Getting to Know the Disneyland Resort Sommeliers
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Jim Ames, Manager, Food and Wine Events, Disneyland Resort
In my last post, I told you about the education of a Disneyland Resort sommelier. Today, I’d like to introduce you to a few of the more than 200 sommeliers from all across the Resort. While you would expect to find them tableside, you’d be surprised at how many roles involve wine education.
Teri Ross, Guest Service Manager, Wine Country Trattoria, Certified Sommelier
Teri’s wine education has allowed her to expand her role at Disney California Adventure park. “Becoming a sommelier has given me many opportunities,” she said. “I have been able to train cast members, develop wine lists and be a part of the Food and Wine Festival. My knowledge has allowed me to branch out and discover new possibilities.”
Sean Layne, Area Chef, Big Thunder Ranch and Fantasyland/ToonTown Restaurants, Sommelier
Sean’s role as chef does not involve the use or serving of wine, but he uses his knowledge about wine all the time.
As he said: “The title [of sommelier] doesn’t mean very much in my role as a chef, but the education does. Learning about the different aspects of wine and liquor definitely helps me with creating menus and balancing tastes and flavors. When it comes to ‘tasting’ food, I have learned through the sommelier classes to look deeper and pull out flavors and characteristics that may not be easily apparent, but can make a huge difference when trying to balance a dish.”
Jessica Burd, Food Prep, Ariel’s Grotto, Sommelier
Although Jessica’s role at the Disneyland Resort is not related to the service of wine, her sommelier training will help her on her journey to becoming a chef.
“I want to be a chef at the Disneyland Resort,” she said. “Becoming a sommelier helps broaden my pallet and allows me to identify key notes in wines to better help me pair them with food.”
When asked about the training that goes in to becoming a sommelier, Jessica replied: “Most people assume we spend our sessions tasting expensive wines from all over the world. This was not the case. We studied soil types, weather, grape varieties, local laws. In short, much more than I ever expected.”
Regardless of their roles. these cast members represent the high level of service that is expected of a sommelier at the Disneyland Resort. Next time I’ll introduce you to two Advanced Sommeliers currently preparing for their Master Sommelier exams.
Cheers!
Update: Tebow Joins Star-Studded Lineup for ESPN The Weekend
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
UPDATE: Gator Nation rejoice! Former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow has just confirmed that he will participate in ESPN The Weekend next weekend at Walt Disney World. Tebow, now with the NFL’s Denver Broncos, will be reunited with former Gators coach Urban Meyer, who previously committed to be at the event.
Just got a peek at the list of big-time athletes and ESPN personalities coming to Walt Disney World for ESPN the Weekend this year and it’s pretty impressive. There are tons of marquee names on the list this year, including Chad Ochocinco (Bengals), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), LaDainian Tomlinson (Jets), Cal Ripken, Jr., (MLB legend), Karl Malone (NBA legend), Mia Hamm (soccer star), Julius “Dr. J’’ Erving (NBA legend) and Urban Meyer (former Gators coach).
In all, more than 35 athletes and ESPN on-air talent will be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the March 4-6 event that’s presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods this year. Check out the complete list of ESPN personalities and sports celebrities expected to attend at www.espntheweekend.com (Click on Who’s Coming).
But fans will have much more to do than just see and hear their favorite players and ESPN personalities. There’s an interactive ESPN Sportszone area where fans can test their skills at a wide variety of sports, possibly even against one of the many sports celebs. There will also be daily motorcades with athletes, sports trivia game shows with Howie Schwab (Stump the Schwab) and fan Q&As with athletes.
If you’re a sports fan, is there really any other place you’d rather be? Probably not. So, if you want to get up close and personal with these sports stars, just go to www.espntheweekend.com to get tickets. You can get any last-minute additions to the player lineup on Twitter at @DisneySports and search #ESPNWKND.
And don’t forget to bring your “A’’ game!
‘Celebrate Gospel’ at Disney California Adventure Park February 19
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
Do You Love Gospel Music? If so, you’re in luck!
On February 19 – this Saturday – 15 Southern California gospel choirs will take over Stage 17 inside Disney California Adventure park for “Celebrate Gospel,” an event that showcases gospel music and local talent. “Celebrate Gospel” will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and it’s included with theme park admission.
Here’s a schedule of some of the performing choirs:
11:00 a.m.
- Cal State San Bernardino’s Hearts of Psalms Gospel Choir (San Bernardino)
- Worship In Truth Mass Choir (Rancho Cucamonga)
- New Spirit Baptist Church – Voices of Spirit (Santa Ana)
- Friendship Baptist Church – Voices of Friendship (Yorba Linda)
- Greater Los Angeles Cathedral Choir (Los Angeles)
1:30 p.m.
- West Angeles Church of God In Christ Mass Choir (Los Angeles)
- Burning Bush Church – Voices of Fire (Victorville)
- City of Refuge Spirit of David (Los Angeles)
- Vine Life Men’s Chorus (Riverside)
- Cross Word Christian Church – Voices of the Word (Riverside)
4:00 p.m.
- Psalm 63 of the New Creation Church of San Diego (San Diego)
- Mt. View Community Church Mass Choir (Temecula)
- Greater Zion – Voices of Destiny (Compton)
- Mount Rubidoux Seventh-Day Adventist Church Choir (Riverside)
- Friendship Baptist Church – Wrecking Crew (Yorba Linda)
We hope to see you there!
New Online Process Makes Checking In Fun, Easy and ‘Goofy’ for Disney Cruise Line Guests
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
At Disney Cruise Line, it’s our goal to make everything hassle free, and most importantly FUN, for our guests. Now, it’s even possible for you to enjoy the process of checking in online for your cruise.
We recently updated My Online Check-In at disneycruise.com, making it especially simple for you to complete the required paperwork from the comfort and convenience of your own home prior to your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Not only is this easier than filling out forms at the port, it also expedites the embarkation process. We’ve also added some extra-special elements of entertainment to this seemingly routine task to get you excited about your upcoming voyage!
You can even expect to be delighted by some classic Disney storytelling when you access the check-in page. In fact, you’ll be greeted with an original animated short starring Goofy. Whether you’re preparing for a cruise or not, you’ll love this informative and inspirational video. Check it out!
This new functionality is engaging and intuitive – what more could you ask for? We know you’ll enjoy it, and that’s only the beginning of the loads of fun you’ll have on your Disney cruise! See ya real soon…
Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Merchandise Collage
posted on February 16th, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
This October, the Walt Disney World Resort celebrates its 40th anniversary. Wow – 40 years! It seems I have spent the majority of my life either visiting Walt Disney World as a guest or making magic as a Disney Cast Member. As discussed in a previous article, I enjoy collecting Disneyana from the vacation kingdom of the world. So imagine how beyond excited I was when asked by Natalie Kennedy, Senior Graphic Designer with Disney Design Group, if she could use some of my memorabilia for a 40th anniversary collage she was creating (yes, total Disney geek moment!). I recently spoke with Natalie about her work, which is now prominently featured on some 40th anniversary merchandise.
“The first step was finding memorabilia to use for the collage,” said Natalie. “Once gathered, I imaged each item for placement into the big picture. I wanted elements from all four parks and images of Walt Disney included in the collage. From start to finish, it took me about three months to create the image.”
I first saw the collage in Summer 2010, and I still catch new details every time I see it. The “40th Collage” program is one of several art programs we will introduce for this anniversary year. The recent SHAG artwork is another example of a program created especially for the 40th anniversary (there are a few others, so please stay tuned).
This collage is part of a global program, meaning that you will find it used on a variety of items. Natalie purposely designed it for usage in multiple categories.
“I support the lifestyle hardlines teams which include categories like stationery, seasonal, consumables or home and decorative,” continued Natalie. “From the start, I was challenged to make the collage usable for other categories outside lifestyle hardlines. From what we’ve seen so far, guests love this image!”
I asked Natalie about her first visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.
“I first visited [the Walt Disney World Resort] in 1973,” explained Natalie. “My parents participated in the Beautiful-A-Bug contest which was held in June of that year. I can still remember driving down I-4 with my parents in our car wrapped in aluminum foil. My parents chose a spaceship theme for the contest. I included the ‘Tips on Your Visit’ brochure in the collage for my father. We got it during that first family trip and I still have it today.”
I was thrilled to see that Natalie included my EPCOT Center bag, button and classic guide map from 1982 (which I used in another Disney Parks Blog article). Natalie shared one final detail she has heard many people have loved finding.
“I’ve heard several guests remark how they love seeing the Orange Bird in the collage,” laughed Natalie. Right on – who doesn’t love the Orange Bird?!
Epcot Sushi Without Going to Epcot
posted on February 15th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
One of our favorite splurges is a visit to the Japan Pavilion at Epcot for sushi. The Mitsukoshi chefs serve so much raw fish that we consider Tokyo Dining, the chic dining room overlooking World Showcase, as our No. 1 spot for super-fresh seafood.
Now Mitsukoshi is the sole supplier of all the packaged sushi at Walt Disney World Resort, so we no longer have to make the trek to Epcot – though you still must visit the restaurant for their specialties such as unagi (grilled freshwater eel) or kakuni (braised pork belly slowly cooked in sake, soy sauce and ginger).
But when you just want a California roll, a spicy tuna roll, a vegetable roll (a great intro to sushi) or a sampler of all three, you can now pick up a to-go box at the following locations:
Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion at Epcot; Starring Rolls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Gasparilla Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom (open seasonally as needed), and Beach Club Marketplace at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Domo arigato, Mitsukoshi!
Celebrate Mardi Gras at Family Fun Weekends, Through March 6
posted on February 15th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Let the good times roll!
After two amazing weekends of “Happy Lunar New Year,” it’s time for Mardi Gras celebrations at Disneyland park. The next three weekends will be filled with jazzy music, the sensational food of New Orleans and Disney characters in their Mardi Gras finery.
For Mardi Gras, Princess Tiana and her friends will help move “Family Fun Weekends” into New Orleans Square, with a celebration that features a lively street-party atmosphere and warm Southern hospitality.
You can catch the The Royal Street Bachelors playing their tunes at the French Market Stage, or join the fun with special interactive entertainment.
- Princess Tiana’s Mardi Gras Celebration – Colorfully-costumed dancers, together with Tiana, Louis and Naveen, burst into New Orleans Square and make their way through the land. You can clap and dance along.
- Jambalaya Jazz Cavalcade – Led by the Jambalaya Jazz Band, a cast of Disney characters dressed in their Mardi Gras attire proceeds to the Court of Angels for a meet-and-greet with guests. Look for Mickey and Minnie as they get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Something new is on the menu for the first time at New Orleans Square – “Mickey” King Cake! You can also find Mardi Gras cupcakes, mint juleps and specialty items at the French Market and other New Orleans Square dining locations. Plus, you’ll be able to meet characters at a photo location in the Court of Angels.
The fun gets started this weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and it continues the following two weekends: February 25-27 and March 4-6.
Mardi Gras Celebrations occur in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The last Jambalaya Jazz Cavalcade begins at 5 p.m. Look for show times in the daily park guide.
‘Disney Junior – Live on Stage’ Opens in March at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts
posted on February 15th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Ahoy, mateys! We have some exciting news today for families who enjoy live entertainment and playful pirates!
To celebrate the premiere of the new television creation Disney Junior – which launched Monday – “Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” will debut at Disney Parks in Florida and California. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will present this lively show beginning March 4, and Disney California Adventure park will open the show March 25.
“Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” debuts with a new marquee, new characters and a new segment based on Disney Junior’s newest series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” It is scheduled to run daily.
Children and parents who have enjoyed the popular “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” at both parks can look forward to sharing this new production, which brings back three audience favorites (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins) and also introduces the adventures of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”
“Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” continues the imaginative, family-based fun that comes from being part of a live audience. The entertaining show pops to life with bright visuals and whimsical scenery that fill the stage, while guests enjoy four mini-episodes of playful Disney storytelling, fun songs and interactive moments.
The new, animated adventure series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” airs daily on Disney Junior, the new multiplatform destination devoted to children ages 2-7 and their families. Disney Junior invites parents and grandparents to join children as they enjoy Disney storytelling and Disney characters, along with learning and developmental themes. In 2012, Disney Junior will also debut as a basic cable and satellite channel in the United States.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on February 15th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
That’s the stare of a man thinking of lost love on the day after Valentine’s Day and you’ll find it somewhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, this week’s mystery image can always be spotted alone with that same look – if you’re observant. But where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Disney Marathon Donations Spread Warmth Across Central Florida
posted on February 15th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Manager of Media Relations, Walt Disney World Resort
Hi everyone! I have a great story to share that starts with people literally taking the clothes off their backs and ends with helping a good cause.
Participants in the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna left behind some special clothing donations that are helping thousands of Central Floridians bundle up during winter months.
Over the past two weeks, Disney has distributed more than 7 tons of clothing to those in need through Orange County Public Schools, Osceola County Public Schools, Covenant House and other Central Florida non–profit organizations. The nearly 25,000 items, such as coats, sweaters, long sleeved t-shirts and gloves, were collected by Walt Disney World Marathon organizers along the race routes on January 8 and 9.
Runners typically wear layers prior to the marathon to keep warm in the early morning hours and shed items as they make their way through the 26.2- and 13.1-mile courses. Disney textile services laundered all of the gently used items before giving them to Central Florida charities.
