Want To Play Pirate? We’ll Help You Dress the Part at Disneyland Park
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Last week, we shared the exciting news that you can join Captain Jack Sparrow at Disneyland park for a new pirate experience that includes an exclusive, extended 3D film sequence – a sneak peek of the upcoming movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.” What better way to join Jack’s crew than to dress the part?
To help you get in touch with your inner pirate, the Disneyland Resort will offer a variety of merchandise near Festival Arena. Looking for a new sword? Perhaps a patch or a hook? And, no true pirate would be caught dead without his hat. For all your scallywag needs, check out the new, pop-up merchandise locations on site for the sneak-peek events — held weekend nights from March 25 to May 30, and seven nights a week from April 15 through May 1.
Never fear, ladies, you won’t be left out. A new line of Pirate Princess merchandise is set to arrive just in time for the pirate parties. Look for scarves, hoodies, tanks and tees, and a whole lot more.
And what’s a pirate sneak peek preview without a mug of grog? Look for a special food cart that will offer this “spiced” fruit punch, with the Caribbean flavors of orange, guava, pineapple and passion fruit. Our grog is suitable for pirates of all ages and it’s delicious served with a glow cube!
In May, Disney Vault 28 will join the pirate party by offering a make-up demonstration that celebrates the launch of a new line of mermaid- and pirate-inspired make-up, titled Isla Sirena. Keep watching the blog for more information about this new offering. We challenge you to start deciding now, ladies, whether you’ll be wanting the look of a mermaid, a pirate or a treasure!
What’s your favorite pirate accessory?
Kids Can Enjoy High-Tech Fun and Games Aboard the Disney Dream with Magic PlayFloor
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
There’s lots of innovation and technology aboard the Disney Dream. Every time I sail, I discover something new that completely “wows” me. I’ve showed you high-tech highlights like AquaDuck and Enchanted Art, but now I want to tell you about Magic PlayFloor – a cruise-industry first that takes interactive gaming to the next level.
When kids jump onto the Magic PlayFloor, they can engage in group activities and games where their movements determine the action on a giant grid of LCD screens. They might scramble around the perimeter to control the tilt of a virtual maze or leap over lasers with favorite Disney characters.
We knew the kids would love it, so we created two versions of the Magic PlayFloor to double the fun – one at Disney’s Oceaneer Club and the other at Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (the youth spaces designed for cruisers ages 3-10).
Youth counselors also incorporate the Magic PlayFloor into storytelling activities, where kids are immersed into their favorite Disney films. They might fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan, ride ocean waves with Crush from “Finding Nemo” or race around a track like Lightning McQueen from “Cars.”
Want to see the Magic PlayFloor in action? Check out this video.
What Are Your Favorite Things to Do at Downtown Disney in California?
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
The Downtown Disney District in Anaheim has been a hit for 10 years – both with locals who enjoy the restaurants and entertainment, and with visitors who are staying at the Disneyland Resort for multiple days. We selected 10 fun things you can do at Downtown Disney, and we’d like to hear your ideas, too.
- Enjoy local musicians such as violinist Drew Tretick, a regular since 2001.
- Check out ESPN Zone in the coming weeks as sports fans celebrate March Madness.
- See a new movie at AMC Theatres.
- Rock out at the House of Blues to the latest bands. Visit houseofblues.com for upcoming events.
- Use your creative skills to design your own plush at Build-A-Bear or remote-controlled car at RIDEMAKERZ.
- At Studio Disney 365, bring your child to get a rock star makeover.
- Pick up a sweet treat from Marceline’s Confectionery, named after Walt Disney’s childhood hometown.
- Grab a Wetzel’s Pretzel (one of my favorites!).
- Get your caricature drawn, or your face placed in a pictures template.
- Indulge your taste buds at one of the many restaurants, such as Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen or La Brea Bakery.
What’s one of your favorite things to do at Downtown Disney?
For more details on Downtown Disney, visit www.downtowndisney.com/Anaheim.
Where at Disney Parks Can You Find…
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
I’ve been seeing stars in the parks since sharing our latest mystery image, and if you have been too, then this week’s puzzler will be a cinch. It’s a gold star that’s easy to spot from many locations somewhere at Disney Parks – but where? Please put your answers in the comments and we’ll update the post with the answer later today.
Read the rest of this entry »
Colorful Merchandise for Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
What is your favorite color? My favorite has always been blue (it’s the color of my eyes). Recently, I discovered a new color that is giving blue some competition – charcoal. It would seem like charcoal is invading the marketplace (or perhaps only my life – my new love seat and certain items from my wardrobe are now charcoal). So imagine my delight to see the recently introduced colorful merchandise created for the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. Charcoal is just one of several colors used in this art program that also includes colors with names like antique white, gold nugget, black iris, true red and petunia. Like many things at Disney Theme Park Merchandise, selecting colors for an art program is a collaborative one. I spoke with Sandi Sloan Hays and Julie Young, both product developers and 40th Anniversary colors champions, about the process.
“We considered several factors when deciding on the colors featured in this program,” explained Sandi, who represented the softlines division. “We considered popular colors or trends in the marketplace and colors that would look good on guests. We also reviewed what worked well in the past from a sales perspective.”
For the 40th Anniversary, the colors needed to be retro-inspired, not necessarily true colors from the 1970s. The team selected what I’m calling “sophisticated 1970s” colors – it’s like the 1970s but without those “amazing” shades of yellow, orange, green or red (see this article for a colorful 1970s reference photo).
“Softlines drove a lot of the decision behind the colors used since they created the clothing and accessory items,” continued Julie. “The hardlines division which I represented took its cue from softlines. The goal was to create a cohesive look, so both softlines and hardlines items could sit nicely together on the sales floor.”
You will see these colors used on a variety of items, from polo-style shirts, tee-shirts, hoodie sweatshirt jackets, Disney pins, Vinylmation, laptop sleeves, bath towels and much more. I think my favorite item is the track suit! I saw the best presentation of these items at the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. There are also select items on the Disney Theme Park On-Line Store.
I asked Sandi and Julie about their favorite color from this program. Sandi chose gold nugget as “gold is very 1970s,” while Julie preferred petunia. For me, I’m sticking with charcoal – sorry, blue.
The Disney Honors – Inspiring a Passion for Excellence
posted on March 22nd, 2011 by Tim Hill, Director of Disney Youth Programs
Every two years, Disney has the privilege of hosting a celebration of musical talent featured at The Disney Honors, a festival that showcases the skills of high school band, orchestra and choral ensembles from across the country.
March 24 – 27, 2011, marks the 6th year of The Disney Honors, Disney Youth Programs’ biennial non-competitive music festival held at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Each of the selected ensembles will receive the opportunity to perform on stage, interact with world renowned musical educators and mingle with fellow musicians.
The goal of this festival is to inspire young musicians to achieve excellence by challenging them to broaden their musical abilities and experience an unprecedented educational opportunity. The festival also gives these students the opportunity to discover and enjoy some of our world-class theme park and entertainment options. I know from experience that events like The Disney Honors will create inspiring lifetime memories for each of these students.
To stay up-to-date with The Disney Honors and other Disney Youth Programs music festivals, please visit our Facebook page.
If you have ever participated in The Disney Honors, please tell us you story in the comments below.
Waikolohe Valley Takes Shape at Aulani
posted on March 21st, 2011 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
It’s a pity, but I don’t get to spend all my time on Oahu. I did get to visit the site of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa last week, and I brought back the latest video of construction progress.
This is really exciting for me because, for the first time, I think you can really see some of the key recreation elements taking shape in the Resort’s central Waikolohe Valley.
In the foreground you can spot Menehune Bridge, possibly the handiwork of the Islands’ legendary little people. When completed, it will be a 2,200-square-foot, interactive water play area for children.
Further in the background is one of the great landmarks of Waikolohe Valley, Pu‘u Kino. It means “hidden faces in the lava” and if you look closely, you may already be able to detect a few of the hidden images. Pu‘u Kino will be, among other things, the home of two water slides and a gateway to floating down Waikolohe Stream.
Between Pu‘u Kino and Menehune Bridge you can spot workers in Rainbow Reef, which will become a snorkeling experience where Aulani guests can have up-close encounters with an array of live marine life.
While I was at the Aulani site, Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai‘i, provided some great information about each of these Aulani features. I’ll share the video of his comments in upcoming posts.
Precious Moments at Disney Parks
posted on March 21st, 2011 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Since 2005, Disney Theme Park Merchandise has partnered with Precious Moments to created special figurines that are unique to Disney Parks. To celebrate the release of the newest Disney Theme Park Exclusive collectible from Precious moments, I caught up with Deb Butcher. Deb grew up right along with Precious Moments. Her father, Sam Butcher, created Precious Moments before she was 10 years old. As an artist’s daughter, Deb was entrenched in the world of mixing paint, exploring color and absorbing the full meaning behind Sam’s creations.
Today, Deb is responsible for the direction of the Precious Moments creative team, from concept creation through the approval process of art. She works closely with the artists and product developers to ensure that every Precious Moments figurine and gift conveys her father’s message, while offering meaning and beauty to the end consumer. I had the opportunity to talk with Deb to find out more about the creation of Precious Moments and the partnership with Disney.
Dara: For more than 30 years and with more than 1,500 figurines to your father’s credit, did you think he ever imagined that from the “Original 21” figures, Precious Moments would become one of the world’s leading collectibles?
Deb: When he was creating the first 21 his desire was to touch someone’s life in a personal way. He wanted to celebrate, inspire and provide comfort. At no time did my dad discuss Precious Moments as “the next big thing,” or an opportunity or think that it would be a collectible that is cherished around the world. He really just wanted to give people a way to express what they were feeling but didn’t have the words to say.
Dara: Children play a prominent role in each of the Precious Moments figurines. The teardrop-eyes of the children in Precious Moments figurines are recognized around the world. What meaning do the teardrop-eyes have for you and the Precious Moments family?
Deb: The teardrop-eyes are the result of how my dad saw children, with big innocent eyes. Many people have commented that my son Colin and I resembled Precious Moments when we were younger. It’s just how Dad sees children, full of innocence.
Dara: Disney and children go hand in hand so it’s no surprise that the collaboration with Precious Moments and the Disney Showcase Collection has been a success. With so many Disney characters to work with, how do you select the subject for each piece?
Deb: Disney has a deep emotional connection with its Guests and Precious Moments has childhood innocence so it’s a perfect fit. As far as selecting a subject, the scenarios just seem to create themselves. Together we are creating recognizable memories that will last a lifetime with their recipients.
Dara: Do you have a favorite piece from the Disney Showcase Collection?
Deb: This is a really difficult question because there are so many adorable figurines! But, I must admit Pooh has always been my favorite character, so “Everything’s Better With Friends” with the little boy reading to Pooh and Piglet in the chair would have to be one of my favorites. It reminds me of when we were small and my Mom would read stories to us from The Hundred Acre Wood.
If you would like to ask Deb Butcher a few questions of your own, you’ll have a special opportunity to meet her on March 25 and 26 at Walt Disney World Resort. Deb will be signing the newest Precious Moments figurine from the Disney Theme Park Collection: “It’s Always a Day in the Parks with You.” Deb will be appearing at the Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace on March 25 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom on March 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If you’re going to be at Disneyland Resort next weekend, you can meet Master Sculptor for Precious Moments, Hiko Meada on March 26 at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
If you’re not able to make it to Disney Parks for the release of the new Disney Precious Moments sculpture, we’ve got you covered, visit ArtofDisneyParks.com to learn more on how to pre-order “It’s Always a Day in the Parks with You.”
Video: Fifty Kids Celebrate Healthy Living at Walt Disney World
posted on March 21st, 2011 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Looks like fun, right? Those kids won a national essay contest held by Disney Magic of Healthy Living and won a trip to Walt Disney World and a truly unique experience. The weekend included a special ceremony to honor 50 kids and their efforts to make healthy choices, opportunities to try new foods and experiences, and a one-of-a-kind TRYathlon that features special activities around the world in Epcot with Disney Channel stars and Disney characters.
What did these kids do to deserve such royal treatment? They won a national essay contest and wrote about how their ideas to make healthy choices in their everyday lives.
Brandon, age 13, from Fountain Valley, CA inspired us with this family fun way to exercise: “On Friday, we have Family Dance Night. Dad breaks out one of the old moldy records, and then we move the furniture out of the way, turn up the music and go wild.”
Tyler, age 13, from Tomball, TX submitted this interesting idea to make eating healthy more fun: “My grandma got me to enjoy eating fruits and veggies by using cookie cutters to make cool shapes. Since then, I get inspired by the season and try new shapes with fruits and veggies and even nuts sometimes.”
Take a peek at some of the highlights from the kids’ weekend at Walt Disney World and what they thought of their grand prize.
If that looks like something you and your family might enjoy, you can get a chance to participate in our next family contest (slated for early 2012). Families will be able to submit their ideas to create a healthier world in a variety of ways. Stay tuned to the Magic of Healthy Living website for details.
Magic of Healthy Living is an initiative that Disney launched in September 2010 that encourages healthy lifestyles by making smart eating and physical activity simple and fun. The first year included a year-long series of inspiring public service announcements featuring First Lady Michelle Obama and Disney Channel stars, two new websites (one for kids, one for moms), a national contest, and a big event at WDW.
Through Disney Magic of Healthy Living, Disney also contributed $1 million to KaBOOM in order to build play spaces and gardens in 12 local communities nationwide. To read more about one of these projects, check out Kathleen Prihoda’s post about Disney’s work with KaBOOM! in Orlando last week.
How do you and your family celebrate healthy living? (Don’t give it all away, though. You might want to save some of it for our upcoming contest).
Disneyland Resort Pastry Chef Wins Top Award
posted on March 21st, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Congratulations! Disneyland Resort Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Marc Viallet took home top honors at the Southern California Restaurant Writers awards this past weekend.
Disneyland Resort won top honors in five categories, a generous nod to the vast array of outstanding dining options at Disneyland Resort: two restaurants at the Disneyland Hotel, two restaurants at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa, one at Disney California Adventure park and one in Disneyland park.
“We are lucky to have Chef Jean-Marc as part of the Disneyland Resort Food and Beverage team,” said Michele Gendreau, director, Food & Beverage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With his creativity, exceptional artistry and talent he is able to conceive and produce the perfect pastry to bring Disney stories to life.”
Classically trained in France, Viallet has been creating innovative sweets for more than three decades, and for the past 10 years at Disneyland Resort. His favorite? “Chocolate desserts, with cream and crunchy textures,” said Viallet.
Following is a complete list of Disneyland Resort awards. The Golden Bacchus is for an extensive wine selection, with only about 30 of 1,500 restaurants achieving the award. The Golden Sceptre is the top restaurant award, with only 20 to 25 restaurants of 1,500 taking this one home.
Special Award Category
- Pastry Chef of the Year: Jean-Marc Viallet, executive pastry chef, Disneyland Resort
Golden Bacchus Wine Award
- Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
- Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)
Golden Sceptre (Five Star)
- Napa Rose (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel)
- Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel)
Gold (Four Star)
- Ariel’s Grotto (Paradise Pier, Disney’s California Adventure park)
- Blue Bayou (New Orleans Square, Disneyland park)
Sterling (Three Star)
- Goofy’s Kitchen (Disneyland Hotel)
- Storyteller’s Cafe (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa)
The Southern California Restaurant Writers, Inc. has operated for 36 years as a non-profit seeking to improve the quality of restaurants in the region. Award winners are chosen from Santa Barbara south to the Mexican border.
