Celebrity Narrators Announced for the 2011 Candlelight Processional
posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager
It might be a bit early to think of Christmas shopping, but it’s never too early to begin planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season.
By far, one of my favorite holiday offerings that takes place at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional. This show combines the talents of three choirs, a live orchestra and a celebrity narrator, who together tell the Christmas story through a one-of-a-kind performance of song and scripture.
We’re happy to unveil this year’s line-up of celebrity narrators. The current schedule (subject to change without notice) is:
- Mira Sorvino (Academy Award Winning Actor) Nov. 25-27
- Michael W. Smith (Grammy Award Winning Christian Music Artist) Nov. 28-Dec. 1
- Geena Davis (Academy Award Winning Actor) Dec. 2-3
- TBD Dec. 4-6
- Isabella Rossellini (Film/Television Star and Wildlife Conversationalist) Dec. 7-9
- Neil Patrick Harris (Emmy Award Winning, Broadway Star and TV Host) Dec. 10-12
- TBD Dec. 13-15
- Chita Rivera (Tony Award Winning Broadway Star) Dec. 16-18
- Trace Adkins (Award Winning Country Music Artist) Dec. 19-21
- Susan Lucci (Emmy Award Winning Actor and Soap Opera Star) Dec. 22-24
- Blair Underwood (Award Winning Television and Movie Star) Dec. 25-27
- Marlee Matlin (Academy Award Winning Actor and TV Star) Dec. 28-30
Guests attend these shows on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to its popularity, I highly recommend looking in to buying a Candlelight Processional dining package. Lunch and dinner packages, which include a meal, reserved seating at the show and pre-arranged fireworks viewing, will go on sale in July.
Have you ever attended the Candlelight Processional?
9 Replies
Disney Parks Guests Can Become Padawans at Jedi Training Academy
posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
Star Tours is now departing from Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but If you’re looking to add more Star Wars fun to your Disney Parks vacation, Jedi Training Academy is the experience you’re looking for.
Guests ages 4-12 from the show audience have the chance to become part of the class. They learn some impressive lightsaber moves from their Jedi Master and instructors, using their “training” lightsabers, of course. Cloaked in Jedi robes, the Padawans-to-be even get a chance to face off with some of the galaxy’s most feared Sith. Will they join the dark side?
Jedi Training Academy is located at the at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park and at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Backlot. Be sure to check daily entertainment schedules at each park for show times.
Time-Lapse Video: Sailing to Alaska with Disney Cruise Line
posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Matt Stroshane, Photographer, Walt Disney World Resort
I was recently able to check off one of my long term travel goals when I visited my 31st state, sailing on the Disney Wonder on its inaugural cruise to Alaska.
During the trip, I thought it might be fun to make a time-lapse movie on the sailing and had originally planned to shoot just part of the journey into the Tracy Arm fjord. After seeing the majestic snow-covered mountains, dramatic narrow passages, and historic port cities I knew I would need to expand the project. More than 10,000 still photographs were captured, edited and sequenced into the final movie.
We sailed past the panoramic Vancouver skyline, under the Lions Gate Bridge, along Alaska’s Inside Passage, around icebergs in the Tracy Arm and to the ports of call of Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
I hope this gives you a small taste of some of the awesome sights on the Disney Cruise Line itinerary – a weeklong cruise condensed into less than two minutes.
Did you spot Minnie and Goofy in their special Alaska gear on the photo boat, or the helicopter used to capture these great photos in Tracy arm?
Wildlife Wednesdays: Baby Fennec Foxes Get First Wellness Exam at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Veterinary Hospital
posted on June 22nd, 2011 by Matt Hohne, Animal Operations Director, Disney’s Animal Programs
Have you had a chance when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see any of our animals being examined or cared for in our veterinary hospital? Guests visiting Rafiki’s Planet Watch earlier this month were able to witness a momentous occasion – our three baby Fennec foxes’ first check-ups.
Similar to most first wellness exams, the foxes’ exams included getting their eyes and ears checked, their overall condition assessed and receiving their vaccinations. The exams showed that the kits (baby foxes are called kits) are in great health, thanks to excellent care by their parents, and, of course, Disney’s animal care team.
In the wild, Fennec foxes live in the deserts of northern Africa. While they aren’t currently threatened with extinction, they may become so if their population is not closely monitored and protected. A big threat to the foxes is being trapped and sold as pets. One way all of us can help wildlife conservation is to choose our pets wisely, which includes not taking animals from the wild.
The foxes were born April 8 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Lori Bruckheim, one of our zoological managers, reports that the kits are now eating solid foods and are extremely active. They are currently being raised by their parents in a backstage area at Disney’s Animal Kingdom under close observation by the animal care team.
The breeding was a recommendation of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that is focused on sustaining the Fennec fox population. For more on Disney conservation efforts, visit www.disney.com/conservation.
Celebrate America with Special Independence Day Shows at the Disneyland Resort
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
We’re celebrating July 4th in a very special way at the Disneyland Resort! From July 1-4, guests can experience special nighttime spectaculars celebrating America. At Disney California Adventure park, we’ve got an all-new Independence Day “World of Color” pre-show which will run prior to each showing of “World of Color” and will combine video, water effects, lighting and fireworks to create a spectacular celebration of American independence.
At Disneyland park, guests can commemorate Independence Day with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This special fireworks show combines patriotic music with bursts of red, white and blue to celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Be sure to check the Entertainment Schedule or the Entertainment Times Guide at each park for show times.
Are you celebrating Independence Day at the Disneyland Resort?
Under the Sea with Imagineer Lisa Girolami
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Erin Glover, Manager, Social Media and Print
As the senior show producer for The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Imagineer Lisa Girolami was one of the key people responsible for bringing the world of “The Little Mermaid” to Disney California Adventure park. Lisa oversaw the creative team responsible for the attraction’s development, so she had unique insight to share on how this new experience was brought to life.
Tell us about the guest experience at The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
“One of the great things guests are going to experience is the actual sensation of going under the water. Guests will start out on the shore with Scuttle but then quickly turn, go backwards and submerge. We’ve got some great effects that are going to make you feel like you’re going underwater. One of the effects is actually on the ride vehicle in front of you. As you start to feel yourself go under, you’ll see the waterline rise up on the vehicle in front of you. I know you’re going to hold your breath in that moment. You’re going to feel the cold around you, you’re going to see bubbles starting to swirl, and you’re going to feel that submersion.”
Tell us about the music.
“The music in The Little Mermaid is fantastic. The songs you hear are the original songs from the film. But we also had Danny Troob, who has been Alan Menken’s arranger, write additional music for us that plays in between each of these scenes. That music is wonderful, and it’s evocative of all the different songs we have in the film.”
Alan Menken composed the film score. Danny Troob, who has collaborated with Menken on many theatrical scores, arranged and orchestrated special music for the Little Mermaid attraction.
Do you have a favorite scene in the attraction?
“My favorite scene is Ursula’s lair. That’s the first time, in this attraction, that we actually go into black light – from white light into black light. The mood changes and you see Flotsam and Jetsam and you know Ursula is around the corner singing that wonderful song ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls.’ She’s amazing. She’s 7.5 feet tall and 12 feet wide, and you’re right up close to her and it’s my absolute favorite.”
Why build the attraction in Disney California Adventure park?
“We decided to put The Little Mermaid here in Disney California Adventure for a couple of reasons. We picked Disney California Adventure because we are bringing more and more of the Disney characters into this park and she seemed like a perfect fit. The second reason is that, here in Paradise Pier, we’ve created a seaside amusement park. So it felt right to have this under-the-sea adventure in this seaside environment.”
Why build an attraction based on “The Little Mermaid” now?
“We’ve been working a long time to bring this story to life. It’s been more than 20 years since the film was released. And it just seemed perfect at this time because the technology we need to create and tell this story has caught up with us.”
What are some challenges you faced with this attraction?
“The number-one challenge is creating an undersea environment. For instance, when Ariel is under the sea, her hair has to animate like she’s under the sea. We actually tried to think of Ariel’s hair as an additional character. When she moves in the film, her hair reacts after she does. We actually had to do a lot of extra work there to make guests feel like ‘Yes, we’re underwater and we’re with Ariel,’ and have the hair take on its own personality.”
What was the process for bringing this attraction to life?
“We start in a phase called ‘blue sky,’ where the sky is really the limit, and we think about all the things we can do to bring this movie to life. We go through a concept phase and start to do design drawings before we can bring together people who will help us build all the different pieces. As we produce the pieces, we bring everything together in the facility that will house the attraction. From there we start to put the whole experience together for the guests.”
What’s it like to lead this kind of project?
“Being involved in this attraction is a dream come true for me. I watched the movie when it first came out. I’ve seen the movie many, many, many times since. To be able to create Ariel’s world and bring it to our guests and then get to watch the faces of the kids as they come through here is the best thing ever.”
SHAG’s 40th Anniversary Collection Debuts at Walt Disney World
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication
Back in January, I gave you a sneak peek at the newest artwork created by SHAG for Walt Disney World Resort’s 40th Anniversary. While we were only able to give you a one-day sneak peek then, I’m happy to tell you that the wait for SHAG’s 40th Anniversary collection is finally over!
On Friday, June 24, Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park will host SHAG for the official debut of his latest 40th Anniversary collection. This will be the first time that guests will be able to find SHAG’s retro collection of Walt Disney World-inspired collectibles, home goods and apparel that pay homage to our magical kingdom.
SHAG’s signature art style is instantly recognizable on the newly developed collection that will only be available at the Walt Disney World Resort. He re-imagines original Disney icons and transforms them into colorful, bold and retro creations unlike anything seen before at Walt Disney World Resort.
His artwork will highlight a line of new keepsakes and must-haves that will appeal to any Disney fan, including new charm bracelets (with more than 30 charms), apparel for men and women and a postcard set, as well as home goods such as double old-fashion tumblers, a pillow sham and a coaster collection. There are so many amazing products to share that we couldn’t show them all in one Disney Parks Blog post, so be sure to check out www.ArtofDisneyParks.com.
If you want to be among the first to get your hands on SHAG’s 40th Anniversary Collection and meet him in person, head out to Walt Disney World this weekend for this very special artist signing and product premiere. SHAG will appear Friday, June 24, at Uptown Jewelers in Magic Kingdom Park from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday, June 25, at Art of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace from 4-6 p.m.
What do you think of SHAG’s new 40th Anniversary product collection?
A Mom’s Point of View: Entertainment Aboard the Disney Dream
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Jonathan Frontado, Disney Cruise Line
What’s Disney best known for? Our unparalleled entertainment. Aboard Disney Cruise Line, you’ll find exciting entertainment offerings throughout our ships every single day. From energetic deck parties to spectacular Broadway-style stage shows to fireworks at sea, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the magic during your vacation – this is my favorite aspect of Disney cruises!
Andi, our Disney Cruise Line specialist from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel talks to one of our Cruise Directors about some of the new entertainment features aboard the Disney Dream. You may even see a surprise visit from a Disney character…watch to find out who it is!
Glad you’ve been following along. Next up, Andi will sneak into the Disney Dream teen club Vibe to get the scoop on Youth Activities.
For more from Andi aboard the Disney Dream, see these posts:
- A Mom’s Point of View: Adult Activities Aboard the Disney Dream
- A Mom’s Point of View: Innovations Aboard the Disney Dream
- A Mom’s Point of View: Family Cruising Aboard the Disney Dream
PhotoPass Back at Walt Disney World Water Parks, New Location Added
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Kelly Glassburn, Manager of Marketing & Communications, Disney’s PhotoPass Service
Well, summer is officially upon us as evidenced by our skyrocketing temperatures here in Orlando! Which makes it the perfect time for a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort Water Parks.
Whether you are chillin’ at Blizzard Beach or relaxing at Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers are back in full force to capture your most splash-tastic memories. Check out our newest photo location at Blizzard’s Teamboat Springs. Word has it that there is a hidden Mickey, but I have yet to find it.
Reservations Open Aug. 16 for Special Events for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
posted on June 21st, 2011 by Pam Brandon, Disney Parks Food Writer
Set your alarm for 7 a.m. on Aug. 16, if you have a special event you want to be sure not to miss at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 30-Nov. 13 at Walt Disney World Resort. That’s when reservations open for ticketed culinary and beverage programs during the 16th annual food, wine, beer and cocktail extravaganza.
Availability is limited! Do you have a favorite event you might recommend?
- First Bites Opening Reception (Sept. 29, 6:30-9 p.m.)
- “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
- Taste, Shake and Indulge Like the French Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience (Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5)
- Epcot Wine Schools (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 5)
- Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining (Oct. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, Nov. 1, 2, 3, 7, 10)
- Kitchen Memories, formerly Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen (Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11)
- Cheese Seminars (Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12)
- Party for the Senses (Oct. 8, 15, 22, Nov. 5 and 12 at new times: 7:30-10 p.m.)
- Food & Wine Pairings (Mondays, Tuesdays)
- Sweet Sundays (Oct. 2, 9, 16, 223, 30, Nov. 6, 13)
Additional special events will include Italian and French pairings and lunches, as well as Mexican tequila events. To make reservations call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). For event details visit disneyworld.com/foodandwine.
Check back for updates.
