interact with some of our beloved characters like never before. Today, we’d like to give you a first glimpse of the progress we’re making in bringing these stories to life and a look at some of the art we will be sharing with the media later tonight.
First, work is already well underway on many of the experiences we’ve already told you about, so let’s start with Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid. In this attraction, Ariel and all her friends will entertain you in a ride-through adventure featuring favorite songs from the popular animated feature.
Not too far from Ariel’s new home, construction is underway on Beast’s castle which will stand majestically upon a hill. You will cross over a stone bridge as you arrive at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Set in the halls of the Beast’s Castle, this location will seat up to 550 guests and offer “great food fast” service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Just outside the restaurant, you will also be able to explore Belle’s Village, which includes Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.
Nearby at Belle’s cottage, a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of experience, where Belle, Lumiere and guests participate in a lively re-telling of the “tale as old as time.” In Enchanted Tales with Belle, the adventure begins at Maurice’s cottage, where you’ll step through an enchanted mirror that magically transports you to Beast’s library for an interactive storytelling session with Belle.
Just across the way is the brand new Storybook Circus, where we’re doubling the fun by adding another carousel to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. While you wait to board this Fantasyland favorite, you’ll have a chance to join the circus and step inside the Big Top for fun-filled interactive experiences for kids of all ages. Alongside Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the existing Barnstormer is getting a new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. This exciting attraction will take you on a twisting, turning, daredevil, roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.
As with any project of this scale, we’ve also continued to look for additional ways to surprise and delight our guests and I think you’ll be pleased. One opportunity we’re especially excited about is the chance to tell Snow White’s story in a fresh new way. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take you on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth as they whisk along the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs.
Our other Disney princesses will also be getting a new home (actually, they prefer to call it a castle) in the all new Princess Fairytale Hall. Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet you in an elegant royal court at the location where Snow White’s Scary Adventures is today. This new experience will be in place of some of the earlier plans we shared regarding opportunities to interact with your favorite princesses.
And Tinker Bell and her fairy friends will be joining the cast at Epcot where they will have special roles bringing the flora and fauna to life during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
The New Fantasyland will be constructed in phases with most new experiences open by 2013. We look forward to sharing more with you as our work progresses.
Next Family Fun Weekend: Disney’s Kickin’ Country Weekend
posted on January 18th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Y’all ready for a hoedown?
You can kick up your heels this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Disney’s Kickin’ Country Weekend, held at Festival Arena at Disneyland park. Disney characters and performers will share the stage with award-winning country band Fort Worth West. The energetic band plays contemporary as well as classic country music good for toe-tappin’ and boot-stompin’ fun.
This is the second in a series of Family Fun Weekends, new this winter at the Disneyland Resort and running through March 6.
Last weekend, you were able to see dancers in colorful, folklorico costumes as part of Fiesta Disneyland! The entertainment also included Disney characters in their Fiesta attire.
This weekend, be on the lookout for the Kickin’ Country Street Party, a fun, musical celebration with Disney performers who invite guests to join a line-dancing party. The Kickin’ Country Street Party is scheduled five times a day, between noon and 4 p.m. You’re likely to see some Disney characters, too, such as Cowboy Mickey, Cowgirl Minnie and Pecos Goofy.
At the center of Festival Arena, artisans will show off their wares and children will be invited to make themed crafts such as sheriff badges. Other scheduled activities include line dance lessons and performances by the guest group, Bon Family Cloggers.
Disney’s Kickin’ Country Weekend is one of the Disneyland Resort’s new Family Fun Weekends – a variety of events held each weekend through March 6. Family Fun Weekends are packed with music, dancing, colorful decor and dynamic activities, as well a chance to meet Disney characters.
I hope you’ll grab your cowboy hats and giddy up to Festival Arena for Disney’s Kickin’ Country Weekend, starting Friday. Here is some schedule information:
- Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Fort Worth West band: 11:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:10 p.m. each day
What country western song do you hope the band Fort Worth West will play?
