Hop and Drop at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
posted on April 21st, 2011 by Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager
One of the more challenging holiday tasks for me growing up was finding my Easter basket; it was always hidden on Easter morning. Before I could enjoy a milk-chocolate bunny (ears first, of course), I had to find it hidden somewhere around my house. Somehow my sister always seemed to find her basket faster than me (don’t get me started about the Easter egg hunt!). For those guests who are visiting the Walt Disney World Resort this week, I found some Easter baskets (pun intended) that are perfect for the holiday. You may recall reading about the BFF Basket from the Disney Floral & Gifts team. The baskets I found are a little different, and they are offered at each of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Florida. I spoke with Bonnie Ezell, Area Manager Retail Sales for Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, about this tradition.
“We offer two kinds of Easter baskets,” explained Bonnie. “Each resort will have some pre-made baskets containing a variety of merchandise items. We will also have cast members available to make customized baskets based on guests’ requests.”
The retail for the pre-made baskets varies based on the items included (between $40-$65). The customized baskets start at $7.00 for the empty basket, grass, bow and wrap. Anything added to a custom basket is extra. I visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see these baskets in person. There, I met Robin Mascia, a Retail Guest Service Manager at the Resort, who shared with me a unique service at select Disney resorts called “Hop and Drop.”
“In addition to the pre-made and customized baskets, we offer something called ‘Hop and Drop,’” said Robin. “This means that Easter baskets will be delivered to guests’ resort rooms on Easter morning. It’s fun to help the Easter Bunny make some magic [on Easter] morning.”
If you are stuck deciding what to put inside a basket, I found a few items you may consider (besides my friend Duffy The Disney Bear in his Easter outfit).
First up, two egg plush decorated like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The eggs unzip to reveal a removable plush character dressed for the holiday. Each one has a retail of $11.95.
These egg plush were so adorable that we also made a pin set (what we call “two on a card”) featuring them. Finally, we have a new open-edition pin complete with Mickey Mouse wearing bunny ears.
Now I’m wondering if I can have an Easter basket delivered to my home – that would save me so much time and I could dig into the chocolate sooner! “Hoppy” Easter!
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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Honors Pixar May 13-15
posted on April 21st, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
Heads up Pixar fans – we’re breaking an exciting announcement this morning on the Disney Parks Blog.
The 18th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will celebrate all-things Pixar, including the upcoming release of “Cars 2,” during Pixar’s 25th Anniversary Weekend May 13-15 at Epcot.
Mater from “Cars” and “Cars 2” leads the celebration, which will include special Pixar character meet and greets, kids activities, informational discussions by Pixar filmmakers and more.
World Showplace (located between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions), will serve as the celebration headquarters. Inside, families can enjoy meet and greets with characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Up,” or browse a photo gallery that calls out some of Pixar’s best Easter eggs from past films. There also will be an art gallery that displays the creative work that went in to Pixar films.
World Showplace also will be the setting for informational discussions by Pixar filmmakers: Composer Michael Giacchino, Producer Jonas Rivera and “Cars” Franchise Guardian Jay Ward (pictured above). Discussions will take place May 14-15 (times are still TBD).
And the Pixar fun will continue throughout World Showcase, where characters from “Toy Story,” “Ratatouille” and “A Bug’s Life” wait to greet guests. Kids also can play the “Cars 2” Race Around the World Showcase game by picking up a booklet with clues that send them on a journey to specific World Showcase pavilions, where they’ll receive more clues, and receive a reward at the end. (All entertainment is subject to change).
Now, who’s coming?
This Day in Disney History: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios April 20, 1991, offering families a whole new way to dine under the stars – even during the day.
In case you haven’t tried this one-of-a-kind restaurant, it’s a dining experience that’s themed after a night at the drive-in, complete with cars, a movie screen and a star-filled night sky.
Once inside, diners are seated in 1950s-era convertibles that are family-sized and equipped with in-car tables. From here, families can dine while watching clips of old sci-fi movies and cartoons.
What can you expect on the lunch and dinner menus? American-style cuisine, including menu items like burgers, sandwiches, ribs, seafood, pasta, steak and salads.
From Dream to Reality at Disneyland Resort
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort
In 1964, Walt Disney introduced a concept for a new attraction at the New York World’s Fair that would celebrate children around the world. More than four decades later, “it’s a small world” continues to be one of the most beloved Disney Parks attractions of all time.
Even more than the famous song that you can’t seem to get out of your head, one thing that sticks with me from “it’s a small world” is the art that takes you on a journey around the world. Artist Mary Blair is among those who played an integral part in the development of this classic attraction. Her artwork remains to this day, an inspiration to our Disney artists and Disney fans. Her designs have captured the hearts of many and can be seen throughout each “it’s a small world” attraction at Disney Parks worldwide.
Until today, there has never been an opportunity to showcase the collection that inspired it all. But thanks to Kim Irvine, Dave Golbeck and team, The Disney Gallery will unveil a brand new exhibit May 13 to celebrate the art of Mary Blair and 45 years of this classic Disney attraction.
The other day I had the unique opportunity to get a quick peek of what you’ll see when the exhibit debuts. Here are a few of the images:
I hope you enjoyed this inside look. As I find out more, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Are you a fan of Mary Blair art?
Learn About Exclusive Adventures by Disney Offer on April 26 Webcast
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Josh D'Amaro, Vice President, Adventures By Disney
Hi everyone, as Vice President of Adventures by Disney, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most talented folks in the travel industry and can tell you first-hand that not one rock is left unturned when building the ultimate family vacations. On any of the Adventures by Disney trips – whether to destinations “down under,” exploring European castles, partaking in indigenous arts, crafts and cuisine of Peru, or learning the history of America…on bike – the possibilities are endless.
Whether the family is painting boomerangs in Australia, learning pizza making with a chef in Italy or practicing traditional Tai Chi from a master in China, every aspect of your vacation is steeped in authenticity and is rich in history. You’ll know that you and your family are experiencing the heart and soul of the places you visit.
In coming months, I’ll be sharing some exciting Adventures by Disney news here on the Disney Parks Blog. But first, I wanted to tell you about our webcast scheduled for April 26. Join me, along with our amazing trip developers and Adventure Guides, as we share more about the Adventures by Disney vacations and fill you in on an exclusive offer. Click here to learn more about the event and register. You can also visit our website and Facebook fan page for more details.
If you’ve taken a trip with Adventures by Disney, I’d love to hear about your favorite memories! Let me know in the comments.
Delicious Gluten-Free Choices Available at Disneyland Resort
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Betsy Sanchez, Manager of Media Relations, Disneyland Resort
Imagine a pizza party complete with cake and ice cream, all gluten-free, for a group of kids who can’t typically eat those things. That’s very special, and it’s possible at the Disneyland Resort. At Disneyland Resort, our chefs go above and beyond to ensure that every guest has the best experience possible – and we all know that the Disneyland Resort experience includes delicious food!
From pizza to pancakes, waffles to pasta and burger buns to tacos, there are numerous choices for guests with a gluten-free diet. For those of you who might not know, a gluten-free diet is designed for people who cannot eat foods that contain wheat, barley, rye or oats. These grains are found in many foods – making it tough to find suitable choices when dining out. But our chefs have been making favorite foods gluten-free for more than 10 years. Nearly all our food locations offer a gluten-free item or substitution.
So, what should you do if you have a special dietary need and you plan to visit the Resort? Here are some easy steps that will make eating at our parks and hotels that much simpler:
- Plan ahead! Take a look at this page for some tips and mention your special dietary needs when you book your dining reservation at 714-781-DINE.
- Speak with the manager or chef of the dining location when you arrive, and he or she will help you in selecting the best choice.
- You can also visit City Hall at Disneyland park for an updated list of all available gluten-free items.
To find out more about dining at the Disneyland Resort, see these posts:
Disney VoluntEARS Team with City of Orlando to Green Up Local Neighborhood
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Jackie Ogden, Ph.D., Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks
Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining nearly 100 Disney VoluntEARS and hundreds of our Orlando, Fla., neighbors to help green up and clean up one of the city’s neighborhoods.
As an early celebration of Earth Day, VoluntEARS planted oak, magnolia and crape-myrtle trees along the neighborhood’s streets and removed debris including a bicycle, automobile tires and a few signs from a beautiful local waterway, Lake Fran. The goal was not only to have an immediate impact on the neighborhood but also to contribute to the long-term preservation of habitat and wildlife. As a company with an enduring commitment to environmental conservation, we’re passionate about inspiring our cast members, guests and neighbors to protect nature.
This is the first year that Disney VoluntEARS collaborated with both Green-Up Orlando and Keep Orlando Beautiful as part of their Earth Day activities. I’m proud to share a brief video of the event. You can get involved in conservation at www.disney.com/environment.
See more ways Disney VoluntEARS have given back to the community:
- Disney VoluntEARS Build Dream Playground in Less Than a Day
- Tamalada Event with Disney VoluntEARS
- Nearly 500 VoluntEARS Make a Wave – and Do the Wave! – During Ocean Cleanup
Mickey Mouse in Your Walt Disney World Resort Room
posted on April 20th, 2011 by Jean Volante, Manager of Dream Making, Disney Floral & Gifts/DEG
You shared and we listened! We’re frequently asked if Mickey Mouse can present your gift to a loved one at their Walt Disney World resort room. And up until today, we’ve had to say, “not at this time.” However, your requests are so important to us that our Disney Floral & Gifts creative designer, Cindy Braak, wanted to find a way to fulfill your wish. And she just might have.
How about that? You’re the first to learn that we can now offer this adorable 4’8” air-walking Mickey Mouse balloon. And it’s only $29! When I saw this gift, I was so amazed that I had to talk to Cindy to learn more. Here’s what she said:
“I wanted to find something for our guests that would create a large impact in the room and provide a great experience for families…yet it had to be super affordable. Our guests just love balloons. So when I found this balloon, I said, ‘That’s it!’ When our guests walk into their room and see this almost life-size Mickey Mouse, their jaws are going to drop and the kids are going to fall in love with it! And, since he’s an “air walker,” with just a little wind Mickey will look like he’s actually walking around their room. This will help bring him to life even more. As a matter of fact, you should have seen the guests’ reactions when we took this shot recently. Kids kept walking by, wanting to touch and play with Mickey. I heard them say, ‘There’s Mickey, look, there’s Mickey!’”
She also said that if you add this balloon to our Easter basket, “Mickey and Minnie’s Grand Easter Surprise,” and have both delivered for Easter morning, the kids will be shocked when they wake up. “It can appear as if Mickey came to their room to celebrate the holiday with them. And if you want to create a special memory for any occasion, just add this balloon to any of our gifts or In-Room Celebrations and it can create the same experience,“ she said.
So there you have it, you’re the first to know.
And since we take your requests to heart, we’d like to hear what you and your friends would like us to create next year for Easter…if we were to create the ultimate Easter gift or gifting experience for your loved ones, what would that be?
Disney Parks Extends Special Offers for Military Families
posted on April 19th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks
Disney Parks has a long-standing history of honoring military personnel and their families and is pleased to announce that the special theme park tickets and room offers for active military and spouses, retired military, National Guard and Reservists are now extended to September of 2012. This announcement coincides with The Walt Disney Company’s participation in “Joining Forces,” an initiative created by the Obama Administration designed to bring attention to the unique needs of America’s military families.
Yesterday, First Lady Michele Obama and Dr. Jill Biden joined the hosts of “The View” to discuss their involvement with “Joining Forces.” They encouraged all Americans to show their gratitude to service members and their families and discussed how companies like Disney and others from across the country are coming together to help military personnel. For more information, go to www.joiningforces.gov to learn how you can get involved.
Disney is proud to support the brave men and women who serve our country in a variety of ways. At both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, military personnel and veterans from all branches of the military are honored daily at a special Flag Retreat Ceremony where they are asked to step forward to be recognized as the colors are retired each afternoon. Disney Cruise Line also supports military families with special offers available on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries.
In addition to Disney Parks, other areas of The Walt Disney Company are working with “Joining Forces” to support this great new initiative. Disney plans to donate 25,000 Disney/Hyperion books to the USO for the United Through Reading military program, which gives deployed troops the opportunity to read their kids a virtual bedtime story when they can’t be there in person. Disney will send more than 200 “Operation Disney” care packages filled with DVDs, books, and games to USO centers worldwide which will also include 4,000 Disney Digital Book online memberships.
Additional information on the Walt Disney World ticket and room offers will be available at www.disneyworld.com/military and additional information on the Disneyland Resort ticket and room offers will be available at www.disneyland.com/military.
Up Close with Indy Jones at Tables in Wonderland on April 30
posted on April 19th, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
The Tables in Wonderland team just keeps coming up with fun ideas for dinner. This time it’s a “Cairo Dinner Show” at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – and everyone gets to be on stage! Diners will watch the first scene of the live-action show from the first two rows, then the set will open to reveal a beautifully set dining room right on the stage. And while guests dine, the director yells “Action!” and the adventures continue all around the tables.
You’ll be close enough to witness some of the movie-making magic responsible for Indy’s triumphs over epic-scale obstacles. Based on the blockbuster film “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the show re-creates scenes with more than a dozen stunt performers demonstrating techniques Hollywood uses to fool moviegoers into thinking a favorite celebrity has taken a punch, fall or bullet.
Dinner is inspired by the food of the Middle East (where the movie takes place), served buffet style with salads, hot grilled seasonal veggies, roasted spiced lamb meatballs with cucumber mint raita and harissa, braised chicken breast, Moroccan-spiced seafood tangine, grilled flatbreads, sweets and more. Beer, wine and specialty drinks are included.
The dinner show is 7:30-9:30 p.m. on April 30. Cost is $160 per person plus tax, gratuity included. For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address and the number of people in your party. You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event is limited to 250 and only for Tables in Wonderland members.
