Walt Disney Imagineering’s Green Art Show Makes Recycling Beautiful
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Earlier today, I had the opportunity to attend Walt Disney Imagineering’s Green Art Show, my favorite Earth Day event that takes place here at the Walt Disney World Resort.
This annual show, now in its fourth year, takes place backstage at WDI headquarters and challenges Imagineers to create a piece of art from recycled, repurposed or natural materials. The event not only celebrates the “beauty” of recycling, but it gives this talented team a chance to step out of their daily roles and stretch their imaginations by experimenting with new mediums and unusual artistic materials. And they never fail to amaze me what their out-of-the-box creativity!
For example, WDI Senior Interior Designer Claire Wiley prepared this mixed-media piece, Cat Heaven, for the event this year. Claire used a picture and frame she rescued on its way to the trash, then painted and collaged over it.
Senior Set Decorator Katie Roser repurposed crepe-myrtle tree trimmings by weaving them into a basket, which is filled with fruit made from scrap fabric.
And Graphics Intern Lindsay Agnew used acorns, seashells, corn tassels, leaves and repurposed packaging materials to create this festive nature-themed wreath.
This is just a sample of the creativity displayed by Imagineers at this year’s event. How will you celebrate Earth Day?
Star Tours – These Are The Souvenirs I’m Looking For
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
If I had a nickel for the hours I spent as a child playing with my Star Wars toys, I would be living on a beach in Maui right now. Luckily, my parents saved those toys (thanks Mom and Dad), and my son now spends hours pretending he is in a galaxy far, far away. Soon, he will have a few more toys (among several awesome things) to add to his Star Wars collection, especially with the launch of “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” on May 20. But wait! I get to photograph and write about merchandise created for Star Tours? Sign me up! After reviewing the more than 40 items we’ve created, I have selected a few of my favorites to share with you.
First up is the incredibly detailed Starspeeder 1000 Spaceliner Collection. This boxed set features die-cast metal vehicles representing six spaceliners that are involved with the new Star Tours story. I spoke with Brad Schoeneberg, Product Developer for Toys and Games, to learn more about the toys.
“We’ve been working on the Star Tours toys for about two years now,” explained Brad. “During the past two years, we have had a great relationship with Walt Disney Imagineering. They provided us with tons of reference material for the Starspeeders and other new characters. That partnership helped us capture wonderful details including the tiny droids seen on top of each of [the Starspeeders].”
This set will retail for $22.95. Brad also shared with me the packaging for the “Ambush at Star Tours” and the “Star Tours Travel Agency” action figure sets (both will retail for $39.95 each). Favorite figures include the Sky Troopers who were created specifically for the attraction. I also loved how the droid who is “fluent in over six million forms of communication,” C-3PO, turned out.
But toys aren’t the only thing I loved seeing (or should I say “playing with?”). We are releasing a variety of shirts for launch. I particularly liked the stylized travel posters shirt, as there is no better way to say “I love space travel” than with that one. How I wish I could visit Bespin and hang out with Lando Calrissian!
There are a few items, however, that neither my son nor I can get – we are not Passholders (unlike many of you and I’m bummed). These Passholder Exclusive items will include a commemorative coin, a limited edition pen (not to be confused with a “pin,” which will also be released), a Darth Vader T-shirt and, what I consider the most awesome drinkware in the galaxy, a 20 oz. tumbler featuring Darth Vader.
I don’t think I can make time pass fast enough until the opening! As mentioned, there are many other items we created for the launch, so keep watching ArtofDisneyParks.com for release dates and additional information.
Behind The Scenes: New Ways to Experience the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
If you enjoyed Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive tour of the new interactive queue at the Haunted Mansion attraction, then you’re in for a treat. The hitchhiking ghosts have found new ways to interact and play with you. And today, Imagineers are sharing their stories on how it all came together. Using some of the newest and most innovative technologies, you’re placed at the center of the story right in your “Doom Buggy” at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s amazing, check it out.
Enter for a Chance to Attend Our Latest Meet-Up: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure Park
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Michele Himmelberg, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort
UPDATE–April 29: We’re thrilled with the great response from readers for the The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure Meet-Up. Entries are now closed and all entrants will be receiving a follow-up email indicating whether they have been chosen to participate in this event. Along with the rare opportunity to hear Walt Disney Imagineers and animators discuss the new Little Mermaid attraction, we have reserved viewing at Disney California Adventure park for the 8:30 p.m. performance of “World of Color” for this exclusive group. Guests attending the meet-up are not required to purchase admission to Disney California Adventure park.
We know some of you who are not attending will have questions about the concept and development of the attraction. Please post your questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to present some of them at the meet-up. We will post some of the answers here on the Disney Parks Blog following the meet-up and in real time during the event on Twitter. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for additional meet-ups in the future.
We’ve taken you behind the scenes to see some of the amazing things the Walt Disney Imagineers are working on for the June 3 debut of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disney California Adventure park. We’ve shown you what it’s like to create not only the Ariel Audio-Animatronics figure, but also how to animate her hair.
We’ve given you a glimpse of how impressive Ursula will be when she gets settled into her lair.
And we’ve shown you the beautiful “clam shells” – the vehicles that will take you “under the sea.”
Now we’re inviting you to join us for a very special meet-up, featuring Walt Disney Imagineers Lisa Girolami, Larry Nikolai and Chris Crump from the attraction’s creative team, as well as Walt Disney animators Andreas Deja and Mark Henn who worked on the animated feature film on which the attraction is based. Their tales will also be featured in an article in the May issue of D23 Magazine.
Today through April 28 at 11:59 p.m. (PDT), you can enter for a chance to attend our meet-up.
Those selected will be among an exclusive group at our panel discussion with the Walt Disney Imagineers and animators. The meet-up will be held May 10 at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The team is still hard at work getting Scuttle, Sebastian and their friends ready to perform, so you will NOT be able to ride or visit the attraction.
Please carefully read the details on the form when you enter. As a reminder: You must be at least 18 years of age to enter, the meet-up does not require theme park admission and you must appear in person with a valid ID and your guest. If you are one of the 150 people randomly selected from our entries, you will be able to bring only one (1) guest. We will notify you by email if you are selected, with check-in details. All elements of this opportunity are subject to change without notice. Click here to register and learn more.
Are you excited to enter The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure Meet-Up? Good luck and I’ll see you there!
Become a Conservation Hero with New Stamps from Disney and Gowalla
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company
Beginning today, on Earth Day, there’s a new way to show your support for a healthy planet and Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund’s (DWCF) efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats.
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We’re excited to show you two new stamps on Gowalla, the location-based web service that we teamed up with last year.
You can now show you’re a Conservation Hero by earning a green stamp on Gowalla when you check in with your smartphone at one of seven locations at the Walt Disney World Resort. And the fun doesn’t have to stop there. If you go to a merchandise or food and beverage location near your check-in, you can make a contribution to the DWCF and get an actual button to proudly wear.
The DWCF was established on Earth Day in 1995 and has contributed more than $15.6 million to conservation efforts worldwide to date. The Fund helps scientists all over the world study animals and their habitats – from elephants and bees to manatees and trees! DWCF works with nonprofit organizations on community conservation, education, science and environmental policies.
To snag these new stamps, you’ll need to join Gowalla via the web or download the free application onto your smartphone.
The Gowalla stamps are available at the following locations: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, and at Epcot in The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion and The Land Pavilion.
Here’s one more tip: If you check into three of the seven locations on Gowalla, you’ll earn the special gold pin shown here.
Have fun and Happy Earth Day!
This Day In Disney History: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opened in 1998
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened its doors on Earth Day (April 22, 1998), giving families a whole new way to appreciate, enjoy and interact with animals.
This park was the fourth to be built at the Walt Disney World Resort. It’s also the largest, spreading out over 500 acres, which gives the theme park’s 1,000 residents plenty of room to roam, run, crawl, slither and swim.
In 1998, an elaborate grand-opening ceremony was attended by a crowd of 2,000, with primatologist Jane Goodall, Ph.D., playing a special role in the festivities. Then-CEO Michael Eisner introduced the theme park to the world, calling it “a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama and learn.”
Although the park opened in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park actually has a lot of ties to Walt Disney, and the passion and respect he displayed for animals and nature throughout his life. Growing up on a farm in Marceline, Mo., the subject of some of Walt’s earliest sketches were local animals. Later on in his career, Walt cast many animals in important roles in his animated films, and took a more serious look at life in the animal kingdom in his “True-Life Adventure Series” documentaries, which were considered to be groundbreaking at the time of their release.
Today, Walt’s legacy continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the form of attractions that take guests up close with some of the most beautiful and interesting animals from around the world, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the newly launched behind-the-scenes Wild Africa Trek tour.
It’s Time to Add the Magic, So Mickey Hits the Beach at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
posted on April 22nd, 2011 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
The major structural work on Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is complete and yesterday the construction crew officially “handed over the keys” to the Disney cast members. The Disney team will now proceed to “add the magic” to the resort, honing the guest service and installing the décor, landscape and furnishings that will make Aulani a memorable island vacation experience with distinctive Disney touches.
To celebrate the occasion, crew members from Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., joined with members of the Disney team on the Aulani beachfront. The Disney cast members saluted the Hawaiian Dredging crew for its great work and the two teams exchanged gifts – lei for the Disney folks, mouse ears for the Hawaiian Dredging crew.
Mickey, Minnie and their pals – all in their vacation outfits – were there to join in the celebration. And of course it wouldn’t be a Disney event without something magical to photograph, so everyone – Disney cast members and construction crew members alike – gathered together to form the distinctive Aulani arch on the beach, and then spread out to morph the arch into Mickey’s silhouette.
Not exactly a “hidden Mickey,” but pretty cool. What do you think?
Today is a Milestone for Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
posted on April 21st, 2011 by John McClintock, Disney Public Relations
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, in Ko Olina is getting closer to completion and you can see the progress in this breathtaking aerial video of the site.
Today, Thursday, April 21, Aulani celebrates a significant event in its progress toward welcoming its first guests on August 29. Mickey and the gang are here to celebrate the achievement.
And…that’s all I have to say at the moment. Sorry to be so secretive, but I expect to have some cool, new video to show you on Friday. Then I’ll tell you more, including how Mickey and friends are celebrating this red-letter day.
The 1964 New York World’s Fair – A New Disney Technology is Born
posted on April 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
As a new member of the Disney Parks Blog team, I will be updating readers on some of the latest events and news from the Disneyland Resort. Today, I’m excited to share a special piece of Disney history with you.
As Michelle Harker shared yesterday, we’re marking a historic time for Disney Parks this week with the anniversary of the 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair, which opened on April 22, 1964. The Fair featured four spectacular attractions, produced by Walt Disney and his creative team, which went on to become the beloved Disney Parks experiences.
In a 1964 episode of “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” Walt Disney previewed the attractions being developed for the Fair, featuring a new, innovative form of animation. He explained that “…Disneyland gave us a new art and a new type of artist – one that works with a slide rule and blow torch instead of pencil and brush. Just as we had to learn to make our animated cartoons talk, we had to find a way to make attraction figures talk, too. We created a new field of animation.”
This new form of animation was so advanced, a name had to be developed for it: “Audio-Animatronics technology.”
Walt Disney and his team of Imagineers from WED Enterprises (the original name for Walt Disney Imagineering) developed this breakthrough technology for the creation of what would become legendary Disney Parks attractions:
- “it’s a small world” was the centerpiece of the UNICEF pavilion and took visitors to more than 100 countries with child-like Audio-Animatronics figures singing the tune written by Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman.
- “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” was Walt Disney’s personal tribute to the 16th president. “Ever since I was a small boy in Illinois, I’ve had a great personal admiration for Abraham Lincoln,” said Walt Disney in his introduction for the attraction, created for the State of Illinois pavilion.
- The Carousel Theater of Progress was developed with the assistance of General Electric and told the story of man’s progress and the rise of “push-button living.” The Carousel of Progress was a Disneyland park attraction from 1967 to 1973. The show then moved to Magic Kingdom Park in 1975, where it was rewritten and restaged with the new name, “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress,” in 1994.
- Ford’s Magic Skyway took audiences back in time to the world of the dinosaur, populated by enormous Audio-Animatronics figures. Guests of Ford’s Magic Skyway travelled through the vignettes using technology that would later be the inspiration for the PeopleMover, a Tomorrowland attraction in Disneyland park from 1967 to 1995.
What is your favorite Audio-Animatronics figure at the Disneyland Resort?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tigers, Cheetahs and Lions Find Perfume ‘Paws-itively’ Appealing
posted on April 21st, 2011 by Matt Hohne, Animal Operations Director, Disney’s Animal Programs
Unless you work in animal care, you probably wouldn’t think cheap perfume and tigers are a likely match. But at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the scent of the wild can be found in hundreds of perfume bottles being recycled by Disney Parks cast members as part of their Earth Day activities.
Animal care professionals have long used unique aromas such as perfumes and spices as enrichment tools to help maintain an animal’s physical and mental health. Special treats such as toys, foods or fragrance prompt animals to explore, make choices and maintain a level of activity in their habitat similar to their natural behavior in the wild. With a very keen sense of smell, large cats such as tigers, cheetahs and lions like to scratch, roll and mark their own scents on logs sprayed with cologne.
In addition to “aromatherapy,” we provide lions, cheetahs and tigers with a variety of other enrichment items and activities to keep the cats interested in their environments.
- Super tough plastic balls for chasing and swatting promotes physical activity.
- Drilling a hole in the ball and stuffing it with hard-to-get treats increases the challenge and the excitement.
- During the summer, frozen treats may contain meat to help the cats stay cool and encourage them to use their teeth, claws and ingenuity to get to the food inside.
- A habitat complete with hills, tall grasses, shade trees, rocks, shrubs, fabricated termite mounds, dead trees, stumps and a sweeping view of the savanna provide opportunities to rest, communicate, interact, hide and explore.
Enrichment such as perfume is just one of the tools used to provide excellent care for our animals. We also rely on positive training methods that encourage animals to participate in their daily health care and challenge them to stay mentally active.
Positive conditioning techniques train the animals to cooperate with their own medical care, which makes the vets’ work much easier and safer. For example, with a hand signal or verbal cue from a zoological manager, lions, cheetahs and tigers voluntarily open their mouths for dental exams or stand on a portable scale for routine weight checks. They also present their tails or paws during medical check-ups.
This attention to care is given to all of the more than 1,700 animals representing more than 250 species at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests can see lions and cheetahs on the savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris while the tigers can be seen on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section of the theme park.
