First Look at the Royal Wedding Dress – Ariel’s, That Is
posted on April 25th, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
As anticipation builds for the British royal wedding on Friday, so does speculation about what Kate Middleton will wear when she weds Prince William. We have another princess getting ready to debut her wedding gown here at the Disneyland Resort, on June 3. That’s when Ariel and Prince Eric will debut in The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, an attraction inspired by the classic animated film, including the film’s wedding scene.
To find out more about Ariel’s dress and Prince Eric’s attire, I talked to the clothing designer, Gloria Bowls. She collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineer Larry Nikolai to create a look that reflects several periods of British history. Ariel’s gown, similar to the dress in the film, was largely influenced by the royal wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981 (“The Little Mermaid” film debuted in 1989).
“What was amazing about Diana’s dress was that no princess had arrived on the scene with such grandeur – larger than life,” Gloria said. “Ariel’s dress has some of that grandeur, a fantasy come to life – and larger than life. The big poof sleeves are almost as big as her head.”
Here’s a sneak peek at Ariel in her wedding finery.
Gloria designed custom wedding gowns and evening wear before taking on the challenge of designing costumes for Audio-Animatronics figures and consulting for Disney. She credits Larry Nikolai’s vision for encouraging her to let this dress express Ariel’s mermaid personality (i.e., she has this thing for “thingamabobs”).
“Ariel’s dress is made very much like a regular bride’s dress in that the bodice is fully lined, interlined and extensively boned – it practically stands up on its own,” Bowls said. “My favorite part is the front inset of the skirt … an underwater seascape with a shell, a starfish, a seahorse, all beaded and appliqued on, with seaweed lace.
“I hope each little girl will come off the ride inspired and dreaming of having a dress like Ariel’s for her own wedding day.”
These photos show Gloria as she was working on the dress, plus some of the intricate detail.
Complementing Ariel’s dress is Prince Eric’s attire, inspired by 19th century British royalty and British military uniforms. Details such as gold silk buttons reflect the aspects of courage, valor and honor.
Gloria was one of many experts who worked on this attraction. Would you like to hear from some of the Walt Disney Imagineers who created the Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure? Enter for a chance to attend our meet-up, scheduled for May 10 at 6:30 p.m.
What do you think of the magical detail in Ariel’s royal wedding gown?
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ACME Art Show Hits the ‘D’ Street at Downtown Disney
posted on April 25th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
Hey there, Disney fans! You know I love sharing the latest scoop as soon as I hear about it. Well, word on the street (D Street!) is about an art show coming May 14. ACME Archives’ Director of Business Development James Monosmith has offered you, our Disney Parks Blog fans, the first look at some of the new pieces making their debut at D Street in the Downtown Disney District.
What you are about to see is no Jedi mind trick. There are more than 10 new Star Wars-inspired art pieces being released. Here are a couple of my favorites.
“Resurrection” by Steven Daily
“Cruise the Galaxy” by Steve Thomas
“Use the Force, Luke” by William Silvers
“Knight of Passage” by Jerry Vanderstelt
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If you’re looking for something a little more out of this world as decor for your home or office, then be sure to check out these new releases.
“Prelude” by David Ho
“ENCOM Grand Prix” by Steve Thomas
“Walking Home” by Melissa Suber
“Steam Punk Willy” by William Silvers
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As if this great art wasn’t enough, Disney and Star Wars artist Steven Daily just signed on to do a special art demonstration starting at 3 p.m. May 14.
Want to know about other art is ‘in store’ for you during the show? Check out the entire collection on www.DisneyDStreet.com and if you’re in the neighborhood on May 14 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., be sure to swing by and check it out. Tell them I sent you!
Wild Africa Trek Gets More Adventurous at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
posted on April 25th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Have you heard? Our Wild Africa Trek experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently got a shot of extra adventure with an expansion to the private safari camp. Now, you’ll get the opportunity for even more up-close views of lions, white rhinos and other animals as well as the sense that you’ve been let out into a place with no boundaries as Senior Vice President, Executive Designer and Imagineer, Joe Rohde tells us:
Beginning in June, guests will have even more opportunities to experience the Wild Africa Trek as additional departure times are offered daily.
Guests interested in reserving one of the only 12 spaces available on each of these immersive, three-hour adventures should call 407-WDW-TOUR (8687).
For more on Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see these posts:
Have You Seen Disney’s Kukui Nut Tree?
posted on April 25th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
When Disney’s Polynesian Resort opened in 1971, it debuted with many details and offerings inspired by Polynesian culture, including a beach luau and architecture based on a Tahitian assembly lodge.
But one of the resort’s living, breathing nods to Polynesian culture that you may never have noticed is its Kukui nut tree. The tree originally was brought here from its native state of Hawaii and is a rare sight in the state of Florida.
The tree, which stands tall just outside the resort’s Great Ceremonial House, plays a meaningful role in Hawaiian culture, as it is regarded as a symbol of protection and peace. For centuries, leis made of kukui nuts were considered to be prestigious and sacred, and were worn only by reigning kings of Hawaii. Later on, oil was extracted from the nuts and used as a fuel source for lamps. The oil content of these nuts also played a part in natural remedies for many physical ailments, as well as moisturizing oil for babies’ skin.
Today, Kukui nut trees are given as precious and meaningful gifts among friends. Unlike a flowered lei, a Kukui Nut tree is a gift that will last forever.
Disney Weddings Transportation Fit for Royalty
posted on April 25th, 2011 by Korri McFann, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director, Weddings & Honeymoons
As many of you may have heard, Prince William and Kate are scheduled to leave their nuptials in a glass coach. Back in 1995, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons turned to Bennington Carriages – coach makers to the British Monarchy for the past 46 years – to create a glass coach of our own. Built in Newark, Nottinghamshire, England, Cinderella’s Coach is the ultimate royal transportation. Led by six white Dapper Dan ponies and accompanied by three coachmen, it is truly a fairy-tale icon come to life.
Want to see Cinderella’s Coach in person? Join us for our Royal Sleepover!
Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap
posted on April 24th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
How about that? Mickey, Minnie and pals hit the beach this week to celebrate the completion of the major structural work on Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. Our Disney team will now begin to “add the magic” to the resort. But first, Disney cast members and construction crew members had some fun in the sand and formed the distinctive Aulani arch and Mickey’s silhouette.
Also this week, Walt Disney Imagineering gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how they make the hitchhiking ghosts interact and play with you at the Haunted Mansion attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. You’re placed at the center of the story right in your “Doom Buggy.”
Now, here’s a list of other blog posts we worked on this week:
Exclusive: Johnny Depp and Patti Smith in Latest Disney Dream Portraits By Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks – Take a look at the newest Disney Dream portraits from Annie Leibovitz, featuring none other than Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Patti Smith as the Second Pirate in Command.
RunDisney Announces Newest Race: Tinker Bell Half Marathon – RunDisney’s newest race, the Tinker Bell Half Marathony, will be coming to Disneyland Resort in January 2012 and we’re offering an exclusive look at the official announcement.
Disney Parks Extends Special Offers for Military Families – Through our participation in the “Joining Forces” initiative and extended special offers at our parks and hotels, Disney is proud to support the brave men and women who serve our country.
Mickey Mouse in Your Walt Disney World Resort Room – You asked, Disney Floral & Gifts listened! Mickey Mouse is ready to greet guests in their Walt Disney World resort rooms – find out how.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Honors Pixar May 13-15 – Pixar is taking over at Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival during it’s 25th Anniversary Weekend, May 13-15. We’re giving you a sneak peek of what you can expect.
Behind the Scenes: Easter at Disney Floral & Gifts
posted on April 23rd, 2011 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG
I thought you’d enjoy seeing what makes Easter so special here at Walt Disney World Resort.
Where else but Walt Disney World can a Mickey Mouse-themed Easter basket be filled with so much magic that it creates a shadow of a mouse?
Each gift is hand-made, with personalization for someone special. Hmm, whose white glove is in this photo?
There’s also a one of a kind message on a one of a kind card …
And that card message also includes a special story to warm the heart.
Then, we deliver your gift to your resort to provide you with an opportunity to give the gift of a memory.
For us at Disney Floral & Gifts, Easter isn’t just a holiday…it’s an opportunity to make you feel special. And we enjoy “delivering” the magic.
From our home to yours, we hope you have a memorable celebration this weekend.
Take 5: Easter at Disney Parks
posted on April 23rd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
It’s Easter weekend so we wanted to make sure Disney Parks Blog readers had the inside scoop on all the holiday happenings at Disney Parks and Resorts. Take a look back at our top posts for the Easter season.
Take 5: Easter at Disney Parks
- Easter Bunny Hops Into Town April 17 at Magic Kingdom – The Easter Bunny and his wife, Mrs. Bunny will spend their Disney Parks vacation meeting and greeting families April 17-23 at Tour Guide Gardens, adjacent to City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. Come visit!
- A Disney Easter Basket That Teaches Sharing and Friendship – Here’s a creative tip on an Easter basket idea that’s been a hit at Disney Floral & Gifts.
- Hippity Hoppity Easter is On Its Way to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort – Easter festivities for the whole family are on tap at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on April 24. In addition to the popular Easter egg hunt (7 a.m and 9 a.m.) the resort is once again offering its amazing Easter buffet at Shutters from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for both locals and resort guests.
- A Disney Rabbit Roundup – With Easter fast approaching, and the topic of bunnies on everyone’s mind, we wondered – just how many rabbit characters do we have in our Disney family? Take a look and see if any on the list surprise you.
- Hop and Drop at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels – Celebrate Easter at any of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels with pre-made and customizable Easter baskets, or take part in the “Hop and Drop” tradition for some Easter morning magic.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Earns Four-Diamond Status
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Earlier this month, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge celebrated its 10th anniversary. This week, the resort has something new to celebrate – achieving prestigious AAA Four-Diamond status for the first time in its history.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the seventh Walt Disney World resort to achieve this honor, which recognizes hotels around the globe that offer world-class amenities, service and attention to detail. Only 4 percent of AAA-rated hotels receive this prestigious status.
One of Disney’s deluxe resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge includes three African-inspired restaurants, a thatch-roofed lobby with a massive mud fireplace and flowing stream inside. The resort also features an elevated “kopje,” or rock outcropping, which allows guests to observe animals – including zebra and giraffe – from just yards away.
According to General Manager Kim Marinaccio, the resort’s biggest asset is its team of cast members, who continually strive for “jamala” (the Swahili word for “courtesy and refinement”). In her opinion, it’s their drive for superior service that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge an unforgettable place.
“What helps our resort is that our cast members and leaders embrace the African culture, which is very warm and sharing,” Kim explained. “Our cast members have a passion for African culture and conservation, and they’re excited to share this knowledge with guests.”
Quarterback Tom Brady Celebrates with Family at Disneyland Park
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by George Savvas, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
Tom Brady brought family to Disneyland park yesterday to celebrate his niece’s fifth birthday. First destination: Fantasyland – for the birthday girl to meet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Tom’s son, Jack, joined in the fun too.
