Walt Disney World Grants Powerful Wishes By Sharing Its Magic
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Kathleen Prihoda, Media Relations Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we pride ourselves on being the place where dreams come true.
Aside from all the amazing vacations and magical moments in the parks, some truly inspirational real-life fairy tales happen as well. These stories are extraordinary because they show the pure power of a child’s wish.
Disney takes great delight in sharing some of its magic with children’s wish-granting organizations around the world. Whether it’s a desire to dance with Cinderella, or a chance to play football with Mickey Mouse, special requests from children with life-threatening medical conditions get VIP treatment. Last year alone, Walt Disney World Resort granted nearly 7,000 wish trips. According to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a Disney-themed wish is the most popular request they receive.
Any time I get the chance to watch a wish come to life, I feel very fortunate. My favorite part is to see the joy in the eyes of the children and their families. These special moments offer hope and lift spirits. It makes me feel proud to know that Disney supports such a worthy cause.
Two Special Treats for Mom at Disneyland Resort
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Don’t just get Mom out of the kitchen on Mother’s Day – give Mom the royal treatment at the Disneyland Resort with your choice of two delectable brunches: one in the Grand Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel, the other at Storyteller’s Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Both are back by popular demand, and both feature beloved Disney characters, with Cinderella and her princess friends in the Grand Ballroom, and Chip ‘n Dale and friends at Storyteller’s Cafe.
Delectable details: “Disney’s Royal Buffet for Mother’s Day” at the Disneyland Hotel is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 8, with Cinderella and her princess friends and live musical entertainment. The extravagant buffet includes beautiful spring salads, artisan cheeses, smoked and chilled seafood, cured meats, breakfast selections, seasonal fresh fish and free-range chicken. “Action stations” include fresh omelets, carving stations, Mickey waffles, crepes and Champagne. And just wait ‘til dessert, highlighted with a decadent chocolate fountain.
For kids: mixed greens, fresh fruit salad, crunchy chicken bites, pizza, “Mickaroni and cheese,” crispy waffle fries, mixed veggies and kid-approved sweets.
Cost is $71.99; $20.99 ages 3 to 9, free 2 and under (tax and gratuity not included). Premium annual passholders get a 15 percent discount; all other annual passports get a 10 percent discount. Complimentary four-hour parking is included (self-parking available) – after four hours cost to park is $6 per hour.
For reservations, call 714-781-DINE between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The fun starts at 7 a.m. on May 8 at Storyteller’s Cafe where Mom gets a hug from Chip ‘n Dale and friends. Between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., the impressive buffet includes black pepper-crusted New York strip loin (with cognac jus and horseradish cream), corned beef hash with poached eggs and chipotle-orange hollandaise, roasted salmon with tangerine vinaigrette, brioche French toast with blackberry compote and olive oil-poached asparagus with shaved Reggiano cheese. Add to that omelets, fresh scrambled eggs, Yukon gold hash browns with fresh thyme, sausage and bacon, artisan cheeses, cured meats and roasted veggies, spring greens, fresh fruits and over-the-top desserts.
Kids can fill up on scrambled eggs, oven-roasted potatoes, Mickey waffles and crispy chicken nuggets.
Cost is $29.99; $13.99 ages 3 to 9, free ages 2 and under (tax and gratuity not included). An a la carte menu also is available. Premium annual passholders get a 15 percent discount; all other annual passports get a 10 percent discount. For reservations, call 714-781-DINE between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Exclusive: Magician Mickey to Greet Guests at Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
At the Disney Parks Blog, we’re as excited as you are to learn more about Walt Disney Imagineering’s (WDI) plans for Town Square Theater, the new permanent home for Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park that’s set to debut in early April.
I’m happy to report that earlier today, WDI gave us an earful – pun intended – on the details planned for this exciting new meet-and-greet area.
In keeping with the small-town theme of Main Street, U.S.A., Town Square Theater will take on the tradition of turn-of-the-Twentieth-century theaters that served as the center of excitement in small towns, offering thrills through vaudeville and other forms of entertainment. At Town Square Theater, families will be able to go backstage to meet Magician Mickey Mouse, who is excited to meet and greet guests in his rehearsal room.
And of course, WDI has designed the entire experience to be magical. Guests will first enter the theater building through a lobby that will serve as a hub for character meet-and-greet queues, the Box Office Gifts merchandise shop and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
According to WDI Concept Designer Jason Grandt, the lobby will be decorated in gold and cream colors that were chosen to recreate the feel of a historic theater.
“Upon entering the lobby, guests will be faced with a beautiful tile mosaic featuring the Town Square Theater logo,” Jason said. “The color scheme reflects that of historical theaters with a little inspiration from our master magician, Mickey Mouse.”
Just beyond the lobby, guests will pass through an ornate arch and enter a queue to meet either Magician Mickey Mouse or the Disney princesses. Special interactive posters featuring Mickey’s various magic acts will be in place to enhance the guests’ journey through the queue line, which will take them deep into the backstage corridors of the theater.
“You will recognize the poster style as that of turn-of-the-century magicians such as Houdini,” Jon Georges, WDI director/senior show producer said. “But these posters carry Mickey’s magical touch that can bring them to life and interact with you as you wait.”
WDI is keeping us guessing on what comes next, but did send these mysterious photos for us to share.
Bake it Yourself: Recipe for an Animator’s Palate Appetizer from Disney Cruise Line
posted on March 24th, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
One of my favorite things about sailing on a Disney cruise is the food. In fact, thinking about it makes me hungry right now! Each of the restaurants on our Disney Cruise Line ships feature unique and delectable dishes created by some of the most outstanding chefs at sea.
What’s our secret to making such mouthwatering meals? I actually want to give you a little taste of how we do it, by sharing a recipe from one of our menus on the Disney Dream. It’s an amazing appetizer at Animator’s Palate that’s sure to please your palate…the Sesame-Flavored Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Cheesecake with Asian Barbecue Sauce. I can tell you from experience that this slice of perfection is both rich and delicious. Yum!
Want to cook it in your own kitchen? Here’s how…
Crust
1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
6 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Shrimp Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion
1 1/4 pounds raw shrimp, cleaned
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
28 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup liquid eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Micro greens, for garnish
Asian Barbeque Sauce
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons Asian barbecue sauce*
1 teaspoon hot bean sauce*
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce*
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup chicken stock
For the crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in medium bowl, stirring until well blended. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan. Bake crust until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Cool completely before filling.
For the shrimp cheesecake filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté until caramelized. Add shrimp, and sauté until just opaque. Stir in sesame seeds. Set aside to cool.
- Combine cream cheese, salt and pepper in large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time; add cream, beating until well combined. Stir in smoked Gouda and chopped parsley.
- Spoon filling into crust. Place cheesecake on a baking sheet. Bake until cake puffs and top browns, but the center wobbles just slightly when pan is shaken, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer pan to rack and cool. (Cheesecake can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
- Run a long, thin knife around pan sides to loosen cheesecake. Carefully remove ring, and cut into 14 pieces.
- Serve at room temperature with barbecue sauce and micro greens.
For the Asian barbeque sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine vegetable oil, shallots and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Asian barbecue sauce, hot bean sauce and hoisin sauce; cook for 3 minutes. Add sherry and cook for 1 minute. Add soy sauce, sugar and stock; cook for 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender and process until liquefied. Let cool.
*Asian barbeque sauce, hot bean sauce and hoisin sauce are all typical condiments used in Asian cooking. They are available at Asian-foods stores, and in many grocery stores.
Makes 1 (9-inch) cheesecake
Enjoy!
Follow the Clues to Discover the New runDisney Race
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World
One of the best kept secrets floating around Disney is about a new runDisney race. Speculation on exactly what the race will be and where it will take place has gotten pretty crazy at times.
So we’re going to help you try to figure it out. Starting today, we are posting a series of clues on the runDisney Facebook page. The clues will be posted every few days leading up to the official announcement of the new event. Figure them out, put them together, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what kind of race we’re planning.
The clues won’t be easy, so put on your thinking caps and start your detective work. And don’t worry, an entire runDisney community is there to help you solve the riddles!
In the mean time, do you want a hint?
Well, I’ve probably said too much already. Plus it wouldn’t be any fun if I told you now, right? Visit www.facebook.com/rundisney to see the first clue, which features Walt Disney Animated Classics.
Hey Mr. Postman! Famous Disneyland Park Addresses
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Have you ever noticed that Disneyland park has its own unique addresses? They’re one of the many details that Imagineers have placed in the park through the years to make Disneyland a new experience every time you visit.
As you would expect, Main Street, U.S.A., boasts many numbers that mark a particular place. Many of you are probably familiar with the Disneyland Fire House near City Hall. Just above the Fire House, there’s a window where the light is always on – signifying Walt Disney’s presence. But did you know the engine company has an actual address? 105 Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland.
Over in Mickey’s Toontown, look for the iconic yellow house that is Mickey’s residence. It’s officially located at 1 Neighborhood Lane, Mickey’s Toontown.
There are many such addresses throughout the lands, attractions and shops, including several in New Orleans Square. Looking for a little Jack Skellington fix? Why not duck into No. 35 Royal Street, where the gothic Le Bat en Rouge awaits you. But that’s only if you can resist the sweet aromas coming from No. 31 Royal Street, home of the Blue Bayou Restaurant.
What are some of the unique addresses that you’ve spied in Disneyland park – or elsewhere at the Disneyland Resort?
Remembering Elizabeth Taylor at Disneyland Park
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Elizabeth Taylor visited Disneyland park many times over the years, including her unprecedented 60th birthday celebration, and today we’re sharing some photos from our archive as we remember this legend of the silver screen at The Happiest Place on Earth.
The earliest visit we know of was in 1962 with Eddie Fisher and her sons Michael and Christopher. It appears to me this photo was likely taken near the Hub as they purchased some popcorn. Looking at the boys’ clothes, perhaps it is near the entrance to Frontierland.
In the summer of 1973, she posed with three of her kids and Mickey Mouse inside Club 33 in New Orleans Square.
Then, on February 27, 1992, with 1,000 friends and well-wishers on hand, she celebrated her 60th birthday with an after-park-hours party like none other ever held at Disneyland park.
Elizabeth said that night that she came to Disneyland “for the child in me… it’s going to be the best party of my life.”
Something Magical at Disneyland Park
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Like every good magician says before making something appear… Abracadabra!
That’s just one tip I picked up while learning about the world of magic at the Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Shop, featuring Houdini’s Magic.
Houdini’s Magic instills excitement, wonder and a touch of the mysterious. Magic is a universal art form that dates back thousands of years. It breaks language barriers and appeals to kids and kids at heart. In a simple word, it’s fun!
What else do I have up my sleeve? Well, since you asked…here are my top three choices for easy-to-learn magic tricks.
The UFO, known in the magic world as the Ultimate Floating Object, is one of the finest close-up/standup effects you can perform. Imagine borrowing a regular playing card or even a Disneyland Resort gift card, spinning it around your body and then handing it back to the owner for inspection. It’s a quick way to impress your friends or fellow workers. Tip: This trick is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Houdini’s Spirit Lights is one of the most visual props you can have in your magic arsenal! Houdini’s has taken the concept of light at your fingertips to a new level. You can make the point of light appear out of thin air, move it around, pass it from one hand to another and even make it disappear just as quickly. Tip: Anyone can do this; little or no skill required.
The Gambler’s Deck – Wow! The Gambler’s Deck makes the impossible possible, even for the amateur who has never handled a deck of cards before. Each deck has eight main features: stripped, stacked, a box reminder, a joker reminder, a bar code prediction, marked six ways, instructional card for marking system and a card locator table. Tip: Look like a card shark in minutes. There are hundreds of effects possible, all easy to do!
There are so many magic tricks and books at Houdini’s Magic, including the ever-popular close-up magic (a.k.a. pocket magic) that includes coins, card magic and mini-illusions. Throughout the day, at any given time, you can find one of the expert magicians performing or showing a novice the secrets behind it all.
While I may not be quite skilled enough to pull a rabbit out of a hat just yet, I can tell you that I learned quite a bit about the art of magic and I’m definitely hooked. There seems to something for everyone.
And now for my next trick… a disappearing act!
Alakazam!
Moms Panel: 5 Ways to be The Coolest Mom at Walt Disney World Resort
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Laura Spencer, Social Media Manager, Walt Disney World Resort
Hi everyone…members of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel have lots to share and each panelist is unique in his or her own amazing way.
Here’s some fun advice from Disney Mom Kathie F. of South Carolina.
- Make a reservation for an out-of-this world dining experience: Dine with the dinosaurs at T-REX Café or pretend to be hitchhikers at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant!
- Become young Padawans in training and indulge your own inner movie geekness at Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Let your kids stay up way past bedtime to see fireworks like you’ve never seen them before! Do that AND stay for just one more ride on Peter Pan’s Flight!
- Ahoy there! Get “in character” and bring your favorite swashbucklers to the Pirates League. Turn your handsome rogue or your beautiful princess into an authentic pirate. Oh, and your kids can get make-overs too!
- Ride Crush ‘n’ Gusher. You know you want to.
Bob Iger Interview Kicks Off New ‘Destination: Disney’ Series
posted on March 23rd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
As regular readers know, we love talking about the “Disney Difference” here on the Disney Parks Blog. That’s why we’re thrilled to tell you about a new video series debuting today on Disney Online that’ll be doing just that – offering an inside look at things that’ll likely have you saying, “Only Disney can do that.” While filming the series, host Samantha Brown had the opportunity to sit down with President and Chief Executive Officer of the Walt Disney World Company Bob Iger to talk about the Disney Dream cruise ship and how the AquaDuck came to be.
The first episode of the “Destination: Disney” series featuring Innovation and Technology on the Disney Dream can be viewed on Disney Online.
