One President’s Day at Disneyland Park
posted on February 21st, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
This is a fairly well-known photograph of former President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower which was taken at Disneyland park in 1961 during a visit with their grandchildren. Being one of only five former U.S. presidents to visit us so far, it’s to be expected that a photograph of this kind would become familiar over time. So what would the chances be that, nearly 45 years later, we would discover more pictures from this memorable day in our history?
In preparation for our 50th anniversary celebration in 2005, I uncovered a photo negative from this visit that I had never seen before. No one I shared it with had seen it either. It is similar to the black and white photo I had seen for years, only this one was in color.
Here is that rarely seen photo of Ike and Mamie meeting the press outside the Disneyland Fire Dept. Every time I see “Engine No. 1” in the park, I think of President Eisenhower and this photo.
Another photo we discovered around the same time was one that has likely never been released, as the former president appears slightly blurry in it, but I thought this seemed like a good time to share it. Taken at the Main Street Station of the Disneyland Railroad, this photo also features his granddaughter Mary Jean and grandson, David; the namesake of the presidential retreat, Camp David.
President Eisenhower was an admirer of Walt Disney and once described him as someone “who has spread more understanding of the fun-loving American than anyone else and has brought joy to the hearts of many people, both young and old.”
He also saluted Walt for his “contribution to the pleasure and understanding of the world community and your genius as a creator of folklore has long-been recognized by leaders in every field of human endeavor including that most discerning body of critics, the children of this land and all lands. As an artist, your work has helped reveal our country to the world, and the world to all of us. As a man, your sympathetic attitude toward life has helped our children develop a clean and cheerful view of humanity, with all its frailties and possibilities for good.”
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A Behind-the-Scenes Look at ‘Disney’s Believe’ – the New Musical Aboard the Disney Dream
posted on February 21st, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
What is Disney best known for? That’s right…its family entertainment, including the unrivaled Broadway-style musical productions you’ll find aboard Disney Cruise Line!
Honoring the recent addition to our fleet, the Disney Dream, I would like to tell you about “Disney’s Believe.” This original musical, created exclusively for the Disney Dream, headlines the repertoire of stage spectaculars presented in the Walt Disney Theatre.
“Disney’s Believe” introduces you to Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with his work. You’ll also meet his imaginative and spirited daughter, Sophia, who is heartbroken because her father overlooks her birthday while being preoccupied with cultivating his precious plants.
Sophia then makes a special birthday wish…and POOF! Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” magically appears in Dr. Greenaway’s garden to teach him a valuable lesson about what’s important in life.
This exciting production features more than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters who help Dr. Greenaway reconnect with his daughter. Here’s a glimpse at some of the cast.
I don’t want to spoil all the surprises awaiting guests in “Disney’s Believe,” so you’ll have to sail with us to experience the entire show! In the meantime, check out this behind-the-scenes look at the preparation that went into bringing this new story to life:
Do you want to see more? Check back next week for some fun facts about “Disney’s Believe” and to see clips from the show.
Celebrating Presidents’ Day at the Hall of Presidents at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
posted on February 21st, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Happy Presidents’ Day! To celebrate today, we thought it only natural to give a behind-the-scenes look at one of our original Magic Kingdom park attractions – The Hall of Presidents. If you’ve never been, it’s a multi-media presentation based on United States history. At the center of the story are the presidents, all of whom are showcased in the form of lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures.
Pulitzer-Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin helped develop the show with Disney Imagineers and gives a look at what makes this attraction so inspirational.
Is this one of your favorite attractions? If so, here are a few fun facts:
- The animated Lincoln figure debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
- Every president – life-sized, three dimensional and fully animated – who has served the nation appears on stage in the form of an animated figure.
- The pre-show lobby features presidential portraits, display cases filled with personal artifacts of presidents including Gerald Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover and George Washington, and large display cases exhibiting dresses and personal objects worn by several first ladies, including Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife), Elizabeth Monroe and Nancy Reagan.
- The Hall of Presidents building recalls the Federal-style civic buildings of Philadelphia.
- The theater seats 700 guests, with expanded seating areas for guests using wheelchairs.
Walt Disney World 40th Anniversary Ear Hats
posted on February 21st, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
I love looking at maps. I could spend hours tracing roads and planning imaginary trips to destinations unknown. A favorite souvenir of mine from a 1988 family trip to Florida was a stylized cartoon map of Walt Disney World. I hung it on my bedroom wall to help me stay connected between Disney trips. One of my all time favorite vintage Walt Disney World maps is from the 1970s. Drawn in a cartoon style, the map featured an overview of the Magic Kingdom area (complete with resorts never built). So what does this have to do with 40th Anniversary ear hats? Imagine my delight when I discovered that 1970s map printed on the underside of the 40th anniversary limited release ear hat. I spoke with Mark Seppala, Disney Design Group Artist for headwear, about the map’s inclusion.
“The map seemed like a perfect fit for this anniversary hat,” explained Mark. “It was added to the underside of the hat via a sublimated printing process. I particularly like how the map shows the once proposed Mediterranean Hotel.”
Mark began work on the hat in Spring 2010. Following a trend of other collectible hats, it comes packaged in a deluxe, satin lined hat box. The outside of the hat box uses the previously discussed 40th Anniversary collage designed by Natalie Kennedy. There are a few extra surprises besides the map that Mark added to this collectible hat.
“The original idea was to have an embroidered logo on the front of the hat,” continued Mark. “I asked Megan [product developer for headwear] if I could make a cloisonné logo instead. She loved the idea!”
Mark is no stranger to working in cloisonné. He spent several years designing cloisonné Disney pins during the early days of Disney Pin Trading at Disney Parks. Mark also shared there are three unique fabric patches that come packaged with the limited release hat.
If you are looking for a more simplistic way to commemorate the 40th Anniversary via your head, there is an open edition hat that is just as festive.
This open edition hat also has some three-dimensional features including a patch and two mini-buttons. My favorite detail is the “trifecta of awesomeness” (see above) – the Orange Bird, an Epcot Center button and Dreamfinder with Figment in a row!
I asked Mark about his first visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.
“I first visited Walt Disney World in 1973 with my Mom,” said Mark. “I had finished serving in the Navy and came to Florida on vacation. The thing I remember the most was looking down Main Street, U.S.A., and seeing Cinderella Castle. I couldn’t believe how big the Castle was!”
These hats are available in a variety of merchandise locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on February 20th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
We began this week celebrating Valentine’s Day on the Disney Parks Blog with posts from the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. And you bet some of our beloved Disney character couples were “feelin’ the love” that day at Magic Kingdom Park.
We asked, “Who’s your favorite Disney character couple?” and received some great responses – thank you. If you didn’t get a chance to vote, please drop it in the comments.
And the week ended with another celebration – a special first birthday. Lilly, an endangered western lowland gorilla born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, turned one yesterday. Dr. Mark Stetter, Director of Animal Health at Disney Parks, shared Lilly’s unique story.
Now, here’s a look at some of the other stories we worked on this week.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find… – Have you seen this man striking a pensive pose at Disney Parks?
Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Merchandise Collage – Natalie Kennedy, Senior Graphic Designer with Disney Design Group, shared the 40th anniversary collage she created, which is now featured on some 40th anniversary merchandise.
Things That Spin in the Night at Disney California Adventure Park – Take a look at the spinning attractions at Paradise Pier at night.
Our Favorite Dishes at Disneyland Resort – Pam Brandon shared her favorite meals at Disneyland Resort. Do you have a favorite?
Tom Staggs Offers Update on Walt Disney Parks & Resorts – Get an update on the growth at Disney Parks & Resorts from Chairman Tom Staggs.
Celebrating 40 Years of Walt Disney World Magic in Style with Dooney & Bourke – The newest Disney Theme Park Exclusive Dooney & Bourke collection celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
Take 5 at ElecTRONica
posted on February 19th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Earlier this week, we announced that ElecTRONica will be extended through Labor Day at Disney California Adventure park, giving even more Guests the chance to enter the Grid all summer long. Here’s a look back at some of our top ElecTRONica posts.
What is your favorite part of ElecTRONica? Let us know in the comments.
Top 5: ElecTRONica
- ElecTRONica Meet-Up: Recap of our Biggest Meet-Up Yet -In October, we invited 3,000 Disney Parks Blog readers to experience ElecTRONica.
- First Look at ElecTRONica – This sneak peek at ElecTRONica gave fans a glimpse at what to expect at the new nighttime experience.
- ElecTRONica Starts Tonight – Take a look back at ElecTRONica’s cast member preview.
- Poreotics Dance Crew Will Make a Special Appearance at ElecTRONica – Poreotics, winner of Season 5’s “America’s Best Dance Crew” on MTV, made their ElecTRONica debut in November.
- Catapult Back to 1982 at Flynn’s Arcade at ElecTRONica – Take a look inside Flynn’s Arcade, a Guest favorite at ElecTRONica.
A New Look for Disney California Adventure Merchandise
posted on February 18th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
When I came into work this morning, little did I know that I would find an e-mail that would become breaking news for the day. The minute I saw it, I knew it was something that I had to post on the Disney Parks Blog. Besides, I couldn’t keep you in suspense for too long. Some of you have probably already scouted it out at Greetings From California in Disney California Adventure park, but if you haven’t had the chance to visit us just yet, hopefully this “sneak peek” will give you something to look for on your next visit – the new Disney California Adventure merchandise logo.
What I like most is that it features many of my favorite Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto. They take part in some of the best things that Disney California Adventure park has to offer, from California Screamin’, Mickey’s Fun Wheel and Toy Story Mania! to recent additions such as Silly Symphony Swings and even the upcoming Goofy’s Sky School. There are so many fun elements to it, it’s hard to pick just one.
The new logo items are on store shelves and are bound to be a hit. I like to think of it as magic, action and fun, all rolled into one.
What do you think about the new Disney California Adventure merchandise logo?
THE ORCHESTRA ~ Featuring Former Members of ELO, Coming to Epcot
posted on February 18th, 2011 by Dave Herbst, Print Managing Editor, Disney Destinations
How’s this for a Friday night date – dinner and a show featuring The Orchestra at Epcot. It’s a possibility on one night only – February 25.
THE ORCHESTRA ~ featuring former members of ELO is going to play three shows at America Gardens Theatre that evening, at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. You can queue up for a seat with regular Epcot admission.
The Orchestra brings with it a heritage of symphonic rock hit-making dating to the early 1970s. Don’t know about you, but for me the original Electric Light Orchestra was one of my favorite “plays” back in the day. Certainly there were some others – like ELO, from across the pond – that convinced me all rock was not created equal; that some rock was genuinely music to my ears. (I’d mention some other performers, but I’m betting you might actually like to do the name-dropping.)
As for The Orchestra, all six players were part of ELO Part II, which was put together by former Electric Light Orchestra drummer Bev Bevan in the late 1980s. Gordon Townsend, who’s coming to Epcot, inherited the sticks when Bev disbanded ELO Part II and The Orchestra was formed in 2000.
Two of the players coming to Disney – Mik Kaminski (the famous “Blue Violin”) and keyboardist Louis Clark – were part of the scene back in the 1970s during the time of the original Electric Light Orchestra.
They also had a role in my personal favorite ELO project, “Out of the Blue.”
Here’s hoping February 25 brings blue skies and “Mr. Blue Sky” to Epcot!
Gonzalez Ushers in New Braves Era at Walt Disney World
posted on February 18th, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
Spring is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: Atlanta Braves spring training is upon us.
The Braves are back at Walt Disney World where they will play 18 home spring training games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Even if you’re not a Braves fan, there aren’t many better ways to spend an afternoon than catching a baseball game while munching on peanuts and hotdogs. With workouts beginning this week, there are multiple opportunities to catch your favorite players. And the games should be pretty entertaining, too. All of the top teams from the Florida Grapefruit League are on the schedule, including the New York Yankees (March 8), Boston Red Sox (March 16) and St. Louis Cardinals (March 9-10).
This year marks the start of a new era for the Braves, who are being led by first-year manager Fredi Gonzalez, who replaces long-time manager Bobby Cox. And fans can be a part of the action like never before through an on-field experience that allows fans onto the field during pre-game batting practice. That’s in addition to the extraordinary Disney entertainment that is a part of every Braves spring training game.
Tickets are on sale now by clicking here or by calling 407-939-GAME!
Batter up!
A Visit with President Lincoln at Disneyland Park
posted on February 18th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
In honor of Presidents’ Day weekend, let’s take a patriotic “visit” along Main Street, U.S.A., to explore an attraction that honors one of our most beloved American presidents, Abraham Lincoln. (If you can’t make it to Disneyland park this weekend, I hope you enjoy this virtual account of the attraction.)
As you come through the main entrance of Disneyland park, veer to the right and enter Main Street, U.S.A. Look to the right and find the marquee on the Main Street Opera House, home to one of the park’s iconic, innovative attractions, The Disneyland Story Presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
History comes to life as the show unfolds. A film composed of dramatic paintings depicts President Lincoln’s life, from his humble, rural upbringing to the White House. Real photographs of the Civil War transport you to another time. For the grand finale, Honest Abe rises at center stage and delivers some of his famous oratory.
Walt Disney celebrated the opening of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln more than 45 years ago, introducing guests to the early wonders of an Audio-Animatronics figure. Today, the attraction has been refined with some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics technology available. Walt Disney Imagineers updated the show in 2009, giving President Lincoln features and expressions that are remarkably lifelike.
In this video, watch for the detailed movement in Lincoln’s eyes and lips.
In this video, Imagineer Brian Scholz explains how they enhanced the show for a new generations of guests. Tell us how Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln may have inspired you.
