January 19th ONLY: Live Webcast of Disney Dream Christening Starts at 10:30 a.m.
posted on January 18th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
Captain Mickey and all of us at Disney Cruise Line cordially invite you to what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for our new ship, the Disney Dream.
On Wednesday, January 19th – tomorrow! – we’ll stream a live webcast of the ship’s spectacular christening ceremony to all our fans on the Internet. The show will start at 10:30 a.m. Eastern, direct from Port Canaveral in Florida, where the Disney Dream calls home.
You can watch it at www.disneycruise.com/dream and right here on the Disney Parks Blog. Flash is required so make sure you’re watching from a compatible computer or mobile device.
The webcast will show the entire ceremony, including a special appearance by the godmother of the Disney Dream. Can you guess who it’ll be? It’s a dream come true for someone very special to Disney Cruise Line.
Be sure to watch for the last big sneak peek before the Disney Dream sails her maiden voyage to the Bahamas on January 26th!
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on January 18th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Was that you saying our first mystery images of the year have been a cinch to solve? Well, our latest may not be such a gimme. You can see it somewhere at the Walt Disney World Resort, but where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Disney Double 5 Collection
posted on January 17th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
The New Year has brought many exciting new things including the introduction of a new “house label,” that will rock the Disney fashion world. If you’re looking to add more of an edge to your current “Disney” look, then you will definitely enjoy this sneak peek from the new Disney Double 5 Collection, which will debut February 5 at D Street at the Disneyland Resort. While it may be quite different than the norm, it’s fun and often inspiring to see how some of our new artists interpret our classic characters and give them a little bit of an urban Disney twist.
There are quite a few different designs to choose from, including “How You Like Me?”, “World Famous” and Half Steppin’, among others. Not only will you find the designs on original and limited edition artwork, but you’ll also find it on ladies and men’s tees, tanks and hats.
When asked about what inspired some of these new designs, artist Les Schettkoe says, “in some instances, like the “How You Like Me?” painting, I just wanted to show that even scruffier kids are big Mickey Mouse fans at heart. I wanted to give Mickey Mouse a different attitude, a different look and an altogether different feel, sort of have him, walking tough.”
Here’s a special tip for you. If this new style has kind of piqued your interest, or you know someone that you think this would be the perfect fit for, then be sure to let stop by D Street to meet the artist and designer, Les Schettkoe from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at D Street.
Moms Panel: Champagne Across The Bow
posted on January 17th, 2011 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
For hundreds of years it has been a maritime custom to name a godmother for a new ship. In the past, the godmother was either royalty or an accomplished military or political figure. More recently, godmothers have been actresses or celebrities and in the case of the Disney Wonder, Tinker Bell. A ship’s godmother blesses the vessel before its first official sailing.
The Christening Ceremony for the Disney Cruise Line fleet’s newest ship, the Disney Dream takes place this week. As is the custom, there will be an official godmother who will give the new ship her personal blessing. Joining her on the ship that day will be four of Disney Parks’ vacation “Fairy Godmothers.”
Andi Sims, a member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is the 2011 Disney Cruise Line Specialist Mom. She along with Bernie Edwards, Ritzy McCarthy, and Jill Cooper will set sail on the Disney Dream right after the ceremony on a special Christening Cruise.
They will be the eyes and ears for you, our guests. The Moms will study all the amazing new features aboard the Disney Dream, one of the most technologically advanced cruise ships in operation. It features the AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind water coaster that takes guests 12 feet over the side of the ship, “paintings” that come to life, an animated sea turtle who chats with people about living in the ocean and Peter Pan takes children on a virtual flight as the floor below their feet turns into the rooftops of London.
This week we announce the official godmother for the Disney Dream. Watch the Dream’s Fairy Godmothers and other VIP guests during the live webcast of the Christening Ceremony and cruise at www.disneycruise.com/dream beginning January 19 at 10:30AM EST. For opinions and advice about Disney Cruise Line or other Disney vacation destinations, ask Andi and her friends at www.DisneyWorldMoms.com.
Another Look at ‘Taste of Disney’ Series
posted on January 17th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
We got lots of fun feedback on the post on the Mad Hatter Tea Party cupcakes, so here’s another. This time, my daughter Katie and I headed over to Sanaa at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where one of the cultural reps took Katie on a tour of the dining room to explain all the beautiful design pieces, and then I got a peek in the kitchen with Chef Bob Getchell to see just how they make that divine naan bread. The secret is two tandoor ovens – take a look and learn a little African history, then come with me in the kitchen.
We hope the new “Taste of Disney” series for Disney.com will continue – tell us what you’d like to see! To see the other three videos, go to http://disney.go.com/disneyfans/taste-of-disney.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on January 16th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Today’s the day you can see the animals of Disney’s Animal Kingdom like never before. Wild Africa Trek adventures are now underway and this week we gave a peek at what to expect when you get here. Let us know what you’re most looking forward to?
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Also this week, we unveiled your selections for Character Fan Days at Disneyland park. For the first time ever, we gave you a chance to decide which rarely seen Disney characters you’d want to see. Michele shared the results.
Now, here’s a look at some of the other stories we worked on this week.
Disney Trading – New Hidden Mickey Pins for Disneyland Resort – Here’s a sneak preview of Hidden Mickey pins coming to Disneyland Resort in 2011.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… – Can you read this mysterious writing? More importantly, do you know where to find it?
‘Family Fun Weekends’: A New Way to Celebrate Fiestas, Mardi Gras and More, Jan. 14 Through March 6 Only – Check out the special entertainment coming to Disneyland park each weekend, through March 6.
The Force is Strong with Vinylmation – The highly anticipated Star Wars Vinylmation series arrived at D-Street locations in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts this weekend. Which figures are you most hoping to get?
Try the Tasty New Menu at the Village Haus – The Village Haus restaurant at Disneyland park debuted a new menu this week – take a look at some of the new menu items.
Get Cookin’ – Disney Style – Create Disney memories at home with these cookbooks.
Take 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on January 15th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been the scene of intergalactic battles and old Hollywood-style star sightings. Whether you visit for its spectacular shows or exciting attractions, this park has special experience waiting around every corner. Here’s a look at our top Disney’s Hollywood Studios posts on Disney Parks Blog. What’s your favorite?
Top 5: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- These ARE the Droids You’re Looking For! – Walt Disney Imagineering gave us a look into the additions coming to the updated Star Tours attraction.
- Wonderful and Scary – Check out this spooky approach toward the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hosting Special ‘Last Tour To Endor’ Party – In May, we announced that Star Tours fans would have the opportunity to be the first to be among the last passengers on the attractions during Star Wars Celebration V.
- New Toy Story Mania! Game, ‘Toy Story 3′ Character Coming To Disney Parks In May – To celebrate the release of “Toy Story 3″ last year, two new additions were made to the park: a new Toy Story Mania! game, and the appearance of the film’s star, Lotso.
- The Citizens of Hollywood – ‘Speed Trap’ – The first in a popluar series by Gene Duncan, this “Citizens of Hollywood” post featured Officer Percival Peabody and his partner, Officer First Class William Club.
First Look Video: Wild Africa Trek
posted on January 14th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Around here, we’re counting down the hours until our ultimate animal adventures begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. On Sunday, Wild Africa Trek explorers will be crossing rope bridges above crocodile-filled waters and venturing on VIP safaris across our open savanna. But before it all gets started, we have something special – a video sneak peek at what to expect during your journey.
Celebrating January Birthdays: Guy Williams
posted on January 14th, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Continuing our look at famous Disney friends born in the month of January, I found some unique photos of one of the most popular Disney television stars of the 1950s. What’s great is that this actor was actually at Disneyland park in costume for the role he was famous for!
Guy Williams was born January 14, 1924. He portrayed the title role in Disney’s popular television series, “Zorro,” from 1957 to 1959. These photos were taken in April 1958 as part of a series of special appearances inside Disneyland park to promote “Zorro.”
In this photo, Mr. Williams can be seen riding his horse near the entrance to Frontierland. It must have been pretty exciting for Zorro fans to see their hero up close in the park!
Here, the excitement continues as Williams can be seen dueling with Zorro’s nemesis, Captain Monasterio, on top of the Mark Twain Riverboat!
Check back soon for our next January birthday celebration.
Disney Parks ‘Quick Hits’ – January 14, 2011
posted on January 14th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Have you noticed our new photos at the top of the blog? We’ve added a fresh batch of header images from around Disney Parks to the site and we’ll be adding more in the future. Let us know what else you’d like to see up there in the comments.
We’ve also made a few changes to the blog this month. There are new Facebook “like” and Twitter buttons at the bottom of all of our posts to make it easier for you to share your favorite Disney Parks Blog stories, videos and images. And if you look over in the sidebar, you’ll find our Disney Conversation widget featuring a collection of Disney news and links from around the web. Keep watching for more upgrades to the blog in the future.
Now here’s a look at some other items that didn’t make it to the blog this week.
Walt Disney World Restaurants — Looking for a place to eat at Walt Disney World Resort? Here’s your guide.
Disney Trading Nights — The next Disney Trading Night is tomorrow from 7-10 pm at the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Did you know? The Ijele mask in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the first of its kind to leave Nigeria.
“Vinylmation 3D Pins – Diving Mask” — This collection of Vinylmation pins features many popular designs from Vinylmation figures and are sculpted to give a three-dimensional look.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival — The Walt Disney World Moms Panel gives a peek into this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique — The Walt Disney World Moms Panel offers advice on making reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
